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Alexandria #2
The View from Prince Street
The author of The Union Street Bakery and At the Corner of King Street returns to Alexandria, Virginia, with a heartfelt tale of reconnection.
Rae McDonald was fifteen when a car accident took her sister’s life and threw her own into reckless turmoil. When she got pregnant a year later, she found a loving couple to adopt the child. Since then, she’s buried her grief and guilt under a heart of stone.
Lisa Smyth survived the fateful crash, but never told the truth about what happened. And when a family obligation draws her back to Alexandria, the weight of Lisa’s guilt grows heavier by the day.
As both women confront a past refusing to be forgotten, long-buried artifacts are discovered by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company that point to a shared history between families. Now, Rae and Lisa must finally ask themselves if denying the past is worth sacrificing the future.
Rae McDonald was fifteen when a car accident took her sister’s life and threw her own into reckless turmoil. When she got pregnant a year later, she found a loving couple to adopt the child. Since then, she’s buried her grief and guilt under a heart of stone.
Lisa Smyth survived the fateful crash, but never told the truth about what happened. And when a family obligation draws her back to Alexandria, the weight of Lisa’s guilt grows heavier by the day.
As both women confront a past refusing to be forgotten, long-buried artifacts are discovered by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company that point to a shared history between families. Now, Rae and Lisa must finally ask themselves if denying the past is worth sacrificing the future.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2016
1936 people are currently reading
4278 people want to read
About the author
Mary Ellen Taylor
16 books1,888 followersA southerner by birth, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state of Virginia and its past is evident in her contemporary women's fiction novels, from her first THE UNION STREET BAKERY to her latest, THE WORDS WE WHISPER, which debuts July 20, 2021. Her novels explore issues of family, home and belonging and entwine the past and present.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
September 17, 2017
It was with a bit of trepidation that I started this fourth book in a series that started with The Union Street Bakery. I was worried that the author could not keep the magic going--not keep the story alive and flowing as with the previous three books. I didn't have to worry.
This was a story that I found I NEEDED to read, never really realizing before that I was missing the people I had met in Mary Ellen Taylor's previous novels, and actually missing the newest additions, characters I have never met. Reading this I felt like I was with friends... The book was wonderful.
And I have to admit that I once again felt trepidation now that I have finished. The author tied all the pieces so well together that I had the feeling that this series is finished. I hope I am wrong.
September 17 2017
I love re-reading books that I love. Re-reading this series continuously from the first book to the fourth and last was even more fantastic than reading them the first time. Although each of these books could be read as a stand alone, and be appreciated, it was the journey into the stories and finding small (but extremely interesting) things that I seemed to miss or ignore the first time that was wonderful. And, once again, I wish there was a fifth book. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys history, mystery, a bit of paranormal and reading about wonderful people in small towns.
This was a story that I found I NEEDED to read, never really realizing before that I was missing the people I had met in Mary Ellen Taylor's previous novels, and actually missing the newest additions, characters I have never met. Reading this I felt like I was with friends... The book was wonderful.
And I have to admit that I once again felt trepidation now that I have finished. The author tied all the pieces so well together that I had the feeling that this series is finished. I hope I am wrong.
September 17 2017
I love re-reading books that I love. Re-reading this series continuously from the first book to the fourth and last was even more fantastic than reading them the first time. Although each of these books could be read as a stand alone, and be appreciated, it was the journey into the stories and finding small (but extremely interesting) things that I seemed to miss or ignore the first time that was wonderful. And, once again, I wish there was a fifth book. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys history, mystery, a bit of paranormal and reading about wonderful people in small towns.
February 21, 2016
A special thank you to Penguin/Berkley and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Mary Ellen Taylor returns following At The Corner of King Street (Alexandria #1) with a complex multi-generational mystery of the past THE VIEW FROM PRINCE STREET (Alexandria #2) rich in history; with three families crossing two centuries-- mystery, intrigue and some ancient magic to stir the pot.
As the locals read the weekly Lifestyle edition and the online version of the Old Town Alexandria paper, Dr. Rae McDonald is known to have a heart of stone, however, some think she is a matchmaker, trying to help her clients find happiness.
In fact, Rae knows sadness, all too well. It had nearly destroyed her at age sixteen when her old sister had died, and thereafter she had made reckless choices that resulted in a pregnancy. She gave the baby boy away to another mother for adoption. The pain and the loss were crushing. Since that day she knew her survival depended suppressing her feelings. Her detachment had served her well. She can remove herself from her client’s storms, problems, and her own emotions.
We meet up with the MaCrae’s we met in book one—Addie Morgan and Margaret McCrae, owners of Shire Architectural --the contractors who removed her stones six weeks ago. Addie is raising her niece, Carrie, eight weeks old. Addie was saving her family’s business for the brink of ruin. Margaret worked full time with the salvage company but still maintained close ties to the archeology center. She had a PhD in History and was a well- qualified expert in local history, especially Alexandria.
They had read about Rae, the trained clinical psychologist in the paper. They had found a bottle. A witch bottle. An incredible find. Protection spells. They were created hundreds of years ago by people who feared black magic. They were designed to ward off a witch’s spells and evil curses. Most were typically made of wine bottles filled with all kinds of sharp objects. (to cut or slice into the magic). Curses? A witch.
One of the bottles they found belonged to Addie’s family. Sarah Shire Goodwin buried that one. Patience McDonald buried the one they found on Rae’s property and Imogen Smyth made the one they found on the Prince Street Property. All three women lived in Alexandria around 1750.
As the book flashes back from the eighteenth century to the present we find the connections of three Alexandria families. At the beginning of the novel, it opens with a letter in 1751. A bind between these three families. A dangerous barter.
Rae's sister’s best friend Lisa Smyth survived the crash, but never told the truth about it. As long-buried artifacts that link their family histories are unearthed, both women are forced to confront the secrets of the past, before they can have a future.
Secrets. A Buried past. Choices. As the book moves along, both Rae and Lisa are at a crossroads in their lives. The ties that bind. Face the past in order to have a future.
Ultimately, an emotional heartwarming novel of motherhood, forgiveness, letting go of the past, new beginnings, and second chances. As always you can count on Mary Ellen Taylor to deliver a bold life lesson, a strong takeaway message, and some savory recipes. This time Rachel at The Union Street Bakery offers her Lemon Polenta Cookies and Never Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookies.
An excellent choice for book clubs or further reading group discussions with questions included. If you have not read The Union Street Bakery series, highly recommend!
JDCMustReadBooks
Mary Ellen Taylor returns following At The Corner of King Street (Alexandria #1) with a complex multi-generational mystery of the past THE VIEW FROM PRINCE STREET (Alexandria #2) rich in history; with three families crossing two centuries-- mystery, intrigue and some ancient magic to stir the pot.
As the locals read the weekly Lifestyle edition and the online version of the Old Town Alexandria paper, Dr. Rae McDonald is known to have a heart of stone, however, some think she is a matchmaker, trying to help her clients find happiness.
In fact, Rae knows sadness, all too well. It had nearly destroyed her at age sixteen when her old sister had died, and thereafter she had made reckless choices that resulted in a pregnancy. She gave the baby boy away to another mother for adoption. The pain and the loss were crushing. Since that day she knew her survival depended suppressing her feelings. Her detachment had served her well. She can remove herself from her client’s storms, problems, and her own emotions.
We meet up with the MaCrae’s we met in book one—Addie Morgan and Margaret McCrae, owners of Shire Architectural --the contractors who removed her stones six weeks ago. Addie is raising her niece, Carrie, eight weeks old. Addie was saving her family’s business for the brink of ruin. Margaret worked full time with the salvage company but still maintained close ties to the archeology center. She had a PhD in History and was a well- qualified expert in local history, especially Alexandria.
They had read about Rae, the trained clinical psychologist in the paper. They had found a bottle. A witch bottle. An incredible find. Protection spells. They were created hundreds of years ago by people who feared black magic. They were designed to ward off a witch’s spells and evil curses. Most were typically made of wine bottles filled with all kinds of sharp objects. (to cut or slice into the magic). Curses? A witch.
One of the bottles they found belonged to Addie’s family. Sarah Shire Goodwin buried that one. Patience McDonald buried the one they found on Rae’s property and Imogen Smyth made the one they found on the Prince Street Property. All three women lived in Alexandria around 1750.
As the book flashes back from the eighteenth century to the present we find the connections of three Alexandria families. At the beginning of the novel, it opens with a letter in 1751. A bind between these three families. A dangerous barter.
Rae's sister’s best friend Lisa Smyth survived the crash, but never told the truth about it. As long-buried artifacts that link their family histories are unearthed, both women are forced to confront the secrets of the past, before they can have a future.
Secrets. A Buried past. Choices. As the book moves along, both Rae and Lisa are at a crossroads in their lives. The ties that bind. Face the past in order to have a future.
“Past, Present, and Future are links in a chain. For a chain to be strong you must have all the links. Not the ones you select. “A thought provoking question: Can you live in the now without acknowledging the problems of the past?
Ultimately, an emotional heartwarming novel of motherhood, forgiveness, letting go of the past, new beginnings, and second chances. As always you can count on Mary Ellen Taylor to deliver a bold life lesson, a strong takeaway message, and some savory recipes. This time Rachel at The Union Street Bakery offers her Lemon Polenta Cookies and Never Too Much Chocolate Chip Cookies.
An excellent choice for book clubs or further reading group discussions with questions included. If you have not read The Union Street Bakery series, highly recommend!
JDCMustReadBooks
July 7, 2020
This was a cute book, and I nice follow up to the previous one, but it seems like the publisher quit proofreading 1/2 way through. I found tons of mistakes, and a rather glaring inconsistency between this book and the first one. It annoys me a lot when authors can’t keep their own book details straight.
June 23, 2023
4.25. “This has turned into a very interesting story, not just about three bottles, but three women and their dire circumstances that brought them together to create a pact that bound them for a lifetime.”
The focus of this book are Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth, two women connected by the tragic car accident death of Rae’s older sister Jennifer as a teenager. Jennifer and Lisa were best friends, but after only Lisa survived the car accident, she sank into survivor’s guilt and put her aspirations of being a photographer in the background while she recovered from alcoholism. Rae has established a successful therapy practice in Alexandria and lives in her family home. At 16, Rae became pregnant and gave her son up for adoption. Issues related to this situation permeate her emotional landscape. These two women have not seen each other in years, until Lisa must return to Alexandria to take care of her Aunt Amelia, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The aunt has moment of lucidity and speaks about things that Lisa has never heard related to her family.
Margaret and Addie from the Shire Architectural Salvage Company arrive at Rae’s home to sift through her boxes of letters and documents passed down through her family. They find over 300 years of family history, and a mystery to be solved. The removal of stones from Rae’s family’s original homestead revealed the existence of 3 witch’s bottles, used to ward off a witch’s spell and evil curses. All bottles are intact, and Margaret provides ongoing information on the history of the Smyth (Lisa), McDonald (Rae), and Shire (Addie) families. How are these families connected? Do the witch’s bottles carry curses that have doomed each descendant of the original settlers? Can Lisa and Rae face their self-imposed demons and move on with their lives? And how do all the pieces of information connect them?
A heartwarming story of family, history, and finding closure with a negative past are at the center of this story. I have also read At The Corner of King Street and look forward to eventually reading the other two books in this series. Very charming, with strong female characters, a sense of family and community, and a well written story.
The focus of this book are Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth, two women connected by the tragic car accident death of Rae’s older sister Jennifer as a teenager. Jennifer and Lisa were best friends, but after only Lisa survived the car accident, she sank into survivor’s guilt and put her aspirations of being a photographer in the background while she recovered from alcoholism. Rae has established a successful therapy practice in Alexandria and lives in her family home. At 16, Rae became pregnant and gave her son up for adoption. Issues related to this situation permeate her emotional landscape. These two women have not seen each other in years, until Lisa must return to Alexandria to take care of her Aunt Amelia, who has Alzheimer’s disease. The aunt has moment of lucidity and speaks about things that Lisa has never heard related to her family.
Margaret and Addie from the Shire Architectural Salvage Company arrive at Rae’s home to sift through her boxes of letters and documents passed down through her family. They find over 300 years of family history, and a mystery to be solved. The removal of stones from Rae’s family’s original homestead revealed the existence of 3 witch’s bottles, used to ward off a witch’s spell and evil curses. All bottles are intact, and Margaret provides ongoing information on the history of the Smyth (Lisa), McDonald (Rae), and Shire (Addie) families. How are these families connected? Do the witch’s bottles carry curses that have doomed each descendant of the original settlers? Can Lisa and Rae face their self-imposed demons and move on with their lives? And how do all the pieces of information connect them?
A heartwarming story of family, history, and finding closure with a negative past are at the center of this story. I have also read At The Corner of King Street and look forward to eventually reading the other two books in this series. Very charming, with strong female characters, a sense of family and community, and a well written story.
October 3, 2025
Hmmmm - A Tough One to Rate
I have changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars and back to 3 a few times before I landed on 4. Let’s call it 3.5.
What I liked: I love history and Alexandria so “no duh” there. I found the bakery recipes intriguing and was pleasantly surprised to find two recipes included within the book. I love me some redemption stories, including the author’s highlighting recovery AA (you’ll find this one in “what I didn’t like too.” I like Margaret’s snarkiness. I found the author’s treatment of adoption family’s inspiring. I enjoyed learning of vintage photography and negative processing.
What I didn’t like: there were so many characters, both past and present; I had trouble keeping up with who was who and who did what to who, especially the first 1/3 of the book. I expected this book to touch back to some “dangling” story lines from Book 1. I thought Addie and Zeb had a thing brewing in Book 1. Book 2 completely ignored it and cast Zeb in a new love interest role without explaining what happened with Addie. Rae, the main protagonist gave up her son for adoption when she was 16 or 17. She and others reference him as “the boy” throughout the book. That bugged me. The author did such a good job describing Lisa’s alcohol cravings, I found it triggering. . .which speaks to her ability to develop her characters. I have eight years sobriety. . .reading about Lisa’s struggle was, well, sobering (pun intended.)
The story did keep my interest for the most part even though I found some parts off putting. Ms. Taylor captures Alexandria and its history most-excellently; she artfully weaves it into modern day characters. I appreciated that, so much so I was able to remain invested in a novel despite some of its frustrating characteristics.
I have changed my rating from 3 to 4 stars and back to 3 a few times before I landed on 4. Let’s call it 3.5.
What I liked: I love history and Alexandria so “no duh” there. I found the bakery recipes intriguing and was pleasantly surprised to find two recipes included within the book. I love me some redemption stories, including the author’s highlighting recovery AA (you’ll find this one in “what I didn’t like too.” I like Margaret’s snarkiness. I found the author’s treatment of adoption family’s inspiring. I enjoyed learning of vintage photography and negative processing.
What I didn’t like: there were so many characters, both past and present; I had trouble keeping up with who was who and who did what to who, especially the first 1/3 of the book. I expected this book to touch back to some “dangling” story lines from Book 1. I thought Addie and Zeb had a thing brewing in Book 1. Book 2 completely ignored it and cast Zeb in a new love interest role without explaining what happened with Addie. Rae, the main protagonist gave up her son for adoption when she was 16 or 17. She and others reference him as “the boy” throughout the book. That bugged me. The author did such a good job describing Lisa’s alcohol cravings, I found it triggering. . .which speaks to her ability to develop her characters. I have eight years sobriety. . .reading about Lisa’s struggle was, well, sobering (pun intended.)
The story did keep my interest for the most part even though I found some parts off putting. Ms. Taylor captures Alexandria and its history most-excellently; she artfully weaves it into modern day characters. I appreciated that, so much so I was able to remain invested in a novel despite some of its frustrating characteristics.
