Customer Reviews

Candles on Bay Street

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This is a quick read, but a touching one. If you're looking for a story about life, love and loss, this might be the one for you. I picked it up, like others, looking for some relationship drama when the back discussed old high school loves meeting up after many years. I certainly did not get what was expected, but I was moved by the story enough to tear up, something I rarely do while reading. If you're looking for a light read, a pick-me-upper, I wouldn't recommend this one. But if you're in the mood for something a little more serious that might make you take a look at life a little differently, at least temporarily, then I would recommend this title.

I had read her other book "The Funeral Makers," so when I saw this one sitting out, I knew it was going to be just as good as her other book ~~ and it was.

But I have to recommend you buy a box of kleenexs ~~ it is heart-wrenching and so sad as well as uplifting. Now that you have this warning, don't hesitate to buy this book. It is a book about friendships, first loves and hope.

Sam Thibodeau returns with his wife and veterinary partner, Lydia Newhart, and embarks on a new chapter in his life. Dee Dee, his oldest friend and first true love returns home with her son, Trooper, Sam revisits old memories and forgotten dreams. Dee Dee not only comes home, she comes home with a secret ~~ and Sam and Lydia become involved with Dee Dee and Trooper. Dee Dee gets involved with candle-making (with those delicious quotes about candles interspersed throughout the book ~~ this book is a booklover's dream!) and renews old friendships along the way.

It didn't take me long to read this book ~~ as it is a slim book and it is one that just grabs your attention by the eyes and you won't be able to put it down. Don't pick it up if you have lots of weekend plans ~~ I can guarantee you that your stuff won't get done till you finish this book. It's easy to read, the characters are unforgettable and of course, there's all those little quotes to keep your interest riveted. It's such a darling little book ~~ just don't forget your box of kleenexes.

Fort Kent, ME, a small town on the Canadian border, is the home of Sam Thibodeaux and his wife, Lydia, both veterinarians. The book opens with Sam and Lydia building towards their personal and professional dreams. Dee Dee Michaud, Sam's high school sweetheart, arrives back in town with her nine-year-old son. Sam remembers back to those long ago days when he had special interests in Dee Dee..... and he finds himself more than a bit curious all these years later. Dee Dee, the now single mom has a secret to tell and with this revelation, lives change. Just when I thought here is another story of a man losing interest in his wife for a long, lost love, the turn of events made me not put the book down until every last word had been read and absorbed. Ahhhhh. This was my first read by this author, but was not to be the last. I have since read others by her, and all of her remaining books are on my shelf waiting their turns. Character building was a very positive part of this book.

For me, this book means alot because being from the St John River Valley, across the border, I know exactly where the author comes from...the sights,sounds and smells she writes about, I know firsthand. Also the story is great...a tear jerker. I will definitly get to read all her other books which bring great memories from this little corner of the world. Bravo, and it's good to have discovered an author from Up-State Maine. Get this book and enjoy...

What a sweet story told from the point of view of an extraordinary man with 2 great loves in his life, his beautifully understanding wife and his sparkplug childhood friend! When his friend returns home to her roots after 15 years as a single parent to a 10-year old son, many delightful relationships begin. The story brought tears to my eyes several times, and by the last chapter I was sobbing. I think if I had finished the book at home, I would have been bawling; but since I was on a sped bus with children, I tried to contain my tears for fear of embarrassment. Charming dialogue among the characters brought a smile to my face often. This book has "movie" written all over it. I wonder who will buy the options.

I absolutely loved this book. I'm going to tell all my friends about it.

I enjoyed the book Candles on Bay Street very much, but I am a big fan of K.C. MCKinnon. I have read just about all she has written and enjoyed each book in it's turn. I would highly recommend her to all who wish to read a good book.

I was thrilled to read a 'love story' about that didn't turn out to be sleazy! I'm not into explicit sex in books, and the fact that the main character didn't follow the flame of his past was a great plus for me. And considering that the book is based in northern Maine, and I have lived in Maine all my life, made it easier for me to visualize the setting (though I've not been to northern Maine before). All in alll, a refreshing book to read. Read it in one sitting while at the beach last summer.

Although Candles on Bay Street has a different tone from Pelletier's other novels, it still has that Maine beauty. This is a quick read, but a sweet story of a man from Maine and his first love. NOTE: Ms. Pelletier did use the name Pelletier a few times in her novel, but apparently what "Gus" forgot to read was the acknowledgments in the back. All of the names in this book were real people! So get your facts straight, sir!

I was reminded of so many wonderful things about returning "home" when I read "Candles on Baystreet." I too have been far away from home for over 10 years and when I read this book I found it heartwarming- it really moved me, which doesn't happen all too often because most books are predictable and use gimmicks to move emotions. And the author's descriptions of the town remind me of a place I have gone to and remember with great fondness; she certainly captures the small town feeling and community spirit of a small town in northern Maine. As far as the setting, it was great to read a book that was set in an unknown town near the tip of Maine; it added an aura of mystery to the book because my imagination had to kick in to create the beautiful place she described. The main character is compassionate and sensitive despite having to face the feelings from the past when his high school girl friend comes back to town. The author conveys honesty throughout in the actions and dialogue of the characters. I was surprised at where the book took me- it was unpredictable and a great joy to read. The only problem was I was sad when I reached the last page and realized the story was over. I highly recommend this book to people who want to read a story that handles the characters sympathetically, while being believable and a joy to read and become familiar with the characters in "Candles on Baystreet." I almost felt like I knew them. :)

I first got this novel from the library & was skeptical as to if I would like it.I read it in one day when I was home sick.It is beautifully written & it will touch your heart.Candles on Bay Street is the story of a wonderful friendship that through distance still lasted & of the sacrifices we must make for those we truly love.This novel is one of the few books I can say I really love & has been worth reading many times.Candles on Bay Street is a moving story that shows that even today when the world seems so lost there still is love & beauty.Throughout this book you will laugh & cry & become close to all the characters & seem to feel with & for them.You must read this novel--it will be totally worth it.