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The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls
A compelling novel about a bed-and-breakfast that houses three generations of women- and their many secrets.
In the early 1960s, Ruby, a spunky unwed teen mother, was wooed and won over by the founder of the McCloud Home. Now, forty years later, the historic property has been converted into an inn that Ruby runs with one of her daughters, Jill. When Jill's fourteen-year-old daughter begins to search for the identity of her father, she sets in motion events that will test the bonds that bind mothers, daughters, and sisters.
Jill unwittingly aids the forces of upheaval when she agrees to host the wake of the town matriarch. As the guests-including the matriarch's handsome son and Jill's vivacious, irresponsible sister Jocelyn- return to the small town, the convergence of people and memories uncovers rivalries, sparks romance, recalls heartbreak, and reveals a shocking family secret, one that could separate the McCloud women forever or lead them to the renewal of their powerful, enduring connection.
In the early 1960s, Ruby, a spunky unwed teen mother, was wooed and won over by the founder of the McCloud Home. Now, forty years later, the historic property has been converted into an inn that Ruby runs with one of her daughters, Jill. When Jill's fourteen-year-old daughter begins to search for the identity of her father, she sets in motion events that will test the bonds that bind mothers, daughters, and sisters.
Jill unwittingly aids the forces of upheaval when she agrees to host the wake of the town matriarch. As the guests-including the matriarch's handsome son and Jill's vivacious, irresponsible sister Jocelyn- return to the small town, the convergence of people and memories uncovers rivalries, sparks romance, recalls heartbreak, and reveals a shocking family secret, one that could separate the McCloud women forever or lead them to the renewal of their powerful, enduring connection.
328 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2011
2 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Delsol
7 books285 followersWendy Delsol is the author of a young adult trilogy: STORK (2010), FROST (2011), and FLOCK (2012). The books are inspired by Norse mythology, adventure and Icelandic folklore. STORK was one of 25 titles out of over 1000 to receive a 2010 VOYA Perfect Ten and one of ten to win a 2011 Westchester Fiction Award. Delsol’s adult novel, THE McCLOUD HOME FOR WAYWARD GIRLS, was named an August 2011 Barnes and Noble Pick of the Week. The book is set in Iowa and tells the story of three generations of women and the secrets that bind them. Wendy has an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a graduate degree from California State University, Long Beach. She was born in Canada, grew up in Michigan, lived in Los Angeles for 20 years and now resides in Des Moines with her husband and two teen sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 23, 2011
The McCloud women have a brave legacy of helping and supporting women from every walk of life in need of assistance as unwed mothers. In the absence of their husband and father though it becomes difficult to move forward especially when a looming controversy could ruin their entire family after his death. As time passes Jill and Jocelyn are able to move on with their lives one in their hometown and the other across the country. When the death of their mother’s rival brings back old flames and uncovered mysteries they may no longer be able to hide from their shared pasts.
This was truly an enjoyable book to read. Despite my misgivings about certain aspects of the story I thoroughly enjoyed the lives of the McCloud women and the bed & breakfast their childhood home was turned into. Initially I was interested in picking it up because of the author Wendy Delsol, I’ve read the first book in her YA series Stork and really enjoyed it and so when I saw she had a new women’s fiction novel I was eager to get my hands on it. Also, I was interested in the concept of the home itself having been a place for unwed mother’s to escape ridicule from the outside world as well as the novels potential for a “Southern” feeling. It definitely had both of those aspects, though there wasn’t a huge emphasis on the home itself until later in the book. As a whole though, I loved the characters and the mystery behind who actually fathered Jill’s daughter Fee as well as the potential romance between Jill and Keith.
Having said all of those positive aspects I’ve unfortunately got to share the negatives now. The story is told primarily from Jill’s point of view with occasional glimpses into the past through Ruby (Jill’s mother) and an additional viewpoint with Jill’s daughter Fee. What I had a huge problem with was Fee’s viewpoint, I simply couldn’t understand why it was in the book at all. I thought her conflict and suspicion about who her father was was definitely interesting, but I didn’t see the need to “hear” that from her directly. In a lot of cases I felt it broke up the pacing quite a bit. I had a little bit of a difficult time getting started with the book and then to be thrown into Fee’s viewpoint for two to four pages often completely threw me. If not for this I think I could have enjoyed the book a great deal more because I think the main stories of Jill and Ruby could have been deepened in Fee’s absence.
Overall I’d absolutely recommend The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls by Wendy Delsol to fans of Southern women’s fiction. This is a wonderful story about forgiveness and being aware how our choices affect those around us. I’m definitely interested to read more of Delsol’s writing as I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters (with the exception of Fee) and have loved her YA writing.
My original review was posted at Chick Lit Reviews and News.
This was truly an enjoyable book to read. Despite my misgivings about certain aspects of the story I thoroughly enjoyed the lives of the McCloud women and the bed & breakfast their childhood home was turned into. Initially I was interested in picking it up because of the author Wendy Delsol, I’ve read the first book in her YA series Stork and really enjoyed it and so when I saw she had a new women’s fiction novel I was eager to get my hands on it. Also, I was interested in the concept of the home itself having been a place for unwed mother’s to escape ridicule from the outside world as well as the novels potential for a “Southern” feeling. It definitely had both of those aspects, though there wasn’t a huge emphasis on the home itself until later in the book. As a whole though, I loved the characters and the mystery behind who actually fathered Jill’s daughter Fee as well as the potential romance between Jill and Keith.
Having said all of those positive aspects I’ve unfortunately got to share the negatives now. The story is told primarily from Jill’s point of view with occasional glimpses into the past through Ruby (Jill’s mother) and an additional viewpoint with Jill’s daughter Fee. What I had a huge problem with was Fee’s viewpoint, I simply couldn’t understand why it was in the book at all. I thought her conflict and suspicion about who her father was was definitely interesting, but I didn’t see the need to “hear” that from her directly. In a lot of cases I felt it broke up the pacing quite a bit. I had a little bit of a difficult time getting started with the book and then to be thrown into Fee’s viewpoint for two to four pages often completely threw me. If not for this I think I could have enjoyed the book a great deal more because I think the main stories of Jill and Ruby could have been deepened in Fee’s absence.
Overall I’d absolutely recommend The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls by Wendy Delsol to fans of Southern women’s fiction. This is a wonderful story about forgiveness and being aware how our choices affect those around us. I’m definitely interested to read more of Delsol’s writing as I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters (with the exception of Fee) and have loved her YA writing.
My original review was posted at Chick Lit Reviews and News.
February 24, 2014
I gave this 2.5 stars.
Perhaps expecting one thing from the book and getting another really impacted my view of this book and made me feel very ambivalent about this book. I wanted to know more about the history of the home and the "wayward girls" but it really didn't talk about much of that at all. The book started out with quite a lot of names dropped and as they hadn't been introduced yet, I was left very confused and it didn't make me want to keep reading. I didn't truly get into the book until at least the half way point. The author kept dropping all these reminders of the family secret but then doesn't tell you until three-fourths of the way through. There are also a lot of flashbacks in a chapter that isn't labeled as being in the past and that also made me confused. I didn't feel that this was a compelling enough story nor a well enough written book.
Perhaps expecting one thing from the book and getting another really impacted my view of this book and made me feel very ambivalent about this book. I wanted to know more about the history of the home and the "wayward girls" but it really didn't talk about much of that at all. The book started out with quite a lot of names dropped and as they hadn't been introduced yet, I was left very confused and it didn't make me want to keep reading. I didn't truly get into the book until at least the half way point. The author kept dropping all these reminders of the family secret but then doesn't tell you until three-fourths of the way through. There are also a lot of flashbacks in a chapter that isn't labeled as being in the past and that also made me confused. I didn't feel that this was a compelling enough story nor a well enough written book.
November 24, 2022
This was enjoyable, and I didn't guess who Fee's real mother was either.
April 12, 2011
Several years ago I had the privilege of reading an early, working draft of Wendy DelSol's WAYWARD, a moving family drama with a touch of mystery. DelSol seamlessly weaves the past and present stories together, cleverly using the "McCloud Home" as the binding thread. Jill's current day storyline is totally relatable and Ruby is an unforgettable character who leaps off the first page on which she appears. Thoroughly enjoyable.
April 13, 2011
The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is a beautifully told story of love, heartbreak, family and friendship. Exquisite prose, characters who stay with a reader long after the final page--...Wayward Girls is a treat. Book clubs, here's your next pick!
July 7, 2019
Wendy Delsol’s novel, The Mcloud Home for Wayward Girls, centers around three generations of Mcloud women. Once a hideaway for the unmarried and pregnant, their home now serves as a struggling inn. The scandalous past and uncertain future of the inn are brought to life through the perspectives of Ruby, Jill, and Fee Mcloud.
The use of multiple perspectives weaves the story together intricately. It forces its readers to work as they piece together the plethora of secrets within the family. Unfortunately, this use of perspective is not always in the best interest of the novel. The voice of Fee, the youngest Mcloud, often feels unnecessary and out of place. Her teenage problems, varying from bullying to winning at soccer, add little to the overarching story. Although her character is ultimately important, her perspective is not. It would be an improvement if her perspective were removed from the novel, leaving her as a minor character. The author also seems to struggle to write from a teen’s point of view. For example, when texting, Fee writes “Booboo not good. Momz at hospital. Good newz about team” (239). It is clear that Wendy Delsol is capable of writing adults, but Fee‘s voice is awkward and unnatural.
The oldest Mcloud’s perspective offers a different issue altogether— Ruby’s character changes drastically from flashbacks to the present. Although it makes sense that she would change as she ages, Ruby’s character is unrecognizable between past and present. The novel does provide some reasoning behind her change of personality, but it is difficult to reconcile the young Ruby with the older Ruby we are faced with for most of the novel.
The novel also falls into a few other pitfalls. For one, it’s introduction of characters is quick and confusing. Readers are expected to immediately remember the parade of characters that are described in the first few chapters. The novel’s use of flashbacks is similarly difficult to keep track of. When reading, you will occasionally be confused, only to backtrack and realize that a flashback has started. The character description can be slightly lacking as well. The novel largely uses direct characterization which feels lazy at times. Readers are told which characters are good, bad, talkative, or vindictive. Why not show us these characteristics in action instead of simply telling us?
Overall, I would recommend The Mcloud Home for Wayward Girls if you enjoy light reading. Wendy Delsol tells an entertaining story that is surprisingly full of red herrings and an interesting twist.
The use of multiple perspectives weaves the story together intricately. It forces its readers to work as they piece together the plethora of secrets within the family. Unfortunately, this use of perspective is not always in the best interest of the novel. The voice of Fee, the youngest Mcloud, often feels unnecessary and out of place. Her teenage problems, varying from bullying to winning at soccer, add little to the overarching story. Although her character is ultimately important, her perspective is not. It would be an improvement if her perspective were removed from the novel, leaving her as a minor character. The author also seems to struggle to write from a teen’s point of view. For example, when texting, Fee writes “Booboo not good. Momz at hospital. Good newz about team” (239). It is clear that Wendy Delsol is capable of writing adults, but Fee‘s voice is awkward and unnatural.
The oldest Mcloud’s perspective offers a different issue altogether— Ruby’s character changes drastically from flashbacks to the present. Although it makes sense that she would change as she ages, Ruby’s character is unrecognizable between past and present. The novel does provide some reasoning behind her change of personality, but it is difficult to reconcile the young Ruby with the older Ruby we are faced with for most of the novel.
