Title: Come Fill Up My Cup
Author: Jean Murray Munden
Publisher: URLink Print & Media, LLC
ISBN: 978-1-953048-00-4
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 256
Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
Come Fill Up My Cup is a heart-warming novel by Jean Murray Munden, set in the Highlands of Scotland. The story follows James, a man who is struggling to move on from the tragic events of his past, as he travels to visit his aunt Sarah. As a storm rages outside, the two reconnect and reflect on their lives, sharing memories and stories over a simple meal and a glass of whisky. What starts out as a simple family story turns into a budding romance as a lost traveler makes her way inside, away from the storm.
Munden’s writing is evocative, painting a vivid picture of the Scottish landscape and the storm which rages outside. The storm serves as a powerful metaphor for the emotional turmoil James is experiencing, and the novel is full of moments of quiet reflection and introspection. The characters are well-drawn and sympathetic, and the dialogue is natural and believable. Scottish nuances in the diction make the book humorous and entertaining.
At its heart, Come Fill Up My Cup is a story about the healing power of connection and the importance of family. The characters share a great deal of loss between each other, they connect over memories of fond family members and the widows connect while grieving their husbands. What is interesting about the book is that each chapter focuses on different characters, however it all starts and ends with Robin and James.
One of the strengths of the novel is its sense of place. Munden’s descriptions of the Scottish landscape are rich and detailed, and the storm that rages outside serves as a powerful backdrop for the characters’ emotional journeys. The novel is full of small details which bring the setting to life, from the sound of the rain on the metal roof to the taste of the single malt whisky that James pours for his aunt.
Overall, Come Fill Up My Cup is a beautifully written novel which will appeal to anyone who enjoys stories about family and love. Munden’s writing is full of warmth and compassion, and her characters are both relatable and sympathetic. This is a book to savor, to read slowly and to cherish, and makes for wonderful reading with a thunderstorm in the background.