Award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli transports readers across time and place in this time-slip novel that will appeal to fans of Little Women.
Two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and another in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and search for a place to belong.
2001
Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott’s historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability . . . until Victoria’s betrayal changes everything.
1865
While Louisa May Alcott is off traveling the world, Johanna Suhre accepts a job tending Louisa’s aging parents and their home in Concord. Soon after arriving at Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft and, ignoring Louisa’s words of caution, falls in love and accepts Nathan’s proposal. But before long, Johanna experiences her husband’s dark side, and she can’t hide the bruises that appear.
2019
After receiving news of Lorraine Bennett’s cancer diagnosis, Taylor knows she must return home to see her adoptive mother again. Now a successful author, Taylor is determined to spend little time in Concord. Yet she becomes drawn into the story of a woman who lived there centuries before. And through her story, Taylor may just find forgiveness and a place to belong.
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Sexual Content - 1/5
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Violence - 1/5
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Language - 0/5
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Drugs and Alcohol - 0/5
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Summary
The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli was an emotional read. This is not a light hearted escape, this story will suck you in and rip out your heart and try to put it back together.
The story takes part in three different time periods. Taylor as a teen to college and then current day as an adult with a thriving career. In addition, we have the story of Louisa and Johanna.
Taylor was a girl trying to fit in after her family abandons her. Even when her best friend’s family adopts her, she struggles to fit in and feel like she belongs. Years later with a thriving career she is still trying to feel whole.
I really struggled with Victoria’s betrayal. This might be a trigger for readers who have been betrayed by a friend/sister/anyone. Another trigger would be domestic abuse. The author deals with some tough topics in The Orchard House
I enjoyed the Author notes in the back that explained how much of the story was based on actual events regarding Louisa, John and Johanna.
I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.