I don't know too many voracious readers that didn't start out as a child devouring 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott, as well as many of her other classics! Ms. Alcott has always been an enigma to most of us and I respectfully disagree with some who stated they wanted to read more of her story in this dual timeline, correlating the past with the present. I feel as though the author still wanted to leave an aura of mystery surrounding Louisa, but through her extensive research of her published letters and journals, we gain alot of insight and facts about this amazing author—not only a writer, but a champion of women's rights and a fighter against injustice.

It's heartbreaking to realize the emotional and physical abuse that women suffered from their husbands took place not only back in Louisa's day, but is still going on all around us in this present time...as Ms. Chiavaroli courageously tackles this taboo subject. The Orchard House, a beautifully written story of betrayal, forgiveness, romance—and the bonds shared between two women in the past and present and how they connect—make for a truly intriguing read!

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This book didn’t grip me from the beginning; rather, it slowly grew on me until I was totally engrossed in the story from each historical timeline.

Time-slip novels, as they have come to be called, are among my favorite methods of storytelling. My favorite book as a girl, Little Women, further spurred my interest in this particular novel.

The parallels between Louisa and her friendship with Johanna in the 19th century and sisters by adoption Taylor and Victoria in the 21st, both set in Concord, MA was very well drawn by this author. Having read and enjoyed her 2020 novel The Tea Party last year further encouraged me to read and review this book.

Would recommend for lovers of Louisa May Alcott as well as any historical fiction afficianados.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. Five stars!

What an emotional read. This is my first time reading this author and I am already looking forward to reading everything by her. Her writing and story telling feel so real, raw and lyrical at the same time. This story was so deep and captivating, specially when it comes to the main character Taylor and her painful journey from the moment she is adopted , to the betrayal and coming back to her adoptive mother, full circle if there is ever one. A must read for everyone, because it is that good.

This is a split-time novel, one set during 1865 while the other is set in 2019. The historical piece tells the story of a young woman who takes care of Orchard House while Louisa May Alcott is traveling the world. She falls in love with a young man and marries him, something she later on comes to regret.
The contemporary story is about a woman who grew up as the adopted sister to her best friend, the best friend who betrayed her. She runs away from her life in Concord, determined to never go back... but it seems she can't run from her old life. When she is asked to come back to see her sick mother, she goes... only to spend a little time. But in getting caught up in the story of a woman that lived centuries ago, a story that might change everything.

Louisa May Alcott is my very favorite author. Pretty much anything that has her name on it, I'm interested in. I love her works so, so much and learning about the woman who wrote them is something I love.
That being said, this story wasn't exactly what I expected, although I'm not certain I knew what to expect.
I don't think I had a good understanding of what the story was actually about.

One of the primary topics in this book is relationships, particularly marriage. At my age, that wasn't something I could really relate to. It centered around broken and abusive marriages, something that wasn't easy to read about. It was heartbreaking.
Before I get into my review, I think I should state that my reasoning for not completely enjoying the book doesn't really have to do with the book itself. It's more of a personal thing.

In the beginning, I did like the Taylor and Victoria's story as best friends turned sisters. I really enjoyed the passion they had for Louisa May Alcott and her works, something I could definitely relate to. Also their Pickwick Club and writing was fun.
But when the love triangle part of the story came in, I really disliked it. I'm not a fan of love triangles in general, but I really didn't like this one.
I was interested in Johanna's story since it had a lot to do with L.M.A. I did enjoy the parts that had to do with Johanna's poetry and friendship with Louisa. But it soon became a heartbreaking story and wasn't easy for me to read.

The biggest reason I disliked this book was because of the love triangle. There was one part in particular that I especially disliked and I wished hadn't happened. I know it happened to cause conflict but I didn't like reading about it.

To get to what I did like in the story, I enjoyed the moments at Orchard House and the girl's writing together. I liked Taylor and Victoria's mending friendship and sister relationship and I really liked when they were searching for Johanna's story although that didn't come into play until towards the end of the book.
Between the two sisters, Victoria was surprisingly my favorite. I wouldn't have thought that likely but somehow, she was. I think it's because I could so strongly relate to her love for L.M.A. Her room filled with her books was something I loved. I also liked Luke, the little we saw him. And he reads classics so that was neat!
I liked the historical details too, the tidbits of true facts about L.M.A. If I'm honest, I didn't always see Louisa in this book as actual L.M.A. but I think she was pretty true to what she might have been like. Putting a real person in a fictional story can't be easy.
I liked the faith content too. It didn't show up much until the end but the ending was inspiring.

The writing was also good! It was a well-written book. Maybe I would have enjoyed it more if I was closer to the character's age, I'm not sure.

Anyways, it's not a bad book. I just didn't completely enjoy or love it. But I also didn't completely dislike it.
If you enjoy split-time novels that include some history and broken relationships, I think you would really like this!

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

With deep realism and authenticity, award winning author Heidi Chiavaroli takes readers to the post-Civil War era in Massachusetts in her latest novel, The Orchard House. This time-slip novel follows the historical storyline of Johanna Suhre, who is taking care of Louisa May Alcott’s parents in their home, and the present-day storyline of thirty-seven-year-old Taylor Bennett, who struggled for years to fit in and suffered heartbreaking betrayal from her adoptive family. Readers also are given further insight into Taylor’s life with scenes from her teenage years in the contemporary storyline. Both storylines come together in a satisfying resolution which allows for forgiveness and hope for the future. Heidi Chiavaroli is known for writing incredible time-slip novels that tackle difficult topics while, at the same time, drawing readers closer to their faith. Topics of domestic abuse and doubts of self-worth are addressed in both storylines. Even though I have never read Little Women and was not particularly familiar with Louisa May Alcott, since Heidi Chiavaroli wrote The Orchard House, I knew I had to read this book!

Heidi Chiavaroli always writes extremely captivating tales in both her historical and contemporary storylines, but this time, her contemporary storyline absolutely blew me away. I was completely mesmerized by the contemporary storyline and could not wait to read more of Taylor’s story. The Orchard House is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and readers who enjoy time-slip novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers and was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli was an emotional read. This is not a light hearted escape, this story will suck you in and rip out your heart and try to put it back together.

The story takes part in three different time periods. Taylor as a teen to college and then current day as an adult with a thriving career. In addition, we have the story of Louisa and Johanna.

Taylor was a girl trying to fit in after her family abandons her. Even when her best friend’s family adopts her, she struggles to fit in and feel like she belongs. Years later with a thriving career she is still trying to feel whole.

I really struggled with Victoria’s betrayal. This might be a trigger for readers who have been betrayed by a friend/sister.

I enjoyed the Author notes in the back that explained how much of the story was based on actual events regarding Louisa, John and Johanna.

I received this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review.
You can see my full review at More Than a Review dot com where I rate the level of sex, violence, language and drug/alcohol use in books.

Heidi Chiavaroli returns with a novel inspired by the life of Louisa May Alcott (Little Women).
The narrative captures you in such a way that you can't stop reading it. The novel is centered on two different periods around 1860 and 2000. The characters grow during the story and they mature without the need to rush the plot. The passion for writing and poetry unites the characters through time.
The writer has grown in her storytelling since her earlier books. I predict that you will not be able to forget this novel and its values.
I would like to see this novel translated into Spanish.
Thank you very much to Netgalley and Tyndale House Publisher for the advanced copy.
All the opinions expressed are mine only.

“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 regresa con una novela inspirada en la vida de Louisa May Alcott (Mujercitas) .
La narración te captura de tal manera, que no puedas dejar de leerla. La novela está centrada en dos épocas distintas entre 1860 y el 2000. Los personajes crecen durante la narración y van madurando sin necesidad de apresurar la trama. La pasión por la escritura y la poesía une a los personajes a través del tiempo.
La escritora ha crecido en su narrativa desde sus primeros inicios. Puedo pronosticar que no podrás olvidarte de esta novela y su moraleja.
Me gustaría ver esta novela traducida al español.
Muchas gracias a Netgalley y a Tyndale House Publisher por la copia.
Todas las opiniones expresadas son mías.

I have read Little Women by Louisa May Alcott when I was a little teenager. I loved the character of Jo. I scribbled all the time. I had tons of stories in notebooks. Nothing worthwhile to publish, but writing was my outlet. So when Heidi Chiavaroli wrote The Orchard House, a story that takes place at the Alcott’s home, I honestly could not wait to read the story. The story is unique, yet predictable. I adored the struggles that Victoria and Taylor, the modern day characters had to struggle with. While I was not adopted, I understand feeling alone at times. It is probably why I am an introvert. It is easier to be alone, so that you do not become hurt by others. Growing up was not the best for me. My childhood home life was not the greatest. There were moments that Chiavaroli wrote things as Taylor was a young teenager that rung so near to my heart. I feel, even today, the disappointment of not being able to write what God has chosen me to write. This story was well-crafted and tugged at my heartstrings more than once. I will definitely have to go out and purchase a paperback copy to put on the shelf next to my Louisa May Alcott collection. This is a great story! Fans of Alcott or writing should definitely read this book. It was a wonderful way to spend my time. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a complimentary copy of The Orchard House by Heidi Chiavaroli from Tyndale Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

Heidi Chiavaroli is one of my go-to authors for writing style, storytelling talent, and historical bent. I always enjoy how she incorporates the past into modern day stories.

In this dual timeline novel, Louisa May Alcott and her masterpiece, Little Women, figure large in both past & present plot lines. Unlike the March girls, the modern day characters--who are not quite sisters--find no forgiveness after they judge themselves against each other and compete with each other. They only tear their relationship further apart. Alone, these main characters suffer heartaches and bitterness. It’s only when life brings them back together--and they attempt to renew the bond of sisterhood--that they are able to find hope and healing.

A fun part of the novel is having the Alcott home, Orchard House, as the setting for modern day scenes. A must-read for fans of Louisa May Alcott & inspirational fiction!

If you are a fan of Louisa May Alcott you will not want to miss the literary masterpiece The Orchard House. The writing is brilliant and modern, but the story itself is classic. The story is set in Concord, Massachusetts during two time periods. The story of Taylor and the Bennetts is set in modern times. The story of Johanna is set in the time period shortly before and after the writing of Little Women. The author masterfully intertwines the two stories into a stunning tale of love, friendship and family. The characters are very endearing and the plot is simple, yet moving.

This is a clean novel free of foul language and sex scenes. There is a bit of violence, but it is not overly graphic. I highly recommend this this book to anyone who enjoys literary fiction and/or those who enjoyed reading Little Women.

I have read a couple of books by Heidi Chiavaroli and I have enjoyed them immensely. The Orchard House is no exception to this tradition. Heidi tackles some hard issues, like spousal abuse, PTSD, abandonment, and even a touch on suicide in this novel that details parts of Louisa May Alcott's life, as well as in the lives of the modern characters. Heidi does a great job telling a story within a story to make a cohesive whole.

Taylor's mom leaves her with her Uncle Bob and never comes back. When Uncle Bob is arrested, Taylor is taken in by her best friend's family and even adopted. She is given the same opportunities as Victoria Bennett, her newly adoptive sister, and grows up with all of the ideals Victoria's family can give her. Even with all of this, Taylor never feels like she fits into her new family; and when it seems like they are pulling away from her, she pulls away from them.

One of the opportunities that Taylor and Victoria took advantage of together was a writing camp at Orchard House--the home of Louisa May Alcott. The two of them decide to write together and tell stories that need to be told.

In telling Louisa's story, Heidi actually focuses on Johanna Suhre Bancroft, the sister of a soldier Louisa nursed during the War Between the States. Because of the letters that Johanna and Louisa exchange, Louisa hires Johanna to care for her parents while she goes to Europe for a few months. Johanna meets the next door neighbor and falls in love with a man who would become her husband and who would mistreat her.

