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Stories From Hartford #1
Andrew's Key
Talk around Hartford is that the old Hilson house is haunted. Its new owner, Rebecca Hilson, doesn’t believe that. She’s more concerned with the decades of junk that has accumulated and for which she is now responsible. She doesn’t know what to do with any of it or even how to approach sorting through it all.
Her new neighbor, Andrew Lately, is happy to offer some words of wisdom and the help of his grandson, Charlie, to get her started. Charlie makes it clear right away that he is interested in more than helping Rebecca move boxes. She doesn’t know if she can return those feelings. In fact, recent events have made her question her ability to feel much of anything.
Will Charlie’s patience pay off or will it take a real ghost to help Rebecca understand the nature of love?
Her new neighbor, Andrew Lately, is happy to offer some words of wisdom and the help of his grandson, Charlie, to get her started. Charlie makes it clear right away that he is interested in more than helping Rebecca move boxes. She doesn’t know if she can return those feelings. In fact, recent events have made her question her ability to feel much of anything.
Will Charlie’s patience pay off or will it take a real ghost to help Rebecca understand the nature of love?
150 pages, Paperback
First published January 27, 2014
941 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Hamm
42 books99 followersMost of Amanda's books are love stories featuring Christian characters, which sounds way less preachy than Christian love stories. Two books have received the CWG Seal of Approval: Andrew's Key (2014) and The Art of Introductions(2021). Three books have earned Catholic Media Association Book Awards: They See a Family (2019), What Goes Around (2021) and The Art of Introductions (2022).
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 11, 2022
February 16, 2015
** I received this book as an advance copy but was under no obligation to write this or any review. **
_Andrew's Key_ seems to sell itself as a romance with a ghost story thrown in. Don't be fooled. It is so much more than that. It is a coming of age story. It is about finding yourself and learning to love. It is about the friendship that can exist between generations.
Rebecca has been pushed out of the family home by her parents who feel it is time for her to spread her wings on her own. She finished graduate school months ago and recently turned down a proposal from a long time boyfriend. They feel she has no direction so they send her to live in the big old house that she inherited from her aunt. When the book begins, Rebecca is really at loose ends; feeling angry at her parents and alone and uncomfortable in the house.
Without giving away the whole plot, Rebecca meets an elderly neighbor whose friendship changes her life in a multitude of ways. This is the Andrew of the title. If it were not for Andrew, Rebecca would never have found his nephew Charlie, truths about her aunt and herself and that she enjoys baking. While taking pictures to show Andrew, Rebecca finds her passion. This also lead to more multigenerational friends for both Rebecca and Charlie.
I loved this book. It was tender and sweet while not being boring or mushy. I honestly hate reading what is considered romance. I don't consider this romance. I would call it literary fiction. I can't wait for the next installment of stories from Hartford. I hope I get to learn more about some of the characters with time in this book. For instance, a couple named Jack and Jill awaiting the birth of their first child who they are very clear about the fact that she will not have a nursery rhyme name. Then there is Mabel who runs the store and the local gossip mill but has a kind heart and a loving manner.
My only negative is not about the writing. It is about the choice of font for the back of the book. It is very difficult to read the synopsis written there unless you already know the story. I think the dark background doesn't help. I think a font that is not script, and not highlighted would make it much more accessible.
For those of you who are not religious, there is religion in this book. Rebecca talks to God and goes to church but the author doesn't hit you over the head with religion. This is not a book trying to change your mind in anyway. I know there are people who won't read a book with an religious undertones but please give this one a try. The message of the book is worth your reading it.
_Andrew's Key_ seems to sell itself as a romance with a ghost story thrown in. Don't be fooled. It is so much more than that. It is a coming of age story. It is about finding yourself and learning to love. It is about the friendship that can exist between generations.
Rebecca has been pushed out of the family home by her parents who feel it is time for her to spread her wings on her own. She finished graduate school months ago and recently turned down a proposal from a long time boyfriend. They feel she has no direction so they send her to live in the big old house that she inherited from her aunt. When the book begins, Rebecca is really at loose ends; feeling angry at her parents and alone and uncomfortable in the house.
Without giving away the whole plot, Rebecca meets an elderly neighbor whose friendship changes her life in a multitude of ways. This is the Andrew of the title. If it were not for Andrew, Rebecca would never have found his nephew Charlie, truths about her aunt and herself and that she enjoys baking. While taking pictures to show Andrew, Rebecca finds her passion. This also lead to more multigenerational friends for both Rebecca and Charlie.
I loved this book. It was tender and sweet while not being boring or mushy. I honestly hate reading what is considered romance. I don't consider this romance. I would call it literary fiction. I can't wait for the next installment of stories from Hartford. I hope I get to learn more about some of the characters with time in this book. For instance, a couple named Jack and Jill awaiting the birth of their first child who they are very clear about the fact that she will not have a nursery rhyme name. Then there is Mabel who runs the store and the local gossip mill but has a kind heart and a loving manner.
My only negative is not about the writing. It is about the choice of font for the back of the book. It is very difficult to read the synopsis written there unless you already know the story. I think the dark background doesn't help. I think a font that is not script, and not highlighted would make it much more accessible.
For those of you who are not religious, there is religion in this book. Rebecca talks to God and goes to church but the author doesn't hit you over the head with religion. This is not a book trying to change your mind in anyway. I know there are people who won't read a book with an religious undertones but please give this one a try. The message of the book is worth your reading it.
February 15, 2014
This is a cute story with a romantic angle that feels both sweet and shy. Sorting through boxes in an old (possibly haunted) house isn't the most typical get-to-know-you scenario, but it's actually kind of fun and gives the uncertain relationship between Rebecca and Charlie a laid back feeling. There is also an element of mystery throughout... not enough to be creepy, scary, or overly intense, but just enough to make you think and wonder.
I like how Rebecca is in her twenties--clearly an adult--but is still trying to figure out her life and future plans. It highly amused me (and scarily enough, sort of reminded me of myself) when she came across various situations that a "grownup" would know how to handle, then quickly realized that SHE is a grownup and should be able to handle things on her own. The first person writing style puts you right inside Rebecca's head, and her occasionally matter-of-fact way of thinking is both amusing and engaging.
Charlie is definitely a sweet guy, and I really enjoyed watching him as he spent time around Rebecca. Though he respects Rebecca's wishes of staying in the "friend zone"--for the time being, at least--you can still tell he has feelings for her by the little double-meaning (but not dirty!) comments he makes. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow. Rebecca's reasoning for taking things slow was very unique, and interesting to watch play out.
The story kept my attention the whole time, never wavering even once, and I was sad when it ended. That's not to say the ending isn't good though, because it is! Rebecca's realization of her inner traits and how they effect her feelings for Charlie is particularly poignant, and made for a great conclusion to the story's build-up. Andrew's Key is definitely some of the author's best work, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what's in store when the rest of the "Hartford" series releases later this year.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
I like how Rebecca is in her twenties--clearly an adult--but is still trying to figure out her life and future plans. It highly amused me (and scarily enough, sort of reminded me of myself) when she came across various situations that a "grownup" would know how to handle, then quickly realized that SHE is a grownup and should be able to handle things on her own. The first person writing style puts you right inside Rebecca's head, and her occasionally matter-of-fact way of thinking is both amusing and engaging.
Charlie is definitely a sweet guy, and I really enjoyed watching him as he spent time around Rebecca. Though he respects Rebecca's wishes of staying in the "friend zone"--for the time being, at least--you can still tell he has feelings for her by the little double-meaning (but not dirty!) comments he makes. I really enjoyed watching their relationship slowly grow. Rebecca's reasoning for taking things slow was very unique, and interesting to watch play out.
The story kept my attention the whole time, never wavering even once, and I was sad when it ended. That's not to say the ending isn't good though, because it is! Rebecca's realization of her inner traits and how they effect her feelings for Charlie is particularly poignant, and made for a great conclusion to the story's build-up. Andrew's Key is definitely some of the author's best work, and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what's in store when the rest of the "Hartford" series releases later this year.
Thanks to the author for providing me with a review copy.
May 19, 2024
I do not read romance novels, as a rule. Once I had gotten past the first 15 pages or so, I finished the rest of the book in one sitting.
Why? Rebecca's story is intriguing. It's heartfelt and real, while taking place in a town that's just idealized and quirky enough -- just far enough off of real -- to be engrossing. I want to live in Hartford, or at least walk around and meet people. Even when I guessed what was happening or what was coming, I was anxious to get to where *they* figure it out. (Waiting for the lightbulb to turn on regarding page 100 was frustrating in a good way.) The story is well crafted, with nothing feeling unneeded or tacked on, and with nothing feeling unresolved at the end.
Rebecca's faith is, for the most part, a natural part of the story. It rarely feels forced, save for one instance (the second), where her voice seems to change (though, admittedly, my own voice changes sometimes when I am speaking about God). That pulled me out of the story very briefly, and it's offset nicely by a story where, usually, the faith of both author and character are just a natural part of the story. The story is pro-marriage, pro-family, and pro-life without ever saying one of those words. Aside from one instance, Rebecca's faith feels like a natural part of her life -- not one she expresses with every breath and in every activity, but one that she turns too regularly.
Without spoiling anything, I'll say, also, that the ghost story aspect of the book is relatively minor but important. It is both explained away in a satisfying and amusing way, and made real in an equally satisfying and vital way.
Very well done, and I would certainly read more in the series.
Why? Rebecca's story is intriguing. It's heartfelt and real, while taking place in a town that's just idealized and quirky enough -- just far enough off of real -- to be engrossing. I want to live in Hartford, or at least walk around and meet people. Even when I guessed what was happening or what was coming, I was anxious to get to where *they* figure it out. (Waiting for the lightbulb to turn on regarding page 100 was frustrating in a good way.) The story is well crafted, with nothing feeling unneeded or tacked on, and with nothing feeling unresolved at the end.
Rebecca's faith is, for the most part, a natural part of the story. It rarely feels forced, save for one instance (the second), where her voice seems to change (though, admittedly, my own voice changes sometimes when I am speaking about God). That pulled me out of the story very briefly, and it's offset nicely by a story where, usually, the faith of both author and character are just a natural part of the story. The story is pro-marriage, pro-family, and pro-life without ever saying one of those words. Aside from one instance, Rebecca's faith feels like a natural part of her life -- not one she expresses with every breath and in every activity, but one that she turns too regularly.
Without spoiling anything, I'll say, also, that the ghost story aspect of the book is relatively minor but important. It is both explained away in a satisfying and amusing way, and made real in an equally satisfying and vital way.
Very well done, and I would certainly read more in the series.
November 19, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed. Was glad when it ended. Had visions of another, not so happy ending.
April 23, 2014
I read this book start to finish, nonstop. No fluff, no 'trying to be impressive' over-writing...this is an actual STORY. And I loved it.
Rebecca is a young woman having trouble getting to know herself. At 25, just having finished grad school, it is time for her to be an adult and move into the real world. She has been doing what was expected her entire life and now that it is time to make some decisions on a direction to take...she is lost. She doesn't have any real goals in life, no interests to speak of, and she just ditched her long time bf for pressuring her to get married. She can't seem to get a grip on what she wants or even who she really is.
Eight months before, her aunt passed and left Rebecca everything she owned. House (rumored to be haunted), and all that is in it. In a small gossipy town where she was born, not far from her current location - her parents insist that she leave the family home, take some time on her own to consider what it is she really wants to do with her life. She moves into Aunt Rose's home with the goal of organizing the contents while she is there. Part of finding herself she feels, is finding a hobby, something she loves. She seeks the help of a hobby shop owner, but to frustratingly little avail. She is having a hard time even creating a list of 10 things she actually appreciates in life. Obviously, Rebecca has a long road ahead of her. In the meantime, she meets a kindly older gentleman, Andrew, who had been a close friend and neighbor to her aunt for many years. Rebecca loves listening to his stories and they form a quick friendship. As Andrew's health declines, his grandson begins spending much time there. Of course, very soon, he and Rebecca make friends and though she kind of likes him more than a friend, she doesn't believe that she has the ability to love and doesn't want to hurt him.
Reading this novel felt like being right there in it. Nothing was left to question - Rebecca and her daily life was completely open to us, the reader, for what seemed every moment. All of her thoughts and feelings we were allowed to know completely along the way. Seeing her transform and viewing the budding of a new possible love relationship was lovely. Very tender and true writing. Lots of content for just a 150 page novella. It actually felt much longer. No fluff here - just what we needed to know, which was perfect!
I liked this novella very much. I am stingy with the 5 star ratings but I can't think of a single reason why this one is not deserving of it. I would certainly recommend this book to people who appreciate honest writing - realistic fiction at it's finest. I would also love to read the next 'story from Hartford' and possibly exploring other titles by this author.
Rebecca is a young woman having trouble getting to know herself. At 25, just having finished grad school, it is time for her to be an adult and move into the real world. She has been doing what was expected her entire life and now that it is time to make some decisions on a direction to take...she is lost. She doesn't have any real goals in life, no interests to speak of, and she just ditched her long time bf for pressuring her to get married. She can't seem to get a grip on what she wants or even who she really is.
Eight months before, her aunt passed and left Rebecca everything she owned. House (rumored to be haunted), and all that is in it. In a small gossipy town where she was born, not far from her current location - her parents insist that she leave the family home, take some time on her own to consider what it is she really wants to do with her life. She moves into Aunt Rose's home with the goal of organizing the contents while she is there. Part of finding herself she feels, is finding a hobby, something she loves. She seeks the help of a hobby shop owner, but to frustratingly little avail. She is having a hard time even creating a list of 10 things she actually appreciates in life. Obviously, Rebecca has a long road ahead of her. In the meantime, she meets a kindly older gentleman, Andrew, who had been a close friend and neighbor to her aunt for many years. Rebecca loves listening to his stories and they form a quick friendship. As Andrew's health declines, his grandson begins spending much time there. Of course, very soon, he and Rebecca make friends and though she kind of likes him more than a friend, she doesn't believe that she has the ability to love and doesn't want to hurt him.
Reading this novel felt like being right there in it. Nothing was left to question - Rebecca and her daily life was completely open to us, the reader, for what seemed every moment. All of her thoughts and feelings we were allowed to know completely along the way. Seeing her transform and viewing the budding of a new possible love relationship was lovely. Very tender and true writing. Lots of content for just a 150 page novella. It actually felt much longer. No fluff here - just what we needed to know, which was perfect!
I liked this novella very much. I am stingy with the 5 star ratings but I can't think of a single reason why this one is not deserving of it. I would certainly recommend this book to people who appreciate honest writing - realistic fiction at it's finest. I would also love to read the next 'story from Hartford' and possibly exploring other titles by this author.
February 24, 2014
When Rebecca’s Aunt Rose passed away almost a year ago she never imagined herself living in the home that was left to her. She was told by her parents that it was time to leave the nest and at her age she needed to be on her own. Rebecca started the task of cleaning and organizing when she heard a noise. Could it be the rumored ghost or just her imagination. She chalked it up to her imagination, until the day she came home to a man in her house.
Rebecca soon learned the man was Andrew. A elderly and confused man from just a few door down the street. Andrew turned out to be a great friend and story teller. Rebecca never felt alone with Andrew, especially after he introduced her to his grandson Charlie.
I LOVED this story. I was happy to see a forming relationship between Rebecca and Charlie. I enjoyed the friendship between Rebecca and Andrew. The friendship reminded me of the movie The Holiday. I liked the way they had a friendship first and it was just a sweet story. If you are looking for a love story without the R rating this is a great read. I highly recommend. But, if you are looking at this book for just a ghost story you will not be getting what you think, but I do feel you should give this book a chance, I truly enjoyed the read.
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
Rebecca soon learned the man was Andrew. A elderly and confused man from just a few door down the street. Andrew turned out to be a great friend and story teller. Rebecca never felt alone with Andrew, especially after he introduced her to his grandson Charlie.
I LOVED this story. I was happy to see a forming relationship between Rebecca and Charlie. I enjoyed the friendship between Rebecca and Andrew. The friendship reminded me of the movie The Holiday. I liked the way they had a friendship first and it was just a sweet story. If you are looking for a love story without the R rating this is a great read. I highly recommend. But, if you are looking at this book for just a ghost story you will not be getting what you think, but I do feel you should give this book a chance, I truly enjoyed the read.
Rating 4.5
Heat Rating Sweet
Reviewed By Rae
Courtesy Of My Book Addiction And More
February 20, 2014
I loved the book, the implementation of a ghost was wat made me want to read it but the end result was even better. The life of a young women who doesn't know her path and is questioning if she can ever really love or feel emotions is opened and broken when she is kicked out of her home and I note her aunts. The best choice that her parents could have made.
January 28, 2014
I received this book from the goodreads first reads program. What a cute story! Rebecca finds herself, her family, and her heart.
August 16, 2016
Mix a coming of age story with a cute romance and add just a touch of religion to create the perfect picture of a wonderful small town that I hope to read much more about.
April 17, 2014
I could not put this book down last night! Stayed up past 3am to finish it. (That usually only happens with mysteries). I would recommend this book to anyone. Have fun reading.
April 9, 2015
I really loved this book. It was a romantic, but was an overall great book.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews