The Orchard House is another shining example of how Heidi Chiavaroli excels at split-time narratives. Some books make you stop and catch your breath with the emotional punch they pack. This book was like that for me - compelling and hard to put down. It's always a journey for the reader to see how the modern day storyline connects with the historical one.

When I realized that Louisa May Alcott would be featured in this novel, I was pumped. Alcott is special to our modern day character, Taylor, and her "sister," Victoria, who both attend writing workshops at Orchard House as girls. In the present day, Taylor's relationship with Victoria and her adoptive parents is fractured, and so much time as passed that Taylor only sees strife and heartache in her return to her family. In juxtaposition to this is Joanna Suhre's friendship with Alcott in 1865 that first blossoms but is then strained when Joanna ignores her dear friend's words of caution. As always, some of the events and themes of her story are weighty, yet Chiavaroli doesn't leave her characters without hope for long. Though at first it's hard to see how either character can find resolution, in Chiavaroli's deft hands, the characters are set on an emotional yet satisfying path to bring healing and reconciliation.

I highly recommend The Orchard House to fans of Louisa May Alcott, split time narratives, and compelling character-driven stories.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel; this review is my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would! I’m not all that familiar with Louisa May Alcott; I watched the movie Little Women a long time ago, but I’ve never read any of her books. I loved The Tea Chest, Heidi’s last book, so thought I would give this one a try. I’m so glad I did!

Although the connection to Louisa May Alcott isn't what drew me in, the beautiful writing and storytelling had me quickly invested in both Taylor and Johanna's timelines. Taylor's powerful story of betrayal, forgiveness, and learning the meaning of family was beautifully tied in with Johanna’s story, and I loved how the historical and present-day timelines came together in the end. Heidi Chiavaroli's beautiful writing style and excellent storytelling ability make this a captivating novel! I would recommend The Orchard House for fans of historical and women's fiction, especially fans of Rachel Hauck and Erin Bartels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Th Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli is a fascinating historical novel. It is a dual timeline story. Taylor and Victoria are estranged sisters. Victoria betrayed Taylor’s trust which caused Taylor to run away and not communicate with her family for the last sixteen years. Taylor learns that her adoptive mother has cancer and returns home. This is a chance to reconnect with her family and heal old wounds. In 1865, Johanna Suhre has been corresponding with Louisa May Alcott regarding her brother, John who was nursed by the author. Johanna wants to spread her wings and gets the offer to tend the Alcott house while Louisa travels as a companion to Europe. At Orchard House, Johanna meets Nathan Bancroft. She falls in love with the charming man and they marry. Unfortunately, Johanna soon learns that there is another side to her husband. I like how these two story lines tied together. I thought The Orchard House was well-written with developed characters. The book has gentle pacing which suits the story. Louisa May Alcott along with her family, her writings, and Orchard House are prominently featured in past and present. I could tell that that the author did her research for this novel as the historical information shined. I enjoyed learning more about Louisa Mae Alcott and Orchard House. Heidi Chivaroli captured Louisa May Alcott. The author tackled difficult topics in this time-slip novel. Domestic abuse, insecurities regarding self-worth, feelings of not belonging, betrayal, and a cancer diagnose and treatment are some of the topics in the book. Two sisters must find a way to overcome the past to become close again while dealing with betrayal and abuse. Faith and God is woven into the story as well. Our characters go through some challenging times which draws them closer to each other and God. The Orchard House is an engaging novel with a satisfying ending. We see the importance of communication, forgiveness, faith, and to never give up hope. Johanna and Louisa as well as Taylor and Victoria shared a connection. The women may not always agree with each other, but they knew they could count on each other. I like how we get to know Louisa and Johanna through letters. It breaks up the dialogue and gives the novel another layer. The Orchard House is a captivating time-slip novel with squabbling sisters, a heartless husband, long letters, an affluent author, an infirm mother, unflagging faith, and a faithful family.

I find it hard to put into words experiencing this book. I savored it. I enjoyed it. I wanted more of it.
I have never read a book that it is really like. It addressed a hard topic without almost really describing the topic at hand. A beloved author to many, Louisa May Alcott is the heroine in many ways, of this novel, even though she is not one of the main characters.
I loved the history, the tidbits with the characters being writers, as well as the heartache that was shared by the characters as well, and so well written.
This is not a romance, but the story of what true friendship between women, even when some are married and some are not, was so accurately portrayed, misunderstandings and all, left this book near to my heart. I related to Taylor so much, and I am sure you will as well.

