Memories - we all have them, good and bad. So when I had the opportunity to read this book about inanimate objects containing memories, I was intrigued. Here is a description of the book, followed by my review.
Memory House (Memory House Collection #1) by Bette Lee Crosby
ISBN: 9780996080392
Published: April 14, 2015
Published by: Bent Pine Publishing
E-book, 178 pages
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
Is it possible for a memory to outlive its owner? Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she's been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she's near ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety. Before time runs out Ophelia must find a successor. Someone who can take hold of the gift and keep the memories from fading. When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.
My Review:
Reviewed by Sandra Olshaski
I've discovered a new author in the form of Bette Lee Crosby. I started with What the Heart Remembers (see my recent review on this blog) realizing in a short period of time that I'd like to know more about one of the main characters, Ophelia Browne. Having read Memory House Collection #3, I'm now going back to #1 and 2 to see where the story for this collection began.
Ophelia Browne is the owner of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast where she has lived for 70 years, coming to it as a newlywed with her beloved husband, Edward. This fey, almost 90-year-old has a unique talent for caring for other people's memories…."hand-me-down memories." She worries that she won't be able to find the right person to pass along her gift.
Enter Annie Cross, who stumbles upon Memory House, becomes fast friends with Ophelia as they share dandelion tea, wonderful conversations and Ophelia's garden. Ophelia makes her own potpourri that gives off the fragrance of whatever you like, whatever evokes memories good and bad. As for other memories connected with objects, Ophelia says "good memories attach themselves to an inanimate object and stay there until the right person comes along. When they find a soul that welcomes them, those memories live again." Oh my! Is Annie Cross "the right person?"
There are a number of elements in this story that keep the reader intrigued – mystery, the past, lost loves, bad memories and heart-warming ones. I'm looking forward to reading the second installment, The Loft. Look for my review coming soon.
Disclosure by Sandra: Thanks to Bette Lee Crosby for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books are "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances." - Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."
Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."
"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.
There are a number of elements in this story that keep the reader intrigued – mystery, the past, lost loves, bad memories and heart-warming ones. I'm looking forward to reading the second installment, The Loft. Look for my review coming soon.
Disclosure by Sandra: Thanks to Bette Lee Crosby for sending me this book for review. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling and Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby's books are "Well-crafted storytelling populated by memorable characters caught up in equally memorable circumstances." - Midwest Book Review
The Seattle Post Intelligencer says Crosby's writing is, "A quirky mix of Southern flair, serious thoughts about important things in life and madcap adventures."
Samantha from Reader's Favorite raves, "Crosby writes the type of book you can’t stop thinking about long after you put it down."
"Storytelling is in my blood," Crosby laughingly admits, "My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write."
It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win twenty awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President's Book Award Gold Medal, Reader's Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer's Choice Award.
What a unique premise for a story! Your review makes me want to read this series.
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