A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) [Paperback]

Delia Parr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2006

With genteel grace and quiet fortitude, Emma Garrett presides over Hill House, a stately boardinghouse in the canal village of Candlewood, New York. She finds her purpose in caring for her guests, ministering to them with a generous dose of wisdom and humor. But when a "runaway grandma" lands on her doorstep, Emma's need to fix every wrong places her in the midst of a family feud. Emma's concerns heighten when her attorney, Zachary Breckenwith, delivers life-changing news, leaving Emma reeling from the implications. With her future suddenly uncertain, Emma longs to restore the peace of Hill House--for her guests and within her own heart. FIND A WELCOME RETREAT IN CANDLEWOOD AS YOU EXPERIENCE THE BEAUTY, FRIENDSHIP, AND FAITH IN THE LIVES OF ITS QUAINT AND COLORFUL CHARACTERS.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...exhibits Parr's deep understanding and affection for the ambiance of the region." -- Christian Library Journal

"A wonderful new series by a gifted author." -- Pat Glans, ARomanceReview.com

"Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I was intrigued from the beginning. Very nicely done Ms. Parr!" -- inspirationalromancewriters.com

"With colorful, lively characters, this story weaves in humor, friendship and faith to create a gentle retreat from our bustling world." -- Rebecca Roberts, Historical Novels Review

About the Author

DELIA PARR is the author of nine historical novels and the winner of several awards, including the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher who spends her summer vacations writing and kayaking. She lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House (August 1, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764200860
• ISBN-13: 978-0764200861
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,683 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

With prestigious credentials such as the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance, Romantic Times Award for Best First Book, and the Aspen Gold Award for Best Inspirational Book, author Delia Parr endears herself to critics and readers alike.
Delia is the author of fifteen historical novels who now devotes herself to writing inspirational historical romance. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey who spends her summers writing on Anna Maria Island in Florida.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tale Filled with Possibility, Small-Town Charm and Even a Bit of Mystery, October 23, 2006

By 

FictionAddiction.NET - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)

After her husband's passing, Emma Garrett realizes that her life as a General Store owner is lonely. Her children have grown and begun families of their own and have moved away. This revelation spurs an impulsive decision to sell the store and purchase a boardinghouse.

For the last four years, along with the help of her mother-in-law and two young girls from town, Emma has run a successful operation. This venture has provided the sense of belonging and social interaction for which she'd been yearning.

Over the years, she has met and befriended many guests. Some, like the adorably eccentric Mitchell sisters have become repeat visitors. Then there is the quiet Reverend Glenn who Emma invited to become a permanent resident after a stroke left him unable to be as independent as he would have preferred.

Everything has been going along smoothly until recently. A new semi-permanent resident has arrived and it's causing a bit of a stir. The Widow Leonard is supposed to split her time between her two sons but a disagreement between them has made things too tense for her. Subsequently, she chose to run away to the boardinghouse. Neither of the sons are too happy about this development, putting Emma in the middle.

To add to this dilemma, an arrogant investor has set his sights on certain properties around Candlewood including one that belongs to Emma. His attempts at persuasion have become rather forceful of late and Emma needs to find a way to stop him once and for all.

Other investors have arrived but their interests are kept quiet from Emma, a businesswoman but a woman nonetheless. She has a growing curiosity both toward this and the argument between the Leonard boys and is determined to get to the bottom of both against the advice of her attorney, Zachary Breckenwith.

As if all of these weren't enough, Emma has received some news of her own that may have a life-changing effect on her and her friends. With all of these circumstances floating about her it's a good thing she has a strong faith in God to get her through it all.

A Hearth in Candlewood is the first installment in author Delia Parr's inspirational Candlewood Trilogy. Set in 1840s New York during the height of the canal building era, it is a tale filled with possibility, small-town charm and even a bit of mystery.

Parr's characters pull the reader into the autumnal backdrop of the community in which they live and keep interest peaked with a perfect balance of drama and amusement. The only difficulty one will confront is having to wait until the second book arrives on the shelves.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A PEACEFUL TIME AND PLACE, March 24, 2008

By 

LUV TO READ "LORRAINE" (RHODE ISLAND, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)

I have recently discovered this author and have enjoyed every book of hers that I have read thus far.

This book is exceptional. In 1841, the main character, Emma Garret is the owner of Hill House, a boarding house in the village of Candlewood, N.Y. She finds herself ministering to her guests and employees with love and wisdom. She even finds herself in the middle of a family feud when a grandmother runs away from home and lands on her doorstep.

Emma is a widow who use to own the general store before she bought Hillside House. Now she learns thru her lawyer that she might not own it after all. She is quite distressed over this news. This would mean life-changes for her and her guests. She longs to correct this and restore peace to Hill House and within her heart.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the episodes in this story especially one where something occured on Main St. that left chicken running wild inside and out of businesses, etc.

You won't be sorry if you decide to read this book as you will find yourself in the middle of a beautiful time and place among quaint and colorful characters.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "A Hearth in Candlewood" (part one of a new trilogy), September 19, 2006

By 

Nita Horn (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Hearth in Candlewood (The Candlewood Trilogy, Book 1) (Paperback)

BOOK REVIEW: A Hearth in Candlewood, by author Delia Parr

I've just finished reading "A Heath in Candlewood," by author Delia Parr, I have to say, "Delia Parr has done it again!"

In my ever so busy life, her latest novel "A Hearth in Candlewood" provided an essential escape for my rocket-paced workload. From the beginning to the end, Delia manages to engage the imagination and allow us to enter as a guest in Hill House. The story begins in the small fictional village of "Candlewood, New York" in the 19th century. The main character, middle aged `Widow Emma Garrett,' runs a stately boarding house along with her mother in law, "Mother Garrett", also a widow. Emma is a no-nonsense woman, steadfast in godly principles and family values, doing what's right, even when it isn't convenient. I admire this lady!

The opening chapter grabs you and keeps you right there with `Widow Emma Garrett' as she makes her way through the hallways of Hill House checking to make sure her guests are all settled for the night before retiring her own tired bones. We feel for her as she clasps her tiny sentimental scraps of cloth. We are startled at the sudden sharp rap at the back kitchen door. We scramble along with her to see who might be appearing this late hour of the night. We fought back a warm smile when it's revealed who the late night visitor might be, an adorable `run away grandma' dripping wet from the downpour! It is apparent she had premeditated her arrival at Hill house!

We laugh, we rest, and we worry. We even observe Rev. Glenn's old dog, `Butter' sleep deeply while Rev Glenn whittles little surprises out of candlewood sticks.

Hill House is a peaceful place. `Emma' intends to keep it this way. Unbeknownst to her mother in law, Zachary Breckenwith, Emma's lawyer delivers a heart full of very disturbing news involving the possible fate of Hill House. Emma struggles with keeping life stable and secure as she juggles the responsibilities of her guests, and the fate Hill House as well as those that live and work there. With the possibility of the railroad coming through, anything can happen. And thus, the stage is set for another memorable wholesome adventure in the World of Delia Parr.

I understand Delia has already finished part two and will be spending next summer on the third and final part of "The Candlewood Trilogy."

A final thought... Hurry Delia! Please don't make us wait too long before the next essential escape!

Nita Horn

Staff Writer,

www.RaidersNewsUpdate.com