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Shinbone Lane
For reasons they can't quite explain, the lost always find themselves on Shinbone Lane…
San Francisco, 1974. Sixteen-year-old runaway Maddy is escaping the blame for a crime she didn't commit. Miles from home, she is taken under the wing of the elderly Clara and her neighbor Ted, and soon finds a place among the kaleidoscope of personalities on the oddly named Shinbone Lane.
Ted's three-story Italianate Victorian house overflows with travelers, free spirits, and artists. His backyard is a haven for all who are willing to see its magic. But burdened dancer Eloise Watkins can't tolerate the transient "riffraff" in her neighborhood. Their frivolity flies in the face of her grief over friendship lost and her daughter who's missing. And nobody — nobody — understands.
But like all who tread on it, Shinbone Lane has secrets of its own. And like all secrets, they lie uneasily in the dark, until the truth emerges to lay the past to rest.
At the intersection of magic and reality lies Shinbone Lane and its lively cast of characters who intertwine in the mesmerizing brew of life.
Click 'buy now' to step into Shinbone Lane today!
San Francisco, 1974. Sixteen-year-old runaway Maddy is escaping the blame for a crime she didn't commit. Miles from home, she is taken under the wing of the elderly Clara and her neighbor Ted, and soon finds a place among the kaleidoscope of personalities on the oddly named Shinbone Lane.
Ted's three-story Italianate Victorian house overflows with travelers, free spirits, and artists. His backyard is a haven for all who are willing to see its magic. But burdened dancer Eloise Watkins can't tolerate the transient "riffraff" in her neighborhood. Their frivolity flies in the face of her grief over friendship lost and her daughter who's missing. And nobody — nobody — understands.
But like all who tread on it, Shinbone Lane has secrets of its own. And like all secrets, they lie uneasily in the dark, until the truth emerges to lay the past to rest.
At the intersection of magic and reality lies Shinbone Lane and its lively cast of characters who intertwine in the mesmerizing brew of life.
Click 'buy now' to step into Shinbone Lane today!
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 9, 2025
17 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2025
⭐⭐⭐ Intriguing premise
This book has such an intriguing premise, a magical San Francisco street in the 1970s where the lost and wandering find themselves. The setup is rich with potential: a runaway teen, an elderly woman with wisdom to spare, a charismatic man whose Victorian home is a haven for artists and free spirits, and neighbors carrying grief and secrets of their own. On paper, it’s the kind of story that promises magic, community, and mystery all wrapped together.
But for me, the execution was difficult to follow. There were simply too many characters and constant scene changes, which made it hard to connect deeply with anyone or stay grounded in the storyline. Just as I felt I was starting to care about one thread, the perspective would shift again, leaving me feeling a bit scattered. The kaleidoscope of personalities was colorful, but the narrative sometimes felt overcrowded, making the emotional impact less powerful than it could have been.
That said, the writing itself has a lyrical quality, and I appreciated the blend of magical realism with very real human struggles like grief, belonging, and forgiveness. The concept of Shinbone Lane as a place that both shelters and reveals secrets is a strong one, and I can see how this story would resonate with readers who enjoy sprawling casts and a more meandering, layered style of storytelling.
For me, though, the pacing and lack of focus kept it at a three-star read. Interesting premise, thoughtful themes, but hard to fully immerse myself in.
Sonya
BookboundandBlushed
This book has such an intriguing premise, a magical San Francisco street in the 1970s where the lost and wandering find themselves. The setup is rich with potential: a runaway teen, an elderly woman with wisdom to spare, a charismatic man whose Victorian home is a haven for artists and free spirits, and neighbors carrying grief and secrets of their own. On paper, it’s the kind of story that promises magic, community, and mystery all wrapped together.
But for me, the execution was difficult to follow. There were simply too many characters and constant scene changes, which made it hard to connect deeply with anyone or stay grounded in the storyline. Just as I felt I was starting to care about one thread, the perspective would shift again, leaving me feeling a bit scattered. The kaleidoscope of personalities was colorful, but the narrative sometimes felt overcrowded, making the emotional impact less powerful than it could have been.
