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Nodd's Ridge
Pearl
Pearl Dickenson comes to Nodd's Ridge only to claim an inheritance but unexpectedly decides to stay, upsetting the tiny New England town's equilibrium with her exotic beauty. Settling in, she buys a local diner and turns it into a thriving gathering place. But her simple desire for a place of her own becomes complicated when she stumbles into not one but two love affairs with two very different but equally troubled men. When the seething rivalry between the men explodes into violence, Pearl becomes more than just an object of local gossip. She becomes a power - to heal or destroy the community... and herself. This gripping novel illuminates the depths and desires of an independent woman... and exposes some very dark truths about small town life.
368 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
6 people are currently reading
1142 people want to read
About the author
Tabitha King
33 books643 followersTabitha King is an American author. She is married to author Stephen King and is the mother of Joe Hill, Owen King, and Naomi King.
King was born Tabitha Jane-Frances Spruce in Old Town, Maine to Raymond George and Sarah Jane White Spruce and is one of eight children. Her primary education took place at St. Mary’s Grammar in Old Town, from which she graduated in 1963. She then attended John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor until 1967, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in history in 1971 from the University of Maine in Orono.
King was born Tabitha Jane-Frances Spruce in Old Town, Maine to Raymond George and Sarah Jane White Spruce and is one of eight children. Her primary education took place at St. Mary’s Grammar in Old Town, from which she graduated in 1963. She then attended John Bapst Memorial High School in Bangor until 1967, and earned her Bachelor’s degree in history in 1971 from the University of Maine in Orono.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 16, 2014
It's a shame that this book is out of print, and that Tabitha King is so unrecognized, because Pearl was quite an enjoyable novel to read.
The story is ostensibly about a woman who relocates to a small, Maine town to open a diner, and finds herself embroiled in a love triangle. It has the superficial trappings of a romance novel, and there are elements of that, but in general this work is more of a character study that challenges us to look beyond our stereotypical perceptions of others, to embrace those around us with all of their flaws and shortcomings. In some respects it succeeds, and in others it falls short, but my overall impression was positive.
What I most enjoyed was the immersive quality King creates. I could spend much more time in Nodd's Ridge, the fictional small town King uses as her setting. It's very comfortable and warm in it's own way, and createed an odd sense of nostalgia, not unlike Fried Green Tomatoes or Terms of Endearment. The writing itself is compelling and lucid, and there is a coherent plot that resolves itself (if not a bit too neatly), rather than an abrupt conclusion of the type that can mar these kinds of novels.
The most puzzling aspect to me is Pearl herself. We don't really know her motivations. Why has she come to this town? Why is she so drawn and conflicted by these two men? We never really learn. It's the chief weakness of the novel.
I look forward to tracking down the next two novels that follow, One on One and The Book of Reuben, to see how she develops this humane, engaging story.
The story is ostensibly about a woman who relocates to a small, Maine town to open a diner, and finds herself embroiled in a love triangle. It has the superficial trappings of a romance novel, and there are elements of that, but in general this work is more of a character study that challenges us to look beyond our stereotypical perceptions of others, to embrace those around us with all of their flaws and shortcomings. In some respects it succeeds, and in others it falls short, but my overall impression was positive.
What I most enjoyed was the immersive quality King creates. I could spend much more time in Nodd's Ridge, the fictional small town King uses as her setting. It's very comfortable and warm in it's own way, and createed an odd sense of nostalgia, not unlike Fried Green Tomatoes or Terms of Endearment. The writing itself is compelling and lucid, and there is a coherent plot that resolves itself (if not a bit too neatly), rather than an abrupt conclusion of the type that can mar these kinds of novels.
The most puzzling aspect to me is Pearl herself. We don't really know her motivations. Why has she come to this town? Why is she so drawn and conflicted by these two men? We never really learn. It's the chief weakness of the novel.
I look forward to tracking down the next two novels that follow, One on One and The Book of Reuben, to see how she develops this humane, engaging story.
August 26, 2008
Tabitha King is a great writer. This is one of a trio of books related to the same characters. The second one being,"One On One",and the third,"The Story of Reuben". You must read them in this order. The writing growth shows in each book. She hones her craft of these characters, and you actually get to see a writer mature, which,being a writer, I found exciting in itself. The first is a more personal forbidden romance,that is luminous and unforgettable. The second was written during the King's obsession, with Maine basketball star Cindy Blodgett, and deals with two teens in love, one being a basketball star. The third is sort of the prequel to the others , in that it tells the entire story about Reuben, who was Pearl's lover, and who's son is in love with the female basketball star,in "One on One". Though it is a prequel of sorts, you appreciate the depth of Reuben's character if the other two are read first. By the third book, Tabitha King's light shines as bright ,if not brighter than her husband,Stephen King's. Throughout her writing journey, you see a growing strand of underlying dark broodiness, in the problems of her characters, that is reminiscent of that in her husband's works. A writing duo, if only their brood were to be as talented in writing, we would have a writing dynasty like no other.
