Mini-Review: Everything Beautiful in Its Time

Everything Beautiful in Its Time
Jenna Bush Hager
Expected publication date: April 28, 2020

Jenna Bush Hager, the former first daughter and granddaughter, bestselling author, and coanchor of the Today show, shares moving, funny stories about her beloved grandparents and the wisdom they passed on that has shaped her life

To the world, George and Barbara Bush were America’s powerful president and influ­ential first lady. To Jenna Bush Hager, they were her beloved Gampy and Ganny, who taught her about respect, humility, kindness, and living a life of passion and meaning—timeless lessons that continue to guide her.

In Midland, Texas, Jenna’s maternal grandparents, Harold and Jenna Welch—Pa and Grammee—a home builder and homemaker, lived a quieter life outside the national spotlight. Yet their influence was no less indelible to their granddaughter. Throughout Jenna’s childhood and adolescence, the Welches taught her the name of every star in the sky, the way a dove uses her voice—teaching her to appreciate the beauty in the smallest things.

Now the mother of three young children, Jenna pays homage to her grandparents in this collection of heartwarming, intimate personal essays. Filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable stories, Everything Beautiful in Its Time captures the joyous and bittersweet nature of life itself. Jenna reflects on the single year in which she and her family lost Barbara and George H. W. Bush, and Jenna Welch. With the light, self-deprecating charm of the bestselling Sisters First—cowritten with her twin sister, Barbara—Jenna reveals how they navigated this difficult period with grace, faith, and nostalgic humor, uplifted by their grandparents’ sage advice and incomparable spirits.

In this moving book, Jenna remembers the past, cherishes the present, and prepares for the future—providing a wealth of anecdotes and lessons for her own children and all of us. Poignant and humorous, intimate and sincere, Everything Beautiful in Its Time is a warm and wonderful celebration of the enduring power of family and an exploration of the things that truly matter most. - from Goodreads

After reading and enjoying Jenna Bush Hager's Sisters First, co-written with her twin Barbara Pierce Bush, I was very excited to win a copy of her upcoming release from Goodreads giveaways!  Jenna's writing is warm and sincere, and her personal stories are always so heartfelt.

In her new book, Jenna Bush Hager invites us in to learn even more about her family.  She tells stories about her daughters and new son; dedicates a chapter to her husband, Henry; and shares more stories about her sister Barbara.  The bulk of the book is spent reliving memories of her grandparents, particularly former President and First Lady George and Barbara Bush, but also her maternal grandmother (and namesake), Jenna Welch.  As she lost all three of these family members in the span of about a year, it is a particularly poignant book.

Even though the Bush family has been in the public eye for decades, Jenna manages to include many little-known memories and stories of her famous relatives.  It's obvious from her writing that the family is extremely close and have many happy traditions.  I loved reading about her grandparents' house rules, and they were never stingy with praise.  They taught Jenna that it's okay to show emotion, even tears.  From writing letters back and forth, to spending hours fishing, to meeting their great-grandchildren, the memories included in the book's several essays were sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching, but always touching.  I actually found myself tearing up many times while reading this book.

Although I wish there were more stories about her maternal grandparents, this was a beautiful tribute to Jenna Bush Hager's beloved family members and one I think I will return to again and again.

4.5 stars