What a great book! I've always been a fan of Louisa May Alcott and I enjoyed this portrayl of her. The characters are intriguing and the story line is unique. It also addresses adoption and domestic violence. A definite must read! ( )

(3.5 / 5)

After a difficult childhood, Taylor is adopted by her best friend's parents. But sisterhood is not all it's cracked up to be, and Taylor ends up leaving home at 21 with the determination to never see her family again. However, when informed 18 years later that her adopted mother is going through treatment for cancer, she returns home. But what starts as a brief visit turns into something more as old wounds are re-opened and this make-shift family struggles to make sense of present struggles. That's when Taylor and her sister stumble across a story that captivates them and helps distract from real life. In the 1860s, the death of a soldier sparked a friendship between the soldier's sister, Johanna, and Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. This friendship, and the life and marriage of Johanna, were hidden away for 150 years, to be discovered by Taylor and Victoria just when the story could most affect their lives.

I spent the first half of this book uncertain about a lot of it. Two different storylines had to be established--both the past and the present--and the present one covered several years in a few chapters. Even when the story slowed down and started unfolding in the present day, I struggled to get into it. Taylor's adolescence had turned her into a confused, broken woman, and she essentially second-guessed her decisions, thoughts, emotions, and reactions every step of the way. And I questioned often what the past storyline had to do with the present one. It was a slow build, to be sure. It did pick up in the second half, but for a while, all I could think about was how terrible each of the characters seemed to be, in one way or the other.

The main thing that I really liked about the story was the way the Christian message was presented. While some reviewers found it "too religious," I spent at least half the book wondering how on earth this had been labeled as Christian. But the slow build I mentioned earlier can also be applied to the way the main characters learned to first believe in and then trust in Someone bigger than themselves. Though in the end, I felt the "conversions" and overall Christian message were a little light, I still liked the way they shaped up.

There were some things in the book that confused me, and I re-read some passages more than once trying to understand. As an example, Louisa was said to have 2 sisters, but over the course of time 3 were mentioned--Anna, Nan, and Amy. However, Anna and Nan were the same person, and while the author did seem to realize we needed that explanation (I certainly did), it didn't come until after the sister was referred to by both names at least once. There are other things that confused me too, but fortunately there was less of this in the second half too.

I think that people who love Louisa May Alcott's books, or at least have read one or more of them, might enjoy this book. Though Louisa herself is only a small part of the story, her books and lasting effect on future fans are prevalent themes. I'll admit to having a different view of a particular aspect of Little Women than the author (or at least than the main character), but as fiction, it's certainly open to interpretation. If you're looking for a light Christian read, this is not it. It's full of drama and covers some dark topics such as abandonment, abuse (both physical and emotional), and betrayal. If you like time-split novels and stories about finding "home" or families trying to piece themselves back together, you might enjoy this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. for providing me a copy of this book to review. ( )

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli is a fascinating historical novel. It is a dual timeline story. Taylor and Victoria are estranged sisters. Victoria betrayed Taylor’s trust which caused Taylor to run away and not communicate with her family for the last sixteen years. Taylor learns that her adoptive mother has cancer and returns home. This is a chance to reconnect with her family and heal old wounds. In 1865, Johanna Suhre has been corresponding with Louisa May Alcott regarding her brother, John who was nursed by the author. Johanna wants to spread her wings and gets the offer to tend the Alcott house while Louisa travels as a companion to Europe. At Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft. She falls in love with the charming man, and they marry. Unfortunately, Johanna soon learns that there is another side to her husband. I like how these two-story lines tied together. I thought The Orchard House was well-written with developed characters. The book has gentle pacing which suits the story. Louisa May Alcott along with her family, her writings, and Orchard House are prominently featured in past and present. I could tell that that the author did her research for this novel as the historical information shined. I enjoyed learning more about Louisa Mae Alcott and Orchard House. Heidi Chivaroli captured Louisa May Alcott. The author tackled difficult topics in this time-slip novel. Domestic abuse, insecurities regarding self-worth, feelings of not belonging, betrayal, and a cancer diagnose, and treatment are some of the topics in the book. Two sisters must find a way to overcome the past to become close again while dealing with betrayal and abuse. Faith and God is woven into the story as well. Our characters go through some challenging times which draws them closer to each other and God. The Orchard House is an engaging novel with a satisfying ending. We see the importance of communication, forgiveness, faith, and to never give up hope. Johanna and Louisa as well as Taylor and Victoria shared a connection. The women may not always agree with each other, but they knew they could count on each other. I like how we get to know Louisa and Johanna through letters. It breaks up the dialogue and gives the novel another layer. The Orchard House is a captivating time-slip novel with squabbling sisters, a heartless husband, long letters, an affluent author, an infirm mother, unflagging faith, and a faithful family. ( )

Ms. Chiavaroli is a masterful storyteller as she weaves past and present into a story that is beautiful but complicated with a subtle underpinning of faith.
From the first page, I cared about Taylor and not just her story. Taylor is on a journey to meet her past head-on and find what is truly meaningful in life. “Maybe I could find myself. If not myself or peace, then maybe I could brave the waters of optimism and at least search out that dangerous, elusive thing I’d feared too long...hope.”
The setting was magical because of its historical significance and the peek into the life of Louisa Alcott. It is written with an appreciation for all things Louisa and Concord, Massachusetts and at the same time it tells the struggles of an adopted child to fit in and belong.
I like that the subjects of PTSD and domestic abuse were dealt with but the ending was not tied up in a nice bow. Yet there is hope presented throughout the characters journeys, past and present.
An excellent book from an accomplished author.
*I borrowed this book from the library. All opinions are my own.* ( )

I was hooked from the start as the author introduces a hurting young lady, named Taylor in “1995 Concord, Massachusetts, she thinks, “Thirteen isn’t quite grown-up, but it’s old enough for a girl to realize that hope can be a dangerous thing.”

I was amazed at how well Heidi tapped into who Louise Alcott was in her personal and professional life in both current and historical timelines. Furthermore, I liked how the author revealed facts about Louise Alcott (many of it in Alcott’s words from her journals) and that of her family life through the use of tour guides at the Orchard House in the current timeline. Not only that, but I liked how Heidi applied Louise Alcott’s life’s principles in the current story line as Louise was a strong woman, a freethinker, who worked hard to overcome poverty, and depression. She was a woman ahead of her time.

I am fascinated at how many people adore Louise Abbott and her novel the little Women. Louise Alcott was a multi-talented lady who wrote short Stories, Plays, and poems (in her name and in her pen name) not only that she volunteered as a nurse’s aide in the war effort. The author brings that out in this novel. I did not know that you could visit Louise’s child home called The Orchard House. I enjoyed going there and seeing it through the characters eyes (present and past) The author’s love for Louise May Alcott and this house shine throughout this story.

This novel is a grand adventure you will not want to miss. I liked that each chapter started with a quote from Louise Alcott. This book would work well for your book club pick it’s rich in character and has a story that will tug at your heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org ( )