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The HomePort Journals
Fleeing New York City and an abusive partner, would-be writer Marc Nugent finds work at HomePort, the Provincetown mansion of Lola Staunton, a fabulously wealthy recluse. Aided by an attractive-but-unattainable artist and an all-too-available cross-dresser, Marc investigates accusations of rape and murder that have estranged Lola from a childhood friend for more than sixty years. Past and present converge when a long-lost journal reveals tales of infidelity, adultery, and passion that mirror the life Marc has recently abandoned. When his ex-lover arrives in search of revenge, Marc must confront his past, his notions of family, and his capacity for love.
- GenresM M RomanceAbuseLGBT
352 pages, Paperback
First published March 18, 2015
9 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
A.C. Burch
4 books102 followersA. C. Burch's debut novel was The HomePort Journals, whose sequel is The Distance Between Us, (May 2023.) He has also published a book of short stories entitled A Book of Revelations.
A. C. splits his time between Provincetown and South Beach, two oceanside communities, the former built on sand, the latter on limestone.
A. C. splits his time between Provincetown and South Beach, two oceanside communities, the former built on sand, the latter on limestone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 22, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
One of the things I love best about the experience of writing blog reviews is coming across books I may not have discovered otherwise. The HomePort Journals is one such book. What a flawless gem! I believe this is the first published book for this author… who now goes on my auto buy list.
The HomePort Journals is one of those books that sucked me in from the get go, and surrounded me with a mesmerizing atmosphere . The Provincetown setting, in particular the estate of HomePort, were vividly portrayed. The eclectic – and eccentric – characters felt as though they walked right off the pages and into my life. The author is a long time Provincetown resident, and this book resonates with his obvious love affair with the town.
This is a love story which spans generations and includes many forms of love. While there is an important romantic pairing definitively portrayed, the romance between these two men is not a sole focal point. The book is a glorious mix of contemporary, historical, mystery/detective with a dash of paranormal. The colorful cast of characters residing at the HomePort estate each has some dark history of their own which gets revealed through the course of the story. I love that the characters were a mix of young and old, gay and straight (and in between!) As the story and relationships progress, trust and love develops between them all and leads to the fruition of brighter days. Ultimately this is a story of people suffering old and fresh wounds, healing, vulnerability, respect, trust, and new beginnings.
Marc, an aspiring writer, finds himself in Provincetown one rainy autumn morning. His only possessions are his car and whatever he tossed into it when he fled NYC and his boyfriend the night before. He happens to meet up with the tiny yet formidable Dorrie, a very spry and insightful elderly woman. The meeting turns out to be life altering for Marc. Dorrie insists he return with her to HomePort, the estate where she has lived her entire life, and thus puts Marc on a collision course with HomePort’s past and his own future. From the moment that Marc met Dorrie, I sensed a kind of crackling in the air, something that said this meeting was not just accidental, some larger ethereal force was at work to make their paths cross. This feeling continued at points throughout the book, and definitely proved true, as Marc began to sense gentle nudges from otherworldly presences urging him to investigate some incidents at the estate which occurred decades prior. Meeting all of the colorful residents of HomePort as Marc met them was a treat. I felt as one with Marc throughout the story. As he learned about the history of his new home, employer and neighbors, I felt his intrigue , confusion, and amusement. As Marc made discoveries, goofed up, and
forged ahead, I was right there at his side. As he let down his guard, faced his demons and helped others face theirs, I was laughing and crying with him.
I want to spotlight how brilliant and captivating I found the writing in this story. The author utilized a very interesting combination of tone and POV. At times the story is being told in present tense and reads almost like a screen play. At other times it is written in third person. During many passages the reader is reading what Marc has been currently writing in his journals, or what The Captain, a former resident who has gained Marc’s attention, wrote in his journals some 70- 80 years prior. This worked brilliantly for me. I felt an even deeper connection to Marc and also to The Captain via use of this style. The dialogue in the story felt very real, very true to the characters. There are many poignant and serious moments in this story fleshed out perfectly by the author’s gorgeous writing. The juxtaposition and intertwining of mistakes, misjudgments, and relationships by present day people alongside those from decades prior was a brilliant theme. There was also a grand infusion of snark and humor along the way, which hey, there ought to be in life! And there was no escaping it with the cast of characters in this story. A great mix. The one explicit sex scene in this book was woven beautifully into the story. It served in the most wonderful manner to convey the building trust and relationship between the two characters. Emotionally stunning. In fact, that describes the entire book in two words.
I don’t always enjoy endings where every loose end seems to get “wrapped,” however in this book it happens… and it works extremely well. I felt the entire story was destined to that very type of ending, what with all the intertwined elements and several characters on the road to finding and/or making peace with their lives. I indeed found it satisfying to see them all to their peace.
I highly recommend this book. Especially if you are looking for a delightfully unique, engrossing, and satisfying read.
** Warning. There is one incident of non-con sex also involving drugs which occurs prior to this actual story and is reflected on briefly by one of the characters during this story.
One of the things I love best about the experience of writing blog reviews is coming across books I may not have discovered otherwise. The HomePort Journals is one such book. What a flawless gem! I believe this is the first published book for this author… who now goes on my auto buy list.
The HomePort Journals is one of those books that sucked me in from the get go, and surrounded me with a mesmerizing atmosphere . The Provincetown setting, in particular the estate of HomePort, were vividly portrayed. The eclectic – and eccentric – characters felt as though they walked right off the pages and into my life. The author is a long time Provincetown resident, and this book resonates with his obvious love affair with the town.
This is a love story which spans generations and includes many forms of love. While there is an important romantic pairing definitively portrayed, the romance between these two men is not a sole focal point. The book is a glorious mix of contemporary, historical, mystery/detective with a dash of paranormal. The colorful cast of characters residing at the HomePort estate each has some dark history of their own which gets revealed through the course of the story. I love that the characters were a mix of young and old, gay and straight (and in between!) As the story and relationships progress, trust and love develops between them all and leads to the fruition of brighter days. Ultimately this is a story of people suffering old and fresh wounds, healing, vulnerability, respect, trust, and new beginnings.
Marc, an aspiring writer, finds himself in Provincetown one rainy autumn morning. His only possessions are his car and whatever he tossed into it when he fled NYC and his boyfriend the night before. He happens to meet up with the tiny yet formidable Dorrie, a very spry and insightful elderly woman. The meeting turns out to be life altering for Marc. Dorrie insists he return with her to HomePort, the estate where she has lived her entire life, and thus puts Marc on a collision course with HomePort’s past and his own future. From the moment that Marc met Dorrie, I sensed a kind of crackling in the air, something that said this meeting was not just accidental, some larger ethereal force was at work to make their paths cross. This feeling continued at points throughout the book, and definitely proved true, as Marc began to sense gentle nudges from otherworldly presences urging him to investigate some incidents at the estate which occurred decades prior. Meeting all of the colorful residents of HomePort as Marc met them was a treat. I felt as one with Marc throughout the story. As he learned about the history of his new home, employer and neighbors, I felt his intrigue , confusion, and amusement. As Marc made discoveries, goofed up, and
forged ahead, I was right there at his side. As he let down his guard, faced his demons and helped others face theirs, I was laughing and crying with him.
I want to spotlight how brilliant and captivating I found the writing in this story. The author utilized a very interesting combination of tone and POV. At times the story is being told in present tense and reads almost like a screen play. At other times it is written in third person. During many passages the reader is reading what Marc has been currently writing in his journals, or what The Captain, a former resident who has gained Marc’s attention, wrote in his journals some 70- 80 years prior. This worked brilliantly for me. I felt an even deeper connection to Marc and also to The Captain via use of this style. The dialogue in the story felt very real, very true to the characters. There are many poignant and serious moments in this story fleshed out perfectly by the author’s gorgeous writing. The juxtaposition and intertwining of mistakes, misjudgments, and relationships by present day people alongside those from decades prior was a brilliant theme. There was also a grand infusion of snark and humor along the way, which hey, there ought to be in life! And there was no escaping it with the cast of characters in this story. A great mix. The one explicit sex scene in this book was woven beautifully into the story. It served in the most wonderful manner to convey the building trust and relationship between the two characters. Emotionally stunning. In fact, that describes the entire book in two words.
I don’t always enjoy endings where every loose end seems to get “wrapped,” however in this book it happens… and it works extremely well. I felt the entire story was destined to that very type of ending, what with all the intertwined elements and several characters on the road to finding and/or making peace with their lives. I indeed found it satisfying to see them all to their peace.
I highly recommend this book. Especially if you are looking for a delightfully unique, engrossing, and satisfying read.
** Warning. There is one incident of non-con sex also involving drugs which occurs prior to this actual story and is reflected on briefly by one of the characters during this story.
August 29, 2015
I honestly don't know what to write here. The book was recommended to me as an m/m fantasy, but it is so much more ...and less. Let me explain some of the tags I used or came close to using:
- cheating: mentioned, implied but never really shown.
- non-con: described briefly yet efficiently (a couple of paragraphs), without much feelz. Occasional quickie of a reference occurs throughout the book.
- abuse; violence; pity fest: everyone, save for the very few lucky souls have endured some kind of abuse or horrendous trauma in their lives *sniffles*
- mystery-suspense: there is a question of murder in a certain family. There are witnesses who saw things in progress and then arrived at conclusions without seeing the whole picture or having a shred of proof.
