A Hearth in Candlewood

By: Delia Parr

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

In the early 19th century, Emma, a 51-year-old widow with family far away, fills her loneliness by caring for her guests and sharing her own special blend of wisdom and humor. One stormy night, a rap at her door interrupts her musings. The 80-year-old Widow Leonard is standing in the rain, seeking refuge from her sons' constant bickering. Housing this feisty runaway granny, however, puts Emma in the crosshairs of a family feud. But this crisis is more easily resolved than the one that soon looms over Emma's future.©2006 Delia Parr (P)2007 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"With colorful, lively characters, this story weaves in humor, friendship and faith to create a gentle retreat from our bustling world. Quietly told, this story is best for those looking for a calm book with little action, but big in heart. A Hearth in Candlewood is the first installment in the inspirational Candlewood Trilogy." ( Historical Novels Review)

It's growing on me

A Hearth in Candlewood was my first exposure to Delia Parr. She strikes me as highly character-centric, which I prefer. Historically set in the canal-building era prior to the railway boon, Candlewood is a small town in the midst of transition. The characters also are in a similar state of transition, from the retired pastor and widows who live at Hill House to the young ladies who work there. In the center of it all is Emma, proprietress of the boarding house known as Hill House for its expansive hilltop viewpoint overlooking the new canal. Parr's tale of the town and the characters in it didn't draw me in as powerfully as Jan Karon's Mitford, whose characters are nearly as real to me as people I've actually met, but at the same time, I am eager to hear more of their lives. A comforting message of trusting God in uncertainty, living peaceably, and the value of having purpose in one's life regardless of age are ongoing themes in the book. At first, I was dissatisfied with the ending until I learned there were two more books in the trilogy. I guess I will be making another visit to Candlewood in the future.

warm heartening story

narration was beautifully crafted and made the characters come alive. l highly recommend. Also brings a message of faith to the reader

Lovely

If you've ever seen PBS's Larkspur to Candleford, this book is like the American version. I thoroughly enjoyed it and want to get the rest of the series. I appreciate this authors writing style, content, and depth of characters. The narrator does a wonderful job. I look forward to reading more books by this author.