House & Home by Kathleen McCleary was like a comforting hot cup of tea for me. I felt very drawn to the main character Ellen because of her honest way of sharing her emotions. When this book came in the mail I fell immediately in love with the cover and picked it up with the intention of reading a few pages. Well let’s just say that I finished the book the next day which is saying a lot considering my reading mojo hasn’t been the best this month. It’s really a wonderful novel that I enjoyed a great deal.
The story opens and we find out that Ellen is going to lose her house and she is completely devastated by this. Her husband Sam is an inventor who is mostly irresponsible -a man who basically takes things as they come. He does hold down a regular job but he invents something new and wants to go forward with it which means he wants to do it full time. They end up mortgaging their house and using the savings and unfortunately end up losing it as well. Ellen has had enough. She wants security and most of all she wants her house! Her anger is focused solely on her husband and they separate.
To Ellen her house is everything. It’s where they began their lives together, conceived their children and brought them home among other things. She has put her heart and soul into this house. It’s not only the house she doesn’t want to let go of. She has wonderful neighbors that she’s built relationships with and a coffee shop that she has made very successful. She just can’t picture herself walking away from any of it.
To top it off the woman buying her house is the most obnoxious and irritating woman she has ever met and she can’t stand her. Her husband however is another story. He has been coming into her coffee shop anonymously, wanting to talk to her. Finally she finds out who he is and they strike up a friendship. They find that they have a lot in common especially having to do with giving up their homes – neither of them wants to. Ellen is confused – she is still wildly attracted to her husband but…
Ellen goes to some pretty extreme lengths in her thoughts on ways to keep her home. Even her daughter Sara has some of her own ideas about ways to keep her childhood home. Ultimately though the lesson is that ‘home’ is more than just a house. It’s really what makes up the home – the people and the memories they make there. In many ways I could really relate to Ellen’s love of her home. We moved from my childhood home when I was 17 years old and to be honest I was heartbroken for a long time. I still miss that house and I’m now 43. So many important memories took place there – holiday celebrations, my first boyfriend, you know all that good stuff.
This really was a great story. The author, Kathleen McCleary, is very good at pulling us into this drama and keeping us there turning the pages to see what’s going to happen. I had many ideas of what would probably happen but the twist at the end took me by surprise. She also has a knack for writing in such a way that made me feel that this story was very real. I felt like I might be reading about my own neighbor and I really enjoyed that. I was surprised to discover that this was Kathleen’s first novel. I will certainly be keeping an eye out for her next novel for sure!
I read House & Home by Kathleen McCleary for her TLC Book Tour so many thanks to Lisa for the opportunity to participate. You can buy House & Home here in the US and here in Canada. Also be sure to check out Kathleen’s website here.
This made me feel a little sad, as my parents are about to leave our family home to move nearer to me. They have lived there for the last 33 years and it will be such a wrench for my mum.
I've read some other reviews on the tour (I remember Sheri's specifically), and it does sound like a down to earth, well-written book. The author was also someone who sounded like a person you would want to sit down and have a cup of coffee with. Great review! Glad to see you…I've been thinking about you!
I also read Sheri's review, but now after reading your recommendation, I am convinced that I need to pick up this book soon.
You made me want to read this one right now. I can see why you would be drawn in by the beautiful cover.
I hope things are settling down a bit for you and your family. Is your Dad doing better? How are you?
You've been in my thoughts.
I'm really interested in reading this book, but I've moved around so much, I've never felt that kind of attachment to a house.
Great review. This is the first I have heard of this book but after reading your review I need to put it on my wishlist. Sounds like a good page turner.
I'm glad that you enjoyed it. I was on the first tour last year and enjoyed it, too. It has such a beautiful cover and it really expresses the tone of the book.
I read this earlier this month and enjoyed it too. I had a hard time with emotional attachment when we were thinking about moving a few years ago so I could relate to Ellen.
This does sound like a good book, it sounds like "my" kind of book!
Have you ever read Elizabeth Berg? It sounds like the kind of books she writes. I love her.
As I am on a kind of home books binge, or at least a house vs home theme, this book would fit nicely in with others. Especially that it is comforting rather than depressing and we all need that.
Darlene, this book sounds like a good one! I love the cover also! I'll have to add it to my list. Thanks for the wonderful review!
This one does sound interesting. It sounds like a lot of the main character's emotions are tied up with her house. I love my house, but I'm not sure that I'm that attached to it.
Sounds like a good book. I'm not one to become that attached to houses, but Ellen's relationship with her husband is what would draw me to the book.
What an excellent review! I think I will add this book to my reading queue.
You had me at "hot cup of tea!"
Hi Dar! I'm so glad you enjoyed House and Home. I read it last year and just loved it. Thanks so much for the time you put into reading and reviewing the book. It is much appreciated!
I didn't connect with the main character's attachment to her house, but thought it was an enjoyable, well-written book. Great review.
Sounds like my kind of book! And your review is so well-written. You really have a great way with words!
I love stories that grab you immediately and this one sounds like one that I would so enjoy. I'm glad that you are starting to get your reading mojo back!
Some times comforting books are just what the doctor ordered!
Hope you and your family are all on the mend!
Great review, Dar. I would be devastated too if I found out I'm about to lose my home.
I'm so glad to see you posting again.
Awesome review. This sounds like something I would love to read.. I easily get attached to my homes. I feel sad when i have to leave them!
Dar, I hope you and your family are feeling better and everything is fine with you guys!
I read the synopsis of this book a few weeks ago and was intrigued, so I am glad to have read your review. This sounds like it would be a great comfort read, and like something I definitely want to get my hands on. Great review, I will be trying to pick up a copy soon. Thanks!
Sounds like an interesting book. I know I'm certainly attached to our home. Thanks for the review!
I can't help but wonder if she ever burns the house down…
The cover alone makes me want to pick up the book, but your review has convinced me I'll like the story, too!
Great review. I really want to read this one!