Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly

A Novel

By: Marie Bostwick

Narrated by: Emily Rankin

Length: 11 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of The Restoration of Celia Fairchild, comes a novel about the meaning of family and the places we call home. If you love “Southern summer” fiction authors like Mary Alice Monroe and Kristy Woodson Harvey, you’ll love this delicious novel about family, friendship, and finding your true path in life.

Esme Cahill thinks she has failed spectacularly: fired from her New York City publishing job, divorced from her husband, and possessing little more than a broken-down car and a pile of unfinished manuscripts, she drives home to Asheville at the request of her late grandmother, Adele, who had begged her, just before she died, to return to the place she grew up.

There she discovers the once-charming lakeside retreat run by her family is sliding toward financial ruin, so with the help of her grandfather, George; estranged mother, Robyn; and a travelling chef Dawes (maker of the world’s best grilled cheese sandwich) they set to work. In the attic, Esme unearths a trove of museum-worthy art quilts, sewn by Adele. Piecing together the inspiration behind them, Esme discovers a forgotten chapter in her family history and her grandmother’s untold story, that of a gifted artist who never received her due.

This is an always-emotional, sometimes humorous, very human novel of what it means to be family—the ties that bind us together and the unintentional hurts that can rend us apart. And, along the way, Esme learns that failure can be the first step toward the life you’re meant to find.

©2023 Marie Bostwick (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers

Delightful with great character development

I enjoyed this book so much. I loved the characters and the interesting and not predicable story lines. The narration was easy and textured and very believable. As a synthesthic artist myself it was refreshing to share her insights. I’ll be listening again right away.

I love your books!

I’m a fan that can’t wait for your next book release. Every book is a wonderful read. I love the quilt aspect as well. Keep them coming

My favorite by this author!

I’ve read all of Marie Bostwick’s books and have enjoyed them. However, this is now my favorite one. I like quilting as a theme, but the historical aspects and setting for the book were really interesting. Ms. Bostwick has a way of describing things that makes me understand exactly what she’s conveying. I listened to the audiobook, and the reader was outstanding!

Terrific!!

I was a little concerned during the first couple of chapters as the story was set up. But after the book got rolling, I loved the characters, the setting and the story. I really like the idea that failure isn’t fatal, and things work together for our good. That’s something worth reading about.

I didn't think it was possible...

This is definitely one of the best of Marie's books... and I like them all!
Fantastic. Enjoyed every minute.🎈

Wonderful book!!

Marie Bostwick new book is amazing as always!! It was so fun to listen to I will just listen to it again!!😊

Great work

Another intriguing story by Marie. Thanks for keeping me on the edge of my seat! A must summer read.

Great story

I love how the story kept me wanting more and the signature quilt story line.

Making peace with the past

It took me a bit to get into this book. Smart determined woman has her world upended and heads home too late. Read this before, but once I finally got into it on I discovered this much more. It's about relationships, forgiveness, letting go of what was and leaning into the here and now, following your heart and learning to trust yourself. And of course love. A lovely sweet listen.

Great holiday read/ listen

The story was gentle buy engaging none the less. Story would appeal to those who are or love creativity. Many characters , ill well developed and multifaceted. many layers to the story which kept me wanting to listen till I got to the end. I'm looking forward to reading oyher stories by this author. the audio performace was very good and engaging.