That said, the writing itself has a lyrical quality, and I appreciated the blend of magical realism with very real human struggles like grief, belonging, and forgiveness. The concept of Shinbone Lane as a place that both shelters and reveals secrets is a strong one, and I can see how this story would resonate with readers who enjoy sprawling casts and a more meandering, layered style of storytelling.
For me, though, the pacing and lack of focus kept it at a three-star read. Interesting premise, thoughtful themes, but hard to fully immerse myself in.
Sonya
BookboundandBlushed
February 5, 2026
Shinbone Lane is a work of magical realism set in 1970s San Francisco, following sixteen-year-old runaway Maddy as she stumbles into a pocket of the city that feels almost hidden from time. Taken in by warm-hearted Clara and her neighbor Ted at 346 Shinbone Lane, Maddy finds herself surrounded by artists, misfits, and dreamers, watched over by Captain, a vividly colored, opinionated pigeon with a spring for a foot. As she settles into this found family, the lane’s history starts to surface: a bitter neighbor whose daughter vanished, a house that seems to reconfigure itself, a ripple tree that hums and shimmers, and secrets that tie the past and present together until they converge at the annual Shinbone Fair, where healing and reckoning arrive side by side.
Reading it, I kept feeling like the lane itself was the main character. The magical realism sits lightly on the story, but it is everywhere, from the impossible backyard at 346 to the soft chiming of the ripple tree’s heart-shaped leaves and the way Captain quietly nudges people toward wiser choices. Laura McHale Holland writes San Francisco with such affection that I could almost smell the mix of diesel, ocean air, and bakery sweets, especially when the scent of those famous Star Bakery scones with their butterscotch maple glaze drifts up the hill. The choice to juggle many points of view, not just Maddy’s but also people like Clara, Lark, Eloise, and others, gives the book that classic ensemble feel you often get in community-centered magical realism.
What stuck with me most were the emotional currents under the whimsy. This is magical realism, but the magic never erases how hard it is to be human. You feel Maddy’s hunger for safety after months on the road, Lark’s bruised self-image as she compares herself to every woman who passes beneath her window, and Eloise’s grief curdling into control and cruelty as she clings to the idea that her missing daughter must be close by. The book does not shy away from darker turns, including violence and betrayal, or from the way people can exploit each other while insisting they are acting out of love. At the same time, there is a steady thread of resilience that feels very much in line with women’s fiction: characters keep getting knocked down, then choosing, sometimes shakily, to reach for connection again. I appreciated that the magic, whether it is a talking pigeon or a mysterious flute sending shimmering mist across the hillside, mostly amplifies what is already in the characters instead of fixing their problems for them.
By the end, I felt like I had been invited to a long, slightly chaotic block party where people sing show tunes off key, argue about renaming the street, fall in and out of love, and still manage to show up for one another when it really counts. The book sits comfortably in the genre of magical realism with a strong blend of historical and women’s fiction, and I think it will land best with readers who enjoy character-driven stories, found family, and a city setting that feels almost like a living spell. If you are up for wandering a strange little lane in 1974 San Francisco, listening to a wisecracking pigeon and a singing old house while a group of wounded people figure out how to be kinder to themselves and each other, Shinbone Lane is a very satisfying place to spend some time.
Reading it, I kept feeling like the lane itself was the main character. The magical realism sits lightly on the story, but it is everywhere, from the impossible backyard at 346 to the soft chiming of the ripple tree’s heart-shaped leaves and the way Captain quietly nudges people toward wiser choices. Laura McHale Holland writes San Francisco with such affection that I could almost smell the mix of diesel, ocean air, and bakery sweets, especially when the scent of those famous Star Bakery scones with their butterscotch maple glaze drifts up the hill. The choice to juggle many points of view, not just Maddy’s but also people like Clara, Lark, Eloise, and others, gives the book that classic ensemble feel you often get in community-centered magical realism.