August 23, 2011
In the past, Stephen King had been the author I had read the most (although I never preferred his science fiction novels). Referred by a Woman's Day article about Jennifer Weiner's all-time favorite reads (chic lit) I picked it up at a local library.
Pearl, digested, unfolds the sexual scruples of a young woman who has just inherited a rural farm house from her "ghost uncle." In the interim between sleeping with the town Paul Bunyan and the itinerant, manic, yuppy she purchases a small diner from the local yokel--a part time drunk, part time wounded brute. The story unfolds as she attempts to retain secrecy in seducing both lovers while sorting out her own feelings about the nature of their romances. Meanwhile there are secrets flowing in the undercurrent of both her past, the family lives of those involved, and quite literally, the icy Maine lake that mirrors the town.
I can't call this book a romance novel exactly, nor is it completely a mystery but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing as well as the obviously spiritual and psychological depth of the author who lacks the vulgarity of her husband.
The main character, though at times meretricious, is often radiantly benevolent which is only accentuated by the contrast of supporting characters such as her lover's nightmare of a teenage daughter and the former proprietor of the diner who she keeps on as a short order cook.
And as with movies, the end should have been obvious to a fellow writer but kept me intrigued until the very last sentence.
Pearl, digested, unfolds the sexual scruples of a young woman who has just inherited a rural farm house from her "ghost uncle." In the interim between sleeping with the town Paul Bunyan and the itinerant, manic, yuppy she purchases a small diner from the local yokel--a part time drunk, part time wounded brute. The story unfolds as she attempts to retain secrecy in seducing both lovers while sorting out her own feelings about the nature of their romances. Meanwhile there are secrets flowing in the undercurrent of both her past, the family lives of those involved, and quite literally, the icy Maine lake that mirrors the town.
I can't call this book a romance novel exactly, nor is it completely a mystery but I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of writing as well as the obviously spiritual and psychological depth of the author who lacks the vulgarity of her husband.
The main character, though at times meretricious, is often radiantly benevolent which is only accentuated by the contrast of supporting characters such as her lover's nightmare of a teenage daughter and the former proprietor of the diner who she keeps on as a short order cook.
And as with movies, the end should have been obvious to a fellow writer but kept me intrigued until the very last sentence.
March 2, 2023
Tabby King is a great writer, full stop. This is the third novel that takes place in Nodd's Ridge. Caretakers, and The Trap come first. She expertly uses Nodd's Ridge as a full blown character, and this third installment gives us even more insight into the workings and trappings of the place. King goes on to write One on One and The Book of Reuben using the same setting. The books weren't written in chronological order, and much like the current Netflix series, Kaleidoscope, don't need to be read that way for you to develop a feel, and feelings, for this place and its inhabitants.
I love King's writing. She writes from a purely feminine perspective, and her women characters are very, very real. So are her men, but they do seem to be a bit more sweet and sentimental, with the exception of the walk on parts, than the men I know in life. That's okay, because if all men were like the men King writes, we would live in a kinder world.
This is a re-read for me, so I've already become very, very familiar with the residents of Nodd's Ridge, but this time around it felt like catching up with old friends.
Pearl inherits a house, some land and money, from an uncle and decides to make a life in a place she has only before briefly visited. Not only does she take up residence, but immediately gets to work making headway with her land, buying a diner and attracting two men. The entire novel, despite showing us how Pearl builds a life for herself in this new haven, is about Pearl attempting to balance two lovers, despite never having had two lovers at once in her life!
Every scene of Pearl alone with one of these men is sweet, well written, and something to be envied. I enjoyed reading them so much, and as I did, l completely understood how she got herself into this predicament. But then there would be a scene with the other guy and I was internally screaming "break it off!" I felt this with each man. What a fantastic bit of writing to twist and turn my feelings in this way. It made no difference that I am already in book love with Reuben from the other books I've read by King. A person can have a divided heart. Especially when the two choices are so different and still so good.
