From the author that brought us The Story of Arthur Truluv, Elizabeth Berg now brings a prequel, Earth’s The Right Place For Love. This is the story of how a young Arthur Truluv growing up in 1940’s Mason, Missouri becomes the beloved character in later books. Arthur is a shy teenager, smitten with popular Nola who has a crush on his older brother. Home life is rocky as their dad struggles in his job. Told from Arthur’s point of view this character driven story of his neighbors, his young love for Nora, and his close relationship with his brother seems a quiet story. It has much deeper undercurrents that don’t become apparent until later in the book. Stick with it, trust me!

This was my first book in the series, and although it can be read as a stand alone I did become somewhat impatient at the pace. I believe if I’d been more invested in the characters going in from previous books I may have had some understanding what we were leading to. I loved the relationship between Arthur and his brother Frank. My 2023 sensibilities were frustrated at his mother’s dismissal of his father’s actions but I believe this was very true to the time period (and sadly, often remains so).

I recommend for those that love character driven stories, coming of age, and especially those that have previously read Elizabeth Berg’s Mason series. I think this is a great addition to this series!

Thank you to @RandomHouse, Elizabeth Berg, and @Netgalley for the Advanced Review Copy.

Historical Fiction | 16-Adult
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Set in the town of Mason, Missouri just after the end of World War II, this is a story of first love, friendship, family, loss, and resilience. Arthur Moses (from Berg’s earlier novel The Story of Arthur Truluv) is 16 years old and has fallen hard for the lovely Nola McCollum, but she has eyes only for his older brother Frank. Frank is the best kind of older brother – he has kind advice for Arthur, he leads him into scrapes that Arthur would never get into on his own, and he diverts the wrath of their unstable father. As Arthur tries to figure out how to get Nola’s attention, he asks Frank’s advice. They talk into the night from their beds in a shared bedroom, each staring into the darkness and listening to each other. Frank admits to Arthur that he too is in love. They share dreams of their futures – Frank is a writer and seeks the excitement of New York City; Arthur loves the town he lives in, the little houses filled with people he knows, on streets he knows well, and with trees that leaf out and bloom and make a home for birds whose voices sweeten the air. How these two boys grow up into men and deal with shocking news, devastating events, heartbreak and joy makes for a rewarding read. As she is known for, Berg has peopled this coming-of-age novel with beautifully developed characters, from the rose-mad Mrs Crawford to aging Mrs Trentino who hires him to help her sort fabric to the sweet nerd Harvey and his comics, whose mother is surprised to learn Arthur wants to spend time with her son. “You didn’t have to be a guy chucking a football to another guy to have a friend,” Arthur realizes. “You could have an odd boy and a crazy old lady and a beautiful young woman for friends. You could have your brother, the guy you could say anything to and ask any question of.” The title of the book is taken from a Robert Frost poem. A poignant novel that will lift your heart, it will delight long-time Berg fans and appeal to older teen readers who enjoy character-driven stories. My thanks to Random House for the digital reading copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
More discussion and reviews of this novel: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60788841

A Delightful Story About the Bonds Between Two Brothers and First Love

SUMMARY
Arthur Moses is a 16-year-old shy young man living with his family in Mason, Missouri in 1947. His older brother, Frank, is his best friend, his role model, and his rock. Arthur is head over heels in love with the most popular girl in high school, Nola McCollum, who never looks his way except to ask about his brother.

During their nightly brother-to-brother talks, Arthur repeatedly asks Frank for advice on getting Nola to notice him. He tries Frank's suggestions with limited success. Frank, who wants to be a writer and move to New York, has a girl problem all his own, and when a tragedy strikes the Moses family, Arthur has no desire even to try to be happy ever again.


REVIEW
EARTH’S THE RIGHT PLACE FOR LOVE is a delightful story about the bond between two brothers and the heartbreaking agony of first love and loss. The story explores family life, friendships, grief, and the human spirit.

The writing is beautiful and is deeply reminiscent of a sentimental bygone era. The artfully-drawn characters Arthur, Frank, and Nola are the pillars of the story. Author Elizabeth Berg makes you feel their angst, sadness, and determination.

My favorite part was the description of Arthur getting up the nerve to tell Nola how he feels about her. Simply sweet and delightful, like a glass of lemonade on a hot summer day.

