Tuesday, July 13, 2010

90 - The House on Oyster Creek; Heidi Jon Schmidt



















I love novels that take place near the ocean, so I was thrilled to find out this book takes place in Wellfleet (Cape Cod) Massachusetts.  The story finds former New York City dwellers, Henry and Charlotte Tradescome, and their three year old daughter Fiona, moving to Wellfleet when Henry inherits his family's home. Imagining a quieter and better quality life for themselves and their little girl, instead they are seen as outsiders. Darryl Stead is the exception. He is one of the oyster farmers and handymen who welcomes the Tradescomes.  Before long Charlotte finds herself attracted to Darryl.

More troubled waters surface when Charlotte convinces Henry to sell off a portion of the land surrounding the home, so that they can use the funds for improvements to their own place.  Little did the couple expect that the new owners of the land were planning to build a mega-mansion.  If that isn't bad enough, these same people initiate a move to ban oyster farms from the surrounding land, causing more controversy in this quiet seaside town.

The writing is simple, the story easy to follow and moves at a good pace, but is somewhat lacking in substance. Despite this, I think The House on Oyster Creek, might appeal to many women as a light summer read. Pack this one to take along with you, as you head for the beach.

RATING - 3.5/5 Stars - Review Copy

12 comments:

  1. Too bad it didn't have a little more substance, but it does sound great for the beach. I adore the cover!

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  2. I love the cover of this one. My mom lives by the beach in California and her whole house is done in a contemporary beachy design with that pretty blue and lots of starfish, sand and glass. It's gorgeous.

    A light, easy read is great for summer. Thanks for your thoughts on this, Diane.

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  3. This does sound like a good beach read. Or at least a good way to pretend you are at the beach anyway! :)

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  4. Diane, I'm glad this one worked well as a lighter read for you. I thought her use of language was very nice and then there's that lovely cover. Sigh. :-)

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  5. I want to live in the house, lol. I'll keep this novel on my tbr list as it sounds like it will be a good vacation read.

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  6. The story sounds similar to a situation going on at a local beech we frequent, sad really. :(

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  7. Both the synopsis and the cover intrigue me and make me think that I should try to add this to my wish list...although your mention of lack of substance does hold me back a bit. I am going to have to some thinking about this book. Thanks for the wonderful and honest review!

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  8. I really, really want to read this one! I like light summer reads.

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  9. I'm glad you liked it as a fun read. I like books like this once and a while. I have been curious about it and love the setting anyway. Thanks..happy you reviewed it.

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  10. I also love books that take place near the ocean - probably because I've never actually seen one. Living in the middle of the country makes it a trick. Got as far as D.C. once, but... Anyway, I'm fascinated by the ocean and stories set there. Will have to check this one out for the library.

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  11. I'm with you on loving books that take place on the beach. They are the perfect summer reads whether you're actually on the beach or just wishing you were. This sounds like a nice story.

    Jennifer @ www.justicejennifer.com

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