Eden

Eden transcended time as the receptacle of the family’s legends and most vivid memories. She associated Eden with love and tradition, a link between the generations…

Oh, this book! It captured my heart – hook, line, and sinker. I wanted to read it as fast as possible. But at the same time, I didn’t want to keep reading because with every page I turned, I was that much closer to the end. The writing is beautiful and it grabs ahold of you early and doesn’t let go. I wanted to visit Eden, have a slumber party on the back porch, and just immerse myself into this beautiful, complicated family. It feels like each and every one of them have become a part of me – and I’m wondering, would it be too much to ask Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg (published by She Writes Press) to write a sequel??

One of my favorite things about this book was the characters. Somehow, Blasberg even made the unlikeable characters likeable. My favorite character was far and away Eden. (Wait, can a home be a character?) Technically I’m not sure, but the home in this book felt like a person – it demanded attention as it stood so vastly upon the dunes of Long Harbor. It witnessed generations of families and relationships, withstood the best and the worst of the lives it sheltered. Lilly, the housekeeper, also had an adoration for the family that transcended many years. She protected Eden’s people with honor the only way a family member can. Her love was deep; Sarah confided private things with her before talking to her own mother (who had complicated issues of her own to sort out).

The writing throughout the book was beautiful. There was nothing fancy about it – no crazy metaphors, elaborate words or descriptions – but the flow and prose lulled you along in a way that almost felt poetic at times. I felt like I was sitting on the beach as a silent witness to this family instead of actually walking on a treadmill at my local gym. I was oblivious to everything happening around me because I just wanted to be transported to this magical home.

I don’t want to share many details of what actually happens in the book; I think you should read it and experience the magic for yourself. If you love a well-developed family drama, this is the book for you! I luckily was introduced to this book through the amazing #bookstagram community. Kate of @theloudlibrarylady started an #edenbooktrain and was gracious enough to include me. (The book’s path has crossed from @theloudlibrarylady –> @prose_and_palate –> @kourtneysbookshelf –> @pups_pints_pages –> (ME!) @happiestwhenreading and next on its stop is  @readblend…how FUN is this!?!?!) Even better than a great book is that I’ve connected with and made new friends. Totally a win/win!

I think this experience has inspired me to start my own book train! I’d love to hear your suggestions for a book to use!