Review: A Haven on Orchard Lane

A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

MY REVIEW
I have loved every Lawana Blackwell book I've read, and this one is no exception. I could fill this review with all the positive splendepherous words to describe it and it still would not be adequate. This is an amazing slice of life in 1880s rural England. The culture shines. The research is top notch. The care for characters is quite tender. The best read this year.

I love the community, and small town rendition. I think these people already exist somewhere and Blackwell met them, fell in love with them, and wrote about them. They are all 4-dimensional characters (even the supporting roles). Everyone was in character both in actions as well as dialogue. In fact, the dialogue is quite sparkling. The romance reminds me of Jane Austin.

As I get older, I appreciate older characters more and more. Charlotte is a gem, and I can so much empathize with her. Great faith lessons, too. I'm putting this one in the must read column!

I received this book from the publisher at Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

ABOUT THE BOOK
In difficult circumstances, Charlotte Ward, once a famed stage actress, tries to restart her career--only to experience disaster. Against her better judgment, her estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village.

Charlotte is grateful to get to know Rosalind after years apart. As one who has regrets about her own romantic past, it's a joy for Charlotte to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching--and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could be more complicated than romance?

Together, mother and daughter discover that healing is best accomplished when they focus less on themselves and more on the needs of others.

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