Memory House: A Memory House Novel, Book 1

Bette Lee Crosby

Apr 2015 · Memory House Series Book 1 · Bent Pine Publishing

About this ebook

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A MEMORY TO OUTLIVE ITS OWNER?

Ophelia Browne knows the answer is yes. She knows because she’s been granted the unique gift of finding and caring for those forgotten memories. But now she’s nearing ninety, and Browne women seldom live beyond ninety. Before time runs out Ophelia must find her successor. Someone who can take hold of the gifts and keep the memories from fading.

When broken-hearted Annie Cross shows up on the doorstep of The Memory House Bed and Breakfast, Ophelia knows she is the one. The two women forge a bond of friendship as they sip magical dandelion tea and share stories. When Annie starts to sense the memories Ophelia is delighted, but then a thread of violence begins to unravel and Ophelia fears things have gone too far.

Ratings and reviews

Where do I begin? Sometimes words fail a reviewer; this is one of those times for me. Crosby created a wonderful tale filled with emotions and longing. So much longing was infused into this story. As a result, she grabbed me immediately and did not let go until the last page. I was filled with anticipation to read each of books in this series. Written as a standalone, Memory House will inspire the reader to run and buy these books. Furthermore, Crosby developed each character throughout the book to their full potential. Her characters have warm and compassionate hearts for love, home, and people. I felt Ophelia and Annie were just next-door, waiting for me to come visit. Annie grew continually to become a confident happy woman. Memories of happy times are unlocked as well as sad terrible memories as she and Ophelia explore her gift. The concern of Ophelia for Annie’s ability to feel the bad memories is palatable. Consequently, the plotting fills the reader with anticipation and sometimes unease. Annie ‘s gift is unique; obsessed with restoring a bike from visions of a small boy pedaling along, she searches to find answers. Ultimately, she learns more of herself, her gift, Ophelia, and life. Crosby skillfully wove the many threads together to form a book the reader will not want to put down. Finally, in concluding my fiction/romance novel review of Memory House, I found an unforgettable story of love, memories, and longing. Crosby did not need fluff or sex to sell Memory House, as the story sales itself. Crafted with skillful writing and development, Memory House will stay with readers long after they finish the book. When I finished Memory House, I had a strong desire to hold my Granny’s apron; I wanted to feel her one more time and see her smile. Crosby, with skillful writing, presents the premise that memories never die but live on in objects and inside the individual. What a wonderful thought! MEMORY HOUSE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4 I did not hesitate to give Memory House 4 well-deserved stars. Without a doubt, I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend. FINALLY PLEASE NOTE: Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest fiction/romance novel review.

I know I’ve read a good book when I don’t want to say goodbye to the characters. Bette Lee Crosby’s books are like that. The beauty of Memory House is that many of the characters from her former books come back in a quiet way...through a memory.Bette has a way of forming a character right from the start and causing the reader to cheer them on. We meet two strong characters right off the bat. Ophelia, a 90 year old woman with a gift of “seeing” memories that are attached to objects, knows her time on earth is coming to a close. She longs to pass her gift to someone when Annie stops at Ophelia’s B&B to rent a room for the weekend. The two form an immediate bond when Ophelia realizes that Annie has the beginnings of the gift. Their unique friendship begins with their shared ability to see beyond simple objects into the deeper realm of the feelings of the owner, but it goes far beyond that in time. While the story has an underlying current of romance, it does not focus on that. I would definitely not call this a romance. Memory House is a story of the magic of friendship, trust and potential...the potential to love, live and believe.

Memory House I was lucky to read an advanced copy of Memory House by Bette Lee Crosby. I have enjoyed reading all of Bette Lee Crosby's books. The Memory House has become a new favorite of mine. It has hit home in a special way for me. I started a new profession in my mid-thirties, taking care of the elderly in the south. I have learned so many life lessons from my clients and had a very special connection with a couple of them. I felt I got as much out of them as they got from me. I learned more about cooking, gardening and the life stories of my clients when they were young. I felt the same love that Anne has for Ophelia. I really enjoyed seeing Ethan Allen again and how he was weaved into the story. For readers that have not yet read Spare Change, Ethan Allen's story, you will not feel confused or left out. I had not yet read another book that was referenced in this storyline and it did not take away from this story at all. It did, however, lead me to read the other book which I am enjoying now. What a wonderful, heartwarming book to read. I really hope this becomes a new series from this author. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a thought provoking and good c