The novel also falls into a few other pitfalls. For one, it’s introduction of characters is quick and confusing. Readers are expected to immediately remember the parade of characters that are described in the first few chapters. The novel’s use of flashbacks is similarly difficult to keep track of. When reading, you will occasionally be confused, only to backtrack and realize that a flashback has started. The character description can be slightly lacking as well. The novel largely uses direct characterization which feels lazy at times. Readers are told which characters are good, bad, talkative, or vindictive. Why not show us these characteristics in action instead of simply telling us?
Overall, I would recommend The Mcloud Home for Wayward Girls if you enjoy light reading. Wendy Delsol tells an entertaining story that is surprisingly full of red herrings and an interesting twist.
June 25, 2019
I had higher hopes for this book. There were some enjoyable aspects of it, but I had questions - and had times where I could not suspend my disbelief. Even the very first few pages had me rolling my eyes with the flat stereotype of a creepy funeral director (really??), but I kept reading. I'm glad I did, but here's one question: How did Ruby, Jill, and Jocelyn manage to all basically go into hiding in their small town for 9 months to avoid being seen as pregnant/not pregnant? That facet of the story was so unrealistic. The way 14 year old Fee and her friends spoke and texted each other was not very believable at times. While discussing Keith, Cass says on page 180, "My sister heard from one of her teammates that Keith used to go with both your mom and Jocelyn." No contemporary teenager would say "go with." As a high school teacher, I think authors should do a little research to see how teenagers speak - trust me, my students would be glad to fill an adult in on their world and bring them into their circle. I feel as though the story overall could have been fleshed out more. The characters did not have enough time to really develop, as I still feel as though Jill could have been more multi-dimensional. This was not a bad novel, but it still left me wanting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2019
ill, the main character, is trying to keep her bed and breakfast (formerly a home for wayward girls) solvent, take care of her ailing, widowed mother, and care for her teenager. Family secrets leak out, old loves come back to town--it's kind of a soap opera. It's a nice, light read. At some points I feel as though the characters were lacking in soul, somehow, but I can't even tell you what makes me think that.
I'll tell you this, though--Detroit-born, now living in Des Moines, Wendy doesn't really get the feel of an Iowa small town right. Click here to enlarge
I'll tell you this, though--Detroit-born, now living in Des Moines, Wendy doesn't really get the feel of an Iowa small town right. Click here to enlarge
August 13, 2022
This book has been sitting on my bookshelf for a while and I finally got to it. It’s a great story about the lies and deceits of a mother and her two daughters and how it eventually affects the granddaughter, Fee. It’s an enjoyable family story of forgiveness and moving forward. I really liked the 2 characters Ruby (the Mom) and one of the sisters (Jocelyn). They kept the whole book entertaining! 😃
⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 17, 2019
May need a sequel. Characters "thrown" in with no depth to add to book plot really. Quick read for sure. Thank goodness didn't go to the twist it could have with families and who could marry who, etc.
January 22, 2021
– 4* a thoroughly enjoyable read – a family of strong women with secrets, and romance. Loved the characters.
February 3, 2021
Quick and easy read. I really enjoyed it!
March 11, 2022
Excellent book!!!
August 19, 2011
Call me crazy, but there's just something about the title of this book. Something that says, "This is going to be a good one." I'm also a sucker for (good) women's fiction. Not "chick lit," but true women's fiction. Books written by women with true-to-life female characters. Books that also manage to include a bit of women's history: where women have come from and the strides we've made. As the old (admittedly un-PC) Virginia Slims ad says: "You've come a long way, baby."
Delsol's The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is both an entertaining novel in its own right and a commentary on the progress of the status of women in the United States over the last fifty years. Although the novel is set in present day, Delsol offers glimpses of the past through flashback scenes that show insight into the lives of women in the 1950s and 1960s.
The novel tells the story of the McCloud family, three generations of women living under the same roof. In its beginning, the family home was a commune of sorts. In the middle of the twentieth century, the home changed to a place for unwed mothers (thus the title of the book). The term "wayward" was eventually dropped, and by the 1970s there was little need for such places. By then, unwed mothers often had their babies at home and lived as single parents with less stigma attached.
Ruby, the family matriarch, first came to the Home as an unwed mother herself. She later married the Home's owner and gave birth to two daughters. When the novel opens, their daughter Jill currently lives in the family home with her daughter Fee and runs a bed-and-breakfast out of the former Girls' Home. Three generations under one roof means an inordinate amount of drama entails. Add to the mix Jill's long-gone sister Jocelyn, returned for a funeral, and it's a real recipe for disaster. And an excellent premise for a good book.
Also returning to their small Iowa town is Jill's former flame, Keith. His family and the McClouds have a long history together, managing to remain entwined from generation to generation. All of the action takes place over the course of one week (save the flashback scenes), lending an urgency to all of the secret-telling and emotional discoveries.
Wendy Delsol is the author of the fantasy YA novel Stork and its sequel Frost, which will be released in October. You can visit her on the web, on her blog, and on Twitter.
Delsol's The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is both an entertaining novel in its own right and a commentary on the progress of the status of women in the United States over the last fifty years. Although the novel is set in present day, Delsol offers glimpses of the past through flashback scenes that show insight into the lives of women in the 1950s and 1960s.
The novel tells the story of the McCloud family, three generations of women living under the same roof. In its beginning, the family home was a commune of sorts. In the middle of the twentieth century, the home changed to a place for unwed mothers (thus the title of the book). The term "wayward" was eventually dropped, and by the 1970s there was little need for such places. By then, unwed mothers often had their babies at home and lived as single parents with less stigma attached.
Ruby, the family matriarch, first came to the Home as an unwed mother herself. She later married the Home's owner and gave birth to two daughters. When the novel opens, their daughter Jill currently lives in the family home with her daughter Fee and runs a bed-and-breakfast out of the former Girls' Home. Three generations under one roof means an inordinate amount of drama entails. Add to the mix Jill's long-gone sister Jocelyn, returned for a funeral, and it's a real recipe for disaster. And an excellent premise for a good book.
Also returning to their small Iowa town is Jill's former flame, Keith. His family and the McClouds have a long history together, managing to remain entwined from generation to generation. All of the action takes place over the course of one week (save the flashback scenes), lending an urgency to all of the secret-telling and emotional discoveries.
Wendy Delsol is the author of the fantasy YA novel Stork and its sequel Frost, which will be released in October. You can visit her on the web, on her blog, and on Twitter.
July 31, 2011
The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls by Wendy Delsol
Contemporary Romance – Aug. 2nd, 2011
3 ½ stars
In The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls, the author brings to light the hopes, dreams and past of three generations of the McCloud family. Ruby is the matriarch of the family who was a beautiful orphan. She married the man of her dreams but made a mistake that still haunts the family. Jill is Ruby’s daughter and is the serious and responsible one. She gave up her dreams to raise young Fee. Jill still longs for the man who left her - her rich childhood sweetheart, Keith. Fee is a blossoming young woman who wants her independence but finds herself caught in an old and secret scandal.
When Keith returns and asks Jill to host a wake for his bitter and newly deceased aunt at her family’s inn, trouble starts all over again. But will Jill be able to find love again?
This was a rich story. In the beginning, I was a bit lost. I wasn’t sure how everyone connected to each other but the author soon smoothes this over. Soon I found myself interested in the characters. However, the book jumps between Ruby, Jill and Fee’s point of views which can make it feel a bit disjointed. I felt very sympathetic towards Jill who makes some huge sacrifices for others and really wanted her to find happiness with Keith this second time around. This novel is not really a romance but it is ambitious as it delves into each female character and tries to make you care for each. It was interesting to see how each of them connected to one another and the consequences of their actions. Although I did enjoy having sneak peeks/flashbacks into different characters’ minds I wished the author had stayed with Jill. I could not seem to get as emotionally involved with the other characters and sometimes found them distracting to the story.
A good woman’s fiction book that reveals secrets and the resilience of family.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Contemporary Romance – Aug. 2nd, 2011
3 ½ stars
In The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls, the author brings to light the hopes, dreams and past of three generations of the McCloud family. Ruby is the matriarch of the family who was a beautiful orphan. She married the man of her dreams but made a mistake that still haunts the family. Jill is Ruby’s daughter and is the serious and responsible one. She gave up her dreams to raise young Fee. Jill still longs for the man who left her - her rich childhood sweetheart, Keith. Fee is a blossoming young woman who wants her independence but finds herself caught in an old and secret scandal.
When Keith returns and asks Jill to host a wake for his bitter and newly deceased aunt at her family’s inn, trouble starts all over again. But will Jill be able to find love again?
This was a rich story. In the beginning, I was a bit lost. I wasn’t sure how everyone connected to each other but the author soon smoothes this over. Soon I found myself interested in the characters. However, the book jumps between Ruby, Jill and Fee’s point of views which can make it feel a bit disjointed. I felt very sympathetic towards Jill who makes some huge sacrifices for others and really wanted her to find happiness with Keith this second time around. This novel is not really a romance but it is ambitious as it delves into each female character and tries to make you care for each. It was interesting to see how each of them connected to one another and the consequences of their actions. Although I did enjoy having sneak peeks/flashbacks into different characters’ minds I wished the author had stayed with Jill. I could not seem to get as emotionally involved with the other characters and sometimes found them distracting to the story.
A good woman’s fiction book that reveals secrets and the resilience of family.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
September 9, 2019
I reviewed this originally for romancing-the-book.com and the review is below:
This is a novel with family at its center and was a very enjoyable and easy book to get into. The McCloud family makes up the main characters with the Frasers coming in right behind as secondary characters. The story crosses three generations of The McClouds with lots of twists and turns. There is romance, lots of angst, anxiety, problems, secrets and mystery that have to be dealt with along with a few laughs and some tears. Their family home was once a place that unmarried girls could come to have their babies and not be disgraced. Now it's a bed and breakfast with its own stories to tell. There is unrequited love for Jill McCloud and Keith Fraser and it takes them until the end of the story to admit they still love each other and want to be together. Of course getting to that point was not a straight line and we learned of their history throughout the book. She gave background story initially and then went back and forth between the past and the present to give further details that readers needed to piece the story together. This helped to enrich the story for the readers by layering the details and specifics of the plot. This is the first adult novel written by Delsol although she had previously authored two books for youth. I would definitely read other adult books she writes and hope they are as good as this one!
This is a novel with family at its center and was a very enjoyable and easy book to get into. The McCloud family makes up the main characters with the Frasers coming in right behind as secondary characters. The story crosses three generations of The McClouds with lots of twists and turns. There is romance, lots of angst, anxiety, problems, secrets and mystery that have to be dealt with along with a few laughs and some tears. Their family home was once a place that unmarried girls could come to have their babies and not be disgraced. Now it's a bed and breakfast with its own stories to tell. There is unrequited love for Jill McCloud and Keith Fraser and it takes them until the end of the story to admit they still love each other and want to be together. Of course getting to that point was not a straight line and we learned of their history throughout the book. She gave background story initially and then went back and forth between the past and the present to give further details that readers needed to piece the story together. This helped to enrich the story for the readers by layering the details and specifics of the plot. This is the first adult novel written by Delsol although she had previously authored two books for youth. I would definitely read other adult books she writes and hope they are as good as this one!
October 20, 2011
Reviewed by JoAnne
Review copy provided by the publisher
This is a novel with family at its center and was a very enjoyable and easy book to get into. The McCloud family makes up the main characters with the Frasers coming in right behind as secondary characters. The story crosses three generations of The McClouds with lots of twists and turns. There is romance, lots of angst, anxiety, problems, secrets and mystery that have to be dealt with along with a few laughs and some tears. Their family home was once a place that unmarried girls could come to have their babies and not be disgraced. Now it's a bed and breakfast with its own stories to tell. There is unrequited love for Jill McCloud and Keith Fraser and it takes them until the end of the story to admit they still love each other and want to be together. Of course getting to that point was not a straight line and we learned of their history throughout the book. She gave background story initially and then went back and forth between the past and the present to give further details that readers needed to piece the story together. This helped to enrich the story for the readers by layering the details and specifics of the plot. This is the first adult novel written by Delsol although she had previously authored two books for youth. I would definitely read other adult books she writes and hope they are as good as this one!
Review copy provided by the publisher
This is a novel with family at its center and was a very enjoyable and easy book to get into. The McCloud family makes up the main characters with the Frasers coming in right behind as secondary characters. The story crosses three generations of The McClouds with lots of twists and turns. There is romance, lots of angst, anxiety, problems, secrets and mystery that have to be dealt with along with a few laughs and some tears. Their family home was once a place that unmarried girls could come to have their babies and not be disgraced. Now it's a bed and breakfast with its own stories to tell. There is unrequited love for Jill McCloud and Keith Fraser and it takes them until the end of the story to admit they still love each other and want to be together. Of course getting to that point was not a straight line and we learned of their history throughout the book. She gave background story initially and then went back and forth between the past and the present to give further details that readers needed to piece the story together. This helped to enrich the story for the readers by layering the details and specifics of the plot. This is the first adult novel written by Delsol although she had previously authored two books for youth. I would definitely read other adult books she writes and hope they are as good as this one!
February 7, 2012
I absolutely adored this book, even surprising myself as I am not normally a fan of romance or what can be considered women's fiction. But I fell hard for the McCloud girls. I loved how Delsol went back in time to tell the reader about Ruby. When you think about, in the present time of the book, Ruby really has no part. But in the past, she is a HUGE part of their history and the current situation of the inn today. I really liked Fee. I think she was a great example of a normal, down-to-earth teenager of today.
The only real complaint that I have is that nothing was really wrapped up with Fee or even Jocelyn for that matter. I understand that Jill was the main character of the tale and her story had an end, but I wondered what would happen with Fee. Would she ever be friends with Marjory again? And how was Jocelyn adjusting to much slower pace of life back in Iowa?
I guess what I am really trying to say is that I wouldn't mind a sequel at all.
This book reminded me a lot of the movie, "Evening" with Vanessa Redgrave and Claire Danes. Most of the movie is told through flashbacks. Or even like "Fried Green Tomatoes". There is something about learning about life through the eyes and tales of an elder. Sometimes their pasts are even racier than our presents.
The only real complaint that I have is that nothing was really wrapped up with Fee or even Jocelyn for that matter. I understand that Jill was the main character of the tale and her story had an end, but I wondered what would happen with Fee. Would she ever be friends with Marjory again? And how was Jocelyn adjusting to much slower pace of life back in Iowa?
I guess what I am really trying to say is that I wouldn't mind a sequel at all.
This book reminded me a lot of the movie, "Evening" with Vanessa Redgrave and Claire Danes. Most of the movie is told through flashbacks. Or even like "Fried Green Tomatoes". There is something about learning about life through the eyes and tales of an elder. Sometimes their pasts are even racier than our presents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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June 13, 2011The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is a beautiful novel that not only follows the lives of three generations of McClouds but also the history of a home transformed from a haven for pregnant girls to a bed and breakfast. Wendy Delsol's vivid storytelling sucked me in and had me completely enraptured. It was easy to feel emotionally connected to these women, even though their lives are much different from anything I've ever experienced. The interweaving of the past and present was well done. Each chapter drew me in, creating new questions and answering them thoughtfully with plenty of interest and dimension and layers. Very impressive how these characters interconnect and there are surprises most will not see coming. I also love the strength and weaknesses of these women - but Jill, she's IT! Strong and tough, vulnerable and loving.
Kudos to Wendy. I highly recommend The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls.
This review is based on the ARC I received at the BEA
Kudos to Wendy. I highly recommend The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls.
This review is based on the ARC I received at the BEA
January 11, 2012
Why read: Picked up a copy at BEA
What impressed me: The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls completely took me by surprise. It was both fun, serious and even occasionally a bit scandalous. I loved the was the perspectives shifted between the women, Ruby in the past, Jill both past and present and Fee totally in the now. The mystery element really threw me through a loop in the best possible way. Mose than anything else, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is a touching, secret filled story of three women finding their way in a judgemental world. I loved every word.
What disappointed me: Absolutely nothing. Just perfect.
Recommended: Highly. The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is women's fiction, with some romance and a bit of mystery peppered in. It's engaging and very hard to put down.
What impressed me: The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls completely took me by surprise. It was both fun, serious and even occasionally a bit scandalous. I loved the was the perspectives shifted between the women, Ruby in the past, Jill both past and present and Fee totally in the now. The mystery element really threw me through a loop in the best possible way. Mose than anything else, The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is a touching, secret filled story of three women finding their way in a judgemental world. I loved every word.
What disappointed me: Absolutely nothing. Just perfect.
Recommended: Highly. The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls is women's fiction, with some romance and a bit of mystery peppered in. It's engaging and very hard to put down.
August 21, 2011
Lovers of romance with a healthy dose of family secrets will revel in this well-crafted novel that features an inn with a "history." Three generations of McCloud women have lived through love, loss, and scandal with their heads held high. Jill, the primary viewpoint character, is strong and self-sacrificing while her flighty sister Jocelyn lives for drama and attention. Mother Ruby suffers from emotional scars from years past that cloud her thinking. Jill's teen daughter Fee is caught up in a family mystery none of the adult women will explain. A thoroughly satisfying read!
May 22, 2015
I blame it on spring break, and the end of the school year. I'm into chick lit right now. This book had terrific characters. The sisters were wildly different but fiercely loyal. The "daughter" was a relatable teenager who was well developed. The mother was feisty, a tad frisky, and wee bit funny. I loved how the flashbacks helped slowly unravel the mystery of the past. I liked the romance despite how predictable. I enjoyed the setting of the bed an breakfast as well. Not a life changing book but a great cast and tale.
August 26, 2011
At first I found this book a bit annoying, and the characters other than the main character rather unlikable. I found myself getting swept up in the story as I went along, and I confess that the family 'secret' was something I never saw coming (I won't say more--that would be a spoiler). In the end, I did really like this story of a family running a home for unwed mothers-turned bed and breakfast.
September 5, 2011
This was good and had excellent potential. The saving grace here: the mind-blowing twist at the end. You spend the whole book THINKING you know where it's going, but then? Ninety-degree hairpin turn. The main character I felt a strong connection with, but the other characters were less developed, in my opinion. Fee, especially, could have used some tweaking because she was an awesome character. Good beach read.
August 25, 2011
This book was very well written, much like the Time travelers wife where there is a back and forth for each character, and some looks into the past as well. I liked that each transition was well labeled and you knew where you were going and who you were listening to. This book had a love story or two...or three, and a twist at the end that I wasn't expecting at all!
October 6, 2014
I liked it. It's a good summer read. It's a romance, a mystery, a historical novel. Lots of elements that just made for a fun read. And, besides, it's a local author (She's from the Des Moines area) and I like to read local authors. The story takes place in a fictional Iowa town.
May 15, 2015
I enjoyed this. It was an interesting look at all the crazy things that can happen to families and how lies and secrets can end up pulling people apart, but also how family can also pull together in the middle of the insanity of life.
March 10, 2014
I just grabbed this off the shelves at the library and was so so delighted at this book. Rich characters, a mystery, love, generations of woman and it is just fabulous. I keep thinking about it and all they did to help each other.
August 11, 2013
Enjoyable light romance set in Iowa in a bed and breakfast that was once a home for unwed mothers. Told in several different viewpoints, which can be tricky but mostly worked. Interesting plot twist and some good characters. Mildly adult situations.
May 27, 2014
This was an okay book, 3.5 stars. And the extra 0.5 comes because of the reference to Boulevard Unfiltered Wheat, one of my favorite beers! Overall, the book kept me involved, and did have some surprises.
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