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Coleman #1
The Jessabelle House
The Coleman Family of Nantucket hides a heartbreaking secret. When Samantha's Great-Aunt Jessabelle passes away and leaves her a beautiful house on the bluffs, she's forced to reckon with her family's very dark past.
Can the truth bring her family back together again?
The Coleman Family of Nantucket is a piece of work. Samantha's father, Roland, is obsessed with image and money, so much so that Sam's career as a social worker who specializes in addiction recovery is a "stain" on the Coleman reputation.
Now, Samantha is forty-five years old and newly divorced. The further she gets from her relationship with her ex-husband, Daniel, the more she understands she married a manipulative and cruel individual, one not unlike her father. How did that happen?
When her Great-Aunt Jessabelle passes away and leaves her home to Samantha, Sam and her daughters, Darcy and Rachelle, begin refurbishment on The Jessabelle House, a glorious house not far from the town of Siasconset on Nantucket. Once there, Samantha discovers her aunt's diaries, which reveal dramatic secrets from the past -- and still more reasons not to trust the Colemans.
As Samantha dives deeper into her family's history and Jessabelle's stories, she finds herself learning more about what it means to be a powerful woman who knows who she is and what she wants.
More than that, she learns the present is just as complicated as the past ever was. If the Colemans are willing to open their hearts and start anew, Samantha just might have the tools to help them come back together again. But they'll have to start talking to her, first.
The Jessabelle House is book one of The Coleman Series, a heart-wrenching yet hopeful family drama that unfolds between the glittering shores of Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard.
Can the truth bring her family back together again?
The Coleman Family of Nantucket is a piece of work. Samantha's father, Roland, is obsessed with image and money, so much so that Sam's career as a social worker who specializes in addiction recovery is a "stain" on the Coleman reputation.
Now, Samantha is forty-five years old and newly divorced. The further she gets from her relationship with her ex-husband, Daniel, the more she understands she married a manipulative and cruel individual, one not unlike her father. How did that happen?
When her Great-Aunt Jessabelle passes away and leaves her home to Samantha, Sam and her daughters, Darcy and Rachelle, begin refurbishment on The Jessabelle House, a glorious house not far from the town of Siasconset on Nantucket. Once there, Samantha discovers her aunt's diaries, which reveal dramatic secrets from the past -- and still more reasons not to trust the Colemans.
As Samantha dives deeper into her family's history and Jessabelle's stories, she finds herself learning more about what it means to be a powerful woman who knows who she is and what she wants.
More than that, she learns the present is just as complicated as the past ever was. If the Colemans are willing to open their hearts and start anew, Samantha just might have the tools to help them come back together again. But they'll have to start talking to her, first.
The Jessabelle House is book one of The Coleman Series, a heart-wrenching yet hopeful family drama that unfolds between the glittering shores of Nantucket Island and Martha's Vineyard.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2023
3296 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
Katie Winters
124 books406 followersKatie writes women's fiction and clean, wholesome contemporary romance. She looks to everyday, real-life family issues to weave stories of heartfelt emotions, love and loss, and everything in between.
Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.
Join my newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/30cqGnI
Come transport yourself to Martha's Vineyard: an island of vivid blue ocean, white sand, and a lively community of locals, who celebrate everything from the bright New England summers to the cold, yet cozy, snowcapped winters.
Join my newsletter for updates: https://bit.ly/30cqGnI
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 10, 2024
Mainly I enjoyed the book, BUT: The constant misuse of the "I" vs "me" gets on my nerves. Tip for author: before you overuse "I", say the sentence without the name of the person "did you know about your Dad and I's" and say it without "your Dad" -- "did you know about I's? problems? Is that what you really would say or would it be more like "our" or in this case, "my". I am now reading the next book in the series but each time I see "I" misused in an attempt to sound more intelligent, very sorry, but it grates on my nerves. Too many people are doing the same thing in an effort to correct the old common problem of using "me" when it should be "I", but that is not as hard to take as using "I" when it should be "me". I doubt this will get posted for public display which is too bad because too many people are doing it. I hope I can continue reading the series.
Other than the above problem, the book is very good. I would know that because I stayed up most of the night to finish it and move on to the next volume.
Other than the above problem, the book is very good. I would know that because I stayed up most of the night to finish it and move on to the next volume.
May 10, 2023
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
The Jessabelle House is book 1 in the Coleman series by Katie Winters and looks to be another great series.
What happens when your aunt passes away and leaves you her Victorian house just when your life has been turned upside down…
Starting over, secrets from the past, finding out what you’re made of, standing up to family, twists, turns and more. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
The Jessabelle House is book 1 in the Coleman series by Katie Winters and looks to be another great series.
What happens when your aunt passes away and leaves you her Victorian house just when your life has been turned upside down…
Starting over, secrets from the past, finding out what you’re made of, standing up to family, twists, turns and more. Looking forward to the next book in the series!
January 5, 2024
The Jessabelle House by Katie Winters
Coleman #1
5h 41m narrated by Courtney Patterson, 200 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Nantucket, Massachusetts; Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; May, Divorcée, Addiction Counseling, Social Worker, Family Name, Family Drama, Drug Addiction, Starting Over Trope, Adult Children, Multiple Timelines, Diary, Home Renovation, Secrets
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "What'll I Do" by Janet Jackson, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler "On My Own" by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald, "Tougher Than the Rest" by Bruce Springsteen
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏡🏝
My thoughts: 📱8% 25:56 Ch. 3 - That was a very odd way to end a chapter, but given my experience with this author and death in the last book I read, I'm not too surprised. I love the house on the cover. I'm pausing this story so it can be my reward for finishing my other book, and then I can go back to Martha's Vineyard with Vineyard Sunset #15. This story seems a little popcorn, but it's interesting.
Dido wasn't on the radio in 1995. This story wasn't researched well so I started to ignore the historical aspects, including the '90s, and there were some inconsistencies like when she referred to her great-great-grandfather as her great-grandfather. I've realized that Winters writes popcorn drama in a simple form which has its place in literature but I was looking for more substance and I didn't appreciate the cliffhanger. I won't be continuing this series anytime soon. I'm going to read A Vineyard Spring and then put a pin in this author for a while.
Recommend to others: Honestly no although it is a beautiful cover. This was pretty but a B soap drama and there are better versions of it out there. This is a good option if you're looking for instant dramatic fluff.
Coleman
1. The Jessabelle House (2023)
2. Love Runs Deep (2023)
3. Waves of Time (2023)
4. Threads of Hope (2023)
5. Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies (2023)
6. Heart of Christmas (2023)
7. Winter Sun (2024)
8. Stroke of Luck (2024)
Coleman #1
5h 41m narrated by Courtney Patterson, 200 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Featuring: Nantucket, Massachusetts; Oak Bluffs, Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; May, Divorcée, Addiction Counseling, Social Worker, Family Name, Family Drama, Drug Addiction, Starting Over Trope, Adult Children, Multiple Timelines, Diary, Home Renovation, Secrets
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "What'll I Do" by Janet Jackson, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler "On My Own" by Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald, "Tougher Than the Rest" by Bruce Springsteen
My rating: ⭐️⭐️½🏡🏝
My thoughts: 📱8% 25:56 Ch. 3 - That was a very odd way to end a chapter, but given my experience with this author and death in the last book I read, I'm not too surprised. I love the house on the cover. I'm pausing this story so it can be my reward for finishing my other book, and then I can go back to Martha's Vineyard with Vineyard Sunset #15. This story seems a little popcorn, but it's interesting.
Dido wasn't on the radio in 1995. This story wasn't researched well so I started to ignore the historical aspects, including the '90s, and there were some inconsistencies like when she referred to her great-great-grandfather as her great-grandfather. I've realized that Winters writes popcorn drama in a simple form which has its place in literature but I was looking for more substance and I didn't appreciate the cliffhanger. I won't be continuing this series anytime soon. I'm going to read A Vineyard Spring and then put a pin in this author for a while.
Recommend to others: Honestly no although it is a beautiful cover. This was pretty but a B soap drama and there are better versions of it out there. This is a good option if you're looking for instant dramatic fluff.
Coleman
1. The Jessabelle House (2023)
2. Love Runs Deep (2023)
3. Waves of Time (2023)
4. Threads of Hope (2023)
5. Autumn Skies & Pumpkin Pies (2023)
6. Heart of Christmas (2023)
7. Winter Sun (2024)
8. Stroke of Luck (2024)
May 29, 2024
Listened on audiobook. Clean read family drama set on Nantucket
June 17, 2024
This was a 3.5 star. It was a sweet, easy read. I will read the next one.
January 25, 2025
This was an okay story, but was so poorly written. It was obvious this was self-published; it was in dire need of a good editor. Chapter transitions were awkward, there were numerous examples of grammatically incorrect sentence structure (e.g., “Margaret and I” used as an object in the sentence), and plot points were inconsistent (e.g., Samantha agreed to host a family party at her newly renovated house, and suddenly she was hosting the big Summer Solstice party. She could never have afforded that on her social worker salary.). It’s really a shame because I really liked the characters and am curious about relationships going forward. But I can’t put myself through the torture of reading another poorly edited book in this series.
One more observation: The information Samantha gleaned from the diaries, told by way of flashbacks, would have been more effective if those “flashbacks” had been written in the form of Jessabelle’s actual journal entries.
One more observation: The information Samantha gleaned from the diaries, told by way of flashbacks, would have been more effective if those “flashbacks” had been written in the form of Jessabelle’s actual journal entries.
June 16, 2023
Good story line but predictable.
I always love a story about bring an old house back from neglect. There were some interesting parts but also some poor grammar and incorrect use of names in some parts. This seemed a little sloppy to me. All in all, I enjoyed the story.
I always love a story about bring an old house back from neglect. There were some interesting parts but also some poor grammar and incorrect use of names in some parts. This seemed a little sloppy to me. All in all, I enjoyed the story.
March 30, 2024
A New Beginning for an "Old" Family
Katie Winters begins her Coleman Series with the inheritance of the "Jessabelle House" (a family mansion) from Great-Aunt Jessabelle (NOT "Jezebel"!) to Samantha Coleman, a recently divorced mother of two adult daughters and a social worker with an addictions specialty. Both Jessabelle and Samantha were estranged from their family for not fitting into the "Coleman Way", comprising powerful men and expert housewives who all attend galas together to amass contacts and money. Jessabelle claimed no interest in marriage or children, and Samantha's choice of profession offended her father, Roland, so much that he cut her off financially when she went to college to pursue her degree rather than work in his property management business like her older brother and younger sister. She married a cheater and had just signed her divorce papers when she heard about Jessabelle's death.
The house needs a bit of work, so Samantha hires a trio of brothers who work hard and get along...but look out for the middle brother, Patrick. As an addictions specialist, Samantha recognizes the signs--and the subtle way oldest brother Derek directs Patrick away from the cooler after four beers. Derek and Samantha "click", and when Patrick OD's, she brings Patrick and Derek to stay at the Jessabelle House so they can both monitor him (and spend time together!) while she fills him in on what she's read in Jessabelle's diaries, which he found hidden in the office during demolition. It turns out Jessabelle WAS married and DID try (and fail) to have a child! She caught her husband cheating, divorced him, and spent the rest of her life claiming to be uninterested in marriage or motherhood. Except for the infertility and late-in-life lies, Jessabelle and Samantha have a lot in common.
