Ellen Baker and her fabulous debut novel KEEPING THE HOUSE recently kept me from doing too many things I should have been doing, but I loved every minute of it. In these pages you'll meet the Mickelsons--a sad, fascinating, resilient family. Their story spans from the late 1890s to 1950 and it's full of family secrets and regrets and characters you'll carry around with you long after the final line. Ellen does a wonderful job of wrapping things up with some of the edges neatly hemmed and others still ragged. And in Dolly, who, through exploring the mystery of the Mickelsons also finds herself, you'll meet a main character who's just perfect--in that imperfect, flawed way that is so human.
This was one of those books where I was torn because I wanted to race through it to find everything out but kept slowing down to savor my time with these characters who came to feel like friends. I promise--you'll love it.
6 comments:
There's only one thing to do with a book like that - read it twice!
There's not much better than a book recommendation from an author who's own wonderful debut novel I devoured in two sittings. Lucky you Judy -- the rest of us will have to wait for this book to be published!
Janet--definitely ( I like the way you think!). Then, pass it on. Or better yet, give it as a gift.
Lisa--I wouldn't do that to you--it's available now.
Gosh, I don't know what happened -- I linked last night and could have sworn it was available for preorder. I'm losing my mind!
I was honored to write a blurb for Keeping the House and I meant every word of praise I wrote. It's a wonderful read and I hope everyone will support this sweetheart author. I love the book and her! And, of course, I feel the same about All The Numbers and Judy Merrill Larsen.
Oh, Bev, you are such a sweetheart yourself. John and I were just talking about how much fun we had with you in New Orleans--can't wait to do it again.
Weren't we lucky to get to read ARCs of this book, though?
Love to you and Butch!
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