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Henderson House
Three weeks on the Oklahoma Best Sellers list! Three first place awards at The BookFest in Women’s Historical Fiction, 20th Century Historical Romance, and Women’s Historical Romance!
In May 1941, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, hums with talk of spring flowers, fishing derbies, and the growing war in Europe. And for the residents of a quiet neighborhood boarding house, the winds of change are blowing.
Self-proclaimed spinster, Bessie Blackwell, is the reluctant owner of a new pair of glasses. The landlady, Mrs. Henderson, senses that new tenant, Frank Davis, could throw Bessie's spinster status into question with his gentle eyes and ready smile. But the scar on his forehead and rumors of divorce speak of a troubled past.
Bessie's sister, Florence, knows all about troubled pasts. In a desperate attempt to undermine Bessie's budding romance, Florence exposes the sisters' darkest secret. A secret that will change their lives, and the lives of those they love, forever.
Author Born in Oklahoma, Caren lives in Vermont with her husband, a rescue pup, and a barn cat turned happy house kitty. Caren is also a mom to two incredible humans and is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. Winner of the Inkshares 2020 All-Genre Contest, Henderson House is Caren's first novel.
In May 1941, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, hums with talk of spring flowers, fishing derbies, and the growing war in Europe. And for the residents of a quiet neighborhood boarding house, the winds of change are blowing.
Self-proclaimed spinster, Bessie Blackwell, is the reluctant owner of a new pair of glasses. The landlady, Mrs. Henderson, senses that new tenant, Frank Davis, could throw Bessie's spinster status into question with his gentle eyes and ready smile. But the scar on his forehead and rumors of divorce speak of a troubled past.
Bessie's sister, Florence, knows all about troubled pasts. In a desperate attempt to undermine Bessie's budding romance, Florence exposes the sisters' darkest secret. A secret that will change their lives, and the lives of those they love, forever.
Author Born in Oklahoma, Caren lives in Vermont with her husband, a rescue pup, and a barn cat turned happy house kitty. Caren is also a mom to two incredible humans and is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation. Winner of the Inkshares 2020 All-Genre Contest, Henderson House is Caren's first novel.
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Published January 22, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
July 25, 2023
A beguiling debut set in an Oklahoma boardinghouse during the 1940s, when the war in Europe brings change to small town America. I got involved in the graceful tale with well-developed characters, the rivalry between sisters, real family issues, and the possibility of romance. Perfect for an afternoon read in the garden, sweet tea at hand, and birdsong all 'round. A charmer!
August 13, 2025
Outstanding narrator. Beautiful story. My favorite character was Bessie. I really despised Florence. Highly recommend.
August 2, 2023
Love this book!
Having ties to Northeast Oklahoma and Bartlesville drew me to this book., and I was not disappointed. Would love a sequel!!
Having ties to Northeast Oklahoma and Bartlesville drew me to this book., and I was not disappointed. Would love a sequel!!
October 6, 2023
Excellent. Heartwarming.
February 1, 2024
What a sweet heartwarming story! Very enjoyable!
July 19, 2023
Ever read a debut that blows you away? Henderson House did that for me! Not only is the cover absolutely stunning, the characters are complex and while flawed, showed great character development. I especially loved Bessie. She leans on her faith and the relationships she has in her life are beautiful. Mrs. Henderson is the grandma you didn’t know you needed. She’s more than a landlady, she’s a great friend and support to the Blackwell family and her lodgers. Told from the perspective of Mrs. Henderson, Bessie and Florence, the story has a bit of a mystery too which surprised me. Definitely add this one to your August reading list! 📖
August 31, 2023
TITLE: HENDERSON HOUSE
AUTHOR: Caren Simpson McVicker
PUB DATE: 08.01.2023 Now Available
I had an amazing and restful weekend with just me, my reading nook, snacks, and this gorgeous book called Henderson House.
Henderson House is an engaging read about secrets, sisters, and a boardinghouse set in 1940’s Oklahoma. Caren Simpson McVicker’s debut is a triumph in the development complex, flawed, and relatable characters that address themes of sisterhood and sister rivalry, a long buried family secret that threatens to be exposed, and a mystery that will keep you turning those pages.
