The Orchard House (Paperback)

The Orchard House is a timeslip novel with many layers: a feeling and longing for "something more," domestic violence, relationships between sisters, betrayal, forgiveness, and faith. The contemporary story is told through the viewpoint of Taylor, who was adopted by her best friend Victoria's parents as a girl. Though they had been best friends, their relationship complicated as they grew older. After years of estrangement, Taylor returns when their mother is diagnosed with cancer. The historical story is told in the voice of Johanna, a friend of Louisa May Alcott. Victoria shows Taylor a book of poems written by Johanna that were recently found. They begin researching to find out what they can about Johanna and how she is connected to Orchard House. Johanna's story at times parallels what Victoria is going through. I was saddened by one character's change from a really nice guy to one who certainly wasn't, but I understand why it was necessary for the story. The Orchard House is an engrossing book that I highly recommend. I received a complementary copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

SOUL-STIRRING! Heidi Chiavaroli has penned a beautiful soul-stirring split-time novel time involving two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and one living in Louisa May Alcotts Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and find their way home. Chiavaroli has created dynamic characters that are going to leap off the pages and because they are complex, realistic and relatable they are going to stay in readers minds long after the last page is read. She has told their story that, while as old as time, is still relevant today. Why? Because it deals with women who grow up feeling insecure because of their family situations, circumstances beyond their control, and/or just life. It can be any of a myriad of reasons. They are the girls who grow up to be the women who are the ones who always feel left out - until one friend includes them. This is the story of two girls who were blessed to have friends who took time to draw them out. Was it happily ever after? Not by a long shot! It was a lifetime of sharing, love, caring, hurt, betrayal, dreams lost and found. Sounds a lot like real life, doesnt it? Chiavaroli uses these strong personalities to paint a beautiful picture of forgiveness, redemption and a real feeling of home. She concludes this fantastic novel with these heartfelt words: God had indeed cast out our fears and brought us to a new place. A place we could call home. A place where we didnt have to question our worth. A place where we put the pen in His hands and allowed Him to be the One to write our stories. I was sure they would be some of the best yet. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers