by Bette Lee Crosby
Series: Memory House Collection #2
Genres: Women's Fiction, Magical Realism
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
50 YEARS OF MEMORIES ARE HIDDEN IN THE WALLS OF THE LOFT…Annie only needs to find one… the one that will save Oliver’s life. On the day of their wedding, Annie saw nothing but happiness ahead, but when an accident calls her back to Memory House, her world is changed forever. Ophelia Browne, the woman who taught Annie to find the memories in a forgotten object, is leaving the house and she’s leaving all those powerful memories behind. After only three nights in the loft, Annie must now find the single most meaningful memory in Oliver’s mind. If she finds it in time, she can save his life, if she doesn’t…well that’s something she can’t afford to think about. Readers will welcome back the much-loved characters from Memory House and enjoy a few new friends!
The Loft by Bette Lee Crosby is the second book in the Memory House Collection. Crosby takes us back to the Memory House with Ophelia just in time for Annie and Oliver’s wedding. Packed with emotion, a little magical realism and introducing a new character The Loft transported me to the Memory House allowing me to smell the magical potpourri and visit with favorite characters.
Crosby is a masterful storyteller and The Loft was delightful. We have several threads that interweave creating a story that will keep the reader reading “just one more chapter.” Oliver and Annie are just embarking on their new life together, and Ophelia will once again be alone in the Memory House. When an unexpected accident occurs, Oliver and Annie find themselves staying at Memory House and poor Ophelia ends up in the hospital.
The first half of the book really focused on Ophelia and we see a transformation in her as she meets new people and has to make some important life decisions. Between her stories, we see Oliver and Annie creating memories and working to weave Ophelia into their daily lives. We also meet a wonderful character named Max, who has the gift like Ophelia and Annie. She can sense, or feel memories in objects. I am curious to see what develops with her. Crosby set things up in this book and we will get her story in What the Heart Remembers.
The second half of the book focuses more on Oliver and Annie as their future is threatened. Annie must find the strength to save Oliver and make a home for them. I cried, and prayed right along with Annie. I admired her determination. Oliver was supportive throughout the novel, and introduced us to Max.
Crosby introduced many secondary characters. These characters were older and delightfully outspoken and full of life. Both Annie and Ophelia learned things from one character in particular. Crosby brought all the different threads together weaving a tale that made me want to visit Memory House and these wonderful characters.
Memory House, Ophelia’s home has a magic all of its own from the memories captured in each item. It seems to create magic and breathe love. Crosby made me feel the magic this house held, and it welcomed me with open arms.
The Loft and Memory House collection is perfect for fans who love a little magical realism and character focused stories.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Braine
I am in a magic realism phase and collecting new authors to try. Her name is in the hat now, thanks K!
Laura Thomas
Bette Lee charms and enchants with every books she writes. I’ve read all but her latest release and while this isn’t my normal genre, I can’t resist them. So glad you enjoy them too!
AngelErin
I’ve never heard of this series before! It sounds really interesting though. Thanks for posting about it! I”m going to look up the first one on Goodreads.
Lorna
I remember when you reviewed the first one of these and I thought then that it sounded so good. I am glad you loved this on as well. Adding it to GoodReads.
Ramona
Oh, I clearly have been missing out by not reading Memory House. It does sounds delightful – I love magical realism, and generally books with well-developed characters. If a review mentions secondary characters it’s usually a sign for me to check out that book 🙂 Wishing you a very happy Valentine’s Day, Kimba – lots of chocolate, love, and good books! Hugs
The Bibliophile Babe
Sounds like a really captivating book!
Angela Adams
“Packed with emotion,” — I said something similar to myself with reading the blurb. I said, “this story sounds really emotional.” and then I read your review. Thanks for the post. Enjoy the weekend!
Lekeisha
I remember coming across this series on Amazon, but I never reallyread what it was about. I’m down for some magical realism.
kindlemom1
I really need to try one of these one day soon, they really do look fabulous. Thanks for the great review Kim and have a nice weekend!
Melissa (Books and Things)
Magical realism is FTW! I usually end up adoring it. THEN you had to tell me it was a one more chapter kind of book. If I wasn’t before… I’m totally sold now. 😀
Paij Slater
This sounds fantastic! Awesome review Kim! I hope you have a fabulous weekend!
Candace
I do like magical realism! And strong characters are important. I’m glad you enjoyed this!
Tyler H. Jolley
Thanks for introducing me to this series, I can’t wait to share it with my life. I think she’d really enjoy it. I hope it become available on audible soon.
kimbacaffeinate
Greatest typo ever Tyler…after all your wife is your life!
Mary Kirkland
I’ve read one of her books and loved it. Thanks for the review.
Bookworm Brandee
Sounds like a good read, Kimberly. I’ve not heard of this series or this author before, but I like a little magical realism. And it’s been awhile since I read something like this. I’m glad you enjoyed it! Happy Friday!
Kristin
This sounds like a great book club book. I can totally see the ladies at my library sitting around reading this together 🙂 I’m going to recommend this one for their collection and to my mom – I think she’ll like this one, too! Warm fuzzies all over the place!
Cyn
I like the sounds of the magical realism in the book, and the characters sound lovely (: A memory house would be pretty cool. Great review, Kim!
blodeuedd
Hmm, I am feeling meh
Lexxie
I had never heard of this, but the premise is so intriguing, Kim! And I love reading about characters that are mature and full of life, plus the little magic that lives in the memory house sounds good.
I wonder what kind of memory she needs to find in order to save Oliver’s life, and if she finds it in time!
sherry fundin
I love Bette Lee Crosby’s books too. Stories like these are not at the top of my reading list, buy Bette Lee puts so much love into her novels, I am unable to resist them.
Jonetta (Ejaygirl)
This sounds incredibly interesting. Thanks for a great review.
Grace MyBookSnack
The characters sound so well developed in this one. It sounds like it gets very intense in some parts. Great review!
Laurel-Rain Snow
Love the look and sound of this one. I have one of this author’s books just waiting to be read…must do so soon! (Jubilee’s Journey).
Thanks for sharing.
Katherine
This sounds wonderful! I love the whole concept of the book and I’ve really enjoyed the magical realism that I’ve read.
Melliane
I always love magical realism series, it’s always so interesting and when it’s so well done it’s even more intriguing!
Debbie Haupt
Wow Kim I never heard of this series or know the author but the premise is really interesting. I don’t like comparing authors but if I enjoy Sarah Addison Allen would I like her?
Happy Friday and Happy Valentine’s Day my friend
Kathy
This looks so good, Kimberly! I think you had me in the synopsis with “50 YEARS OF MEMORIES ARE HIDDEN IN THE WALLS OF THE LOFT.” I love books with that sort of vibe around them. And I do love stories like you described this one – magical realism and character focused.