About this item
Mary McDonough welcomes readers back to the small town of Olivers Well, Virginia, in a story of holiday and homecoming, as three siblings gather for a Christmas that brings unexpected gifts. Even in a town as picturesque and rich in history as Olivers Well theres something special about the Reynolds house on Honeysuckle Lane. Sturdy yet graceful, well-proportioned outside and within, its where Andie, Emma, and Daniel Reynolds grew up - before they began to grow apart. For Danny, this first reunion since their mothers death is a chance for him and his sisters to relive cherished holiday traditions - attending the church concert, lighting the town tree - before finally settling their parents estate. But readying the house for sale proves no easy task when every piece of furniture and every moment together stirs up the past. Andie, the oldest sibling, didnt just leave home years ago, she left her young daughter too. Though shes found fulfillment and fame as a self-help author, coming back shakes her equilibrium. How can she presume to guide others if she cant be honest with those closest to her, much less herself? Middle child Emma struck out on her own instead of accepting her fathers offer to share his business. Yet now she finds herself drawn back to her towns quiet rhythms and routines, wondering if its possible to start over. The house on Honeysuckle Lane contains a lifetimes worth of joys and dreams, and its share of regrets too. This Christmas, it will be the place where Andie, Emma, and Danny come together to remember, laugh, fight, plan - and find their way forward as a family once more.. "A warm, heartfelt novel about what it means to belong to a family. You wont want to put it down." --Mary Alice Monroe, New York Times bestselling author of A Lowcountry Wedding
About the Author
Mary McDonough is a born and raised "Valley girl." Born into an Irish Catholic family, she attended Catholic school until she was cast as Erin on the award winning television series, The Waltons.
Lessons From the Mountain is Mary's first book. In this strikingly honest book, McDonough shares the story of her overnight transformation from a normal kid in a working class family, to a Hollywood child star. She reveals intimate memories of life in and around that idyllic Virginia farmhouse. Touching, funny, sometimes heartbreaking, and always illuminating, Lessons from the Mountain is the story of everything Mary McDonough learned on her journey over - and beyond - that famous mountain.
A sought-after speaker and workshop leader she guides women and teens toward improving their body image through healthy lifestyle choices. Her workshops help individuals create personal change, life balance, and return to a sense of self. Mary's workshop: BODY BRANDING, GETTING COMFORTABLE WITH THE SKIN YOU'RE IN explores how we choose to "Brand" ourselves and then project that personal branding to the world. "BODY BRANDING" examines how we can undo the negativity about ourselves and change the picture you offer of yourself to the world. Mary also teaches acting as a method of raising confidence and improving communication skills.
Mary left the "Valley" when she got engaged and moved to the OC. She lives there with Don and their blended family, including her lap dog Runtie who was instrumental in the writing of her book. For more on Mary visit MARYMCDONOUGH.COM
