When We Were Widows Audiobook By Annette Chavez Macias cover art

When We Were Widows

A Novel

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When We Were Widows

By: Annette Chavez Macias
Narrated by: Karla Serrato, Cynthia Farrell
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In this heartfelt story about finding love in loss, three widows are forced under the same roof, where they’ll need to overcome grief, anger, and old secrets to put their family back together.

Since her husband’s death six months ago, Yesica Diaz-Taylor seems to be taking her grief in stride. Then an angry outburst at work shatters the illusion. Her mandated support group counseling doesn’t help much. Yesica has always kept her feelings close, so even when an unlikely friendship blossoms with the group’s facilitator, she still has reasons for holding back. She’s just not ready to share.

Ana Diaz has been widowed for five years and continues to live life exactly as she did with her late husband. When her house floods, she’s forced to shake things up. Although it was never part of her plan, Ana moves in with her eldest daughter, Yesica. But the new living arrangement tests their already strained relationship.

Shadowed by unresolved tensions, Yesica, Ana, and matriarch Mama Melda must learn to share a home, their heartbreak, and, once and for all, the haunting family secrets that have kept them apart.

©2024 by Annette Macias. (P)2024 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Family Life Genre Fiction Women's Fiction Grief Feel-Good Heartfelt Marriage

Critic reviews

“Despite the melancholy subject, this novel is sweet and light, ultimately filling the reader with hope.” —Booklist

“5 stars! Another amazing book by Annette Chavez Macias. I absolutely adored this book. When We Were Widows might even be my favorite of hers. There’s a magically emotional power in Macias’ storytelling that somehow breaks your heart while at the same time repairing it. This compelling and beautifully written story is a true testament to the author’s rare talent and skill. This is a must read. And reread!” —Diana Muñoz Stewart, bestselling author of the Black Ops Confidential series

“A poignant and moving novel that deftly portrays the challenges and triumphs of three incredible women. This story should be on your not-to-be-missed list!” —Mia Sosa, USA Today bestselling author
Engaging Plot • Cultural Representation • Good Narration • Emotional Storytelling • Healing Journey
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Relatable And without a doubt real. As a family of a similar culture we tend to live for our families and not for ourselves. This book allows us to think about being more open and loving to each other

Family Ties

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Both mother and daughter experience the same things in their marriages and didn’t discuss their relationships.

The secrets we don’t tell

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The narration was very good, except for the men’s voices which I felt we’re poor.
I enjoyed the story until the end. The ending wasn’t wrong, just way overly sweet and mushy.

Sweet Story

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Great narrator!!! Highly recommend listening to this book—does not disappoint! I am an avid audiobook listener as my commute to work is 30-min…this book kept me wanting to listen for more!

Great read

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Annette's writing makes me proud to be a Mexican American. She knows exactly how I feel about my own family!! this book was amazing in bringing these women together in such a tragic way.

Family

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I liked how the author explored the difficult mother-daughter relationship. Telling the story from each individual's point of view reduced any false assumptions and allowed the listener to place actions and emotions in perspective.

I enjoyed the story and the insight into Mexican culture. Even though it was a generation removed each generation received information passed on through story telling. It is important to keep children grounded in their heritage.

The difficult relationships between mothers and daughters.

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As a child who also grew up in Los Angeles in the 40s, 50 & 60s, I could identify with it. My first home was in Bell Gardens until we moved to Whittier. I am not Hispanic but many of my friends & classmates are. I lived during the destruction of Chavez Ravine & the building of Dodger stadium but saw it from a different perspective. Sad that progress often has many losses! I appreciated (as a nurse) the discussion of grief & going through it. An enjoyable read!!

Enjoyed the story though I felt the cultural aspects were somewhat overblown!

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I absolutely loved this book and related to it sooooo much. Even though I’m not a widow, I am a greiver. It is well-written and narrated. Totally recommend!

My heart

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Absolutely enjoyed this book and the relationship between mom and daughter and how they navigated being widows

The fact that the mom and daughter shared the same relationship story

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Loved the plot! Really captured the pain of loss, betrayal, and generational struggles. Couldn’t put it down!

Great read

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