What stuck with me most were the emotional currents under the whimsy. This is magical realism, but the magic never erases how hard it is to be human. You feel Maddy’s hunger for safety after months on the road, Lark’s bruised self-image as she compares herself to every woman who passes beneath her window, and Eloise’s grief curdling into control and cruelty as she clings to the idea that her missing daughter must be close by. The book does not shy away from darker turns, including violence and betrayal, or from the way people can exploit each other while insisting they are acting out of love. At the same time, there is a steady thread of resilience that feels very much in line with women’s fiction: characters keep getting knocked down, then choosing, sometimes shakily, to reach for connection again. I appreciated that the magic, whether it is a talking pigeon or a mysterious flute sending shimmering mist across the hillside, mostly amplifies what is already in the characters instead of fixing their problems for them.
By the end, I felt like I had been invited to a long, slightly chaotic block party where people sing show tunes off key, argue about renaming the street, fall in and out of love, and still manage to show up for one another when it really counts. The book sits comfortably in the genre of magical realism with a strong blend of historical and women’s fiction, and I think it will land best with readers who enjoy character-driven stories, found family, and a city setting that feels almost like a living spell. If you are up for wandering a strange little lane in 1974 San Francisco, listening to a wisecracking pigeon and a singing old house while a group of wounded people figure out how to be kinder to themselves and each other, Shinbone Lane is a very satisfying place to spend some time.
April 27, 2025
This book really is a kaleidoscope, but not just of characters. My mind was filled with so many stories, concepts, emotions, and colours that I needed to take breaks to process it all. The overall effect was brilliant, if occasionally confusing.
Shinbone Lane focuses on Maddy more than anyone else, a runaway teenager who's taken in by grandmotherly Clara and introduced to her surreal San Franciscan neighbourhood. But interconnected lives and secrets are at the heart of the story, including a gifted multi-coloured pigeon seeking companionship. Simply put, the narrative branches out in different directions and perspectives, their relevance gradually made clear.
On the one hand, this builds suspense and a meaningful web of stories. On the other, the book takes a while to get to the point. I often ended up trying to remember who this or that character was and wondering how certain details or subplots relate to the greater scheme of things. When I reached key twists, I felt equally intrigued and lost. Maybe intended? I'm not sure.
Nevertheless, I did really enjoy Shinbone Lane. The writing style is smooth and immersive as we're guided through a vibrant community, whose experiences and emotions influence their bubble of a universe in a surreal way. It does the same to them, with a particular house and garden serving as an enchanting sanctuary to anyone who needs it, especially if they find themselves apart from society and its norms. This resonated with me, and I'm sure it'll do the same with others.
All-in-all, this is a great book for fans of magical realism or low fantasy that delves into the fantastical but also emotional and dark aspects of humanity. An amusing, soothing, and thought-provoking read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Shinbone Lane focuses on Maddy more than anyone else, a runaway teenager who's taken in by grandmotherly Clara and introduced to her surreal San Franciscan neighbourhood. But interconnected lives and secrets are at the heart of the story, including a gifted multi-coloured pigeon seeking companionship. Simply put, the narrative branches out in different directions and perspectives, their relevance gradually made clear.
On the one hand, this builds suspense and a meaningful web of stories. On the other, the book takes a while to get to the point. I often ended up trying to remember who this or that character was and wondering how certain details or subplots relate to the greater scheme of things. When I reached key twists, I felt equally intrigued and lost. Maybe intended? I'm not sure.
Nevertheless, I did really enjoy Shinbone Lane. The writing style is smooth and immersive as we're guided through a vibrant community, whose experiences and emotions influence their bubble of a universe in a surreal way. It does the same to them, with a particular house and garden serving as an enchanting sanctuary to anyone who needs it, especially if they find themselves apart from society and its norms. This resonated with me, and I'm sure it'll do the same with others.
