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The third in a tale of four generations of women set against the sprawling tapestry of the 20th century from award-winning author Lyn Cote. Linda Leigh Sinclair is born in the aftermath of WW II. Lovingly raised at Ivy Manor with everything she could possibly need, she is still discontent and finds herself gravitating toward the fringe elements of society. At 17, the modern civil rights movement comes crashing into Leighs life. Choosing a journalists life over her parents wishes, she immerses herself in the rights movement and anti-war protests over Vietnam. She is caught up in the winds of change, falls in love with a young radical, and is devastated when he leaves her. Shes made some bad choicesand shes pregnant. Leigh must learn to juggle single motherhood with workand more importantly, learn that with Gods help she can finally grow into the strong and mature woman she is capable of being.
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First published January 3, 2006
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About the author
Lyn Cote
121 books588 followersLyn grew up loving books. Her favorite night of the week was Friday night, when the Bookmobile came to her neighborhood in Illinois. She’d spend those two hours chatting with the driver of the Bookmobile and the librarian and making the big decision of the week — which books to check out! In those distant days, children were limited in how many books they could check out. Lyn could only take home six a week — and there were so many to choose from. Her favorites were Cotton in my Sack by Lois Lenski, The Little House series and the One of a Kind Family series. Later, she discovered Georgette Heyer’s Regency romances!
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
This love of books led to a desire to write. Lyn won prizes in high school and college for her poetry and, not surprisingly, Lyn became a history and English teacher. When she became a mother, she gave up teaching, and while raising a son and a daughter, she began working on her first novel. Then she wrote her second and third. Long years of rejection followed — as it does for most writers. Finally in 1997, Lyn got "the call." Her first book, Never Alone, was chosen to appear in the first year of the new Love Inspired line. Lyn has written many articles on writing and the emerging Christian Booksellers Assoc. (CBA) fiction market. In 2006, Lyn's book, Chloe, is a finalist for the RWA's RITA, the highest award in the romance genre in the inspirational category.
Now, Lyn spends her days writing books that show the power of divine as well as human love. Her nest is empty and she and her real life hero, her husband, have more and more time to spend together in their home on a lake in the lovely northwoods. And books are still dear to her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 19, 2009
I just finished reading all four of the Women of Ivy Manor – Chloe, Bette, Leigh and Carly – and would recommend them to anyone. Each book pulled me into the story of this family and I could not wait to see what would happen next. I loved how you see how each family member matures overtime and the next generation steps into Ivy Manor. I especially liked the historical references in the books – everything from how different people heard about war, the depression, segregation, JFK being shot and even what books or songs they were listening to at the time – from the 1917 to 1991. I found it interesting that all of these women had issues with their mothers as they turned 18 and were moving out of the house – freedom and how each rebelled / disobeyed their mother. But interesting that they all had great relationships with their grandmother and the older generation. Thankfully most of the mother /daughter conflicts were resolved after the period of rebellion or at least by the end of the series. I was sad that in each book the women’s first true love died but thankfully they each found love again – the heart can be healed after heartache. I loved the Christian morals that were woven into the book (must more in the last book Carly, than any of the other books). Several themes throughout all the books: how one event in someone’s life can change them forever and how secrets within a family can destroy relationships.
December 30, 2007
Lovin' this book so far! Ah! Lyn Cote has become one of my new favorite authors.
May 13, 2016
Review to come.
May 22, 2019
Linda Leigh Sinclair was born to her mother Bette right after the end of World War II. She is raised in the sheltered environment of Ivy Manor and has never known hardship or wanted for anything. In the summer of 1963, her family is visited by the Dawsons, old family friends who happen to be black. Leigh realizes how sheltered her life has been when she spends time talking with Frank Dawson, an older college boy.
Leigh greatly desires to go to Washington D.C. to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, but Bette will not hear of it. She wants to shelter Leigh from the potential danger involved. With Frank's help, Leigh attends the march anyway, setting a new path in motion for her life. Leigh becomes a journalist and gets involved with the civil rights movement as well as protests against Vietnam. Even though she is more knowledgeable about the world now, Leigh makes some poor choices and gets caught in a large mess, drawing the shame and scorn of her family. Can she and her mother come to a place of forgiveness?
As the third book in a series, Leigh gives enough information for those who haven't read the two previous novels to be quickly drawn into the story. Yet series fans will also revisit familiar characters and locations. This is a truly character driven story, and the reader can understand the dynamics that fuel Leigh's decision making and her actions. Although she's tempestuous and does what she wants regardless of what her parents say, she still knows what is best for her life and remains in college despite draws elsewhere. Leigh suffers her share of heartache, which might be the pivotal point for her bad choices.
At times, this almost seems like a current events of the 60s and 70s story. The author tries so hard to include every single important event and issue of the times, that it often overshadows the main plot. Although this is a Christian novel, the spiritual message is understated. Overall, Leigh is a pleasant and sometimes moving story, but doesn't provide anything groundbreaking in the way of plot. The fourth and final book in the series, Carly, will follow soon.
Leigh greatly desires to go to Washington D.C. to hear Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s speech, but Bette will not hear of it. She wants to shelter Leigh from the potential danger involved. With Frank's help, Leigh attends the march anyway, setting a new path in motion for her life. Leigh becomes a journalist and gets involved with the civil rights movement as well as protests against Vietnam. Even though she is more knowledgeable about the world now, Leigh makes some poor choices and gets caught in a large mess, drawing the shame and scorn of her family. Can she and her mother come to a place of forgiveness?
As the third book in a series, Leigh gives enough information for those who haven't read the two previous novels to be quickly drawn into the story. Yet series fans will also revisit familiar characters and locations. This is a truly character driven story, and the reader can understand the dynamics that fuel Leigh's decision making and her actions. Although she's tempestuous and does what she wants regardless of what her parents say, she still knows what is best for her life and remains in college despite draws elsewhere. Leigh suffers her share of heartache, which might be the pivotal point for her bad choices.
At times, this almost seems like a current events of the 60s and 70s story. The author tries so hard to include every single important event and issue of the times, that it often overshadows the main plot. Although this is a Christian novel, the spiritual message is understated. Overall, Leigh is a pleasant and sometimes moving story, but doesn't provide anything groundbreaking in the way of plot. The fourth and final book in the series, Carly, will follow soon.
July 26, 2016
After the first two books of the series, I was excited to start the next story of this intriguing and awe-inspiring family. The women of the previous two books were incredibly moving and incredibly strong in light of the situations they had to face. This book did not disappoint. Leigh’s story was just as heart wrenching and spell binding as her mother’s and grandmother’s stories. I found it difficult to put the book down once I got started. Again, the fast pacing of the story didn’t hinder my ability to follow the story. I enjoyed watching Leigh grow, mature, and figure out who she was as a woman.
Her story was just as thought provoking as her mother’s. Leigh grew up in a time that isn’t often written about. I felt a connection to Leigh’s restlessness and need to do something to change the world. I felt her hopelessness and despair at all the violence and instability of her world. I saw the sixties and seventies through her eyes in a very new light. Her fear of nuclear war matched my own fear of ISIS. Her story struck a chord deep inside me. I wish I had a little more Leigh in myself. I felt that the ending suited Leigh and how she lived her life beautifully.
Again, the author brought the time period to life perfectly. It shed new light on a troubling stretch of years. The characters were deeply human and relatable. The relationships between Chloe, Bette, and Leigh were equal parts heart breaking and hopeful, joyous and sorrowful. The obstacles each woman had to tackle in the story were mind boggling and yet they survived. That says something about the strength of person when they are backed up against a wall. I can’t wait to read the last book in the series, and I hope all the loose ends from Leigh are tied up nicely in the finale. These woman had made me think about myself and the strong, wonderful, sometimes maddening woman who have loved me, raised me to be the woman I am, and encouraged my dreams without fail: My great-grandmother (b. 1911; d. 2012), grandmother (b. 1930), and mother (b.1956). I could envision their lives growing up as I read each story. I could see them reflected in Chloe, Bette, and Leigh.
Her story was just as thought provoking as her mother’s. Leigh grew up in a time that isn’t often written about. I felt a connection to Leigh’s restlessness and need to do something to change the world. I felt her hopelessness and despair at all the violence and instability of her world. I saw the sixties and seventies through her eyes in a very new light. Her fear of nuclear war matched my own fear of ISIS. Her story struck a chord deep inside me. I wish I had a little more Leigh in myself. I felt that the ending suited Leigh and how she lived her life beautifully.
Again, the author brought the time period to life perfectly. It shed new light on a troubling stretch of years. The characters were deeply human and relatable. The relationships between Chloe, Bette, and Leigh were equal parts heart breaking and hopeful, joyous and sorrowful. The obstacles each woman had to tackle in the story were mind boggling and yet they survived. That says something about the strength of person when they are backed up against a wall. I can’t wait to read the last book in the series, and I hope all the loose ends from Leigh are tied up nicely in the finale. These woman had made me think about myself and the strong, wonderful, sometimes maddening woman who have loved me, raised me to be the woman I am, and encouraged my dreams without fail: My great-grandmother (b. 1911; d. 2012), grandmother (b. 1930), and mother (b.1956). I could envision their lives growing up as I read each story. I could see them reflected in Chloe, Bette, and Leigh.
August 31, 2009
I liked this book a lot. It moved quickly and it was interesting to read about life in the '60s and '70s. I am glad I didn't live then - too much unrest. Not that life today is easy, by any stretch of the imagination. I guess it's easier to ignore what's going on in the world, since the war is far away and not at home. Not that I'm pleased with this, either.
I felt badly about the poor relationship with Bette and Leith (mother, daughter), especially because I read all about Bette in the last book in this series! I did like to see how Leigh relied on her great aunt and grandmother and how her sister was invovled in her life, too. And, the book had a decently happy ending, except that history is repeating itself in this family saga.
I'm anxious to read about Leigh's daughter in the next (and last) book.
I felt badly about the poor relationship with Bette and Leith (mother, daughter), especially because I read all about Bette in the last book in this series! I did like to see how Leigh relied on her great aunt and grandmother and how her sister was invovled in her life, too. And, the book had a decently happy ending, except that history is repeating itself in this family saga.
I'm anxious to read about Leigh's daughter in the next (and last) book.
March 12, 2016
This was the third book in The Women of Ivy Manor. This book was set in the late 1960s and I thought Leigh was such a great character. Her story of growing up in such an era of civil rights, Vietnam War, hippies, and lots more. Leigh went through a lot of heartbreak, but in the end she found herself and found the love she needed to move on with her life and rise her daughter Carly. I can not wait to read the last book in The Women of Ivy Manor series.
August 27, 2016
This is the third book in a wonderful series, The Women of Ivy Manor. It tells a very realistic saga of life in the 1960's through the early 1980's. Parts of the book are very heartbreaking, showing there are sometimes far-reaching consequences to choices we make in life, but the strength and faith of several of the characters is admirable.
November 24, 2013
Just like Bette, I love the historical side of this book and found it to be a great read...I like Bette just a hint better but only because I am more fascinated with that time period. I also like how the book links together with Bette and am looking forward to reading Carly next.
June 28, 2007
I liked this book mostly because of the name. It continues the Ivy Manor series. I enjoyed the story as the character finds herself, a pattern of this series.
October 3, 2008
3rd generation of Women of Ivy Manor--the struggles of Leigh and her friends as they become adults during the turblulent 60's.
January 30, 2009
This was truely a great book series, very inspiring, and educational. You really get pulled into this family and the struggles of the women.
June 18, 2009
Great story about feminine strength from a wonderful Christian writer. Loved the series.
July 9, 2010
Touches on some Civil Rights history, and continues the story of the her mother and grandmother.
August 9, 2010
thanks.......I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series.
November 25, 2011
Not bad for a chick-book. Nice little twist at the end.
January 17, 2013
A good follow up to the first 2 in the series. Liked the civil rights movement insights.
November 22, 2015
Another good book. A lot more loss in this book :( and man, Bette. She was a shrew lol
March 4, 2016
Boring. Nothing much happened.
March 6, 2025
In the past I have not read a lot of Lyn Cote's novels. This series was recommended and I could not wait to give it a try. I soon remembered how much I enjoyed this authors writing voice. I was so anxious to read it, I didn't realize I did not request # one Chloe from my library. When I had finished three of the four books, I went back and started over with the audio version. I believe it was even better than the first time. I finished them all in two days. Originally I was getting the ladies and generations mixed up. Since. I was present for all but one of the wars and these time periods it was a look at my past as well. Liked this series and can't wait to read more.
February 27, 2017
I have read the first three books in the series so far. After each on I think the next one can't be as good as the one I just finished - wrong! I really liked this story. There are so many things that Leigh experiences. The way we see changes in America through her eyes. Her very real struggles with her identity and where she fits in society. Can't wait to read the last one in the series. Would highly recommend reading the books in order: Chloe, Bette, Leigh, Carly. Each could be a stand alone but it makes all the pieces fit together better when you read them in order.
February 10, 2017
Not as good as the first two in the series. Leigh annoyed me because she is immature, but I feel like it a very good representation of the young women at that time period. Extremely well written like all of Cote's work. But I just couldn't connect to the heroine because she is annoying and makes bad decisions. At least Leigh makes the right choice finally at the end of the book, although I don't really know if she truly deserved it.
May 1, 2023
I am really enjoying these books. Strong female characters-four generations of the same family, have grown up paying their own way, making choices for their lives, sometimes with the approval of their parents, other times without...but always the family gathers together and supports its members, etc.
September 21, 2023
Loving this series!
June 7, 2024
I loved the generation of women. Characters' hearts were entwined with grief love and hope. Each book in this series touched a decade of American history. The characters were believable.
September 2, 2016
Again, a great way to review some history, and this was a time that I grew up in, so I could relate and reflect on some of my own personal experiences.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews