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Spring House
The lives of two women, generations apart, converge in this enthralling novel of love, mystery, memories, and secrets.
Pregnant and still grieving the death of her fiancé historian Megan Buchanan is forging ahead on a dream to restore to its original glory the landmark hunting lodge her own great-great-grandfather built on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With the help of her fiancé’s caring best friend, it’s sure to draw much-needed tourist revenue to Cape Hudson, a town rich in southern history.
However, it’s Spring House, the caretaker’s cottage on the grounds, that holds the most intriguing history for Megan. In a cache of old letters, she’s drawn into the captivating life of a young woman who embarked on her own dream adventure a century ago. With each one, Megan is swept away into her enthralling world—and all its secrets. But Megan has secrets too.
Now, as one woman’s past unfolds in each revealing letter, Megan will discover more about herself and about the emotional tides of family that can be weathered with those you love and trust the most.
Pregnant and still grieving the death of her fiancé historian Megan Buchanan is forging ahead on a dream to restore to its original glory the landmark hunting lodge her own great-great-grandfather built on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With the help of her fiancé’s caring best friend, it’s sure to draw much-needed tourist revenue to Cape Hudson, a town rich in southern history.
However, it’s Spring House, the caretaker’s cottage on the grounds, that holds the most intriguing history for Megan. In a cache of old letters, she’s drawn into the captivating life of a young woman who embarked on her own dream adventure a century ago. With each one, Megan is swept away into her enthralling world—and all its secrets. But Megan has secrets too.
Now, as one woman’s past unfolds in each revealing letter, Megan will discover more about herself and about the emotional tides of family that can be weathered with those you love and trust the most.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2019
About the author
Mary Ellen Taylor
19 books1,646 followersA southerner by birth, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state of Virginia and its past is evident in her contemporary women's fiction novels, from her first THE UNION STREET BAKERY to her latest, THE WORDS WE WHISPER, which debuts July 20, 2021. Her novels explore issues of family, home and belonging and entwine the past and present.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 942 reviews
June 15, 2020
A little confusing with all of the characters but definitely enjoyed this!
Spring House was a pretty fun audiobook to listen to. I, of course, read it for a specific reason - it helped me for a challenge. Again, it had a ton of characters in it. Way too many to even keep track of. Honestly, you could probably write a review about this book and mention a character that wasn't even in it.. and I would believe you. That's how many people were in this damn book.
Besides that, I feel like this book also had so many storylines within it. Some I feel like just started and then fizzed out. Nothing else was mentioned and I didn't even think about it ever again. Yet, I still somehow enjoyed this book which is beyond crazy.
Now with all the characters, you'd thing there would be a certain thing that I loved. Wrong, so wrong. I liked a lot of things.. but nothing really stuck with me. Yes, this had romance but eh it was okay. I honestly didn't care about it because of all the other crazy things going on in this book.
In the end, this was a good book and that's all I have to say.
Spring House was a pretty fun audiobook to listen to. I, of course, read it for a specific reason - it helped me for a challenge. Again, it had a ton of characters in it. Way too many to even keep track of. Honestly, you could probably write a review about this book and mention a character that wasn't even in it.. and I would believe you. That's how many people were in this damn book.
Besides that, I feel like this book also had so many storylines within it. Some I feel like just started and then fizzed out. Nothing else was mentioned and I didn't even think about it ever again. Yet, I still somehow enjoyed this book which is beyond crazy.
Now with all the characters, you'd thing there would be a certain thing that I loved. Wrong, so wrong. I liked a lot of things.. but nothing really stuck with me. Yes, this had romance but eh it was okay. I honestly didn't care about it because of all the other crazy things going on in this book.
In the end, this was a good book and that's all I have to say.
October 25, 2022
Update: 03-26-2022:
I wrote to the author about my issue with the family tree and requested one from her that I could run a copy of and actually see what it says. She very kindly sent me one so I'm looking forward to re-reading Spring House! (If anyone wants a copy of what Ms. Taylor sent me, post your email addy and I'll send a copy to you.)
3.5 Stars
The lives of two women, generations apart, converge in Spring House in an interesting (albeit rather confusing) manner.
I liked the characters and LOVED reading about Megan digging through a historical house that's packed with trash and treasure. The setting is beautiful. However!! There is a boatload of characters to keep track of and I eventually couldn't do it. There is a family tree at the start of the book but I found it confusing to try and go back and forth with a Kindle Fire. I found myself wishing for a family tree I could print. (Wait. She's a great great great granddaughter of WHO??) If I can find a family tree I can print I'll give the book another try.
I wrote to the author about my issue with the family tree and requested one from her that I could run a copy of and actually see what it says. She very kindly sent me one so I'm looking forward to re-reading Spring House! (If anyone wants a copy of what Ms. Taylor sent me, post your email addy and I'll send a copy to you.)
3.5 Stars
The lives of two women, generations apart, converge in Spring House in an interesting (albeit rather confusing) manner.
I liked the characters and LOVED reading about Megan digging through a historical house that's packed with trash and treasure. The setting is beautiful. However!! There is a boatload of characters to keep track of and I eventually couldn't do it. There is a family tree at the start of the book but I found it confusing to try and go back and forth with a Kindle Fire. I found myself wishing for a family tree I could print. (Wait. She's a great great great granddaughter of WHO??) If I can find a family tree I can print I'll give the book another try.
February 12, 2023
SPRING HOUSE takes place in the past and the present and it is very easy to follow along. You learn about the characters a little at a time and can’t help but feel their pain and grief as well as their happiness. Their family history is intertwined and at times, absolutely heart breaking. Megan Buchanan, who happens to be very pregnant, is trying to deal with the loss of her fiance, Scott Jessup and now has to deal with his mother trying to control her and the baby too. She receives lots of help from his best friend, Rick. Through a bunch of old letters they find inside the house, a sad and gut punching story is revealed.
The history that you learn about in SPRING HOUSE happens during and before World War II. Megan has been hired to restore Spring House and being a historian, she is learning and putting all the pieces to the puzzle in place with the Buchanan and Jessup families. It will all come together for her in the end and along the way you will be pulled right in with these families. Many secrets will come out over time as well, including a big one that Megan is keeping from everyone. She cancelled her wedding two weeks before it was to happen and Scott’s mother, Helen just can’t seem to let that go. She does not know why Megan cancelled, well, not the truth anyway.
SPRING HOUSE is so heart tugging. The talks between Diane and her sister, Claire are at times, heart breaking. She is so torn between finding her way in life and being reunited with her family who were all scattered when their mother died. I found myself so caught up in this family’s lives and turning the pages late into the night. You will not be able to put this book down until you turn the very last page. Mary Ellen Taylor does a beautiful and spectacular job of interweaving the past with the present. I can’t wait to read more by Ms. Taylor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The history that you learn about in SPRING HOUSE happens during and before World War II. Megan has been hired to restore Spring House and being a historian, she is learning and putting all the pieces to the puzzle in place with the Buchanan and Jessup families. It will all come together for her in the end and along the way you will be pulled right in with these families. Many secrets will come out over time as well, including a big one that Megan is keeping from everyone. She cancelled her wedding two weeks before it was to happen and Scott’s mother, Helen just can’t seem to let that go. She does not know why Megan cancelled, well, not the truth anyway.
SPRING HOUSE is so heart tugging. The talks between Diane and her sister, Claire are at times, heart breaking. She is so torn between finding her way in life and being reunited with her family who were all scattered when their mother died. I found myself so caught up in this family’s lives and turning the pages late into the night. You will not be able to put this book down until you turn the very last page. Mary Ellen Taylor does a beautiful and spectacular job of interweaving the past with the present. I can’t wait to read more by Ms. Taylor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 30, 2021
Megan Buchanan is looking forward to working on her new dream project, restoring the hunting lodge called “Winter Cottage” once owned by her great-great-grandfather and at Cape Hudson on Virginia’s Eastern shore. Megan’s eight months pregnant, her ex fiancé died and his mother Helen is giving her a hard time. She hopes working on the new project will take her mind of her problems and fill in the time until she welcomes her baby daughter. She has plenty of support from Lucy Kincaid who inherited the house and her ex fiancée's best friend Rick Markham and he’s the local sheriff.
They decided to start work on the caretaker's cottage first called “Spring House”, the last person to live in it was Samuel Jessup, it’s full of old books and papers and all sorts of things he collected during his years at sea. They discover some old letters, Megan’s determined to solve the mystery of what happened to Diane Hedrick, and she uncovers secrets and memories that have been hidden away for almost a hundred years.
By looking back at the past, Megan realizes she can’t change what has happened in her own life, she needs to make peace with what happened with Scott, embrace her future, with her new baby and Lucy keeps telling her Rick Markham’s interested in being more than friends.
I received a copy of Spring House from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I wish I had read the first book in the series first and three stars from me.
They decided to start work on the caretaker's cottage first called “Spring House”, the last person to live in it was Samuel Jessup, it’s full of old books and papers and all sorts of things he collected during his years at sea. They discover some old letters, Megan’s determined to solve the mystery of what happened to Diane Hedrick, and she uncovers secrets and memories that have been hidden away for almost a hundred years.
By looking back at the past, Megan realizes she can’t change what has happened in her own life, she needs to make peace with what happened with Scott, embrace her future, with her new baby and Lucy keeps telling her Rick Markham’s interested in being more than friends.
I received a copy of Spring House from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, I wish I had read the first book in the series first and three stars from me.
June 23, 2019
This is my first Mary Ellen Taylor book but not my last. I loved this book. A historical hunting lodge is inherited by the granddaughter Lucy Kincaid and is being restored under the eye of Megan Buchanan. This book has it all - romance, mystery, family history and lots of secrets. A wonderful book. I am now going to read Winter Cottage. Thanks to NetGalley, Montlake Romance and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.
September 24, 2019
It was supposed to be an easy, I-am-too-busy-and-tired-for-serious-books kind of a read. And it is easy. And annoying. I am glad I used prime reading and did not spend my hard earned money on it. I was annoyed, but spending extra money on this book would have annoyed me even more.
Coincidentally, I read a similar book this year - The lost vintage. There are enough overlapping themes for me to make this connection - dual timelines, letters/diary entries intertwined, World War II and the Jews, tons of family secrets. And I remember being annoyed by The Lost Vintage, but it was a different kind of annoyance. Better annoyance.
Why this book felt so flat to me? I am still preoccupied by this question. Mind you, I was not half as preoccupied by the book itself while reading it.
First, I found the writing clunky. I like to get lost in my books. For that, the words have to flow, to keep you in the story. There are many little repetitions and cumbersome phrasing here to prevent any flowing for me. Too many unnecessary details, such as the capacity of the dumping container and, at the same time, not enough details to allow you to fully feel the atmosphere of the place. Which is supposed to be very beautiful,
Second, there are too many characters. And they’re in the book to serve the plot. I could not tell you what makes Helen different from Grandmother, let’s say, besides their age and relationship to Megan. There is a family tree at the beginning of the book, but who has time to keep going back to that? Give me some memorable characters, damn it.
Third, the little inconsistencies.
- Young girl at the beginning of 19th century, especially girl with not too much formal education would not write the kind of letters the author included in the book.
- They would also not wash eggs. It’s actually not something routinely done in Europe - washed eggs require refrigeration.
- They would be familiar with the market towns, especially if in the business of selling wine. I find it very hard to believe that Diane did not go back to Le Havre for so long.
- Claire left tapes explaining old secrets, but didn’t say anything about a basement full of alcohol?
- Megan can’t wait to research something, but also waits till late in the evening to get on her computer? The book is set in 2018, she has smartphone, why not use it?
