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Star Lake Saloon and Housekeeping Cottages: A Novel
In this first novel from award-winning writer Sara Rath, the forests and lakes of northern Wisconsin pose a daunting threat to outsider Hannah Swann, who is content with her quiet life in Madison, Wisconsin, where she teaches and writes screenplays about obscure nineteenth-century poets. Her relationship with her college-aged daughter is strained yet candid, and a long-standing affair with a married professor has its own peculiar ups and downs.
When Hannah unexpectedly inherits her uncle's rundown resort, she must head to the northwoods to close up and sell the business. But the only interested buyer is Ingold, an international mining company, and Hannah finds herself reluctantly operating the resort while trapped in the midst of a treacherous dispute between Ingold and Uncle Hal's activist friends.
From safeguarding the wilderness to pursuing elusive new love interests, Hannah has plenty to engage her imagination at Star Lake. A new aspect of her personality emerges, one that is surprisingly courageous and compassionate. Throughout this humorous, elegantly plotted adventure with its appealing characters and lyrical depictions of nature, Hannah encounters the inevitability of change—in herself and in the nostalgic landscape of the deep North.
When Hannah unexpectedly inherits her uncle's rundown resort, she must head to the northwoods to close up and sell the business. But the only interested buyer is Ingold, an international mining company, and Hannah finds herself reluctantly operating the resort while trapped in the midst of a treacherous dispute between Ingold and Uncle Hal's activist friends.
From safeguarding the wilderness to pursuing elusive new love interests, Hannah has plenty to engage her imagination at Star Lake. A new aspect of her personality emerges, one that is surprisingly courageous and compassionate. Throughout this humorous, elegantly plotted adventure with its appealing characters and lyrical depictions of nature, Hannah encounters the inevitability of change—in herself and in the nostalgic landscape of the deep North.
334 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 13, 2013
This was a "Reader's Choice" by a staff member at my local library. I was drawn in by the fact that it was in Wisconsin.
What a stupid book. Although the writer lives in Madison, I doubt she has spent any time "up north". Does she think that because people make a choice to live there, they are basically uneducated country bumpkins? And the weather? I have news. Wisconsin summers up north can be hot, humid, and miserable. (Yes, we do have air conditioning Ms Rath.) And reference to the Packers only one time? But the University of Wisconsin Badgers, numerous times? Come September, most Wisconsinites live and breathe Packers. The subject du jour is Packers. Now that I got that off my chest . . .
The main character, was whiny, sniveling, cry baby, woe-is-me, and pathetic. And incredibly stupid. The plot was extremely disjointed and at times confusing.
Needless to say, I will not be reading this author again.
(And again , I am asking myself, why, oh why, do I waste my time on such poorly written books?)
What a stupid book. Although the writer lives in Madison, I doubt she has spent any time "up north". Does she think that because people make a choice to live there, they are basically uneducated country bumpkins? And the weather? I have news. Wisconsin summers up north can be hot, humid, and miserable. (Yes, we do have air conditioning Ms Rath.) And reference to the Packers only one time? But the University of Wisconsin Badgers, numerous times? Come September, most Wisconsinites live and breathe Packers. The subject du jour is Packers. Now that I got that off my chest . . .
The main character, was whiny, sniveling, cry baby, woe-is-me, and pathetic. And incredibly stupid. The plot was extremely disjointed and at times confusing.
Needless to say, I will not be reading this author again.
(And again , I am asking myself, why, oh why, do I waste my time on such poorly written books?)
February 14, 2012
I am giving this two stars because I loved the cover and the setting. I would love to stay in an old fashioned resort like this and enjoy the beauty of nature. I could not however believe the whiny bitch who was actually upset and annoyed to inherit this property from her uncle. She was also incredibly STUPID to believe the slick lawyer (who reminded her of her city type friends) who was gung-ho to relieve her of her dumpy (ahem multi-million dollar) property. Could anyone REALLY be that naive?? Had to stop reading at that point, although I am sure in the end she fell in love with the country boy and saved the land and learned to love nature.... just guessing. ;)
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July 9, 2015I won't rate this book because I didn't get very far. Early elements (so it's not a spoiler) that are a turn-off for me are a focus on infidelity (I'm guessing she moves on pretty soon from her increasingly unsatisfactory affair with a married man, but still...for personal preference, I just can't enjoy a book with infidelity relating to the main character) and on her clothing. Her red cashmere suit, her red heels sinking into the mud...this is so far from my experience or areas of concern in my life that I can't work up too much interest in her woes early on, which does not bode well! And, as another review noted, the lawyer is so smarmy and deceitful from minute one, it would feel like watching a cheap horror movie and yelling at the screen for the teenager not to go into the dark basement.