July 14, 2025
This is the second book in the Alexandria series. This first book in the series is called At the Corner of King Street.
I recently read these two books one after the other.
There were a lot of characters in this story from both of the timelines involved and I found it hard to keep track of them all and how they fitted together.
I enjoyed the story, the history and the genealogy aspect where they were trying to make a family tree.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
I recently read these two books one after the other.
There were a lot of characters in this story from both of the timelines involved and I found it hard to keep track of them all and how they fitted together.
I enjoyed the story, the history and the genealogy aspect where they were trying to make a family tree.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2022
Thank heavens for the family trees in the front or I would have been completely lost. The intertwining of the families became very confusing at times. A good book and rather interesting facts. A little slow moving.
October 12, 2025
6 books in this series. Kindle unlimited with audio options. enjoyed the stories and history of Alexandria VA
December 31, 2015
"The View from Prince Street" is the story of two women who are linked by a tragic event in their past that neither of them really wants to discuss. It happened when they were teenagers and now that they are adults neither of them feels like the still want to talk about what happened that fateful day. They eventually realize that in order to begin to move past that event they have to talk about it. This is the second book in the author's Alexandria series. This is very much a standalone book so you don't need to go back and read the first book if you don't want to. After reading this book, I do want to go back and read the first book in the series though!
I was drawn to this book by the local connection initially. Alexandria, Virginia sits just outside of Washington, D.C. and it's a place that I love to visit. Even though it's very close to the nation's capital, it still feels like a small town. The author includes a lot of local landmarks in and around the town of Alexandria that it really brought this book to life for me. The setting is great!
At first, I felt like the author was giving a little bit too much detail and telling instead of showing in the beginning of the book. Eventually the narrative really evens out and I got very into the book and the story of Rae and Lisa. Both women deal with their feelings in very different ways which makes for a very interesting juxtaposition. I really liked how the author was able to create two very different characters. I felt for them for different reasons. I was a little bit more drawn to Rae's story since she almost seems to be affected a little bit more by the past than Lisa does. Overall, this was a great story about family and how it is important to deal with those hard things that may be holding you back!
I was drawn to this book by the local connection initially. Alexandria, Virginia sits just outside of Washington, D.C. and it's a place that I love to visit. Even though it's very close to the nation's capital, it still feels like a small town. The author includes a lot of local landmarks in and around the town of Alexandria that it really brought this book to life for me. The setting is great!
At first, I felt like the author was giving a little bit too much detail and telling instead of showing in the beginning of the book. Eventually the narrative really evens out and I got very into the book and the story of Rae and Lisa. Both women deal with their feelings in very different ways which makes for a very interesting juxtaposition. I really liked how the author was able to create two very different characters. I felt for them for different reasons. I was a little bit more drawn to Rae's story since she almost seems to be affected a little bit more by the past than Lisa does. Overall, this was a great story about family and how it is important to deal with those hard things that may be holding you back!
January 3, 2018
I’d love to give this book 5 stars because I love the community all of Taylor’s books take place in and the characters she creates. My problem with this book was the number of editing errors. There were many times where there would be one sentence and the very next one would be completely contradictory to it. Don’t know if she changed editors, but someone needs to step it up.
June 6, 2019
The second book in Taylor’s Alexandria series completes the story started in the first novel, and everything wraps up beautifully. Continuing characters from the Union Street Bakery series provide richer depth to the narrative. Themes of family, letting go of the past and owning up to mistakes breathe life and emotion into the tale.
Rae McDonald has made a name for herself as a therapist, moving past tragedy and her poor choices. She’s known as a matchmaker, although Rae won’t own up to it -— in her mind, she just lets people know who they are compatible with and who they aren’t. Lisa Smyth was involved in a fatal car accident with Rae’s sister, which led to years of alcoholism. As the two women come together over some interesting artifacts, they have to learn to move on with their lives to become whole again
Rae McDonald has made a name for herself as a therapist, moving past tragedy and her poor choices. She’s known as a matchmaker, although Rae won’t own up to it -— in her mind, she just lets people know who they are compatible with and who they aren’t. Lisa Smyth was involved in a fatal car accident with Rae’s sister, which led to years of alcoholism. As the two women come together over some interesting artifacts, they have to learn to move on with their lives to become whole again
July 23, 2025
I want to preface this review by saying I read this book via audiobook. I did enjoy listening to the audio, as I thought the narrators sounded great and changed their voices and accents to fit the characters, and the pacing was steady. However, since the book is broken up into time periods and POVs, I think pairing the audiobook with the book would make for a better reading experience and allow for important details lost in the audio to be more consumable, i.e. timelines and family trees.
This story was set in Alexandria, Virginia, primarily in 2015, but with short flashbacks to the mid to late 1700s at the beginning of each chapter. Rae McDonald was a teenager when her older sister, Jennifer, was in a car accident that took her life. Shortly after Jennifer’s death, Rae became pregnant and ultimately gave her son up for adoption. Lisa Smyth, Jennifer’s best friend, survived the accident, but grapples with the guilt of it and never telling anyone who was at fault. When a family member brings Lisa back into Alexandria, both Rae and Lisa find themselves confronting their past and discovering a shared family history through some unearthed artifacts from the past. Moving beyond the guilt of their past proves to be challenging and standing in the way of both Rae and Lisa’s future.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the book kept me hooked enough to want to find out what happens next. It’s a bit of a mystery, but it also focuses a lot on relationships among family. I did find it a little difficult to follow along with the audio, but the story was well rounded and still kept me engaged.
Before reading this book, be aware of certain triggers, particularly alcoholism, adoption and guilt.
This story was set in Alexandria, Virginia, primarily in 2015, but with short flashbacks to the mid to late 1700s at the beginning of each chapter. Rae McDonald was a teenager when her older sister, Jennifer, was in a car accident that took her life. Shortly after Jennifer’s death, Rae became pregnant and ultimately gave her son up for adoption. Lisa Smyth, Jennifer’s best friend, survived the accident, but grapples with the guilt of it and never telling anyone who was at fault. When a family member brings Lisa back into Alexandria, both Rae and Lisa find themselves confronting their past and discovering a shared family history through some unearthed artifacts from the past. Moving beyond the guilt of their past proves to be challenging and standing in the way of both Rae and Lisa’s future.
I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I enjoyed the writing style and the book kept me hooked enough to want to find out what happens next. It’s a bit of a mystery, but it also focuses a lot on relationships among family. I did find it a little difficult to follow along with the audio, but the story was well rounded and still kept me engaged.
Before reading this book, be aware of certain triggers, particularly alcoholism, adoption and guilt.
August 6, 2025
Originally published in 2016, The View from Prince Street is the second book in Mary Ellen Taylor’s Alexandria series, and picks up shortly after At the Corner of King Street. While each book tells a self-contained story, this one is best read in order—especially to fully appreciate the generational threads and returning characters that weave the books together.
This story follows two women, Rae and Lisa, both shaped by the same tragedy but in very different ways. Their paths cross again in their shared hometown, where old pain resurfaces and deeper family secrets begin to unravel.
Taylor explores themes of trauma, addiction, motherhood, forgiveness, and identity with care. Lisa’s battle with alcoholism is particularly well-drawn, portrayed with empathy. Rae’s emotional distance and struggle to move forward is equally affecting.
Woven through this contemporary drama is a thread of historical mystery, continuing the storyline of Faith Morgan, an ancestor with a witchy legacy that continues to haunt the present.
Some of the familial relationships and ancestral ties are a bit hard to keep track of—a family tree would have helped—but I loved how the theme of "one baby, two mothers" recurs in different forms across the generations.
While the story is often serious, the presence of characters like Margaret helps to lighten the mood at key moments, offering warmth and humor where needed.
Overall, The View from Prince Street is a poignant, emotionally satisfying read that blends past and present, grief and hope. It will likely appeal to fans of Deborah Smith —readers who enjoy emotional, family-driven fiction with a touch of mystery and a strong sense of place.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story follows two women, Rae and Lisa, both shaped by the same tragedy but in very different ways. Their paths cross again in their shared hometown, where old pain resurfaces and deeper family secrets begin to unravel.
Taylor explores themes of trauma, addiction, motherhood, forgiveness, and identity with care. Lisa’s battle with alcoholism is particularly well-drawn, portrayed with empathy. Rae’s emotional distance and struggle to move forward is equally affecting.
Woven through this contemporary drama is a thread of historical mystery, continuing the storyline of Faith Morgan, an ancestor with a witchy legacy that continues to haunt the present.
Some of the familial relationships and ancestral ties are a bit hard to keep track of—a family tree would have helped—but I loved how the theme of "one baby, two mothers" recurs in different forms across the generations.
While the story is often serious, the presence of characters like Margaret helps to lighten the mood at key moments, offering warmth and humor where needed.
Overall, The View from Prince Street is a poignant, emotionally satisfying read that blends past and present, grief and hope. It will likely appeal to fans of Deborah Smith —readers who enjoy emotional, family-driven fiction with a touch of mystery and a strong sense of place.
Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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January 9, 2026A Masterful Unearthing of Long Buried Secrets and Hearts
Mary Ellen Taylor returns to Alexandria with her most poignant and intricately woven novel yet. The View from Prince Street is a powerful exploration of the different shapes guilt can take and the silent burdens that can define or derail a life. From the opening pages, the fateful accident that binds Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth casts a long shadow, and Taylor masterfully traces its impact across decades with empathy and grace.
Rae and Lisa are beautifully realized, complex protagonists. Rae’s hardened exterior, forged from loss and sacrifice, and Lisa’s lifelong penance, carried in quiet shame, create a compelling dual narrative. The true magic of this book is how their separate journeys of confrontation slowly intertwine, not through forced meetings, but through the gentle, relentless uncovering of the past by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company. This plot device is inspired, serving as a tangible representation of the hidden truths waiting to be found and restored.
Taylor’s depiction of Alexandria is characteristically rich, making the city itself a crucial part of the healing process. The story is a testament to the idea that we cannot build a solid future until we salvage the truths of our past. It is a thoughtful, moving, and ultimately hopeful read about forgiveness, reconnection, and the courage to face what we’ve long kept buried.
Highly recommended for fans of nuanced women’s fiction, stories of sisterhood and legacy, and anyone who appreciates a setting so vividly drawn it feels like home. A perfect pick for book clubs, promising rich discussion on history, guilt, and the paths to healing
Mary Ellen Taylor returns to Alexandria with her most poignant and intricately woven novel yet. The View from Prince Street is a powerful exploration of the different shapes guilt can take and the silent burdens that can define or derail a life. From the opening pages, the fateful accident that binds Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth casts a long shadow, and Taylor masterfully traces its impact across decades with empathy and grace.
Rae and Lisa are beautifully realized, complex protagonists. Rae’s hardened exterior, forged from loss and sacrifice, and Lisa’s lifelong penance, carried in quiet shame, create a compelling dual narrative. The true magic of this book is how their separate journeys of confrontation slowly intertwine, not through forced meetings, but through the gentle, relentless uncovering of the past by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company. This plot device is inspired, serving as a tangible representation of the hidden truths waiting to be found and restored.
Taylor’s depiction of Alexandria is characteristically rich, making the city itself a crucial part of the healing process. The story is a testament to the idea that we cannot build a solid future until we salvage the truths of our past. It is a thoughtful, moving, and ultimately hopeful read about forgiveness, reconnection, and the courage to face what we’ve long kept buried.
Highly recommended for fans of nuanced women’s fiction, stories of sisterhood and legacy, and anyone who appreciates a setting so vividly drawn it feels like home. A perfect pick for book clubs, promising rich discussion on history, guilt, and the paths to healing
July 15, 2025
The View from Prince Street is book two in the Alexandria duology and was just as emotionally charged as the first novel. It picks up right where At the Corner of King Street left off and smoothly transitions into the lives of Rae McDonald, Lisa Smyth, and their family histories. Both women have suffered tremendous trauma, and it was heartbreaking to relive that pain with them. I choked up multiple times and just wanted to cry. This was such a good story, but it didn't wrap up nicely for me. There were so many plot points and not all of them were resolved. What about Addie's old key? I thought for sure that it would be important, but it was never mentioned again after the first book. I finally have all my answers about Faith but am seriously confused on trying to connect everyone. I wish that the author portrayed Margaret's lecture, providing us with a more detailed familial connection. The mystery is what drove this storyline, yet it wasn't explained very well. Despite my confusion, I really did enjoy this book for the drama more than the mystery. The duology is definitely worth the read.
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!
July 20, 2025
A family drama that spans centuries and weaves together three different families sounds ambitious. The quiet, magical thread running through it all pulls everything together.
The book moves through time with ease, linking generations in a way that feels both intimate and mysterious. Each family brought something unique to the narrative: different cultures, secrets, wounds, and strengths. And though they lived in completely different eras, there was this unshakable sense that their lives were entangled in ways they didn’t fully understand — but I, as the reader, slowly did.
The magic isn’t flashy or overwhelming — it’s subtle, often symbolic, and used more to deepen emotion than to drive plot. That restraint actually made it feel more powerful.
Some parts dragged for me. There were moments where I felt more invested in certain timelines than others, and I found myself wanting to linger with some characters more than the book allowed. The ambition paid off. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about your own roots, your family’s unspoken histories, and the invisible threads that connect us.
The book moves through time with ease, linking generations in a way that feels both intimate and mysterious. Each family brought something unique to the narrative: different cultures, secrets, wounds, and strengths. And though they lived in completely different eras, there was this unshakable sense that their lives were entangled in ways they didn’t fully understand — but I, as the reader, slowly did.
The magic isn’t flashy or overwhelming — it’s subtle, often symbolic, and used more to deepen emotion than to drive plot. That restraint actually made it feel more powerful.
Some parts dragged for me. There were moments where I felt more invested in certain timelines than others, and I found myself wanting to linger with some characters more than the book allowed. The ambition paid off. It’s the kind of story that makes you think about your own roots, your family’s unspoken histories, and the invisible threads that connect us.
July 23, 2025
This is the second installment in The Alexandria series but can be read as a standalone for sure. I haven't read book one and didn't feel lost or lacking. That being said I enjoyed this enough to pick up book one soon!
This is told dual timeline of late 1700's to turn of 1800's and 2015 and a tale of grief, family curses and paving the way for the future.
Rae McDonald is the cold heart match making therapist who has never truly found her way. Falling pregnant as a teenager and giving the baby up not long after her sisters death has plagued her emotional growth and lack of relationships through adulthood. But living in and updating her childhood home is what she thinks will finally break the curse.
Lisa Smythe was with Rae's sister the night she died and has lived with the guilt ever since. Being a recovering alcoholic is a daily battle that being back to the place it all happened in..she just might lose.
This was an endearing mix of historical fiction, betrayal, found family and redemption. I enjoyed all the supporting characters as well that help Rae and Lisa on the journey.
Thank You to Brilliance Audio through a NetGalley ALC to enjoy this story in advance.
This is told dual timeline of late 1700's to turn of 1800's and 2015 and a tale of grief, family curses and paving the way for the future.
Rae McDonald is the cold heart match making therapist who has never truly found her way. Falling pregnant as a teenager and giving the baby up not long after her sisters death has plagued her emotional growth and lack of relationships through adulthood. But living in and updating her childhood home is what she thinks will finally break the curse.
Lisa Smythe was with Rae's sister the night she died and has lived with the guilt ever since. Being a recovering alcoholic is a daily battle that being back to the place it all happened in..she just might lose.
This was an endearing mix of historical fiction, betrayal, found family and redemption. I enjoyed all the supporting characters as well that help Rae and Lisa on the journey.
Thank You to Brilliance Audio through a NetGalley ALC to enjoy this story in advance.
July 11, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.
I enjoyed this second book in the Alexandria series. I liked that she tied the letters into the story more than the first novel.
Rae McDonald was fifteen when a car accident took her sister’s life and threw her own into reckless turmoil. When she got pregnant a year later, she found a loving couple to adopt the child. Since then, she’s buried her grief and guilt under a heart of stone.
Lisa Smyth survived the fateful crash, but never told the truth about what happened. And when a family obligation draws her back to Alexandria, the weight of Lisa’s guilt grows heavier by the day.
As both women confront a past refusing to be forgotten, long-buried artifacts are discovered by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company that point to a shared history between families. Now, Rae and Lisa must finally ask themselves if denying the past is worth sacrificing the future
I enjoyed this second book in the Alexandria series. I liked that she tied the letters into the story more than the first novel.
Rae McDonald was fifteen when a car accident took her sister’s life and threw her own into reckless turmoil. When she got pregnant a year later, she found a loving couple to adopt the child. Since then, she’s buried her grief and guilt under a heart of stone.
Lisa Smyth survived the fateful crash, but never told the truth about what happened. And when a family obligation draws her back to Alexandria, the weight of Lisa’s guilt grows heavier by the day.
As both women confront a past refusing to be forgotten, long-buried artifacts are discovered by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company that point to a shared history between families. Now, Rae and Lisa must finally ask themselves if denying the past is worth sacrificing the future
July 19, 2025
A great addition to the series. I know that this and the entire series has been re-released and is done, but I hope that the author decides to add one more. I’d love to catch up with these characters that we’ve gotten to know through the series. They’re smart, honest, flawed and always learning and striving to sometimes just get through the day, like we all are. Family and the ties that bind us, love, standing up for oneself, letting go of guilt, relationships, old, new and ones rekindled, friendship, mental health and addiction, parenthood and so much more. I pressed play and pretty much listened straight through. I re-listened to the USB series before I started these and it was as good the second time. She’s become a favorite author who I always look forward to listening to or reading.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 21, 2022
I love the setting of this second in a pair of novels about Alexandria, Virginia, and the conceit of the witch bottles that bind three families otgether through ten generations is an excellent detail. But I found the number of coincidences off connection between the two women who were the main characters of this tale too much even for the "magic" or possibly "curse" of the bottles. In generation after generation of these families, children had been adopted or abandoned or both. Iwas intrigued enough by the first book to read the second, but tortured Addie from the forst book was such a normal young mother in the second, even though only a matter of weeks had passed, that I found investing myself in the angst of the two heroines this time to be difficult indeed. Perhaps if I had read these two books further apart in time?
March 19, 2023
This is the 2nd book in the series and links to the characters from the Union Street Bakery series. In this book, the past connection of three families is brought into the present. Rae McDonald is a counselor but she has a reputation of being a matchmaker, something that has been passed down in her line. After the death of her sister as a teenager, she ended up pregnant and gave the child up for adoption and has held in her emotions ever since. Lisa Smyth was the best friend of Rae’s sister and was in the car accident that killed her. Addie and Margaret return from the prior book, working their salvage business. The women are connected by the witch bottles of their ancestors and by secrets held by each family. The book alternates between the past and the present as each woman must come to terms with their family connections and each other.
September 5, 2020
Just the best! An absolute pleasure!
After the first book in the series, and getting to know these interesting characters and their life challenges, I was so ready to lose myself in more of their stories and their histories. I love historical fiction and I'm an amateur genealogist. This series combines a rich and exciting blend of both. Secrets from the past that intertwine with the present, linked by a curse, come full circle. That should make you want to read this. My hope, now that I've said goodbye to these fictional people I've come to love, is that the remainder of her books are just as gripping and wonderful as this one was. Enjoy, but read the first book first. Can't wait to taste the cookies!
After the first book in the series, and getting to know these interesting characters and their life challenges, I was so ready to lose myself in more of their stories and their histories. I love historical fiction and I'm an amateur genealogist. This series combines a rich and exciting blend of both. Secrets from the past that intertwine with the present, linked by a curse, come full circle. That should make you want to read this. My hope, now that I've said goodbye to these fictional people I've come to love, is that the remainder of her books are just as gripping and wonderful as this one was. Enjoy, but read the first book first. Can't wait to taste the cookies!
September 15, 2020
Highly recommended
Mary Ellen Taylor has a magical way of combining past and present, opening up old secrets and using maladies like Alzheimer's disease and alcoholism to add drama to wonderful stories. She also includes some historical mischief that creates twists and turns. Her books are great. Unfortunately in this one, her editors missed an incorrect series of dates. When Lisa visits the cemetery on Jennifer's anniversary of her date of death, the chapter heading indicates it is in October, whereas the dates on her stone indicate she died August. It is a small matter that doesn't detract from the story, just may stand out to readers like me who pay attention to story continuity.
Mary Ellen Taylor has a magical way of combining past and present, opening up old secrets and using maladies like Alzheimer's disease and alcoholism to add drama to wonderful stories. She also includes some historical mischief that creates twists and turns. Her books are great. Unfortunately in this one, her editors missed an incorrect series of dates. When Lisa visits the cemetery on Jennifer's anniversary of her date of death, the chapter heading indicates it is in October, whereas the dates on her stone indicate she died August. It is a small matter that doesn't detract from the story, just may stand out to readers like me who pay attention to story continuity.
October 31, 2020
Wishing I had family instead of a fake one
I never knew my birth mom but I ended up with my real dad and his wife and their three children. I didn't realise my dad was the only true family I had until after his death at age 59. I was told my stepmother put a little something extra in his insulin shot the night he dropped dead. He had told me that day he had bought me some land and was going to build me a house on it so I would always have a place to live. In this series tears have fallen so freely and often and a longing to know my own heritage is very strong. My dad knew my step siblings would see me out on the streets but I been able to keep my head above water so far. This book was wonderful, I'm looking forward to the next one. I can always dream.
I never knew my birth mom but I ended up with my real dad and his wife and their three children. I didn't realise my dad was the only true family I had until after his death at age 59. I was told my stepmother put a little something extra in his insulin shot the night he dropped dead. He had told me that day he had bought me some land and was going to build me a house on it so I would always have a place to live. In this series tears have fallen so freely and often and a longing to know my own heritage is very strong. My dad knew my step siblings would see me out on the streets but I been able to keep my head above water so far. This book was wonderful, I'm looking forward to the next one. I can always dream.
July 6, 2023
4.0 2nd book in this series connected to the characters of the Union Street Bakery. This book follows three families back to colonial times and family trees are connected. Witch bottles are found at different places and found by the Shire Architectural Salvage Company. Rae McDonald was 15 when her sister died in a car accident and it threw her into a reckless turmoil and she found herself pregnant but gave away her son but she is luck as the couple who adopted him kept her up to date with his life, Rae is a counselor but really needs counseling herself. Lisa Smith survived the accident which killed Rae's sister and carries a terrible secret and turned to drinking but has been sober for 12 years. Both of these women need to confront the past.
August 29, 2025
The second book in the Alexandria series. This book continues where the first left off. It’s now 1751 and these letters are written by Patoence McDonald, whilst the 2015 story is told by Rae McDonald (a descendant of Patience).
The novel looks at three families tracing them back to the 1750’s and the impact and repercussions relating to their behaviour of Faith.
Once again, Union St Bakery from a previous series by the same author features from time to time in this story, with one of the McCrae girls now a partner in a salvage business owned by an older lady Amelia.
It’s a real tale of interest, with the families lives intertwining as far back as the 1750’s to 2015 when the story is set. I enjoyed it much more than I’d expected to.
The novel looks at three families tracing them back to the 1750’s and the impact and repercussions relating to their behaviour of Faith.
Once again, Union St Bakery from a previous series by the same author features from time to time in this story, with one of the McCrae girls now a partner in a salvage business owned by an older lady Amelia.
It’s a real tale of interest, with the families lives intertwining as far back as the 1750’s to 2015 when the story is set. I enjoyed it much more than I’d expected to.
August 4, 2025
What a fine ending to this two-book series (Alexandria 1 & 2) from Ms. Taylor. I have so enjoyed the historical story and particularly enjoyed the four contemporary women as they learned of the families' histories and how their stories unknowingly and seemingly affected them in this current day. Hardships, sacrifices, guilts, fears - all flavored the historical women while love, friendship, determination and compassion made the current women strong. My satisfaction and entertainment continued with the reading (and interchangeable listening) I have always experienced with Ms. Tarylor's (and aka Mary Burton's) novels.
September 14, 2021
Two book series “The House on King Street” and this the following book “The View From Prince Street”. Not exactly my cup of tea. Three families, all who settled in the New World from Scotland, one banished as a witch, intertwined by marriage and circumstances and their present day descendants. The parallel stories aren’t parallel but confusing!
The story is ok …my problem is there wasn’t a main character who I liked down the entire lineage! The author’s writing style with the past and present and history confused me to no end.
The story is ok …my problem is there wasn’t a main character who I liked down the entire lineage! The author’s writing style with the past and present and history confused me to no end.
July 22, 2025
4⭐️
The second instalment in the Alexandria series, The View from Prince Street was just as thrilling.
This book follows Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth from modern day Alexandria with chapters also from ancestors from Colonial Alexandria.
In this story, we see two women drawn together through grief. Both deal with it in their own ways; Rae with a ‘heart of stone’, and Lisa through the bottle.
Again, this book was so well written and narrated - I always have a mini panic when there were more than 2 narrators, but they each told the story through their characters and did a wonderful job.
The second instalment in the Alexandria series, The View from Prince Street was just as thrilling.
This book follows Rae McDonald and Lisa Smyth from modern day Alexandria with chapters also from ancestors from Colonial Alexandria.
In this story, we see two women drawn together through grief. Both deal with it in their own ways; Rae with a ‘heart of stone’, and Lisa through the bottle.
Again, this book was so well written and narrated - I always have a mini panic when there were more than 2 narrators, but they each told the story through their characters and did a wonderful job.
dnf
July 28, 2025I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, and that might’ve made a difference in how I connected with it. The multiple POVs made it confusing to keep track of who was who, and honestly, I just didn’t care. I found myself getting bored and struggling to stay engaged. That said, the narration was excellent — definitely the strongest part for me and the reason I got as far as I did. DNF'D at 30%.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brillance Publishing, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
Thank you, NetGalley and Brillance Publishing, for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.
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