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The Orphans of Mersea House
In the tradition of Kristin Harmel and Elise Hooper, USA Today bestseller Marty Wingate transports us to postwar England’s Suffolk coast in a rich historical drama about love lost—and promise found.
England, 1957. Olive Kersey’s only love never returned from World War II, and now, she’s alone and penniless. Then, the last person she ever expected to see again returns to Southwold. Olive’s childhood friend, Margery Paxton, arrives to claim her inheritance: Mersea House, a stately old home she plans to turn into the town’s only lodging. Olive’s life takes a sunny turn when Margery hires her to run the establishment. But Mersea House holds its own mysteries—and its own dangers.
First, rumors begin to fly when two enigmatic lodgers move in: Hugh Hodson, manager of the town cinema, and Mrs. Abigail Claypool, a recluse and war widow. And then, the completely unexpected: Margery is informed she has a new ward, eleven-year-old Juniper Wyckes, the orphaned daughter of Margery’s first love. Mrs. Lucie Pagett, Children’s Officer at the local authority, informs Margery that Juniper was severely stricken with polio as a child, and makes clear that she could be taken away if her welfare is in jeopardy.
Olive fears Juniper is being bullied at school because of her disability, even as the girl begins to thrive at home. But the past is never far behind for the inhabitants of Mersea House, and looming secrets may destroy these friendships they've created.
England, 1957. Olive Kersey’s only love never returned from World War II, and now, she’s alone and penniless. Then, the last person she ever expected to see again returns to Southwold. Olive’s childhood friend, Margery Paxton, arrives to claim her inheritance: Mersea House, a stately old home she plans to turn into the town’s only lodging. Olive’s life takes a sunny turn when Margery hires her to run the establishment. But Mersea House holds its own mysteries—and its own dangers.
First, rumors begin to fly when two enigmatic lodgers move in: Hugh Hodson, manager of the town cinema, and Mrs. Abigail Claypool, a recluse and war widow. And then, the completely unexpected: Margery is informed she has a new ward, eleven-year-old Juniper Wyckes, the orphaned daughter of Margery’s first love. Mrs. Lucie Pagett, Children’s Officer at the local authority, informs Margery that Juniper was severely stricken with polio as a child, and makes clear that she could be taken away if her welfare is in jeopardy.
Olive fears Juniper is being bullied at school because of her disability, even as the girl begins to thrive at home. But the past is never far behind for the inhabitants of Mersea House, and looming secrets may destroy these friendships they've created.
273 pages, Hardcover
First published August 9, 2022
78 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Marty Wingate
32 books696 followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
August 17, 2022
This is a Historical fiction. This book takes place after World War II, and it is really just about people putting themselves back together. The characters in this book are so great, and they all make this book what it is. My favorite character is Juniper, and that little girl made this book 5 stars. That little girl really shows everyone that you can really overcome anything. I love Mersea House, and that the people that are staying at the Mersea House become one big family. This is a great read. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Alcove Press) or author (Marty Wingate) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
August 14, 2022
Olive Kersey’s mother dies, she’s unmarried and at thirty seven she needs to find a job. She’s lived Southwold in Suffolk her whole life, she doesn't want to leave, her childhood friend Margery Paxton returns for a visit and this cheers her up. Olive assumes Margery is here to sell her inheritance, a shop called Paxton’s Goods and her uncle’s house. Margery is tired of living in London, she wants to turn Mersey House into a boarding house and she asks Olive to be the housekeeper.
After a lot of work getting it ready, two permanent lodgers move in, Hugh Hodgson the manager of the town’s cinema and Mrs. Abigail Claypool a war widow. Margery and Olive are just settling into their new roles, when Margery receives a letter from Mrs. Lucie Pagett a Children’s Officer and she’s been nominated as a guardian for a young girl. Juniper Wyckes is an eleven year old orphan, she’s to live with Margery for three months and Mrs. Pagett will visit to see how it’s going and she will decide if it will be a permanent arrangement. Juniper contracted polio when she was four, she wears brakes on her legs, and needs assistance with her personal care, some people think Juniper is still contagious and it’s ridiculous.
Olive is in her element running the boarding house, she likes caring for Juniper and discovers her maternal side. The story is set in a small English seaside village in the 1950’s and it has a mixture of interesting and engaging characters. Everyone living at the boarding house has a past and secrets, they slowly get to know each other and become friends and an unconventional family.
I received a copy of The Orphans of Mersey House by Marty Wingate from NetGalley and Alcove Press. What a delightful and moving story about friendship, kindness, second chances, fighting prejudice, and Juniper finding a loving home. Five stars from me and I highly recommend reading this wonderful book.
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After a lot of work getting it ready, two permanent lodgers move in, Hugh Hodgson the manager of the town’s cinema and Mrs. Abigail Claypool a war widow. Margery and Olive are just settling into their new roles, when Margery receives a letter from Mrs. Lucie Pagett a Children’s Officer and she’s been nominated as a guardian for a young girl. Juniper Wyckes is an eleven year old orphan, she’s to live with Margery for three months and Mrs. Pagett will visit to see how it’s going and she will decide if it will be a permanent arrangement. Juniper contracted polio when she was four, she wears brakes on her legs, and needs assistance with her personal care, some people think Juniper is still contagious and it’s ridiculous.
Olive is in her element running the boarding house, she likes caring for Juniper and discovers her maternal side. The story is set in a small English seaside village in the 1950’s and it has a mixture of interesting and engaging characters. Everyone living at the boarding house has a past and secrets, they slowly get to know each other and become friends and an unconventional family.
I received a copy of The Orphans of Mersey House by Marty Wingate from NetGalley and Alcove Press. What a delightful and moving story about friendship, kindness, second chances, fighting prejudice, and Juniper finding a loving home. Five stars from me and I highly recommend reading this wonderful book.
https://karrenreadsbooks.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/KarrenReadsH...
August 20, 2022
Olive is alone after caring for her mother and is in need of a job.
She applies for a caretaking job, but her friend Margery moves back from London and tells her to not take that job but join her at Mersea Boarding House.
Olive and Margery are life-long friends. Olive is the sweetest person. Margery is an ok friend, but a bit tough.
They take in two boarders both with a story behind their personalities.
One day Margery gets a surprise when she is contacted by social services and is asked to care for her old boyfriend's daughter.
Juniper is a sweet girl who lost her mother to polio and now her father. Juniper also suffered from polio and years of surgery and the iron lung.
THE ORPHANS OF MERSEA HOUSE is a heartwarming book that has endearing characters and a nostalgic storyline.
You won't want to stop reading because it takes you back when things were simpler but not necessarily better but just plain sweet.
Enjoy when you read this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
She applies for a caretaking job, but her friend Margery moves back from London and tells her to not take that job but join her at Mersea Boarding House.
Olive and Margery are life-long friends. Olive is the sweetest person. Margery is an ok friend, but a bit tough.
They take in two boarders both with a story behind their personalities.
One day Margery gets a surprise when she is contacted by social services and is asked to care for her old boyfriend's daughter.
Juniper is a sweet girl who lost her mother to polio and now her father. Juniper also suffered from polio and years of surgery and the iron lung.
THE ORPHANS OF MERSEA HOUSE is a heartwarming book that has endearing characters and a nostalgic storyline.
You won't want to stop reading because it takes you back when things were simpler but not necessarily better but just plain sweet.
Enjoy when you read this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
January 5, 2023
It is important to note that the majority of the themes explored in this book deal with sensitive subject matters. My review, therefore, touches on these topics as well. Many people might find the subject matters of the book as well as those detailed in my review overwhelming. I would suggest you steer clear of both if this is the case. Please note that from this point forward I will be writing about matters which contain reflections on the repercussions of war, financial insecurity, grief, physical disabilities, discrimination based on physical ailments, bigotry, & others.
In a seaside village recovering from the losses caused by World War II, Olive finds herself grieving the loss of another member of her family, her mother. Orphaned in her late thirties, Olive is unsure of how to proceed. Since the passing of Donald, her brother, in Dunkirk, she has seen her family deteriorate & pass on; facing the world on her own after having remained stagnant her entire life, she is at a loss of where to go to move forward. At the arrival of Margery, her childhood friend, a series of events unfold which sees the main character & a slew of others walk through the doors to Mersea House wherein a surrogate family for all those in transition, seeking final repose, & those in need of love, find themselves settled.
This is a book that will very certainly not be for everyone. I say this with no ill-will but, nothing happens in the story. The entirety of the plot is focused on Olive & her repositioning herself in life after being faced with the death of her mother whom she had been caring for. The reader moves through her habitual actions as the housekeeper at Mersea House, which was transformed into a boarding house by Margery, having had it bestowed upon her by her late uncle Milkey. The lodgers, the townsfolk & the primary characters all join together to ensure that this story flows in such a way as to ease any worries the reader might have when entering their fictional world. Any obstacles presented throughout the plot are lessened by the overall sentiment that the author has induced within the story; that of tranquillity, hope, calm & tenderness.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, however, it is not one you choose should you be seeking a plot-driven story. For example, Juniper has had both her parents pass away in a number of years & finds herself at Mersea House as Margery’s ward. Much of her stay at the house presents the uncertainty of Child Services approving Margery as an appropriate guardian for Juniper. The obstacle presented reflects the possibility that Juniper would be taken back into foster care. Though this possibility is real, it resides alongside other questions the reader might pose & yet not have answered. Such as, why was Margery chosen to be the guardian of her ex-lover’s child. Would Child Protective Services (CPS) allow Olive to adopt Juniper from Margery’s care whilst the case is not completed?
There are other such questions that are left unanswered by the end of the book but, as it stands, it appears that Wingate may have left the ending of the book open for the possibility of a second instalment. Should this be the case, I will eagerly await the follow-up.
I do not wish to dissuade anyone from choosing to read this book, however, I think that highlighting certain points remains important as, I myself, wondered if something more was going to happen during my read. This does not take away from the enjoyment of reading a story in which nothing ‘bad’ interrupts the flow of the story but, this is not something that every person might seek to want to read & that’s okay.
Overall, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. I adored Olive & rooted for her success from the start. She is a character who is easy to love; she is kind, thoughtful, well-spoken, self-sufficient, motivated & independent. These are qualities I like to see reflected in female characters — someone who is strong-willed without being a bully — & in the 1957 setting, it was wonderful to see a full cast of characters approach topics such as sexuality, parenthood, marital status, etc. in progressive ways. I suppose we might have our own society looked on by future generations with a similar sense to the one we hold for those of the past. It’s easy to assume that the lump sum of people thought or acted a certain way & I’m sure many of them did, such as many still do to this day. However, for the sake of those people who did stand with reason, & for the sake of those who did live differently than the ‘norm’, I am glad to see a story reflect happiness on to their narratives.
I am glad to have read a book in which I found myself eager to peek into the lives of lovely characters & their cozy seaside abodes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press & Marty Wingate for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
In a seaside village recovering from the losses caused by World War II, Olive finds herself grieving the loss of another member of her family, her mother. Orphaned in her late thirties, Olive is unsure of how to proceed. Since the passing of Donald, her brother, in Dunkirk, she has seen her family deteriorate & pass on; facing the world on her own after having remained stagnant her entire life, she is at a loss of where to go to move forward. At the arrival of Margery, her childhood friend, a series of events unfold which sees the main character & a slew of others walk through the doors to Mersea House wherein a surrogate family for all those in transition, seeking final repose, & those in need of love, find themselves settled.
This is a book that will very certainly not be for everyone. I say this with no ill-will but, nothing happens in the story. The entirety of the plot is focused on Olive & her repositioning herself in life after being faced with the death of her mother whom she had been caring for. The reader moves through her habitual actions as the housekeeper at Mersea House, which was transformed into a boarding house by Margery, having had it bestowed upon her by her late uncle Milkey. The lodgers, the townsfolk & the primary characters all join together to ensure that this story flows in such a way as to ease any worries the reader might have when entering their fictional world. Any obstacles presented throughout the plot are lessened by the overall sentiment that the author has induced within the story; that of tranquillity, hope, calm & tenderness.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book, however, it is not one you choose should you be seeking a plot-driven story. For example, Juniper has had both her parents pass away in a number of years & finds herself at Mersea House as Margery’s ward. Much of her stay at the house presents the uncertainty of Child Services approving Margery as an appropriate guardian for Juniper. The obstacle presented reflects the possibility that Juniper would be taken back into foster care. Though this possibility is real, it resides alongside other questions the reader might pose & yet not have answered. Such as, why was Margery chosen to be the guardian of her ex-lover’s child. Would Child Protective Services (CPS) allow Olive to adopt Juniper from Margery’s care whilst the case is not completed?
There are other such questions that are left unanswered by the end of the book but, as it stands, it appears that Wingate may have left the ending of the book open for the possibility of a second instalment. Should this be the case, I will eagerly await the follow-up.
I do not wish to dissuade anyone from choosing to read this book, however, I think that highlighting certain points remains important as, I myself, wondered if something more was going to happen during my read. This does not take away from the enjoyment of reading a story in which nothing ‘bad’ interrupts the flow of the story but, this is not something that every person might seek to want to read & that’s okay.
Overall, I found this book to be a breath of fresh air. I adored Olive & rooted for her success from the start. She is a character who is easy to love; she is kind, thoughtful, well-spoken, self-sufficient, motivated & independent. These are qualities I like to see reflected in female characters — someone who is strong-willed without being a bully — & in the 1957 setting, it was wonderful to see a full cast of characters approach topics such as sexuality, parenthood, marital status, etc. in progressive ways. I suppose we might have our own society looked on by future generations with a similar sense to the one we hold for those of the past. It’s easy to assume that the lump sum of people thought or acted a certain way & I’m sure many of them did, such as many still do to this day. However, for the sake of those people who did stand with reason, & for the sake of those who did live differently than the ‘norm’, I am glad to see a story reflect happiness on to their narratives.
I am glad to have read a book in which I found myself eager to peek into the lives of lovely characters & their cozy seaside abodes.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alcove Press & Marty Wingate for the free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2023
Postwar England 1957 – some of the population remains displaced, devastated and still grieving loved ones lost in WWII.
Set in a small seaside town Olive Kersey having just lost her mother has no other family, no money and nowhere to go until her long-time friend Margery Paxton arrives in town to sell off her uncle’s home and business which has been left to her in his will.
As Olive and Margery renew their friendship Margery’s plans change. She decides to stay in town, refit the old shop and renovate the house turning it into a boarding house and offers Olive the job as manager.
Their first two lodgers arrive, a man who is to be the manager of the cinema and an older woman who is very much a recluse.
Then a surprise when Margery is made aware that she has become guardian of an eleven year old girl, Juniper, who was stricken with polio at age four. Naturally Juniper’s disability will necessitate some adjustments in the home, but Juniper is as bright and as happy as a child in her circumstances can be.
Each person has something of a secret past but somehow this odd assortment of displaced persons finds a collective home and comfort in each other.
While serious subjects are touched upon there really is no grand reveal, no major plot line, it’s just a book about friendship, ordinary people trying to put their lives back together again, acceptance and the changing mores of postwar England.
As corny as this may seem if you find your faith in human nature flagging, read this book.
4 Very Big 💖
Set in a small seaside town Olive Kersey having just lost her mother has no other family, no money and nowhere to go until her long-time friend Margery Paxton arrives in town to sell off her uncle’s home and business which has been left to her in his will.
As Olive and Margery renew their friendship Margery’s plans change. She decides to stay in town, refit the old shop and renovate the house turning it into a boarding house and offers Olive the job as manager.
Their first two lodgers arrive, a man who is to be the manager of the cinema and an older woman who is very much a recluse.
Then a surprise when Margery is made aware that she has become guardian of an eleven year old girl, Juniper, who was stricken with polio at age four. Naturally Juniper’s disability will necessitate some adjustments in the home, but Juniper is as bright and as happy as a child in her circumstances can be.
Each person has something of a secret past but somehow this odd assortment of displaced persons finds a collective home and comfort in each other.
While serious subjects are touched upon there really is no grand reveal, no major plot line, it’s just a book about friendship, ordinary people trying to put their lives back together again, acceptance and the changing mores of postwar England.
As corny as this may seem if you find your faith in human nature flagging, read this book.
4 Very Big 💖
September 26, 2023
England, 1957.
Olive Kersey is feeling lost after the death of her mother. Her future is uncertain until her old friend Marjery returns to town and hires Olive to run her boarding house. Soon, they have two boarders, and out of the blue Marjery becomes ward of an eleven year old girl, an orphan with lingering disabilities from polio. As they all settle in, new friendships are formed, and they come to care for each other as family.
A sweet, touching story of love, loss, forgiveness, and perseverance.
Olive Kersey is feeling lost after the death of her mother. Her future is uncertain until her old friend Marjery returns to town and hires Olive to run her boarding house. Soon, they have two boarders, and out of the blue Marjery becomes ward of an eleven year old girl, an orphan with lingering disabilities from polio. As they all settle in, new friendships are formed, and they come to care for each other as family.
A sweet, touching story of love, loss, forgiveness, and perseverance.
July 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. And Even though it was an interesting story, the book was for me about the Main characters. I loved to follow their daily.life, i wanted to be a part of it. The colourfulPeople, the.nosey and gossiping neighbour next Door, The Church, you know.rhe women who runs it. The strength to overcome hardships, they way to look at the World as an adventure, Even though it has knocked you down a few.times . Making a different family.which probably was not the.norm during the 1950s. Accepting eachother no.matter what. You have to.read this.book. it was heartwarming.
April 7, 2022
when her mother dies, Olive, a 37 year old, is on the edge of poverty and miserably lonely. she is left with two choices, either apply for a caretaker job or become Mrs. Constance Binny company.
but Margery, her childhood friends returns to town to claim her inheritance, a small shop and a Mersea house witch she wants to turn into a lodging. she hires Olive to act as a manager for the lodging. but in a turn of events, Margery finds out that she has become the guardian of 11 year old Juniper, her late ex-husband's daughter,
but everyone has a secret that will be revealed and a very stunning story will unfold right Infront of our eyes.
a very touching story with a happy ending and definitely enjoyable.
I do recommend reading this beautiful novel.
Thanks to NetGallery for providing my copy.
but Margery, her childhood friends returns to town to claim her inheritance, a small shop and a Mersea house witch she wants to turn into a lodging. she hires Olive to act as a manager for the lodging. but in a turn of events, Margery finds out that she has become the guardian of 11 year old Juniper, her late ex-husband's daughter,
but everyone has a secret that will be revealed and a very stunning story will unfold right Infront of our eyes.
a very touching story with a happy ending and definitely enjoyable.
I do recommend reading this beautiful novel.
Thanks to NetGallery for providing my copy.
April 5, 2022
It was the description, “Mersea House holds its own mysteries—and its own dangers,” that got me curious about the book and request a copy from NetGalley. But if there was any mystery and danger, I don’t know where in the house it was hidden because I didn’t find it.
The story takes place in 1957 England. Olive Kersey lost everyone she loved either to the war or illness, and just as she becomes lost, penniless, and alone, her childhood friend Margery Paxton returns to town to claim her inheritance—Mersea House—and offers Olive a job as a housekeeper. With two lodgers moving in, Mersea House inhabitants create an odd family of their own. The unexpected turn comes when Margery receives a message that her late first love left his daughter, eleven-year-old Juniper who survived paralytic polio, in Margery’s care.
For the longest time, I couldn’t put a finger on what the book was actually about. Olive? Friendship? The house? Drinking hot beverages in Britain? That’s the thing about the story: Not much seems to be happening, yet something is always happening—someone’s always at the door and Olive is always serving tea or coffee. It just often feels… insignificant.
At the same time, I was not particularly invested in any of the characters in the book. Margery irritated me because she seemed to run away from her responsibilities and shift them onto Olive. Olive’s personality didn’t leave a very strong impression. Because the story followed mostly Olive whereabouts, there wasn’t as much of Juniper in the book as I wished. And then there were the many other town residents who I had a hard time remembering let alone distinguishing.
Only once I got to the end, to the author’s note, did I find out that the whole book was actually inspired by—SPOILER ALERT—stories about people who survived polio. Yet Juniper’s storyline didn’t feel that significant, rather just a (welcome) interruption to all the door-knocking Olive responded to and all the drinks she kept serving.
Put it this way: If you’re sipping on tea or coffee while chewing shortbread, and want something to read while hoping that the local gossiper won’t come knocking on your door because you’re too polite to tell her off, this book will definitely fit the mood.
ARC | NetGalley | Alcove Press
The story takes place in 1957 England. Olive Kersey lost everyone she loved either to the war or illness, and just as she becomes lost, penniless, and alone, her childhood friend Margery Paxton returns to town to claim her inheritance—Mersea House—and offers Olive a job as a housekeeper. With two lodgers moving in, Mersea House inhabitants create an odd family of their own. The unexpected turn comes when Margery receives a message that her late first love left his daughter, eleven-year-old Juniper who survived paralytic polio, in Margery’s care.