Berg has written over thirty novels over the past 30 years, including Open House, Talk Before Sleep, and The Story of Authur Truluv. She was born in St Paul, Minnesota, and now resides in Chicago. Before she became a writer, she was a registered nurse for ten years. That experience taught her a lot about human nature and relationships. Her novels are generally about love, loss, hope, and compassion, with a bit of humor thrown in for good measure. EARTH’S THE RIGHT PLACE FOR LOVE is the backstory of Arthur Moses, otherwise known as Arthur Truluv.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“ Arthur straightened his back to stand taller as she walked over to him. She was wearing a red sweater set and a plaid pleated skirt. The white on her saddle shoes was unscuffed. She did not have a comb stuck in her socks like the tough girls did. He began rehearsing in his head: Nola, we need to get something straight. Here, he would step closer and look right into her eyes. I want to tell you something.”


Publisher Random House
Published March 21, 2023
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com

Elizabeth Berg has long been one of my favorite authors. I especially enjoy her coming of age stories, so her newest book was a real treat for me. Somehow she has a way of bringing together ordinary characters and simple settings to create memorable stories full of a range of emotions. After being introduced to the young Arthur Moses, I am very much looking forward to meeting the older version of this much loved character in The Story of Arthur Truluv. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advance copy to read and review.

Earth’s the Right Place for Love is a lovely story about a family in a small town. Of the two brothers Frank, the eldest, is very popular, a good writer, and well read, and Arthur, his younger brother, is in awe of Frank, connected to Nature, and neither popular nor confident. The boys are very close and both are in love. They navigate life in a family with a loving, supportive mother and a volatile father. There is a tragic family loss and many ups and downs as in any family. Elizabeth Berg has delivered a well crafted, heart warming and heart breaking book which I highly recommend.

Arthur has fallen hard for Nola. But Nola only has eyes for Arthur’s brother Frank. So, Arthur strikes up a friendship with Nola. As hard as he tries, Nola is determined to stay friends. Then tragedy strikes Arthur’s household and his life is changed forever.

I love this series. Arthur is such a wonderful character. This novel is about his young life and the events which changed his family dynamics. But, as this novel brings to light, Arthur has always been a kind, sweet person. And he has always shown his ability to love even in the harshness of abuse.

This is not my favorite in this series. My favorite is the very first one, The Story of Arthur Truluv. So, if you get a chance, grab that one too. It is not necessary to read these in order. But I do believe the first one really endears the reader to Arthur. He is such a wonderful, kindhearted individual you do not want to miss!

Need a great tale about Arthur…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review

Earth's the Right Place for Love is a well-crafted novel that will leave you feeling satisfied and fulfilled. The characters are so human and relatable that you will find yourself rooting for them from the very beginning. Elizabeth Berg has created a masterpiece that will touch your heart and leave a lasting impression.

I absolutely loved this beautiful story, as young Arthur is a sweet as Arthur Truluv. This lovely story of a small family, mom, dad and Frank and Arthur, who go through times of love and some of disappointment, Arthur the youngest looks up to his big brother, Frank as they share their lives growing up. At some tragedy happens, and other times, love wins. I did shed a few tears during this sweet story.
Thank you @NetGalley@RandomHouse@Earth'stheRightPlaceforLove

4.5* I accepted an ARC for Earth's the Right Place for Love without realizing that it is a prequel to The Story of Arthur Truluv, which I had not read. I will remedy that immediately because I so loved this story about young Arthur. This story starts in 1947 during Arthur's freshman year in high school where his brother Frank helps Arthur navigate life, girls, and their father.
What a sweet soul Arthur is from a young age! He is observant, intuitive, and protective of his family and classmates until his life as he knows it changes drastically. I can not wait to read The Story of Arthur Truluv, which has been on my TBR since it had been published, to learn what happens to Arthur.
Elizabeth Berg is such a beautiful writer, in the style of Elizabeth Strout and Anne Tyler. I wanted to hug the book and Arthur when I finished it. I highly recommend it to readers who like those authors and even if you have not read The Story of Arthur Truluv.
Thanks to #Netgalley and #RandomHouse for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Thoughtful Coming of Age Story

Arthur is sixteen growing up in Mason, Missouri. He is a quiet boy who likes nature, helping people, and he thinks a lot. He’s close to his older brother Frank who protects him from their father, an abusive veteran who drinks too much and starts fights. Sixteen is the perfect time for first love and Arthur falls for Nola the most popular girl in the class. Unfortunately, she has a crush on Frank, but the two become friends.

This is a quiet book. The characters are deftly portrayed. They’re the kind of people you’d like to know. Much of the book is filled with the joy and anguish of being a teenager, but there is sadness and tragedy. Through all of, Arthur’s quiet winning personality shines through.

I found this book truly delightful. Arthur is the kind of boy you’d like to have living next door. He is comfortable with nature and with helping older people, who he befriends. Although tragedy strikes the family and Arthur’s love life is not what he wishes it were, he continues to be a thoughtful boy growing into a caring adult.

This is a book that makes you glad about living on earth and having boys like Arthur growing up there. I recommend this book. It made me feel happy and hopeful. I hope it will have the same effect on you.

I received this book from Penguin Random House for this review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital copy of the new book by Elizabeth Berg (a favorite!) and the prequel to the amazing book, The Story of Arthur Truluv.

Arthur Moses has a secret crush on Nola McCollum, but despite the advice from his older brother, Frank, she still looks at him as just a friend. Frank has his own secret love and both boys are trying to stay clear of their father, a war vet who drinks too much and takes it out on his sons, mostly Frank. Then tragedy strikes and no one is the same.

This was such a heartwarming story and I loved getting to know Arthur as a teenager and young man. He knew he was different from all the other boys in his class - he wasn't interested in sports and would rather read about trees. He was always busy helping his neighbors, who taught him much about life and living. Both of these books are just wonderful and I'm thankful to Elizabeth Berg for letting us spend a little more time in this world. Highly recommended!

Beginning with Arthur at the age of 16, we learn about his family and their dynamic. Arthur’s brother Frank is older and popular. Frank is very caring towards his younger brother and tries to show him the ways of the world. He also protects Arthur from their abusive father. They have many conversations in their room, especially about why their mother stays with such an abusive husband. In order to help the family financially, Arthur does odd jobs for neighbors on the weekends and develops some interesting relationships with them. The development of the characters throughout the book is fascinating and emotional.

Also reviewed on B&N under 1IrishEyes430 and Kobo under IrishEyes430

Arthur Moses is 16 years old in the 1950s. He loves his little hometown - he never wants to live anywhere else. He's bad at math and in love with Nola though he doesn't think he stands a chance with the cheerleader.

Earth's the Right Place for Love is the prequel to Elizabeth Berg's The Story of Arthur Truluv. I haven't read that book, but this book is about the same main character when he was a teenager.

It's a little Leave It To Beaver and if you aren't paying attention you might think this slice-of-life novel is a little boring. Arther goes to school, crushes on a girl, asks his brother for advice, and helps his neighbors to earn pocket money and money to help the family. It's an idyllic 1950s life for the most part.

The crush Arthur has on Nola reminded me somewhat of the "romance" between Arnold and Winnie on the 1980s television show The Wonder Years.

So while it appears that there are just ordinary everyday things occurring on the page, there is something much deeper that seeps into your subconscious. When I finished reading the book, I felt lighter and happier.

It is the perfect book to read this spring. It felt like it blew the winter doldrums out of my head. I went for a walk after I finished the book and the world just seemed brighter. The birds and the squirrels seemed more playful. I had an extra spring in my step.

It is a really uplifting story.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Wednesday, March 22 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/03/earths-right-place-for-love-by.html

If like me, you loved the older Arthur in The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg then you will be thrilled to read of his earlier years in Earth's the Right Place for Love. You should be prepared to laugh, cry and everything in between.

A story of kindness, compassion, friendship, brothers and overcoming the difficulties that life throws at one. Poignant, touching and at times heart rending. Another unforgettable story in the life of Arthur.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Arthur Moses is in love with the most popular girl in his class - Nola McCollum. The only problem is, she has a huge crush on Arthur's older brother, Frank, and only views Arthur as a good friend. This story starts in the middle of their high school years, and goes on through the early years of adulthood, with Arthur pining away for Nola, and Nola never picking up on the subtle clues Arthur drops, about his true feelings. As they handle dating other people, breakups, a tragedy that hits the Moses family, and trying to find their footing in the world once they graduate from high school, this story will make you laugh and cry. I adored Arthur and how sensitive and caring he was. I highly recommend this captivating book.

A coming of age story set in Mason, Missouri. Arthur Moses is a shy young boy in a troubled family. His father is a war veteran with a drinking problem who frequently comes to blows with Arthur’s older brother, Frank. Frank, with the wisdom of an older and more popular brother, gives Arthur life advice on how to handle his peers and transform his friendship with pretty Nola into something more romantic. Arthur’s beautiful mother provides a compassionate shoulder for the brothers as they try to understand their parents' complicated marriage. Arthur’s family is faced with a tragedy that will either divide them or bring them closer together.

Full of multilayered characters and heartwarming insight into family life, Elizabeth Berg has created a novel that’s both witty and compassionate, providing a glimpse into human nature’s struggles with grief and forgiveness.

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for the early copy in return for an honest review.

This lovely book is the "prequel" to the Arthur Truluv books and I couldn't be happier about it. I love books by this author so much. Earth's the Right Place for Love is a book that deals with young love, grief, depression, and a troubled marriage yet I would call it a feel good book. I'll continue to watch for more books by Elizabeth Berg!

I am happy to find a novel to sink into. The story of Arthur and his family brought the small town of Mason to life. Berg’s writing transports the reader to a place and creates events that draw them in.
Beautiful writing that makes me want to read Berg’s other books about Arthur!
Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Earth’s the Right Place for Love (ARC)
Author: Elizabeth Berg
Source: NetGalley

“Earth’s the right place for love: I don’t know where it’s likely to go better.” ~ Robert Frost

Arthur Moses is old and possibly nearing the end of his life, but he still takes pleasure in the little things like snow falling, the sound of birds singing, and even a train whistle. Arthur is lucky. In Earth’s the Right Place for Love by Elizabeth Berg, we meet Arthur when he is an insecure 16-year-old with a much-loved older brother, Frank. Family life is not always so grand, and they struggle with financial woes and a volatile father. But Arthur is encouraged by his love for one of his fellow students and the wise words of his older brother, Frank. Ms. Berg has given us a sweet and lovely story about the bonds of brotherhood, life in a small town, and love. As I finished, all I could think about what how much I enjoyed this story and how much I needed to read something so inspiring. Nothing grand, nothing over the top but a beautiful story about LIVING your best life. This was a tremendous winner and a book I’ll read again. Thank you to Ms. Berg for writing such lovely words that made my heart happy. Note: This is the back story of Arthur Moses from Arthur Truluv. #life #loss #love #future #sadness #happiness #death #hope #nature #whimsy #patience #truelove #sweet #ArthurTruluv #ArthurMoses @Netgalley #EliabethBerg #EarthsTheRightPlaceForLove #loveliveson @RandomHouse
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I received a complimentary copy of this ARC. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own. Thank you to Random House Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the opportunity to read this book. Pub. Date: March 21, 2023.
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#book #books #bookaddict #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagramer #bookshelf #booksbooksbooks #readersofinstagram #reader #booklove #bookreader #reader

If you have not read a book by Elizabeth Berg you are missing out. If you have not gotten acquainted with Arthur Moses/Truluv you are seriously missing out. I loved becoming acquainted with the kind, caring, wise and compassionate Arthur Truluv in The Story of Arthur Truluv, the first book in the Mason series.

In Earth's the Right Place for Love, readers get a glimpse of Arthur as a teen when he meets Nola McCollum. We see him as a shy young man who has a crush on Nola and spending time with his older brother Frank who has a love interest of his own. I enjoyed seeing Arthur interact with his brother asking and receiving advice. They had a close bond which was sweet to read about.

This book was charming and a lovely way to see Arthur as a young man finding his way. We see him be happy, suffer loss, yearn for another, and fall in love.

This was a well written and thoughtful book. I enjoy Elizabeth's writing and the compassion she shows for her characters. Their reactions, feelings, and interactions feel real. I look forward to reading more of her books in the future.

#EarthstheRightPlaceforLove #NetGalley #ElizabethBerg #RandomHouse