I enjoyed this wonderful debut that is the perfect relaxing weekend read.
AUTHOR: Caren Simpson McVicker
PUB DATE: 08.01.2023 Now Available
I had an amazing and restful weekend with just me, my reading nook, snacks, and this gorgeous book called Henderson House.
Henderson House is an engaging read about secrets, sisters, and a boardinghouse set in 1940’s Oklahoma. Caren Simpson McVicker’s debut is a triumph in the development complex, flawed, and relatable characters that address themes of sisterhood and sister rivalry, a long buried family secret that threatens to be exposed, and a mystery that will keep you turning those pages.
I enjoyed this wonderful debut that is the perfect relaxing weekend read.
June 23, 2023
Henderson House is a relaxing respite from the busy world we live in. Caren Simpson McVicker’s debut novel is a flashback to 1940’s Bartlesville, Oklahoma and the simpler life of Wednesday night church suppers, Saturdays at the local cinema, and Sunday walks in the park after church. Based on family history and stories, Caren’s main character, Mildred Henderson, turns her grand home into a boarding house after the unexpected death of her husband. Mrs. H. and her beagle, Louie, captivate readers as she uses her special gifts- sensing houses and seeing a person’s color along with an interview checklist to choose her tenants. Frank Davis, a newly hired petroleum engineer at Philips Petroleum, checks all the boxes, changing the lives of the other boarders, the Blackwell family. In a few weeks’ time readers fall in love with Mrs. H.’s wisdom and Frank’s mild-mannered, genuine interest in the family, but most importantly his attraction to spinster Bessie, and where their friendship might lead.
Our group especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot, along with the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940’s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our own versions of “self-talk,” kitchen ladies from church, and the supporting roles of the “menfolk” and their impact on the story. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, special recipes shared, and even cooking lessons, make food and conversation a tantalizing feature.We unanimously loved Henderson House and are anxiously awaiting the sequel.
A Delectable Recipe for Summer Reading: A copy of Henderson House by Caren Simpson McVicker, two shortbread cookies, one cup of tea. Timeless storytelling perfection
Our group especially enjoyed the storytelling Caren weaves into the plot, along with the suspense of family secrets and sister loyalty. One of the threads in the novel is women in the workplace in the early 1940’s. We discussed jobs women from past generations have held, from millinery shops in south Texas to restaurants in Germany! We shared our own versions of “self-talk,” kitchen ladies from church, and the supporting roles of the “menfolk” and their impact on the story. Dinners around the table with boarders recounting the day’s activities, special recipes shared, and even cooking lessons, make food and conversation a tantalizing feature.We unanimously loved Henderson House and are anxiously awaiting the sequel.
A Delectable Recipe for Summer Reading: A copy of Henderson House by Caren Simpson McVicker, two shortbread cookies, one cup of tea. Timeless storytelling perfection
July 31, 2024
4.5 rounded up
This is a sweet story told from the POVs of 2 sisters and their landlady in Bartlesville OK in the late spring of 1941. I appreciated the sense of time and place created and the ‘older’ female-centric story. I enjoyed Mrs. Henderson’s supernatural perceptiveness, but I thought some of the dreams by the sisters were too literal. (Also, I might pooh pooh the idea of the 2-week courtship which frames the story, if I myself hadn’t been engaged after 4 and married after 7 weeks. Lol.)
If you’ve read other reviews I’ve written, you know I bow up a bit when people of faith are marginalized or become the bad guys, and also when authors put post-modern American thoughts into the heads of people from the past (or other cultures). I was relieved to read a book where at least most people’s Christianity was sincere and the characters were ‘un-woke’ as would be historically accurate (if that makes sense).
In general, it is hard as a modern person to reconcile the ‘American Christian’ culture of bygone days with the blindness to (or acceptance of) the systemic (institutional, and cultural) racism of former eras. In this book there is the casual belittling of Indians by Florence , Mr Harrington, and the Spencer twins and the failure of anyone to call them out on it - mainly out of politeness or keeping peace, or, most likely, it plain never occurs to them bc of the way they were raised. I appreciated that the victim (Johnny) didn’t ‘dwell’ or live in a state of outrage as today’s young people might but just got another job. Is this the right course of action, maybe, maybe not, but I think it is an accurate depiction of how emotionally healthy people in 1941 would respond. At any rate, that wasn’t what the story was about, which was, in effect, a love story. (I guess my radar was up since the last book I read set in OK was Killers of the Flower Moon.) Perhaps if there is a sequel, the author, who is a registered member of the Cherokee nation, will explore this theme more.
This is a sweet story told from the POVs of 2 sisters and their landlady in Bartlesville OK in the late spring of 1941. I appreciated the sense of time and place created and the ‘older’ female-centric story. I enjoyed Mrs. Henderson’s supernatural perceptiveness, but I thought some of the dreams by the sisters were too literal. (Also, I might pooh pooh the idea of the 2-week courtship which frames the story, if I myself hadn’t been engaged after 4 and married after 7 weeks. Lol.)
If you’ve read other reviews I’ve written, you know I bow up a bit when people of faith are marginalized or become the bad guys, and also when authors put post-modern American thoughts into the heads of people from the past (or other cultures). I was relieved to read a book where at least most people’s Christianity was sincere and the characters were ‘un-woke’ as would be historically accurate (if that makes sense).
In general, it is hard as a modern person to reconcile the ‘American Christian’ culture of bygone days with the blindness to (or acceptance of) the systemic (institutional, and cultural) racism of former eras. In this book there is the casual belittling of Indians by Florence , Mr Harrington, and the Spencer twins and the failure of anyone to call them out on it - mainly out of politeness or keeping peace, or, most likely, it plain never occurs to them bc of the way they were raised. I appreciated that the victim (Johnny) didn’t ‘dwell’ or live in a state of outrage as today’s young people might but just got another job. Is this the right course of action, maybe, maybe not, but I think it is an accurate depiction of how emotionally healthy people in 1941 would respond. At any rate, that wasn’t what the story was about, which was, in effect, a love story. (I guess my radar was up since the last book I read set in OK was Killers of the Flower Moon.) Perhaps if there is a sequel, the author, who is a registered member of the Cherokee nation, will explore this theme more.
August 22, 2025
A sweet, old fashioned love story. Loved the 1940s Oklahoma backdrop.
March 4, 2024
Henderson House pulled me in from the very first chapter when Mrs. Henderson informs the readers that she can see each person’s color and that the house lets her know things.
Listening to narrator Jenn Lee while she performs Henderson House was so soothing and I looked forward to my daily time with this audiobook.
Set in 1941 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Mrs. Henderson runs a boardinghouse and the story is told by Mrs. H and two sisters who live there.
This historical fiction is so endearing and full of family, and love, with a little romance and a dark family secret thrown in.
This is not my usual genre but it was such a delightful read and I couldn’t help but be enamored with all of the characters, especially Bessie and Mrs. H.
*Thanks so much to author Caren Simpson McVicker and to SuzyApprovedBookTours for the gifted copy of the audiobook and for including me on the book tour!*
Listening to narrator Jenn Lee while she performs Henderson House was so soothing and I looked forward to my daily time with this audiobook.
Set in 1941 in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Mrs. Henderson runs a boardinghouse and the story is told by Mrs. H and two sisters who live there.
This historical fiction is so endearing and full of family, and love, with a little romance and a dark family secret thrown in.
This is not my usual genre but it was such a delightful read and I couldn’t help but be enamored with all of the characters, especially Bessie and Mrs. H.
*Thanks so much to author Caren Simpson McVicker and to SuzyApprovedBookTours for the gifted copy of the audiobook and for including me on the book tour!*
February 25, 2025
A slow but steady book. I thoroughly enjoyed all of the Oklahoma references. I’m glad I read it.
February 5, 2024
Audio Book Review!
Set in 1940 at a boarding house in Oklahoma, we have a setting for a perfect story that immediately draws you in.
Mrs. Henderson owns a picturesque boarding house, and she has handful of longtime boarders who are made up of the Blackwell sisters, Bessie and Florence, with their brother Eddie and Florence’s son, Johnny. Mrs. Henderson, the landlady, cook, and adopted matriarch of the Blackwell clan, possesses an uncanny intuition about all her borders. When a new border arrives Mr. Frank Davis we find their usual lives shaken up, rumors begin to swirl about him, he has gentle eyes and ready smile. But the scar on his forehead and rumors of divorce speak of a troubled past.
Florence is a sales assistant at the men's clothing store downtown , When the flagship store in Tulsa offers her a management position, Florence sets her sights on the future and keeping the family together. She wants more for her family than a rented room.
When Mrs. Henderson visions becomes clouded as Florence sets in motions plans to undermine her sister’s budding romance. In an attempt to keep Bessie by her side, Florence exposes the sisters' darkest secret. A secret that will change their lives, and the lives of those they love, forever. This was such a great story and I loved the whole family dynamic!
Set in 1940 at a boarding house in Oklahoma, we have a setting for a perfect story that immediately draws you in.
Mrs. Henderson owns a picturesque boarding house, and she has handful of longtime boarders who are made up of the Blackwell sisters, Bessie and Florence, with their brother Eddie and Florence’s son, Johnny. Mrs. Henderson, the landlady, cook, and adopted matriarch of the Blackwell clan, possesses an uncanny intuition about all her borders. When a new border arrives Mr. Frank Davis we find their usual lives shaken up, rumors begin to swirl about him, he has gentle eyes and ready smile. But the scar on his forehead and rumors of divorce speak of a troubled past.
Florence is a sales assistant at the men's clothing store downtown , When the flagship store in Tulsa offers her a management position, Florence sets her sights on the future and keeping the family together. She wants more for her family than a rented room.
When Mrs. Henderson visions becomes clouded as Florence sets in motions plans to undermine her sister’s budding romance. In an attempt to keep Bessie by her side, Florence exposes the sisters' darkest secret. A secret that will change their lives, and the lives of those they love, forever. This was such a great story and I loved the whole family dynamic!
June 11, 2023
I loved this historical novel and the characters that brought this story to life. The Blackwell siblings have resided as the Henderson House for years now but when a new tenant shows up, Florence fears that Bessie just might lay bare their secrets over a silly crush. Secrets she has worked hard to bury to keep everyone safe and in line. Mrs. Henderson senses that the house knows a storm is brewing and she also has her own decisions to make about her future. As this novel unfolds, we get bits and pieces of the past that eventually bring together the story of how the Blackwells ended up at Henderson House and what lies at stake if the truth comes out. I also loved that the author wound the house into this story. I find it fascinating to think of the secrets that buildings, houses, and walls hold and this gives us an interesting glimpse into that very idea. Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the free ebook. I really enjoyed this story as it was light hearted, with some mystery, light romance and historical. I look forward to more from this author. This review is of my own opinion and accord.
August 1, 2023
I LOVED this book. It’s set during the last two weeks of May in 1941, but its main focus isn’t around WWII. The book is centered around Henderson House which is a boarding house in Bartlesville, Oklahoma and the residents that live there.
The book has a bit of magical realism as the owner of Henderson House can see people’s aura. The house also gives off energy which Mrs. Henderson and Bessie Blackwell, one of the boarders, can feel.
The book is told in three points of view: Mrs. Henderson, Bessie, and another boarder, Florence, who is Bessie’s sister.
The book speaks of change as Mrs. Henderson is considering selling the house and moving to the east coast to be near her grandkids. Bessie, who is in her 40s, has found love at first sight with a new boarder, Frank Davis. Florence has been offered a store manager position in Tulsa and wants her whole family to join her.
This book has a later in life romance, a family secret, and the church as a core component of life in Bartlesville.
The book has a bit of magical realism as the owner of Henderson House can see people’s aura. The house also gives off energy which Mrs. Henderson and Bessie Blackwell, one of the boarders, can feel.
