Honeysuckle Season

I had read nothing by this author before, but the prologue pulled me right in as it offered more questions than answers. I love a prologue that teases and tantalizes, and this one did! The novel takes place in dual timelines, during World War II and in the present day. There are surprising connections between the past story and the present one. The author paints a verbal picture so well, particularly of the setting and struggles in the Blue Ridge Mountains in the past story. We can't help but feel for Sadie when we first meet her even though we don't know her full story. Libby in the present is sympathetic as well, having recently lost her father and still grappling with emotions caused by multiple miscarriages and a divorce. This is a cross-generational family saga with a lovely contemporary romance to lighten things up, which is needed as there are a few darker themes at play here as well. Secrets abound in this book and take a while to tease out. The author has an immersive writing style and has created nuanced, believable characters whom you can't help but root for as they work through setbacks and other difficult circumstances. I really enjoyed watching this story unfold, and the author did certainly hold back some surprises before ultimately revealing them. I can only say that I wish it were a bit longer because I wasn't quite ready for the story to end. Highly recommended.I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Fans of women's fiction will enjoy this, but don't go into it for the romance. It's actually well done as a sort of mysterious family drama, with timelines in both present day and the 1940s. The story unravels as it goes along, and we learn more and more about the family secrets. Why the low rating then? I found this to be too sedate for me, with extensive descriptive paragraphs, not a ton of a dialogue, and a romance that falls flat. I completely expected the women's fiction feel, so that was no surprise, but it is technically billed as a romance and that's where this one is lacking. There's just about zero chemistry between the two, they spend little time together on the page, and a few events towards the end caused me to drop my rating.The story primarily follows Libby in present day. She's a nurse turned photographer who has had a rocky few years. Her marriage couldn't endure multiple miscarriages, so she finds herself alone and trying to be happy again. Along the way, Libby meets Colton, a single dad who has suffered his own losses. They bond over a greenhouse and their shared experiences, but as Libby learns more about her family, things get complicated.There's a definite serious tone to the book, with moments of lightness but plenty of heavy themes. As I said, it leans heavily towards women's fiction, with about 25% of the book devoted to the romance. The writing itself is solid and the storyline unpredictable, so it's definitely a success in that regard. I just found it a bit boring, honestly, and things got a little hard to believe towards the end. Some of the twists seemed like too much, and it took away from the story the author was building. I think many will like it - especially if looking for a family drama - but this wasn't a total winner for me.

This novel is set in Virginia during two time periods: the early 1940's, and the summer of 2020. Chapters alternate between the two time periods. The story was enjoyable, but every time I came to a chapter set in 2020, I asked myself, "when is the author going to say something about Covid-19?" The answer is -- never. I found that very disturbing and distracting. The author apparently wrote the book before the pandemic, and made the assumption that summer 2020 would be just like other summers, with large wedding parties, no social distancing, etc. Bad assumption.

Mary Ellen Taylor has written a book about the ties between generations, secrets, losses, resentment and regret. I assumed when I started reading this book that it would be a light and sweet romance with little conflict. I was so wrong! I was drawn quickly into the story because of the setting in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, where I was raised. I understood the struggles of young Sadie, trying to help her family to survive any way she can, especially with the secret family recipe of adding honeysuckle to the white lightning that is the family’s main source of income. Sadie is one of the narrators during the time period set in the 1940’s. Fast forward to the current day and the narrator is Libby, a young woman who is aching over the loss of her husband and their dream of having children. Libby is pursuing a new career in photography and it is that job that leads her to Elaine Grant, the owner of Woodmont, a fancy mansion that is perfect for having weddings on its grounds. Elaine introduces Libby to the groundskeeper and handyman Colton and therein lies the hint of romance. There were so many secrets in this book, and the author did a fabulous job of weaving the tale of the main characters and how all of their stories were connected. This is a generational story that was a very satisfying read, but I must say that I want to read more of the story. There was an ending, of course, and it did bring the story to a conclusion. But I think that there are more stories to be told in these secretive mountains. Fans of romance with the nuances of mystery will totally enjoy this book, just as I did.DisclaimerDisclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

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.

Great read I would like to say more but will not be dictated to about how many words are used etc, you are damaging your authors potential for getting reviews Amazon get your act together and stop being so control freaky it is intensely irritating and annoying and I will repeat this every time Amazon stops me from leaving the kind of review I want to leave with as many words as I see fit I wonder how long it will take you to get the message

Initially I really liked the book, really liked the tough topics it included and how the characters dealt with them. But I had just started to get involved with the characters and suddenly the book was over. The ending honestly felt like a total cop out that was hurriedly tacked on to a half finished book in order to meet a deadline. Such a shame!

I enjoyed the present day, but not the retrospective story line, the writing style didn't work for me.Events in the plot were obvious from chapter 3. State sterilization practices in the USA, Sweden, Ireland and elsewhere is has been covered in too many novels to be considered as an original theme in yet another. Otherwise, it is a well wrought and complicated plot.

The movement from past to present day had me second guessing the link between characters until they revealed themselves. Alot of pain and happiness told between the characters storylines, all believable situations. Already recommended to two friends who have bought and enjoyed it too. I'm an easy reader, I'll read any tale as long as the grammar works and characters are not flat in personality. Really enjoyed this and read in one go. My kinda book 🥰