- paranormal: I still say it's all in Marc's head. He feels "presence" and sometimes someone speaks to him in his head. That's it. Then there is a matter of curse, but could have just been a coincidence.
- historical: a good chunk of the story happens in the early 20th century. That's where true feelings, love and passion lie, not in the contemporary part of the story.
- m/f: the historical part of the story is, in fact, a love triangle and a very straight triangle at that ...O.o Unfortunately, I do not have an m/f tag here.
- contemporary; location New England: two words (a word and a letter, actually) P.Town. P.Town. and I am going to say it again: P-town, with all its businesses, parks, monuments, piers, beaches and hangouts. Charming :D
- profession - arts: lots of maintenance guys, caretakers, gardeners and maids, suppressing their writing, performing/singing, painting talents due to the prior abuse of some sort.
- romance: Marc and Cole are a mystery to me. Their romance is almost non-existent. They work together, taking care of Lola and her property. They are attracted to each other, but don't do much about it, until one day, right out of the blue, they suddenly "make love". No chemistry, nothing. Just like that.
- m/m: The first m/m hanky-panky ...sorry, sorry, "making love" happens at exactly 60% mark. That's about it :| No romance, no dating, no sex, not even attempts at getting each other off, just two horny 20-smth guys "make love" first time in bed together. Right.
Closer to the end Helena finds her/his dream man in Butch, who speaks maybe five-six sentences in the whole entire book.
To me it was more of M/F than M/M, what with all the historical drama in the Captain's journals.
********
On the whole - charming read. Not too many feelz in the present, but the Captain compensates in his journals.
As much as I loved the characters and the story, it fell short somehow. 3.5 stars and I am rounding up to 4 for the location.
I would recommend this book as a good historical mystery-suspense with the modern day gay character acting as Sherlock.
- cheating: mentioned, implied but never really shown.
- non-con: described briefly yet efficiently (a couple of paragraphs), without much feelz. Occasional quickie of a reference occurs throughout the book.
- abuse; violence; pity fest: everyone, save for the very few lucky souls have endured some kind of abuse or horrendous trauma in their lives *sniffles*
- mystery-suspense: there is a question of murder in a certain family. There are witnesses who saw things in progress and then arrived at conclusions without seeing the whole picture or having a shred of proof.
- paranormal: I still say it's all in Marc's head. He feels "presence" and sometimes someone speaks to him in his head. That's it. Then there is a matter of curse, but could have just been a coincidence.
- historical: a good chunk of the story happens in the early 20th century. That's where true feelings, love and passion lie, not in the contemporary part of the story.
- m/f: the historical part of the story is, in fact, a love triangle and a very straight triangle at that ...O.o Unfortunately, I do not have an m/f tag here.
- contemporary; location New England: two words (a word and a letter, actually) P.Town. P.Town. and I am going to say it again: P-town, with all its businesses, parks, monuments, piers, beaches and hangouts. Charming :D
- profession - arts: lots of maintenance guys, caretakers, gardeners and maids, suppressing their writing, performing/singing, painting talents due to the prior abuse of some sort.
- romance: Marc and Cole are a mystery to me. Their romance is almost non-existent. They work together, taking care of Lola and her property. They are attracted to each other, but don't do much about it, until one day, right out of the blue, they suddenly "make love". No chemistry, nothing. Just like that.
- m/m: The first m/m hanky-panky ...sorry, sorry, "making love" happens at exactly 60% mark. That's about it :| No romance, no dating, no sex, not even attempts at getting each other off, just two horny 20-smth guys "make love" first time in bed together. Right.
Closer to the end Helena finds her/his dream man in Butch, who speaks maybe five-six sentences in the whole entire book.
To me it was more of M/F than M/M, what with all the historical drama in the Captain's journals.
********
On the whole - charming read. Not too many feelz in the present, but the Captain compensates in his journals.
As much as I loved the characters and the story, it fell short somehow. 3.5 stars and I am rounding up to 4 for the location.
I would recommend this book as a good historical mystery-suspense with the modern day gay character acting as Sherlock.
June 12, 2015
Full review up at the blog :-)
March 28, 2015
3.5 stars
Charming. That's the best word I can think of to describe The HomePort Journals. In a way it puts you under its spell, spinning tales of present and past that have you enchanted. At points it's almost as if time has stopped for you to simply enjoy the beauty of what once was. It gives you a reason to forget all the complicated ugliness of life and simply live.
A.C. Burch writes this story in present tense, and I feel it gives it somewhat of an etherial quality. There's almost a dreamlike telling of the actions on the page which gives it the feel of adventure and anticipation rather than stark, cold reality. When you peel back all the intricate, vivid detailing, Marc's story is not a pretty one. He's trying his best to move on from a desperately bad relationship, but I'm not sure Provincetown will let him do that. He seems to be looking for a place to escape and forget for a while, yet what he finds at HomePort forces him to confront and deal with his feelings rather than ignore them.
While there are definitely ugly truths to be found, Burch creates a bit of a fantasy world in HomePort. It's a special place; Burch does a fabulous job of creatively concealing its beauty and secrets. He expertly cultivates its rich history and mysteries in a way that serves to further enthrall the reader. Emphasis on mysteries - Provincetown is harboring some big ones.
Marc is easily likable, and hearing his story made me champion his cause. His experiences in his relationship with Brandon lead us to believe he's suffered greatly until reaching his breaking point - driving him away to seek refuge in Provincetown. I couldn't help but wonder if this new destination wasn't perhaps biting off more than he could chew? In the very least it presents more complication and intrigue than he bargained for - he needs simple and secluded. What he gets is quirky and questionable. Before he knows it, he's knee-deep in decades old scandal, secrets and lies, not to mention faced with lovers past and future. Burch takes his character on a complex journey to set everything to rights.
I thoroughly enjoyed this complex tale, and I feel it will have broad appeal to many readers within the m/m genre. Those familiar with historical romance will appreciate the details and traditions of earlier times, while contemporary readers will connect with some more modern issues and conflict. Any way you look at it, Burch slowly and cleverly unravels the secrets of HomePort, and the entire place makes an amazing transformation. I appreciate the delicate nature with which many of the pieces were constructed and revealed, Burch's tremendous style and delivery add enormously to the book's overall enjoyment. You'll find sweetness and serenity, but also controversy and strife. Parts are bittersweet, and I can't say I finished with a dry eye. Burch introduces you to many colorful characters, lets you get to know them in every sense, and before you know it they're nearly family. Enjoy!
A copy of this review can be found at 3 Chicks After Dark.
Charming. That's the best word I can think of to describe The HomePort Journals. In a way it puts you under its spell, spinning tales of present and past that have you enchanted. At points it's almost as if time has stopped for you to simply enjoy the beauty of what once was. It gives you a reason to forget all the complicated ugliness of life and simply live.
A.C. Burch writes this story in present tense, and I feel it gives it somewhat of an etherial quality. There's almost a dreamlike telling of the actions on the page which gives it the feel of adventure and anticipation rather than stark, cold reality. When you peel back all the intricate, vivid detailing, Marc's story is not a pretty one. He's trying his best to move on from a desperately bad relationship, but I'm not sure Provincetown will let him do that. He seems to be looking for a place to escape and forget for a while, yet what he finds at HomePort forces him to confront and deal with his feelings rather than ignore them.
While there are definitely ugly truths to be found, Burch creates a bit of a fantasy world in HomePort. It's a special place; Burch does a fabulous job of creatively concealing its beauty and secrets. He expertly cultivates its rich history and mysteries in a way that serves to further enthrall the reader. Emphasis on mysteries - Provincetown is harboring some big ones.
Marc is easily likable, and hearing his story made me champion his cause. His experiences in his relationship with Brandon lead us to believe he's suffered greatly until reaching his breaking point - driving him away to seek refuge in Provincetown. I couldn't help but wonder if this new destination wasn't perhaps biting off more than he could chew? In the very least it presents more complication and intrigue than he bargained for - he needs simple and secluded. What he gets is quirky and questionable. Before he knows it, he's knee-deep in decades old scandal, secrets and lies, not to mention faced with lovers past and future. Burch takes his character on a complex journey to set everything to rights.
I thoroughly enjoyed this complex tale, and I feel it will have broad appeal to many readers within the m/m genre. Those familiar with historical romance will appreciate the details and traditions of earlier times, while contemporary readers will connect with some more modern issues and conflict. Any way you look at it, Burch slowly and cleverly unravels the secrets of HomePort, and the entire place makes an amazing transformation. I appreciate the delicate nature with which many of the pieces were constructed and revealed, Burch's tremendous style and delivery add enormously to the book's overall enjoyment. You'll find sweetness and serenity, but also controversy and strife. Parts are bittersweet, and I can't say I finished with a dry eye. Burch introduces you to many colorful characters, lets you get to know them in every sense, and before you know it they're nearly family. Enjoy!
A copy of this review can be found at 3 Chicks After Dark.
May 25, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Marc longs to be an author, but the words never seem to come to him in the city. After he breaks up with his abusive partner, he flees to Provincetown, where he's taken in by an old woman and her enigmatic companions.
The novel is well realised, with scenery which I can vividly picture right now. There was only one inconsistency towards the end of the novel, when the Captain's journals appeared in two places at once. I can see them walking down the beach, and Marc trying to write in his tower, complete with the art workshop on one of the middle floors.
I like that in this novel, all of the characters are ok with being one form of queer or another. This is a world I dream of, where it's ok to be yourself! Everyone in the novel has a role somewhere, even if it's not where you expect. They were lovely, three dimensional characters that reached out to me through just Marc's perspective - a mark of a strong writer.
I spent most of the novel in suspense that Brandon would track down Marc. I knew he would eventually, but I didn't know how much Marc was going to be able to stand up against him. Marc draws people to him without even knowing it, and those people think he's worth a lot more than he gives himself credit for.
The romance that occurs in this novel is subtly layered and sort of incidental. What threw me was some of the comments of Marc to himself about being extrainged from love. He had been so badly hurt (which is mainly just alluded to intriguingly through the novel), and yet he can't open up when someone else is trying to help! If the romance was the main theme, the reader wouldn't keep going.
Instead, the mystery and suspense of the plot grips the reader. I wanted to know the history, and how all the competing interests would be served. I loved the ending. So happy, and yet, bittersweet, and arg, why didn't they fix things earlier.
At some point recently in my reading, I have moved into the pure fiction genre. I never expected it to happen, usually finding those sort of novels boring and repeditive. But add a hint of mystery and a strong queer element, and you've got an avid reader on your hands.
I give this novel a very solid 4 stars, moving up to 5 stars. It's just not a 5-stars for me because I don't have a strong desire to read it again. But by all means, go out there and buy it, it's awesome!
Marc longs to be an author, but the words never seem to come to him in the city. After he breaks up with his abusive partner, he flees to Provincetown, where he's taken in by an old woman and her enigmatic companions.
The novel is well realised, with scenery which I can vividly picture right now. There was only one inconsistency towards the end of the novel, when the Captain's journals appeared in two places at once. I can see them walking down the beach, and Marc trying to write in his tower, complete with the art workshop on one of the middle floors.
I like that in this novel, all of the characters are ok with being one form of queer or another. This is a world I dream of, where it's ok to be yourself! Everyone in the novel has a role somewhere, even if it's not where you expect. They were lovely, three dimensional characters that reached out to me through just Marc's perspective - a mark of a strong writer.
I spent most of the novel in suspense that Brandon would track down Marc. I knew he would eventually, but I didn't know how much Marc was going to be able to stand up against him. Marc draws people to him without even knowing it, and those people think he's worth a lot more than he gives himself credit for.
The romance that occurs in this novel is subtly layered and sort of incidental. What threw me was some of the comments of Marc to himself about being extrainged from love. He had been so badly hurt (which is mainly just alluded to intriguingly through the novel), and yet he can't open up when someone else is trying to help! If the romance was the main theme, the reader wouldn't keep going.
Instead, the mystery and suspense of the plot grips the reader. I wanted to know the history, and how all the competing interests would be served. I loved the ending. So happy, and yet, bittersweet, and arg, why didn't they fix things earlier.
At some point recently in my reading, I have moved into the pure fiction genre. I never expected it to happen, usually finding those sort of novels boring and repeditive. But add a hint of mystery and a strong queer element, and you've got an avid reader on your hands.
I give this novel a very solid 4 stars, moving up to 5 stars. It's just not a 5-stars for me because I don't have a strong desire to read it again. But by all means, go out there and buy it, it's awesome!
March 15, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
Marc goes to Provincetown looking for a place to get away from his abusive ex and some peace and quiet to write and indulge his muse. When he arrived it's nothing as he expects it to be. An encounter with an elder woman named Dorrie results in Marc being set up with a job and a start to his new life. Although he forges new connections his past continues to haunt him. He also find himself wanting to help those around him and uncover the truth about what happened on the estate he currently resides.
I found this to be quite an intriguing read. At first I wasn't sure I could get into it but as I got further into it I found it hard to put down. I admit the paranormal aspects kind of took me by surprise and at first felt a bit misplaced. The characters back stories were interesting although in some respects I felt it to be a bit farfetched (Cole's backstory felt like something out of a movie, the affair between Lola and Dorrie's parents felt a bit farfetched but ultimately worked). Mar's back story moved me and had my blood pumping. The author did a great job in providing an emotional pull for readers towards the characters in the book.
Loved that the author kind of kept surprising readers to the end and there was no open ended ending. Beware there will be a teary eye moment or two. I know I was tearing up badly and toward the last two or so chapters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
4.5 stars
Marc goes to Provincetown looking for a place to get away from his abusive ex and some peace and quiet to write and indulge his muse. When he arrived it's nothing as he expects it to be. An encounter with an elder woman named Dorrie results in Marc being set up with a job and a start to his new life. Although he forges new connections his past continues to haunt him. He also find himself wanting to help those around him and uncover the truth about what happened on the estate he currently resides.
I found this to be quite an intriguing read. At first I wasn't sure I could get into it but as I got further into it I found it hard to put down. I admit the paranormal aspects kind of took me by surprise and at first felt a bit misplaced. The characters back stories were interesting although in some respects I felt it to be a bit farfetched (Cole's backstory felt like something out of a movie, the affair between Lola and Dorrie's parents felt a bit farfetched but ultimately worked). Mar's back story moved me and had my blood pumping. The author did a great job in providing an emotional pull for readers towards the characters in the book.
Loved that the author kind of kept surprising readers to the end and there was no open ended ending. Beware there will be a teary eye moment or two. I know I was tearing up badly and toward the last two or so chapters. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author.
March 1, 2016
The Homeport Journals in one word: “WOW”. There are so many wonderful stories in the one book. The lives of so many wonderfully unique characters’; both past and present, are shared with readers at the deepest of all levels. There is so much emotion in this book, it makes a high school girls bathroom at lunch feel like watching grass grow. We hear the captain’s story of the past through his journals, while experiencing the dramatic life of its readers in modern day. The good kind of drama, that is. There are so many entertaining characters, every reader will relate to one. My favorite, Helena! Oh wait ‘til you meet her. The stories of all the characters will pull at your heart strings at times, and have you literally laughing out loud the next.
A.C. gives wonderful conclusions to so many stories; however, I was left wanting more! I could not put this book down. A HUGE 5 Boundless Stars for The Homeport Journals, and a hope to read more from A.C. Burch....Beth
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A.C. gives wonderful conclusions to so many stories; however, I was left wanting more! I could not put this book down. A HUGE 5 Boundless Stars for The Homeport Journals, and a hope to read more from A.C. Burch....Beth
http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com
https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
April 28, 2015
THE HOMEPORT JOURNALS: A.C. BURCH
Acceptance, forgiveness, understanding and being able to find a place where you belong are at the core of this novel and the essence of each character’s being. Abusive relationships are the center of what each one has encountered in the past and when a group of ill suited people is drawn together what happens will change their lives forever. Mark Nugent finds himself in the Provincetown and becomes engaged as a Gardner, all purpose man and conversationalist for an older woman named Lola Stanton. Mark has left gained refuge in the home of this eccentric woman whose living within a whole she created for herself since the one outside is too frightening.
The estranged dowagers, Lola and Dorrie, are the kingpins around whom the plots within plots revolve. They have history neither is comfortable talking about, yet after Marc Nugent is given refuge he becomes the catalyst for setting events in motion that reveal the secrets and lies that have informed their sixty-odd year relationship. I absolutely adored these two strong, opinionated women—their compassion, insight and unwavering devotion to tradition and service to their community grounds every scene with a grace and style reminiscent of another day and age.
The Homeport Journals is at once a romance, a mystery and a coming-of-age tale that touches on so many facets of the human experience that I was, quite simply, blown away. Marc and Cole are young men trapped inside their own insecurities and fears. Alone they face their inner turmoils with denial or soul-numbing acquiescence; together they discover that friendship and love are not as far apart as it seems. Learning more about Helena and her past, listening to Lola tell about her childhood and her mother leaving her alone with her father, you being to understand that each character has his/her own fears, hopes and desires to feel needed and part of something or someone.
The Homeport Journals is also, at its core, a lesson in how the past insinuates the present, when those who went before were faced with choices that altered forever their place in history. As Marc, Cole and Helena conspire to piece together past events in order to understand a reality turned rigid and uncompromising, they uncover a tale of betrayal, abuse and infidelity buried in memory.
Through it all, Marc lives with a dark fear that the man he fled from will seek him out and ruin all he has worked to achieve—a home, friends, a place in the community. When his worst fears materialize, Marc confronts more than just an abuser, putting to the test all that he has learned about himself and the people who matter in his world.
Marc seems to envelope the feelings emitted when looking at Cole’s paintings or in situations that evoke different kinds of emotion. The mystery surrounding each character’s past, whether they can uncover the hidden truth as to why Cole does not want to share the fact that he’s an artist, Marc running from his past and Lola and Dorrie’s real relationship and why after 60 years they are still estranged, leaves the reader hoping for answers while learning more about this quaint town. The story’s location is real and Provincetown is where out author resides.
Throughout the novel Marc relates his feelings about his life in this new place, events that happen and he retreats and shares his past. Eluding an abusive relationship and meeting Lola and Dorrie, two amazing older women who are tenacious, persistent and have the energy and mindset of someone much younger, helps to create the setting and atmosphere for the wild and zany events to follow. What is great about them is they are headstrong, opinionated and devoted to those living under her roof. The community is their life and helping others seems to be Lola’s calling. Will Marc and Cole find each other? Will they find friendship and even love? But, Helena sets the spark for the novel and as a cross-dresser who admits much about her life and past to Marc you come to expect the unpredictable, wonder just which one of her identities is really and where she gets her sense of fashion and flare that often reverts to many different time periods. How can one woman have two separate personalities and feel uncomfortable within her own skin? Helena Handbasket is her name, Cole is her handyman and Charlotte Grubb is the last we meet her financial advisor who Marc needs in order to get some help with his ex-boyfriend.
Just how will the author intersect and intertwine all of the pasts and bring them into the present? The story is heartbreaking at times, will bring tears to your eyes and the journal itself is enlightening as Marc begins to write which is the primary reason he is living in Lola’s tower.
The author and Dorrie reveal the truth behind what happened as we learn just who Annie really was, her fate as she knows it and the relationship between Annie and Lola’s father the Captain. Fear burned within the heart of Lola after the incident and looking out of her window and realizing even though she was only ten what her father did or was capable of doing. But, Dorrie reveals another version that comes to her in a dream so could these two have wasted sixty years of friendship over what they think happened? As Marc and Cole bond and Cole begins to paint, Marc needs to define himself as a writer. Cole brings to light that although some might not like your work or your words, you are the only one that has to like it or stand by it. Critics come and go but your words are yours alone. I have to agree.
Both Cole and Marc present a seriousness that most young men never show as Dorrie, Lola and Helena often provides some comic relief. As Marc shares his thoughts within innermost thoughts with readers through his journals we understand his fears, torments and get to know Provincetown from the vividly described days, weather and scenes the author and Marc share with readers within his journals. The fact that Marc and Cole are gay and that Helena is a cross dresser brings to light the acceptance that each has for the other and the willingness of the community to accept the differences that others will not.
Within this novel there is a second set of journal entries that from the 19th journal of Captain Staunton, Lola’s father. Listening to his words and hearing his voice the reader has to decide if he was truly responsible for Annie’s death, if she lived out her years but away from him and just how wicked and cruel Prudence his wife was. Finding his life overturned and learning that Prudence followed an Italian painter, her father compensated with women he paid for and for the love of Annie.
The journal written by the captain is quite telling and now Dorrie, Marc and Cole have to decide how to deal with Lola and tell her the truth about Annie. The journal speaks volumes for the Captain but it also reminds Marc that someone close to him really cares and that he can have a life after Brandon. As the two journals intersect and Marc begins to equate what happened to Annie and the feelings the Captain had for her to his life in Provincetown and Cole something magical occurs but will Brandon find him even though someone assures him he won’t.
When the 19th journal is shared and read readers learn from two separate perspectives what really happened to Annie, her life and who cared for her. Imagine being told she died and being cheated of ever getting to know her own child. Imagine living your life within a shell within yourself and not being able to communicate. As both Dorrie and Lola learn the truth what happens next will warm your heart and endear you to both of them as Marc, Cole, Charlotte and Helena take a chance, place them in the same room within the tower and read the words that would change everything.
Life does not always hand you the time you want and when Lola dies the end is quite fitting as she realizes her time has come and embraces the next world. Dorrie finds solace in knowing that the people within HomePort are her true family and when Marc and Cole approach a woman named Vendra and the rest of the story is told from a second perspective you get a picture that you won’t believe.
Bequests that will change the lives of many and a whole new start for HomePort as Lola and Dorrie decide on its fate, who lives there, who runs it and how they once again can help others. Unselfish, giving love and support to those that as the author relates were “cast aside by an uncaring world,” Dorrie found her love in those that came to live there. As Lola managed to take an active part helping those in need, tuitions, doctor bills, loans and much more two women who had it all and wanted to share their love, money and inspirations with others.
What happens to HomePort will amaze readers as the end result will focus on the arts. But, Marc still has to find his own way and understand that in order to forge ahead he has to have confidence in himself and realize the faith others have in him. One final request from both Lola and Dorrie might change it all and open up a new world for him. Will he honor it? Will he tell the story of their family and not leave out anything? A father that was disgraced and thought to be a murderer because his cruel wife could not stand him being happy. Blackmail, hate, revenge, deceit, lies and distrust plagued him until his death and after. Will he be redeemed by the words that Marc might write.
HomePort Journals is a story of love, hope, trust, devotion, acceptance, and understanding and tells of a place that the author brilliantly states: You never really know a place unless you live there! Friendships that spanned decades and understanding that Provincetown “can be a refuge when the rest of the world remains ignorant and cruel.” A story that has been told. A legacy of two women that will live on if one man writes it!
Fran Lewis: Just Reviews
Acceptance, forgiveness, understanding and being able to find a place where you belong are at the core of this novel and the essence of each character’s being. Abusive relationships are the center of what each one has encountered in the past and when a group of ill suited people is drawn together what happens will change their lives forever. Mark Nugent finds himself in the Provincetown and becomes engaged as a Gardner, all purpose man and conversationalist for an older woman named Lola Stanton. Mark has left gained refuge in the home of this eccentric woman whose living within a whole she created for herself since the one outside is too frightening.
The estranged dowagers, Lola and Dorrie, are the kingpins around whom the plots within plots revolve. They have history neither is comfortable talking about, yet after Marc Nugent is given refuge he becomes the catalyst for setting events in motion that reveal the secrets and lies that have informed their sixty-odd year relationship. I absolutely adored these two strong, opinionated women—their compassion, insight and unwavering devotion to tradition and service to their community grounds every scene with a grace and style reminiscent of another day and age.
The Homeport Journals is at once a romance, a mystery and a coming-of-age tale that touches on so many facets of the human experience that I was, quite simply, blown away. Marc and Cole are young men trapped inside their own insecurities and fears. Alone they face their inner turmoils with denial or soul-numbing acquiescence; together they discover that friendship and love are not as far apart as it seems. Learning more about Helena and her past, listening to Lola tell about her childhood and her mother leaving her alone with her father, you being to understand that each character has his/her own fears, hopes and desires to feel needed and part of something or someone.
The Homeport Journals is also, at its core, a lesson in how the past insinuates the present, when those who went before were faced with choices that altered forever their place in history. As Marc, Cole and Helena conspire to piece together past events in order to understand a reality turned rigid and uncompromising, they uncover a tale of betrayal, abuse and infidelity buried in memory.
Through it all, Marc lives with a dark fear that the man he fled from will seek him out and ruin all he has worked to achieve—a home, friends, a place in the community. When his worst fears materialize, Marc confronts more than just an abuser, putting to the test all that he has learned about himself and the people who matter in his world.
Marc seems to envelope the feelings emitted when looking at Cole’s paintings or in situations that evoke different kinds of emotion. The mystery surrounding each character’s past, whether they can uncover the hidden truth as to why Cole does not want to share the fact that he’s an artist, Marc running from his past and Lola and Dorrie’s real relationship and why after 60 years they are still estranged, leaves the reader hoping for answers while learning more about this quaint town. The story’s location is real and Provincetown is where out author resides.
Throughout the novel Marc relates his feelings about his life in this new place, events that happen and he retreats and shares his past. Eluding an abusive relationship and meeting Lola and Dorrie, two amazing older women who are tenacious, persistent and have the energy and mindset of someone much younger, helps to create the setting and atmosphere for the wild and zany events to follow. What is great about them is they are headstrong, opinionated and devoted to those living under her roof. The community is their life and helping others seems to be Lola’s calling. Will Marc and Cole find each other? Will they find friendship and even love? But, Helena sets the spark for the novel and as a cross-dresser who admits much about her life and past to Marc you come to expect the unpredictable, wonder just which one of her identities is really and where she gets her sense of fashion and flare that often reverts to many different time periods. How can one woman have two separate personalities and feel uncomfortable within her own skin? Helena Handbasket is her name, Cole is her handyman and Charlotte Grubb is the last we meet her financial advisor who Marc needs in order to get some help with his ex-boyfriend.
Just how will the author intersect and intertwine all of the pasts and bring them into the present? The story is heartbreaking at times, will bring tears to your eyes and the journal itself is enlightening as Marc begins to write which is the primary reason he is living in Lola’s tower.
The author and Dorrie reveal the truth behind what happened as we learn just who Annie really was, her fate as she knows it and the relationship between Annie and Lola’s father the Captain. Fear burned within the heart of Lola after the incident and looking out of her window and realizing even though she was only ten what her father did or was capable of doing. But, Dorrie reveals another version that comes to her in a dream so could these two have wasted sixty years of friendship over what they think happened? As Marc and Cole bond and Cole begins to paint, Marc needs to define himself as a writer. Cole brings to light that although some might not like your work or your words, you are the only one that has to like it or stand by it. Critics come and go but your words are yours alone. I have to agree.
Both Cole and Marc present a seriousness that most young men never show as Dorrie, Lola and Helena often provides some comic relief. As Marc shares his thoughts within innermost thoughts with readers through his journals we understand his fears, torments and get to know Provincetown from the vividly described days, weather and scenes the author and Marc share with readers within his journals. The fact that Marc and Cole are gay and that Helena is a cross dresser brings to light the acceptance that each has for the other and the willingness of the community to accept the differences that others will not.
