The Kenton House

by Beth Livingston

Marrying the most beautiful girl in German Village had turned Will Fischer's life into a nightmare. But the night the 1888 blizzard roared into Columbus, Ohio, everything changed. Only time would tell if it was for better or worse. A student at Otterbein University, Jennie Kenton was visiting Grandma the night of the blizzard. Their unexpected guests presented a crisis no one could handle, least of all gentle Jennie.This is a stand-alone first book in the Tour of Homes series, imaginary stories taking place in real houses open to the public. This setting is the Kelton House and German Village in Columbus, Ohio.

Genres: Historical Fiction

350 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 20, 2019

Reviews

[Joleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2

March-July 1888, Columbus, Ohio

This is really a mixed review.

Good points…

The history behind the German Village within Columbus Ohio was fascinating. German customs, German food, German families, even a German Methodist church were all something to experience in this book! I loved that since it’s beyond my realm of experience having grown up with a completely Italian upbringing in California. It is a culture of which I know little.

I loved the faith element in this book. Main characters praying together often was so unique, something I don’t usually see in books, even Christian books these days. It’s clear this author knows her Lord, and expresses the Gospel, not once, but several times. Main characters, even though they are going through extremely hard times, were trusting the Lord for the outcome. Inspiring!

Not so good points…

There were events within the story that were hardly believable. Several times I rolled my eyes, several times I just tried to wade through it. I won’t go into detail because my observations would be spoilers. Suffice it to say, it needs objective readers' wisdom for the story to improve.

I have to say, though, that it was captivating, and I really wanted to read to the end for the HEA.

Characters:

Will Fischer and Jennie Kenton were a delight. Great father, but clearly needed help. Jennie was sweet, God-loving, but insecure. Lucy, on the other hand was an enigma. Sadly ill-prepared for her role as wife and mother, perhaps responsibility in general.

Twelve-year-old Hazel Mae was, well, my heart went out to her. No child should be treated less than a dog. (One of those hardly believable parts, sadly.)

Neighbors of both the Fischers and Bauers were godsends… the kind of neighbors everybody should have.

As for the title, well, there was an event in the Kenton house, and a few meals. Most of the story centered around two other homes, so the "tour" part left me confused. The "Author's Notes" had more information on the house (in reality The Kelton House) than the book did. But the notes were interesting and brought it all together. To be honest, I’d love to make a trip up there to see the mansions and houses mentioned in Ms. Livingston’s house-tour books.

Oh, and I have to say, the last chapter and the epilogue were amazing. I'll admit to a tear or two. 😁

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of the setting (in this case a house) being the impetus for the plot. Historical information and references were sprinkled throughout the story which added interest. The story was hard to read because of the sadness and difficulties experienced by the characters, but it wasn’t maudlin or bogged down. There were a lot of characters, but they were necessary to the story, and easy to keep track of by their uniqueness. I loved Jennie’s relationship with her grandmother who guides and encourages her as well as steps in to handle somethings when necessary. Reticent and easily run over at first, Jennie comes into her own, and I appreciated watching her grow. Will strong and sensitive and a great father, often doing the hard things. Hazel Mae is wonderful! There were several plot twists I didn’t see coming that added depth and closure to the story. There is some violence in the story, but it’s not gratuitous.

[Jsmh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent! I couldn't stop reading.

My only complaint is the definition of 'negligence' in the novel. Maybe at the time of the novel it was different, but now it means knowing what to do and not doing it. It does not mean not knowing what to do as used in the novel. Also Jenny did the only thing anyone could do when Lucy was bleeding out. So not even knowing what to do, she did the right thing. In no way was she negligent.

[Cassandra Maupin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Christian Fiction

I cannot wait to read the next books in this series! I’m blown away by the attention to historical details. The characters were lovely. Without being overly hokey, this book is full of Biblical reference, scripture, and character. I’m pleased to be able to share this with my teen girls.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly appreciate the research this author does for her stories. At the end, you get a review of the location of the house and lots of other good info. I was given the book by a friend of the author. The story was surprising to me and a little unbelievable, but still fun to read. The HE helped of course. Will consider reading more by this author

[kathi Driskell · Rating 5 out of 5]

a lovely story

I had no idea this story would be so interesting, well written and fast moving! My fave time period with precious children and Godly people! Will and Jennie formed a bond that would last the life of his precious twin girls!
Also included is a very special grandmother in all of her wisdom!

[Sarah Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked THE KENTON HOUSE from the first page all the way to the end. The historical setting was thoroughly researched and characters well developed. Written with surprises throughout, the story has depth and offers food for thought. Really enjoyed it!

[Allen Carmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

great

This was a very good book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the people involved in the book! It made me think about what kind of people we have around us. Are we good examples?

[Tressan Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best

One of the best and most interesting books I’ve read in a long time. All very believable and just held my interest. So much so that I’m just finishing it now at 2 am. You won’t be sorry to read this and you,ll hear the gospel presented by two wonderful young people.

[Kathy Huff]

I loved the book from beginning to end. Looking forward to the next one.

[Jean Holtof · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and action packed story. I enjoyed it very much.

[Charline Bonham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin

It started with disappointment. After some hardship and troubles, they put everything in God's hands and trusted. They just want what is best for the twins.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double Trouble

Through a lot of troubles and hardships the family and neighbors persevere and care for one another. Faith is upheld and justice is served in the end

[Margaret Schaknowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Kenton Family

This story kept you on the edge of your seat. It brought back a lot of memories of living in Columbus, German Village and especially Bexley, Ohio.

[Kathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book held my interest from the first page . I couldn't put it down. I will start the second book tomorrow.

[Lucille M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting

It was a very interesting read from chapter to chapter with many twist and turns as the story got more exciting, with a very happy ending!👍❤️

[LeighZ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Far fetched scenarios and unrealistic characters. I am a Christian, too, and don't enjoy knocking a book with Christian characters, but this book is not good.

[Donna Nealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging Story

Author really knows well how to weave lives of characters in a way that makes the reader curious to see the end! Wholesome clean read!