Customer Reviews

The House at Royal Oak: Starting Over & Rebuilding a Life One Room at a Time

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

What a thoroughly enjoyable read. Having stayed at Royal Oak I could only try to visualize the way things may have been before the reconstruction. The home was truly inviting and you could sense the hard work and dedication the owners put into this undertaking.
Of interest was hearing about the areas' early beginnings,tales of the locals and their eccentricities, hearing of the hardships faced by the watermen and a local landmark,the sailing ship the Rebbacca Ruark which is a designated historical landmark.

On a personal note it was quite a thrill to find a reference about me and my husband who gave the owners an impromptu dance lesson one morning after breakfast. This was particularly poignant as my husband has since passed away and he would have enjoyed this small recognition.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I read it in a day - could not put it down! I loved the story and how it was told.

The couple in this book truly lets you into their lives. As the reader, you experience the joys and sorrows they experience as they undergo a huge life change and renovate an old house into a charming victorian bed and breakfast. I could not believe what they went through to get open and the people they meet as the proprietors - truly incredible.

I am in no way interested in owning a bed and breakfast, but do own my own business. I loved learning about all of the ins and outs of their seemingly "simple" business. I mean, how hard can it be, right? Get some guests, give them a nice place to sleep and a fancy breakfast in the morning and they go on their merry way... Ha! I imagine many people get in over their heads (in any small business) because from an outsider's point of view, it looks so easy.

I especially appreciate the author's take on the Chesapeake Bay. From the wild hurricane they survived, to the interesting wildlife, you learn to appreciate this part of the mid-Atlantic in a new way. She is thoughtful but not wordy; insightful but not overly-dramatic. It is truly a work of art.

I am strongly encouraging people to read this book. I know I'm glad I did!

This was such a surprising and fun book to read. There were some really great and emotional moments and the story was fun to dive into. It is beautifully written and after a while you forget that you are not reading about your own life. I kept finding myself wanting to pick it up throughout the day and before going to sleep to just sink into the story, and I was sad when it ended. It is a nice mix of culture, romance, hard work, emotion and fun. I really enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended.

This book is a gem. I was enthralled from the first page, and laughed and cried my way through it. The story chronicles this couple's experiences as they decide to renovate and old house and start up a B&B. They experience triumphs and setbacks along the way as they begin a new chapter in their life. It's hilarious at times, heartbreaking at others. Definitely would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a wonderful read, it's one you won't forget!

Really enjoyed this book. The Rizzolis come across as such warm, HUMAN people who took on a huge and daunting task in order to carve out a better life. Their story is one of hope and discouragement, exhaustion and perseverance, courage and hard work and deep love. You will glean a number of good, practical bits of information along the way as you devour this book; but even more so, you will fall in love with this couple. You will find yourself sorry to end the book, and you certainly will hope for a sequel!

Elegantly written, real, touching, and yet also extremely informative about the realities of starting and maintaining a B&B. Her story gives us hope that there is definitely life after 1st careers. This book has it all --- a great story, a beautiful travelogue, and a wonderful guide to starting and continuing life as a B&B owner. and it's true! What a wonderful read!

Written so realistically, it will no doubt inspire a visit to Royal Oak to stay in one of the painstakingly restored and described rooms as well as to try one of the yummy breakfasts that are written about in mouthwatering detail. How kind of the author to include those recipes in the book!

This book is gentle and delightful read. It is a story of a new beginning at middle age, and the challenges, joys, and satisfactions of lifelong growth. This book leaves you with a smile on your face and hoping for a sequel. Highly recommend!

What a delightful read! I highly recommend this book to fellow travelers and anyone considering a new career in this line of business. The author does an excellent job of telling her story. I also appreciated the chapters on the local history as well as the plight of the Chesapeake Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed the tales of the various guests, which were not only entertaining but also provided much insight into the life of a B&B innkeeper. I haven't had a chance to try any of the recipes but they look delicious!

A refreshingingly honest look at a marriage that weathered many storms: financial woes, health problems. This couple didn't choose an easy fix but dove head first into a project that would drown most of us. They surfaced to the top and told their story in such a way that makes you just want to be there. If your life is enjoying smooth sailing and you don't think you could relate to this story, read it anyway for it is an adventure that is inspirational as well as a testimony that the "can do" spirit is alive and well and living on the Shores of Eastern Maryland.

Great book to settle down with and really get into. Carol Eron Rizzoli writes an interesting story of the ups and downs of starting a B & B with her husband, Hugo. Many surprises. Some not so wonderful . Local history intertwined with personal upheaval and appreciation for life as it comes and changes us along the way. Very worth while read.