The book is told in three points of view: Mrs. Henderson, Bessie, and another boarder, Florence, who is Bessie’s sister.
The book speaks of change as Mrs. Henderson is considering selling the house and moving to the east coast to be near her grandkids. Bessie, who is in her 40s, has found love at first sight with a new boarder, Frank Davis. Florence has been offered a store manager position in Tulsa and wants her whole family to join her.
This book has a later in life romance, a family secret, and the church as a core component of life in Bartlesville.
July 20, 2023
Let me say up front, I’m not a reader of romance novels, but Caren McVicker hits all cylinders with her debut novel, Henderson House. This remarkable story is classified as a historical romance novel, but it is far from the stereotypical romance novel. There’s intrigue, comedy, religion, suspense, and even a little bit of action, all tied together nicely in a story that flows seamlessly. And yes, there’s a twist that you won’t see coming. McVicker’s writing lives and breathes, much like the Henderson House she writes about. Her descriptions pull you into the story to the point that you feel like you live in the Henderson House yourself. The diverse group of characters play off each other nicely and you’ll quickly learn who you love and who deserves a skeptical glance. Set in the year before America enters World War II, she paints a picture of better days of an innocence that has long been lost. I received an advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of Henderson House, you’ll be glad you did.
July 3, 2023
What a simply delightful first novel by Caren Simpson McVicker! I was lucky enough to receive an ARC ebook edition from Netgalley. Set in Bartlesville, OK, this is the story of a widowed woman, Mrs. H., who runs a small boarding house and the six interesting people who reside there with her. Three of the residents, Florence, Bessie, and Eddie are siblings and Florence's 14-year-old son, Johnny, lives there as well. There's a former professor, and then a new resident, Frank Davis, who came to Bartlesville to work for Phillips Petroleum. Florence, Bessie, and Eddie are raising Johnny together, but Florence and Bessie have been keeping an enormous secret that strains their relationship and threatens Bessie's new-found love with Frank Davis.
Told with warmth and humor, this is a novel of love and family in all its varied forms.
Told with warmth and humor, this is a novel of love and family in all its varied forms.
June 18, 2023
This book started off a bit slow for me. But I am glad I kept going, as it turned out to be really good. It mostly revolved around the people living in a boarding house in a small town. There were family connections and relationships with the others they turned into their own family. Two grown sisters had unresolved issues, the lady who owned the house seemed to know things before they happened, as did the house itself! When a stranger moves in, he becomes the catalyst for change. With several sub plots it did reach the point I didn't want to put it down! Thanks Netgalley for the opportunity to read the ARC. Definitely glad I kept reading!
April 22, 2023
A lovely and extremely well-written historical romance! This book kept me hooked from start to finish, and I loved every single character. If you are looking for a feel-good romance, this is the book for you!
May 11, 2023
It was fun to lose myself in the simpler time of this story. The characters are light and fun but still portray the challenges of family, career and love in an endearing way. I loved it!
July 16, 2023
I loved this! Oklahoma references and family mysteries. Lovely!
February 9, 2024
A heartwarming story!
September 2, 2025
This was ok. Characters were meh; not likable not dis-likable. The story itself went on too long. Could have been shorter. I love the 1940s as a backdrop but it didn’t really feel like the 40s.
August 12, 2023
“Henderson House” by Caren Simpson McVicker is a heartwarming novel that explores the lives of its characters in an enchanting boardinghouse setting.
Mrs. Henderson’s ability to see auras adds a touch of magic to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed the rich food descriptions—the joy cooking from scratch!
Overall this novel reminded me of Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City,” except it is even more wholesome and exudes an old-fashioned charm. Recommended for readers who are interested in a celebration of life and the chosen families we find along the way.
Mrs. Henderson’s ability to see auras adds a touch of magic to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed the rich food descriptions—the joy cooking from scratch!
Overall this novel reminded me of Armistead Maupin’s “Tales of the City,” except it is even more wholesome and exudes an old-fashioned charm. Recommended for readers who are interested in a celebration of life and the chosen families we find along the way.
October 12, 2023
Ok to be completely fair, I do not typically like historical fiction. That being said this was rough. I am 100% sure I am not the target audience for this book and I am fine with that.
May 29, 2023
This was an easy, sweet read, one that I looked forward to settling in with every day for the life events in small town Bartlesville, OK for two weeks in 1941.
The boardinghouse, the church, and the park were the places of story. A new tenant from CA moves in and the story takes off from there. Some turns along the way give the story some mystery and keep the reader going.
Bessie’s prayers and the church as a centerpoint ground this story in forgiveness and love.
I also wonder, do some people see color in others, a version of intuition?
It was wonderful to have this book as an advanced reader’s edition. It will be a treat to have book club centered around the time period, foods, and discussion of the events and characters.
The boardinghouse, the church, and the park were the places of story. A new tenant from CA moves in and the story takes off from there. Some turns along the way give the story some mystery and keep the reader going.
Bessie’s prayers and the church as a centerpoint ground this story in forgiveness and love.
I also wonder, do some people see color in others, a version of intuition?
It was wonderful to have this book as an advanced reader’s edition. It will be a treat to have book club centered around the time period, foods, and discussion of the events and characters.
March 31, 2024
A warm, gentle love story that complicates the narrative of Native identity and heritage that many of us unconsciously carry. In Oklahoma on the eve of WWII, a lonely man, an empathic widow, and a spinster sister with a secret all come together in the magical Henderson House seeking room and board--but finding surprising connections and unexpected second chances. I enjoyed every page of this lovely novel!
July 30, 2023
First, thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with a digital ARC of this title via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I was drawn to this from the cute cover and from reading the summary. It just sounded like a pleasant, enjoyable read. I enjoyed the little touch of whimsy and magic in the woman who could see colors around people, descriptive of their personality or feelings. I also liked that she had such a connection with her home, the Henderson House, that she sensed how the house felt and reacted to it's visitors.
I quickly connected to the characters and was drawn into their story. It was sweet and nice. And then the sister, went a little crazy. Some of her actions seemed a little much and over the top, which did decrease my enjoyment of this novel. It all comes together as the sisters' story unfolds, but it did cause me to disconnect. Overall, a nice read but not one that I would push friends to read.
I was drawn to this from the cute cover and from reading the summary. It just sounded like a pleasant, enjoyable read. I enjoyed the little touch of whimsy and magic in the woman who could see colors around people, descriptive of their personality or feelings. I also liked that she had such a connection with her home, the Henderson House, that she sensed how the house felt and reacted to it's visitors.
I quickly connected to the characters and was drawn into their story. It was sweet and nice. And then the sister, went a little crazy. Some of her actions seemed a little much and over the top, which did decrease my enjoyment of this novel. It all comes together as the sisters' story unfolds, but it did cause me to disconnect. Overall, a nice read but not one that I would push friends to read.
August 14, 2023
What a heartwarming read with a great cast of characters. I loved getting the multiple POV and how everyone in this house was like family. The pacing and how the Blackwell’s history was told by the family stories were both great. Mrs. Henderson’s gift was fun to read about and I loved how she used it to her advantage. Florence was the type of character I just want to shake and give a wake up call and I loved her character growth. I felt like I knew the secret Bessie and Florence were keeping but I didn’t not guess the whole thing right.
Thank you @carenwrites and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @carenwrites and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
August 10, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & Inkshares for an eARC of this book. The following review is my honest reflection on the text provided.
Henderson House was a sweet story. It might not be entirely to my taste, or what I usually read, but it was fairly easy to read. A few too many misdirects and clumsy secrets and miscommunications made the narrative a bit clunkier than necessary. It was a little difficult to get into the story and it took some strange turns, but it did come together in the end.
Henderson House was a sweet story. It might not be entirely to my taste, or what I usually read, but it was fairly easy to read. A few too many misdirects and clumsy secrets and miscommunications made the narrative a bit clunkier than necessary. It was a little difficult to get into the story and it took some strange turns, but it did come together in the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews