“What a gorgeous paradox of a book: a deep, thoughtful exploration of a young mother’s first year of widowhood that is as much a page-turner as any thriller. The translucent beauty of the writing and the sheer humanity of the characters pulled me along, often more quickly than I wanted to go. If it were up to me, I’d still be in the company of prickly, magnificent Janie and the people she loves.”
— Marisa de los Santos, New York Times bestselling author of Belong To Me“Fay keeps the reader engaged with a vivid descriptive palette evoking the little details of life in a small town. She also does a beautiful job capturing the ebb and flow of single motherhood, from small miracles and little annoyances to the big ordeals … Janie’s journal entries give uncensored voice to her thoughts, which are tinged with searing insight and often hilarious wry humor. ”
—The Boston Globe
“After Janie LaMarche’s husband, Robby, dies in a motorcycle accident, the 38-year-old Pelham, Mass., widow embarks on a year of transformations in Fay’s wise and inspirational debut. Going through the bewildering and painful cycle of grief and anger while trying to hold it together for her children-preschooler Dylan and toddler Carly-is no walk in the park. Enter Tug Malinowski, an attractive contractor Robby had hired to build a screened-in porch to surprise Janie. Tug is divorced, childless and attracted to Janie while she’s tempted by Fr. Jake Sweeney, who has “a secret life of misery” and fears casting aside his vow of celibacy. Fay’s mingling of Janie’s pithy journal excerpts with crisp traditional plotting adds a nice depth to Janie’s journey to emotional healing. The concerns of single motherhood after sudden tragedy come vividly to life, and as Janie learns to appreciate everyday miracles, readers will be charmed.” (Jan.)
— Publisher’s Weekly
“This debut novel features family, friends, and grief in a touchingly warm and funny way. I cried and laughed with Janie LaMarche as she figures out how to go on living without her beloved husband. Fay’s characters run the gamut and could live next door to any of us.”
— Judy Manzo, Book Ends, Winchester, MA
“Shelter Me is the tender tale of Janie LaMarche, a young woman who is suddenly widowed and forced to find her way. She is guided by a searing wit, by her truth-telling five year old son, and by the unlikely sages of her suburban world. Juliette Fay can hit the high notes of emotion with unexpected moments of redemption and wry humor.”
— Jacqueline Sheehan, author of Lost & Found
“Shelter Me is a richly told story that offers a keyhole into the pain and searing grief losing a loved one brings to a family. That pain is balanced against humor and the need to care-take life’s day to day demands and relationships until one day, you realize you have the capability to love again. Fay writes with vivid dialogue and conjures up characters that feel real enough to be sitting in your kitchen.”
— Lee Woodruff, New York Times bestselling author of In an Instant
Juliette Fay has written a soul-searching story that is full of emotions of all description … Her characters are complex but enjoyable. By the end of the book, you feel as if you have known them their whole lives. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Fay has to offer in the future.”
— Wichita Falls Times Record News