All-in-all, this is a great book for fans of magical realism or low fantasy that delves into the fantastical but also emotional and dark aspects of humanity. An amusing, soothing, and thought-provoking read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 6, 2025
I found this book on booksirens and wanted it immediately when I read the blurb after falling in love with the cover art. I got to read it for free as an ARC and from the beginning of the book I was utterly entranced. I hope it is eventually published in paper or hardback because I’d love to have a copy to page through and mark some of my favorite spots!
The imagery was so vibrant and comforting that it brought out feelings of joy and comfort. I really loved the novel and I raved about to just about anyone who would listen. Captain - a primary character who is very, very special - charmed me and I couldn’t get enough of the possibilities he held in this story. I loved it.
Toward the middle it got a little slow, the magic was still there and the twists were engaging, but it was slow. By the end I was caught up in the story again, but it had lost the joyful beauty I had seen at the start.
All in all, it was a fun ride. I got a peek at the culture of another generation, and had some moments where I saw things in a new perspective. The ending felt lacking to me. The magic had faded for me, even as the magic was strengthened in the novel I was becoming less fond of many characters and felt that the ends tied up nearly very quickly and without much nuance.
I think people from that generation would have enjoyed the ending more.
All in all, it was hard for me to judge the rating for this novel, having changed my opinions about it a few times, but it has to have 4 stars.
The writing is good, the characters are many with solid histories and complex personalities, the setting is really fascinating, the plot is good even if it was a bit slow in the middle, and Captain really just takes the cake. I wish he’d played a larger role.
The imagery was so vibrant and comforting that it brought out feelings of joy and comfort. I really loved the novel and I raved about to just about anyone who would listen. Captain - a primary character who is very, very special - charmed me and I couldn’t get enough of the possibilities he held in this story. I loved it.
Toward the middle it got a little slow, the magic was still there and the twists were engaging, but it was slow. By the end I was caught up in the story again, but it had lost the joyful beauty I had seen at the start.
All in all, it was a fun ride. I got a peek at the culture of another generation, and had some moments where I saw things in a new perspective. The ending felt lacking to me. The magic had faded for me, even as the magic was strengthened in the novel I was becoming less fond of many characters and felt that the ends tied up nearly very quickly and without much nuance.
I think people from that generation would have enjoyed the ending more.
All in all, it was hard for me to judge the rating for this novel, having changed my opinions about it a few times, but it has to have 4 stars.
The writing is good, the characters are many with solid histories and complex personalities, the setting is really fascinating, the plot is good even if it was a bit slow in the middle, and Captain really just takes the cake. I wish he’d played a larger role.
April 26, 2025
This book is a gentle, haunting drift through 1974 San Francisco. Where every runaway, dreamer, and heartbroken soul seems to find themselves, inexplicably, drawn to one quiet street. A place where magic doesn’t announce itself, but hums beneath the cracks of the sidewalk, whispering in the hearts of the lost.
The story follows Maddy, a sixteen-year-old runaway accused of a crime she didn’t commit, as she stumbles into the makeshift family on Shinbone Lane. She finds shelter with Clara, an elderly woman with a watchful eye, and Ted, whose sprawling Victorian house spills over with transient artists and seekers. But the neighborhood isn’t all soft landings. Eloise Watkins, a grieving dancer, scorns the chaos of this found family, haunted by the loss of her missing daughter.
This is a character-driven tale, steeped in atmosphere and emotion. Holland excels at weaving the everyday with threads of magic realism. A pigeon with a memory older than its wings, a backyard that feels like a portal to healing. Yet, the true magic lies in the characters themselves, in their tangled histories, shared wounds, and tentative hopes.
The pacing meanders, reflecting the lives of the people it follows. This isn’t a high-stakes plot but rather a meditation on belonging, grief, and the secrets we carry. The ending, like the Lane itself, holds space for both closure and mystery.
A 3.5/5 for me! Something I’d recommend to readers who enjoy reflective, richly atmospheric stories where magic whispers rather than roars.
I received this as an ARC, Thank you to the author and book sirens I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest review.
The story follows Maddy, a sixteen-year-old runaway accused of a crime she didn’t commit, as she stumbles into the makeshift family on Shinbone Lane. She finds shelter with Clara, an elderly woman with a watchful eye, and Ted, whose sprawling Victorian house spills over with transient artists and seekers. But the neighborhood isn’t all soft landings. Eloise Watkins, a grieving dancer, scorns the chaos of this found family, haunted by the loss of her missing daughter.
This is a character-driven tale, steeped in atmosphere and emotion. Holland excels at weaving the everyday with threads of magic realism. A pigeon with a memory older than its wings, a backyard that feels like a portal to healing. Yet, the true magic lies in the characters themselves, in their tangled histories, shared wounds, and tentative hopes.
The pacing meanders, reflecting the lives of the people it follows. This isn’t a high-stakes plot but rather a meditation on belonging, grief, and the secrets we carry. The ending, like the Lane itself, holds space for both closure and mystery.
A 3.5/5 for me! Something I’d recommend to readers who enjoy reflective, richly atmospheric stories where magic whispers rather than roars.
I received this as an ARC, Thank you to the author and book sirens I am leaving this review voluntarily with my honest review.
October 8, 2025
📖 Title: Shinbone Lane
✍️ Author: Laura McHale Holland
⭐️ Rating: (3.5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: September 18th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Set in San Francisco, 1974, Maddy, a 16-year-old runaway escaping blame for a crime she didn’t commit, finds unexpected refuge in an old Victorian house on Shinbone Lane. Under the care of Clara and Ted, and among a bohemian community of wanderers, artists, and lost souls, Maddy begins to heal and discover that magic and mystery exist in everyday life. But the lane, and its residents, harbor secrets — including grief, loss, and a missing daughter — that threaten to unravel everything. As truths emerge, the boundaries between reality and enchantment blur, and everyone on Shinbone Lane must confront what’s been hidden in the shadows.
📌 Favorite Character:
Maddy — She had such a tragic event happen to her that caused her to run. She could have given up at any point, but she kept pushing forward. She’s very talented and strong, and I really admired her perseverance through everything she faced.
🧠 Notable Quote:
“There’s heartbreak here, but also so much warmth and the sense of belonging that comes from found family.”
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I first started it. There were moments that fell a little flat for me, but the writing style more than made up for it. It pulled me in and made me want to keep turning the pages. I also think the cover, while eye-catching, felt a bit too bright for the tone of the story — it didn’t quite match the emotional depth inside.
Overall, Shinbone Lane was touching, a little strange, and filled with resilience and heart.
✍️ Author: Laura McHale Holland
⭐️ Rating: (3.5 out of 5)
📅 Date Finished: September 18th, 2025
—————————————————————————
🧵 Quick Summary:
Set in San Francisco, 1974, Maddy, a 16-year-old runaway escaping blame for a crime she didn’t commit, finds unexpected refuge in an old Victorian house on Shinbone Lane. Under the care of Clara and Ted, and among a bohemian community of wanderers, artists, and lost souls, Maddy begins to heal and discover that magic and mystery exist in everyday life. But the lane, and its residents, harbor secrets — including grief, loss, and a missing daughter — that threaten to unravel everything. As truths emerge, the boundaries between reality and enchantment blur, and everyone on Shinbone Lane must confront what’s been hidden in the shadows.
📌 Favorite Character:
Maddy — She had such a tragic event happen to her that caused her to run. She could have given up at any point, but she kept pushing forward. She’s very talented and strong, and I really admired her perseverance through everything she faced.
🧠 Notable Quote:
“There’s heartbreak here, but also so much warmth and the sense of belonging that comes from found family.”
🗣️ Final Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would when I first started it. There were moments that fell a little flat for me, but the writing style more than made up for it. It pulled me in and made me want to keep turning the pages. I also think the cover, while eye-catching, felt a bit too bright for the tone of the story — it didn’t quite match the emotional depth inside.
Overall, Shinbone Lane was touching, a little strange, and filled with resilience and heart.
September 17, 2025
Communities can feel united despite complexities and mysteries.
The story is set in San Francisco in 1974 during a period when California was home to a vast variety of eclectic folk, from musicians to runaways. Shinbone Lane is home to one of these kaleidoscope communities.
When I read a book with many characters, I worry that I’ll get lost trying to keep up with who’s who. However, the author intertwined stories and characters to give the book a cohesive feel, while also giving characters individual and interesting story arcs. At one point in the book, I thought I was reading several short stories with a common thread that made up the community of Shinbone Lane.
When a runaway arrives, she enters a world that seems as if it is set apart from reality. As an aspiring artist, she fits right in and doesn’t question some of the reality bending residents in the community. The multicolored pigeon that speaks English is one of these examples.
There are several themes in the book that filter around family dynamics and communication. Many of the Shinbone Lane residents all have painful histories and as the story unfolds, we learn how they deal with these and how some manage to find redemption and healing.
Each story feels like a mystery that must be solved, and it turns every page into an exciting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about the complexities of community and how our differences can unite us.
Themes: Family mysteries, mental health, domestic abuse, redemption, magical realism
The story is set in San Francisco in 1974 during a period when California was home to a vast variety of eclectic folk, from musicians to runaways. Shinbone Lane is home to one of these kaleidoscope communities.
When I read a book with many characters, I worry that I’ll get lost trying to keep up with who’s who. However, the author intertwined stories and characters to give the book a cohesive feel, while also giving characters individual and interesting story arcs. At one point in the book, I thought I was reading several short stories with a common thread that made up the community of Shinbone Lane.
When a runaway arrives, she enters a world that seems as if it is set apart from reality. As an aspiring artist, she fits right in and doesn’t question some of the reality bending residents in the community. The multicolored pigeon that speaks English is one of these examples.
There are several themes in the book that filter around family dynamics and communication. Many of the Shinbone Lane residents all have painful histories and as the story unfolds, we learn how they deal with these and how some manage to find redemption and healing.
Each story feels like a mystery that must be solved, and it turns every page into an exciting read. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about the complexities of community and how our differences can unite us.
Themes: Family mysteries, mental health, domestic abuse, redemption, magical realism
September 18, 2025
Shinbone Lane is a fascinating characer study of the inhabitants of a small road in San Francisco. The book embraces the whimsy and lightheartedness of magical realism and uses it to explore the dark underbelly of the street's long history.
We follow Maddy, a teenage runaway trying to find some shelter, as she stumbles upon the Shinbone Lane community. As she becomes more comfortable and integrates in the community, we learn more about the residents: mysterious, generous Clara; handy Ted with his TARDIS of a house; silver-tongued Lark; and the tragic, wandering Eloise just searching for her daughter, to name a few. The story expands to follow the residents both near and far from Shinbone Lane, coming together to offer a varied and interesting look at family, both blood and found.
There wasn't much of a plot to this novel. It's definitely more character-led, and the narrative weaves in and out of different backstories. Some of these stories didn't quite tie in with the others, and a few of the strands got tangled together. What there was of plot was surprisingly dark for a story like this. It provided an interesting balance to the tone and gave the story an extra dimension.
Shinbone Lane is a fascinating novel that explores family in different forms and doesn't shy away from the ugly side of life. It's for people who enjoy the darker side of magical realism and a varied cast of characters.
I was gifted a copy of this book and asked to post my honest thoughts.
