I love stories about family, friendships and finding your path and was drawn to the cover of Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly by Marie Bostwick. The author takes us on one woman’s journey from a publishing house in New York to her grandparent’s lakeside resort. Along the way she heals, makes connections and finds herself.
by Marie Bostwick
Genres: Women's Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
From the author of The Restoration of Celia Fairchild, comes a novel about the meaning of family and the places we call home. If you love "southern summer" fiction authors like Mary Alice Monroe and Kristy Woodson Harvey you'll love this delicious novel about family, friendship, and finding your true path in life.
Esme Cahill thinks she has failed spectacularly: fired from her New York City publishing job, divorced from her husband, and possessing little more than a broken-down car and a pile of unfinished manuscripts, she drives home to Asheville at the request of her late grandmother, Adele, who had begged her, just before she died, to return to the place she grew up.
There she discovers the once-charming lakeside retreat run by her family is sliding toward financial ruin, so with the help of her grandfather, George; estranged mother, Robyn; and a travelling chef Dawes (maker of the world's best grilled cheese sandwich) they set to work. In the attic, Esme unearths a trove of museum-worthy art quilts, sewn by Adele. Piecing together the inspiration behind them, Esme discovers a forgotten chapter in her family history and her grandmother's untold story, that of a gifted artist who never received her due.
This is an always-emotional, sometimes humorous, very human novel of what it means to be family--the ties that bind us together and the unintentional hurts that can rend us apart. And, along the way, Esme learns that failure can be the first step toward the life you're meant to find.
Marie Bostwick pulled me into the story of Esme Cahill, who finds herself divorced, loses her beloved grandmother, and her job. Her dreams of a garden apartment and writing her own novel are dashed. She soon finds herself defeated and heads back to her grandparent’s lakeside resort to regroup for the summer.
Esme hasn’t been back since her estranged mother showed up years ago and is shocked to see the place rundown and her grandfather having issues. Esme plans to stay until summer’s end. A package from her late grandmother sets her on a journey to discover more about her and the quilts she made. I loved this thread with its touches of magical realism and history.
I loved Esme and enjoyed the growth we witness in her from restoring the resort to dealings with a curmudgeon writer. I laughed, cheered, cried, and felt as if I were there.
The lakeside resort is delightful and the new cook whips up delectable dishes and cakes. All the food talk had me wanting to pack my bags and visit for a week.
You’ll cheer Esme on as she tries to save the resort, reunite with an old friend and enjoy the possibilities of a new romance. This story has it all, from mending relationships to restoring your passion.
Esme Cahill Fails Spectacularly is the PERFECT beach read this summer. Fans of family, healing and finding yourself will love Esme.
About Marie Bostwick
Marie Bostwick is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of uplifting historical and contemporary fiction. She lives in the state of Washington and travels frequently to sign books, speak to reading groups, and meet her readers.
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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. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
Oh this sounds like a book I would love! I haven’t heard of this author but I’m definitely adding this to my TBR! And I love that cover.
Kimberly
I really enjoyed it and hope you do as well.
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
I’m not really into women’s fiction, but this one does sound like it might edge over into what I’d enjoy. Love that cover too!
Kimberly
I am the same and probably only read 2 or 3 a year.
Sophia Rose
Definitely has great summer reading vibes. Going on my list.
Kimberly
Enjoy!
sherry fundin
I love the location and cover and enjoyed your great review. Sounds like a great summer read.
Kimberly
It was, thanks Sherry!
Nadene
This sounds lovely and it would make a wonderful summer read.
Kimberly
Exactly 🙂
Anne - Books of My Heart
Sounds like a great read with some finding her way and personal growth.
Kimberly
Yes, I liked the history about her grandmother too.
Maureen @ Maureen's Books
This sounds like a great summer read. I’m glad you loved it so much.
Kimberly
Thanks Maureen!