Christian Fiction author Leisha Kelly writes a poignant tale telling the story of Leah Brekenridge and Josiah Walsh, who meet while being borders at The House On Malcolm Street. Both have pasts filled with loss and are trying to move forward with their lives.
Product Description:
It is the autumn of 1920 and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son in an accident, she is angry at God and fearful about the future. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah's heart begins the slow process of mending. Is it the people who surround her--or perhaps this very house--that reach into her heart with healing? Delightful, realistic characters and skilled writing make The House on Malcolm Street a treasure. Leisha Kelly's fans and new readers alike will find this simple story about the complexities of life an engrossing read.
Ms. Kelly's writing reminds me of a beautifully sad song. Her heroine Leah is paralyzed by fear. She is a wounded bird looking for a safe place to land with her daughter to begin again. She finds what she is looking for in Aunt Marigold. What a wonderful character. A woman of deep unyielding faith who trusts God for her very breath. She guides/mentors Leah into taking back her life and allowing God to heal the hurts of the past.
Aunt Marigold does the same for Josiah Walsh who feels such guilt over a past tragedy that he cannot open his heart to whatever God has planned for his future. In some beautifully written, tender scenes Ms Kelly slowly unveils the reasons why these two wounded hearts struggle as they do, drawing the reader into their struggles even more through their internal dialogues. The themes of trust and redemption are strong throughout this novel.
I really enjoyed this read. I loved the scenes with Leah in the garden. The healing balm of growing and nurturing plants was a beautiful extension of hers and Aunt Marigolds relationship. It is not a romance as much as a journey for both of these young people. A warmhearted story that pairs perfectly with a rainy day and a hot cup of tea.
Happy Reading,
MaryLabels: Mary's Book Basket
