The Boathouse

by Caroline Upcher

Motherless Molly Page is only 11 when she tells her father that she will look after him for ever. Then the Murphy family move in next door and a boisterous family life seems like the most glamorous thing in the world. Molly vows she will marry the boy next door. But which one?

304 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2001

About the author

Caroline Upcher was born in London and raised in Africa and Paris. She worked in films and as a book editor and journalist before becoming a novelist.

Reviews

[Karen Pirrung · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book for your beach bag.

[Senlin Ward]

Story is interesting but it's written like a lLifetime movie.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect summer read. You definitely can escape in this book.

[Steff Fox · Rating 3 out of 5]

| Reader Fox Blog |


Caroline Upcher's The Boathouse is one of those rare examples of a romance novel that I don't end up massively annoyed with by the time I reach the end of it. I don't know what it is about these sort of books that always somehow manages to get on my nerves, but for some reason, a vast majority of them just aren't my cup of tea. As for this book, in particular, it was okay. And that's all there is to it, really.

Nothing really stands out as impressive or really interesting in any way. There's a bit of a mystery about the main character's mother and the romance included is at least a little bit better than a lot of the typical nonsense that I've known many romance books to spew. I didn't really hate anyone or roll my eyes a lot at obviously ridiculous writing or descriptions.

But the big thing about this book is that it's very forgettable. You don't leave it feeling like you're going to remember these characters or this story very well. You didn't love them, didn't have any strong connection, and so the book falls to the wayside as one that wasn't exactly bad but wasn't really worth your time either.

| Reader Fox Links |

[Manna_Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was put off early by a sex scene, I eventually decided to continue with the book, and hope for no more repeats. Overall I thought it was a good read, though there were some things that bugged me. The story line was interesting at first, but got kind of boring about midway through, and picked up again near the end. There were some oddly placed explanations for things that didn't need explaining, or things that weren't explained that could have been; or sometimes the author seemed to lose steam. The recurring 'discussions" of feminism usually seemed odd and out of placed, and a forced way of revealing the theme. I am undecided if I like her writing style; I'd have to read another of her books (maybe) to decide. I won't dwell on the number of typos.

[Pbwritr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite a good book, consdiering that it's a romance style/contemporary woman's novel. Enough mysteries in it to keep the reader wondering what's going on. We know Molly's going to marry the boy next door as that's announced immediately, but we think all along it's Pete. We never suspect Warren. Very cleverly done. And the perfect family wasn't quite so perfect, but it wasn't parodied.

[Joann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author. Unfortunately, I'm not a fan. I didn't like the main character, I thought she was wimpy and immature. I could see most of the story changes coming way in advance, and it ended too abruptly. I thought the characters were undeveloped and two-dimensional. Sorry I don't have better things to say.

[Barbara Elsborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. It had enough twists and turns to keep me interested. Even if I could see what was coming as far as the boy she'd end up with was concerned, I still enjoyed it. The characters were interesting, the story moved at a good pace and I liked the writing style.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is well written..........I like it very much

[Carol Singletary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fluff...

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a predictable story, but the characters made it worthwhile, and there were a few twists and turns. This was a perfect book to read while on vacation in the summer.

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first chapters really threw me off from the rest of the book. I found Molly to be annoying and the brothers predictable.

[Kathy Jund · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Pat · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shallow characters. Predictable plot.