I am a huge Louisa May Alcott fan, and I have loved all of Heidi Chiavaroli's previous novels, so I have been eagerly waiting for this novel to be published. I was not disappointed! This was one of those stories that I couldn't stop reading but hated for it to end. I love timeslip novels, and Heidi Chiavaroli always does such a wonderful job of drawing me into both the contemporary and historical timelines and makes me care about the characters in both. In both time periods, she addresses the issue of domestic abuse in a sensitive way. The contemporary story addresses adoption as well. I will not give a summary of the book because others have done so, but I will say this book touched me deeply, and I highly recommend it whether you are a Louisa May Alcott fan or not. Thank you Heidi Chiavaroli for your beautiful story!

I was hooked from the start as the author introduces a hurting young lady, named Taylor in “1995 Concord, Massachusetts, she thinks, “Thirteen isn’t quite grown-up, but it’s old enough for a girl to realize that hope can be a dangerous thing.”

I was amazed at how well Heidi tapped into who Louise Alcott was in her personal and professional life in both current and historical timelines. Furthermore, I liked how the author revealed facts about Louise Alcott (many of it in Alcott’s words from her journals) and that of her family life through the use of tour guides at the Orchard House in the current timeline. Not only that, but I liked how Heidi applied Louise Alcott’s life’s principles in the current story line as Louise was a strong woman, a freethinker, who worked hard to overcome poverty, and depression. She was a woman ahead of her time.

I am fascinated at how many people adore Louise Abbott and her novel the little Women. Louise Alcott was a multi-talented lady who wrote short Stories, Plays, and poems (in her name and in her pen name) not only that she volunteered as a nurse’s aide in the war effort. The author brings that out in this novel. I did not know that you could visit Louise’s child home called The Orchard House. I enjoyed going there and seeing it through the characters eyes (present and past) The author’s love for Louise May Alcott and this house shine throughout this story.

This novel is a grand adventure you will not want to miss. I liked that each chapter started with a quote from Louise Alcott. This book would work well for your book club pick it’s rich in character and has a story that will tug at your heart.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins!
The Book Club Network blog www.bookfun.org

Two great stories that crossover in ways you won’t expect!

Taylor has had a rough go at life. Abandoned by her mother at a young age and left with her uncle. The uncle ends up going to prison and Taylor is placed in the foster care system. Then in 1995, she is adopted by her best friend’s parents and she now has not only a sister, but a family. Even so, she still feels like she is outside of their love and is more of a hindrance than a gift. But she and her new sister, Victoria, share a common interest: writing. Living in Concord, Massachusetts right down the street from Louisa May Alcott’s home, The Orchard House, makes many a young girl dream of writing. They have their ups and downs over the next few years, but one evening Victoria betrays Taylor in one of the worst ways she can imagine and there is no going back.

Just after the civil war, Johanna Suhre has become acquainted through letters with Louise May Alcott after Louisa used Johanna’s late brother John as the basis of her publication Hospital Sketches. When Louisa decides to go abroad to Europe for a time, she offers an adventure to Johanna to come stay at Orchard House in her absence to help take care of the house. While there, Johanna becomes smitten with the neighbor Nathan Bancroft who Louisa does not hold in high regard. Could this romance be the end of their friendship?

This is the first book that I’ve read by Heidi Chiavaroli, but WOW! I was hooked at the beginning and couldn’t stop reading until I found out what happened in both stories! It’s easy to get lost in one of the stories of a time-slip novel but it takes a very talented author to get readers to lose themselves in both stories. I loved how much detail she paid to each time period, not only the 1800s but even 1995 and early 2000s. It was fun to have the main character my own age for a change and reminisce about how things were back when I was in high school and college. A walk down memory lane for sure.

I related most to Taylor. I’ve haven’t had the rough beginning that she did, but it was so easy to cheer for her when she was wronged that you didn’t want her family to pull her back. In the end, it worked out for the best, but the process was a little messy, which made it real. I’ve known women like Victoria and those in her situation and it is really tough to deal with. It takes a lot of time and emotional withdraws to get someone through those times. I loved how the author was able to use those two stories to draw similarities, but it might be in such a way that readers won’t notice until is right upon them. She also managed to show the importance of faith and a relationship with God in a subtle yet very real way! Great story!

I received a complimentary copy of this title from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.

