This is the first book I have read by Mary Ellen Taylor, I chose it as my Prime First Reads selection in August. I loved this book, read in one afternoon. Her prose is lovely and the story is told in a dual time line , which I enjoy. Some parts are predictable, if only because of the social mores of that period. I identified with the pregnancy losses by two of the characters, and could easily sympathize with the various female characters--past and present. A moving read.

This was an enjoyable read, although I thought it was odd that the contemporary portion of the book took place in spring and summer 2020, which would have been the height of the pandemic, but the pandemic was never mentioned. The book was published in Sept 2020, so it is possible the author was projecting forward in time when she wrote the book.

I'm a new fan of Mary Ellen Taylor's. I preferred 'When the Rain Ends', my first read of hers. Only because at times it was difficult to follow the family timeline/tree in this novel. Otherwise a joy!

Two Eras Collide

I dont often read this type of novel, preferring paranormal romances and fantasy fiction, but it caught my eye on amazon first reads and the description sucked me in so much that I had hit the buy now bitton before I had even realised.
I got the book 5 hours ago. Its currently quarter to 5 in the morning and having just finished the book, I still have tears tracking to my pillow.
Libby and Sadie both have hard journeys, difficult decisions and lots to grieve. The one positive they both have though, is a good friend. As the stories weave together its hard not to become enraptured by Sadie's wild forthcoming style of the 1940's or Libby's artist love in 2020. The author does a really good job of weaving all the threads together and tying up all the loose ends.
Although there is plenty of loss, grief and mourning, the story does finish on a happily ever after for the characters in 2020. A fantastic read and I would really recommend it.

Loved this story and could not figure out the ending ahead of time- and that pleases me!

DNF.

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor
This book is one I stumbled upon and I was NOT disappointed.

It's one where I fell in love with the characters from the start and hated to leave them!

I’m not sure how to rate this book. I liked the way the story unfolded with flashbacks to Sadie and Olivia along with present day Libby. Though it did seem a little rushed. There were a few details that I found annoying (like calling your birth mom “mom” the day you find out who she is) that made the story seem less believable and just bothersome for me. Overall I liked the story and enjoyed reading it!

All in all, this book was fine. It had an interesting premise, which kept me reading. I found myself unsatisfied at the end when all the loose ends were tied off - I was actually surprised when the book ended because I thought I had at least a few more chapters.

The romance seemed especially forced and unnecessary. I would have preferred that the book stay about women’s issues and empowerment instead of wedging the contrived, awkward attraction in.