She’s generous, kind, and compassionate—yet Delilah Grey will forever be an outcast in the small seaside town of Camden Beach, Maryland. She takes in women shattered by abuse, poverty, illness, or events beyond their control. But no matter how far she’s come or how many she’s helped find their way back, there is no safe place for Delilah. Acquitted of her rich husband’s mysterious death decades … decades ago, she lives in her beautiful mansion consumed by secrets—and mistakes she feels she can never atone for. . . . Until she takes in desperate mother Tracey Walters and her two young children.
Tracey won’t say where she’s from or what sent her into hiding. But her determination and refusal to give up reminds Delilah of the spirited, hopeful girl she once was—and the dreams she still cherishes. As Tracey takes tentative steps to rebuild her life, her unexpected attraction to Delilah’s handsome, troubled caretaker inadvertently brings Delilah face to face with the past. And when Tracey’s worst fears come brutally calling, both women must find even more strength to confront truths they can no longer ignore—and at last learn how to truly be
free . . .
Resonant, moving, and unforgettable, The House on Harbor Hill paints an unforgettable portrait of two women struggling to forgive themselves, take a chance on change, and challenge each other to finally live.
“A heartfelt story about the power of forgiveness, redemption, and finding grace in unexpected places.” —Maureen Leurck, author Cicada Summer
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From the cover to the blurb, to the story inside, The House on Harbor Hill is my TOTAL Literary Fiction catnip from an author that I adore and always trust to take me on an emotional journey. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it, and after begging to read this book, then being granted an advance copy from NetGalley, I devoured it in just a couple of days.
This was… simply a good read. A mix of a murder mystery from the past and a current tale of a woman in between the stages of her life, who takes a helping hand when she really needs it… and how that benefitted her and her children immensely.
There’s so much to take in, when reading this novel. One thing that stands out is that a) sometimes no one understands what you’ve been through except those who’ve been through it to and b) History repeats itself, and like hindsight, you recognize things because you’ve seen it before.
I highly encourage everyone to grab this book, put it on your list, and then sit back and relax and enjoy the read. This isn’t a fast paced wham-bam-zoom storyline. This is a beautifully drawn-out tale that’s finally able to be told.
The House on Harbor Hill
“My door is always open.”
This was an amazing novel, with of a woman named Delilah whose life was abusive and difficult and yet what she gives and offers is love, hope and happiness in a world that is anything but,to some.
We go from time in 1968 when there was servants for the rich, and people who were abused by others, to present day where people still are many are still abused.
Delilah gives help to those who are in need and is only asking for the respect and companionship that she missed as a young woman.
I loved the writing of this book and the characters that came to be. It will not soon be forgotten!
The House on Harbor Hill by author Shelly Stratton is filled with emotions ranging from first crush love, disappointments, spousal violence, mental abuse, and fear. It is written very carefully so the reader is not overwhelmed. The Harbor House scenes are set in Camden Beach, Maryland in two different time periods, 1968-1970 and the present day. Delilah Grey who is in her 70’s, opens her home on Harbor Hill to ‘strays’, as Aidan calls them. Delilah knows what it is like to be afraid with no one to turn to for help. Now in her later years, she feels an intense loneliness when the house is empty, and she wants to help women who are broken in spirit to have a reprieve so they may heal and start a new life with hope.
Aiden lived there as a child when his mother needed a place of refuge. As the years passed Aiden became a successful lawyer with a beautiful wife and child. Now he hides himself away as he helps Delilah with the grounds and upkeep of the big old house. He is hiding from the world until he is able to heal from his regrets and sorrows.
Tracey Walters has a secret which she must guard with her life. In fact, staying hidden could mean the difference in life and death for her if Paul were to ever find her and the two children. She lived in fear and hid her bruises waiting for the right time to make her escape. It was not easy, but she would do whatever it took to keep her children safe. But Tracey is tired, out of money and needs help.
I don’t want to post spoilers but as I finished the book, I had some questions. The author had written Cee as being really in love with Delilah. Would Delilah and Cee have been a happy couple if Delilah had gone with her real feelings for Cee before he lost patience and took advantage of her? If she had told him the truth about the money for Mindy, could things have been different for them? Or was it a character flaw in the Williams family which cause them to lash out in cruel ways even to the people they loved?
These questions are the result of a successful author writing a good story which leaves you wanting to talk about the characters. After I completed reading the book, I was still thinking about the characters!
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The House on Harbor Hill by Shelly Stratton is set in Camden Beach, Maryland in September of 2016. Delilah Grey offers help to those who she believes needs it. Tracey Walters arrives home to find an invitation on her door from Delilah that states her door is always open. Tracey and her two kids left her abusive husband, Paul after he hit Caleb and she worries that Paul will track them down. When Tracey is given one month to vacate her apartment and with no other options, she takes Delilah up on her offer. Delilah helps others to help alleviate her guilt. She has secrets that have haunted her all these years (in more than one way). A man keeps showing up offering to buy Harbor Hill, but Delilah has no intention of selling (despite the man’s outrageous offers). Aidan Dominguez grew up at Harbor Hill thanks to the generosity of Delilah. He returned four years ago and now works as the handyman/landscaper. Aidan is not prepared for his attraction to the newest resident. He came to Harbor Hill to escape his own troubles and is not ready to love again. Tracey settles in to the new home and starts to move forward, but then the past comes knocking. Unfortunately, that is not the only threat to the residents of Harbor Hill. What will happen to Aidan, Tracey and Delilah?
The House on Harbor Hill sounded like a great book. Mystery, intrigue, suspense, romance, a cute kid and some heartfelt moments. It is a story about people finding forgiveness and peace, so they can have a second chance at life. The writing was satisfactory, but the pacing was varied. There are three different stories happening in The House on Harbor Hill. It switches between them throughout the story, so we get the backstory on all three characters. We go from 2016 to 1968 to get Delilah’s story (my favorite character in the book). Delilah has the voice of her dead husband talking to her (criticizing, taunting). I was never sure if it was a ghost or just in her head. The House on Harbor Hill ended predictably. I knew how their stories would play out after reading just a small part of the book. I did feel that The House on Harbor Hill needed an epilogue to adequately wrap up the book. I was left with a few unanswered questions at the end of the book. The House on Harbor Hill addresses some sensitive issues (domestic violence and racism). I felt that the author handled them well, but I did feel the racism was overdone (mentioned quite often). There is a reading group guide at the end of the book. I do want to let readers know that the book contains violence and foul language (the language was completely unnecessary). I am giving The House on Harbor Hill 3 out of 5 stars (It was okay). This book was just not for me.