At The Breakers: A Novel

Kentucky Voices

by Mary Ann Taylor-Hall

In At The Breakers , Mary Ann Taylor-Hall presents Jo Sinclair, a longtime single mother of four children. Fleeing an abusive relationship after a shocking attack, Jo finds herself in Sea Cove, New Jersey, in front of The Breakers, a salty old hotel in the process of renovation. Impulsively, she negotiates for a job painting the guest rooms and settles in with her youngest child, thirteen-year-old Nick. As each room is transformed under brush and roller, Jo finds a way to renovate herself, reclaiming a promising life derailed by pregnancy and a forced marriage at age fourteen.

At The Breakers is a deeply felt and beautifully written novel about forgiveness and reconciliation. Jo Sinclair, put through the fire, emerges with a chance at a full, rich life for herself and her children, if only she has the faith to take it.

352 pages, Hardcover

First published March 6, 2009

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This random book club pick that I have never heard anyone mention in my life was a surprisingly wonderful undiscovered gem for me. Loved the characters, the mix of darkness and hopefulness, the settings, the very fine writing, almost everything here worked for me and I was engrossed.

[Corene · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this wasn't an amazing book, I'm surprised it doesn't have more of an audience on Goodreads. It is more or less standard women's fiction, but I enjoyed the Jersey Shore and NYC setting and the complicated family life of the main character. Her abusive, stalker ex- boyfriend felt like too much for this kind of story; the youngest daughter's plot line offered enough drama. The sometimes witty dialogue, and the occasionally sharp observations on family relationships suggests that the author possibly has a better book within her capabilities. But the italicized passages that represented the main character's writing efforts dragged down the pace of the book and the conclusion felt a little fluffy compared to some of the issues depicted in the story. Still, this one held my interest.

[Tracy O · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is chick lit (not of the extreme variety, but guys won't like this book), but I loved it. Any of my friends who liked Come and Go, Molly Snow will find this a sure fire thing. Great characters, compelling story. And, while it's not The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay or the Great Gatsby, I was totally engaged in it.

[Emily Combs]

I did enjoy this book once I got into it, but the upsetting SA scene towards the beginning and numerous eye-roll moments almost did me in. I'm a sucker for a book where someone runs away and starts a new life, but aspects of the plot felt too far fetched. It was almost like Gilmore Girls if Gilmore Girls alternated between near-unbelievable wholesomeness/good luck and knock-you-over tone shifts to incredibly heavy, difficult to even read about topics. The writing was beautiful and immersive and I was a big fan of the setting!

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This started great….5 star read, but lost its steam toward the end. Lots of repetition of interior thoughts that bogged down the story and that weakened the book for me. I liked the main character and all the characters seemed well defined and real. I’m planning on reading the other books by this author, so I was enough of a fan to continue.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. I was interested from the beginning and it kept my interest throughout. The characters were perfectly flawed which made them seem more real than a lot women’s fiction, even though I did want to shake them sometimes. Overall, a well written and entertaining novel.

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a kooky family, but I am so hopeful. Love will win.

[Alice Logsdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Come and Go Molly Snow so was excited when this title popped up in my public library suggestions. Nice summer read with lots of soapy action. Totally recommend.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just got bored halfway through waiting for something to happen. The storyline felt a bit cliche. Too romance heavy for my taste, but the writing style pulled me in, especially early.

[Beth Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued to the very end. Excellent read!

[T.A. Munroe]

I abandoned this because an ebook I had on hold came in and I don't spend a lot of time reading. It was okay and I might get back to it if I can check it out again at another time. Curious to see if it gets any better.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved it :)

[Ksnitselaar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.