While Taylor and Victoria are in college, Taylor meets Will as a result of a bad blind date and they begin spending time together. When Taylor has finished her last final in college, she comes home to find Will and Victoria kissing in front of the garage. Taylor immediately packs up and runs away with no regard for anyone else. Years later, Taylor comes back home because her adoptive mom has breast cancer. But now, Taylor is a best-selling author and Victoria is the manager of the Orchard House museum. While Taylor is back to help with their mom's appointments, Victoria asks Taylor to teach at the writing camp. Through a series of events that were most unforeseen, Victoria, Taylor, and the whole Bennett family has much healing to go through. The ending of this book left me completely satisfied.

Heidi has done her research well and composed a story that not only tugs at the heart, but also ties up all of the loose ends that she created from the beginning of the tale.

This is a full scale five star book, with two thumbs up, and a book of unpublished poems.

Tyndale House and NetGalley.com provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I absolutely love Little Women, having been named after Jo Bhaer in the book since my last name is Bair. Anyhow I was so thrilled to get an arc of this.
I grew up traveling to Boston every year, visiting friends in Concord, walking Walden Pond, and going to Orchard House. Then attending college in Boston so this book brought back so many fond memories. I felt like I could picture everything the author described so perfectly and was surprised how her writing brought back such vivid memories. I almost cried wishing I could just travel and take a walk at Walden Pond right now.
I loved that coincidentally the main character, Taylor, in present day, is my age and in a similar point in life having fulfilled most of her dreams and searching for home. So relatable and realistic. I also appreciate an older single girl for once.
The sister conflict was relatable as well, though extreme we’ve all known people who have been through betrayals.
I thought the author did a great job weaving the past and present plots together. The letters, the marriages, everything.
I loved Johanna from the 1800s, was annoyed with, and pitied her. I enjoyed Louisa and some of the things she said to Johanna-things I know my 36 year old self has said to people I was mentoring. So much was relatable and made me laugh. Strong characters.
There’s a lot of depth and layers and things to think about in this book. Along with serious issues like abuse, marriage, adoption, belonging, independence, freedoms, and the choices we make that form our lives.
I absolutely cannot say enough good stuff about this book. It left me thinking. It’s real and raw and not the feel good predictable sap we sometimes expect, yet the ending is satisfying and real.
I loved this and will be recommending it to everyone I know who loves Little Women.

Thank you netgalley for this arc! I was given this book in exchange for my honest review, opinions are all my own.

THE ORCHARD HOUSE by HEIDI CHIAVAROLI is a novel you do not want to miss, especially if you are like me and count "Little Women" as one of your favourite books! It is so cleverly written, with unforgettable characters and a profound message and with the past and present overlapping in such an amazing way.
We first come across Taylor in 1995 when, at the age of thirteen, she is fostered and then adopted by the Bennetts who are her best friend Victoria's parents. Although she is treated as part of the family, Taylor is afraid to hope for too much due to her sad childhood and sees herself as "being on the outside looking in.".
The girls are both ardent fans of Louisa May Alcott and spend a lot of time at Orchard House, which was her home, where they attend the Jo March Writing Camp. Both girls are aspiring authors and I love the way they even have their own Pickwick Club.
Running parallel to Taylor and Victoria's story is that of Louisa and her friend Johanna Suhre. Johanna kept house for Louisa's parents while the author spent a year in Europe. This is another case where a young woman is longing to be independent, but also to belong.
We see the similarity between Taylor and Louisa with their attempts to help Victoria and Johanna respectively. We also see how researching Louisa and Johanna's story draws Taylor and Victoria together.
I like the way we are told so much about Louisa, her family and her writing.
I am not going to tell you any more for fear of spoiling the read for you, excepting to say that, in spite of the difficulty of family dynamics, feelings of jealousy and inadequacy, betrayal and abusive relationships, there is a strong Christian message of hope running through the book.
I cannot recommend "The Orchard House" highly enough to anyone who enjoys inspirational historical romantic fiction.
I was given an ARC copy of the book by Tyndale House Publishers from NetGalley. The opinions in this review are completely my own.