- Also, Megan gave birth at 36 weeks. we are also being told she is organized and tends to deal with stuff, not shy away from responsibility. But, she has no hospital bag, anything at all prepared?! 36 weeks is almost full term, women usually have some stuff ready to go already, just in case.
- Helen tells Megan so never had to buy presents for girls. Even if, by absurd, Helen had no nieces or younger cousins, she was a mother. Children do get invited to plenty of birthday parties throughout the years. She never bought one gift?
Fourth, there are hints and storylines started but never completed/explained. Samuel mentions sinking a u-boat in 1939? (I may have misunderstood, I should probably go back and reread that journal entry. Only I don’t want to.) Natasha saying Diane looks like a witch in that old photograph with Claire? She never was a witch, just dressed simply and lived on a farm, so why give such a hint in the first place, if you decided not to pursue this avenue? Also, was Samuel properly told who was his mother?
Fifth, the love story. This one is strongly related to my second point. I didn’t feel the characters, I didn’t feel Megan being very sad for what happened to/with Scott. I didn’t see any convincing feelings between Megan and Rick, besides lust. And I
Bottom line. It’s not a bad bad book, just a very average one. I didn’t find it particularly entertaining, but it was a quick read.
Coincidentally, I read a similar book this year - The lost vintage. There are enough overlapping themes for me to make this connection - dual timelines, letters/diary entries intertwined, World War II and the Jews, tons of family secrets. And I remember being annoyed by The Lost Vintage, but it was a different kind of annoyance. Better annoyance.
Why this book felt so flat to me? I am still preoccupied by this question. Mind you, I was not half as preoccupied by the book itself while reading it.
First, I found the writing clunky. I like to get lost in my books. For that, the words have to flow, to keep you in the story. There are many little repetitions and cumbersome phrasing here to prevent any flowing for me. Too many unnecessary details, such as the capacity of the dumping container and, at the same time, not enough details to allow you to fully feel the atmosphere of the place. Which is supposed to be very beautiful,
Second, there are too many characters. And they’re in the book to serve the plot. I could not tell you what makes Helen different from Grandmother, let’s say, besides their age and relationship to Megan. There is a family tree at the beginning of the book, but who has time to keep going back to that? Give me some memorable characters, damn it.
Third, the little inconsistencies.
- Young girl at the beginning of 19th century, especially girl with not too much formal education would not write the kind of letters the author included in the book.
- They would also not wash eggs. It’s actually not something routinely done in Europe - washed eggs require refrigeration.
- They would be familiar with the market towns, especially if in the business of selling wine. I find it very hard to believe that Diane did not go back to Le Havre for so long.
- Claire left tapes explaining old secrets, but didn’t say anything about a basement full of alcohol?
- Megan can’t wait to research something, but also waits till late in the evening to get on her computer? The book is set in 2018, she has smartphone, why not use it?
- Also, Megan gave birth at 36 weeks. we are also being told she is organized and tends to deal with stuff, not shy away from responsibility. But, she has no hospital bag, anything at all prepared?! 36 weeks is almost full term, women usually have some stuff ready to go already, just in case.
- Helen tells Megan so never had to buy presents for girls. Even if, by absurd, Helen had no nieces or younger cousins, she was a mother. Children do get invited to plenty of birthday parties throughout the years. She never bought one gift?
Fourth, there are hints and storylines started but never completed/explained. Samuel mentions sinking a u-boat in 1939? (I may have misunderstood, I should probably go back and reread that journal entry. Only I don’t want to.) Natasha saying Diane looks like a witch in that old photograph with Claire? She never was a witch, just dressed simply and lived on a farm, so why give such a hint in the first place, if you decided not to pursue this avenue? Also, was Samuel properly told who was his mother?
Fifth, the love story. This one is strongly related to my second point. I didn’t feel the characters, I didn’t feel Megan being very sad for what happened to/with Scott. I didn’t see any convincing feelings between Megan and Rick, besides lust. And I
Bottom line. It’s not a bad bad book, just a very average one. I didn’t find it particularly entertaining, but it was a quick read.
April 11, 2020
An exquisite book with such a beautiful story.
Weaving the past and present together, it reveals the history of families along with their love, struggles and heroic stories.
Within the first few pages, I was in love with this book. I instantly felt connected to the characters and felt as though I was right there with them.
There’s a bit of everything - history, romance and suspense, and also has the perfect amount of build up with the right amount of hints given to the reader along the way.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but definitely not the last! Definitely recommend!!!
Weaving the past and present together, it reveals the history of families along with their love, struggles and heroic stories.
Within the first few pages, I was in love with this book. I instantly felt connected to the characters and felt as though I was right there with them.
There’s a bit of everything - history, romance and suspense, and also has the perfect amount of build up with the right amount of hints given to the reader along the way.
This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, but definitely not the last! Definitely recommend!!!
March 9, 2020
I REALLY wish I had read this book on the heels of "Winter Cottage." There are so many characters involved that move over to this book, continuing the story. I has been a while since I read "Winter Cottage" and important details lost in between books, that it hindered my total enjoyment of this book. I loved "Winter Cottage." This book was very good and I was able to put together some pieces, but it would have been much better for me to read them back-to-back. I highly recommend this series, reading them in order immediately. Because there are many characters and details in both books, it would make much more sense to fully enjoy the stories. And, the series is a good one!
May 27, 2021
ספר חביב יחד עם זאת ריבוי דמויות ועלילות ב 350 עמודים זה קצת יותר מידי.
העלילה המרכזית מספרת את סיפורה של מייגן ביוקנאן. היא מתרחשת ב 2018 לאחר שארוסה נהרג בתאונת טייס. מייגן המאוד הרה מקבלת על עצמה פרוייקט שיקום ושיחזור של בית האביב ובית החורף, שאותם ירשה לוסי.
את הבתים בנה סב סבה ולא הצלחתי להבין כיצד הם עברו בירושה דווקא ללוסי אבל זה לא העיקר.
למייגן יש סודות שהיא אוצרת בתוכה. שבוע לפני החתונב היא נפרדה מארוסה ומבטלת את החתונה. הוא יוצא למשימה שבה מוצא את מותו. אימו הלן, מאשימה את מייגן במותו.
בקו העלילה המקביל מסופר על אבות אבותיה של מייגן ועל יומנים ומכתבים היסטורים שמתעדים את קורות המשפחה ושמייגן מוצאת .
הסיפור של דיאן, היה באמת מעניין הוא מתאר ילדות קשה בתחילת המאה ה 20 לאחר שאימא שלה מתה במהלך לידה ואביה שמבלה את זמנו בזפינות סוחר שולח את הבנות כל אחת למשפחה אחרת מבלי שבאמת יתעניין בהן.
קצת תעלומה, קצת רומנטיקה, קצת היסטוריה. חביב.
העלילה המרכזית מספרת את סיפורה של מייגן ביוקנאן. היא מתרחשת ב 2018 לאחר שארוסה נהרג בתאונת טייס. מייגן המאוד הרה מקבלת על עצמה פרוייקט שיקום ושיחזור של בית האביב ובית החורף, שאותם ירשה לוסי.
את הבתים בנה סב סבה ולא הצלחתי להבין כיצד הם עברו בירושה דווקא ללוסי אבל זה לא העיקר.
למייגן יש סודות שהיא אוצרת בתוכה. שבוע לפני החתונב היא נפרדה מארוסה ומבטלת את החתונה. הוא יוצא למשימה שבה מוצא את מותו. אימו הלן, מאשימה את מייגן במותו.
בקו העלילה המקביל מסופר על אבות אבותיה של מייגן ועל יומנים ומכתבים היסטורים שמתעדים את קורות המשפחה ושמייגן מוצאת .
הסיפור של דיאן, היה באמת מעניין הוא מתאר ילדות קשה בתחילת המאה ה 20 לאחר שאימא שלה מתה במהלך לידה ואביה שמבלה את זמנו בזפינות סוחר שולח את הבנות כל אחת למשפחה אחרת מבלי שבאמת יתעניין בהן.
קצת תעלומה, קצת רומנטיקה, קצת היסטוריה. חביב.
June 20, 2021
Greu de inteles la inceput, din cauza numarului mare de personaje si a pendularii intre trecut si prezent. Moartea unei mame lasa in urma sapte orfani, pe care tatal, plecat pe mare 10 luni pe an ii imparte la diferite familii, pentru a avea grija de ei. In prezent, Megan incearca sa isi dea seama care este trecutul Casei de Primvara, pe care o renoveaza si care este strans legata de soarta celor sapte copii si care este viitorul ei, de mama a unei orfane... dupa ce iti dai seama care este legatura dintre personaje, cartea are un farmec aparte, m-am bucurat sa o descopar pe aceasta scriitoare!
June 27, 2019
I really liked this book. Winter Cottage was my first Mary Ellen Taylor book and I really enjoyed it. What I liked about Spring House is that while we have Megan's story, we also get to know more about Lucy, Hank and Natasha. Spring House is a good telling of a story within a story. I really liked Megan and her struggle to deal with the death of her ex, being pregnant, and starting a new job. I didn't care for Scott's mother at all. I found her rude, pushy and very judgmental. I liked Rick and hope we will see more of him and Megan. Really good book, I highly recommend it.
October 15, 2021
Overall I enjoyed the book. However, the conversational dialogue between characters was amateurish. Such as all the exchanges ending in ‘Claire said’ or ‘Natasha asked’, there was little to no voice inflection noted nor attitude implied. At one point I wanted to throw a thesaurus at the writer so she’d use synonyms and definitely wondering if an editor had even read the conversational dialogue. It becomes tedious and annoying having every sentence end in ‘said’ or ‘asked’
April 10, 2020
This was a very enjoyable and interesting read. I really liked how the author divided who had what chapters. I also really liked how we got to know each character, bit by bit. The characters were easily likable, and some - not so likable? in a way and it was easy to understand their pain, their happiness and sadness..I would gladly read more from this author.
July 29, 2019
I wanted to love this book and part of me truly did. As a former resident of Norfolk, it was incredibly interesting to read a story based In the general vicinity. However, it was difficult to follow who all of the characters were and I frequently felt that I needed to break out a whiteboard to draw a family tree so I could see how everyone was related. It was only after I finished that I realized there was a tree in the front of the book, but it still wasn’t extremely helpful. I honestly feel as though I need to go back and re read it for things that I missed.
I will say that I did not put the book down and finished it in two days (a world record with kids running around). If you can keep everything straight, you will enjoy it as well.
I will say that I did not put the book down and finished it in two days (a world record with kids running around). If you can keep everything straight, you will enjoy it as well.
January 9, 2021
I enjoyed reading this book and didn’t expect the ending. There were two main plots that became progressively intertwined. I found Megan’s present day storyline a bit slow and liked Diane’s more. The pace picked up quickly towards the end. The family tree in this novel is complex and took me a while to figure out. Overall a sweet story that uncovers an interesting family history.
June 26, 2020
Great book! A tear jerker!
July 25, 2019
I liked this story and the cover is beautiful. This books has two parallel time lines. Megan who is restoring an old family hunting lodge on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Claire who was the caretaker in the early 1900's. I'm not a huge historical fan and this book seems to dwell in the past a little more than I cared for. We visit the Eastern Shore quite often and it was very easy to visualize the small town setting and characters. This is book two in a series, book 1 was Winter Cottage and some of the characters appear. It can be read as a stand alone. She appears to have several series available. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
August 5, 2021
Dopo la meravigliosa lettura del libro Segreti, bugie e una tazza di caffè sono tornata più che volentieri a Cape Hudson per scoprire la storia di Megan, personaggio che nel precedente libro appariva con un ruolo secondario anche se in rilievo rispetto ad altri.