We follow Maddy, a teenage runaway trying to find some shelter, as she stumbles upon the Shinbone Lane community. As she becomes more comfortable and integrates in the community, we learn more about the residents: mysterious, generous Clara; handy Ted with his TARDIS of a house; silver-tongued Lark; and the tragic, wandering Eloise just searching for her daughter, to name a few. The story expands to follow the residents both near and far from Shinbone Lane, coming together to offer a varied and interesting look at family, both blood and found.
There wasn't much of a plot to this novel. It's definitely more character-led, and the narrative weaves in and out of different backstories. Some of these stories didn't quite tie in with the others, and a few of the strands got tangled together. What there was of plot was surprisingly dark for a story like this. It provided an interesting balance to the tone and gave the story an extra dimension.
Shinbone Lane is a fascinating novel that explores family in different forms and doesn't shy away from the ugly side of life. It's for people who enjoy the darker side of magical realism and a varied cast of characters.
I was gifted a copy of this book and asked to post my honest thoughts.
April 27, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
I wonderful story full of colorful characters you'll want to get to know.
Shinbone Lane in 1974 is a place of community with a touch of magic if you know where to look for it. The community of those that live on Shinbone Lane are very intertwined some people having lived on the lane for generations and some for a short while. Ted, the owner of 346, takes in all types looking for a place in the world and a roof over their heads much to the chagrin of his neighbor, Eloise. Eloise has a missing daughter that no one seems to know the whereabouts of and is suspicious of everyone.
Maddy arives on Shinbone by chance encounter with Clara, a resident of the lane, and quickly is accepted in the community where no one knows of her past.
Full of intriguing characters and a few twists and turns that will keep you reading long past bedtime Shinbone Lane is a must read.
I wonderful story full of colorful characters you'll want to get to know.
Shinbone Lane in 1974 is a place of community with a touch of magic if you know where to look for it. The community of those that live on Shinbone Lane are very intertwined some people having lived on the lane for generations and some for a short while. Ted, the owner of 346, takes in all types looking for a place in the world and a roof over their heads much to the chagrin of his neighbor, Eloise. Eloise has a missing daughter that no one seems to know the whereabouts of and is suspicious of everyone.
Maddy arives on Shinbone by chance encounter with Clara, a resident of the lane, and quickly is accepted in the community where no one knows of her past.
Full of intriguing characters and a few twists and turns that will keep you reading long past bedtime Shinbone Lane is a must read.
May 20, 2025
Shinbone Lane is a compelling read that grabbed my attention from the very first page. The storytelling is vivid and immersive, with well-drawn characters that feel authentic and relatable. The author masterfully weaves together themes of redemption, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against a richly described backdrop. The pacing is perfect, keeping me engaged without ever feeling rushed. I found myself reflecting on the story long after I finished it — a true mark of a memorable book. Highly recommend Shinbone Lane to anyone looking for a profound and beautifully written novel. The layered portrayal of Maddy and Clara’s evolving bond is the beating heart of the story, making it a deeply relatable and profoundly affecting read. Highly recommend it for those who love character-driven novels that linger long after the last page. Looking forward to another work from Laura McHale Holland!
May 9, 2025
Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book. I have chosen to write this honest review voluntarily and it reflects my personal opinion.
I have read some of this author's previous work and thoroughly enjoyed the novels and short stories.
This book took me longer than expected to read, given its length. I think this was due in part to the large number of characters but mostly because the tale is a clever mix of the fantastical and the realistic, requiring concentration and absorption. Don't let that put you off! There is a good, engaging, underlying plot which is interwoven with each character's individual story making for a rollercoaster of emotions as the book travels towards it's close.
It is truly fascinating and I urge you to have a look inside the pages and become bewitched!
I have read some of this author's previous work and thoroughly enjoyed the novels and short stories.
This book took me longer than expected to read, given its length. I think this was due in part to the large number of characters but mostly because the tale is a clever mix of the fantastical and the realistic, requiring concentration and absorption. Don't let that put you off! There is a good, engaging, underlying plot which is interwoven with each character's individual story making for a rollercoaster of emotions as the book travels towards it's close.
