A compelling novel about one woman’s search for the truth from the author of You Were Meant For Me .
After suffering a sudden, traumatic loss, historical novelist Susannah Gilmore decides to uproot her life—and the lives of her two children—and leave their beloved Brooklyn for the little town of Eastwood, New Hampshire.
While the trio adjusts to their new surroundings, Susannah is captivated by an unexpected find in her late parents’ an unsigned love note addressed to her mother, in handwriting that is most definitely not her father’s.
Reeling from the thought that she never really knew her mother, Susannah finds mysteries everywhere she in her daughter’s friendship with an older neighbor, in a charismatic local man to whom she’s powerfully drawn, and in an eighteenth century crime she’s researching for her next book. Compelled to dig into her mother’s past, Susannah discovers even more secrets, ones that surpass any fiction she could ever put to paper...
I live in Park Slope, Brooklyn and many of my novels take place here. But my new novel takes place in New Hampshire, and I have woven into it a historical component: the tragic story of Ruth Blay, who in 1768 was the last woman hanged in the state. When I read about Ruth, I was fascinated and horrified in equal measure, and I knew I had to write about her. I was educated at Vassar College and Columbia University, where I studied art history. But I started writing fiction in my 20's and never looked back. I am the author of seven novels, 27 books for children and am the editor of two essay collections. I'm also the fiction editor of Lilith Magazine . Please visit my website, http://www.yonazeldismcdonough.com or find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yzmcdonough; I love to connect with readers everywhere.
I won this book in a giveaway! It took me a long time to read it though because i didn't realize the author was the one who was giving the book away. i will not make that mistake again, too much pressure. she wrote me a note and everything!
So anyway this was a typical women's fiction type novel. i enjoyed it. I will read her other books sometime or another. they are on the list. :-)
I like the typical women's fic because they are all about relationships and the main character's personal growth. they have forgiveness, love, betrayal, trust, loss, romance,and other deep emo type stuff like a Hallmark and Lifetime movie all rolled into one book. and all of that is what i liked about this book.
sometimes the main characters did some things that really annoyed me or were mean or dumb but that is life. people are not perfect. all in all i liked the characters and how their stories played out.
Susannah and her two children move to New Hampshire from Brooklyn a year after the death of her husband. They move into her family cottage on Primrose Pond and start a new chapter in their lives. While adjusting to her new circumstances Susannah makes a few discoveries that make her question all she knew to be true. There are issues of guilt and anger concerning her husband’s death and the fallout experienced by Susannah’s daughter and son. Family dynamics are certainly at the forefront in this novel.
Susannah, a historical fiction author, starts to work on a new book. It’s different from anything she’s written before. The research takes her on a journey that will, in some minor ways, affect how she looks at events in her life and bring her to a place of acceptance and, quite possibly, forgiveness. I’m a fan of historical fiction so I enjoyed the passages of the book Susannah was writing.
All in all, the novel held my interest. I liked most of the characters and wasn’t ready to let them go as I turned the last page. Included at the end are a conversation with the author and discussion questions. *I received a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
The first Yona Zelda McDonough book I read was You Were Meant For me and I loved her storytelling not to mention her real-as-life characters. Her next book, The House On Primrose didn’t disappoint!
McDonough’s writing is superb. In this story she weaves bits of the past with the present. She pulls the reader into the beautiful New England setting, which provides a rich backdrop for this tale of family drama. The characters were sympathetic, and so honest you couldn’t help but cheer for them as they struggled to find their way after the unexpected death of their father/husband. I especially liked the mother-daughter relationship, which McDonough depicted so openly and honestly.
This story packs an emotional punch as it deals with the painful loss of a loved one and the heartache and guilt that follows such a tragedy. McDonough adds some mystery and several clever plot twists, which will keep you turning the pages. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a story brimming with emotional intensity.
Note: I'd like to thank Berkley/New American Library and Goodreads Giveaways for an advanced reader's edition of this book.
I found the plot of the book and the book within a book an interesting concept, however, I could not relate in any way to the main character, Susannah. She appeared to be very self-absorbed and remained so until the end. I had hoped to see more growth in her through her experiences. Instead, I found myself being drawn more to the historical novel about Betsey that Susannah was writing than to the actual book in its entirety.
The House on Primrose Pond has a lot of the elements I enjoy reading about: history, secrets and old houses. I curled up with the book on a cold night in front of the fire and just kept on reading until I got to the end...which held some surprises. Although the novel is a romance, it was the female relationships in the book that interested me. My favorite unexpected line was: "If you can't be a bitch with your mother, who can you be a bitch with?" An LOL moment.
I had won a copy of this book on GoodReads, and I wanted to like it more than I did. While the beginning of the novel gripped me, I became lost few chapters in and experienced a disconnect with the characters. I basically wanted to feel more for them than I did. While I also like the idea of having bits of Susannah's novel interwoven throughout the text, I wasn't blown away by it. I liked the concept but I wanted more in the way it was carried out.
