I enjoyed reading book three of the Honey Ridge series so I had to read book one to see how it started. Excellent, I loved both families during different time periods who inhabited the home at Peach Orchard Farms and how they overcame difficulties put on them, or of their own making. I now want to read book two. ( )

well written story of 2 different women in 2 different times (present day and during the Civil War) who have difficult lives but manage to overcome. There is a romance for each but the central theme is really overcoming tragedy. My favorite character was Eli who was the modern day hero. He had been an out of control rich kid who ended up in prison, totally disowned by his family. He is out now and totally down on his luck when he becomes the heroine's handy man in order to provide for the son he has only now found out he has a six year old son born while he was in prison. His character was really the most clearly defined of any in the book and I just loved how he accepted his situation was his own fault and how he'd changed and was determined to lead a better life and be a better man for his son. ( )

4.5 stars.

The Memory House by Linda Goodnight is a heartfelt novel of redemption, forgiveness and healing. This beautifully written story has two gentle and sweet romances that take place in two different time periods, but they both tie together in the present at a renovated plantation which is now a Bed and Breakfast. It is a very charming novel with very light supernatural elements that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend.

In the present, Julia Presley is still deeply mourning the loss of her son six years earlier, but opening the B&B with her sister Valery has given her a measure of peace. She is slowly rebuilding the life that slipped away during her deep depression after losing her son Mikey and she loves taking care the visitors that stay at the Peach Orchard Inn. While she and Valery completed many of the renovations on their property, there is still work that needs to be in some of the outlying buildings and she agrees to newcomer Eli Donovan's offer to complete the project at a steep discount along with room and board.

Eli and Julia are both struggling to overcome the tragedies of their respective pasts. Julia is a little further along in the healing process while Eli is just beginning to pick up the pieces of his tattered life. Both are keeping secrets but Eli's are much more serious and could have a detrimental effect on Julia's emotional well being and her B&B. Right away, Eli is forced to admit the reason he is town is his young son Alex and while Julia is dismayed at this revelation, she allows him to continue working for her. But it is not until unforeseen circumstances force Eli to take more responsibility for Alex that true healing begins for Eli, Alex and surprisingly, Julia.

In the past, Charlotte Reed Portland finds her life upended when Union soldiers arrive at the plantation where she lives with her husband and young son, Benjamin. She unexpected finds common ground with Captain William "Will" Gadsden as they work together nursing his wounded men. Their feelings for one another soon run much deeper than friendship but there seems to be no future for them since Charlotte is married and Will eventually returns to battle. Will and Charlotte secretly exchange letters that Julia and Eli discover during the B&B renovations and they are both captivated by the Civil War era romance that has a few parallels to the difficulties they are currently experiencing.

Although Linda Goodnight tackles some very serious topics in The Memory House, the novel is surprisingly free of angst and very uplifting. The storyline is hopeful as both Julia and Eli break free from the sorrow of their pasts while they unexpectedly find love. Their romance is sweet and while it is slow growing, this makes their relationship more believable. All in all, it is an immensely satisfying journey of healing and redemption that fans of contemporary romances are sure to love. ( )

Author Linda Goodnight's "The Memory House" is a compelling tale of grief, loss and redemption, and the ultimate power of love and faith. A dual storyline of contemporary and Civil War Era Tennessee weaves together the past, present, and future to offer a richly atmospheric tapestry for the reader's imagination. In present day, Julia Presley devotes herself to operating the Peach Orchard Inn. Caring for her guests and providing for their comforts keeps her busy and helps her to survive. The unsolved abduction of her son six years ago and the subsequent dissolution of her marriage had left Julia bereft. The daily matters of management of the inn had given her purpose--a reason to get up each day and keep moving forward. Eli Donovan, a man at a crossroads of conscience, had given up a life of privilege for the prison life. After seven years, he is free, but unsure of what "freedom" really means for him. Unexpected news that he is the father of a son whose mother has passed away is a jolt to his already jangled sense of place. Fate will bring Julia and Eli together, and time will lead them to healing, friendship, and more. However, time also has other plans for the two of them, and the discovery of haunting love letters from the past will propel them into an unexpected journey which will forever change their lives. Settle down into your favorite reading spot, sip some of the peach tea like Julia serves her guests, and enjoy this lovely and involving romantic story.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine ( )

A wonderful story about life, about how to cope with the loss of a child and how to learn to move on. How to let yourself enjoy life a bit, even though it will never be the same again. A very nice little piece of art, told in a calm and respectful way, altering between two different time periods. Nothing too dramatic, just... life. ( )