What do you think?
Rate this book
The Coach House #1
The Coach House
2012 BRAG Medallion honoree!
What They're Saying About "The Coach House: "
Rebecca's Reads -- The Coach House is a well written saga I'd happily recommend to any reader.
Mary Crocco -- The Coach House is a superbly written book. It will leave the reader thinking about relationships, adversity, independence and growth.
Best Chick Lit -- The Coach House both inspires and captivates as it explores the ins and outs of life as a mixed-race woman in the 1940s.
Synopsis: Newlyweds Marie Marchetti and her husband Richard have the perfect life together. Or at least it seems until Marie discovers his involvement with people and activities that make her run for her life. Fate draws her to Atchison, Kansas, where she rents a coach house apartment tucked away behind a three-story Victorian home that she believes is a safe refuge and perfect place to start over. Richard isn’t about to let her go so easily and continues to seduce her into his world, yet it is the discovery of her real father and his surprising heritage that changes Marie’s life more than Richard ever could.
What They're Saying About "The Coach House: "
Rebecca's Reads -- The Coach House is a well written saga I'd happily recommend to any reader.
Mary Crocco -- The Coach House is a superbly written book. It will leave the reader thinking about relationships, adversity, independence and growth.
Best Chick Lit -- The Coach House both inspires and captivates as it explores the ins and outs of life as a mixed-race woman in the 1940s.
Synopsis: Newlyweds Marie Marchetti and her husband Richard have the perfect life together. Or at least it seems until Marie discovers his involvement with people and activities that make her run for her life. Fate draws her to Atchison, Kansas, where she rents a coach house apartment tucked away behind a three-story Victorian home that she believes is a safe refuge and perfect place to start over. Richard isn’t about to let her go so easily and continues to seduce her into his world, yet it is the discovery of her real father and his surprising heritage that changes Marie’s life more than Richard ever could.
351 pages, Paperback
First published April 26, 2012
54 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Florence Osmund
12 books109 followersAfter more than three decades of working in a business career, Florence Osmund retired to write books. In the course of writing seven novels, she learned a lot about how to be a successful writer and the publishing industry in general. Her book "How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel" is dedicated to helping new authors—offering advice she wishes she had received before starting her first book.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
Osmund is a book reviewer for several local, national, and international organizations. She currently resides on a tranquil lake in northern Illinois where she is working on her next novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 12, 2013
I wanted to give this book a higher rating, but the flow of the story was very choppy and I think the writing could have been improved. I thought the story was very intriguing but the author's style seemed juvenile--lacking sophistication or at least more skill.
The Coach House tells the store of Marie, a young woman who has grown up with a loving single mother and without knowledge of her father. The story is set in Chicago immediately following World War II. Marie has recently completed design school and is working at a department shop when Richard, and up and coming medical equipment salesman spots her. They have a whirlwind courtship and marry very soon after they meet. Marie ignores the warning signs about her husband's strange business dealings and his access to a lot of money for two years until her unease causes her to search for more information and make decisions about her life.
Mixed within the drama of her strange marriage, Marie seeks to learn the identity of her father and is stunned to learn that she is the child of a bi-racial couple. Her mother was white while her father is black.
Strengths: The story is interesting. I was genuinely curious about the characters and where the story would go. The obvious tension of being bi-racial in a very segregated United States created a believable and interesting plot line. Marie is a strong character whose weaknesses and flaws make her real and personable.
Weaknesses: Marie's husband, Richard is a flat character. You are meant to dislike him but he seems more like a caricature rather than a believable character. The beginning of the story is choppy and difficult to follow. Flashbacks have to be handled deftly and this author was rather clunky in the way she flipped around to aspects of Richard and Marie's relationship. Throughout 20% of the book, you know something is clearly wrong with Richard and that he is involved with something shady but that part doesn't really progress at a decent pace.
The two story lines of Marie's hidden heritage and Richard's questionable dealings are too jagged and choppy. Still with all of that said, I was interested enough to read the sequel.
The Coach House tells the store of Marie, a young woman who has grown up with a loving single mother and without knowledge of her father. The story is set in Chicago immediately following World War II. Marie has recently completed design school and is working at a department shop when Richard, and up and coming medical equipment salesman spots her. They have a whirlwind courtship and marry very soon after they meet. Marie ignores the warning signs about her husband's strange business dealings and his access to a lot of money for two years until her unease causes her to search for more information and make decisions about her life.
Mixed within the drama of her strange marriage, Marie seeks to learn the identity of her father and is stunned to learn that she is the child of a bi-racial couple. Her mother was white while her father is black.
Strengths: The story is interesting. I was genuinely curious about the characters and where the story would go. The obvious tension of being bi-racial in a very segregated United States created a believable and interesting plot line. Marie is a strong character whose weaknesses and flaws make her real and personable.
Weaknesses: Marie's husband, Richard is a flat character. You are meant to dislike him but he seems more like a caricature rather than a believable character. The beginning of the story is choppy and difficult to follow. Flashbacks have to be handled deftly and this author was rather clunky in the way she flipped around to aspects of Richard and Marie's relationship. Throughout 20% of the book, you know something is clearly wrong with Richard and that he is involved with something shady but that part doesn't really progress at a decent pace.
The two story lines of Marie's hidden heritage and Richard's questionable dealings are too jagged and choppy. Still with all of that said, I was interested enough to read the sequel.
June 20, 2017
Marie lives with her single mother until her death and then lives with some beloved neighbors. When she decides to go to college, her education is paid for. Her mother never discussed who her father was, just that he loved them very much but could not be with them. Marie meets a dashing man after college who sweeps her off her feet. They marry but she catches him in lies and is beginning to wonder about him.
I couldn't get enough reading time for this book until about 3/4 of the way through, then it took a turn that I wasn't expecting. It was still good but went into a couple of thought provoking subjects and then ended abruptly leaving a lot of questions. It was off putting for me and I don't think I'll look for the next book. A shame really because the author really has a gift for putting you into the story and characters.
I couldn't get enough reading time for this book until about 3/4 of the way through, then it took a turn that I wasn't expecting. It was still good but went into a couple of thought provoking subjects and then ended abruptly leaving a lot of questions. It was off putting for me and I don't think I'll look for the next book. A shame really because the author really has a gift for putting you into the story and characters.
June 27, 2012
This is the first novel from Florence Osmund and those who grew up in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs will especially enjoy walking through familiar streets with Marie, the main character. To me, this book seemed to be split into two parts: The first introduced Marie and her new marriage to charming yet shady Richard. The second part of the story follows Marie as she flees from Richard, suspecting he is mixed up with the mob. Her first stop on her journey finds her hopping a train bound for good, old Mundelein, Illinois. But she doesn't quite make it there and ends up in 1940s Libertyville for a few days. She explores the town and it is fun to picture this fictional character in the familiar downtown area. Marie moves on from Libertyville and eventually creates her own roots in a small Kansas town. The second part of the story introduces many new, controversial topics for the time period, including biracial relationships, illegitimate children, racism, and even a brief touch on homosexuality. I enjoyed the many cultural references as Marie enjoyed popular music and movies of the time, and found ways to connect the themes to what was happening in her own life. Overall, I enjoyed following Marie on her journey and will read the sequel to find out what she uncovers in the next chapter of her life.
June 19, 2013
An excellent read. Thought provoking. Marie is a professional woman married to a man who seems to love and cherish her. Richard becomes involved in a life that makes Marie have to find her own way. Great twists and turns as she seeks answers to her life.
October 14, 2018
Coach House and its sequel, Daughters are a novel and its sequel that deals with identity grounded in so many areas—family, race, ethnicity, religion. What happens when you don’t know who your father is or what his race is? Those around main character Marie Costa seem to be confronted with the same issues—missing parents, spouses that leave, unidentified children. Add organized crime and corrupt police officers and you will find yourself enjoying two well-written novels that explore all of these. Osburne handles honestly and without rancor a variety of characters’ views of race, religion and gender in the US in post WWII era and the problems in forming relationships because of these concerns.
May 30, 2018
I have had this on my TBr for so long it is gaining dust on my kindle. I don't know why or how i got it but never felt enamoured enough to start it. It was however a decent read. Ok it is not high literature but the the author keeps your interest throughout there are plenty of twists and turns - it can be a bit predictable but i was invested in how it would turn out
November 9, 2017
Enjoyed this book, definitely a page turner. Few twists and turns, although at times a little predictable, still thoroughly enjoyable. The story follows Marie, the main character, through marriage and discovery, My only complaint is the abrupt ending, luckily I had the follow on book to hand.
June 26, 2018
There was just too many sub-stories. It made the book disjointed.
December 2, 2021
Enjoyed the book but found myself getting tired of all the coincidences.
June 7, 2013
Finish time – 3 days. It was a quick, page-turning read. I enjoyed the book overall for the story, but there were a few things that really bothered me. First, the title – The Coach House. I guess I had in my head that the Coach House would be some historical house (like my favorite book The Swan House) and would be the center of the story where all the events took place. Instead you don’t even find out until 2/3rds of the way through what the Coach House even is, and even then it is insignificant. I don’t judge a book by the title or cover, but for the record, this one is misleading. I’m terrible with titles but maybe a better one would be something like “You Can’t Hide” or “Running from Richard”. Those are terrible, but if you read the book – you’d understand.
The book takes place in Chicago in the 1940′s. Marie, the main character, is a designer with Marshall Fields and a recent newlywed to Richard. Again looking to learn more about a different city in a different time period, other than costs of things and some racial comments, I didn’t feel transported back. Not that I have any reference other than movies and television shows, I just didn’t get the true feel of being in the 1940′s. One example is Marie holding down a full-time job away from the house and Richard being the “cook” in the house. I’m all for progressive females and marriages, and maybe I’m just being too stereotypical, but it just didn’t feel right.
That all being said, I really did enjoy the book. I felt part of Marie’s journey to discover more about her past, who she is presently, and where she is headed. The author does a great job at making the reader feel the emotions Marie is feeling and really setting the scene so you can picture it. All the characters were easily pictured in my head, and I especially enjoyed Marie’s relationship with Karen and can’t wait to see where her relationship with Jonathan goes. The book concluded leaving me not completely satisfied and some story lines still open. But luckily for me (and I guess the author), a sequel has just been released (3/7/13), so I dove right in to Daughters, and that will be my next review.
I just looked back at the book description to see if I missed anything and I couldn’t help but laugh – the entire description is “”The Coach House” is about how a young woman in the 1940s deals with complicated relationships, adversity, ethnicity, and fears.” I would have to agree. If you are looking for a good historical fiction (as I most times are), this is disappointing on that front, but if you are looking for a good story to keep you interested, I would recommend this book. Stay tuned for my review of the sequel! (Which I was very excited to be my free Prime March download!)
The book takes place in Chicago in the 1940′s. Marie, the main character, is a designer with Marshall Fields and a recent newlywed to Richard. Again looking to learn more about a different city in a different time period, other than costs of things and some racial comments, I didn’t feel transported back. Not that I have any reference other than movies and television shows, I just didn’t get the true feel of being in the 1940′s. One example is Marie holding down a full-time job away from the house and Richard being the “cook” in the house. I’m all for progressive females and marriages, and maybe I’m just being too stereotypical, but it just didn’t feel right.
That all being said, I really did enjoy the book. I felt part of Marie’s journey to discover more about her past, who she is presently, and where she is headed. The author does a great job at making the reader feel the emotions Marie is feeling and really setting the scene so you can picture it. All the characters were easily pictured in my head, and I especially enjoyed Marie’s relationship with Karen and can’t wait to see where her relationship with Jonathan goes. The book concluded leaving me not completely satisfied and some story lines still open. But luckily for me (and I guess the author), a sequel has just been released (3/7/13), so I dove right in to Daughters, and that will be my next review.
I just looked back at the book description to see if I missed anything and I couldn’t help but laugh – the entire description is “”The Coach House” is about how a young woman in the 1940s deals with complicated relationships, adversity, ethnicity, and fears.” I would have to agree. If you are looking for a good historical fiction (as I most times are), this is disappointing on that front, but if you are looking for a good story to keep you interested, I would recommend this book. Stay tuned for my review of the sequel! (Which I was very excited to be my free Prime March download!)
March 11, 2013
Review: The Coach House
Author: Florence Osmond
Published: - Published April 27th 2012 by CreateSpace
ISBN: 1467946516
Reviewed - Monday, 11 March 2013
Synopsis: 1945 Chicago. Newlyweds Marie Marchetti and her husband, Richard, have the perfect life together. Or at least it seems until Marie discovers cryptic receipts hidden in their basement and a gun in Richard's desk drawer. When she learns he secretly attends a mobster’s funeral, her suspicions are confirmed. And when she inadvertently interrupts a meeting between Richard and his so-called business associates in their home, he causes her to fall down the basement steps, compelling Marie to run for her life.
Ending up in Atchison, Kansas, Marie quickly sets up a new life for herself. She meets Karen Franklin, a woman who will become her lifelong best friend, and rents a coach house apartment behind a three-story Victorian home. Ironically, it is the discovery of the identity of her real father and his ethnicity that unexpectedly changes her life more than Richard ever could.
Status: Read on March 9 2013 – I own a copy
My thoughts:
This is a debut novel by Florence Osmond and it is an excellent book.
We are introduced to Marie Costa prior to her marriage to Richard Marchetti in Chicago, USA, 1945. Richard has literally swept Marie off her feet and in his typical ‘go-getter’ style; they marry soon after they have met. Life is wonderful for Marie: married life is all that she could desire, she has an attentive, loving and caring husband and in addition her career at Marshal Fields Department store is blossoming.
What more could a girl ask for?
Well, a family for a start. Orphaned at a young age, Marie knows nothing of her father and very little of her mother. She is disappointed to find that Richard has a dysfunctional family and does not want to talk about it.
This is the first of many incidents and issues that Richard keeps from Marie and as time goes by she becomes suspicious of the company that Richard is keeping and finally an escape is necessary for Marie.
The well crafted and excellent writing is complimented by absorbing and rich characters that fill the bigger picture of life for a woman with a controlling husband and the plight of women confronted with domestic violence. In addition, the book is a commentary on the prominent social issues in America in the 50’s +.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
Available: Amazon : Goodreads
Author: Florence Osmond
Published: - Published April 27th 2012 by CreateSpace
ISBN: 1467946516
Reviewed - Monday, 11 March 2013
Synopsis: 1945 Chicago. Newlyweds Marie Marchetti and her husband, Richard, have the perfect life together. Or at least it seems until Marie discovers cryptic receipts hidden in their basement and a gun in Richard's desk drawer. When she learns he secretly attends a mobster’s funeral, her suspicions are confirmed. And when she inadvertently interrupts a meeting between Richard and his so-called business associates in their home, he causes her to fall down the basement steps, compelling Marie to run for her life.
Ending up in Atchison, Kansas, Marie quickly sets up a new life for herself. She meets Karen Franklin, a woman who will become her lifelong best friend, and rents a coach house apartment behind a three-story Victorian home. Ironically, it is the discovery of the identity of her real father and his ethnicity that unexpectedly changes her life more than Richard ever could.
Status: Read on March 9 2013 – I own a copy
My thoughts:
This is a debut novel by Florence Osmond and it is an excellent book.
We are introduced to Marie Costa prior to her marriage to Richard Marchetti in Chicago, USA, 1945. Richard has literally swept Marie off her feet and in his typical ‘go-getter’ style; they marry soon after they have met. Life is wonderful for Marie: married life is all that she could desire, she has an attentive, loving and caring husband and in addition her career at Marshal Fields Department store is blossoming.
What more could a girl ask for?
Well, a family for a start. Orphaned at a young age, Marie knows nothing of her father and very little of her mother. She is disappointed to find that Richard has a dysfunctional family and does not want to talk about it.
This is the first of many incidents and issues that Richard keeps from Marie and as time goes by she becomes suspicious of the company that Richard is keeping and finally an escape is necessary for Marie.
The well crafted and excellent writing is complimented by absorbing and rich characters that fill the bigger picture of life for a woman with a controlling husband and the plight of women confronted with domestic violence. In addition, the book is a commentary on the prominent social issues in America in the 50’s +.
I would recommend this book to anyone.
Available: Amazon : Goodreads
July 7, 2014
Having just finished reading “The Coach House” I can tell you it was a captivating story. “The Coach House” is set in Chicago circa 1945. That’s a different world from what we know today, and I always enjoy being able to “go back in time” and experience pieces of the past; hence my desire to read it.
We first glimpse Marie Andrea Costa, one of the main characters in “The Coach House,” as she is decorating a window display for the Marshall Field’s department store where she works. We view her through the eyes of Richard Marchetti as he gazes at her in dumbstruck wonder. Richard is suave, witty and charming and he finally convinces Maria to step out of the display and…out to dinner with him.
Theirs is a whirlwind courtship and almost before she realizes it Marie is juggling her full time work schedule with a full blown romance. Richard seems to be the perfect man and he showers Marie with devoted attention, lavish gifts and impromptu getaways. How can she not fall madly in love with him? She does, they marry and together they start down the road of “happily ever after.”
Unfortunately, things are not always what they seem and Marie begins to notice an abundance of odd happenings. Phone calls late at night, strange receipts, a gun hidden in Richard’s desk drawer and discomfiting men showing up at her home. Whenever she asks Richard for an explanation he always becomes evasive and then angry with her if she doesn’t immediately drop it. She eventually stops questioning him but she can’t return to her previous days of innocent naiveté so she finally realizes she must put together a plan to move out and divorce him.
As we all know, life rarely happens according to plan and Marie’s life is no different. I don’t want to give away any more of the story but I will say “The Coach House” was a captivating read. Author Florence Osmund writes with impeccable style and I appreciated the little touches of the era that she consistently added to her novel. The characters seemed like real people and the storyline is definitely true to life.
In closing, “The Coach House” is a great book for anyone who likes reading triumph over adversity type stories.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
We first glimpse Marie Andrea Costa, one of the main characters in “The Coach House,” as she is decorating a window display for the Marshall Field’s department store where she works. We view her through the eyes of Richard Marchetti as he gazes at her in dumbstruck wonder. Richard is suave, witty and charming and he finally convinces Maria to step out of the display and…out to dinner with him.
Theirs is a whirlwind courtship and almost before she realizes it Marie is juggling her full time work schedule with a full blown romance. Richard seems to be the perfect man and he showers Marie with devoted attention, lavish gifts and impromptu getaways. How can she not fall madly in love with him? She does, they marry and together they start down the road of “happily ever after.”
Unfortunately, things are not always what they seem and Marie begins to notice an abundance of odd happenings. Phone calls late at night, strange receipts, a gun hidden in Richard’s desk drawer and discomfiting men showing up at her home. Whenever she asks Richard for an explanation he always becomes evasive and then angry with her if she doesn’t immediately drop it. She eventually stops questioning him but she can’t return to her previous days of innocent naiveté so she finally realizes she must put together a plan to move out and divorce him.
As we all know, life rarely happens according to plan and Marie’s life is no different. I don’t want to give away any more of the story but I will say “The Coach House” was a captivating read. Author Florence Osmund writes with impeccable style and I appreciated the little touches of the era that she consistently added to her novel. The characters seemed like real people and the storyline is definitely true to life.
In closing, “The Coach House” is a great book for anyone who likes reading triumph over adversity type stories.
(Reviewed in association with Rebecca's Reads).
July 2, 2012
Things aren’t always what they seem.
Tall, dark, and handsome describe the two men in Marie Marcheti’s young life. Besides being from different ethnic groups, they are worlds apart in character, moral, and ethical strength.
Marie lost her mother when she was a young girl and never knew her father. The only information her mother shared was that her father was tall, dark, and handsome. Marie had no idea until she was in her late twenties that ‘dark’ meant Negro. Realizing she was a Mulatto in the 1940’s left Marie with mixed feelings of confusion and fear.
Richard was her tall, dark, and handsome husband. In her gut she felt there was a secretive side to him, but she married him anyway, doubts and all. They were in love and enjoyed each other’s company, but things aren’t always what they seem. It didn’t take long for Marie to decide to leave Richard.
Not taking this well, Richard stalks Marie. She desperately tries to find a place to live where he will never find her. But Richard’s secret life involved corruption and it was easy for him to keep tabs on her every move.
Marie ends up in Atchison, Kansas renting a coach house apartment. It’s located behind a beautiful Victorian home where her landlord’s family lives.
Marie is an interior designer and left a good job in Chicago when she left Richard. When she ended up in Kansas, after working a menial job for a year, she was able to thrive once again as an interior designer. She made friends easily and Karen, her new best friend, helped Marie endure her life on the run from Richard in Kansas.
The settings in The Coach House are described beautifully by Florence Osmund. Chicago and its music venues, New York City, and San Francisco, we get to travel and enjoy these cities with Marie.
The character development is Osmund’s strength in The Coach House. Each character becomes alive in chapter after chapter. It’s hard to put down the book because we get so absorbed with each character - whether it’s Marie, Richard, and Karen, or Richard’s cohort doing his dirty work.
The Coach House is a superbly written book, in my opinion. It will leave the reader thinking about relationships, adversity, independence and growth, and prejudices. It’s always nice to finish a good book with something to think about.
Tall, dark, and handsome describe the two men in Marie Marcheti’s young life. Besides being from different ethnic groups, they are worlds apart in character, moral, and ethical strength.
Marie lost her mother when she was a young girl and never knew her father. The only information her mother shared was that her father was tall, dark, and handsome. Marie had no idea until she was in her late twenties that ‘dark’ meant Negro. Realizing she was a Mulatto in the 1940’s left Marie with mixed feelings of confusion and fear.
Richard was her tall, dark, and handsome husband. In her gut she felt there was a secretive side to him, but she married him anyway, doubts and all. They were in love and enjoyed each other’s company, but things aren’t always what they seem. It didn’t take long for Marie to decide to leave Richard.
Not taking this well, Richard stalks Marie. She desperately tries to find a place to live where he will never find her. But Richard’s secret life involved corruption and it was easy for him to keep tabs on her every move.
Marie ends up in Atchison, Kansas renting a coach house apartment. It’s located behind a beautiful Victorian home where her landlord’s family lives.
Marie is an interior designer and left a good job in Chicago when she left Richard. When she ended up in Kansas, after working a menial job for a year, she was able to thrive once again as an interior designer. She made friends easily and Karen, her new best friend, helped Marie endure her life on the run from Richard in Kansas.
The settings in The Coach House are described beautifully by Florence Osmund. Chicago and its music venues, New York City, and San Francisco, we get to travel and enjoy these cities with Marie.
The character development is Osmund’s strength in The Coach House. Each character becomes alive in chapter after chapter. It’s hard to put down the book because we get so absorbed with each character - whether it’s Marie, Richard, and Karen, or Richard’s cohort doing his dirty work.
The Coach House is a superbly written book, in my opinion. It will leave the reader thinking about relationships, adversity, independence and growth, and prejudices. It’s always nice to finish a good book with something to think about.
September 3, 2012
The Coach House by Florence Osmund is a beautifully written story of the immediate years following WWII. Marie is a young college graduate who has studied Interior Design and is using her skills at Marshall Fields in Chicago during the store's heyday. She is a window dresser, but is soon recognized for her talents and work ethic and is promoted to assistant buyer and ultimately to store manager. Richard is a medical supply salesman who is smitten with Marie's beauty and grace when he sees her working in a window. Romance is a new experience for Marie, and she quickly falls in love with her attentive suitor.
Despite her hesitations, they soon wed, and live the life of a happily married, affluent couple, flying to New York City for shopping and shows. Their differences gradually emerge in their relationship, as Richard is detached from his family, while Marie sorrowfully misses her mother, the only family she had. Richard continually asks Marie to trust him, and all will be well for them. This becomes an increasingly difficult task, as she begins to discover more and more about her husband's working life.
Florence Osmund skillfully interweaves musical interludes throughout her characters' experiences, quoting songs form the post war era - lyrics that so perfectly fit the young couple's thoughts at the moment. Osmund also uses movies of that time to provide insightful dialogue that reveals each of their inner thoughts.
As Maria walks through the city of Chicago, and later through small towns beyond the city, the reader easily strolls alongside, taking in the nostalgic views of small town life in contrast with big city events. The gangsters of the forties, the early civil rights strife and slowly developing societal awareness of such complete the tapestry this author carefully weaves around her characters.
This book is a love story, a chapter in our history, a picture of divergent cultures, and a strong female character's journal. I strongly recommend this book for readers aged 16 and over who want a true look at this time period and all that it encompassed. Five Stars!
Despite her hesitations, they soon wed, and live the life of a happily married, affluent couple, flying to New York City for shopping and shows. Their differences gradually emerge in their relationship, as Richard is detached from his family, while Marie sorrowfully misses her mother, the only family she had. Richard continually asks Marie to trust him, and all will be well for them. This becomes an increasingly difficult task, as she begins to discover more and more about her husband's working life.
Florence Osmund skillfully interweaves musical interludes throughout her characters' experiences, quoting songs form the post war era - lyrics that so perfectly fit the young couple's thoughts at the moment. Osmund also uses movies of that time to provide insightful dialogue that reveals each of their inner thoughts.
As Maria walks through the city of Chicago, and later through small towns beyond the city, the reader easily strolls alongside, taking in the nostalgic views of small town life in contrast with big city events. The gangsters of the forties, the early civil rights strife and slowly developing societal awareness of such complete the tapestry this author carefully weaves around her characters.
This book is a love story, a chapter in our history, a picture of divergent cultures, and a strong female character's journal. I strongly recommend this book for readers aged 16 and over who want a true look at this time period and all that it encompassed. Five Stars!
February 21, 2013
I insert an aspiring author's novel into my reading list each month. Being an undiscovered writer myself, I think everyone should do this. Having grown up in Illinois and intrigued by the book's description on Amazon, I selected Florence Osmund's novel The Coach House this month.
Set in the 40s, it's the story of Marie Marchetti, a young woman from Chicago. Never meeting her father, she loses her mother at a young age and is taken in by her neighbors while still in high school. Knowing little of her family history, she goes to college on trust fund from anonymous source.
Marie meets Richard following graduation, concurrent with her taking a job in the fashion retail industry. He wins her affection and they marry. Richard's business and those he associates with are held close to his vest, constantly worrying Marie. A bulk of the storyline is fixated on the mystery behind Richard's job and his apparent cover up of how and with whom he spends his time, trying to keep Marie in the dark while holding her affection.
It is obvious early to the reader Richard has ties to the mob. The author does insert twists and turns along the way to keep the pace moving, but I found myself screaming at Marie halfway through the book, "Drop him! He's in the mob! Get on with it, already."
The storyline is intriguing, the characters believable. You feel for Marie as she learns more about Richard and about herself. The author does a good job of mixing up the storyline by inserting flashback and sideline plots.
One minor criticism - I found the frequent use of music lyrics from the period, seemingly inserted to bring romantic relevance to most any situation, a little overused, detracting from the story.
I grade on a curve for new authors, as everyone should, but this is a good first novel by Florence Osmund. Check it out.
Set in the 40s, it's the story of Marie Marchetti, a young woman from Chicago. Never meeting her father, she loses her mother at a young age and is taken in by her neighbors while still in high school. Knowing little of her family history, she goes to college on trust fund from anonymous source.
Marie meets Richard following graduation, concurrent with her taking a job in the fashion retail industry. He wins her affection and they marry. Richard's business and those he associates with are held close to his vest, constantly worrying Marie. A bulk of the storyline is fixated on the mystery behind Richard's job and his apparent cover up of how and with whom he spends his time, trying to keep Marie in the dark while holding her affection.
It is obvious early to the reader Richard has ties to the mob. The author does insert twists and turns along the way to keep the pace moving, but I found myself screaming at Marie halfway through the book, "Drop him! He's in the mob! Get on with it, already."
The storyline is intriguing, the characters believable. You feel for Marie as she learns more about Richard and about herself. The author does a good job of mixing up the storyline by inserting flashback and sideline plots.
One minor criticism - I found the frequent use of music lyrics from the period, seemingly inserted to bring romantic relevance to most any situation, a little overused, detracting from the story.
I grade on a curve for new authors, as everyone should, but this is a good first novel by Florence Osmund. Check it out.
August 21, 2012
The Coach House takes place in the mid 1940s. In begins in one of Americas' finest cities Chicago which by the mid-forties had a reputation as a gangster city.
We follow Marie Marchetti through her life in Chicago and later Atchison, Kansas. In the beginning she has what appears to be the perfect life. She's beautiful, smart, successful and married to Mr. Wonderful. But when she overhears her husband's late night phone calls and discovers cryptic receipts hidden in the basement and a gun in his desk drawer she suspects he's mixed up with the wrong people and decides to leave him.
I felt like I was right there with Marie on her journey of letting go of her old life as she faces confusion, anger and fear along the way. But ironically, it was the discovery of the identity of her real father and his ethnicity that unexpectedly changed Marie's life.
Without spoiling the plot it is easy to empathize with Marie. Written in a wonderful style the author reels you into the story and characters.
I believe the author's insight into our most basic need for trust and connection and her
compassionate portrayal of a young woman facing what seem to be
insurmountable roadblocks make this a fascinating and compelling read.
We follow Marie Marchetti through her life in Chicago and later Atchison, Kansas. In the beginning she has what appears to be the perfect life. She's beautiful, smart, successful and married to Mr. Wonderful. But when she overhears her husband's late night phone calls and discovers cryptic receipts hidden in the basement and a gun in his desk drawer she suspects he's mixed up with the wrong people and decides to leave him.
I felt like I was right there with Marie on her journey of letting go of her old life as she faces confusion, anger and fear along the way. But ironically, it was the discovery of the identity of her real father and his ethnicity that unexpectedly changed Marie's life.
Without spoiling the plot it is easy to empathize with Marie. Written in a wonderful style the author reels you into the story and characters.
I believe the author's insight into our most basic need for trust and connection and her
compassionate portrayal of a young woman facing what seem to be
insurmountable roadblocks make this a fascinating and compelling read.
August 22, 2012
The Coach House both inspires and captivates as it explores the ins and outs of life as a mixed-race woman in the 1940’s. The manner in which Osmund depicts Marie’s career path is refreshing, as there is never any question about whether she can be successful, she just goes ahead and secures the career she wants. The reason why the book is so captivating is that it focuses on more than just the woman’s role and her relationship with a controlling man. We also gain an insight into what life would be like if you suddenly found that your ethnicity was under question. The reader is taken along on the journey as Marie works out who she is in a world with clear social and racial divides.
With its beautiful descriptions and perfectly placed lyrics from artists such as Bing Crosby this book is not only thought evoking, but also a genuine pleasure to read. Osmund has created an excellent balance between the social situation surrounding race and sex in the 1940’s and the personal journey of our heroine, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The sequel, Daughters, is set to be released later this year and after the cliff-hanger she left at the end of this one it is sure to be eagerly awaited.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
With its beautiful descriptions and perfectly placed lyrics from artists such as Bing Crosby this book is not only thought evoking, but also a genuine pleasure to read. Osmund has created an excellent balance between the social situation surrounding race and sex in the 1940’s and the personal journey of our heroine, keeping the reader engaged throughout. The sequel, Daughters, is set to be released later this year and after the cliff-hanger she left at the end of this one it is sure to be eagerly awaited.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Wright on behalf of BestChickLit.com
September 13, 2012
Osmund engaged me, from the showcase window of Marshal Fields, flagship store in Chicago through the touch of the untouchables in Chicago’s underworld of the 1940’s. More than that it was a pleasure to watch a young woman with so many strikes against her change and grow into a woman who could stand on her own two feet in a man’s world and say, I will survive and thrive against all odds. It was a pleasure to travel with the protagonist to New York and San Francisco, keeping in step with the era by references to music and musicals. I found myself wanting to get to know Marie Costa personally. It is one of the measures that I hold up to a good book, could I be friends with this person and do I wish I could set down and talk, one-on-one. The story made me question how important roots are and value the ability to go it alone and start from scratch. The Coach House digs in to social issues that Americans are still dealing with today and personal moral struggles that most humans deal with on a day-to-day basis. Beyond that it was an entertaining romp through the 1940’s, as well as a chance to view the gentle development of a bond between two women, helping each other find their way. Great read, so yes, I would suggest this book to my best friend.
December 21, 2012
The Coach House is an historical tale, set in the 1940s, of many twists and turns. Just when you think you see a plot point coming to resolution, the author deftly changes directions by throwing another obstacle, unexpected development, or unresolved question into the mix. Her ability to create this ongoing tension keeps readers turning the pages and wanting to find out more about Marie’s personal pilgrimage to uncover the truth about herself and the mysterious man to whom she’s married. Taking on a variety of substantive issues, The Coach House is both a tale of intrigue and a search for personal meaning that provokes readers to examine their own biases and values. A great first novel by a sensitive and talented writer!
February 4, 2014
The Coach House is not particularly well-written, but the story lines kept me interested and turning the pages. I really think Osmund could have written a separate book for each theme: married to a small-time mobster and trying to escape that life; discovery one's ethnicity.
When the second storyline was initially hinted at, I immediately thought of the 1949 movie, Pinky. Funny enough, Osmund mentions it later on in the book. I always thought they did a terrible job in casting Jeanne Crain as the biracial daughter -- could anyone look more Anglo? Not a hint of mixed ancestry! At least Marie Costa is described as having olive skin (reflecting more than her Italian mother as it turns out).
When the second storyline was initially hinted at, I immediately thought of the 1949 movie, Pinky. Funny enough, Osmund mentions it later on in the book. I always thought they did a terrible job in casting Jeanne Crain as the biracial daughter -- could anyone look more Anglo? Not a hint of mixed ancestry! At least Marie Costa is described as having olive skin (reflecting more than her Italian mother as it turns out).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2015
this book is well written in my opinion. marie is on a journey to discover her identity after a horrific acident her at one time deeply in love with her husband inflicted on her. after that day she was bound to be for herself because she was tired of the lies and shadyness of the man she once loved. she didnt want to feel like one of his business deals undr his thumb. but he proves to be a menace in her attempt to be free. not in like a horrific way or anything. stalkerish really. along the way she finds people she can confide in and become friends with and has a building block for her sence of security. anyways its a good read. the story continues into daughters which im currently reading now.
March 8, 2013
Definitely a page turner - not at all what I expected, and not my usual type of book, but the twists of the plot and the constant new developments drew me in. It's definitely a bit anachronistic, both in terms of some of the characters' (especially the main character) attitudes being a bit ahead of their time, and some of the technology in the background is a few years early - but that really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things, since the characters are so well-written they kind of step out of time. The book ends just as the story starts to take an even more interesting turn, so I was very glad to discover there is a sequel - I will be tracking that down soon!
August 13, 2013
I liked the story but overall it moved slowly. The story I was interestested in was Marie and her husband and her reunion with her father - not her racial identity. I guess I did not care that she might be biracial though I am sure it would have been a difficult issue at the tme. But, there were many elements that did not seem fit with the 40's. I found the consumption of of wine to be way over done. The ending was premature. There was no closure, just a hope that you would buy the next book - I do not think I will!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2013
I kept thinking "where is the Coach House in the story". It did come along somewhere in the middle. It's fairly well written. Sometimes the character interaction and internal dialogue doesn't feel fully fleshed out. The moral/ethical/racial questions that come up are an interesting part of the book. I don't want to give away too much. The ending left me a little cold. It was quite abrupt and didn't feel like there was much closure or resolution. I'm going to have to read Daughters now. I'm not sure I would have otherwise.
March 5, 2014
I liked this book, but I wish it had more substance. The themes were organized crime, relationships, growing up and learning responsibility and ethnicity. All great ideas but nothing was really fleshed out enough for me. Saying that, however, there was a certain appeal that kept me into the book. I was always waiting to find out more about the characters. Perhaps the author left out just enough that her readers would want to find out more about these characters and what happens to them. I know I would have liked more.
August 11, 2013
I chose this book for its cover and title - much the way I chose wine. I was captured almost immediately when I realized it was set in Chicago. I thought it had a few stories going on at the same time, but they went together well. It was a little fairytalish, considering it was right after WWII. Everything just seemed so easy for this young women, clothes, jewels, trips.... But it was all that way. I couldn't put it down and immediately bought the sequel.
August 24, 2013
This book was a page turner- I was very interested in what would happen next. However disappointed in the way it ended. Many loose ends not tied up such as finalizing divorce, Richards "real deal", and even reconnecting with Esther? I was interested in the relationship with her father but wanted these other ends tied up first. If I read the sequel it would be to hopefully find closure to this book!
October 1, 2013
Marie and Richard Marchetti live a very good life in Chicago in 1946-- good jobs, trips to New York City, nice clothes, surprise gifts, but Richard has deep secrets. Marie sees that things are falling apart, she fears for her life, and she flees. She meets Karen Franklin and they become great friends sharing deep secrets and trying to understand the fears and tragedies they have experienced.
There are a few proof-reading issues.
No sex
Some non graphic violence
There are a few proof-reading issues.
No sex
Some non graphic violence
April 20, 2013
Main character is likable but the first half about the marriage dragged out too long. Incongruities in the story were distracting, e.g., how does a telephone operator afford to fly to San Francisco in 1949? What are Richard's intentions? Is Marie in danger or not? I see there is a sequel, but I doubt I'll spend more time with these characters
June 3, 2013
The book was better than average however it feels incomplete. It also feels like in many spots the characters were way ahead of their time with their forward thinking. I do have a desire to see how the main character fares in the next book, so I guess I am hooked. The writing was intriguing and mysterious and in many places I felt issues were not resolved. For example with her husband.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews