The Gathering Room: A Tale of Nelly Butler

by Michelle E. Shores

WINNER OF THE 2023 IPPY AWARD - BRONZE MEDAL - BEST FICTION IN THE NORTHEAST!!

In 1797 Captain George Butler has returned home with his wife Nelly and the beginnings of a family. A successful sea captain turned merchant, George is financially well off and a pillar of his community. But lurking in the shadows is the young Lydia Blaisdell. She and George have a history and it is all about to unfold in an epic tale with a supernatural twist. Based on a true story, "The Gathering Room - A Tale of Nelly Butler" is a gripping retelling of American's first documented ghost sighting.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Book Club, Fiction

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 8, 2022

About the author

Michelle grew up in Maine and she has been actively involved with genealogy and local history for over 35 years. She is the author of the nonfiction two volume set of Vital Records of Bangor Maine published by Picton Press. After raising a large family Michelle had a nearly 20 year career in the newspaper industry before transitioning to promoting tourism in Maine. She is currently writing full time. Michelle and her husband share their home with their dogs Susan and Douglas.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I needed something diverting to read as Hurricane Ian roared outside and this fit the bill. I was impressed by the realistic detail of life in the late 1700's, the customs, beliefs, speech and mannerism of the characters. I especially like that this was based on an actual ghost story, with real people, in a real town and the authors interpretation of what could have happened based on stories, her research and her imagination. This would be an excellent book club read due to the many layers of the characters and story. I hope to read more by this author.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had never heard of Nelly Butler before reading this book. I didn’t allow myself to look up any part of the story until I reached a certain point in the book. As a result, I was completely surprised where this story went. Surprised in a good way.

It is fun reading, in my opinion, to be surprised by the direction an author chooses to go in a story. Michelle surprised me a few times. She does a fantastic job of weaving a tale that reads like it all actually happened. To be honest, it wasn’t until I messaged with the author that I learned just how much is fact and I was shocked. It is very easy to believe that all of this story is fact.

I was quickly and easily drawn in by the characters, descriptions, and events. I could picture everything like I was right there watching it happen. Having never been to Maine, I now want to travel there and see the places mentioned in this book.

This is a ghost story, yes, which makes it a great read for this time of year, fall heading into Halloween. There is much more than just a ghost story here though. This is a story of love and loss, devotion, and doing what one feels they must do in a situation I cannot begin to imagine.

Just when I thought Michelle had surprised me the last time and I had it all figured it out, she threw in one last event that still has me thinking about it. I have so many questions and really was not ready to say goodbye to the characters. An author that leaves me wanting more is the sign of an excellent story. I cannot wait to see where Michelle goes in her next story.

The question is, what force guided Captain Butler’s choices? Did a family take advantage of a truly vulnerable man after he experienced crushing heartbreak? If you read this story, I would love to know. I have my own thoughts but do not want to take away from anyone reading this story.

I voluntarily received a copy of this novel from the author. All views are my honest opinion.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me hooked early on. What a gripping story! I was impressed by the ending for sure.

[Crissi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The theme of this book was how appearances can be deceiving. Much of the story shares about the many assumptions that were made without pausing to gather facts. While this book was written in the style of one from 200 years ago, I couldn’t help noticing the way it ties in with modern times, at least symbolically. This was a well written ghost story with some sad and unjust happenings, but also a lot of heart. As someone who lives for a good HEA, this tied it together with an epilogue that shared a bit about the real people behind the characters, and what happened after this historical fiction story was told. All in all, I found this book hard to put down, and easy to get lost in.

[michelle l lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I throughly enjoyed this story. The way Michelle brought fiction and historical documentation together was simply brilliant! Kudos @mahores. Also, just a note…I was born, raised, and currently reside in NJ; however, my heart resonates joy and peace every time I am in Maine, particularly Downeast. One day, if it’s meant to be, I will live the rest of my days there! My hubby and I have kindled a heartwarming relationship with the Preston/Leighton family. So much so that we love them as family. Thank you to my sistah from another mistah for introducing me to such a wonderful read! @nadinepreston

[Grace R S C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, what a compelling story that was incredibly hard to put down. It was especially interesting to me because it takes place in a town not far from where I live and because the ghost aspects are based on a true story. The ending was unexpected. Definitely would recommend to others.

[Kerrie Lapointe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowzer! Truly enjoyed this book.
So much so this is my first written review.
Engaging and progressed well. Would recommend.
I was also surprised by the ending!

[Jo-jean Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering Room is a thoroughly engrossing story with a multitude of interwoven subplots. I was shocked but not shocked at the ending. I could feel it coming!

[Sarah Chickpea Yogi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great spin on a local ghost story. I could not put it down! I can't wait to read more from this author!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very imaginative and well written retelling of Maine's original ghost story. I'm looking forward to the prequel! Now I need to do a bit of my own research on the history of Franklin. (Also, I was definitely picturing Jamie Fraser as Captain Butler haha)

[Jordan Fitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating tale of an historical haunting! The characters, setting, and pacing were excellent. Well done!

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to sit on this review for a while. This book has become one of my favorties books I have read for 2023. With the amount of reading I do, for a book to stand out, and live rent free in my mind. This book is one of those that have sat rent free in my head. I have met the author a couple of times and she is so sweet. I have purched her book twice, once for myself, and the second one for a gift. A gift to my brother. He was pretty excited to read it. I can not wait to share this book with the online community, and family and friends. If you are a Maine lover, or love History like books This book is for you!

[Marta E C R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was compulsively readable, particularly because it was described as having happened in a town very near where I live, and it is based on a true story of a paranormal occurrence witnessed by many, the details of which are not completely known. I am hopeful that I will be able to attend an author talk about this book in the near future. Fascinating situation.

[Whatcha Reading Heather? · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a bit more of a paranormal aspect purely based on the summary on the back of the book cover and the general lore regarding Nelly Butler's hauntings, but this was still a decently written historical fiction overall. A bit slow-paced, but I was at least able to get a clear understanding of the atmosphere and social environment at that time.

[Elnmont · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical fiction story is based on a real life ghost story. Perfect reading to enjoy this fall with cider or hot chocolate. I could not put the book down. It was very compelling. Thank you for sharing this story, Ms. Shores.

[Kate Buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an absolute wild ride this book was. The history, the hauntings, all of it was so extremely well written. What fascinates me the most is these were real people! Shores interpretation and retelling was fantastic.

[Jill Huard · Rating 5 out of 5]

For her first work of fiction, I’d say Michelle knocked it out of the park! She wove a tale of love, loss, and a little bit of the paranormal. An intriguing view into the early history of coastal Maine, and the story of Captain George Butler. I highly recommend this book.

[Pamela Camponescki · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been some time since I picked up a book that I did not want to put down. Definitely not my typical genre of book. The beginning was a tad bit slow but once the story picked up I could not stop reading.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the first hundred or so pages to be slow going. I also felt a bit of predictability in the story line at that point. However, as the story progressed, even with the predictable areas, it picked up in tempo and became more interesting. So, overall this was a good read.

[Tanya Mcmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! The end just kind of drops off but I really enjoyed the story.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good ghost story and this one is grounded in "truth," at least the truth that has become lore. In late 1790's Maine, a man named George Butler strikes out to make his way in the world. A sea captain, he's found success running rum up and down the northeast coast. He also finds love in Nelly Hooper, a young woman in town. Their relationship is complicated, however, by the strange behavior of 1o year old Lydia Blaisdell. Lydia appears to have transformations whenever George is around, and falls into convulsive fits. These include statements from her that she will one day be Mrs. George Butler.

Her behavior splits the town and threatens the new marriage between George and Nelly. They move to Bangor to escape it; however, when Nelly becomes pregant with their first child, she insists they move back home. George reluctantly agrees after much argument. As it turns out, Nelly should have listened to him.

Shores has done a good job taking the historical accounts of the supernatural sightings and the relationships between all the players and turning them into a captivating piece of historical fiction.

[Philip C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gathering Room is a fictional retelling of, likely, the first widely shared ghost story in America. This is the curious yarn of George and Nelly Butler, a young, successful couple with seemingly nothing but a bright future together. An odd young woman, Lydia Blaisdell, enters their lives ready to shake things up it seems, with disastrously weird results. Shores has relied on historical records, local lore, and a vivid imagination to bring this tale to us through this award-winning novel. The author adroitly places the reader on the shores of eighteenth-century Maine, in the small town of Franklin, and into the strange collective mind of the meetinghouse. She creates characters who are accessible to the twenty-first-century reader. The only argument I had with the telling of this tale is the occasional lapse into now-speak. However, if the result is connecting with these characters, it's no more than a minor slip-up. Be ready for twists and turns and an ending that you will not see coming. If you like historical fiction, light horror, or mystery this book is for you.

[Roger Skrypczak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love a good ghost story, especially about real people? Maine has a rich history filled with stories of ghosts and folks possessed by “familiar spirits” most of which tend to be on the evil side. Michelle E. Shores masterfully weaved fiction with history in her excellent novel, The Gathering Room, A Tale of Nelly Butler.
George and Nelly Butler were two people born late in the eighteenth century. Their nemesis, Lydia Blaisdell, her family, and many of the townspeople who witnessed the aberrations of Nelly’s spirit were also real people. Their stories were documented at the time this story evolved. A great storyteller will never report history in its dullest form but will fill in the blanks with events that might have happened and memorable character descriptions. Michelle E. Shores is that kind of storyteller.
I hated to lay this book aside and could not wait to return to it when my other duties were satisfied. I am certain readers will be captivated from the first chapter to the very end of the story.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction set in Maine 1797-1800. The author lives in Bangor, Maine. It kept me eagerly reading for awhile. Based on a Maine ghost story with lots of locations,(Franklin, Sullivan, Ellsworth, Bangor) I am familiar with present day. I guess I am spoiled by other meticulously researched historical fiction that shed light, usually in an afterward, on the history of spiritualism, poor treatment of children with epilepsy, and maybe something about the perils of giving birth in Downeast Maine at the time. The afterward does include the information that it was based on the deposition actually recorded by the Reverend Abraham Cummings. It left me wondering who Captain George Butler finally married.

[Ann Marie Piche · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a good ghost story. The Gathering Room was probably the most interesting one I’ve ever read. I loved how the author developed these characters, who are based on real people and a real legendary ghost story that took place in the state of Maine. The author brought to life the story of Nelly Butler and all the strange ghostly appearances in a time when people were easily persuade to either believe the ghost was real or was the work of the Devil. To me, it was a sad yet intriguing story, leaving me to wonder. Will Captain George Butler ever be right in his mind again? This Book is a must-read. I highly recommend The Gathering Room.

[Nicolette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story started off very strong. I was very hooked on the underlying mystery of Lydia Blaisdell. While enjoying the love story of George and Nelly. This book is an example of why I like historical fiction. The device of the posset made for the wedding. Had me researching possets, posset cups, and posset recipes. I look forward to reading more about the true accounts of Nelly Butler mentioned in the epilogue.

[Leila Ceballos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good book! I loved the characters and how well developed they were written by Michelle. They had so many layers and you felt you were one of the town people living the whole story. She’s really good describing and you always want to keep reading it to know what’s going to happen. I did read this with my wife while in road trips and that’s why it took a little longer. 100% recommend reading it.

[suzanne wasylink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and will buy a hard copy as a gift, I read it on kindle the book was hard to put down I learned about it on weight watchers, great characters in this story I think it will be made in to a movie

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! I picked it to read a chapter and finished 12 chapters before I put it down. The writer did an excellent job of making the story come to life and leaves you wanting to know more about the characters and their stories.

[Diane Stevens]

This is an incredible story. Beautifully written. I could vividly see the characters in this book. This is a must read.