Review: The House on Malcolm Street

The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly

Publication Date: September 2010
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group/Revell Books
Format: Paperback, 352 pp
Genre: Christian Fiction
ISBN-13: 9780800733285
ISBN: 0800733282

(Received for review from Revell)

Synopsis (Courtesy of Barnes & Noble):

It is the autumn of 1920 and Leah Breckenridge is desperate to find a way to provide for her young daughter. After losing her husband and infant son in an accident, she is angry at God and fearful about the future. Finding refuge in a boardinghouse run by her late husband's aunt, Leah's heart begins the slow process of mending. Is it the people who surround her - or perhaps this very house - that reach into her heart with healing?

Delightful, realistic characters and skilled writing make, The House on Malcolm Street a treasure. Leisha Kelly's fans and new readers alike will find this simple story about the complexities of life an engrossing read.

Thoughts:

Author Leisha Kelly brings us a gripping tale of a woman at her wits end, trying to face not only the death of her husband and child, but the possibility of being homeless with a young daughter to support. Leah Breckenridge is broken-hearted and completely down on her luck when she takes her daughter Ellie to live in the boardinghouse of her deceased husband's aunt. She must put her fears behind her and start over. She doesn't expect to find people who are kind and understanding. She doesn't expect her heart to begin to heal and the anger she feels at God for destroying her life to dissipate, but love never fails.

This is such an amazing story of how people deal with grief and what it takes to get them back on track with their lives. Now only do we see Leah's struggle but Josiah, a childhood friend of Leah's husband is also dealing with his own demons. I think this book gave a realistic face to grief and how to come out on the other side. Leah develops a tender love story with Josiah even though she never believed she could trust God enough to let that happen again. Leah is able to rekindle her faith in God and in humanity.

I also enjoyed the fact that Marigold's boardinghouse isn't really a boardinghouse, at least not a paying one. She only has one paid boarder and the rest she just takes care of. Marigold was a wonderful secondary character, teaching the other characters about what's truly important. Ellie, Leah's daughter is another great secondary character who has enough faith for everyone around her and teaches her mother how to find it again.

The House on Malcolm Street is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 4 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




Here is some information about Leisha Kelly.

Leisha Kelly is the author of several bestselling historical fiction books, including Emma's Gift, Julia's Hope and Katie's Dream. She has served many years on her local library board, continuing to bring good reads and educational opportunities to her community. Once a waitress, cafe manager, tutor, and EMT, Leisha is now a busy novelist and speaker who is active in the ministries of her church. She lives with her family in Illinois.