Within this novel there is a second set of journal entries that from the 19th journal of Captain Staunton, Lola’s father. Listening to his words and hearing his voice the reader has to decide if he was truly responsible for Annie’s death, if she lived out her years but away from him and just how wicked and cruel Prudence his wife was. Finding his life overturned and learning that Prudence followed an Italian painter, her father compensated with women he paid for and for the love of Annie.
The journal written by the captain is quite telling and now Dorrie, Marc and Cole have to decide how to deal with Lola and tell her the truth about Annie. The journal speaks volumes for the Captain but it also reminds Marc that someone close to him really cares and that he can have a life after Brandon. As the two journals intersect and Marc begins to equate what happened to Annie and the feelings the Captain had for her to his life in Provincetown and Cole something magical occurs but will Brandon find him even though someone assures him he won’t.
When the 19th journal is shared and read readers learn from two separate perspectives what really happened to Annie, her life and who cared for her. Imagine being told she died and being cheated of ever getting to know her own child. Imagine living your life within a shell within yourself and not being able to communicate. As both Dorrie and Lola learn the truth what happens next will warm your heart and endear you to both of them as Marc, Cole, Charlotte and Helena take a chance, place them in the same room within the tower and read the words that would change everything.
Life does not always hand you the time you want and when Lola dies the end is quite fitting as she realizes her time has come and embraces the next world. Dorrie finds solace in knowing that the people within HomePort are her true family and when Marc and Cole approach a woman named Vendra and the rest of the story is told from a second perspective you get a picture that you won’t believe.
Bequests that will change the lives of many and a whole new start for HomePort as Lola and Dorrie decide on its fate, who lives there, who runs it and how they once again can help others. Unselfish, giving love and support to those that as the author relates were “cast aside by an uncaring world,” Dorrie found her love in those that came to live there. As Lola managed to take an active part helping those in need, tuitions, doctor bills, loans and much more two women who had it all and wanted to share their love, money and inspirations with others.
What happens to HomePort will amaze readers as the end result will focus on the arts. But, Marc still has to find his own way and understand that in order to forge ahead he has to have confidence in himself and realize the faith others have in him. One final request from both Lola and Dorrie might change it all and open up a new world for him. Will he honor it? Will he tell the story of their family and not leave out anything? A father that was disgraced and thought to be a murderer because his cruel wife could not stand him being happy. Blackmail, hate, revenge, deceit, lies and distrust plagued him until his death and after. Will he be redeemed by the words that Marc might write.
HomePort Journals is a story of love, hope, trust, devotion, acceptance, and understanding and tells of a place that the author brilliantly states: You never really know a place unless you live there! Friendships that spanned decades and understanding that Provincetown “can be a refuge when the rest of the world remains ignorant and cruel.” A story that has been told. A legacy of two women that will live on if one man writes it!
Fran Lewis: Just Reviews
September 14, 2018
This book had no bounds in the entertainment field. It latched onto me and I never let it go until I had finished it. Despite being rather long, the mysteries, secrets, fear, angst, new friendships, and love kept me marching forward to the next page and I tried to figure out the character's secrets and generations of family who didn't live their lives the way they wanted out of fear of retribution. Riches don't always make you happy, but it can help to fill your life as you reach out to help others. Dorrie and Lola did this and Cole and Marc are only two of the recipients of their generosity. This book is so worth reading. It has a gentle flow with currents of excitement running through it as we live the lives of these friends in Provincetown. Great book
February 22, 2016
This is a sensitive and extremely well written book that chronicles the life of Marc Nugent. Marc is gay and is fleeing his abusive partner in NYC. He finds himself in Provincetown with no place to stay and no means of support. He helps an older woman pick up groceries that have fallen into the street and is directed to go to another woman's house where she knows there may be a job and a roof for over his head. The only caveat is that he can't tell who sent him there--or he may not get the job--and it is winter and starting to get cold!
The inhabitants of this house are interesting to say the least and it takes Marc a while to get used to them all. When the woman who owns the house finds out that Marc wants to be a writer she sets him up in the attic where her father used to journal every night. He is allowed to read all the journals--except for the last one--it is lost. There is a mystery to be solved here--and one that has kept 2 woman separated for a lot of years. Can Marc and his friends ferret out the real truth? Will any of them ever really learn to trust again? I suggest you read this book to find out!
The HomePort Journals
The inhabitants of this house are interesting to say the least and it takes Marc a while to get used to them all. When the woman who owns the house finds out that Marc wants to be a writer she sets him up in the attic where her father used to journal every night. He is allowed to read all the journals--except for the last one--it is lost. There is a mystery to be solved here--and one that has kept 2 woman separated for a lot of years. Can Marc and his friends ferret out the real truth? Will any of them ever really learn to trust again? I suggest you read this book to find out!
The HomePort Journals
September 13, 2015
I picked this book on a whim and finally read it over the last couple of days.
The story kept me interested and I liked the characters but one thing annoyed me above everything else. The book is written in the present tense which seems to be coming a popular trend. I don't know if it is a ploy used to add urgency to a situation but it is one which is definitely not called for here. Perhaps the author wanted to differentiate between the book that I was reading and the journal that the main characters were reading within the book. If this was the case I can live with it. I much preferred reading the journal which was within the book. It flowed and the language really appealed to me.
Despite this one flaw, I enjoyed The Homeport Journals and would have no hesitation in recommending it.
The story kept me interested and I liked the characters but one thing annoyed me above everything else. The book is written in the present tense which seems to be coming a popular trend. I don't know if it is a ploy used to add urgency to a situation but it is one which is definitely not called for here. Perhaps the author wanted to differentiate between the book that I was reading and the journal that the main characters were reading within the book. If this was the case I can live with it. I much preferred reading the journal which was within the book. It flowed and the language really appealed to me.
Despite this one flaw, I enjoyed The Homeport Journals and would have no hesitation in recommending it.
April 29, 2015
Don't know how I feel about "The HomePort Journals" by A.C. Burch. It was good and interesting but in a strange way. I did not always know what was going on but half the fun is trying to figure out who to trust and who not to trust. There're many colourful characters in this paranormal romance, mystery set in Province town, Massachusetts. Not a genre I would normally read, so after wading through the first third I was surprised to discover that I really wanted to know what happened to these characters. Its defiantly worth giving a shot if the storyline appeals to you.
September 30, 2015
There aren't many books I read and decide should be turned into a movie or television show, but this is certainly one of them! I fell in love with Helena and Dorrie right off the bat. The characters are all so witty and don't even sound as though they are from this world. This book made me both laugh and cry, I will highly suggest everyone read this book!
March 27, 2015
I loved this book. I fell in love with the characters and story. When I finished the book I could not start another book for a while, I needed to linger in the joy of the story before starting something new.
April 7, 2015
The paranormal parts were kind of odd.
December 16, 2015
The HomePort Journals by A.C. Burch: http://reviews-and-ramblings.dreamwid... 2015 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 13, 2018
Read this review and more on my blog at [Roxie Writes].
‘The HomePort Journals’ by A.C. Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on February 13, 2018
GIVEN A FREE PAPERBACK COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $11.47 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After suffering terrible abuse by his partner, Marc Nugent runs to Provincetown and finds a home and job in the mansion of Lola Staunton called HomePort. Lola is an eccentric, wealthy, recluse who provides a place for displaced folks.
Marc is determined to write a book and keep himself away from all distracting entanglements, but when he meets Cole Hanson, HomePort’s handyman, his plans get derailed.
And the more time he spends in HomePort with its vibrant cast of characters, including a cross-dressing housekeeper named Helena Handbasket and a quick-witted old woman named Dorrie, he can’t help himself but to get more entangled.
Marc and Cole discover rumors of rape and murder in the Staunton family that have caused a sixty-year rift in a friendship, and they set out to investigate.
Past and present converge when a long-lost journal reveals tales of infidelity, adultery, and passion that mirror the life Marc has recently abandoned. When Marc's ex-lover arrives in search of revenge, Marc must confront this past, his notions of family, and, most of all, his capacity for love.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re going to only read one book this year, make it this one.
I wish I could give it more than five stars. This is a truly beautiful book. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered aloud.
‘The HomePort Journals’ is an extremely well-written tale of family, recovery, and love. Marc’s life in HomePort and the discoveries he and Cole and make to restore a family’s legacy and, in turn, reshape their own perceptions of themselves and each other, leaves an imprint on your heart.
Every character in this novel is an entity unto themselves, but together they are whole. They are the very definition of family despite being a rag-tag group of folks.
The main character, Marc, is damaged and fearful after leaving his abusive partner of several years. Burch does a phenomenal job conveying the lasting trauma of such a situation. He wants to write a book but doesn’t have the confidence in himself to even start. His partner destroyed his very sense of self, but with the help of those at HomePort, he finds his way back to his power and who he really is.
Cole is an artist who, too, has given up on his art. He fights against criticism, both within himself and the outside world, eventually deciding his work isn’t worth the trouble. With the support of those at HomePort, he discovers the truth about his ability and the real meaning of creativity.