Sulle spalle della giovane Megan c’è un pesante carico composto dall’imminente nascita della bambina che porta in grembo, concepita con Scott morto in guerra mesi prima, dalla madre che la vorrebbe di nuovo inserita nel settore del catering e dalla ‘suocera’ che pretende di avere le prove che quella bambina sia davvero sua nipote. Non in ultimo, da sempre, prova un’assenza di senso di stabilità acquisito fin dall’infanzia per i continui spostamenti che faceva con la famiglia.
Potrebbe apparire cinica per il suo modi freddo nel non affezionarsi troppo ai luoghi, o alle persone, in realtà Megan cerca di assorbire il calore e la quiete di un posto e dei suoi abitanti da portare con se nella nuova destinazione senza affezionarsi troppo e provare dolore.
Fin da piccola è appassionata alla storia, è un topo da biblioteca e le piace girovagare per gli edifici storici, ha abbandonato la laurea in giurisprudenza per il dottorato di storia e la passione per l’antiquariato è anche il suo lavoro.
La gravidanza le ha ulteriormente aumentato la paura del futuro e l’esigenza di mettere le mani vanti lavorando incessantemente e in più settori.
Tutti conoscono la sua infinita conoscenza degli oggetti, mobili o abitazioni storiche e la contattano per una consulenza o vendita.
Il giorno di inizio di sgombero della casa, che in origine era appartenuta al burbero Samuel, il nonno di Lucy, Megan si perde nel trovare oggetti particolari di cui ipotizza anche la storia delle persone a cui erano appartenuti, delle fotografie ingiallite, di lettere e diari.
L’amicizia che la lega a Lucy è indipendente da fatto che lavori per lei per la ristrutturazione sia di Spring House che di Winter Cottage, mentre non può dire lo stesso per Rick.
Lo sceriffo della zona è Rick, un giovane che, dopo la carriera militare, è tornato a Cape Hudson per stabilircisi. Possiede un profondo senso di lealtà che dimostra verso Samuel sopratutto da quando è morto e continua ad avere premure con Megan. È riservato, tutto d’un pezzo, generoso e disponibile. Il termine ‘un bravo ragazzo’ non riesce a esprimere bene il concetto riferendosi al suo personaggio.
Lucy, Natasha e Hank sono i protagonisti del precedente libro, in questa storia sono affiatati e con una parvenza di famiglia che si sta formando. Assieme agli altri personaggi secondari attribuiscono alla storia l’atmosfera del paese dove tutti si conoscono e niente può essere nascosto.
Utilizzando le lettere epistolari fra le sorelle Diane e Claire con dei flashback, e le pagine del diario di Samuel, l’autrice Mary Ellen Taylor inserisce eventi storici che iniziano dal 1900 e proseguono negli anni a seguire, come la seconda guerra mondiale, utilizzandole come dei pezzi di puzzle che vanno a comporre le storie delle famiglie che hanno vissuto a Cape Hudson.
Di rilievo è il racconto della vita che Diane che iniziano ai suoi dieci anni ed è molto interessante la ricostruzione storica, ma sopratutto le relazioni personali che la bambina vive mentre da bambina diventa una ragazza. Le esperienze la formeranno, lasciando intatta la sua genuinità e il ricordo della famiglia prima che fosse divisa.
I paesaggi sono da incanto, le descrizioni facilitano l’immaginazione della natura che avvolge ogni cosa, degli edifici e delle vie. Gli interni sono incantevoli e la differenza fra presente è passato è data dalla polvere e dalla muffa che il tempo ha lasciato sui libri, oggetti e fotografie.
Ribadisco che la scrittura dell’autrice è scorrevole, ammaliante e molto dolce, indubbiamente la traduzione ha avuto la sua parte, di certo il susseguirsi degli eventi, le caratterizzazioni e il fascino di scoprire il passato sono ben strutturati ed equilibrati.
L’unico neo è stato il fatto dei troppi nomi menzionati riferiti agli eventi passati, è vero che all’inizio del libro ci sono due alberi genealogici ma non è stato pratico fare avanti e indietro per capire ‘chi è imparentato con chi’.
Mi piace leggere storie di questo genere, dove una lettera scritta con una bella calligrafia, o una foto ingiallita, stuzzicano la curiosità e il bisogno di sapere di più. Sono cimeli storici che ci aiutano a non dimenticare il nostro passato, le nostre origini e donano la speranza che il futuro lo si può cambiare indipendentemente dal passato.
Sulle spalle della giovane Megan c’è un pesante carico composto dall’imminente nascita della bambina che porta in grembo, concepita con Scott morto in guerra mesi prima, dalla madre che la vorrebbe di nuovo inserita nel settore del catering e dalla ‘suocera’ che pretende di avere le prove che quella bambina sia davvero sua nipote. Non in ultimo, da sempre, prova un’assenza di senso di stabilità acquisito fin dall’infanzia per i continui spostamenti che faceva con la famiglia.
Potrebbe apparire cinica per il suo modi freddo nel non affezionarsi troppo ai luoghi, o alle persone, in realtà Megan cerca di assorbire il calore e la quiete di un posto e dei suoi abitanti da portare con se nella nuova destinazione senza affezionarsi troppo e provare dolore.
Fin da piccola è appassionata alla storia, è un topo da biblioteca e le piace girovagare per gli edifici storici, ha abbandonato la laurea in giurisprudenza per il dottorato di storia e la passione per l’antiquariato è anche il suo lavoro.
La gravidanza le ha ulteriormente aumentato la paura del futuro e l’esigenza di mettere le mani vanti lavorando incessantemente e in più settori.
Tutti conoscono la sua infinita conoscenza degli oggetti, mobili o abitazioni storiche e la contattano per una consulenza o vendita.
Il giorno di inizio di sgombero della casa, che in origine era appartenuta al burbero Samuel, il nonno di Lucy, Megan si perde nel trovare oggetti particolari di cui ipotizza anche la storia delle persone a cui erano appartenuti, delle fotografie ingiallite, di lettere e diari.
L’amicizia che la lega a Lucy è indipendente da fatto che lavori per lei per la ristrutturazione sia di Spring House che di Winter Cottage, mentre non può dire lo stesso per Rick.
Lo sceriffo della zona è Rick, un giovane che, dopo la carriera militare, è tornato a Cape Hudson per stabilircisi. Possiede un profondo senso di lealtà che dimostra verso Samuel sopratutto da quando è morto e continua ad avere premure con Megan. È riservato, tutto d’un pezzo, generoso e disponibile. Il termine ‘un bravo ragazzo’ non riesce a esprimere bene il concetto riferendosi al suo personaggio.
Lucy, Natasha e Hank sono i protagonisti del precedente libro, in questa storia sono affiatati e con una parvenza di famiglia che si sta formando. Assieme agli altri personaggi secondari attribuiscono alla storia l’atmosfera del paese dove tutti si conoscono e niente può essere nascosto.
Utilizzando le lettere epistolari fra le sorelle Diane e Claire con dei flashback, e le pagine del diario di Samuel, l’autrice Mary Ellen Taylor inserisce eventi storici che iniziano dal 1900 e proseguono negli anni a seguire, come la seconda guerra mondiale, utilizzandole come dei pezzi di puzzle che vanno a comporre le storie delle famiglie che hanno vissuto a Cape Hudson.
Di rilievo è il racconto della vita che Diane che iniziano ai suoi dieci anni ed è molto interessante la ricostruzione storica, ma sopratutto le relazioni personali che la bambina vive mentre da bambina diventa una ragazza. Le esperienze la formeranno, lasciando intatta la sua genuinità e il ricordo della famiglia prima che fosse divisa.
I paesaggi sono da incanto, le descrizioni facilitano l’immaginazione della natura che avvolge ogni cosa, degli edifici e delle vie. Gli interni sono incantevoli e la differenza fra presente è passato è data dalla polvere e dalla muffa che il tempo ha lasciato sui libri, oggetti e fotografie.
Ribadisco che la scrittura dell’autrice è scorrevole, ammaliante e molto dolce, indubbiamente la traduzione ha avuto la sua parte, di certo il susseguirsi degli eventi, le caratterizzazioni e il fascino di scoprire il passato sono ben strutturati ed equilibrati.
L’unico neo è stato il fatto dei troppi nomi menzionati riferiti agli eventi passati, è vero che all’inizio del libro ci sono due alberi genealogici ma non è stato pratico fare avanti e indietro per capire ‘chi è imparentato con chi’.
Mi piace leggere storie di questo genere, dove una lettera scritta con una bella calligrafia, o una foto ingiallita, stuzzicano la curiosità e il bisogno di sapere di più. Sono cimeli storici che ci aiutano a non dimenticare il nostro passato, le nostre origini e donano la speranza che il futuro lo si può cambiare indipendentemente dal passato.
September 20, 2021
Emanuela - per RFS
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Questo romanzo fa parte di una serie iniziata con Segreti, bugie e una tazza di caffè, dettaglio questo, che ho scoperto al termine del libro e solo grazie ai suggerimenti di Amazon. E’ un autoconclusivo che si può leggere singolarmente, ma ciò non toglie che affrontando la storia nel giusto ordine, le connessioni tra le numerose parentele risultano certamente più chiare.
La protagonista è Megan Buchanam: una ragazza madre alle prese con il restauro di un bellissimo cottage la cui proprietaria è Lucy, una giovane donna alle prese con una nipote adolescente la cui gestione è alquanto complessa e una nuova storia d’amore felice e appagante.
Il romanzo inizia con il funerale di Scott Jessup, un marines morto in un incidente in servizio. Il suo fantasma, è l’unica concessione “paranormale” a una storia che attraversa oltre cento anni, dai primi del novecento ai giorni nostri.
Il fidanzamento di Scott e Meghan si interrompe bruscamente a causa dell’infedeltá di lui. Purtroppo, la donna oltre che sola si ritrova improvvisamente incinta e costretta a crescere una figlia senza il padre.
Nonostante la gravidanza, Meghan porta avanti con grande perizia e capacità il proprio lavoro dirigendo i restauri del cottage. La sua empatia nei confronti degli oggetti antichi e la sua sensibilità verso le vibrazioni che essi racchiudono, la guidano verso le scelte corrette.
Mentre sgombra il cottage aiutata da Lucy e successivamente anche dalla suocera Helen, grazie a un pacco di lettere ben nascosto, Meghan scopre che Samuel Jessup, il vecchio proprietario, era legato in qualche modo alle sorelle Claire e Diane.
Facendo delle accurate indagini, Meghan ricostruirà la storia di Diane, la sorella minore, della quale si erano perse le tracce negli anni venti, e contemporaneamente riuscirà ad andare incontro a un nuovo amore con Rick Markham, un ex marine e commilitone di Scott, che ora ricopre il ruolo di sceriffo.
Un bel romanzo, appassionante e interessante grazie ai continui salti temporali e al ritmo, con il quale l’autrice dipana lentamente tutti i misteri dei protagonisti e dei loro discendenti.
Nel racconto si respira pienamente il fascino delle vecchie case e delle storie che esse riescono a nascondere e a trattenere tra le proprie mura.
Affascinante e da non perdere!
.
Questo romanzo fa parte di una serie iniziata con Segreti, bugie e una tazza di caffè, dettaglio questo, che ho scoperto al termine del libro e solo grazie ai suggerimenti di Amazon. E’ un autoconclusivo che si può leggere singolarmente, ma ciò non toglie che affrontando la storia nel giusto ordine, le connessioni tra le numerose parentele risultano certamente più chiare.