One of Pearl's lovers is a bit mentally unbalanced. The other has a shit show for a family. No one is perfect, but that's a big part of the charm of this story and King's writing in general. King writes real people. With real lives. With real flaws. I am not comparing Tabby to her husband, but I feel as if I would recognize many of her characters on the street, which is exactly how I feel about his characters. And their older son's. Not because of their physical characteristics, but because when you finish one of her books you know them intimately. This is exactly the kind of writing I crave for escape.
I love King's writing. She writes from a purely feminine perspective, and her women characters are very, very real. So are her men, but they do seem to be a bit more sweet and sentimental, with the exception of the walk on parts, than the men I know in life. That's okay, because if all men were like the men King writes, we would live in a kinder world.
This is a re-read for me, so I've already become very, very familiar with the residents of Nodd's Ridge, but this time around it felt like catching up with old friends.
Pearl inherits a house, some land and money, from an uncle and decides to make a life in a place she has only before briefly visited. Not only does she take up residence, but immediately gets to work making headway with her land, buying a diner and attracting two men. The entire novel, despite showing us how Pearl builds a life for herself in this new haven, is about Pearl attempting to balance two lovers, despite never having had two lovers at once in her life!
Every scene of Pearl alone with one of these men is sweet, well written, and something to be envied. I enjoyed reading them so much, and as I did, l completely understood how she got herself into this predicament. But then there would be a scene with the other guy and I was internally screaming "break it off!" I felt this with each man. What a fantastic bit of writing to twist and turn my feelings in this way. It made no difference that I am already in book love with Reuben from the other books I've read by King. A person can have a divided heart. Especially when the two choices are so different and still so good.
One of Pearl's lovers is a bit mentally unbalanced. The other has a shit show for a family. No one is perfect, but that's a big part of the charm of this story and King's writing in general. King writes real people. With real lives. With real flaws. I am not comparing Tabby to her husband, but I feel as if I would recognize many of her characters on the street, which is exactly how I feel about his characters. And their older son's. Not because of their physical characteristics, but because when you finish one of her books you know them intimately. This is exactly the kind of writing I crave for escape.
February 10, 2010
I read this book many, many years ago and have always remembered it as one of my favorite books. Tabitha King aptly named the book after the main character, Pearl, because she is not only who the story is about but truly is the essence of the tale and what draws the reader in. I can’t say too much more until I’ve had a chance to re-read it as a now middle-aged woman and see if the book still affects me as it once did. I’ll keep you posted…
June 11, 2013
I'd heard that Tabitha King's books are worth seeking out and now that I've read one, I agree! She is one talented writer. Pearl tells a story that surprised me again and again although if asked what was so startling, I'd have a hard time giving an example. Next on my to-read list of Ms. King's novels: Survivor. A paperback copy is already in my hot little hands ready to open to page 1.
November 10, 2015
Pearl a young woman from Florida inherits her Uncles home in Maine. Pearl gets involved in the small community and becomes a pillar in the lives of the residents. The writer makes the story so interesting, you don't want to skip a word.
July 27, 2019
This book might not be a five-star novel, but there are so many, many things I like about it that they all add up to five stars after all. I was actually well into Silas Marner when Pearl came in the mail, and I flipped open to the first page for a preview... I was hooked at "The lake is a wedge of sapphire in the middle ground between, a blue tear in all that rooted rock and green hallelujah of trees." Every section of the entire first chapter is filled with setting like this; Steinbeckian descriptions of place that set the stage much like an opera set. And there is something operatic about the novel as well, with its rising and falling motion and plot and its deep side stories (like the lake that is, in a way, its own character).
On one level, its a chick novel -- an engrossing love story with a very likable protagonist that kept me reading well past my bedtime. But at another level, it's a fine mystery that the reader solves alongside Pearl, our protagonist. And then there's the level where it's simply a fascinating regional novel, almost a travelogue that made me want to be one of Maine's summer people.
The story is incredibly well-crafted and there is nothing I didn't like about the way this novel is written. The language is smart and infinitely readable, and the characters are people everyone knows somehow. Perhaps a they've experienced more violence and pain than most (certainly more than the people I know), but their personae are familiar. Every page I turned, this novel delighted me with the consistently artful writing.
And then there was one character -- only mentioned once early in the novel, but he made me stop and reread the line several times. Onesime Rossignol. I've heard the name only once before: Great Aunt Zelia's first husband Onesime Morency, who froze to death on the roof of the Chicago to Escanaba train in 1880. Uncle Ghost.
I was sorry when this novel ended, as well as relieved and grateful that it ended well. I can't believe this book has been around for over 30 years and I just now discovered it, and Tabitha King. Aside from phones that ring like land lines (because they are land lines), and cars without GPS, the story is as relevant and readable today as it would have been 30 years ago. It's that good.