It is truly fascinating and I urge you to have a look inside the pages and become bewitched!
May 18, 2025
Shinbone Lane was a delightful book. It was a magical read, no real witches, ghosts, or creatures but Shinbone Lane is a magical place. I really enjoyed all the characters including the amazing, beautiful, bird Captain and his tale. The people are so diverse but still just fit together like it was meant to be. The book takes place in 1974 and I graduated in 1972 so a lot of references put me right there. There were some funny parts and some very sad parts but it was all very interesting with several surprises. I cared what happened to Maddy, Clara, and Ted but there were many other great residents too. Good Read!
September 17, 2025
Shinbone Lane is an intricate, emotionally charged novel set in the 1970s.
Unfortunately I was not able to complete this book before its review date. Maddy, a budding teenage artist falsely accused of a crime, escapes her troubled home and lands in what would now be considered a historical neighborhood in San Francisco.
While the kaleidoscope of characters may be confusing at times, Laura McHale Holland weaves a promising, vibrant story of diverging personal narratives which unfold inside an eclectic community.
Unfortunately I was not able to complete this book before its review date. Maddy, a budding teenage artist falsely accused of a crime, escapes her troubled home and lands in what would now be considered a historical neighborhood in San Francisco.
While the kaleidoscope of characters may be confusing at times, Laura McHale Holland weaves a promising, vibrant story of diverging personal narratives which unfold inside an eclectic community.
September 17, 2025
Shinbone Lane is one of those books that stays with you. The atmosphere of San Francisco in the 70s feels alive on the page, and the everyday life is done so beautifully. Maddy’s story pulled me in right away, and I loved how the Lane itself felt almost like a character, drawing people in who needed it most.
There’s heartbreak here, but also so much warmth and the sense of belonging that comes from found family. Laura McHale Holland writes with such heart that even the quiet moments feel meaningful.
A wonderful read, full of hope.
There’s heartbreak here, but also so much warmth and the sense of belonging that comes from found family. Laura McHale Holland writes with such heart that even the quiet moments feel meaningful.
A wonderful read, full of hope.
May 14, 2025
Amazing Book
This book was such a magical read! The writing style was so descriptive and beautiful. There were so many characters that were developed so well that, honestly, you have to really stick with the read in the beginning, but it is so worth it. It is magical, creative, but also sprinkles in some mystery and spice. I keep thinking of the characters and wanting to know more. I’m hoping for a sequel. This was a great book! I highly recommend!
This book was such a magical read! The writing style was so descriptive and beautiful. There were so many characters that were developed so well that, honestly, you have to really stick with the read in the beginning, but it is so worth it. It is magical, creative, but also sprinkles in some mystery and spice. I keep thinking of the characters and wanting to know more. I’m hoping for a sequel. This was a great book! I highly recommend!
May 3, 2025
This was genuinely one of the most magical books ive read in a long time. It was so sad and heartbreaking in places and so uplifting and positive in others. A real sense of family and community. Really enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 26, 2025
Very touching novel full of very relatable characters. San Francisco 1974, a young teenager who fled her home arrives in Shinbone Lane and meets its inhabitants… and a very striking pigeon.
If you loved Tales of the City, you should also enjoy this novel.
If you loved Tales of the City, you should also enjoy this novel.
May 29, 2025
Delightful story of neighbors (with some very odd personalities) living on a dusty lane in mid-70s SF. Normal day-to-day activities eventually twist into a few sad situations but the spirit of Shinbone Lane, even its bird population, is able to overcome anything in its path. Interesting read..
June 5, 2025
Very disappointing. After reading all the good reviews I was looking forward to reading it but it just isn't my kind of book.
September 18, 2025
I love this cover! It actually drew me to the book.
Like the cover this book is rather colorful. It has some quirky characters. It had some secrets too.
It was an enjoyable book
Like the cover this book is rather colorful. It has some quirky characters. It had some secrets too.
It was an enjoyable book
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews