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Maple Sugar Pie
Maple Sugar Pie is the story of Hazel Whitford and her family's past, Told through old black and white photographs, we see the events that caused deep fractures in her family and her estrangement from her husband and all but one of her living children.
We also see the story through the eyes of Hazel's grandson Michael's wife Jennifer, who live with the elderly Hazel for five years. After Hazel's death Jen and Mike's future on the farm, and the small business Jen has started, could be in jeopardy. Jen plans a reunion for the Canada Day long weekend hoping to reunite the family and to gain title to the farm. But will the estranged family want to return and will they be able to come to terms with the pain the events of the past have caused?
We also see the story through the eyes of Hazel's grandson Michael's wife Jennifer, who live with the elderly Hazel for five years. After Hazel's death Jen and Mike's future on the farm, and the small business Jen has started, could be in jeopardy. Jen plans a reunion for the Canada Day long weekend hoping to reunite the family and to gain title to the farm. But will the estranged family want to return and will they be able to come to terms with the pain the events of the past have caused?
- GenresCanada
Paperback
Published April 17, 2017
23 people want to read
About the author
Susan White
6 books22 followersSue White was born in New Brunswick and moved from one New Brunswick city to another. As a teenager her family moved to the Kingston Peninsula and she only left long enough to earn her BA and BEd at St. Thomas University in Fredericton. Settling on the peninsula, she and her husband raised four children and ran a small farm while she taught elementary school. Since retiring she is grateful to now have the time to work on her writing and the freedom to regularly visit her new granddaughter in Alberta.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 19, 2017
A complex story about family; the things that drive them apart and the things that bring them back together.
I always love Susan's books because they are set just up the road from my parents house, and a few of my neighbors usually make an appearance. I can picture the roads, the pub, the ferry; all things perfectly because I spent my child hood around them.
Be careful where you read this book, as it can definitely spark some tears.
I always love Susan's books because they are set just up the road from my parents house, and a few of my neighbors usually make an appearance. I can picture the roads, the pub, the ferry; all things perfectly because I spent my child hood around them.
Be careful where you read this book, as it can definitely spark some tears.
January 7, 2019
Hazel had gotten pregnant by a fella before he went off to World War II. Concerned what people would think, her nasty mean father married her off to Sonny, a guy who worked on his farm in rural New Brunswick. They ended up having a happy marriage and more children until tragedy struck. After that, things were okay until something finally broke up the family for good.
Michael is Hazel's grandson. His mother (Hazel's daughter) had committed suicide when he was young and he was placed into foster care. Jennifer is his girlfriend and they are short of funds and need a place to stay. They start to visit Hazel and persuade her to let them move in with her on the farm. Rather than taking advantage of her, they fix up the farm, have four children (who Hazel dotes on) and Jen starts a business.
When Hazel passes away five years later, it's discovered that all her children are on the deed to the farm. Jen hates to lose what she has built up if they have to leave the farm but more importantly she thinks it's time that Hazel's estranged children and father come back to the farm to deal with the past.
This is the third book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the story and writing style. It isn't told in a linear way ... we go back and forth from today to the past but also through Hazel's children's recollections. It is told in third person perspective in various voices. As a head's up, there is swearing and a bit of violence.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/01...
Michael is Hazel's grandson. His mother (Hazel's daughter) had committed suicide when he was young and he was placed into foster care. Jennifer is his girlfriend and they are short of funds and need a place to stay. They start to visit Hazel and persuade her to let them move in with her on the farm. Rather than taking advantage of her, they fix up the farm, have four children (who Hazel dotes on) and Jen starts a business.
When Hazel passes away five years later, it's discovered that all her children are on the deed to the farm. Jen hates to lose what she has built up if they have to leave the farm but more importantly she thinks it's time that Hazel's estranged children and father come back to the farm to deal with the past.
This is the third book I've read by this author and I enjoyed it. I liked the story and writing style. It isn't told in a linear way ... we go back and forth from today to the past but also through Hazel's children's recollections. It is told in third person perspective in various voices. As a head's up, there is swearing and a bit of violence.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2019/01...
June 12, 2023
Claire M.- This was such a heartwarming read–I could barely put it down! I had such a fun time reading this book and unfurling the beautiful story it held within. The story was very well-told, and with this book I didn’t find the multiple perspectives took away too much from the storytelling. I did sometimes have to go back to the start of the chapter to remember who was talking, especially towards the end when there were many more characters and perspectives to keep track of. That would probably be one of my only complaints about the book in all honesty.
White paints such a vivid picture of this family and the struggles they face independently, and then together. It truly felt like I was a member of the Whitford family, too, watching all the drama unfold alongside them. The theme of familial love and support throughout the book is so touching, and at times reminded me of my own family and how much I love them.