On one level, its a chick novel -- an engrossing love story with a very likable protagonist that kept me reading well past my bedtime. But at another level, it's a fine mystery that the reader solves alongside Pearl, our protagonist. And then there's the level where it's simply a fascinating regional novel, almost a travelogue that made me want to be one of Maine's summer people.
The story is incredibly well-crafted and there is nothing I didn't like about the way this novel is written. The language is smart and infinitely readable, and the characters are people everyone knows somehow. Perhaps a they've experienced more violence and pain than most (certainly more than the people I know), but their personae are familiar. Every page I turned, this novel delighted me with the consistently artful writing.
And then there was one character -- only mentioned once early in the novel, but he made me stop and reread the line several times. Onesime Rossignol. I've heard the name only once before: Great Aunt Zelia's first husband Onesime Morency, who froze to death on the roof of the Chicago to Escanaba train in 1880. Uncle Ghost.
I was sorry when this novel ended, as well as relieved and grateful that it ended well. I can't believe this book has been around for over 30 years and I just now discovered it, and Tabitha King. Aside from phones that ring like land lines (because they are land lines), and cars without GPS, the story is as relevant and readable today as it would have been 30 years ago. It's that good.
August 12, 2016
It began with such promise, lovely descriptions of the scenery and characters, characters that seemed capable of driving an interesting story...but about one third in it began to devolve into really a really bad beach read and then just got worse. Some of the dialogue actually caused me to wince. She tried to do intrigue and suspense, but wound up with a confused, poorly written mess.
November 17, 2010
I HAVE READ THIS BOOK AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR SINCE IT WAS PUBLISHED!!! I'M FROM MAINE AND EVEN THOU STEPHEN KING WAS MY ENGLISH TEACHER IN 1977 AT HAMPDEN ACADEMY I'VE ALWAYS LOVED TABITHA'S WRITING AND THIS BOOK REALLY RINGS TRUE TO ME
November 4, 2008
Tabitha King is definitely under-appreciated. This book was great, great setting, great atmosphere, lots of emotion, just fabulous all around.
August 5, 2014
I wish Tabitha King wrote books more often.
April 26, 2024
Took me over 2 months, but I finished it. The writing is good, just not a book for me.
November 24, 2023
There are some stories that get better with the telling. On reading the first few chapters, I had to try to overcome the feeling that a few of the descriptions were a little overwrought, reaching a bit too hard, but as the story progressed, I found myself drawn fully into the setting and characters, and was able to lean into the style of writing. It felt to me like the story was telling itself, and that King was learning and growing as she went, coming into her own as her voice became stronger, wiser, and more sure of itself.
There is something to be said about a writer who can acquaint you with her characters, who prefers showing to telling. I know or have known each one of these people: a grumpy old man with a sharp wit and a raging alcohol addiction who for all his blustering, you come to find has a good heart; a beautiful, wayward teenager who knows less about the world than she might guess and learns more than what she bargained for; a hardworking single dad with a sad back story who loves but is losing control of his kids; a poet with a romantic but dark nature who lives in a world of sensations, hiding his demons behind dark glasses.
And then there is Pearl, turning up in a small town to take possession of an inheritance and bravely start life in a place she knows nothing about. We find that Pearl is Black, not through a pedestrian description of her, but through dialog that for its time and setting was rendered appropriately and sensitively; these are White people in a White town, unused to seeing a diversity of faces.
We come to see Pearl as strong and well-adjusted, ambitious and determined, but also prone to follies in matters of the heart. While she buys a diner and begins to make it her own, she finds herself pulled in two directions by two very different men.
The sex scenes were well-written; enough, but not too much, sensual and compelling without being sappy or dirty. As both affairs continue, we begin to wonder how Pearl will resolve this, and I found myself rooting for her every time, agonizing with her as one opportunity after another to come clean or break it off passes with no resolution.
In the meantime, Pearl establishes herself as a wonderful cook, and becomes quite the fixture in the community, a mother hen who looks after others' well-being even as she suffers problems of her own. We begin to learn about each character, their strengths and weaknesses, their mistakes, and their triumphs.
Each time I picked up this book, I felt like I was going to visit old friends. I found myself getting sad as it was coming to an end, and will be looking for other books by Tabitha King.
There is something to be said about a writer who can acquaint you with her characters, who prefers showing to telling. I know or have known each one of these people: a grumpy old man with a sharp wit and a raging alcohol addiction who for all his blustering, you come to find has a good heart; a beautiful, wayward teenager who knows less about the world than she might guess and learns more than what she bargained for; a hardworking single dad with a sad back story who loves but is losing control of his kids; a poet with a romantic but dark nature who lives in a world of sensations, hiding his demons behind dark glasses.
