A Haven On Orchard Lane- Book Review

A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell  is summed up on the back of the book thus:

"Famed actress Charlotte Ward stepped away from the Victorian London stage five years ago. Now in desperate circumstances, she tried to restart her career- only to experience a complete collapse. Against her better judgment, Charlotte's estranged daughter, Rosalind, comes to her mother's rescue and moves her to a quiet English coastal village where her mother can evade the gossip columnists, at least for a time.

Charlotte is grateful to re-establish even tenuous family ties with Rosalind. As one with regrets over her own romantic past, shes happy to see love blossom for her daughter. For Rosalind, however, it's time away from teaching, and now she must care for the mother who wasn't there for her. And what could possibly be more complicated than romance?

But there can be no permanent escape from the threats of recent months. As the privacy they seek is threatened, mother and daughter must make some difficult decisions- ons that jeopardize those they care about most."

From the first paragraph of this story I was captivated. And to my utter delight and pleasure the story only gained in interest and solid characters and complex plot until the very end. I am a fast reader and especially fast if I am swept away, so I finished this 407 page book in 3 days. The story line is intriguing but believable, complex and simple all at the same time making it a book I didn't want to put down. Mrs. Blackwell's writing style is a mix of beautiful description and strong character building that makes you attached to the characters from the moment you meet them. All of her language and time frame references were point on. I give this book a resounding 5 stars and heartily recommend it to anyone wanting a wonderful, touching story to be swept away in. This is a book that I will re-read in the years to come and will even read to my children when they are a bit older. A wonderful work of fiction which I find very rare these days.

***I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.***