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Everything Beautiful in Its Time: Seasons of Love and Loss
Jenna Bush Hager, the former first daughter and granddaughter, #1 New York Times 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.
"As long as I'm alive, my grandparents will not be forgotten. . . . I hear their voices in the letters they sent me and in my memories. They offer comfort, support, and guidance, and I will listen to them always."
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.
"As long as I'm alive, my grandparents will not be forgotten. . . . I hear their voices in the letters they sent me and in my memories. They offer comfort, support, and guidance, and I will listen to them always."
Editorial Reviews
"Charming . . . This endearing memoir brings readers deep into the heart of a family that many feel they already know well. Bush's fans will delight in these intimate, funny remembrances." -- Publishers Weekly
Readers Top Reviews
RobinJoyce H. Col
I enjoyed this glimpse into the life of an american family from a granddaughter's perspective. Wise words shared in an entertaining way.
MatherTeeRobinJoy
Believe me when I say that I have been a fan of the Bush family for decades. That began to wane over the past several years when it became obvious that Jenna Bush Hager was in over her head as the co-host of the fourth hour of the Today Show. While many others let it be known on social media that they thought Jenna had landed the job simply because of her name, I defended her, certain that over time, she would improve. Finally, though, I could stand it no longer as she continued to make (and be excused for) on-air misstep after misstep. Her butchering of the English language, including simple grammar, mispronunciation of common words, and complete unfamiliarity with guests' names (most recently, "Eena Garden"--the Barefoot Contessa) brought my admiration to a screeching halt. To think that she was supposedly a teacher borders on horrifying. Ad nauseam, this book was promoted by ALL hours of the Today Show and elsewhere, as an ode to Jenna's grandparents, supposedly highlighting for would-be readers the elder Bushes' "lessons in life", so to speak. Unfortunately, there are precious few direct, meaningful references to those lessons--or even to George and Barbara Bush themselves. Instead, the focus is on Jenna and Barbara--their childhood, marriages, children--with no relevance whatsoever to their grandparents. 99.9% of this book is comprised of stories Bush followers have heard or read many times before. George H. W. Bush was brought up by a mother who taught him not to use the word "I" so often and to make others the central part of his story. He learned that lesson well and remembered his mother's advice throughout his entire life. How sad that his granddaughter isn't following suit. In addition, Jenna's narration is dreadful. As viewers of her show witness every weekday, she is overly dramatic, craves attention, and with a voice that purposely becomes gravelly at times she deems appropriate, is often the verge of self-induced tears. She exaggerates ridiculously, something even her mother, Laura Bush, has admitted more than once when she has appeared with Jenna. No wonder Mrs. Bush stated on live TV that she is not a regular viewer of her daughter's show. Jenna's writing ability is no better than her studio demeanor. I've never been so disappointed in a book and/or audio--and yes, I purchased both, just as I did "Sisters First". I am sorry to say that there is simply no way I can recommend this title.
Linda SmithMather
Last night I decided I would read one chapter a night of Jenna's beautiful book so that I could make the book last longer. Well at 1:50 am I forced myself to close the book and go to bed. It is so comforting, enlightening and a reminder of the life affirming value of civility. The book took me back to the wonders of my childhood. I am most grateful for this perfectly written treasure of a book.
TexasTechMeganLin
What a lovely and heartfelt book. I feel like I’m reading a note from a family member. I cry like I personally know you and your family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feelings and experiences on motherhood and maternal love through the generations. This book is funny (and touching) and reminds me of young kids at home and the love my grandparents had for me. I haven’t had this many multigenerational thoughts in years. Thank you for reminding me of compassion and love and humility and kindness Jenna!
kourtneyTexasTech
I'm not crying, you're crying!!!! OMG! What a glorious, feel good read about a beautiful family that is living a beautiful life. I devoured this book in one sitting, I was so engrossed with Jenna's beautiful words. She makes you feel like you're a part of the family. I just feel so light and happy right now....I want to go spin around in a field of flowers, but first, I need to order Jenna's other books. A special thank you to NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers, and Jenna Bush Hager.