And then there is Pearl, turning up in a small town to take possession of an inheritance and bravely start life in a place she knows nothing about. We find that Pearl is Black, not through a pedestrian description of her, but through dialog that for its time and setting was rendered appropriately and sensitively; these are White people in a White town, unused to seeing a diversity of faces.
We come to see Pearl as strong and well-adjusted, ambitious and determined, but also prone to follies in matters of the heart. While she buys a diner and begins to make it her own, she finds herself pulled in two directions by two very different men.
The sex scenes were well-written; enough, but not too much, sensual and compelling without being sappy or dirty. As both affairs continue, we begin to wonder how Pearl will resolve this, and I found myself rooting for her every time, agonizing with her as one opportunity after another to come clean or break it off passes with no resolution.
In the meantime, Pearl establishes herself as a wonderful cook, and becomes quite the fixture in the community, a mother hen who looks after others' well-being even as she suffers problems of her own. We begin to learn about each character, their strengths and weaknesses, their mistakes, and their triumphs.
Each time I picked up this book, I felt like I was going to visit old friends. I found myself getting sad as it was coming to an end, and will be looking for other books by Tabitha King.
April 26, 2021
I'm kind of stretching it to give it two stars. Since I did finish it, I guess it deserves that (though there was a decent amount of skimming over the last 1/3 of the book). Seriously, this book started well and sounded like it might have an interesting dark twist here or there...and then there was nothing except some truly pointless wandering. The "action" lead nowhere and there was a "love triangle" that was just ridiculous.
Slight spoiler (but it really won't ruin anything): Why on earth was there a runaway labrador puppy, made out to be completely stupid because of inbreeding, who managed to elude the animal control officer throughout the entire book while it killed sheep, bit humans, terrorized cats and just showed up at random moments....all of which had ZERO to do with the actual story? Pointless except as page filler.
Slight spoiler (but it really won't ruin anything): Why on earth was there a runaway labrador puppy, made out to be completely stupid because of inbreeding, who managed to elude the animal control officer throughout the entire book while it killed sheep, bit humans, terrorized cats and just showed up at random moments....all of which had ZERO to do with the actual story? Pointless except as page filler.
November 6, 2008
It's been a long time since I've read this book. I was surprised to find out that Tabitha King is Stephen King's wife. Probably the biggest reason why I picked it up from the library. I do remember enjoying it, and it was easy to read.
June 15, 2011
I found it in a box of my books in the basement, along with some Stephen King books and some Marion Zimmer Bradley books. Took them all to the thrift store, but I decided I wanted to re-read this one once more before I donate it.
November 1, 2008
I loved this book. Such humane characters. Got it in the local library at the time. Wish I could re-read it and check for myself if it still moves me as much.
December 30, 2008
I think this was the book that ended with the line, "The radio, which was Japanese, played until dawn."
If so, it was spellbinding.
If so, it was spellbinding.
August 25, 2009
Wife of Stephen King
May 12, 2011
I read this because she's the wife of Stephen King, but I became of fan of her work as well. This story revolves around a love triangle.
July 31, 2011
I liked this book a lot. Pearl is a strong woman who knows her own mind. Loved the ending.
January 13, 2013
One of my favorites - I've read it several times.
February 1, 2024
Patriarchal, dated, full of toxic nonsense.
April 17, 2019
I found myself caring very much about the characters in this book, and as the story picked up pace it became difficult to put down. The narrative was compelling and the characters were mostly well-constructed.
Having said that, there were some things that didn't quite sit right. Reader beware: spoilers ahead, though I'll try to tread lightly.
Some descriptive passages seemed overworked to me, occasionally drawing me out of the moment. An example was the scene where sex was compared to a pig searching for truffles - it was a bit weird, even cheesy - and I was brought back to my own thoughts rather than remaining in the moment.
Some problems we're too easily resolved and were, therefore, unbelievable. The discovery in the lake towards the end - come on! Other problems were unsatisfactorily resolved, which was irritating. The ending came too quickly after the climax of the action for me too.