There are a particular few pages that jumped out at me, being an author myself, about being an artist of any sort and why we should create things for ourselves if for no other reason. Cole speaks of finding your voice, your vision, and to hell with the critics. I loved the sentiments he presents; they reminded me why I love writing and why I should always, always pursue it.
The old ladies of HomePort, Dorrie and Lola, are perfect complements to one another. Where Dorrie is crude and outspoken in her opinions, Lola is so proper she seems to come from a bygone era. Lola lives in a fantasy world while Dorrie is firmly planted in reality. And they are both the heart of this story.
Then, there is Helena. She is strong yet vulnerable and so very full of life. She has an innate appreciation for beauty and sensuality, and despite being someone so far on the fringe of society, she maintains her own truth. She masks her loneliness with elaborate costumes and impression after impression but is perpetually open to love. Also, she’s just really, really funny.
Even Provincetown and HomePort transcend simple settings to become characters themselves. Burch’s beautiful descriptions make it easy to lose yourself in their welcoming atmosphere. They are so vivid you can feel the spray of the sea on your face and the warmth of opulence in the mansion.
‘The HomePort Journals’ is also a low-key ghost story. The paranormal is masterfully crafted into the overarching story creating a fascinating extra element to how Marc and Cole are able to both come together and solve the Staunton mystery.
Burch has an almost poetic writing style without being too pretentious or flowery. His worlds lilt off the page with a unique grace. It’s obvious he’s taken is own advice and carefully crafted his voice.
There an element for everyone in this book, and I hope you’ll give it a read. You will be, like me, still thinking about it well after it’s over. This is the sort of story that changes you.
‘The HomePort Journals’ by A.C. Burch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5/5
Finished on February 13, 2018
GIVEN A FREE PAPERBACK COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
$2.99 on Kindle | $11.47 in Paperback
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
After suffering terrible abuse by his partner, Marc Nugent runs to Provincetown and finds a home and job in the mansion of Lola Staunton called HomePort. Lola is an eccentric, wealthy, recluse who provides a place for displaced folks.
Marc is determined to write a book and keep himself away from all distracting entanglements, but when he meets Cole Hanson, HomePort’s handyman, his plans get derailed.
And the more time he spends in HomePort with its vibrant cast of characters, including a cross-dressing housekeeper named Helena Handbasket and a quick-witted old woman named Dorrie, he can’t help himself but to get more entangled.
Marc and Cole discover rumors of rape and murder in the Staunton family that have caused a sixty-year rift in a friendship, and they set out to investigate.
Past and present converge when a long-lost journal reveals tales of infidelity, adultery, and passion that mirror the life Marc has recently abandoned. When Marc's ex-lover arrives in search of revenge, Marc must confront this past, his notions of family, and, most of all, his capacity for love.
MY REVIEW:
I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re going to only read one book this year, make it this one.
I wish I could give it more than five stars. This is a truly beautiful book. I laughed, I cried, and I cheered aloud.
‘The HomePort Journals’ is an extremely well-written tale of family, recovery, and love. Marc’s life in HomePort and the discoveries he and Cole and make to restore a family’s legacy and, in turn, reshape their own perceptions of themselves and each other, leaves an imprint on your heart.
Every character in this novel is an entity unto themselves, but together they are whole. They are the very definition of family despite being a rag-tag group of folks.
The main character, Marc, is damaged and fearful after leaving his abusive partner of several years. Burch does a phenomenal job conveying the lasting trauma of such a situation. He wants to write a book but doesn’t have the confidence in himself to even start. His partner destroyed his very sense of self, but with the help of those at HomePort, he finds his way back to his power and who he really is.
Cole is an artist who, too, has given up on his art. He fights against criticism, both within himself and the outside world, eventually deciding his work isn’t worth the trouble. With the support of those at HomePort, he discovers the truth about his ability and the real meaning of creativity.
There are a particular few pages that jumped out at me, being an author myself, about being an artist of any sort and why we should create things for ourselves if for no other reason. Cole speaks of finding your voice, your vision, and to hell with the critics. I loved the sentiments he presents; they reminded me why I love writing and why I should always, always pursue it.
The old ladies of HomePort, Dorrie and Lola, are perfect complements to one another. Where Dorrie is crude and outspoken in her opinions, Lola is so proper she seems to come from a bygone era. Lola lives in a fantasy world while Dorrie is firmly planted in reality. And they are both the heart of this story.
Then, there is Helena. She is strong yet vulnerable and so very full of life. She has an innate appreciation for beauty and sensuality, and despite being someone so far on the fringe of society, she maintains her own truth. She masks her loneliness with elaborate costumes and impression after impression but is perpetually open to love. Also, she’s just really, really funny.
Even Provincetown and HomePort transcend simple settings to become characters themselves. Burch’s beautiful descriptions make it easy to lose yourself in their welcoming atmosphere. They are so vivid you can feel the spray of the sea on your face and the warmth of opulence in the mansion.
‘The HomePort Journals’ is also a low-key ghost story. The paranormal is masterfully crafted into the overarching story creating a fascinating extra element to how Marc and Cole are able to both come together and solve the Staunton mystery.
Burch has an almost poetic writing style without being too pretentious or flowery. His worlds lilt off the page with a unique grace. It’s obvious he’s taken is own advice and carefully crafted his voice.
There an element for everyone in this book, and I hope you’ll give it a read. You will be, like me, still thinking about it well after it’s over. This is the sort of story that changes you.
April 1, 2024
The HomePort Journals
By A.C. Burch
Second Edition, HomePort Press, 2017
Five stars
I have happy memories of Provincetown from when I was young, and have been back a couple of times since—but not since our now-grown children were very small. The fact that A.C. Burch has chosen to center his book’s narrative on a fictitious Victorian mansion just makes it all the more appealing to me—a house nut for most of my life, and a career curator for a beer baron’s house in Newark, New Jersey. The importance of HomePort to Burch’s story possibly made me into a biased fan.
Marcus Nugent has run away—away from New York and from a relationship gone bad. The emerging details of his flight to Provincetown form a strong thread in the story’s complex, interwoven plotlines. The first important thing that happens to Marc is that he rescues Dorrie Machado’s groceries on a windswept rainy night. That single act of unselfish goodness opens a door—for Marc, and for the reader—into the world of HomePort, Gilded Age mansion of the seafaring Staunton family.
As Marc’s Provincetown story unfolds, we meet a bevy of important characters who pull emotional and narrative strings in the book. Lola Staunton seems to be the central character, and indeed she is the chatelaine of HomePort; but her near neighbor Dorrie Machado is, we eventually learn, just as important. Then there’s Helena Handbasket, the drag name of a young man who lives his life entirely in costume, nominally serving as Lola Staunton’s housekeeper. There are other characters, and each matters to the plot, as well as to Marcus’s life in Provincetown. Getting to know them is one of the great pleasures of reading this book.
It's been a long time since I read Dickens’s “Great Expectations,” but I kept thinking of it as I read “The HomePort Journals.” The big difference is that Lola is not a madwoman like poor Miss Havisham, and her mansion is neither neglected nor crumbling. However, the past is ever-present at HomePort, and all its denizens feel the pull of it. A lot of damage has been done to the people who live at HomePort, whether in the main house, or in the servants’ wing, nicknamed The Bates Motel. In the end, the people at HomePort become a makeshift family, and a conduit for something bigger than any one of them could imagine.
The very idea of a Victorian house having survived intact in the same family—whose fortune has also remained intact—is the stuff of which curator’s dreams are made of, and I went into this story with my own great expectations. Burch lives up to the promise his setting offers, and the reader is richly rewarded .
By A.C. Burch
Second Edition, HomePort Press, 2017
Five stars
I have happy memories of Provincetown from when I was young, and have been back a couple of times since—but not since our now-grown children were very small. The fact that A.C. Burch has chosen to center his book’s narrative on a fictitious Victorian mansion just makes it all the more appealing to me—a house nut for most of my life, and a career curator for a beer baron’s house in Newark, New Jersey. The importance of HomePort to Burch’s story possibly made me into a biased fan.
Marcus Nugent has run away—away from New York and from a relationship gone bad. The emerging details of his flight to Provincetown form a strong thread in the story’s complex, interwoven plotlines. The first important thing that happens to Marc is that he rescues Dorrie Machado’s groceries on a windswept rainy night. That single act of unselfish goodness opens a door—for Marc, and for the reader—into the world of HomePort, Gilded Age mansion of the seafaring Staunton family.
As Marc’s Provincetown story unfolds, we meet a bevy of important characters who pull emotional and narrative strings in the book. Lola Staunton seems to be the central character, and indeed she is the chatelaine of HomePort; but her near neighbor Dorrie Machado is, we eventually learn, just as important. Then there’s Helena Handbasket, the drag name of a young man who lives his life entirely in costume, nominally serving as Lola Staunton’s housekeeper. There are other characters, and each matters to the plot, as well as to Marcus’s life in Provincetown. Getting to know them is one of the great pleasures of reading this book.
It's been a long time since I read Dickens’s “Great Expectations,” but I kept thinking of it as I read “The HomePort Journals.” The big difference is that Lola is not a madwoman like poor Miss Havisham, and her mansion is neither neglected nor crumbling. However, the past is ever-present at HomePort, and all its denizens feel the pull of it. A lot of damage has been done to the people who live at HomePort, whether in the main house, or in the servants’ wing, nicknamed The Bates Motel. In the end, the people at HomePort become a makeshift family, and a conduit for something bigger than any one of them could imagine.
The very idea of a Victorian house having survived intact in the same family—whose fortune has also remained intact—is the stuff of which curator’s dreams are made of, and I went into this story with my own great expectations. Burch lives up to the promise his setting offers, and the reader is richly rewarded .
February 12, 2023
"There’s simply no escaping the denizens of HomePort; it’s futile to resist."
This is the story of Marc Nugent and his escape from an abusive lover. He lands in Provincetown Mass as the "season" has wound down and stumbles in to Dorrie Manchado and is let into a community of "washashores" including Lola Staunton, Henrietta Handbasket and Cole. With Dorrie's recommendation he lands a kind of job at Homeport which is mainly keeping Lola company on her schedule ( of course). That's a job made in heaven for a would be writer like Marc. Eventually he meets Cole who is an artist that doesn't paint and the sparks fly.
Lola and Dorrie live near each other and we're once very close until life got in the way. We see them through the stories shared with Marc and peppered with Henrietta's spin on things. All these people have secrets and as Marc feels safer, he tries to find a happy ending to what looks like a puzzle with pieces all over HomePort. Who's job is it to collect them?
Get ready to be surprised.
[ I was honored to read an ARC of the second book in the series:"The Distance Between Us" ( drops in May)and when I shared my thoughts with the author he gifted me with this ecopy of "HomePort Journals" with no obligation to read or review it.] Highly Recommended 5/5
This is the story of Marc Nugent and his escape from an abusive lover. He lands in Provincetown Mass as the "season" has wound down and stumbles in to Dorrie Manchado and is let into a community of "washashores" including Lola Staunton, Henrietta Handbasket and Cole. With Dorrie's recommendation he lands a kind of job at Homeport which is mainly keeping Lola company on her schedule ( of course). That's a job made in heaven for a would be writer like Marc. Eventually he meets Cole who is an artist that doesn't paint and the sparks fly.
Lola and Dorrie live near each other and we're once very close until life got in the way. We see them through the stories shared with Marc and peppered with Henrietta's spin on things. All these people have secrets and as Marc feels safer, he tries to find a happy ending to what looks like a puzzle with pieces all over HomePort. Who's job is it to collect them?
Get ready to be surprised.
[ I was honored to read an ARC of the second book in the series:"The Distance Between Us" ( drops in May)and when I shared my thoughts with the author he gifted me with this ecopy of "HomePort Journals" with no obligation to read or review it.] Highly Recommended 5/5
January 15, 2025
DNF at about the halfway point. I had some hopes in the beginning. Burch has fine skills on a line level but THJ feels like a cozy mystery at first but then tries to be a romance and then a historical family saga. Several of the characters are charming but oddly the protagonist, Marc, falls flat. It might be because his dialogue and interiority are not that of a twenty five year old. Having read the journal entires pertinent to the family saga, I think Burch could really champion a historical romance.
August 8, 2021
From the beginning the story grabs you and takes you for a ride. The constant twists and turns catch you off guard every time. The author has a very nice and easy style to follow.
Haven recently visited Provincetown I was better able to visualize the settings in the story. I also recognized the names of several of the local business.
We are planning another visit in September and the hotel we are starting at is mentioned in the story and being next to the mansion most of the story of in.
Haven recently visited Provincetown I was better able to visualize the settings in the story. I also recognized the names of several of the local business.
We are planning another visit in September and the hotel we are starting at is mentioned in the story and being next to the mansion most of the story of in.
January 6, 2020
An eloquent, beautiful tale encompassing romance, mystery, literary fiction, and more... so clearly situated in Provincetown and yet accessible to anyone. Land's End attracts an eccentric group of people, and Burch does an amazing job of presenting them in such a way that the reader genuinely cares... and looks forward to meeting them. Excellent read, highly recommended.
March 26, 2015
3.5 star review by Vicki
What an odd book! I’m not sure how to do this…
The Homeport Journals stars Marc Nugent, who has run away from his psycho boyfriend in New Yorks, and has ended up in Provincetown Massachusetts. He has no home, no job, nothing but a car and dreams of being a writer. He’s hoping this will be the place to hide and start over again. He is enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in a coffee shop, when he sees an old lady losing her groceries and runs to help. This charitable act changes his life forever. Dorrie (the old lady), takes him to Homeport, a mansion owned by Lola Staunton, a rich and eccentric elderly woman.
Lola is a collector of people. She hires them as staff, but they don’t really seem to do much for her. She’s got Helena Handbasket, her drag queen housekeeper. Cole, the repairman/artist. Marvin, an unspecified bad person. And finally Dorrie, the woman who introduced Marc to Lola, as her potential gardener. There’s also a cook, whose name I have forgotten! All of these people cater to the oddness that is Lola. She’s the last descendent of a very rich family, and has lead a sheltered and spoiled life. She likes her routine, including tea every afternoon. There is something between her and Dorrie, which turns out to be the big mystery of the book.
So Marc meets all of these folks, and begins to settle in. He runs errands for Lola, writes in the tower, and spies on Cole, the object of his lust. He’s got some serious issues in his recent past, that eventually come out, but are preventing him from pursuing Cole. The other thing curtailing his romantic interest, is that Cole is kind of an asshole and doesn’t want anything to do with him. This is the romance portion of this story, and it does eventually get there, but it is slooooow to develop. I was half way through the book and still trying to figure out if Marc and Cole were going to hook up. Mostly this book is about Marc trying to figure out what has kept Dorrie and Lola enemies for years and years. He beings going through the journals of Captain Staunton hoping to learn what the big family secret is. There’s also a bit about Cole and his reluctance to paint. Also the continuing drama of Marc and his ex-boyfriend. Lola’s money manager Charlotte pops in and out, helping Marc with his drama with the ex.
This all adds up to be a difficult story to follow, with lots of characters. I have to say I didn’t really get it. There’s nothing wrong with this book, the writing is ok, although something about the perspective was off for me. This is where I don’t have the technical knowledge to say what I didn’t like about it, but something didn’t work. The problem with the plot for me was that it was just so busy. There was so much going on I couldn’t figure out where to focus. I didn’t care much about the big mystery, and there wasn’t much romance between Marc and Cole. I wanted more passion and connection between them. The quirky characters were fun, to a certain extent, then they just got annoying. I can see the authors passion for Provincetown, it does sound like an interesting place to visit, and it probably is populated by a unique cast.
I don’t want to give a low rating to this book, I didn’t care for it but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with it, someone else may find it quite amusing and enjoyable. It’s not a bad book, just not a story that worked for me.
If you like a book with lots of quirky folks, a unique story, and an interesting setting you should give this one a try. If you are looking for a romance novel with lots of passion, it may not be for you.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
What an odd book! I’m not sure how to do this…
The Homeport Journals stars Marc Nugent, who has run away from his psycho boyfriend in New Yorks, and has ended up in Provincetown Massachusetts. He has no home, no job, nothing but a car and dreams of being a writer. He’s hoping this will be the place to hide and start over again. He is enjoying a cup of hot cocoa in a coffee shop, when he sees an old lady losing her groceries and runs to help. This charitable act changes his life forever. Dorrie (the old lady), takes him to Homeport, a mansion owned by Lola Staunton, a rich and eccentric elderly woman.
Lola is a collector of people. She hires them as staff, but they don’t really seem to do much for her. She’s got Helena Handbasket, her drag queen housekeeper. Cole, the repairman/artist. Marvin, an unspecified bad person. And finally Dorrie, the woman who introduced Marc to Lola, as her potential gardener. There’s also a cook, whose name I have forgotten! All of these people cater to the oddness that is Lola. She’s the last descendent of a very rich family, and has lead a sheltered and spoiled life. She likes her routine, including tea every afternoon. There is something between her and Dorrie, which turns out to be the big mystery of the book.
So Marc meets all of these folks, and begins to settle in. He runs errands for Lola, writes in the tower, and spies on Cole, the object of his lust. He’s got some serious issues in his recent past, that eventually come out, but are preventing him from pursuing Cole. The other thing curtailing his romantic interest, is that Cole is kind of an asshole and doesn’t want anything to do with him. This is the romance portion of this story, and it does eventually get there, but it is slooooow to develop. I was half way through the book and still trying to figure out if Marc and Cole were going to hook up. Mostly this book is about Marc trying to figure out what has kept Dorrie and Lola enemies for years and years. He beings going through the journals of Captain Staunton hoping to learn what the big family secret is. There’s also a bit about Cole and his reluctance to paint. Also the continuing drama of Marc and his ex-boyfriend. Lola’s money manager Charlotte pops in and out, helping Marc with his drama with the ex.
This all adds up to be a difficult story to follow, with lots of characters. I have to say I didn’t really get it. There’s nothing wrong with this book, the writing is ok, although something about the perspective was off for me. This is where I don’t have the technical knowledge to say what I didn’t like about it, but something didn’t work. The problem with the plot for me was that it was just so busy. There was so much going on I couldn’t figure out where to focus. I didn’t care much about the big mystery, and there wasn’t much romance between Marc and Cole. I wanted more passion and connection between them. The quirky characters were fun, to a certain extent, then they just got annoying. I can see the authors passion for Provincetown, it does sound like an interesting place to visit, and it probably is populated by a unique cast.
