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Summary
Summary
A compelling novel about a bed-and-breakfast that houses three generations of women- and their many secrets.
In the early 1960s, Ruby, a spunky unwed teen mother, was wooed and won over by the founder of the McCloud Home. Now, forty years later, the historic property has been converted into an inn that Ruby runs with one of her daughters, Jill. When Jill's fourteen-year-old daughter begins to search for the identity of her father, she sets in motion events that will test the bonds that bind mothers, daughters, and sisters.
Jill unwittingly aids the forces of upheaval when she agrees to host the wake of the town matriarch. As the guests-including the matriarch's handsome son and Jill's vivacious, irresponsible sister Jocelyn- return to the small town, the convergence of people and memories uncovers rivalries, sparks romance, recalls heartbreak, and reveals a shocking family secret, one that could separate the McCloud women forever or lead them to the renewal of their powerful, enduring connection.
Author Notes
Wendy Delsol is the author of the young adult novels Stork, Frost , and Flock .
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
Excess melodrama mars Delsol's (Stork) tangled multi-generational tale. The McClouds run a family inn in small-town Iowa that used to be a home for unwed teenage mothers. When innkeeper Jill McCloud agrees to host the wake for deceased local matriarch Hester Fraser, long-held family secrets emerge in a series of confusing flashbacks. As Jill struggles to deal with her feisty but unstable mother, Ruby, and her unhappy teenage daughter, Fee, the return of Hester's nephew (and Jill's former love) Keith-as well as Jill's sexually adventurous sister Jocelyn-resurrects an old love triangle complicated by Ruby's old enmity with Hester. The story shifts between the present day, the mid-90s, and the mid-60s (when Ruby first arrived in town as a pregnant teenager), and the history revealed in these confusing, unmarked flashbacks simply defies belief. Though the portrayals of youthful Ruby and teenage Fee are delightful and convincing, their charm unfortunately fails to carry the reader through the sudsy and increasingly improbable secrets of the McClouds. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Library Journal Review
The McCloud Home for Wayward Girls in Scotch Derry, IA, became the McCloud Inn 15 years ago, the same year Jill's daughter, Fee, was born. Ruby, the family matriarch and originally a wayward girl, daughter Jill, and Fee all live under the same roof, with fluctuating degrees of success. Jill's older sister, Jocelyn, currently living in L.A., is about to tip the balance toward chaos once she hears that Keith Fraser, Jill's old flame, came home for his aunt's wake. How could she miss the impending fireworks, for better or for worse? Pivotal turning points for major characters are shared in separate voices and within the context of when they occurred, but enough mystery is left in the telling to keep readers wondering over the truth of Fee's parentage, Ruby's early life, Jocelyn's reasons for leaving, and Jill's need to stay in control. Verdict With thoughtfully created characters, a strong sense of place, and a happy ending, this intriguing story has plenty to recommend it. A great choice for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and Jo-Ann Mapson, or readers who enjoy good family dramas.-Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.