Jessabelle wrote in her diaries about the annual Coleman Solstice party, held at her house until Roland and his wife, Estelle, took over hosting. During one party, she and her sister Margaret overheard Roland telling his brother Grant about seeing his father, Chuck--Margaret's husband--on Martha's Vineyard with a woman and two little girls. His second family. Margaret, who ended her own affair at Chuck's demand, is so shattered that she wastes away and dies within a short time. Roland blames Chuck and cuts off contact with him; Grant's subsequent reaction isn't recorded. Now Samantha understands why she hasn't known her grandfather--her father shut him out of the family.
After she moves in, Samantha finds her stony father's sudden geniality too good to be true. Her suspicions are confirmed when she catches him tearing up her office in search of the diaries. Apparently, recording your life on paper isn't part of the Coleman Way! He also wants to bury evidence of his pain at learning about his father's second family firsthand. Samantha has to tell him it's too late.
With the next Solstice coming up, Samantha decides to (1) host the Solstice party in Jessabelle's place, and (2) reunite Chuck and his sons for their first talk since they confronted him about his affair nearly 20 years earlier. The party goes swimmingly, Samantha's cousin-in-law Jared punching Patrick in the face for eyeing his wife Sophie (another addict, Samantha can see) excepted, and the visit is a miracle, as Samantha succeeds in convincing Roland to see his 91-year-old father with his brother, Grant. In the waiting room, Oriana (Chuck's older daughter from his girlfriend on Martha's Vineyard) arrives with doughnuts and meets Samantha and Derek. They agree to stay in touch, which gives away at least part of the cast of characters in the rest of the series.
I loved the characters in The Jessabelle House! All the cheating made me wonder if the Colemans were under a marriage curse (the "Coleman Curse" sounds better than the "Coleman Way", even if it's much worse), but the cheaters either stopped or got divorced, so no harm was done to anyone except Margaret, and I felt very sorry for her. Samantha and Derek were a great match for each other, and so were Sophie and Patrick--who I hope influence each other for good! Very highly recommended... looking forward to the rest of the series!
Katie Winters begins her Coleman Series with the inheritance of the "Jessabelle House" (a family mansion) from Great-Aunt Jessabelle (NOT "Jezebel"!) to Samantha Coleman, a recently divorced mother of two adult daughters and a social worker with an addictions specialty. Both Jessabelle and Samantha were estranged from their family for not fitting into the "Coleman Way", comprising powerful men and expert housewives who all attend galas together to amass contacts and money. Jessabelle claimed no interest in marriage or children, and Samantha's choice of profession offended her father, Roland, so much that he cut her off financially when she went to college to pursue her degree rather than work in his property management business like her older brother and younger sister. She married a cheater and had just signed her divorce papers when she heard about Jessabelle's death.
The house needs a bit of work, so Samantha hires a trio of brothers who work hard and get along...but look out for the middle brother, Patrick. As an addictions specialist, Samantha recognizes the signs--and the subtle way oldest brother Derek directs Patrick away from the cooler after four beers. Derek and Samantha "click", and when Patrick OD's, she brings Patrick and Derek to stay at the Jessabelle House so they can both monitor him (and spend time together!) while she fills him in on what she's read in Jessabelle's diaries, which he found hidden in the office during demolition. It turns out Jessabelle WAS married and DID try (and fail) to have a child! She caught her husband cheating, divorced him, and spent the rest of her life claiming to be uninterested in marriage or motherhood. Except for the infertility and late-in-life lies, Jessabelle and Samantha have a lot in common.
Jessabelle wrote in her diaries about the annual Coleman Solstice party, held at her house until Roland and his wife, Estelle, took over hosting. During one party, she and her sister Margaret overheard Roland telling his brother Grant about seeing his father, Chuck--Margaret's husband--on Martha's Vineyard with a woman and two little girls. His second family. Margaret, who ended her own affair at Chuck's demand, is so shattered that she wastes away and dies within a short time. Roland blames Chuck and cuts off contact with him; Grant's subsequent reaction isn't recorded. Now Samantha understands why she hasn't known her grandfather--her father shut him out of the family.
After she moves in, Samantha finds her stony father's sudden geniality too good to be true. Her suspicions are confirmed when she catches him tearing up her office in search of the diaries. Apparently, recording your life on paper isn't part of the Coleman Way! He also wants to bury evidence of his pain at learning about his father's second family firsthand. Samantha has to tell him it's too late.
With the next Solstice coming up, Samantha decides to (1) host the Solstice party in Jessabelle's place, and (2) reunite Chuck and his sons for their first talk since they confronted him about his affair nearly 20 years earlier. The party goes swimmingly, Samantha's cousin-in-law Jared punching Patrick in the face for eyeing his wife Sophie (another addict, Samantha can see) excepted, and the visit is a miracle, as Samantha succeeds in convincing Roland to see his 91-year-old father with his brother, Grant. In the waiting room, Oriana (Chuck's older daughter from his girlfriend on Martha's Vineyard) arrives with doughnuts and meets Samantha and Derek. They agree to stay in touch, which gives away at least part of the cast of characters in the rest of the series.
I loved the characters in The Jessabelle House! All the cheating made me wonder if the Colemans were under a marriage curse (the "Coleman Curse" sounds better than the "Coleman Way", even if it's much worse), but the cheaters either stopped or got divorced, so no harm was done to anyone except Margaret, and I felt very sorry for her. Samantha and Derek were a great match for each other, and so were Sophie and Patrick--who I hope influence each other for good! Very highly recommended... looking forward to the rest of the series!
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July 20, 2023The Jessabelle House is by Katie Winters. This is book one of the Coleman series and takes place on Martha’s Vineyard. The Coleman’s are an influential family on the island; but only a few know the murkiness that lies just below the surface.
Samantha Coleman was in the middle of a divorce. He had made a mistake marrying Daniel which her father had warned her about. However, she was not inclines to listen to him or any other man. This idea led her to be on the outskirts of her family. She refused to kowtow to her father. She also decided to be a social worker rather than enter the family business. She had always been on the outside of her family but the outside just got farther it got when she chose being a social worker became her profession.
As she was clearing up her divorce, she got news that her Great-aunt Jessabelle died and left her house to Samantha. Samantha decided to restore it as close to the original as possible. She hired the Elrod Brothers construction company to help her. As they were tearing out walls, they located a hidden set of shelves on which were a set of diaries which had belonged to Aunt Jessabelle. While reading them, Samantha got to know a lot about her great aunt as well as about an event that had been kept secret for years about her Grandfather Charlie. This news could really disrupt the family, so should Samantha tell her parents about it or let it remain a secret?
The book is really good and keeps you on your toes as to what will eventually happen.
Samantha Coleman was in the middle of a divorce. He had made a mistake marrying Daniel which her father had warned her about. However, she was not inclines to listen to him or any other man. This idea led her to be on the outskirts of her family. She refused to kowtow to her father. She also decided to be a social worker rather than enter the family business. She had always been on the outside of her family but the outside just got farther it got when she chose being a social worker became her profession.
As she was clearing up her divorce, she got news that her Great-aunt Jessabelle died and left her house to Samantha. Samantha decided to restore it as close to the original as possible. She hired the Elrod Brothers construction company to help her. As they were tearing out walls, they located a hidden set of shelves on which were a set of diaries which had belonged to Aunt Jessabelle. While reading them, Samantha got to know a lot about her great aunt as well as about an event that had been kept secret for years about her Grandfather Charlie. This news could really disrupt the family, so should Samantha tell her parents about it or let it remain a secret?
The book is really good and keeps you on your toes as to what will eventually happen.
May 9, 2023
Good start to a new series featuring the Coleman family. Some of the family members are more concerned with the family image rather than loving and supporting each other. Daughter Samantha, is the family outcast and is dealing with her new divorce. With her chosen profession of social work being “unacceptable” for a Coleman, she is surprised her Aunt Jessabell left her beloved home to her. Samantha hires three brothers to help with repairs and renovations
The family has kept many secrets and harbored mistrust of each other. As Samantha hosts thenSolstice party she wonders if t is possible to look past old hurts and rebuild family relationships.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion
The family has kept many secrets and harbored mistrust of each other. As Samantha hosts thenSolstice party she wonders if t is possible to look past old hurts and rebuild family relationships.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion
April 26, 2023
What a fun new series and a beautiful story! Samantha is a bit of an outsider - especially in her family the Colemans. What starts out as a sad moment with divorce and moving into a small apartment alone, finishes up with her having a beautiful house and learning a lot about herself and her family in the process. I loved being able to learn about Jessabelle - who seems like she was a woman with a lot of life in her. I think she helped Samantha stand up to her family and even help them heal a bit too. I can't wait to read more about this strong family - definitely want to know more about Samantha's daughters as well as her siblings! Great first book of a series!
June 26, 2025
A sweet story about family and family secrets
I don’t want to give too much away so I will only make a few comments about the story:
First, the reader could use a family chart! Keeping track of who is who does get confusing as the chapters move along.
Then, there are numerous grammatical errors that are annoying. A good proofreader/editor could fix these.
Finally, the story might be better placed over a slightly longer time period. It seems unusual that so much could happen (including a full house refurbishment) in a couple months. Probably could have been extended through the summer without changing the story but would help the setting.
I don’t want to give too much away so I will only make a few comments about the story:
First, the reader could use a family chart! Keeping track of who is who does get confusing as the chapters move along.
Then, there are numerous grammatical errors that are annoying. A good proofreader/editor could fix these.
Finally, the story might be better placed over a slightly longer time period. It seems unusual that so much could happen (including a full house refurbishment) in a couple months. Probably could have been extended through the summer without changing the story but would help the setting.
April 27, 2023
The Jessabelle House is a beautifully constructed story that links the past of the Coleman family with the present. Jessabelle is a unique character who has affected her niece Samantha in the best of ways. Inheriting Jessabelle's lovely Victorian house after her death, recently divorced Samantha hires three brothers to help with the restoration. This leads to major complications with these men and other Coleman family members. I really enjoyed the intricate plots and the layered characters. This was such an interesting book and I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 1, 2023
Intrigue
This was a book with many twists and turns. A family big with many surprises and secrets. A family of a patriarch which valued money and family reputation above his relationships with his family. Through the death of a great aunt, Samantha was bequeathed her great aunts home and found diaries of her. In these diaries these secrets were revealed. You never knew what was coming next and kept you captivated. Good read how a family can get so confused due to greed and pride, that they almost loose themselves.
This was a book with many twists and turns. A family big with many surprises and secrets. A family of a patriarch which valued money and family reputation above his relationships with his family. Through the death of a great aunt, Samantha was bequeathed her great aunts home and found diaries of her. In these diaries these secrets were revealed. You never knew what was coming next and kept you captivated. Good read how a family can get so confused due to greed and pride, that they almost loose themselves.
April 10, 2024
Family Secrets Revealed
This book was an entertaining read, full of the beauty and history of Nantucket. Samantha, reeling from an unexpected divorce, moves back to her childhood on Nantucket, and then surprisingly inherits her great aunt’s home. Through the renovation of the old house, she finds a diary that begins to unravel the secrets that help explain how her family has drifted apart, while falling in love with the man who helps with the renovation. Good character development overall.
This book was an entertaining read, full of the beauty and history of Nantucket. Samantha, reeling from an unexpected divorce, moves back to her childhood on Nantucket, and then surprisingly inherits her great aunt’s home. Through the renovation of the old house, she finds a diary that begins to unravel the secrets that help explain how her family has drifted apart, while falling in love with the man who helps with the renovation. Good character development overall.
July 18, 2025
The sins of the fathers
In summary, this book proves that money and status don’t buy everything. Now that I’ve summarized it, this book tells the story of three generations of families who are separated by pride. They look at others with contempt, while their own lives are contemptible. We also see the effects of that pride on the softer, gentler members of the family. I really like this story, although it made me so sad to think about how the words we say can affect people’s lives. There are very few errors in it. And all…well, I already summarized it.
In summary, this book proves that money and status don’t buy everything. Now that I’ve summarized it, this book tells the story of three generations of families who are separated by pride. They look at others with contempt, while their own lives are contemptible. We also see the effects of that pride on the softer, gentler members of the family. I really like this story, although it made me so sad to think about how the words we say can affect people’s lives. There are very few errors in it. And all…well, I already summarized it.
May 5, 2023
Fascinating story!
The Jessabelle House was a fascinating read. This family, like so many, have had their troubles and differences, as well as very private and personal problems.
Therefore, when secrets begin to surface, uncovering past pains the heroin cautiously delves deeper and discovers more than she ever imagined, with the result effecting the whole family!
This book is intriguing while including tidbits of wisdom as well.
The Jessabelle House was a fascinating read. This family, like so many, have had their troubles and differences, as well as very private and personal problems.
Therefore, when secrets begin to surface, uncovering past pains the heroin cautiously delves deeper and discovers more than she ever imagined, with the result effecting the whole family!
This book is intriguing while including tidbits of wisdom as well.
July 2, 2023
A must read
This is a wonderful story which unfolds the history and mystery of the Jessabelle house ,the Coleman family, and how Samantha inherited the home. I had never heard of Kate Winters before I read this book. I am so glad that I read it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series. She is an outstanding author. This is a book you will want to read from cover to cover. It is a must read.
This is a wonderful story which unfolds the history and mystery of the Jessabelle house ,the Coleman family, and how Samantha inherited the home. I had never heard of Kate Winters before I read this book. I am so glad that I read it. I cannot wait to read the rest of the books in the series. She is an outstanding author. This is a book you will want to read from cover to cover. It is a must read.
October 19, 2023
This is the first book I have read by this author. The characters were beautifully written and the story captivating. The only thing was when the diaries were mentioned, hoped they would have been written in the book as a journal entry in the first person. I felt like I was “following “ Jessabelle’s story instead of seeing it through her own eyes. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.
October 22, 2023
Family secrets are revealed
This is a story of two time periods, and a family working so hard to hide secrets that could potentially ruin the entire family. Following Samantha and her dear Aunt Margaret through their own words. When family secrets are exposed a family can let it destroy them, or fight to save the family, and heal old wounds. Loved this story! Moving on to book #2!!
This is a story of two time periods, and a family working so hard to hide secrets that could potentially ruin the entire family. Following Samantha and her dear Aunt Margaret through their own words. When family secrets are exposed a family can let it destroy them, or fight to save the family, and heal old wounds. Loved this story! Moving on to book #2!!
June 8, 2024
Family secrets are the worst
Family relationships are hard and harder still when you don't feel like you fit in. Samantha felt like she didn't fit in with her family growing up and it was even worse when she didn't want to go into the same profession as her Dad and he cut her off.
Years later she inherited her great aunt house. Some family secrets are not destined to remain buried.
Family relationships are hard and harder still when you don't feel like you fit in. Samantha felt like she didn't fit in with her family growing up and it was even worse when she didn't want to go into the same profession as her Dad and he cut her off.
Years later she inherited her great aunt house. Some family secrets are not destined to remain buried.
November 17, 2024
The Jessabelle House a book about love, grudges and forgiveness
The Jessabelle House caught and held my attention from the 1st chapter. Katie Winters allowed me to meet the characters one by one and it was like I became their friend. I followed Samantha as she through loss, secrets, and love. Katie Winters took me on a journey to finally find forgiveness and family. Thirty two years is a long time.
The Jessabelle House caught and held my attention from the 1st chapter. Katie Winters allowed me to meet the characters one by one and it was like I became their friend. I followed Samantha as she through loss, secrets, and love. Katie Winters took me on a journey to finally find forgiveness and family. Thirty two years is a long time.
May 24, 2025
The Jessabelle House: A very pleasant read
I read historical fiction and very few books after 1945. This book was delightful and a very pleasant read. Several times I was tempted to start a chart for all the names and connections. In the end a chart wasn’t necessary. The characters were very real as was the family dynamics. Very few families don’t have secrets, but maybe on a smaller scale in real life. Happy reading!
I read historical fiction and very few books after 1945. This book was delightful and a very pleasant read. Several times I was tempted to start a chart for all the names and connections. In the end a chart wasn’t necessary. The characters were very real as was the family dynamics. Very few families don’t have secrets, but maybe on a smaller scale in real life. Happy reading!
April 24, 2023
A great introduction to the Coleman family. After Samantha is left the Jessabelle House, secrets come to light. Wonderfully written with amazing characters. Where will the secrets lead, how will the family react, and what will the future hold for this family? Looking forward to another amazing series from Katie.
May 5, 2023
Wonderful story. Samantha the middle daughter of Roland who was ostracized from the family years ago inherits Great Aunt Jessabelle’s house and boy is it loaded with family secrets that are revealed in old diaries. Katie Winters has outdone her self with this story and I can’t wait to read the next one.
June 2, 2023
very good
Very good book if you like realistic family drama, trauma, laughter, and heartbreak. I love the thread of continuity in exposing secrets sets you free. Family’s should never have secrets from each other, yet we all do. This book is easy to read and well written. I’m now a fan of Katie Winters.
Very good book if you like realistic family drama, trauma, laughter, and heartbreak. I love the thread of continuity in exposing secrets sets you free. Family’s should never have secrets from each other, yet we all do. This book is easy to read and well written. I’m now a fan of Katie Winters.
June 7, 2023
Reveal of family secrets
Samantha is separated from her parents and siblings because she chose to live life on her own terms. With breakup of her marriage, she is pondering the next steps in her life when the death of a favorite family member is the catalyst in changing the family dynamic. Secrets hidden come forward, is it for the good of the family or not?
Samantha is separated from her parents and siblings because she chose to live life on her own terms. With breakup of her marriage, she is pondering the next steps in her life when the death of a favorite family member is the catalyst in changing the family dynamic. Secrets hidden come forward, is it for the good of the family or not?
June 28, 2023
Excellent book by Katie Winters.
Families can be so loving or so blind to how a family should be. The Colman family consider themselves above everyone in wealth, culture and more. Secrets are found out after the death of the owner of the house. Diaries reveal truths that some want to stay hidden but are revealed.
Families can be so loving or so blind to how a family should be. The Colman family consider themselves above everyone in wealth, culture and more. Secrets are found out after the death of the owner of the house. Diaries reveal truths that some want to stay hidden but are revealed.
July 13, 2023
It's never to late to ask for forgiveness
This is an extraordinary book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Five generations of Coleman's lived on Nantucket. Secrets weren't revealed until an elderly aunt died and willed the house to her neice. What secrets they were.
You'll have to read it to find out.
This is an extraordinary book and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Five generations of Coleman's lived on Nantucket. Secrets weren't revealed until an elderly aunt died and willed the house to her neice. What secrets they were.
You'll have to read it to find out.
August 16, 2023
Family ties
This is a wonderful story about the ability to forgive. Sometimes it just takes a special person to get the ball rolling. It is finding out that despite hurdles, injured pride, and stubborness, we can overcome it all, if we try. Love is so close to hate. I would recommend this book to anyone going through family difficulties.
This is a wonderful story about the ability to forgive. Sometimes it just takes a special person to get the ball rolling. It is finding out that despite hurdles, injured pride, and stubborness, we can overcome it all, if we try. Love is so close to hate. I would recommend this book to anyone going through family difficulties.
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