La protagonista è Megan Buchanam: una ragazza madre alle prese con il restauro di un bellissimo cottage la cui proprietaria è Lucy, una giovane donna alle prese con una nipote adolescente la cui gestione è alquanto complessa e una nuova storia d’amore felice e appagante.
Il romanzo inizia con il funerale di Scott Jessup, un marines morto in un incidente in servizio. Il suo fantasma, è l’unica concessione “paranormale” a una storia che attraversa oltre cento anni, dai primi del novecento ai giorni nostri.
Il fidanzamento di Scott e Meghan si interrompe bruscamente a causa dell’infedeltá di lui. Purtroppo, la donna oltre che sola si ritrova improvvisamente incinta e costretta a crescere una figlia senza il padre.
Nonostante la gravidanza, Meghan porta avanti con grande perizia e capacità il proprio lavoro dirigendo i restauri del cottage. La sua empatia nei confronti degli oggetti antichi e la sua sensibilità verso le vibrazioni che essi racchiudono, la guidano verso le scelte corrette.
Mentre sgombra il cottage aiutata da Lucy e successivamente anche dalla suocera Helen, grazie a un pacco di lettere ben nascosto, Meghan scopre che Samuel Jessup, il vecchio proprietario, era legato in qualche modo alle sorelle Claire e Diane.
Facendo delle accurate indagini, Meghan ricostruirà la storia di Diane, la sorella minore, della quale si erano perse le tracce negli anni venti, e contemporaneamente riuscirà ad andare incontro a un nuovo amore con Rick Markham, un ex marine e commilitone di Scott, che ora ricopre il ruolo di sceriffo.
Un bel romanzo, appassionante e interessante grazie ai continui salti temporali e al ritmo, con il quale l’autrice dipana lentamente tutti i misteri dei protagonisti e dei loro discendenti.
Nel racconto si respira pienamente il fascino delle vecchie case e delle storie che esse riescono a nascondere e a trattenere tra le proprie mura.
Affascinante e da non perdere!
July 9, 2019
In order to really know ourselves, and to enjoy each day and look forward to the future, we must fully embrace the past. This idea is beautifully realized in the intriguing women's fiction tale, "Spring House". Very special storyteller Mary Ellen Taylor brings forward the characters and story line from her previous work, "Winter Cottage", and adds new faces with their own compelling circumstances. Cape Hudson is a quaint old town on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Virginia, an area rich in history and its own rustic appeal. Megan Buchanan is a historian working there to help restore the "Winter Cottage Estate"--built by her own great-great-grandfather--to its former splendor. Pregnant, and grieving over the loss of her fiance, Megan hopes the work will bring back a sense of order and purpose and help hear clear the way to a happy life with her child. While there is much to be done at the main house, it is the "Spring House", the caretaker's cottage, which opens up an unexpected realm for Megan. Through the discovery of old letters written long ago, Megan comes to know a young woman from another time, a young woman who, like Megan, has secrets to keep. As each letter is read, more and more of the past is revealed, and Megan is drawn deeper into the connection between past and present. When the final truth is told, and all questions are answered, will the families of "Spring House" and "Winter Cottage" truly be home at last? For a real reader's treat, enjoy "Winter Cottage" first, and then quickly follow with "Spring House".
Book Copy Gratis Author
Book Copy Gratis Author
February 23, 2023
Primăvară târzie, romanul scris de Mary Ellen Taylor și apărut la Editura Litera, mi-a încălzit sufletul zilele trecute. Am zis eu că iarna caut mai mult thrillerele, că poveștile pline de suspans și adrenalină sunt cele care pun sângele în mișcare. Dar aveam nevoie de altceva. Simțeam cum tânjește sufletul după o poveste caldă, cu accente domestice și emoții cât cuprinde.
Știam că voi merge la sigur dacă voi alege această poveste. Mary Ellen Taylor își încarcă până la refuz istoriile cu emoție, povești din trecut sau legături care stârnesc empatie și senzații familiare, din acelea care furnică pielea și cuceresc inimi. Poveștile astea mi se cuibăresc în suflet, mă încălzesc pe interior și îmi iau cu asalt toate trăirile.
Când citesc, simt că nu mai există alte probleme pe lume. Le trăiesc pe cele ale personajelor, le resimt și le preiau pe umerii mei pentru o vreme. Iar personajele din cartea asta sunt vii, temătoare, nesigure, vulnerabile. Dau impresia că sunt desprinse din viața reală.
https://ancasicartile.ro/primavara-ta...
Știam că voi merge la sigur dacă voi alege această poveste. Mary Ellen Taylor își încarcă până la refuz istoriile cu emoție, povești din trecut sau legături care stârnesc empatie și senzații familiare, din acelea care furnică pielea și cuceresc inimi. Poveștile astea mi se cuibăresc în suflet, mă încălzesc pe interior și îmi iau cu asalt toate trăirile.
Când citesc, simt că nu mai există alte probleme pe lume. Le trăiesc pe cele ale personajelor, le resimt și le preiau pe umerii mei pentru o vreme. Iar personajele din cartea asta sunt vii, temătoare, nesigure, vulnerabile. Dau impresia că sunt desprinse din viața reală.
https://ancasicartile.ro/primavara-ta...
October 24, 2019
I so badly want to give this 4 stars, like Winter Cottage. I love that it dove deeper and continued the story. Unfortunately the “family tree/s” were complicated without physically referring back to Winter Cottage. It’s not believable that Meg didn’t put her foot down to Helen earlier. She is not a weak woman. The story felt very rushed -particularly the last third. Another 100 pages with more meat and depth to Meg and Rick’s relationship would make this a four.
April 9, 2022
An enjoyable read - especially for those who dig historical fiction and parallel stories that bridge the past and present. Predictable, but in a comforting and reassuring way, not in a bad way.
