Here in New England: Unforgettable stories of people, places, and memories that connect us all

by Mel Allen

From the time he published his first story in Yankee in 1979 to the day he retired as its editor in 2025, Mel Allen's writing has captured the unique essence of New England and the people who call it home. Here for the first time, Allen has collected 45 of his favorite pieces, adding intimate new introductions and postscripts to put them in context. The feel and flavor of New England lives within the covers of this engaging collection.

402 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 17, 2025

Reviews

[Jim]

This has been the perfect sit by the pellet stove NH winter book. I like to read Yankee Magazine but dont seen to get around to it enough.
The nice people at Nashua Public Library got the copy that I am presently reading Not sure if I will finish it this year as it is a nicely laid out series of magazine articles that one can pick up and put down.

[David Marcucci · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lifelong New Englander I love how Mel Allen captures the essence of the people and places so effectively that by time I finish a chapter I feel like I've been to the place and I've met the people myself. Each story reminds me why New England is different and how the culture here is unlike anything I've experienced elsewhere.

Every chapter will elicit an array of emotions as you learn about people and places that most would have never know. Some pages will likely have you thinking about planning a trip. I'm grateful that someone took the time to preserve these memories so that others can enjoy them and I find myself wondering how many more amazing New England stories are out there.

[Susan Emmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply one of the finest anthologies I've ever read.
That Mel Allen worked for and edited Yankee magazine from 1979-2025 is in itself remarkable.
That he was able to choose 45 of his favorite pieces is just plain right.
I'm so full of the stories right now that I can't detail one by one - just a beautiful book.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was an interesting read about how life is in New England and the various stories. I thought it was interesting to get a glimpse into peoples’ lives.

[Rita Pozirekides · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed all the heartwarming tales of New England.