Wetherton

by Laurie Griffith Walker

History (noun) - A narrative of events, story.


Jillian Garrett is passionate about historic preservation, but after ten years at the Wetherton Historical Foundation, in tiny Wetherton, Connecticut, her zeal has lost its zing. Is it the quirky New Englanders, small town life, the endless need for fundraising or the lack of eligible men?


Her bags are almost packed when she "meets" Lady Jane Rochester. Can an octogenarian aristocrat reignite Jillian's spirit and help her solve a centuries-old mystery about the town's greatest patriot? Perhaps. Because Lady Jane has just purchased her first computer and a world of Internet possibilities is at her fingertips. But is the world ready for Lady Jane?


Wetherton is a delightful twist on friendship, on the notion that history is set in stone, and the reality that two people can always look at exactly the same thing and see something entirely different.

Genres: History

ebook

First published November 15, 2010

About the author

I've visited Colonial Williamsburg at least 30 times, and can't wait for my next trip. I love American history which is why my books always contain snippets of historical fact mixed within the story. My first book, Wetherton, is loosely based on the town of Old Wethersfield, CT. My second book, The Half-Life Party, was inspired by an actual ghost experience that I had while staying in lodging at Colonial Williamsburg, an experience that I tried to document as accurately as possible in the prologue of my book.

Reviews

[Marika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wetherton was such a charming, pleasant novel. It was a quick and easy read with a “wholesome” quality to it. I would gladly recommend it to others.

I liked the characters because they were unique, interesting, and relatable in their flaws and shortcomings. They were realistic. Jillian’s struggle with her career and relationship status was interesting and relatable because it was properly balanced. She wasn’t obsessed with men, but had a healthy desire to be with someone without letting it take over her life. She went through a healthy period of reconsidering her career goals; I liked the fact that she had a genuine drive and passion for history and Wetherton while wondering, as we all do at some point, “Is this all?” And despite her personality flaws (which make her more realistic and therefore more likable) I thoroughly enjoyed reading her story because she was down to earth and…normal.

Jane’s adventure of discovering the Internet was incredibly entertaining to read. I enjoyed the social commentary aspect along with the nostalgia of what it was like for me when I first “discovered” the Internet in middle school. The juxtaposition of a youthful 30some year-old engrossed in the past with an elderly 80+ year-old discovering modern technology was brilliant. I also noticed how both characters had this strange habit of talking to old portraits on the wall. While it was weird, I liked how they both did that. It was…I can’t think of a better term at the moment…cute.

The writing style wasn’t incredibly special…but I liked the neutral quality of it. I was able to get lost in the story instead of trying to read between unnecessary, flowery descriptions. I liked that.

While the ending brought happy conclusions, I was sad because it felt like the end was too quick and I would have gladly read more!

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Thank you!

[Bridget · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was so charming! I grew up I'm New England and as such, could picture Wetherton and the homes perfectly. There aren't many books out there that highlight all the hard work that historical societies and preservationists do so this book is a welcome sight for an enthusiast like myself. I was worried that the book would focus on Jillian trying to find a man and leave the little town, buy am so happy the author takes it another direction and focuses on Jillian's career and dedication. I will definitely read this author again and already purchased her second book on kindle. Perhaps I'm an oddity with my love of historic homes, but I was biting my nails during the conclusion.

[Debbie Manning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately, I was not a lucky winner of this delightful book. The author, Laurie Griffith Walker, was kind enough to send me a copy any way. And I'm so glad that she did. It was a fascinating story of a historic colonial town in Connecticut set in the present day. It brought elements of colonial times in New England, and the restoration of a village full of characters who were relatable. More than that, it was a very interesting read, and left me wanting a squeal to find out what happens next.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is about the connections between the past and the present. Jillian is a young American who works for a historical society in Connecticut. Her research leads her to connect with the elderly Lady Jane in England through email. They form a friendship as they work to preserve the history of Wetherton, Connecticut.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how modern people work to present the history of the Revolutionary War era. The story is written very simply, but the characters are both likeable and realistic. A cute story.

[Connie Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read about this book and tried to win it. I didn't win it,but I still wanted to read it so I purchased it for my Nook. I really enjoyed Weatherton. It was funny with a historical mystery and a very nice ending. Wonderful characters. I now want to read other books by this author and I want to try making the Brownley Punch. i hope she will continue the story of Jillian and James.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy, restful read. No great drama or excitement.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fun story. Liked it a lot.

[Wendee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, light read with believable characters. I personally enjoy stories that go back and forth between a couple of characters, locations, or time periods, like this book did.

[Lynsie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely little story of a girl trying to save the history of a small town, and an aging heiress learning the joys of the internet. A sweet, feel good book.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a solid 4.5 stars. Jillian Garrett, a Yale graduate, forgoes the glitz and glamour of a probable lucrative career in Manhattan, N.Y.C., preferring instead to work as Director of Marketing and Special Promotions for the struggling Wetherton Historical Society. You see, Jillian is passionate about preserving the history of the small town of Wetherton, CT., and the legacy of their most beloved heroine Catherine Wentworth Brownley, who, along with her husband John, is responsible for the famous Brownley Punch and the Tavern that serves it. There is a problem though. While the Wetherton Historical Society's financial resources run low, Arnold Murton's ambitions to tear down the centuries old Beckwith House, which he now owns, run high. And if that weren't concern enough, revisionists thinkers threaten to tarnish the reputation of the town's much beloved heroine Catherine Wentworth Brownley. What's a girl to do? 

A sure-fire way to preserve the Beckwith House and protect the reputation of Catherine Wentworth Brownley is for Jillian to elicit help from her newfound British friend, Lady Jane Rochester, 86, who she has been corresponding with online. But time is running out. Will she get the information she needs before all hope is lost?  Will she be forced to turn to the "Money Mack" yet again, the Wetherton Historical Society's greatest benefactor? Or will she surrender to her friend Taylor's prodding her about her pathetic life and take that job in N.Y.C. instead? 

I love books that stimulate, educate and enlighten me, and that's precisely my experience with Wetherton. This was an engaging, well-written book that history enthusiasts will very likely enjoy. In fact, I can't see how even non-history lovers wouldn't be entertained by it. I found myself chuckling many times, and I could see the characters and places so distinctly in my mind. They became real to me. When that occurs I know I'm on to something good.

In summation this was a very good read and I recommend it highly.

This book was provided to me by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed henceforth are my own.