Time and time again, Bette Lee Crosby captures me with her writing.
In her latest novel, Memory House, the southern charm oozes from the pages, the characters read as if they are my friends and family and the storyline captivates me.
The beautiful cover makes we want to walk up to the door, expecting Ophelia to be there, opening it before I have the opportunity to knock.
Check out the links at the end of the post for more novels by Bette Lee Crosby and my reviews of her books. Happy reading!
MY REVIEW
…books and stories, that’s where the magic is
Bette Lee Crosby is a master storyteller and her latest novel, Memory House follows the path of all the rest of her novels I have read – excellence. Her captivating characters had me eating out of their hands.
Bette’s writing takes us back and forth, between the past and present of Ophelia’s life, since she entered Memory House in Richmond, Virginia. She is such a wonderful person, alone, yet so giving of herself to others. She runs a small apothecary shop that may supply someone with items for beauty, a common cure, or a love potion that a weary traveler may need. Ophelia has many memories, not all of them her own. It is time for the passing of the sword. Could Annie be the one she has been looking for?
Annie will find herself on Ophelia’s doorstep, after a failed relationship.
Michael, her boyfriend is a super jerk, taking advantage of her desire for a relationship and her easy nature. He trots through life as if he is her gift from God and his desires are her desires. Boy is he in for a surprise as she realizes she doesn’t have to have him in her life. Will she leave him? Will such an arrogant personality allow it? He was so sure he could leave and come back whenever he wanted and she would be there waiting for him.
I felt a sense of danger in the writing and the thought that maybe Michael, her ex, would come after her, but Bette Lee Crosby’s dangers are more subtle.
Funny how smells can bring forth powerful memories and here at the Memory House Bed & Breakfast, they were good memories, healing memories, for Annie. Will the magic of Memory House enter her life and soothe her soul, giving her a purpose?
Ophelia and Annie quickly develop a comfortable relationship, as if it is meant to be.
Bette Lee Crosby has a way of giving you comfort when bad things happen. Sometimes I need to be reminded of the simple pleasures in life and her writing does that for me.
As per Bette Lee Crosby’s books I have read in the past, the story ends with tears of happiness swelling in my eyes. Another wonderful heart warming story of love, life, pain and sorrow, and the path her characters must walk through in life.
I received Memory House in return for an honest review.
5 Stars
SYNOPSIS
Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she’s been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she’s nearing ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety.
Before time runs out Ophelia must find a successor. Someone who can take hold of the gifts and keep the memories from fading.
When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.
ABOUT BETTE LEE CROSBY
Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby shares the storytelling charm of her Southern Mama in tales that are both heartrending and heartwarming. She is best known for her creation of characters that readers find unforgettable.
Passing through Perfect is Crosby’s tenth novel and the third book in the Wyattsville Series that began with the USA Today Bestseller Spare Change. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. Since then, she has gone on to win another twenty literary awards, including the Royal Palm Literary Award, the Reviewer’s Choice Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal and the 2014 Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal.
You can check out other her other novels and my reviews by clicking on the links below:
Passing Through Perfect by Bette Lee Crosby & Giveaway
She Did It Her Way – Review for Blueberry Hill by Bette Lee Crosby
Interview & Review for Bette Lee Crosby’s Jubilee’s Journey
Review of The Twelfth Child by Bette Lee Crosby
Show a little southern hospitality to Louise in What Matters Most by Bette Lee Crosby
Review of Cracks In The Sidewalk by Bette Lee Crosby
Review of Wishing for Wonderful by Bette Lee Crosby
What do you do with your Spare Change?
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