Aspects of the character of David bothered me, and while I think some can be explained away to some degree by the era within which the book was written, it was still problematic. Warning: definite spoilers ahead. David is bisexual and he has mental health issues, most likely linked to trauma. Firstly, bisexual does not mean ravenous for sex with both genders, though I suppose it might for some. It also does not mean someone cannot be monogamous. David's bisexuality is painted, at least by Pearl and the other characters, as being dangerous at worst, and a symptom of his shaky mental health at best. Although aspects of this position are somewhat redeemed later in the storyline, it's still a poor representation of what bisexuality actually is. Similarly, David's mental health is not given the robust treatment it deserves. It's either a response of pity or terror from other characters. His mania and his actions at the end of the novel are also not a reliable reflection of the way in which these things happen in the real world. Again, maybe the understanding of such things in 1988, when this book was published, was different, but it really doesn't scan so well as I read it in 2019.
I did enjoy this book, despite its foibles, so I'm giving it 4 stars.
Having said that, there were some things that didn't quite sit right. Reader beware: spoilers ahead, though I'll try to tread lightly.
Some descriptive passages seemed overworked to me, occasionally drawing me out of the moment. An example was the scene where sex was compared to a pig searching for truffles - it was a bit weird, even cheesy - and I was brought back to my own thoughts rather than remaining in the moment.
Some problems we're too easily resolved and were, therefore, unbelievable. The discovery in the lake towards the end - come on! Other problems were unsatisfactorily resolved, which was irritating. The ending came too quickly after the climax of the action for me too.
Aspects of the character of David bothered me, and while I think some can be explained away to some degree by the era within which the book was written, it was still problematic. Warning: definite spoilers ahead. David is bisexual and he has mental health issues, most likely linked to trauma. Firstly, bisexual does not mean ravenous for sex with both genders, though I suppose it might for some. It also does not mean someone cannot be monogamous. David's bisexuality is painted, at least by Pearl and the other characters, as being dangerous at worst, and a symptom of his shaky mental health at best. Although aspects of this position are somewhat redeemed later in the storyline, it's still a poor representation of what bisexuality actually is. Similarly, David's mental health is not given the robust treatment it deserves. It's either a response of pity or terror from other characters. His mania and his actions at the end of the novel are also not a reliable reflection of the way in which these things happen in the real world. Again, maybe the understanding of such things in 1988, when this book was published, was different, but it really doesn't scan so well as I read it in 2019.
I did enjoy this book, despite its foibles, so I'm giving it 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2025
Found the hardback a good long while ago on one of my bookhunting trips, had to get it. Like my paperback of 'Caretakers', it got put into a box and forgotten about, and I went and bought a hardback duplicate of that one and just recently read it. So, with this one, it was the opposite, because I went and bought a paperback duplicate of this one, though I already had the hardback, somewhere, dunno where, but I know it's in a box, lol. Anyway, now that I'm currently highly invested in the world of Nodd's Ridge, this one is up to bat for me next!
Whoa, whoa, whoa! First couple pages in, and our girl Pearl here is the grand-niece of Joe, damn ol’ Joe Nevahs!! Wooo, I’m even more in now! :O
Ok. Wow. What a great little ride through all the small-town hot gossip and bickering and tight-knit vibes! I loved this book. I loved Pearl! She was a delight, tough and full of spark, but still imperfect, but totally likable and relatable. How she came into town, knew what she wanted, and just went and did it. Her relationship with crotchety ol' Roscoe had me at times rolling with laughter, and fired up ready to spit. They went together about as well as peas and carrot cake, but I still liked how their original antagonism became an actual, caring friendship, albeit not without its moments of fiery disagreement. And then there was Reuben! OMG, I can so see how another reviewer said he's totally a book-boyfriend. I think I'm a little in love with him myself now too! Like damn. I absolutely can't wait to tear into the next book just to see him, and visit the Ridge again, this town has started to feel like a second home to me, and its citizens like real people I know.
That was truly one of the best parts of this book, all the relationships and interactions between the people of the town, their easy banter, their just as easy way of throwing angry words, and even punches, the way everybody was all up in everyone else's business. I could see it as a soap, just set in a small Maine town with totally average folk instead of some glamourous locale full of fancy rich people. All the drama is there, as well as wholesome moments where people come together to help their own. So many great townsfolk, like Sonny and Lurch, Evvie, Walter and Jean, the yokel police, the vet, the doc, the old folks and the young. I loved the feel of the diner after Pearl took over, the easy banter over coffee, the harmless flirting and joking, the spilling of the proverbial tea...