I was drawn to the setting of a low-key old-timey resort...if ever I drive past a place with modest cottages I always get a yen to stay in them, and I'd have enjoyed that element. But the protagonist's early scorn for the people who used to use the cottages just depressed me.
This is all just my personal reaction, mind you, and I'm happy for anyone who enjoyed the book and the main character. To each their own. Don't yell at me because I didn't happen to like Hannah!
I was drawn to the setting of a low-key old-timey resort...if ever I drive past a place with modest cottages I always get a yen to stay in them, and I'd have enjoyed that element. But the protagonist's early scorn for the people who used to use the cottages just depressed me.
This is all just my personal reaction, mind you, and I'm happy for anyone who enjoyed the book and the main character. To each their own. Don't yell at me because I didn't happen to like Hannah!
August 23, 2010
When I first starting reading this book, I thought it would be a light summer read. However, this book was more than just a "chick lit" read--Sara Rath manages to tell the story of Hannah, who inherits her Uncle's resort in Northern Wisconsin and her struggle to decide to keep it running or sell it and continue with her life in Madison and also explores issues of the environment. If she sells, a mining company will likely take over and destroy the area her Uncle treasured. I enjoyed this story and learned a lot about the destruction of the environment by Mining companies in Wisconsin and other states, including MN.
I found myself slightly annoyed by Hannah and her decisions early in the book but realized by the end of the story that the author allows Hannah to be human and make poor decisions just as we all do. I'm not sure why I expect characters in books to be smarter than me:) but it was good to watch as the characters developed throughout the book.
I found myself slightly annoyed by Hannah and her decisions early in the book but realized by the end of the story that the author allows Hannah to be human and make poor decisions just as we all do. I'm not sure why I expect characters in books to be smarter than me:) but it was good to watch as the characters developed throughout the book.
September 4, 2019
This book is a heavy-handed caricature of Madison and the North Woods of Wisconsin. It reduces every character into the worst-possible stereotype. The narrative over-simplifies and exploits the very real and complex mining issues in the state. The main character is self-centered and devoid of any self-awareness or redeeming qualities. Her complete lack of judgement renders her so unlikable readers won’t care one way or another what happens. Add in errors in grammar and syntax and it was nearly unbearable. I “hate-read” this book so I could review it- but could only manage small doses because it was so insulting and unpleasant.
April 30, 2013
Audiobook: I listened to this whole book while gardening last Friday. A book sure does make the time go fast! Anyway, this book takes place in northern Wisconsin, and the main character is from Madison. So that made it interesting in itself, but the story was good, good characters, a little romance, some environmental subjects, and just an all around good book. I enjoyed it.
February 12, 2016
Oh, this is bad. But for some reason I couldn't just give up on it, and struggled through. Hannah is an idiot. The northwoods characters are stereotypes. The author cannot decide if this is a romance, an environmental soapbox, or a charming woman-comes-late-to-her-true-calling novel.
July 30, 2024
I would give this 3.5 or maybe even 3.75 stars if I could. I enjoyed the plot. I love reading anything about the place I now call home, but the main character, Hannah, was hard to root for, which made the book fall a little flat. Her attitude, in general, was always quite negative & she wasn't super likeable. Luckily, some of the other characters made up for it. I enjoyed the setting of the book & the premise very much. A little mystery, a little intrigue, a little romance, & a little humor with a good mix of likeable characters & villains & a good plot!
January 30, 2021
Good story. Takes place in a fictional town in Northern Wisconsin. Moves along quickly with a good story line.
June 27, 2007
A Taste of the Northwoods
Star Lake Saloon and Housekeeping Cottages appealed to me for many reasons, not the least is that I happen to be the owner of a Northwoods Housekeeping resort and could relate to the main character, Hannah, on several levels. I enjoyed reading Sara Rath's descriptions of Star Lake, the broken down lodge and cabins, the look of the lake, the smell of the pines. She captures the essence of Northern Wisconsin beautifully. What troubled me about this story, however, is that I never felt a strong sense of empathy for the main character, Hannah Swann. To me, she wants to be a confident take-charge woman, spokesperson for an important cause, but nearly everything she does, she does reluctantly. It was hard to get behind her and cheer her on.
Hannah is a poetry instructor from Madison, Wisconsin, who also writes documentary films. Apparently educated and sophisticated, she is nevertheless having an odd affair with a married man, a "malacologist," which, I learned, is someone involved in the "scientific study of mollusks." His name is Tyler and while his occupation ultimately plays a role in the story, what stands out is his awkward sexual dysfunction, and a couple of sex scenes that almost made me throw the book aside. Most of the other secondary characters are flat and predictable. They include Hannah's daughter, Chloe, a vegetarian with a pierced nose, who is a political activist, and her trusty, but never fleshed-out boyfriend, Eric. Dan Kerry, Hannah's rugged, fishing guide/flannel shirt wearing love interest, and a sleazy lawyer, the villain named Denny. Hannah's mother, Lily, is nosy, self-centered and highly critical of her daughter. On the other hand, the one character who does stand out is the feisty Ginger, saloon barkeep, who is a tell-it-like-it is kind of gal, who not only puts Hannah in her place, but offers a true and entertaining Northwoods vernacular. Whenever Ginger is in the room, it's a guaranteed entertaining read.
There is little mystery involved with the plot of the underhanded mining company supporters trying to take over her newly inherited land and much of what happens is highly predictable and contrived. It's a quick read, the writing is average and I recommend this book to readers who want to get a taste of the great Northwoods. Three and a half stars.
Oh, and by the way, GREAT cover art. Hats off to the graphic designer.
Star Lake Saloon and Housekeeping Cottages appealed to me for many reasons, not the least is that I happen to be the owner of a Northwoods Housekeeping resort and could relate to the main character, Hannah, on several levels. I enjoyed reading Sara Rath's descriptions of Star Lake, the broken down lodge and cabins, the look of the lake, the smell of the pines. She captures the essence of Northern Wisconsin beautifully. What troubled me about this story, however, is that I never felt a strong sense of empathy for the main character, Hannah Swann. To me, she wants to be a confident take-charge woman, spokesperson for an important cause, but nearly everything she does, she does reluctantly. It was hard to get behind her and cheer her on.
Hannah is a poetry instructor from Madison, Wisconsin, who also writes documentary films. Apparently educated and sophisticated, she is nevertheless having an odd affair with a married man, a "malacologist," which, I learned, is someone involved in the "scientific study of mollusks." His name is Tyler and while his occupation ultimately plays a role in the story, what stands out is his awkward sexual dysfunction, and a couple of sex scenes that almost made me throw the book aside. Most of the other secondary characters are flat and predictable. They include Hannah's daughter, Chloe, a vegetarian with a pierced nose, who is a political activist, and her trusty, but never fleshed-out boyfriend, Eric. Dan Kerry, Hannah's rugged, fishing guide/flannel shirt wearing love interest, and a sleazy lawyer, the villain named Denny. Hannah's mother, Lily, is nosy, self-centered and highly critical of her daughter. On the other hand, the one character who does stand out is the feisty Ginger, saloon barkeep, who is a tell-it-like-it is kind of gal, who not only puts Hannah in her place, but offers a true and entertaining Northwoods vernacular. Whenever Ginger is in the room, it's a guaranteed entertaining read.
There is little mystery involved with the plot of the underhanded mining company supporters trying to take over her newly inherited land and much of what happens is highly predictable and contrived. It's a quick read, the writing is average and I recommend this book to readers who want to get a taste of the great Northwoods. Three and a half stars.
Oh, and by the way, GREAT cover art. Hats off to the graphic designer.
September 15, 2022
What a pantload of cornball. One star for the descriptions of the lake and surrounding areas. The author lives in Wisconsin and sadly paints Wisconsin residents as either snobby, uptight, pompous jackasses or uneducated, inarticulate, hard-drinking hicks. Ugh.
Hannah Larkin inherits her uncle's northern Wisconsin resort and from the beginning decides she doesn't want it. She's a writer from Madison and has predetermined she cannot be bothered with the resort. Hannah is involved with a married man who flat out tells her he'll never divorce his wife but loves them both. The fact that Hannah accepts this without protest tells you something.
Anyway, Hannah visits the resort, meets with the slimy lawyer in charge of the estate (and is immediately wowed by his looks - WTH) and thinks maybe she should just sell the resort. Hannah meets the resident fishing guide (and is immediately wowed by his looks and soft flannel shirt) and thinks maybe she should get involved with the people (fishing guide is one of them) who don't want the mining company to buy up all the land for the copper. Sigh.
Hannah has no self respect, no confidence. She wants to be sexy, beautiful and hugely desirable at all costs to everything else in her life.
Hannah spends so much time making up her mind and then unmaking it up that I became agitated and practiced throwing the book across the rooms of my home just to see which room would most effectively damage it when I finally finished this wretched book and could throw it for the last time. The basement won.
Hannah Larkin inherits her uncle's northern Wisconsin resort and from the beginning decides she doesn't want it. She's a writer from Madison and has predetermined she cannot be bothered with the resort. Hannah is involved with a married man who flat out tells her he'll never divorce his wife but loves them both. The fact that Hannah accepts this without protest tells you something.
Anyway, Hannah visits the resort, meets with the slimy lawyer in charge of the estate (and is immediately wowed by his looks - WTH) and thinks maybe she should just sell the resort. Hannah meets the resident fishing guide (and is immediately wowed by his looks and soft flannel shirt) and thinks maybe she should get involved with the people (fishing guide is one of them) who don't want the mining company to buy up all the land for the copper. Sigh.
Hannah has no self respect, no confidence. She wants to be sexy, beautiful and hugely desirable at all costs to everything else in her life.
Hannah spends so much time making up her mind and then unmaking it up that I became agitated and practiced throwing the book across the rooms of my home just to see which room would most effectively damage it when I finally finished this wretched book and could throw it for the last time. The basement won.
July 10, 2012
The main character started out entirely unlikable and she continued to be unlikable or much of the book. Then late in the game she makes a recovery and somehow people still like her. I don't think I would dedicate that much time to such an annoying person.
Also, I somewhat dislike the portrayal of Madison. Yeah, we are a bunch of hippies but the author describes Madison like it's a really big city with loud neighbors and everything. Hasn't really been my experience. I mean, or apartment living sure, but when you have a house and a family lives next door? Nope.
But, I was sucked in and I did enjoy the book and might read the next one in the series.
Also, I somewhat dislike the portrayal of Madison. Yeah, we are a bunch of hippies but the author describes Madison like it's a really big city with loud neighbors and everything. Hasn't really been my experience. I mean, or apartment living sure, but when you have a house and a family lives next door? Nope.
But, I was sucked in and I did enjoy the book and might read the next one in the series.
November 4, 2012
I hate to see how many dislike Hannah because I'm a similar age, and found her entirely believable. I could relate to her struggle between life in Madison and away in the wilderness- she had created a life for herself that she was satisfied with and then is suddenly forced into making a life changing choice. Some women seem "unlikable" or "bitchy" when facing those decisions alone- especially decisions that will profoundly affect the rest of their lives. Everything rests on this choice that arose suddenly and must be decided quickly. Enjoyed the colorful women who, despite their differences bonded together, as women often do.
It was a fun book to read.
It was a fun book to read.
October 30, 2008
I had high hopes for this book because WPR chose to read it on their Chapter a Day radio program, and I knew the author is a Wisconsin native. Unfortunately I was underwhelmed. I enjoyed the local references very much, but that wasn't enough to overcome the sense I had that the characters were just too quirky and stereotyped to take seriously. The book could make a good "beach read" (or cabin read), but be aware that some sexual situations are surprisingly explicit. A quick read for passing the time.
February 21, 2012
I really wanted to give it 4 stars. I love the setting. I've spent a lot of time in northern WI and MN and absolutely love the mom and pop resorts. I've always thought I would love to run a resort. However, Hannah's constant whining and selfishness drove me crazy. I loved the rest of the characters, especially Ginger! I know so many firey women like her. I just couldn't bring myself to like Hannah at all. She was an idiot almost to the very end. Her relationship with Tyler, her stupidity with the lawyer, and did I mention her whining?
August 2, 2012
Timely but one-sided "expose" of devious mining techniques in N. Wis. woods/lakes/cottage area: classical battle between old family resort/fishermen and mining company.
Insights into heroin Hannah suggest some snippets from author's own life, e.g. past marriages, poetry reviws, writing for NPR. Could do without some of the graphic, lurid almost-sex scenes and references to her married friend's Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy.
Insights into heroin Hannah suggest some snippets from author's own life, e.g. past marriages, poetry reviws, writing for NPR. Could do without some of the graphic, lurid almost-sex scenes and references to her married friend's Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy.
April 22, 2008
Mom gave me this book before my wedding because she knows Star Lake, WI is a special place for my husband and I. Enjoyed it because I could escape to the Northwoods. Plus, the story is about discovering yourself and starting fresh. Really want to open my own place now...just without the frustrating fight with a mining corporation.
July 25, 2009
I just read this on a camping trip up north last weekend. It is set in WI and tells the story of a woman from Madison who inherits a run down resort in the Northwoods. It was a simply written story, somewhat predictable and a fast read. Nothing too groundbreaking, but perfect for reading on a blanket in the sand on Lake Michigan.
June 25, 2010
I enjoyed this book because it was set in Wisconsin and I was familiar with the settings--Madison versus "Up North". It was the famous plot line--woman plucked from metropolitan area to obscurity and falls in love with the place and a man. I kept feeling like I was missing pieces--duh! I discovered I was listening to "abridged". I hate that mistake! A good read for summer--try the unabridged!
February 5, 2016
For some reason I expected this to be about a younger woman, and I'm not sure why that mattered to me. It was pretty typical chick lit, which isn't to say it was bad. It was fun to hear about places I've been (Madison, northeastern Wisconsin). The story was pretty cheesy, but it was a fun summer read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2018
This book barely earned the 4th star; but did due to the spot on features of both small town Wisconsin life and right on the nose observations of Wisconsinites in general.
Otherwise, an intriguing story but with detractors like random, awkward explicit sexual content, a regularly irksome main character, and an over the top villain.
Otherwise, an intriguing story but with detractors like random, awkward explicit sexual content, a regularly irksome main character, and an over the top villain.
January 10, 2009
A Christmas gift from my brother who loves all things Wisconsin, this is an enjoyable quick read with lots of local (Madison and north) color. Sara Rath writes well enough that I could forgive her a formulaic plot.
February 2, 2009
This was a interesting, easy read about spending time at a cottage in Northern WI. Though it was entertaining, I felt the story was way too predictable. You could see the story arc coming from a mile away...
July 27, 2014
It took me awhile to get into the book. Didn't like the main character but she grew on me and her struggles and transformation. I love Upnorth Wisconsin and this is a great summer read. Loved the ending! On to "The Waters of Star Lake "
March 5, 2015
So I read this after the second book, so it was kind of out of order. However I really enjoyed the book. I know the Northwoods of WI, and have vacationed at our primitive cabin almost every summer. it's nice to read a book with Wisconsin issues rather than issues in New York or LA.
January 13, 2018
The book is more serious than the cover art indicates with a plot about mining company efforts to strip Wisconsin's northwoods. I found the main character unpleasant at times but the setting carried it for me.
August 29, 2009
Great writing, a likable mid-life character, and lots of local color. I enjoyed this immensely.
September 2, 2009
A native Wisconsin writer, heard an interview on WI NPR and went out and bought the book. Lovely, fun and reminds me of Up North. Light hearted and a fun read. Totally recommend!
July 4, 2012
Really enjoyed the local flavor of this. Perfect summer read!
January 26, 2013
This was a good book and fun to read since I live in Wisconsin.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews