The Orchard House

Heidi Chiavaroli

Feb 2021 · Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

About this ebook

2022 Carol Award Winner!
Award-winning author Heidi Chiavaroli transports readers across time and place in this time-slip novel that will appeal to fans of Little Women.

Two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and another in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and search for a place to belong.

2001
Abandoned by her own family, Taylor is determined not to mess up her chance at joining the home of her best friend, Victoria Bennett. But despite attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott’s historic Orchard House with Victoria and sharing dreams of becoming famous authors, Taylor struggles to fit in. As she enters college and begins dating, it feels like Taylor is finally finding her place and some stability . . . until Victoria’s betrayal changes everything.

1865
While Louisa May Alcott is off traveling the world, Johanna Suhre accepts a job tending Louisa’s aging parents and their home in Concord. Soon after arriving at Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft and, ignoring Louisa’s words of caution, falls in love and accepts Nathan’s proposal. But before long, Johanna experiences her husband’s dark side, and she can’t hide the bruises that appear.

2019
After receiving news of Lorraine Bennett’s cancer diagnosis, Taylor knows she must return home to see her adoptive mother again. Now a successful author, Taylor is determined to spend little time in Concord. Yet she becomes drawn into the story of a woman who lived there centuries before. And through her story, Taylor may just find forgiveness and a place to belong.

Ratings and reviews

SOUL-STIRRING! Heidi Chiavaroli has penned a beautiful soul-stirring split-time novel time involving two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and one living in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and find their way home. Chiavaroli has created dynamic characters that are going to leap off the pages and because they are complex, realistic and relatable they are going to stay in readers’ minds long after the last page is read. She has told their story that, while as old as time, is still relevant today. Why? Because it deals with women who grow up feeling insecure because of their family situations, circumstances beyond their control, and/or just life. It can be any of a myriad of reasons. They are the girls who grow up to be the women who are the ones who always feel left out - until one friend includes them. This is the story of two girls who were blessed to have friends who took time to draw them out. Was it “happily ever after?” Not by a long shot! It was a lifetime of sharing, love, caring, hurt, betrayal, dreams lost and found. Sounds a lot like real life, doesn’t it? Chiavaroli uses these strong personalities to paint a beautiful picture of forgiveness, redemption and a real feeling of home. She concludes this fantastic novel with these heartfelt words: “God had indeed cast out our fears and brought us to a new place. A place we could call home. A place where we didn’t have to question our worth. A place where we put the pen in His hands and allowed Him to be the One to write our stories. I was sure they would be some of the best yet.” I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli is a fascinating historical novel. It is a dual timeline story. Taylor and Victoria are estranged sisters. Victoria betrayed Taylor’s trust which caused Taylor to run away and not communicate with her family for the last sixteen years. Taylor learns that her adoptive mother has cancer and returns home. This is a chance to reconnect with her family and heal old wounds. In 1865, Johanna Suhre has been corresponding with Louisa May Alcott regarding her brother, John who was nursed by the author. Johanna wants to spread her wings and gets the offer to tend the Alcott house while Louisa travels as a companion to Europe. At Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft. She falls in love with the charming man, and they marry. Unfortunately, Johanna soon learns that there is another side to her husband. I like how these two-story lines tied together. I thought The Orchard House was well-written with developed characters. The book has gentle pacing which suits the story. Louisa May Alcott along with her family, her writings, and Orchard House are prominently featured in past and present. I could tell that that the author did her research for this novel as the historical information shined. I enjoyed learning more about Louisa Mae Alcott and Orchard House. Heidi Chivaroli captured Louisa May Alcott. The author tackled difficult topics in this time-slip novel. Domestic abuse, insecurities regarding self-worth, feelings of not belonging, betrayal, and a cancer diagnose, and treatment are some of the topics in the book. Two sisters must find a way to overcome the past to become close again while dealing with betrayal and abuse. Faith and God is woven into the story as well. Our characters go through some challenging times which draws them closer to each other and God. The Orchard House is an engaging novel with a satisfying ending. We see the importance of communication, forgiveness, faith, and to never give up hope. Johanna and Louisa as well as Taylor and Victoria shared a connection. The women may not always agree with each other, but they knew they could count on each other. I like how we get to know Louisa and Johanna through letters. It breaks up the dialogue and gives the novel another layer. The Orchard House is a captivating time-slip novel with squabbling sisters, a heartless husband, long letters, an affluent author, an infirm mother, unflagging faith, and a faithful family.