I also loved how this book was definitely a bit of a continuation of the other Nodd's Ridge books that came before. The events (and some of the revelations) of a previous book, Caretakers, were mentioned, plus the fact that Pearl's other beau here was David Christopher, son of Torie... bringing back 'round a feel of the semi-star-crossed connection between Joe Nevers and Torie. Plus there were some mentions from another previous book, The Trap. That really kinda made me wish I had gone to the trouble of digging out my copy of that one and re-reading it before I had jumped into this one, because it's been so long since I read that one, and obviously, everything in this town is connected. Like, Jean, Walter's daughter, was connected to the bad guys from The Trap, and Liv Russell, the main lady of that book, popped in as a friendly character in this book, and Reuben took Pearl to the site of the events of that one as well. So I was kinda like, damn, shoulda re-read it, but honestly, have no idea which box of my many book boxes it might be in... I will re-read it though, and soon, I vow.
The lil love triangle here. I gotta at least mention that. I could absolutely see the appeal of both Reuben and David, but, not gonna lie... my heart was set on Reuben from the start. Who can resist a big, beefy country guy who is tough, and good with his hands, but also hiding a sweet little sensitive streak? Sure David was hot (and rich), and one of those fun, creative, wild types, but... yea. Team Reuben here, lmao. I'm glad everything turned out the way it did at the end, it felt like a good closure for everyone all around, not just for our three mains, but for other things that had happened in the past.
Oh, oh, shit! I almost forgot a huge-ass thing I wanted to be sure to mention!! Our good friend Dick freakin' Halloran pops up as a lil Easter-eggy here!! Turns out Pearl knew Dick during his off-season Florida months that he spent away from his summers at The Overlook (aka, the infamous hotel from The Shining!!) and that he was a huge influence in our girl's life. When I read that, I seriously had to put the book down for a moment and go full-on fan-girl squee, because, like hello!! I never expected to see that!! Like, mind... blown... lol. I was so psyched for that lil discovery, lol. King fam, I love you guys :D
Other lil things I liked...
Well, the kittens Reuben gives Pearl, like, cute af.
The damn dog. Yea, by the end the dog was less comedy relief and more major pain in the ass, if not full-on danger, but, I still couldn't be mad at the poor thing. And there were plenty of moments where that dog running around was straight-up funny.
Reuben's kids, Karen and Sam. Karen had way more of a focus in this one, and was damn near a full main character herself, but I liked how she grew up through the story, from a pouty, rebellious teen making every wrong decision possible, just to be deliberately difficult, to a more mature, responsible young adult more capable of making herself in the world. I quite liked her, even through her worst moments of 'teenage brat who thinks they're a whole-ass grownup'. Sam was a good kid too, and I look forward to getting to know him better in the next book, One on One.
Pearl's dad, Norris, he was a good guy, and I loved how he was there to support and help Pearl when she needed him.
oh my, I've gone on for quite awhile. Probs because I just liked this book so stinking much! Here's to the next one being just as enjoyable, because I'm on my way, Reuben, here I come ;)
Whoa, whoa, whoa! First couple pages in, and our girl Pearl here is the grand-niece of Joe, damn ol’ Joe Nevahs!! Wooo, I’m even more in now! :O
Ok. Wow. What a great little ride through all the small-town hot gossip and bickering and tight-knit vibes! I loved this book. I loved Pearl! She was a delight, tough and full of spark, but still imperfect, but totally likable and relatable. How she came into town, knew what she wanted, and just went and did it. Her relationship with crotchety ol' Roscoe had me at times rolling with laughter, and fired up ready to spit. They went together about as well as peas and carrot cake, but I still liked how their original antagonism became an actual, caring friendship, albeit not without its moments of fiery disagreement. And then there was Reuben! OMG, I can so see how another reviewer said he's totally a book-boyfriend. I think I'm a little in love with him myself now too! Like damn. I absolutely can't wait to tear into the next book just to see him, and visit the Ridge again, this town has started to feel like a second home to me, and its citizens like real people I know.
That was truly one of the best parts of this book, all the relationships and interactions between the people of the town, their easy banter, their just as easy way of throwing angry words, and even punches, the way everybody was all up in everyone else's business. I could see it as a soap, just set in a small Maine town with totally average folk instead of some glamourous locale full of fancy rich people. All the drama is there, as well as wholesome moments where people come together to help their own. So many great townsfolk, like Sonny and Lurch, Evvie, Walter and Jean, the yokel police, the vet, the doc, the old folks and the young. I loved the feel of the diner after Pearl took over, the easy banter over coffee, the harmless flirting and joking, the spilling of the proverbial tea...
