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Reviews tagging 'Cancer'

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

1 review

rachelwastaken's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

My bookclub selected this as our January 2023 read.

Present day: Libby McKenzie isn't sure who she is - a failed oncology nurse whose marriage suffered three miscarriages and ended in divorce is introduced to use while photographing a wedding. Libby meets Elaine Carter Grant, the owner of the generations-old Woodmont estate and is asked to record the renovation, most notably the hidden greenhouse at the edge of the property.

1940s finds the world at war and we're introduced to Sadie Thompson, a known bootlegger of the famed Honeysuckle moonshine and her unlikely relationship with the Olivia Carter, wife of Doctor Carter and owner of the estate. Upon discovering Sadie can drive she is hired by Doctor Carter to assist his new bride into town at her leisure and the two form an unlikely friendship.

Early in the story, we discover that Libby is the adopted daughter of the small town's pediatrician, and upon his death she is determined to uncover the identity of her birth parents.
Her newly found friendship with Elaine seems unusual at first glance, but as more characters are introduced the author is able to unfold a story that shows us how small towns can't escape their secrets.

This book reads like a mystery with elements of romance, drama, and history. If you enjoy nonlinear timelines, multiple narrators, and historical fiction reads - this one's for you.

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