Elizabeth Berg is a writer whose new books this reviewer picks
up unconditionally. Why? Quite simply, she writes stories from her
heart and soul about women and their lives. Berg always has
something important to say about their circumstances and
experiences. Best of all, her quality stories and writing always
deliver a wonderful reading experience. HOME SAFE, her latest
novel, is no exception.

Helen Ames measures the passing of time in days without Dan. Her
husband died suddenly and has been gone 11 months and three days.
He was the kind of guy who, according to Helen, handled “the
practical side of their life together,” while she brought her
imagination to the relationship.

And with the loss of her husband, her writing, the other anchor in
her life, has suddenly taken a hiatus. Even when she gets a fan
letter that would make any successful writer furious enough to
think to herself, “I’ll show you what writing is all
about,” she still can’t write. Her doubts worsen after
she flubs a public speaking performance. With so much changed, what
is her life all about now?

As Helen reacts to her grief, she turns to her daughter Tessa for
help with the practical side of life. It would be easy for Tessa to
become the fix-it person, just like her father. Except that Tessa
is 27 years old with her own life to grow into --- which Helen
hopes is marriage to a nice man.

As if she didn’t have enough to deal with, surprises are
still in store for Helen. She learns that Dan, who took care of
their finances, withdrew a large amount of their retirement money.
She does not know why this happened or where it went, but now she
worries she needs to replace it, so she takes a position teaching a
creative writing workshop. Her students, who are from various ages
and professions, meet and share their work, learning to understand
another person’s point of view. At their graduation they will
be asked to read their material to the audience in an
auditorium.

Meanwhile, another workshop class is being taught by a writer
whose view of writing and publishing is contrary to Helen’s.
When an editor and agent decide to attend the graduation of the two
classes, Helen and the other instructor wonder whose students will
attract more attention. Helen still is not writing but finds
satisfaction teaching writing and helping her students. This
sub-plot is especially appealing on its own for anyone involved in
the writing life.

When Helen eventually does discover where the retirement money has
gone, her life and her relationship with her daughter become open
to new perspectives and healing. And, as her personal life
circumstances continue to parallel her writing career, Helen is
able to reclaim herself and her creativity.

HOME SAFE is one of those books that will remain on this
reader’s shelf to be read again and again. The journey that
Helen Ames takes is rich with Elizabeth Berg’s expert touch,
showing us a heartfelt perspective on loss and renewal. Along with
Helen, we experience in unexpected circumstances how one can
rediscover hope and faith.