For the longest time, I couldn’t put a finger on what the book was actually about. Olive? Friendship? The house? Drinking hot beverages in Britain? That’s the thing about the story: Not much seems to be happening, yet something is always happening—someone’s always at the door and Olive is always serving tea or coffee. It just often feels… insignificant.
At the same time, I was not particularly invested in any of the characters in the book. Margery irritated me because she seemed to run away from her responsibilities and shift them onto Olive. Olive’s personality didn’t leave a very strong impression. Because the story followed mostly Olive whereabouts, there wasn’t as much of Juniper in the book as I wished. And then there were the many other town residents who I had a hard time remembering let alone distinguishing.
Only once I got to the end, to the author’s note, did I find out that the whole book was actually inspired by—SPOILER ALERT—stories about people who survived polio. Yet Juniper’s storyline didn’t feel that significant, rather just a (welcome) interruption to all the door-knocking Olive responded to and all the drinks she kept serving.
Put it this way: If you’re sipping on tea or coffee while chewing shortbread, and want something to read while hoping that the local gossiper won’t come knocking on your door because you’re too polite to tell her off, this book will definitely fit the mood.
ARC | NetGalley | Alcove Press
January 17, 2022
If I have to describe The Orphans of Mersea House by Marty Wingate in a single word, I would say ‘heartfelt.’
Set in 1957, in a charming seaside town, Southwold, England, this character-driven story is about love, friendship, acceptance, and second chances.
Olive Kersey, Margery Paxton, and Juniper Wyckes are the central characters around whom the story develops.
37-year-old Olive has recently lost her mother. She is lonely and on the brink of poverty. Her grave financial situation leaves her with two options–either apply for a caretaker’s job in a faraway town or become a companion to Mrs. Constance Binny, the town’s unofficial news broadcaster. Thankfully, the return of her childhood best friend Margery from London fills her with a fresh ray of hope. Margery has recently lost her uncle Milkey and has inherited a small shop and Mersea House – a stately home which she plans to turn into a lodging. She employs Olive as a caretaker to run and manage the lodging.
The arrival of the very first guests–Hugh Hodson, manager of the town cinema, and Mrs. Abigail Claypool, a recluse war-widow sends the rumour mills working overtime in the small town.
Mrs. Lucie Pagett, a Children’s officer, turns the lives of Margery and Olive upside down with an unexpected revelation – Margery is now to become the guardian of 11-year-old Juniper, the orphaned daughter of Margery’s ex.
Juniper is an intelligent and cheerful child. Polio-stricken since her early childhood, she has certain special needs. Unable to meet her requirements would lead to placing Juniper in a welfare home. Olive completely fills the role of Juniper’s guardian, becoming more of a mother to the child. Margery’s business roars and soon she signs up Olive for driving lessons. Mr. Charlie Salt, the driving instructor, soon becomes Olive’s friend and companion.
But Mersea House isn’t a regular home. Every member has a secret to hide, a past they do not wish to reveal. As the secrets come out in the open, relationships border close to destruction, sending the lives of all in turmoil.
It would be unfair to the author and publishers if I reveal the finer details of the story. All I can say is, read on to know more. You won’t regret grabbing this book.
This book has a gripping storyline and lovely setting. But what makes it more endearing is the narration. Wingate holds control of the flow and narrative all throughout. Nowhere does it feel that the story is sliding down a slippery slope. The story is set in the post-war UK, but there isn’t much focus on the historical aspect of the war, rather it is more on its effect on the lives of the townsfolk.
Created in a nuanced manner, the characters finely fit with the olden times. Every person plays a role in the story without overshadowing others. Their fears, insecurities, losses, and hopes are well depicted. It is impossible to not fall in love with the well-rounded characters. Their back-stories are revealed at appropriate places, helping the reader to get to know them at ease.
While Olive and Margery’s friendship is delightful, Olive’s relationship with Juniper is one of kindred souls brought together. Mrs. Wilkins is the hero the world needs more of. Billy, Hugh, and Mrs. Abigail are the friends one can always count on.
There are a couple of scenes showing an intimate physical relationship between two characters. Even these have been done tastefully, keeping in mind the period in which the story is taking place. I doubt whether women would have been this forward in the 1950s…
The author has addressed issues like polio, same-sex love, death, loss, and longing sensitively; especially the way she has depicted Juniper, a person afflicted with polio is inspiring and heart-warming. The townsfolk’s reluctance, prejudice, and acceptance are depicted with raw honesty.
The story unfolds in a soothing manner, leading to a touching and happy ending. I am certain that it wouldn’t be easy to achieve considering the historical setting. Though the author doesn’t highlight the practical difficulties of that perfect ending, it hardly lessens the beauty of the story.
I would recommend The Orphans of Mersea House to fans of historical fiction and to those looking for a story brimming with hope and positivity.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.
(4.5 stars)
BLOG
Set in 1957, in a charming seaside town, Southwold, England, this character-driven story is about love, friendship, acceptance, and second chances.
Olive Kersey, Margery Paxton, and Juniper Wyckes are the central characters around whom the story develops.
37-year-old Olive has recently lost her mother. She is lonely and on the brink of poverty. Her grave financial situation leaves her with two options–either apply for a caretaker’s job in a faraway town or become a companion to Mrs. Constance Binny, the town’s unofficial news broadcaster. Thankfully, the return of her childhood best friend Margery from London fills her with a fresh ray of hope. Margery has recently lost her uncle Milkey and has inherited a small shop and Mersea House – a stately home which she plans to turn into a lodging. She employs Olive as a caretaker to run and manage the lodging.
The arrival of the very first guests–Hugh Hodson, manager of the town cinema, and Mrs. Abigail Claypool, a recluse war-widow sends the rumour mills working overtime in the small town.
Mrs. Lucie Pagett, a Children’s officer, turns the lives of Margery and Olive upside down with an unexpected revelation – Margery is now to become the guardian of 11-year-old Juniper, the orphaned daughter of Margery’s ex.
Juniper is an intelligent and cheerful child. Polio-stricken since her early childhood, she has certain special needs. Unable to meet her requirements would lead to placing Juniper in a welfare home. Olive completely fills the role of Juniper’s guardian, becoming more of a mother to the child. Margery’s business roars and soon she signs up Olive for driving lessons. Mr. Charlie Salt, the driving instructor, soon becomes Olive’s friend and companion.
But Mersea House isn’t a regular home. Every member has a secret to hide, a past they do not wish to reveal. As the secrets come out in the open, relationships border close to destruction, sending the lives of all in turmoil.
It would be unfair to the author and publishers if I reveal the finer details of the story. All I can say is, read on to know more. You won’t regret grabbing this book.
This book has a gripping storyline and lovely setting. But what makes it more endearing is the narration. Wingate holds control of the flow and narrative all throughout. Nowhere does it feel that the story is sliding down a slippery slope. The story is set in the post-war UK, but there isn’t much focus on the historical aspect of the war, rather it is more on its effect on the lives of the townsfolk.
Created in a nuanced manner, the characters finely fit with the olden times. Every person plays a role in the story without overshadowing others. Their fears, insecurities, losses, and hopes are well depicted. It is impossible to not fall in love with the well-rounded characters. Their back-stories are revealed at appropriate places, helping the reader to get to know them at ease.
While Olive and Margery’s friendship is delightful, Olive’s relationship with Juniper is one of kindred souls brought together. Mrs. Wilkins is the hero the world needs more of. Billy, Hugh, and Mrs. Abigail are the friends one can always count on.
There are a couple of scenes showing an intimate physical relationship between two characters. Even these have been done tastefully, keeping in mind the period in which the story is taking place. I doubt whether women would have been this forward in the 1950s…
The author has addressed issues like polio, same-sex love, death, loss, and longing sensitively; especially the way she has depicted Juniper, a person afflicted with polio is inspiring and heart-warming. The townsfolk’s reluctance, prejudice, and acceptance are depicted with raw honesty.
The story unfolds in a soothing manner, leading to a touching and happy ending. I am certain that it wouldn’t be easy to achieve considering the historical setting. Though the author doesn’t highlight the practical difficulties of that perfect ending, it hardly lessens the beauty of the story.
I would recommend The Orphans of Mersea House to fans of historical fiction and to those looking for a story brimming with hope and positivity.
Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC.
(4.5 stars)
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August 4, 2022
3.5 stars. Plot: Set in a seaside village that is healing from the losses caused by World War II, Olive grieves the loss of her mother. As a single woman in her 30s who is now newly orphaned, Olive does not know how to move forward in her life, especially since she is still healing from the death of her brother Donald (during the war). When she bumps into her childhood friend Margery, an opportunity to help run the Mersea House is presented, and it will change Olive's life forever.
Thoughts: I really wanted to love this book, but it wasn't for me. I think it was well-written and Wingate created thoughtful characters (loved that she brought attention to issues of sexuality and physical disability); however, nothing really happens plotwise. This book leans very heavily toward character-driven to the point where I was waiting for something dramatic to happen, and nothing really did. I understand the objective of the story was to bring this unlikely cast of characters with their own stories and baggage into this common place, but I longed for something more to happen. Don't get me wrong, the characters were great, especially Olive and Juniper, but this wasn't right fit for me. If you love stories that are heavily character-centric, this may be a good fit for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for my eARC.
Thoughts: I really wanted to love this book, but it wasn't for me. I think it was well-written and Wingate created thoughtful characters (loved that she brought attention to issues of sexuality and physical disability); however, nothing really happens plotwise. This book leans very heavily toward character-driven to the point where I was waiting for something dramatic to happen, and nothing really did. I understand the objective of the story was to bring this unlikely cast of characters with their own stories and baggage into this common place, but I longed for something more to happen. Don't get me wrong, the characters were great, especially Olive and Juniper, but this wasn't right fit for me. If you love stories that are heavily character-centric, this may be a good fit for you!
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for my eARC.
August 7, 2022
What a delightful book. It’s a comforting read about strangers who make a motley family for,themselves. Olive, whom I adore because she is the main driving force, is left alone until her friend Margery returns to the shore and offers her a job. Renters begin snowing up along with precious Juniper, who has been afflicted by polio.
There all sorts of ups and downs, but the warmth and love between the characters is heartwarming.
I didn’t want the book to end.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the early read.
There all sorts of ups and downs, but the warmth and love between the characters is heartwarming.
I didn’t want the book to end.
Thanks to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the early read.
July 15, 2022
If you love historical fiction, you’ll love The Orphans of Mersea House. Set in Southwold, England, post-WWII, this story features main character Olive Kersey, beginning right after the death of her mother when she is forced to start her life over. Her one love and her brother both died in the war, and she is what many would refer to as a spinster. However, her childhood friend Margery swoops in and rescues her from an otherwise dreary plight, and enlists her to help run and keep house for her new boarding house. Meanwhile, Margery receives news that she has an 11-year-old ward, Juniper Wyckes, daughter of one of Margery’s old flames. Margery takes her in, and Olive instantly falls in love. The caveat is that Juniper contracted polio when she was four, and as a result cannot walk on her own. As a result, her children’s officer from the local authority, says Margery can care for Juniper for a trial period–and she keeps an annoyingly close watch on her.
This book was a relatively quick but incredibly heartfelt read. Olive and Juniper’s relationship demonstrates the wonder of found family. I also loved the elements of romance sprinkled throughout, as well as the character development of the other lodgers in Mersea House. The writing pulls you into the time period, but also manages to deal with larger themes that are extremely prevalent today: LGBTQIA+ issues, adoption, terminal illness, and even suicide.
I highly recommend this book to anybody looking for a charming and wholesome historical fiction read.
This book was a relatively quick but incredibly heartfelt read. Olive and Juniper’s relationship demonstrates the wonder of found family. I also loved the elements of romance sprinkled throughout, as well as the character development of the other lodgers in Mersea House. The writing pulls you into the time period, but also manages to deal with larger themes that are extremely prevalent today: LGBTQIA+ issues, adoption, terminal illness, and even suicide.
I highly recommend this book to anybody looking for a charming and wholesome historical fiction read.
August 12, 2022
I just finished The Orphans of Mersea house by Marty Wingate and here is my review
It’s 1957 and Olive is now alone and penniless. She is weighing her options when her childhood friend, Margery, returns home to claim her inheritance… Mersea house. She plans on turning the place into a boarding house, a boarding house she wants Olive to run. Grasping the lifeline with both hands, Olive agrees.
A letter one day, changes everything. A young girl, Juniper, has been left in Margery’s care. A young girl, the daughter of a past lover… A little girl that survived polio. The little girl brings love and life to all the residents of Mersea House but social services are keeping an incredibly close eye on them all and have made it very clear that Juniper isn’t necessarily there to stay…
This book was so beautifully written I felt like my heart was going to burst. This book was amply named for the people who all ended up living at mersea house. A man with no family and who had to leave the love of his life. A widow who suffered so much loss and a beautiful little girl who faced such a horrific start to her life but grabbed the small pleasures with both hands. I loved watching her bond with Olive especially. Everyone in the house became a family, not by blood ties or marriage but by a deep love that can only come from allowing people into your hearts when you don’t want to get hurt.
I loved the house too. I felt like I knew every creak of the floorboards and walked around with my eyes closed. Everything was described with meticulous detail that I found heavenly and couldn’t wait to devour the next page. This unconventional love story really warmed my soul and I couldn’t have loved the ending more.
This is the kind of historical fiction I feel everyone should read. It was so breathtaking in the way it all came together.
I cannot recommend this book more! 5 stars
If you love a historical romance with a seaside theme, this has to be on your list!
Thank you netgalley and alcove press for my arc copy in exchange for my honest opinions
It’s 1957 and Olive is now alone and penniless. She is weighing her options when her childhood friend, Margery, returns home to claim her inheritance… Mersea house. She plans on turning the place into a boarding house, a boarding house she wants Olive to run. Grasping the lifeline with both hands, Olive agrees.
A letter one day, changes everything. A young girl, Juniper, has been left in Margery’s care. A young girl, the daughter of a past lover… A little girl that survived polio. The little girl brings love and life to all the residents of Mersea House but social services are keeping an incredibly close eye on them all and have made it very clear that Juniper isn’t necessarily there to stay…
This book was so beautifully written I felt like my heart was going to burst. This book was amply named for the people who all ended up living at mersea house. A man with no family and who had to leave the love of his life. A widow who suffered so much loss and a beautiful little girl who faced such a horrific start to her life but grabbed the small pleasures with both hands. I loved watching her bond with Olive especially. Everyone in the house became a family, not by blood ties or marriage but by a deep love that can only come from allowing people into your hearts when you don’t want to get hurt.
I loved the house too. I felt like I knew every creak of the floorboards and walked around with my eyes closed. Everything was described with meticulous detail that I found heavenly and couldn’t wait to devour the next page. This unconventional love story really warmed my soul and I couldn’t have loved the ending more.
This is the kind of historical fiction I feel everyone should read. It was so breathtaking in the way it all came together.
I cannot recommend this book more! 5 stars
If you love a historical romance with a seaside theme, this has to be on your list!
Thank you netgalley and alcove press for my arc copy in exchange for my honest opinions
August 6, 2022
This is a wonderful book for readers who are craving a sweet story with likable characters. Set in a seaside English village, Mersea house is a welcoming place for vacationers who need a break from their stressful lives.
Margery owns the house and her longtime friend Olive has agreed to be the house keeper. Soon after they open, a woman from social services contacts Margery letting her know that she has been named guardian of a little girl named Juniper.
When Juniper arrives, Margery and Olive take to her right away and begin making changes about the house so Juniper will feel more comfortable. Soon the entire village has embraced Juniper and she finds a good friend and protector in Billy, one of her classmates.
In the meantime, Margery pursues her dream of owning a local business and Olive finds herself falling in love. Things just naturally come together for this group and I found this to be a predictable, but enjoyable story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer an honest review.
Margery owns the house and her longtime friend Olive has agreed to be the house keeper. Soon after they open, a woman from social services contacts Margery letting her know that she has been named guardian of a little girl named Juniper.
When Juniper arrives, Margery and Olive take to her right away and begin making changes about the house so Juniper will feel more comfortable. Soon the entire village has embraced Juniper and she finds a good friend and protector in Billy, one of her classmates.
In the meantime, Margery pursues her dream of owning a local business and Olive finds herself falling in love. Things just naturally come together for this group and I found this to be a predictable, but enjoyable story.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for allowing me to read an advance copy. I am happy to offer an honest review.
January 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. I received it from Net Galley in return for an honest review.
The setting is England in the late 50’s where Olive has list her brother and boyfriend in the war, her father has passed and just now her mum. She’s come to a point in her life where she has nowhere to live or work.
Olive’s best friend growing up, Margery, returns to the little seaside town from London, to claim an inheritance and offers Olive work and a place to live as caretaker and overseer of a lodging house.
The cast of characters are full of intrigue and secrets, and they all pull together when Margery’s ward, who is afflicted with polio, comes to live at the house.
The setting is England in the late 50’s where Olive has list her brother and boyfriend in the war, her father has passed and just now her mum. She’s come to a point in her life where she has nowhere to live or work.
Olive’s best friend growing up, Margery, returns to the little seaside town from London, to claim an inheritance and offers Olive work and a place to live as caretaker and overseer of a lodging house.
The cast of characters are full of intrigue and secrets, and they all pull together when Margery’s ward, who is afflicted with polio, comes to live at the house.
January 26, 2022
The Orphans of Mersea House is a historical fiction about love and family in post-war Britain. The protagonist Olive is a lonely, single woman whose parents have died recently and she know she needs to get her act quickly to find her way. The Orphans of Mersea House is written by the prolific author Marty Wingate.
Olive has lived in the small village Southwold, Suffolk her whole life. When her mother dies, she finds herself with no employment and no place to live. Fortunately, her friend Marjery comes back to town from London and informs Olive that uncle Milky has left Marjery a shop and a boarding house to run. She asks Olive to help her by running the boarding house. Olive agrees but soon after starting her new job, she is presented with a young 11-year-old girl, Juniper, who is Marjery’s ward and Olive must take on the daily responsibility for this girl’s care. Juniper has issues that challenge Marjery and Olive, but there are many other secrets in the household that also bring about challenges to this newly formed “family”. Social services are monitoring Juniper’s new living conditions to ensure Juniper has a good home. Life in the village becomes quite hectic. Olive becomes attached to Juniper but she also becomes increasingly concerned that they’re going to take Juniper away.
Wingate is a master of developing interesting and unique characters. The most fascinating characters are small town people. Of course, there is the town gossip. There are those who have checkered and mysterious backgrounds. Finally, there are people who have gone to the big city of London and have now returned carrying secrets that everyone would like to know. All these characters enrich and round out the story.
This is not the genre I normally read but I enjoyed it. The story is a simple but very rich in its treatment of love and family. It is a warm and inviting novel that will leave the reader contemplating life by the sea.
The story is placed in 1957 and I expect the vocabulary is very typical of speech at that time. The politeness everyone shows whenever someone comes to the door is reminiscent of a simpler time. The reader will undoubtedly have an urge to search for a pot of tea and a piece of cake to enjoy while reading.
I recommend this story to people who enjoy a good book about the love and compassion among neighbours and friends. I gave it a four on five. I want to thank NetGalley and Alcove House for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I provide this review voluntarily.
Olive has lived in the small village Southwold, Suffolk her whole life. When her mother dies, she finds herself with no employment and no place to live. Fortunately, her friend Marjery comes back to town from London and informs Olive that uncle Milky has left Marjery a shop and a boarding house to run. She asks Olive to help her by running the boarding house. Olive agrees but soon after starting her new job, she is presented with a young 11-year-old girl, Juniper, who is Marjery’s ward and Olive must take on the daily responsibility for this girl’s care. Juniper has issues that challenge Marjery and Olive, but there are many other secrets in the household that also bring about challenges to this newly formed “family”. Social services are monitoring Juniper’s new living conditions to ensure Juniper has a good home. Life in the village becomes quite hectic. Olive becomes attached to Juniper but she also becomes increasingly concerned that they’re going to take Juniper away.
Wingate is a master of developing interesting and unique characters. The most fascinating characters are small town people. Of course, there is the town gossip. There are those who have checkered and mysterious backgrounds. Finally, there are people who have gone to the big city of London and have now returned carrying secrets that everyone would like to know. All these characters enrich and round out the story.
This is not the genre I normally read but I enjoyed it. The story is a simple but very rich in its treatment of love and family. It is a warm and inviting novel that will leave the reader contemplating life by the sea.
The story is placed in 1957 and I expect the vocabulary is very typical of speech at that time. The politeness everyone shows whenever someone comes to the door is reminiscent of a simpler time. The reader will undoubtedly have an urge to search for a pot of tea and a piece of cake to enjoy while reading.
I recommend this story to people who enjoy a good book about the love and compassion among neighbours and friends. I gave it a four on five. I want to thank NetGalley and Alcove House for providing me with a digital copy of this novel. I provide this review voluntarily.
February 15, 2022
This is the story of the odd little ‘family’ that began with Margery who opened a boarding house called Mersea House. Then came her friend, Olive, who would be its maid, cook, and general keep-it-together chief. Soon Juniper, an 11-year-old girl, came along who was a ward of Margery’s. There were others who peppered the story with pleasant side stories.
This was a good-natured read with realistic characters and plenty of kindness and love and friendship to go around. The author did an expert job in developing the characters, and I enjoyed watching them evolve. Juniper had to wear leg braces because she’d had polio when she was younger, and everyone in the boarding house and others from the town looked out for her. The developing love between Olive and Juniper was very well done. I enjoyed the very satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Orphans of Mersea House. Great story!
This was a good-natured read with realistic characters and plenty of kindness and love and friendship to go around. The author did an expert job in developing the characters, and I enjoyed watching them evolve. Juniper had to wear leg braces because she’d had polio when she was younger, and everyone in the boarding house and others from the town looked out for her. The developing love between Olive and Juniper was very well done. I enjoyed the very satisfying ending.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Orphans of Mersea House. Great story!
August 10, 2022
After Olive’s mother dies she becomes the housekeeper of Mersea House- a boarding house in Southwold, England where she makes great friends, falls in love, and becomes “mother” to Juniper who has lost the use of her legs after contracting Polio.
This book is so cozy and charming! I couldn’t put it down. It takes place in the 1950s and has great characters that become instant friends to the reader. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
This book is so cozy and charming! I couldn’t put it down. It takes place in the 1950s and has great characters that become instant friends to the reader. It reminded me of Anne of Green Gables.
Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
April 9, 2022
Such a gentle, lovely story! The author really got the voice of the period and did a marvelous job of describing the English seaside town and the period fashion and styling.
There was little tension or drama and would be the perfect read for someone looking for sweetness and charming characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. this is my honest review.
There was little tension or drama and would be the perfect read for someone looking for sweetness and charming characters.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. this is my honest review.
July 22, 2024
This was so wholesome. I loved the setting of post-WWII England and there was a motley crew of characters. This was a straightforward happily-ever-after type of story but it was a fun journey to get there.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 1, 2022
Set in 1957 England, this achingly beautiful and heartwarming book is thoughtfully written, charming and oozes with pure escapism. Marty Wingate is a superb author and The Orphans of Mersea House is one of my favourites of hers thus far. Family, love, acceptance, heartache, perseverance and hope are themes in this feel-good book.
At 37 Olive is left an orphan and "spinster" after her mother dies. Her dear childhood friend Margery inherits Mersea House which is located at the sea, renovated and offers permanent and temporary lodging. Olive becomes the housekeeper of Mersea House...and so much more. She is the glue which holds it together.
When eleven-year-old Juniper, daughter of Margery's ex first love and another woman becomes Marjery's ward, the house becomes a home. Juniper knows suffering too well as a polio survivor and orphan. But her winning attitude and zest for life are cheering and contagious. She and Olive have an especially deep connection as orphans. New relationships blossom and old ones are fostered.
My favourite aspects include the parallels between Olive and Juniper. The historical details such as delectable baking, clothing, driving lessons, polio aids, values and mores of the era are breathtaking. Juniper, Olive and Charlie in particular really shine as characters. What fun to read about the lodgers and gossips, too!
Historical Fiction fans (and readers in general) ought to become immersed in this slow-paced and character-driven book. I hung onto every word.
My sincere thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful, delightful book.
At 37 Olive is left an orphan and "spinster" after her mother dies. Her dear childhood friend Margery inherits Mersea House which is located at the sea, renovated and offers permanent and temporary lodging. Olive becomes the housekeeper of Mersea House...and so much more. She is the glue which holds it together.
When eleven-year-old Juniper, daughter of Margery's ex first love and another woman becomes Marjery's ward, the house becomes a home. Juniper knows suffering too well as a polio survivor and orphan. But her winning attitude and zest for life are cheering and contagious. She and Olive have an especially deep connection as orphans. New relationships blossom and old ones are fostered.
My favourite aspects include the parallels between Olive and Juniper. The historical details such as delectable baking, clothing, driving lessons, polio aids, values and mores of the era are breathtaking. Juniper, Olive and Charlie in particular really shine as characters. What fun to read about the lodgers and gossips, too!
Historical Fiction fans (and readers in general) ought to become immersed in this slow-paced and character-driven book. I hung onto every word.
My sincere thank you to Alcove Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this delightful, delightful book.
June 25, 2025
Set in a seaside boardinghouse in post-WWII Southwold, "The Orphans of Mersea House" is a gentle, character-driven novel that tenderly explores grief, found family, and quiet resilience. Olive Kersey, still reeling from the loss of her parents and fiancé, opens her home to boarders out of necessity—but what begins as survival soon becomes something far more meaningful.
You’ll meet a cast of quirky, loveable characters—each carrying their wounds, secrets, and hopes. Slowly, they transform Mersea House into a place of comfort, healing, and unexpected joy.
Touching and hopeful, this story is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t always the one you’re born into—it’s the one you grow to love. 💛
You’ll meet a cast of quirky, loveable characters—each carrying their wounds, secrets, and hopes. Slowly, they transform Mersea House into a place of comfort, healing, and unexpected joy.
Touching and hopeful, this story is a beautiful reminder that family isn’t always the one you’re born into—it’s the one you grow to love. 💛
June 11, 2022
Marty Wingate brings her story together showing unconditional love , be given,but also received.
The Mersea House becomes a lodging house after Margery inherits it from her deceased Uncle Milkey. Her also leaves her the general store.
The house is by the seaside off of London,where Margery lives..and she moves in.
Olive accepts Margery's offer to be the caretaker and live in the house.
Olive runs the lodging house,while Margery runs the general store.
It was this option or find a job as a caretaker elsewhere. She has just lost her mom and has noone else to turn to and financially broke.
Each lodger moves in different days..bringing forth their own personality and secret they hold.
One lodger,11 yr old orphan Juniper has become Margery's ward. A 6 month trial where inspections pop in to make sure her life at the Mersea House is suitable and the proper place for her.
Olive and Margery are orphans themselves. I admire Olive's compassion and more skilled ways of raising this child who also has to walk with leg braces after having had polio.
The compassion Juniper teaches everyone in their world brings out so much love, and yet insensitive remarks by certain people in the town.
Each character learns and grows in this story, most for the better person they can become and face their secret.
I couldnt put this book down. I thank Netgalley for an ARC review of my honest and sole opinion.
The Mersea House becomes a lodging house after Margery inherits it from her deceased Uncle Milkey. Her also leaves her the general store.
The house is by the seaside off of London,where Margery lives..and she moves in.
Olive accepts Margery's offer to be the caretaker and live in the house.
Olive runs the lodging house,while Margery runs the general store.
It was this option or find a job as a caretaker elsewhere. She has just lost her mom and has noone else to turn to and financially broke.
Each lodger moves in different days..bringing forth their own personality and secret they hold.
One lodger,11 yr old orphan Juniper has become Margery's ward. A 6 month trial where inspections pop in to make sure her life at the Mersea House is suitable and the proper place for her.
Olive and Margery are orphans themselves. I admire Olive's compassion and more skilled ways of raising this child who also has to walk with leg braces after having had polio.