I also loved how this book was definitely a bit of a continuation of the other Nodd's Ridge books that came before. The events (and some of the revelations) of a previous book, Caretakers, were mentioned, plus the fact that Pearl's other beau here was David Christopher, son of Torie... bringing back 'round a feel of the semi-star-crossed connection between Joe Nevers and Torie. Plus there were some mentions from another previous book, The Trap. That really kinda made me wish I had gone to the trouble of digging out my copy of that one and re-reading it before I had jumped into this one, because it's been so long since I read that one, and obviously, everything in this town is connected. Like, Jean, Walter's daughter, was connected to the bad guys from The Trap, and Liv Russell, the main lady of that book, popped in as a friendly character in this book, and Reuben took Pearl to the site of the events of that one as well. So I was kinda like, damn, shoulda re-read it, but honestly, have no idea which box of my many book boxes it might be in... I will re-read it though, and soon, I vow.
The lil love triangle here. I gotta at least mention that. I could absolutely see the appeal of both Reuben and David, but, not gonna lie... my heart was set on Reuben from the start. Who can resist a big, beefy country guy who is tough, and good with his hands, but also hiding a sweet little sensitive streak? Sure David was hot (and rich), and one of those fun, creative, wild types, but... yea. Team Reuben here, lmao. I'm glad everything turned out the way it did at the end, it felt like a good closure for everyone all around, not just for our three mains, but for other things that had happened in the past.
Oh, oh, shit! I almost forgot a huge-ass thing I wanted to be sure to mention!! Our good friend Dick freakin' Halloran pops up as a lil Easter-eggy here!! Turns out Pearl knew Dick during his off-season Florida months that he spent away from his summers at The Overlook (aka, the infamous hotel from The Shining!!) and that he was a huge influence in our girl's life. When I read that, I seriously had to put the book down for a moment and go full-on fan-girl squee, because, like hello!! I never expected to see that!! Like, mind... blown... lol. I was so psyched for that lil discovery, lol. King fam, I love you guys :D
Other lil things I liked...
Well, the kittens Reuben gives Pearl, like, cute af.
The damn dog. Yea, by the end the dog was less comedy relief and more major pain in the ass, if not full-on danger, but, I still couldn't be mad at the poor thing. And there were plenty of moments where that dog running around was straight-up funny.
Reuben's kids, Karen and Sam. Karen had way more of a focus in this one, and was damn near a full main character herself, but I liked how she grew up through the story, from a pouty, rebellious teen making every wrong decision possible, just to be deliberately difficult, to a more mature, responsible young adult more capable of making herself in the world. I quite liked her, even through her worst moments of 'teenage brat who thinks they're a whole-ass grownup'. Sam was a good kid too, and I look forward to getting to know him better in the next book, One on One.
Pearl's dad, Norris, he was a good guy, and I loved how he was there to support and help Pearl when she needed him.
oh my, I've gone on for quite awhile. Probs because I just liked this book so stinking much! Here's to the next one being just as enjoyable, because I'm on my way, Reuben, here I come ;)
March 23, 2020
4 stars. Tabitha King is a new author to me and I am now planning to read all of her books as I enjoyed "Pearl" so much. This book tells the story of Pearl, a thirtysomething woman who inherits a home in Nodd's Ridge, Maine from her Uncle. She falls in love with the house and sets about getting a job and building a life in the area. Pearl is mixed race, which causes some consternation in very white Nodd's Ridge, but Pearl doesn't let it bother her at all. She meets and has affairs with two men in town, falling deeply in love with one and finding herself powerless to resist the magnetism of the other. The other characters are authentic and interesting. Pearl herself is a remarkable woman of strength and character. I really liked this book.
December 1, 2021
I am completely in love with this book! Tabitha King is a gifted writer and brilliant storyteller. She has an extraordinary ability to paint pictures with her words which make movies in the minds of her readers and her talents are very apparent in this work. Pearl is a stunning character definitely worthy of the emotion that she awakens within the reader during this illustrious reading experience. I can't wait to read about the lives of some of the other characters that reside in the pleasant little New England town of Nodd's Ridge in Tabitha's other works. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in reading Tabitha King you will not be disappointed.
December 21, 2021
My brother made me read this. Thank you, Bill! Pearl Dickenson inherits a home place from an uncle she never knew. She moves to Nodd's Ridge in New England and warms her way into the small town and the hearts of its residents. These characters are so alive, I would recognize any of them on the street. As my brother says, she writes with the same brilliance as her husband about people and relationships, she just doesn't have to have the scary stuff to make the book come alive.
July 17, 2017
Read this 20 years ago. I decided to read it again. It holds a special place on my bookshelf along with my other Tabitha King novels. I love her story telling ability. Characters you feel like you really know. It's a shame she doesn't write much anymore.
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