If You Could See What I See

In this moving, insightful new novel, acclaimed author Cathy Lamb delves into the heart of going home again, the challenge of facing loss--and the freedom of finally letting go. . . For decades, the women in Meggie O'Rourke's family have run Lace, Satin, and Baubles, a lingerie business that specializes in creations as exquisitely pretty as they are practical. The dynamic in Meggie's family, however, is perpetually dysfunctional. In fact, if Meggie weren't being summoned back to Portland, Oregon, by her grandmother, she'd be inclined to stay away all together. Since her husband's death a year ago, Meggie's emotions have been in constant flux, and so has her career as a documentary film maker. Finding ways to keep the family business afloat--and dealing with her squabbling sister and cousin--will at least give her a temporary focus. To draw customers to their website, Meggie decides to interview relatives and employees about their first bras and favorite lingerie. She envisions something flip and funny, but the confessions that emerge are unexpectedly poignant. There are stories of first loves and aching regrets, passionate mistakes and surprising rendezvous. And as the revelations illuminate her family's past, Meggie begins to find her own way forward. With warmth and unflinching humor, If You Could See What I See explores the tender truths we keep close--and what can happen when we find the courage to bare them to the world. OUTSTANDING PRAISE FOR CATHY LAMB AND HER NOVELS THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF MY LIFE"The blending of three or more generations and the secrets they harbor keeps this story moving briskly, culminating in a satisfying ending that makes us believe that despite heartache and angst, there can be such a thing as happily ever after."--New York Journal of Books SUCH A PRETTY FACE"Stevie's a winning heroine." --Publishers Weekly "Funny and poignant." --RT Book Reviews HENRY'S SISTERSAn Indie Next List Notable Book "A story of strength and reconciliation and change." --The Sunday Oregonian "If you loved Terms of Endearment, the Ya Ya Sisterhood, and Steel Magnolias, you will love Henry's Sisters. Cathy Lamb just keeps getting better and better." --The Three Tomatoes Book Club THE LAST TIME I WAS ME"Charming." --Publishers Weekly JULIA'S CHOCOLATES"Julia's Chocolates is wise, tender, and very funny. In Julia Bennett, Cathy Lamb has created a deeply wonderful character, brave and true. I loved this beguiling novel about love, friendship and the enchantment of really good chocolate." --Luanne Rice, New York Times bestselling author**