October 23, 2020
Spring House is the second book in a series (Winter Cottage being first) by Taylor. I have to say, I actually enjoyed this one more than the first. The characters were more compelling (despite a lot being crossed-over from the first) and the plot points not quite as outlandish as the first.
Megan is pregnant, on her biggest job ever, and trying to keep her life together after her ex-fiance (and father of her child) died. Hired by Lucy (of the first book) to restore the property she inherited, she is in charge of every aspect of the project, including going through the memories and histories attached. It's there they learn of Diane Jessup, a young girl who was part of a family that broke apart after the mother's death and sent the sisters scattered to different employers to try to make their way in the world. But Diane doesn't end up the luckiest, paired with a con-woman and her dangerous sidekick.
Megan is an empathetic character. She's stuck with some terrible events that happened and is making the best of it. She also really has a passion for what she's doing and digging into historical records makes her happy, of which there's tons in the Spring House. Lucy and her sister take a back seat in this one since it's Megan's story, but it's still nice to see them pop up from time to time. And Rick, well, just like Hank of the first book I found the male lead kind of flat, it's really the women in this book that are further developed characters.
This one didn't have quite the excitement as the first. There was some, but it was more toned down and actually seemed more appropriate for the story. The book still bounces around in time, between the present day with Megan and the past with Diane; and there are scattered journal logs from a ship's captain around the same time as Diane (which, point of note, in the kindle edition the script of those letters is SO tough to read). The bouncing around between times was done well and despite my use of the word bouncing, actually flowed pretty seamlessly. My only wish is that more of the house renovation was shown; but maybe that's a future book.
My favorite of the series so far, but make sure you read Winter Cottage before this one just for the background.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
Megan is pregnant, on her biggest job ever, and trying to keep her life together after her ex-fiance (and father of her child) died. Hired by Lucy (of the first book) to restore the property she inherited, she is in charge of every aspect of the project, including going through the memories and histories attached. It's there they learn of Diane Jessup, a young girl who was part of a family that broke apart after the mother's death and sent the sisters scattered to different employers to try to make their way in the world. But Diane doesn't end up the luckiest, paired with a con-woman and her dangerous sidekick.
Megan is an empathetic character. She's stuck with some terrible events that happened and is making the best of it. She also really has a passion for what she's doing and digging into historical records makes her happy, of which there's tons in the Spring House. Lucy and her sister take a back seat in this one since it's Megan's story, but it's still nice to see them pop up from time to time. And Rick, well, just like Hank of the first book I found the male lead kind of flat, it's really the women in this book that are further developed characters.
This one didn't have quite the excitement as the first. There was some, but it was more toned down and actually seemed more appropriate for the story. The book still bounces around in time, between the present day with Megan and the past with Diane; and there are scattered journal logs from a ship's captain around the same time as Diane (which, point of note, in the kindle edition the script of those letters is SO tough to read). The bouncing around between times was done well and despite my use of the word bouncing, actually flowed pretty seamlessly. My only wish is that more of the house renovation was shown; but maybe that's a future book.
My favorite of the series so far, but make sure you read Winter Cottage before this one just for the background.
Review by M. Reynard 2020
September 29, 2020
This one was a solid story that takes place in the same town as Winter Cottage. It was pretty sad in places, and the characters, especially the historical ones, really drew me in. It was nice that the MCs of the previous book were also woven into this one as well. I have to say that the heroine of this story, Megan, was a much better person than I. The mother of her ex-fiance was unbearable.
I appreciated that this was a clean read. All intimacy was behind closed doors. There was also no OP drama, which is also earns extra bonus points. Overall a solid read.
I appreciated that this was a clean read. All intimacy was behind closed doors. There was also no OP drama, which is also earns extra bonus points. Overall a solid read.
March 30, 2023
really good, loved the story, loved the history, i love doing family history and this was wonderful to see and hear the stories. wish their were more stories like this'
November 13, 2023
It was ok - took a little rest while I read another book but came back to finish. It's funny how one book by an author can excite you and maybe the next you find is 'ok.' This one was ok - to me anyway. Nice history on the east coast.
May 8, 2020
Meg had cancelled her wedding 2 weeks before the wedding date. Then her groom to be Scottie was killed in active duty.
Later we see:
Meg, a historian and antiques expert is helping to redo a historical,significant property in modern times. She is also very pregnant. The Winter House and Spring House property hold many mysteries that started with a Family torn apart by their mother's death in the 1900s.
Later we see:
Meg, a historian and antiques expert is helping to redo a historical,significant property in modern times. She is also very pregnant. The Winter House and Spring House property hold many mysteries that started with a Family torn apart by their mother's death in the 1900s.
June 24, 2019
The follow on book from The Winter Cottage, characters reappear but the story is about Megan Buchanan, heavily pregnant, single, ( having walked away from her fiance 2 weeks before the wedding) who is restoring Spring House for her friend Lucy
(Winter Cottage). The story switches between the present and the past and is fascinating. It moves between Cape Hudson and France with ease and you move along with the characters, actually caring about them. It delights me that the acclaimed thriller writer Mary Burton can write such cosy, elegant and warm hearted books such as this. I was actually sorry when I finished reading the book, I enjoyed it so much
(Winter Cottage). The story switches between the present and the past and is fascinating. It moves between Cape Hudson and France with ease and you move along with the characters, actually caring about them. It delights me that the acclaimed thriller writer Mary Burton can write such cosy, elegant and warm hearted books such as this. I was actually sorry when I finished reading the book, I enjoyed it so much
June 25, 2019
Spring House can be read as a standalone; however, it is truly a continuation of Winter Cottage, with the focus on different characters. Spring House's protagonists are the very pregnant Megan in the present day and Diane (Claire's sister) in the past. Again, the author does a magnificent job of interweaving past and present. I found myself equally enthralled with both storylines. With more of Claire and Diane's siblings to learn about, I'm really hoping there will be more novels based on these characters.
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