I don’t want to give a low rating to this book, I didn’t care for it but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with it, someone else may find it quite amusing and enjoyable. It’s not a bad book, just not a story that worked for me.
If you like a book with lots of quirky folks, a unique story, and an interesting setting you should give this one a try. If you are looking for a romance novel with lots of passion, it may not be for you.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
January 22, 2016
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review).
(This review may contain spoilers).
I was actually a bit confused about what genre this book fit into before I started reading it. Even having finished it, I'm not completely certain... there are so many different aspects to this book.
I liked Marc's character a lot. I felt a lot of sympathy for him with the way he was dragged into helping Dorrie, but Dorrie's character did grow more on me as the book went on. I enjoyed reading the hints of friendship between her and Lola... and it was nice to see there was an air of mystery through this book.
I have to be honest... I wasn't so keen on Helena at first; mainly because of her first appearance, but I felt she was emotionally manipulative at times. She did grow on me during the course of the book, though... until, by the end, I was really happy to see how things worked out for her.
At times, I did feel that there was a lot going on in the book and it did seem like some parts of the storyline were glossed over and there were sudden passages of time that I found difficult. I did like being able to learn more about the characters gradually as the book went on, rather than having it all come at me at once. I also thought it was good to see that all of the characters had problems... not just Marc. And it was also fun to see him make false assumptions and the fact that he wasn't perfect.
I thought Cole was one of the characters who had a real journey through the book. I would have liked to see more of him and Marc together, since their conversations were glossed over at times. Still, I liked reading how they bonded and came to know each other throughout the mystery.
I did enjoy reading about the supernatural elements and although I did get frustrated at times with the withholding of important information, I could understand why it was done. While a small part of me did feel some sympathy for Brandon and Prudence, both came across as fully unlikable characters and Cole did annoy me a little with playing devil's advocate.
I did really enjoy this book and the ending was especially nice, though bittersweet. I'd be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
(This review may contain spoilers).
I was actually a bit confused about what genre this book fit into before I started reading it. Even having finished it, I'm not completely certain... there are so many different aspects to this book.
I liked Marc's character a lot. I felt a lot of sympathy for him with the way he was dragged into helping Dorrie, but Dorrie's character did grow more on me as the book went on. I enjoyed reading the hints of friendship between her and Lola... and it was nice to see there was an air of mystery through this book.
I have to be honest... I wasn't so keen on Helena at first; mainly because of her first appearance, but I felt she was emotionally manipulative at times. She did grow on me during the course of the book, though... until, by the end, I was really happy to see how things worked out for her.
At times, I did feel that there was a lot going on in the book and it did seem like some parts of the storyline were glossed over and there were sudden passages of time that I found difficult. I did like being able to learn more about the characters gradually as the book went on, rather than having it all come at me at once. I also thought it was good to see that all of the characters had problems... not just Marc. And it was also fun to see him make false assumptions and the fact that he wasn't perfect.
I thought Cole was one of the characters who had a real journey through the book. I would have liked to see more of him and Marc together, since their conversations were glossed over at times. Still, I liked reading how they bonded and came to know each other throughout the mystery.
I did enjoy reading about the supernatural elements and although I did get frustrated at times with the withholding of important information, I could understand why it was done. While a small part of me did feel some sympathy for Brandon and Prudence, both came across as fully unlikable characters and Cole did annoy me a little with playing devil's advocate.
I did really enjoy this book and the ending was especially nice, though bittersweet. I'd be interested in reading more books by this author in the future.
February 11, 2017
This is one of those books that you start and think it'll be OK but as it goes on it draws you into the story, invests you in the characters and you want to know what happens and shed a little tear at the end.
Funnily, the main characters Marc and Cole are ones where I didn't feel we knew too much about, as with Helena. Maybe this is deliberate by the author so that the focus is on knowing Lola and Dorrie.
I enjoyed the investigation into the Staunton's - a lesson that sometimes the story is bigger than the pieces you see.
Marc and Cole getting to know each other develops a lot off page but we do then see key moments in their romance.
The development of both these guys, from downtrodden guy (Marc) and low in confidence Cole, to believing in themselves through Lola, Dorrie and Helena's friendshios and meddling continues throughout the book.
There are areas where I wanted more - Helena, who was delivering the beyond the grave notes at the end. The visions Marc had were helpful to the story, and you never know!!
Visiting P'town was fun - usually it is portrayed in the summer with all the goings on.
So overall a very good story, bit different and engaging. And sadly happy at the end.
Funnily, the main characters Marc and Cole are ones where I didn't feel we knew too much about, as with Helena. Maybe this is deliberate by the author so that the focus is on knowing Lola and Dorrie.
I enjoyed the investigation into the Staunton's - a lesson that sometimes the story is bigger than the pieces you see.
Marc and Cole getting to know each other develops a lot off page but we do then see key moments in their romance.
The development of both these guys, from downtrodden guy (Marc) and low in confidence Cole, to believing in themselves through Lola, Dorrie and Helena's friendshios and meddling continues throughout the book.
There are areas where I wanted more - Helena, who was delivering the beyond the grave notes at the end. The visions Marc had were helpful to the story, and you never know!!
Visiting P'town was fun - usually it is portrayed in the summer with all the goings on.
So overall a very good story, bit different and engaging. And sadly happy at the end.
June 6, 2015
I was provided a free copy of this book by Authoramp in exchange for an honest review.
I am obviously in the minority here because this book didn't work for me. There was a lot to recommend it. It's a sweeping southern gothic of a novel, even though it doesn't take place in the south. Full of quirky people and family secrets, including the requisite missing family member.
So why didn't I like it? I felt as if I was being told how to feel, being pulled in this direction or that, instead of discovering things on my own, including how I felt about things.
After the first half, feeling the way I did, I start skimming the rest until I read the last two chapters, wondering if I should go back and reread. Sadly, I didn't feel that need.
As I said, others seemed to love it but I am not one of them.
I am obviously in the minority here because this book didn't work for me. There was a lot to recommend it. It's a sweeping southern gothic of a novel, even though it doesn't take place in the south. Full of quirky people and family secrets, including the requisite missing family member.
So why didn't I like it? I felt as if I was being told how to feel, being pulled in this direction or that, instead of discovering things on my own, including how I felt about things.
After the first half, feeling the way I did, I start skimming the rest until I read the last two chapters, wondering if I should go back and reread. Sadly, I didn't feel that need.
As I said, others seemed to love it but I am not one of them.
May 17, 2015
I received a free copy of this book for my honest review through Goodreads First reads. I enjoyed reading The HomePort Journals by A.C. Burch. The author paints beautiful pictures with his words used to describe Provincetown and the HomePort mansion of Lola Staunton. Provincetown, The place that Marc escapes to after leaving an abusive lover, is full of quirky characters and lots of mystery. The reader is taken on a journey of two stories, The present journey that Marc is experiencing and one journey that happened long ago full of love and sadness. Marc uncovers the truth of the secrets of the past and finds himself along the way.
July 23, 2016
If you’ve ever lived in Provincetown, or even just visited there, you’ll love this book. The characters are quite unusual and very memorable. There’s an intriguing subplot based on the past interwoven into the main plot, which gives the story more depth overall.
It’s basically a very upbeat tale, with some very funny parts, plus a totally unexpected surprise near the end.
The author, who lives in P’town himself, gives us a realistic view of this magical town. I have my own happy memories of many of the places he mentions in his book.
While you won’t find the actual Homeport building, it would surely be nice if it were really there.
It’s basically a very upbeat tale, with some very funny parts, plus a totally unexpected surprise near the end.
The author, who lives in P’town himself, gives us a realistic view of this magical town. I have my own happy memories of many of the places he mentions in his book.
While you won’t find the actual Homeport building, it would surely be nice if it were really there.
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September 11, 2016Incredible
The characters are amazingly multi-dimensional, and very charismatic. The environment was also a major characters, as it was not just the people in the book. It's an incredible suspense and dramatic story, and I will drawn in. Burch writes this story well, so much that it becomes more than just a story. This is definitely not a one-size-fit all genre, and I love that there is more than just a thrilling mystery, it also has hints of romance and excitement. Provincetown is a place that I never visited in reality, but I felt I just traveled there through the eyes and mind of Burch.
The characters are amazingly multi-dimensional, and very charismatic. The environment was also a major characters, as it was not just the people in the book. It's an incredible suspense and dramatic story, and I will drawn in. Burch writes this story well, so much that it becomes more than just a story. This is definitely not a one-size-fit all genre, and I love that there is more than just a thrilling mystery, it also has hints of romance and excitement. Provincetown is a place that I never visited in reality, but I felt I just traveled there through the eyes and mind of Burch.
May 10, 2017
A home in my own heart
What a wonderful way to experience a town I know so well from our yearly trips for the past 15 years. The characterizations were perfectly wonderful and in keeping with the spirit that is P'town.
What a wonderful way to experience a town I know so well from our yearly trips for the past 15 years. The characterizations were perfectly wonderful and in keeping with the spirit that is P'town.
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