Some of the dialogue is a little stilted, though I know it’s only because it’s a novel. It can be difficult to get a real conversation’s easy flow out in words, so I commend White for this. To alleviate thisv, I would advise writing down what the conversation would be on paper, and either speaking it aloud alone or with someone else and recording it to hear how it comes out naturally.
I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, and I think it has something for everyone. This is a novel I highly recommend if you’re in a bit of a reading funk, as it’s an easy read and the plot is so good. I finished it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down! Definitely a higher star rec from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
White paints such a vivid picture of this family and the struggles they face independently, and then together. It truly felt like I was a member of the Whitford family, too, watching all the drama unfold alongside them. The theme of familial love and support throughout the book is so touching, and at times reminded me of my own family and how much I love them.
Some of the dialogue is a little stilted, though I know it’s only because it’s a novel. It can be difficult to get a real conversation’s easy flow out in words, so I commend White for this. To alleviate thisv, I would advise writing down what the conversation would be on paper, and either speaking it aloud alone or with someone else and recording it to hear how it comes out naturally.
I greatly enjoyed reading this novel, and I think it has something for everyone. This is a novel I highly recommend if you’re in a bit of a reading funk, as it’s an easy read and the plot is so good. I finished it in less than 24 hours, I just couldn’t put it down! Definitely a higher star rec from me!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 6, 2019
So many readers liked this book... will I survive my poor opinion? Maple Sugar Pie - should be shelved with fairytales that needed more editing before publishing... not only was it verbose but the idea that after decades of suppressed rage, alcoholism and drug addiction an entire family could gather together over a single weekend of complete forgiveness... and with an inheritance on the table between them... and then apparently live happily after... Sorry folks... I kept waiting for something to happen. Something realistic... Maple Sugar Pie - into the dungeon with you!!
December 30, 2022
A darker story line than most of this author’s other books with more grown-up characters and more grown-up issues; I liked it. As always, there are many references to real life people; both past and present, that make up the rural communities on the Kingston Peninsula. This of course really brings the book to life for those of us familiar with them all but would not be a hindrance to anyone from away. Definitely one of my favourites from this author.
September 23, 2018
Love reading Susan’s books because we went to my grandmothers farm every Sunday on the Peninsula and so many of the character names are familiar. Reminds me of stories Nan use to tell of people she cared about. Such a good lesson about life’s ups and downs in families.
May 27, 2018
met the author at writing group
good easy read but plot not strong ending unsatifying
good easy read but plot not strong ending unsatifying
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2022
I loved this story, I read it in one day! I knew it was a book from home in NB, but it was surprising to find businesses, roads, even people's names that were familiar! Definitely a great read!
July 29, 2024
*** 3 Stars ***
I enjoyed the details surrounding the location of this book as the story took place in Kingston, New Brunswick, a part of New Brunswick I am quite familiar and fond of. I often visit Kingston so it was refreshing to read about the landscapes and farm areas I frequently see throughout my travels on the Kingston Peninsula. I also have friends who are neighbors of the author and they were characters within the book and that made it a fun read for me.
The book focuses on Jen and her estrangement from her husband and all one but of her living children and the impactment this estrangement had on Jen over the next several years. Jen embarks on a road of personal growth and independence as she navigates through the trials and successes of owning her own business, all while trying to come to terms with the disillusionment of her family dynamics.
In addition to the storyline told from the perspective of Jen; we also see the story from the point of view of her grandson Michael. Seeing Michael's perspective makes the story all that more intriguing.
When Jen's business becomes strained and she needs assistance, she plans a Canada Day family reunion in the hopes of reuniting with long lost family members. Will the estranged family members try to make amends with Jen? Can Jen's business be saved?
I enjoyed the details surrounding the location of this book as the story took place in Kingston, New Brunswick, a part of New Brunswick I am quite familiar and fond of. I often visit Kingston so it was refreshing to read about the landscapes and farm areas I frequently see throughout my travels on the Kingston Peninsula. I also have friends who are neighbors of the author and they were characters within the book and that made it a fun read for me.
The book focuses on Jen and her estrangement from her husband and all one but of her living children and the impactment this estrangement had on Jen over the next several years. Jen embarks on a road of personal growth and independence as she navigates through the trials and successes of owning her own business, all while trying to come to terms with the disillusionment of her family dynamics.
In addition to the storyline told from the perspective of Jen; we also see the story from the point of view of her grandson Michael. Seeing Michael's perspective makes the story all that more intriguing.
When Jen's business becomes strained and she needs assistance, she plans a Canada Day family reunion in the hopes of reuniting with long lost family members. Will the estranged family members try to make amends with Jen? Can Jen's business be saved?
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews