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A Home out of Ashes
Rett and Harry are partners with a vision for their family. They know how they want to live. The only problem is doing it.
Nurse Rett is used to being in charge. She’s the Madison sister who can solve any problem. Her husband Harry’s been the stay-at-home parent, juggling babies, meals, and playdates. When he gets the chance to finish his environmental studies with a researcher out West, both he and Rett are ready. He leaves amid fanfare and dreams for their family’s future.
But Rett’s job goes south, money stops flowing in, and Harry’s out of touch in a field camp in northern Manitoba. Rett handles things, moving her family back to Stella Mare and taking on chickens, goats, homesteading and homeschooling, but when she’s accused of wrongdoing, her kids melt down with anxiety, and her handsome neighbour comes on strong, she falters.
Harry’s life in field camp is thrilling at first but soon becomes challenging. Conflict with his project manager, misdirection by the big boss, and the vast unending wilderness take a toll. Disconnected from home and his wife, it’s hard to remember why he’s even doing this.
She a purported murderer and unfaithful; he’s a failed scientist with no ambition. Neither one feels worthy of the love of the other. This distance might be unbridgeable.
This third volume in the Sisters of Stella Mare brings back the Madison sisters, holding each other up through the struggles of everyday life.
Nurse Rett is used to being in charge. She’s the Madison sister who can solve any problem. Her husband Harry’s been the stay-at-home parent, juggling babies, meals, and playdates. When he gets the chance to finish his environmental studies with a researcher out West, both he and Rett are ready. He leaves amid fanfare and dreams for their family’s future.
But Rett’s job goes south, money stops flowing in, and Harry’s out of touch in a field camp in northern Manitoba. Rett handles things, moving her family back to Stella Mare and taking on chickens, goats, homesteading and homeschooling, but when she’s accused of wrongdoing, her kids melt down with anxiety, and her handsome neighbour comes on strong, she falters.
Harry’s life in field camp is thrilling at first but soon becomes challenging. Conflict with his project manager, misdirection by the big boss, and the vast unending wilderness take a toll. Disconnected from home and his wife, it’s hard to remember why he’s even doing this.
She a purported murderer and unfaithful; he’s a failed scientist with no ambition. Neither one feels worthy of the love of the other. This distance might be unbridgeable.
This third volume in the Sisters of Stella Mare brings back the Madison sisters, holding each other up through the struggles of everyday life.
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2023
3 people are currently reading
2048 people want to read
About the author
Annie M. Ballard
10 books53 followersThanks for stopping by!
I'm Annie when I'm writing fiction, and as Annie and IRL I'm a dual citizen of the US and Canada. I grew up in New England and moved to the Canadian Maritimes as an adult and then discovered my ancestral roots were here.
I like to read almost anything....but I love to WRITE stories about women and their families...families found, made and constructed in various ways.
When I'm in non-fiction mode, I write books and articles to help counselors and therapists learn skills to help in therapy. I'm a somatic psychotherapist and psychologist, madly in love with the energy of the human spirit, and delighted to write and talk about that any time.
Annie aka Leslie
I'm Annie when I'm writing fiction, and as Annie and IRL I'm a dual citizen of the US and Canada. I grew up in New England and moved to the Canadian Maritimes as an adult and then discovered my ancestral roots were here.
I like to read almost anything....but I love to WRITE stories about women and their families...families found, made and constructed in various ways.
When I'm in non-fiction mode, I write books and articles to help counselors and therapists learn skills to help in therapy. I'm a somatic psychotherapist and psychologist, madly in love with the energy of the human spirit, and delighted to write and talk about that any time.
Annie aka Leslie
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 19, 2023
TITLE: A HOME OUT OF ASHES
SERIED: Sisters of Stella Mare Book 3
AUTHOR: Annie M Ballard
PUB DATE: 08.12.2023 Now Available
I love it when nurses are main characters in the books I read. A HOME OUT OF ASHES by Annie M Ballard is part of the Sisters of Stella Mare series, but could be read as a stand alone. In this book, the story is about Rett - a nurse manager, a wife to Harry - a PhD Candidate, and mom to three young kids. Harry who is a stay at home dad, gets the chance to complete his PhD out in the wild with a renowned scientist, and Rett is happy to have Harry take this opportunity. But while Rett is gone, things have gone awry at Rett’s nursing job and was put on an unpaid leave, causing her to have to figure out a way to survive, take care of the kids, and handle things all on her own.
I loved this story of strength and perseverance, which was made even more realistic and relatable due to the wonderful characters Ballard crafted. The pacing of the story was well done, with tension that made me flip those pages to the late hours of the night. I also admire the incredible writing style, and the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of the very real fears of the what ifs, and how to survive in such a tough circumstance.
I am reading the rest of the series and each of the sisters’ stories. This is truly fantastic writing that I highly recommend.
SERIED: Sisters of Stella Mare Book 3
AUTHOR: Annie M Ballard
PUB DATE: 08.12.2023 Now Available
I love it when nurses are main characters in the books I read. A HOME OUT OF ASHES by Annie M Ballard is part of the Sisters of Stella Mare series, but could be read as a stand alone. In this book, the story is about Rett - a nurse manager, a wife to Harry - a PhD Candidate, and mom to three young kids. Harry who is a stay at home dad, gets the chance to complete his PhD out in the wild with a renowned scientist, and Rett is happy to have Harry take this opportunity. But while Rett is gone, things have gone awry at Rett’s nursing job and was put on an unpaid leave, causing her to have to figure out a way to survive, take care of the kids, and handle things all on her own.
I loved this story of strength and perseverance, which was made even more realistic and relatable due to the wonderful characters Ballard crafted. The pacing of the story was well done, with tension that made me flip those pages to the late hours of the night. I also admire the incredible writing style, and the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of the very real fears of the what ifs, and how to survive in such a tough circumstance.
I am reading the rest of the series and each of the sisters’ stories. This is truly fantastic writing that I highly recommend.
August 27, 2023
Well-written family drama in The Sisters of Stella Mare series
A Home out of Ashes focuses on Rett, a nurse manager and Harry, her PhD candidate husband, although the entire family figures in the ensuing drama. Just as Harry is leaving for months of field work in a remote location, Rett is placed on administrative leave from her nursing home job. Thinking this is a misunderstanding, Rett insists Harry keep his commitment.
Rett’s role changes to primary caregiver for her three children, a job Harry handled in the past. When her leave becomes unpaid, she struggles to make ends meet. With communication with Harry difficult, she makes decisions on her own and ends up renting out their home and moving back to her hometown.
Themes of job loss, separation, financial struggles, perseverance, love, family and resilience make for a compelling read. I recommend this novel to all who love a warm family drama.
A Home out of Ashes focuses on Rett, a nurse manager and Harry, her PhD candidate husband, although the entire family figures in the ensuing drama. Just as Harry is leaving for months of field work in a remote location, Rett is placed on administrative leave from her nursing home job. Thinking this is a misunderstanding, Rett insists Harry keep his commitment.
Rett’s role changes to primary caregiver for her three children, a job Harry handled in the past. When her leave becomes unpaid, she struggles to make ends meet. With communication with Harry difficult, she makes decisions on her own and ends up renting out their home and moving back to her hometown.
Themes of job loss, separation, financial struggles, perseverance, love, family and resilience make for a compelling read. I recommend this novel to all who love a warm family drama.
October 27, 2023
I really enjoyed this book about a real-life family that faces a difficult situation, and how they come together to ultimately persevere. This heart-felt read felt comforting because it was so relatable. While Harry is away pursuing his PHD through fieldwork in a remote location, Rhett suddenly finds herself on leave from her job. The retirement home where she works as a nurse manager is under investigation. As the main breadwinner with three small children, Rhett is on her own and must make some hard choices.
It’s about love, compassion and the precious bond that holds a family together. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
It’s about love, compassion and the precious bond that holds a family together. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
July 8, 2023
I have read the previous Stella Mare books by Annie M. Ballard and book three in the series was a story of perseverance, unconditional love, and finding the strength to keep fighting when all the fight is gone. It focused on the marriage between Rett and Harry, job loss, a separation, a move, and juggling three small kids. So many variables in our lives can push us away from the ones we love and then bring us back together again. Family is at the forefront of the story, and as a reader, I felt like I was part of the family. Familiar faces from previous books came in and out of the story, but reading the previous stories were not necessary to understanding the plot of book three.
If you are looking for a women's fiction novel that dives into the complexities of marriage, family, and struggling to survive (as a mother, as a wife, and as an employee), this is the story for you. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and relax, because Annie M. Ballard brought the Stella Mare sisters to life again.
If you are looking for a women's fiction novel that dives into the complexities of marriage, family, and struggling to survive (as a mother, as a wife, and as an employee), this is the story for you. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and relax, because Annie M. Ballard brought the Stella Mare sisters to life again.
August 22, 2023
A young couple confront their own strengths in the wake of impossible life circumstances in Ballard’s outstanding third installment in the Sisters of Stella Mare series. Rett’s husband, Harry, has been a stay-at-home husband and dad for a few years, but when he gets the chance to complete his Ph.D. with a renowned scientist, Rett is more than encouraging. She knows she can manage the kids and her job while Harry chases his dreams. But all her plans go haywire after Rett is abruptly put on leave under suspicious circumstances at the hospital. With Harry stuck in the wild of Manitoba, she finds herself navigating both difficult financial woes and treacherous emotional waters single handedly. For how long can she keep the worries to herself?
Ballard describes the realities of her characters’ lives with a sympathetic but unsparing eye. All the characters depicted here, be it the major or the minor are fully human. Both Rett and Harry are standouts: Ballard draws the pair with care, particularly Rett, offering a window into her complex, determined, stubborn heroine, understanding her flawed humanity and the fact that she has always been a person who is used to being in in charge and doing everything by herself.
The couple’s enduring bond is nuanced, particularly regarding how they try to keep each other from the unnecessary worries. There are small joys, solidarity, and companionship, but there are no easy solutions. Rett’s family’s lingering presence also gives the couple’s story poignancy and depth. The suspicious circumstances surrounding Rett’s job are enough to create tensions and suspense in the back, and Ballard deftly handles her layered plot, embedding surprising revelations into a third-person omniscient narrative that deftly maintains readers’ interest.
The story’s pacing is impeccable, smoothly moving through the weeks until the things finally begin to fall in place for the couple. The settings, including the wilds of Manitoba and Stella Mare feel authentic, and the denouement is at once deeply heartfelt and tenderly life-affirming.
The genius of this book is to capture how nothing is ever perfect and a marriage can be challenging, but when two people are connected at the heart, there’s no chasm deep and wide enough that they cannot bridge. A compassionate and deeply felt look at marriage, relationships, and the power of family.
Ballard describes the realities of her characters’ lives with a sympathetic but unsparing eye. All the characters depicted here, be it the major or the minor are fully human. Both Rett and Harry are standouts: Ballard draws the pair with care, particularly Rett, offering a window into her complex, determined, stubborn heroine, understanding her flawed humanity and the fact that she has always been a person who is used to being in in charge and doing everything by herself.
The couple’s enduring bond is nuanced, particularly regarding how they try to keep each other from the unnecessary worries. There are small joys, solidarity, and companionship, but there are no easy solutions. Rett’s family’s lingering presence also gives the couple’s story poignancy and depth. The suspicious circumstances surrounding Rett’s job are enough to create tensions and suspense in the back, and Ballard deftly handles her layered plot, embedding surprising revelations into a third-person omniscient narrative that deftly maintains readers’ interest.
The story’s pacing is impeccable, smoothly moving through the weeks until the things finally begin to fall in place for the couple. The settings, including the wilds of Manitoba and Stella Mare feel authentic, and the denouement is at once deeply heartfelt and tenderly life-affirming.
The genius of this book is to capture how nothing is ever perfect and a marriage can be challenging, but when two people are connected at the heart, there’s no chasm deep and wide enough that they cannot bridge. A compassionate and deeply felt look at marriage, relationships, and the power of family.
August 1, 2023
This was a long, but good read about a family dealing with life and the outcome from wrong accusations. Retta (Loretta) and Harry are a married couple who love their children: Mason, Callie and Maggie (the girls are twins) and loved Charlie, dog who loves Mason.
The story starts as normal every day life for them and then how unfair challenges happen to Rett and her job as head nurse for her shift at the Streamside elderly care facility. At the same time we see Harry heading into the wilderness to finish his phd in a specialized earth, environmental work off grid, so that in itself is an issue for the family.
Harry tried to do as his proff, Joyce, tells him to do beside his hands on work for his phd. He is torn away to work with the local Villagers, who helped heal him after a fall while walking to their village and he suffered a broken legs, cuts, bruises and concussion.
Rett, in trying to live within their means as her work cut her pay, rented out their house and rented a run down neighbor property to her father's home. She took the old, neglected house and made it into a habitual, clean and functioning home. She got a garden, chickens and goats and sold homemade breads, pies and other goods at the local outdoor market. All unbeknownst to Harry, as he had missed some weekly visits which had great ramifications to them all.
Story's end was not what I expected and found the natural, realistic living of this story pulling me into the solid based story of this family. Good read and enjoyed it, but it did seem long, tedious and repetitious in Harry's part of the world and Rett's every day life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story starts as normal every day life for them and then how unfair challenges happen to Rett and her job as head nurse for her shift at the Streamside elderly care facility. At the same time we see Harry heading into the wilderness to finish his phd in a specialized earth, environmental work off grid, so that in itself is an issue for the family.
Harry tried to do as his proff, Joyce, tells him to do beside his hands on work for his phd. He is torn away to work with the local Villagers, who helped heal him after a fall while walking to their village and he suffered a broken legs, cuts, bruises and concussion.
Rett, in trying to live within their means as her work cut her pay, rented out their house and rented a run down neighbor property to her father's home. She took the old, neglected house and made it into a habitual, clean and functioning home. She got a garden, chickens and goats and sold homemade breads, pies and other goods at the local outdoor market. All unbeknownst to Harry, as he had missed some weekly visits which had great ramifications to them all.
Story's end was not what I expected and found the natural, realistic living of this story pulling me into the solid based story of this family. Good read and enjoyed it, but it did seem long, tedious and repetitious in Harry's part of the world and Rett's every day life.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 16, 2023
A HOME OUT OF ASHES by Annie M. Ballard.
SISTERS OF STELLA MARE Book 3.
This series is about four sisters from a small fishing/tourist village based on a real New Brunswick place. In A HOME OUT OF ASHES we read about Rett and Harry
I had not read the previous books in this series, but suspect that it was unnecessary for my understanding of this story. I certainly felt as if I was part of the family and Annie Ballard wove her character's so seamlessly throughout the narrative that I could definitely feel as if I knew them already.
The "heartbeat" behind the story is the how strong communities support us every day but especially in our most dire or vulnerable moments. A story of how family and neighbours can hold each other up through all of the moments of life - the good, the bad and the ugly.
In this book I followed Rett and Harry's story. A young married couple with three small children. A story of a marriage. A story of perseverance, unconditional love, and finding a way to make marriage work through all the things that can often make it hard to see your way through. The story deals with job loss, a separation, a move, and how a couple juggles circumstances all while raising three small children. Annie Ballard writes about these very relatable struggles in a perfectly believable and sensitive way.
Ballard certainly sets the small town atmosphere firmly in your mind with descriptions of people and place that lets her reader know exactly the setting where the story takes place.
The writing style is engaging without getting bogged down with a tedious amount of words. I enjoyed the author's ability to give me enough detail, but at the same time allowing me, the reader, enough space to discover what was going on "between the lines."
A book to pack for your summer travel reading.
SISTERS OF STELLA MARE Book 3.
This series is about four sisters from a small fishing/tourist village based on a real New Brunswick place. In A HOME OUT OF ASHES we read about Rett and Harry
I had not read the previous books in this series, but suspect that it was unnecessary for my understanding of this story. I certainly felt as if I was part of the family and Annie Ballard wove her character's so seamlessly throughout the narrative that I could definitely feel as if I knew them already.
The "heartbeat" behind the story is the how strong communities support us every day but especially in our most dire or vulnerable moments. A story of how family and neighbours can hold each other up through all of the moments of life - the good, the bad and the ugly.
In this book I followed Rett and Harry's story. A young married couple with three small children. A story of a marriage. A story of perseverance, unconditional love, and finding a way to make marriage work through all the things that can often make it hard to see your way through. The story deals with job loss, a separation, a move, and how a couple juggles circumstances all while raising three small children. Annie Ballard writes about these very relatable struggles in a perfectly believable and sensitive way.
Ballard certainly sets the small town atmosphere firmly in your mind with descriptions of people and place that lets her reader know exactly the setting where the story takes place.
The writing style is engaging without getting bogged down with a tedious amount of words. I enjoyed the author's ability to give me enough detail, but at the same time allowing me, the reader, enough space to discover what was going on "between the lines."
A book to pack for your summer travel reading.
October 1, 2023
𝐀 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐬 is a warm and moving family drama. It centers around Rett Madison, a nurse, wife, and mother.
Rett works the night shift at a nursing home; she is kind, compassionate, and very good at her job. That’s why she is so surprised when she is put on administrative leave without explanation. There has been an increase in deaths recently, but surely that can’t be it.
The timing couldn’t be worse, as Rett’s husband, Harry, is leaving to work on his PhD. Believing this will all be sorted out, Rett insists Harry keep his commitment.
But when Rett loses her salary due to the ongoing police investigation into the deaths at her work, things get tight. She has to care for her kids and manage their funds - and Harry isn’t around.
Rett decides that moving back to be near her family might be best for now. But as much as she loves being close to her family, she feels the gap between her and Harry widening.
I felt this was a very realistic family drama, especially from Rett’s point of view. She was trying to hold her family together, being a wife, mother, co-worker, friend - everything to all, but it was draining her. A quote that really resonated with me was, “𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺.”
This is part of the Sisters of Stella Mare series, and it certainly made me want to read all the sister’s stories.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @anniemballard for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
Rett works the night shift at a nursing home; she is kind, compassionate, and very good at her job. That’s why she is so surprised when she is put on administrative leave without explanation. There has been an increase in deaths recently, but surely that can’t be it.
The timing couldn’t be worse, as Rett’s husband, Harry, is leaving to work on his PhD. Believing this will all be sorted out, Rett insists Harry keep his commitment.
But when Rett loses her salary due to the ongoing police investigation into the deaths at her work, things get tight. She has to care for her kids and manage their funds - and Harry isn’t around.
Rett decides that moving back to be near her family might be best for now. But as much as she loves being close to her family, she feels the gap between her and Harry widening.
I felt this was a very realistic family drama, especially from Rett’s point of view. She was trying to hold her family together, being a wife, mother, co-worker, friend - everything to all, but it was draining her. A quote that really resonated with me was, “𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘣𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘭𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘺.”
This is part of the Sisters of Stella Mare series, and it certainly made me want to read all the sister’s stories.
Thank you @suzyapprovedbooktours and @anniemballard for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
August 11, 2023
A family in crisis
On the eve of Harry’s departure to start his PhD field research, Rett is placed on administrative leave from her nursing job at Streamside Retirement Care Centre. Assuming it to be an error, she refuses to allow Harry to abandon his dream.
However, as time passes with no formal explanation from her employer, and with Harry incommunicado, Rett is forced to make drastic decisions independently in order to ensure a secure home for their three young children.
As Rett continues to struggle alone, Harry has his own dilemma with his tenure and research. Their inability to communicate effectively brings matters to crisis point and Rett is finally forced to reach out for assistance.
I did wonder about the legality of placing an employee on ‘forced’, extended leave without a formal complaint… despite this uncertainty, this is an extremely well-written family drama that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The plot is well-formulated and the characters are interesting and diverse.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
On the eve of Harry’s departure to start his PhD field research, Rett is placed on administrative leave from her nursing job at Streamside Retirement Care Centre. Assuming it to be an error, she refuses to allow Harry to abandon his dream.
However, as time passes with no formal explanation from her employer, and with Harry incommunicado, Rett is forced to make drastic decisions independently in order to ensure a secure home for their three young children.
As Rett continues to struggle alone, Harry has his own dilemma with his tenure and research. Their inability to communicate effectively brings matters to crisis point and Rett is finally forced to reach out for assistance.
I did wonder about the legality of placing an employee on ‘forced’, extended leave without a formal complaint… despite this uncertainty, this is an extremely well-written family drama that holds the reader’s attention from beginning to end. The plot is well-formulated and the characters are interesting and diverse.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2023
I enjoyed this family drama set in Canada. It has a strong female main character with a very supportive family that helps during a difficult time.
Rett is a nurse in a retirement home. She gets put on administrative leave due to the amount of deaths that occur during her night shift. The timing is not great since Rhett’s husband, Harry, is leaving to start work on his PhD. In order for Rett to save money, she rents out her house, moves back to her hometown with her three young children, and begins urban homesteading.
I thought this book did a nice job of showing the main character’s strong personality while at the same time showing her vulnerability. The book also tells what Rett’s husband is doing and so we see growth in both characters separately. The importance of family is strong in this book. The theme of change is carried out realistically.
The book is part of a series featuring a family of four sisters. I will be reading the two backlist books because I enjoyed A HOME OUT OF ASHES, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
Rett is a nurse in a retirement home. She gets put on administrative leave due to the amount of deaths that occur during her night shift. The timing is not great since Rhett’s husband, Harry, is leaving to start work on his PhD. In order for Rett to save money, she rents out her house, moves back to her hometown with her three young children, and begins urban homesteading.
I thought this book did a nice job of showing the main character’s strong personality while at the same time showing her vulnerability. The book also tells what Rett’s husband is doing and so we see growth in both characters separately. The importance of family is strong in this book. The theme of change is carried out realistically.
The book is part of a series featuring a family of four sisters. I will be reading the two backlist books because I enjoyed A HOME OUT OF ASHES, but each book can be read as a stand alone.
October 13, 2023
This was a wonderful family drama that tugged at my heartstrings. Rett was such a strong character - - a wife, mother, sister and nursing supervisor at a retirement home that had gone from family run to corporately owned. Unfortunately the perfect storm hit when she was placed on administrative leave at the same time her husband was leaving to pursue field work for his Ph.D. Rett was incredibly resourceful by finding ways to make money to support her family while dealing with the absence of her job and husband. Although I live in the heart of a big city and love it, this book opened my eyes to the beauty of living in a small community while raising children and living off of the land and animals. The dynamics between Rett and her sisters were a big part of the story which was really enjoyable.
July 23, 2023
Two-career marriages can be challenging, even more when the couple isn’t living together and one of them is caught up in a police investigation. In A Home out of Ashes, Annie Ballard uses crisp dialogue to reveal the depths of her characters’ motivations and how they handle the obstacles thrown their way. And there are obstacles.
The choices Rett and Harry make, and the pain that follows, drive this story. The whole family gets involved, of course—Rett’s father, sisters, and children—because that’s what families do. They jump into the mess and are sometimes a distraction, sometimes the solution. You’ll be cheering for Rett and Harry as they make the most of their situations and work things out. Together, of course. I recommend this installment of the Sisters of Stella Mare series.
The choices Rett and Harry make, and the pain that follows, drive this story. The whole family gets involved, of course—Rett’s father, sisters, and children—because that’s what families do. They jump into the mess and are sometimes a distraction, sometimes the solution. You’ll be cheering for Rett and Harry as they make the most of their situations and work things out. Together, of course. I recommend this installment of the Sisters of Stella Mare series.
August 20, 2023
This was the first novel I have read by Annie M. Ballard. A beautiful, moving story. Every woman will see a piece of her own life in this story. Rett and Harry’s lives are turned upside down and with Harry away, Rett is forced to face difficult decisions alone. The mix of strength, determination, fear and guilt that Rett faces are explored beautifully as we follow this journey of love, family and support. This is a standalone read and the characters were well defined and explained. An easy read, highly recommended.
August 24, 2023
A Home Out of Ashes is third book in the Sisters of Stella Mare series. This book can be read as a stand-alone.
I love the setting of the village. The story stars Rett and Harry who have been married for a long time with 3 children.
The characters are complex, flawed and well fleshed out. They both have to deal with hard circumstances.
The family drama was well written yet heartbreaking at times.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the first two books in the series.
I love the setting of the village. The story stars Rett and Harry who have been married for a long time with 3 children.
The characters are complex, flawed and well fleshed out. They both have to deal with hard circumstances.
The family drama was well written yet heartbreaking at times.
I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading the first two books in the series.
September 11, 2023
This is book 3 in the Sisters of Stella Mare book series. A family story of struggle, marriage, career goals and having to make something from nothing. Harry is off in the field doing environmental work towards his PhD and that leaves his wife Rett, alone to take care for their children. When Rett, a nurse manager is placed on leave pending an investigation things really get tough. Harry is out of reach and it leaves Rett to make painful decisions to provide for their family. I loved this story. It's realistic, heartfelt and full of Hope.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley
September 18, 2023
𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘦𝘮𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭!
Lots of drama on this story, but believe me when I say you won’t be able to put it down. A story about family, love, marriage, perseverance and strenght. This is the third book in the Stella Mare series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 by Annie M. Ballard released August 15, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
Lots of drama on this story, but believe me when I say you won’t be able to put it down. A story about family, love, marriage, perseverance and strenght. This is the third book in the Stella Mare series but it can be read as a standalone.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 by Annie M. Ballard released August 15, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
October 14, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much. Sometimes I’m in the mood for drama, struggle and obstacles. The type of women’s fiction where characters have to get on their knees and dig down deep. That’s what this book is about from home to relationships to family and career. If you’re in the mood to read a women’s lit that’ll make you feel the struggle right along with this family then pick this one up.
October 14, 2023
I loved the themes of family and change that were explored in this book. Rhett was quick to make decisions for her family when she lost her source of income. It took some big changes for not only her but Henry as well to discover what they wanted in life. I liked getting both POV with a little more focus on Rhett. I think it was a very realistic situation a family could go through, especially with the children acting like they did. Even with the lack of communication and stress of the investigation it still had a heartwarming feel to it. The way Rhett’s family supported her and the connection Henry found with the town. I read this as a stand-alone and now want to read the rest of the series.
Thank you @anniemballard and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @anniemballard and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
October 6, 2023
What I most love about this story is the balance given to both the husband and wife as they both shift into fish-out-0f-water scenarios, and started in non-traditional positions in the family structure: she's been the breadwinner, he's been at home raising their children. That completely flips when Harry gets a chance to do work related to his PhD in the Canadian western provinces and Rett has to stay home with the children full-time when she is put off her nursing job. The struggle of figuring out how to do what they need to do makes for an engrossing read.
Another thing to love about this story is the supporting cast of Rett and Harry's kids and Rett's family, her father and sisters. They're all so unique they feel like real people. I also have got to visit the real-life inspiration for Stella Mare at some point. Ballard makes the whole place just come alive with such a unique energy.
Another thing to love about this story is the supporting cast of Rett and Harry's kids and Rett's family, her father and sisters. They're all so unique they feel like real people. I also have got to visit the real-life inspiration for Stella Mare at some point. Ballard makes the whole place just come alive with such a unique energy.
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