**#1 RECOMMENDED READ** Compelling. Intriguing. Evocative. Enthralling. Captivating. These are the words that come to mind to describe my feelings about The House on Primrose Pond. Seriously, I never wanted to put the book down. It was so well constructed and comprised of so many riveting elements that I found myself glued to the pages, anxiously awaiting the next development. I was fully invested in the story, which actually consisted of two stories in one since the protagonist was a novelist who was writing a book. I loved how the author incorporated a secondary story into the main one, giving you two tantalizing stories in one fascinating book. And now, a little about the book..... Susannah Gilmore experiences a tragedy in her life, upending it and taking her from her home in Brooklyn, New York to the small town of Eastwood, New Hampshire. This is a prudent move given the circumstances, but one that her teenage daughter, Calista, struggles to embrace. The home that Susannah and her two children settle into in N.H. belonged to her now deceased parents, although technically they hardly ever lived there, having moved from the house before Susannah was born. Her only memorable recollection of time spent there was one summer when she was about 17. She recalls that her mother didn't seem happy that summer. That memory resurfaces when while moving in she finds what appears to be a love note to her mother that was not from her father. Why was some other man giving her mother notes and writing her poems? As Susannah uncovers more pieces to the puzzle her mother left behind, will she be able to accept the consequences that might result from her quest to find the truth. Every once in a while a book comes along that seems especially written for you. It just speaks to your soul in a way that you understand. It astounds you and you can't stop thinking or talking about it. That was my experience with The House on Primrose Pond. I just loved so many things about it - the tragic events, an old summer crush, a mystery poet, grief, human imperfection, a little romance, widowhood, presumed infidelity, a pristine setting, lovable animals and fascinating wildlife. It was a gem with so many brilliant facets that kept me longing for the next revelation.
Yona Zeldis McDonough is a phenomenal storyteller and I am so glad I discovered her as an author along with her book, The House on Primrose Pond. I enjoyed this book immensely, and can't recommend it highly enough. It was an extraordinary read that easily ranks among one of my all-time favorites. Now I'm off to investigate what else she's written.....
Thank you so much to Penguin Random House and Yona Zeldis McDonough for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review which I have given.
4.5 I really loved this book! The characters were believable and likeable. The plot had a few twists. I enjoyed how the author wove a story within a story. She also included interesting details about the writing process. This story touched on many themes- rebuilding a life after a devastating loss, jealousy, teenage angst and forgiveness. I highly recommend this book.
I did enjoy reading The House on Primrose Pond! McDonough is especially good here at depicting the emotional complexities of mother/daughter relationships. The interweaving of historical fiction with the very contemporary tale is also well-handled, with the theme of guilt laced throughout both. The surprise at the end is quite delicious.
The author has woven a compelling tale that combines a piece of forgotten history with an honest look at how one family makes their way through the upheaval of a tragedy. The New England setting was completely immersive. This was a page-turner with a satisfying ending!
I loved this book! The parallel between the main story and the story within the main story made the book even that much more enjoyable. I have read all of Yona's books and this is by far my favorite . The characters were very real and like able . I would definitely recommend this book!
A triumphant story that encircles today and the past with a round of ever never ending love! A real winner of a book that was more than I ever expected to discover--- would be a GREAT study for a woman’s reading group or gathering of associates.
Enjoyable romance that also has some mystery and family secrets. The story kept me anxious to see what happened on the next page. I also happened to love the setting of the story.
This is my second book that I've read by Yona Zeldis McDonough. For those who like a bit of romance, family issues/dysfunction, mystery, as well as historical fiction, this book is for you. I found it to be a page turner, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Historical novelist Susannah Gilmore's life unexpectedly turns upside down when her husband, Charlie, is tragically killed. She decides to move her family from Brooklyn to her late parents' home on Primrose Pond in Eastwood, NH. Cally, her teenage daughter, has great difficulty adopting to their new life whereas Jack, her younger son, has no issues whatsoever. Susannah has enough on her plate who must now be both mother and father. I clealy felt Susannah's pain of losing her husband and for her children losing their father.
Upon settling into their new home, Susannah finds a love note to her mother from someone other than her father. She never really knew her mother very well, and she's determined to find out who this man is. She's clearly confused and has so many questions. She makes it her mission to try and find more clues as to who her mother was having an extra marital affair with. I can't imagine the pain Susannah felt, but Yona depicts this very well.
Living in her childhood home also brings back memories of the strong pull she once felt toward Corbin Bailey when she was a teenager. The attraction still exists for him too but, for Susannah, she feels it's too soon to be dating since Charlie's death. Eventually, she gives in to her desire and, as her relationship with Corbin blossoms, Cally makes it extremely uncomfortable for him. Clearly, the mother/daughter relationship at this point is very strained, and Yona does a superb job throwing in some twists that made me want to keep reading.
As Susannah discovers more clues about her mother's affair, she begins to put the pieces of the puzzle together to solve the mystery. Through the midst of this, she's doing research for her new historical novel about a crime that took place in the eighteenth century. Yona's historical fiction was very interesting to read, and it had me riveted. With the mystery about her mother's lover solved, not only does Susannah discover more secrets, but one that is totally shocking.
Yona clearly defines the family's pain, dysfunction and secrets. I wanted nothing but good things for this family, and ultimately they do find love again. She delivers a cleverly written novel with twists and turns. Her characters' personalities are described in full detail, and you can feel their pleasure and pain. I had clear pictures in my mind of the house, the pond and the neighborhood. I was also pleasantly surprised to learn a bit of history which made the book even more interesting. I think you will be fully entertained and will want more with a possible a sequel. I know I certainly would.
I was fortunate to win this book from Goodreads. It is thoroughly enjoyable story of, Susannah, a newly widowed mother of two who decides to sell her home and return to her deceased parents' vacation home on Primrose Pond. The change is not especially acceptable to Calista, her daughter, who rebels by moving in with the elderly widow of the town's former pediatrician. She objects to her mother's new romantic interest. Susannah, by profession, is a writer of historical novels and has become interested in a local story of an executed woman.
Each woman included in the novel exhibit strength in light of grief, guilt, and loss. There are stories within this story that meld into the common theme. I can recommend this book.
The after-a-life-crisis-woman-returns-to-childhood-home-and-discovers-secrets-about-her-past premise is a common one in popular fiction and yet I never tire of this kind of story! Of course, some of these novels are better than others; this one falls in the latter category. The heroine of THE HOUSE ON PRIMROSE POND drove me crazy. She's sympathetic, but she's also a selfish, annoying pushover. Not very likable at all. Also, her parenting decisions made no sense to me. Irritating. Although the characters bugged and the novel was overly wordy, the plot of THE HOUSE ON PRIMROSE POND was compelling enough to keep me reading. In the end, though, it was just an okay read for me.
I have found a new favorite author. Reading this story was actually reading two in one. The author develops a character who finds herself widowed with two children, one of which blames her mother for the father's death. The mother is a historical fiction writer and as they move to a small New Hampshire town, she begins to write the story of a legendary woman from that area, Ruth Blay. I googled Ruth Blay and read her actual story. Loved the way our character writes the novel as it is inserted into the life of her family as she discover family secrets along the way.
The main character is a writer which sounded interesting-but the stuff that she write is so completely boring and such a different genre from the actual book that I wanted to quit reading it several times. The characters seemed so stiff, and not really. The only real character was Polly her best friend, who told her off a bit.
If you are looking for a book to pull on your heartstrings this is a good read for you. I gave it four stars because there was a period I felt was a little slow but things quickly picked back up. I felt the ending wrapped up all the loose ends nicely. I especially enjoyed the little writing segments from the main character who is a writer herself.
I received this book from a goodreads giveaway. A young widow, Susannah, moves with her two older children from Brooklyn to a family home in a small New Hampshire town. This story is about Susannah moving on with her life and learning to start over.
Not a bad story, though it felt like the characters were all on the surface, removed from the messiness of all the drama that was unfolding around them. The New Hampshire story within a story was interesting. It was a quick read.
it made me feel like I was watching a hallmark movie a bunch of times and susannah was a bit annoying near the end of the book but overall I really enjoyed it, I would recommend.
I think I would actually rate this book as a 3.5. I did enjoy it, but it seemed to be lacking in some way, though I can't quite put my finger on it.
The story starts in New York, but circumstances change suddenly, so the family moves to New Hampshire, into the house that used to belong to Susannah's parents. This is quite a change in lifestyle for both Susannah & her family, & all have to adapt to their new lives. Her son, Jack, has an easier time of it, but her daughter, Cally, is having a much more difficult time. She is angry & seems to hate everyone.
Susannah had spent one summer in this house, with her parents, & she has a lot of memories of that time. She meets people she used to know & meets new people, too. One such person, Alice Renfrew, is an elderly lady, with an air of mystery about her. She bonds with Cally, which Susannah knows is good, yet she feels jealous. Susannah also meets Corbin Bailey, who owns the hardware store. She knew him during that long-ago summer & finds herself drawn to him.
There is a bit of a mystery in this book, as well. Susannah finds a love letter, written to her mother, but not signed, & definitely not from her father. This starts an intense search for more clues. Polly, Susannah's best friend, feels Susannah has become a bit obsessed with this alleged affair her mother had. She thinks Susannah should focus on her future & her family instead of the past.
There is certainly a lot going on in this book, most of it very interesting. Yet, at the same time, it felt a bit shallow to me, which is why I would not give it a solid 4 stars. Susannah always seems a bit too distracted to me. Her main focus, at first, is writing a new book. She is focusing on Ruth Blay, the last woman to be hanged in New Hampshire. It was a bit disconcerting for me, at least in the beginning, to be reading a book within the book. At least the print for Susannah's novel was in italics, so it was easy to follow. I did get used to this style & found I enjoyed both books. To be honest, I found I was enjoying Susannah's book, about Ruth Blay, more than the main story.
All in all, it was a good book, great for a weekend's reading. The air of mystery that surrounds the family, Alice, as well as Susannah's mother, make for an interesting read. It kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next. In spite of a bit of disappointment, I would still try another book by Yona Zeldis McDonough.