Pieces of Blue

A Novel

By: Holly Goldberg Sloan

Narrated by: Barrie Kreinik

"Barrie Kreinik takes listeners to the paradise of Hawaii, where the setting is the only thing that appears to be tropical...The suspenseful twists will pique the listener's interest to the end."- AudioFile

From New York Times bestselling author Holly Goldberg Sloan, a compelling and heartfelt novel for fans of Maria Semple and Emma Straub about a family trying to restore a ramshackle beachside motel—and their own lives

What good was thinking the future only held cloudy skies? Wasn’t the reality that pieces of blue were always there, waiting to break through?

When Paul Hill drowns in a surfing accident, his broken-hearted wife, Lindsey, and their three children are left in huge financial trouble. Once Paul’s life insurance finally comes through, Lindsey impulsively uses the money to buy a charmingly ramshackle motel in Hawai’i, hoping for a fresh start. Teenage Olivia quickly develops a crush on a handsome but monosyllabic skateboarder. Twelve-year-old Carlos reinvents himself as a popular kid named Carl. And Sena, the youngest, will do whatever it takes to protect her beloved motel chickens.

But while the kids adjust, Lindsey is flailing, trying to pretend she knows how to bring a motel—and herself—back to life. Then a handsome stranger rolls into the motel parking lot, and she’s surprised to feel a long-dormant part of herself stirring. She accepts his offer to help, unaware that he may have secrets of his own. And all the while, out in the Pacific, the trade winds are fiercely blowing.

Funny and tender, full of twists and turns and heart, Pieces of Blue is a portrait of an irresistible family learning to start over.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books.

©2023 Holly Goldberg Sloan (P)2023 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Empathetic yet flawed characters navigating deep, painful problems add authenticity to the resonant story, and the mystery of Paul’s disappearance keeps things tense. Readers will devour this in one sitting.” —Publishers Weekly

“Pieces of Blue is as propulsive as it is observant and atmospheric. Sloan understands her characters deeply, and makes us need to know what happens to them. In fact, a lot happens to them, and we want to know it all. This novel is a family story, a love story, and a mystery. I couldn't put it down.” —Meg Wolitzer, New York Times bestselling author of The Female Persuasion

“Struggling with grief, daring to hope, and working to make a wild, gorgeous, and mysterious place their home, each beautifully drawn character comes alive and finds a way into your heart. Pieces of Blue is a powerful, tender novel with a mystery at its heart. Don’t miss it!” —Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six

Perfect summer "read"

I loved listening to this book on Audible while taking my daily walks. Most days, the prospect of tuning in for another chapter was the key motivating factor to get my steps in! Anyone who has ever visited Hawaii and left yearning to learn more about Hawaiian culture -- or even uproot their lives to permanently move there will enjoy this book. Interesting facts are thoughtfully woven into the narrative. I think this story would make a terrific movie!

A very sweet story

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It’s hard to find a book where you are rooting for all the characters. I liked the little bits of natural and social history of Hawaii.

Disappointed

I have always given a 👍to this narrator, but her attempt at a Welsh accent here was 👎. The story was good until the final third which felt rushed and cliched. Too bad after after a compelling beginning.

Read in one sitting!

What a great story. You won’t regret reading this one. Gripping from start to finish.

Quick decent “beach read”

Story is sweet summer read, though slightly predictable. Set in Hawaii, this audible would have been greatly improved if there had been an effort to use the correct pronunciation for the many common Hawaiian words. I found the mispronounced names and sayings to be both annoying and disruptive.

Interesting Story

Unfortunately the narrator’s mispronunciation of common Hawaiian words familiar to any tourist took me out of the story.

3.5 Stars

I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book. The last 1/4 of the book was too far fetched and rushed.

Plot Twist!

Good read (listen). Heart-breaking at times and author and narrator did an excellent job of allowing the listener to feel the varying emotions. Wow! Plot twist that I did not see coming!

Perfect summer read

With quite the twist! Enjoyable, though, and an easy read at that. Made me think of the Maui fires.

Brilliantly written!

The author paints a beautiful picture of each character. I truly loved this book so much! A perfect summer read! It makes me want a part 2!