The Orchard House is a historical , romance novel. Heidi Chiavaroli is an award winning author. Her first novel Freedom Ring won her the Carol Award and she was a Christy award finalist. The Orchard House is a time slip novel . The first time period is during the Civil War period during 1865 when Louisa May Alcott was alive. The reader will get a peak at what life was like during her family life and her own life. The struggles of the Civil War are described in this book. The other time period is thru the eyes of Taylor . who was adopted and tried to find herself. She and Victoria are trying to establish themselves as writers and in society. They learn about writing in Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House with other writers. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter are beautiful. This book was given to me to read and review. The opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher, netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

I loved this book! I really connected with Taylor and Johanna. I loved how this book made me feel deeply. There’s also something special about books that are about authors. Heidi Chiavaroli has proven again why she’s a must read author! I highly recommend this book!


I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

** “What is the big picture to you, Mr. Bancroft? … That I am but a speck in this big world. That it has gone on long before me and will continue long after me. But although I am a speck, I have a story to live. A journey. A duty to better it, even in a small way.” **

Heidi Chiavaroli offers a delightful time-slip story with “The Orchard House,” a tale that joins the arcs of famous author Louisa May Alcott and her friend Johanna with present day sisters Taylor and Victoria.

Even though she was adopted by her best friend’s family, Taylor has never truly had a sense of belonging. When a moment of betrayal sends her running, she doesn’t see her family for 16 years until a medical scare hits home. As Taylor and Victoria work to repair their damaged relationship, they dig into the lives of favorite author Alcott and her mysterious friend Johanna.

Seeing similarities in the friend’s life, the two sisters are able to start healing from both past and present hurts, all while solving the mystery of Johanna Suhre and her relationship with the author of “Little Women.”

Chiavaroli does an incredible job of blending together the two stories set 150 years apart. She expertly fictionalizes what could have been a real-life friendship between two living women, all while drafting the fictional stories of two women who were best friends, sisters, strangers and back again. She builds deeply relatable and flawed women while also creating a lovely story filled with hope and forgiveness.

“The Orchard House” also includes several great themes, like finding a sense of belonging; asking for help takes real guts; starting over and finding your adventure; and God will be our strength even at our weakest moments.

A huge topic “The Orchard House” contains is the matter of story — we all have a story to tell. While reminding us to delight in being a lover of words, Chiavaroli reminds us that “every word serves a purpose, and none of them are bad.”

This book does also touch on abuse. If you can relate to the characters, please seek help.

Giving us a peek into how Louisa May Alcott might have been in her daily life, fans of her will of course will love this novel, as well as fans of Kate Morton and other time-slip authors.

Five stars out of five.

Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

I have a few of Heidi’s books in my personal collection, but haven’t had the time to read them at my leisure. So, The Orchard House is really the first book of hers I’ve read.
The author took on a major challenge in using a well-known historical figure as a significant secondary character in the historical time line of this dual time novel. Louisa May Alcott is a beloved author and so it was interesting to see how she came to life on the pages. I am no expert on the woman, but I did learn some things about her I didn’t know before (which is why I love historical fiction!). Sometimes historical figures fall flat on the page, but the author did a wonderful job of giving her life and substance as she interacted with the heroine.
Though I found the story of Louisa Alcott and her friend/hired worker Johanna interesting, it was the contemporary story that made me want to read more. It was interesting to see how the lives of both the contemporary and historical characters ran parallel to each other. Taylor is a fascinating character and it was interesting to watch her personal growth story. I didn’t care much for her first male love interest and by mid-way through I knew why. Taylor’s true hero is one to be admired.
The connection between the past and present lacked a bit of surprise. I felt it was a bit too obvious what the resolution would be. However, there is a bit of a twist at the end of Johanna’s story that may surprise readers.
The narrative is easy to follow, but I found there wasn’t much of a difference in the feel of the historical story from the contemporary. That’s something I’m used to from reading other authors of dual time novels. It definitely isn’t an easy genre to write, but it is so enjoyable to read!
Overall, I enjoyed the story.
TRIGGERS: Domestic Violence, Suicide
I received an ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

I found in the pages of The Orchard House a story i didn’t even know I needed to hear.
This amazing story, one that started out a bit slowly for me at first, has a tremendous lesson, and it spoke to something deep within me.
Taylor was adopted as a young teen, by her best friend’s family. But she was never sure she truly belonged. She spent many years in doubt, and even left behind her family because of those fears of not truly belonging. She was very much a character I could identify with. Because, deep down, I think if we’re honest, all of us are searching for a place of truly belonging.
I’d like to share this quote that sums it up so well:
“I think perhaps that I have been looking all these years for some thing that was not so far away. And no, I did not mean (name hidden to prevent spoiler), for he too will no doubt eventually fail in his own way. I am talking about a bigger place to belong – – in the arms of One who not only tells me not to fear, but who, in the midst of my failures, has loved me and given me a worth beyond measure. In this, I find both liberty and home – – two things I once thought opposites but I now see are not so very different.”

Taylor is the modern day heroine. This book also goes back to the past, to the days of Louisa May Alcott. As a longtime fan of Little Women, i great enjoyed reading more about her life.
I think this is a story that needs to be read! So, so good!
Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with mthe Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This book is told thru different times. I absolutely loved it! The Author could blend the book so nicely that you felt like you were in the book yourself! A must must read!!

(3.5 / 5)

After a difficult childhood, Taylor is adopted by her best friend's parents. But sisterhood is not all it's cracked up to be, and Taylor ends up leaving home at 21 with the determination to never see her family again. However, when informed 18 years later that her adopted mother is going through treatment for cancer, she returns home. But what starts as a brief visit turns into something more as old wounds are re-opened and this make-shift family struggles to make sense of present struggles. That's when Taylor and her sister stumble across a story that captivates them and helps distract from real life. In the 1860s, the death of a soldier sparked a friendship between the soldier's sister, Johanna, and Little Women author Louisa May Alcott. This friendship, and the life and marriage of Johanna, were hidden away for 150 years, to be discovered by Taylor and Victoria just when the story could most affect their lives.

I spent the first half of this book uncertain about a lot of it. Two different storylines had to be established--both the past and the present--and the present one covered several years in a few chapters. Even when the story slowed down and started unfolding in the present day, I struggled to get into it. Taylor's adolescence had turned her into a confused, broken woman, and she essentially second-guessed her decisions, thoughts, emotions, and reactions every step of the way. And I questioned often what the past storyline had to do with the present one. It was a slow build, to be sure. It did pick up in the second half, but for a while, all I could think about was how terrible each of the characters seemed to be, in one way or the other.

The main thing that I really liked about the story was the way the Christian message was presented. While some reviewers found it "too religious," I spent at least half the book wondering how on earth this had been labeled as Christian. But the slow build I mentioned earlier can also be applied to the way the main characters learned to first believe in and then trust in Someone bigger than themselves. Though in the end, I felt the "conversions" and overall Christian message were a little light, I still liked the way they shaped up.

There were some things in the book that confused me, and I re-read some passages more than once trying to understand. As an example, Louisa was said to have 2 sisters, but over the course of time 3 were mentioned--Anna, Nan, and Amy. However, Anna and Nan were the same person, and while the author did seem to realize we needed that explanation (I certainly did), it didn't come until after the sister was referred to by both names at least once. There are other things that confused me too, but fortunately there was less of this in the second half too.

I think that people who love Louisa May Alcott's books, or at least have read one or more of them, might enjoy this book. Though Louisa herself is only a small part of the story, her books and lasting effect on future fans are prevalent themes. I'll admit to having a different view of a particular aspect of Little Women than the author (or at least than the main character), but as fiction, it's certainly open to interpretation. If you're looking for a light Christian read, this is not it. It's full of drama and covers some dark topics such as abandonment, abuse (both physical and emotional), and betrayal. If you like time-split novels and stories about finding "home" or families trying to piece themselves back together, you might enjoy this book.

A beautifully written split time novel. The author does a wonderful job of weaving the plot through out the different time periods. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Heidi Chiavaroli delivers another dual timeline that broaches the tough topics with grace and offers hope in the darkness. This book takes place in Concord, MA, around the home where Louisa May Alcott lived. Though I have not read Little Women (I know, I know....) or any other of Alcott's works, I was still able to enjoy the story - though fans of Alcott would likely enjoy it even more. This book follows Taylor who was adopted by her best friend's family at age 13, but ran away 8 years later after a severe betrayal of trust. When she comes home 16 years later, there is much to repair. In the historic timeline, we meet Johanna, a friend of Louisa Alcott, who finds herself in a sticky situation similar to Taylor's sister in the modern timeline.

All of Chiavaroli's books hit some heavy topics and this one is no different. Between the quest to belong, foster care and domestic violence, there are plenty of hard topics included in this book. They are handled with grace and the author shines the light of hope that is found in Jesus on these situations, which I loved about the book. The characters were well fleshed-out and real, as well as likable (most of the time) and relatable. There was a mystery to solve and brokenness to mend. There was a solid faith thread, though it took a bit of time to get there. This one kept me enthralled from the very beginning. If you enjoy dual timeline women's fiction that doesn't shy away from the hard stuff, this is one I'd strongly recommend.

Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an advance e-copy of this book. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Heidi Chiavaroli has penned a beautiful soul-stirring split-time novel time involving two women, one living in present day Massachusetts and one living in Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House soon after the Civil War, overcome their own personal demons and find their way home.

Chiavaroli has created dynamic characters that are going to leap off the pages and because they are complex, realistic and relatable they are going to stay in readers’ minds long after the last page is read. She has told their story that, while as old as time, is still relevant today. Why? Because it deals with women who grow up feeling insecure because of their family situations, circumstances beyond their control, and/or just life. It can be any of a myriad of reasons. They are the girls who grow up to be the women who are the ones who always feel left out - until one friend includes them. This is the story of two girls who were blessed to have friends who took time to draw them out. Was it “happily ever after?” Not by a long shot! It was a lifetime of sharing, love, caring, hurt, betrayal, dreams lost and found. Sounds a lot like real life, doesn’t it? Chiavaroli uses these strong personalities to paint a beautiful picture of forgiveness, redemption and a real feeling of home. She concludes this fantastic novel with these heartfelt words:

“God had indeed cast out our fears and brought us to a new place. A place we could call home. A place where we didn’t have to question our worth. A place where we put the pen in His hands and allowed Him to be the One to write our stories. I was sure they would be some of the best yet.”

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers & NetGalley. The opinions expressed here are completely my own and without influence.

This is a hard review to write, because while this book was beautifully written and Chiavaroli’s unmistakable talent is on full display, the actual stories were not enjoyable for me. This is one hundred percent just a personal taste thing and people who like serious stories and less than happy endings will be in love. But for this romance loving, give me all the happily ever afters girl it wasn’t my favorite. I don’t want to spoil anything so I won’t go into details but I didn’t love the way the guys in this book were basically the worst and the only decent one only got a few scenes. And not that I blamed them based on the character of the guys but it almost felt like a man bashing book like the author had some vendetta against men and decided who needs them.
It was fun to get a glimpse at Louisa May Alcott’s personal life, something I’ve never investigated despite loving Little Women. Those bits and the letters between her and Johanna were probably my favorite parts.
So overall this was an excellently written book that just wasn’t for me and maybe it is up your alley and maybe you’re like me lol!

I really enjoy reading time-split novels and discovering how the connection is made between the time periods. While this one is mostly focused on modern times and Taylor's story I did make a connection with Taylor. She gets a chance to be a part of her best friend, Victoria Bennett's family and she dare not mess it up. The women spend much time together as best friends and as aspiring author's take summer classes at Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House. Pushing aside her insecurity Taylor is starting to come into her own until the

ultimate betrayal happens.


I did expect to see more of Louisa May Alcott's story but we do see how the time frames meshed.It's very evident the author has researched this time period.


A beautiful story about grace and finding your place in life,compassion allowing others in,betrayal,coming to grips with it,redemption and forgiveness.


Growth,maturity and love round it out.

The plot was amazing and well rounded,I loved the descriptions feeling

as though I were right there with the characters.


Expected publication: February 9th 2021 by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.

All opinions expressed are my own.

4.5 stars
What a sweeping literary dual-timeline story encompassing Louisa May Alcott, her family, and her friend Joanna in 1865, and best friends Taylor & Victoria attending summer camp at Louisa May Alcott's home The Orchard House in 2001, to the present day in 2019. Themes of adoption, belonging, independence, and the difficult topics of betrayal and spousal abuse are dealt with very realistically. The importance of family vs independence, trusting no one but yourself vs trusting in God are important lessons learned along the way. Author Heidi Chiavaroli has done her research and weaves a very compelling story. She examines this theme in both timelines: "I longed to be free of it all at the same time that I longed to find the place I belonged."

"Stories most certainly seem to have healing powers, and I wonder if that is not why we are drawn to them?"
"That I am but a speck in this big world. That it has gone on long before me and will continue long after me. But although I am a speck, I have a story to live. A journey. A duty to better it, even in a small way."
"Maybe that was part of the belonging. Not clutching so tight to those we held precious that they would break beneath our grip, but releasing them to fly free trusting they would come back."
"I find both liberty and home two things I once thought opposites but now I see are not so very different."

I highly recommend The Orchard House to all fans of women's fiction, and dual time-line stories! Thank you to the publisher, and to Net Galley for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own.