Earth's the Right Place for Love: A Novel

Elizabeth Berg

Mar 2023 · Sold by Random House

About this ebook

This beautiful novel by the beloved author of Open House and Talk Before Sleep tells the story of two young people growing up in Mason, Missouri, and how Arthur Moses, a shy young man, becomes the wise and compassionate person readers loved in The Story of Arthur Truluv.

“A poignant tale of love, grief, and the resiliency of the human spirit.”—Kirkus Reviews

A CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

Nola McCollum is the most desirable girl in Arthur Moses’s class, and he is thrilled when they become friends. But Arthur wants far more than friendship. Unfortunately, Nola has a crush on the wrong Moses—Arthur’s older brother, Frank, who is busy pursuing his own love interest and avoiding the boys’ father, a war veteran with a drinking problem and a penchant for starting fights. When a sudden tragedy rocks the family’s world, Arthur struggles to come to terms with his grief. In the end, it is nature that helps him to understand how to go beyond loss and create a life of forgiveness and empathy. But what can he do about Nola, who seems confused about what she wants in life and only half aware of the one who loves her most?

Full of unforgettable characters and written with Elizabeth Berg’s characteristic warmth, humor, and insight into people, Earth’s the Right Place for Love is about the power of kindness, character, and family, and how love can grow when you least expect it.

Ratings and reviews

Heartwarming small-town journey filled with engaging charters, intriguing story line, witty banter, heart racing twists and emotional heart-string pulling. A great read from beginning to end and it makes me want to read the rest of the series.

Such a lovely and touching story about sixteen year old Arthur. He is a gentle, thoughtful, and caring teen traversing through love, family problems, and learning about life. Guided by his philosophical brother, Frank, Arthur delves into ways to win the girl. A family tragedy derails everyone. Arthur finds compassion and healing from the women he does random chores for. There is so much more to the story and it will bring tears and joy to you. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the author

Elizabeth Berg is the author of many bestselling novels, including The Story of Arthur Truluv, Night of Miracles, The Confession Club, Open House (an Oprah’s Book Club selection), Talk Before Sleep, and The Year of Pleasures, as well as the short story collection The Day I Ate Whatever I Wanted. Durable Goods and Joy School were selected as ALA Best Books of the Year. She adapted The Pull of the Moon into a play that enjoyed sold-out performances in Chicago and Indianapolis. Berg’s work has been published in thirty-one countries, and three of her novels have been turned into television movies. She is the founder of Writing Matters, a quality reading series dedicated to serving author, audience, and community. She teaches one-day writing workshops and is a popular speaker at venues around the country. Some of her most popular Facebook postings have been collected in Make Someone Happy, Still Happy, and Happy to Be Here. She lives outside of Chicago.