The compassion Juniper teaches everyone in their world brings out so much love, and yet insensitive remarks by certain people in the town.
Each character learns and grows in this story, most for the better person they can become and face their secret.
I couldnt put this book down. I thank Netgalley for an ARC review of my honest and sole opinion.
June 11, 2022
Marty Wingate brings her story together showing unconditional love , be given,but also received.
The Mersea House becomes a lodging house after Margery inherits it from her deceased Uncle Milkey. Her also leaves her the general store.
The house is by the seaside off of London,where Margery lives..and she moves in.
Olive accepts Margery's offer to be the caretaker and live in the house.
Olive runs the lodging house,while Margery runs the general store.
It was this option or find a job as a caretaker elsewhere. She has just lost her mom and has noone else to turn to and financially broke.
Each lodger moves in different days..bringing forth their own personality and secret they hold.
One lodger,11 yr old orphan Juniper has become Margery's ward. A 6 month trial where inspections pop in to make sure her life at the Mersea House is suitable and the proper place for her.
Olive and Margery are orphans themselves. I admire Olive's compassion and more skilled ways of raising this child who also has to walk with leg braces after having had polio.
The compassion Juniper teaches everyone in their world brings out so much love, and yet insensitive remarks by certain people in the town.
Each character learns and grows in this story, most for the better person they can become and face their secret.
I couldnt put this book down. I thank Netgalley for an ARC review of my honest and sole opinion.
The Mersea House becomes a lodging house after Margery inherits it from her deceased Uncle Milkey. Her also leaves her the general store.
The house is by the seaside off of London,where Margery lives..and she moves in.
Olive accepts Margery's offer to be the caretaker and live in the house.
Olive runs the lodging house,while Margery runs the general store.
It was this option or find a job as a caretaker elsewhere. She has just lost her mom and has noone else to turn to and financially broke.
Each lodger moves in different days..bringing forth their own personality and secret they hold.
One lodger,11 yr old orphan Juniper has become Margery's ward. A 6 month trial where inspections pop in to make sure her life at the Mersea House is suitable and the proper place for her.
Olive and Margery are orphans themselves. I admire Olive's compassion and more skilled ways of raising this child who also has to walk with leg braces after having had polio.
The compassion Juniper teaches everyone in their world brings out so much love, and yet insensitive remarks by certain people in the town.
Each character learns and grows in this story, most for the better person they can become and face their secret.
I couldnt put this book down. I thank Netgalley for an ARC review of my honest and sole opinion.
August 17, 2022
This was such a heartwarming historical fiction novel, and I couldn’t help but love each and every character.
Olive is alone, unmarried, and penniless. But things start to look up when her childhood friend, Margery, returns to Southwold and informs Olive of her inheritance: Mersea House. She plans to convert it into lodging and wants to hire Olive to run it. An eclectic group of lodgers begin to fill the home, but the most surprising is Margery’s new ward, Juniper, the orphaned daughter of her first love. Juniper was stricken with polio as a child, but her resilience is quite inspiring. It doesn’t take long for the locals to begin gossiping about the new inhabitants of Mersea House and secrets surrounding them threaten to be revealed, putting Juniper’s future in jeopardy, but Olive is determined to protect her new family of misfits at all costs.
Juniper was a shining star in this story, and I simply adored her. She was unwilling to let her ailment hold her back from living her life to the fullest, and Olive and Margery provided her with a loving home where she could achieve that. I also thought Hugh and Abigail were wonderful additions to the story, and while all of these characters were drastically different, they all played such important roles in each other’s lives.
Highly recommending this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing a copy of this book to review.*
Olive is alone, unmarried, and penniless. But things start to look up when her childhood friend, Margery, returns to Southwold and informs Olive of her inheritance: Mersea House. She plans to convert it into lodging and wants to hire Olive to run it. An eclectic group of lodgers begin to fill the home, but the most surprising is Margery’s new ward, Juniper, the orphaned daughter of her first love. Juniper was stricken with polio as a child, but her resilience is quite inspiring. It doesn’t take long for the locals to begin gossiping about the new inhabitants of Mersea House and secrets surrounding them threaten to be revealed, putting Juniper’s future in jeopardy, but Olive is determined to protect her new family of misfits at all costs.
Juniper was a shining star in this story, and I simply adored her. She was unwilling to let her ailment hold her back from living her life to the fullest, and Olive and Margery provided her with a loving home where she could achieve that. I also thought Hugh and Abigail were wonderful additions to the story, and while all of these characters were drastically different, they all played such important roles in each other’s lives.
Highly recommending this one!
*Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for providing a copy of this book to review.*
January 20, 2024
A delightful read with a satisfying ending.
August 10, 2025
Sweet, at times heartbreaking postwar story. Reminders of all the ways one can be orphaned, and the power of finding and creating new family in unexpected situations.
February 14, 2022
** I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC, this opinion is my own **
The Orphans of Mersea House is like a heartwarming diorama that focuses on postwar's daily life in England; It's 1957, rationing has just been lifted, yet, the shadow of the war is lingering close, with many people still mourning over who and what was lost during the war, and despite aggravating circumstances, they all try to make the best of it.
There is Olive, the housekeeper, who lost a brother at Dunkirk, Margery ward of Juniper, a fiercy, intelligent young girl for whom a lump of sugar with a pink dot came too late, then there is Charlie Salt, divorced, who sees himself as an anti-hero as he didn't contribute much during the war, and then there is Mrs Binny, the gossiper who - like a Hyacinth Bouquet, keeps an eye on everyone and everything..
These lovely lot are at the core of this beautiful novel: ordinary people that have to deal with immeasurable grief, prejudice, and narrow mindedness. In the end, they find new love, friendship, understanding, and a place they can call home.
Albeit a bit too sweet for me at times, this novel is a lovely, heartwarming story about human connections, finding love, and family.
A quick read, with lovely and hugable characters. who forever will have a place in my heart. Highly recommended!
- Publication date: August 9, 2022
The Orphans of Mersea House is like a heartwarming diorama that focuses on postwar's daily life in England; It's 1957, rationing has just been lifted, yet, the shadow of the war is lingering close, with many people still mourning over who and what was lost during the war, and despite aggravating circumstances, they all try to make the best of it.
There is Olive, the housekeeper, who lost a brother at Dunkirk, Margery ward of Juniper, a fiercy, intelligent young girl for whom a lump of sugar with a pink dot came too late, then there is Charlie Salt, divorced, who sees himself as an anti-hero as he didn't contribute much during the war, and then there is Mrs Binny, the gossiper who - like a Hyacinth Bouquet, keeps an eye on everyone and everything..
These lovely lot are at the core of this beautiful novel: ordinary people that have to deal with immeasurable grief, prejudice, and narrow mindedness. In the end, they find new love, friendship, understanding, and a place they can call home.
Albeit a bit too sweet for me at times, this novel is a lovely, heartwarming story about human connections, finding love, and family.
A quick read, with lovely and hugable characters. who forever will have a place in my heart. Highly recommended!
- Publication date: August 9, 2022
August 30, 2023
Beautiful tale of friendship and finding one's independent way in post-war, small town with small minds.
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