Heirloom

By Candace Camp

Book Overview

When his ailing sister, Frances, takes a turn for the worse, prominent Nebraskan farmer Amos Morgan hires Juliet Drake, a woman who has always yearned for a true home, to care for her. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061080055
• ISBN13: 9780061080050
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Length: 374 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.1" x 6.6"

Customer Reviews

One of my all time favorites

I have re-read this novel many times since getting it several years ago. Since there are not many reviews, I have a tendency to believe most people are missing this gem of a book. The characters in it are so real, flawed in many ways yet endearing. This book makes you laugh and cry. There are touching moments and also humorous incidents. Our hero is Amos, a 36 year old who you almost dislike at first, yet come to admire in the end much like Juliet does. He is uneasy around women but not really shy. He just guards his heart against any entanglements. And Juliet is an entanglement he doesn't need! Doubting Juliet's morals when he meets her, as time goes by he recognizes she has stamina, heart and is not loose. Juliet is our heroine, born to the stage she has traveled all her life. She is 24 and has strength and resourcefulness evident in women much older. She is not completely without family. A sister still resides back east and when abandoned on the road by the manager of her latest show, she is just seeking enough money to get back east. She finds the thought of singing at a saloon detestable, and Amos's sister-in-law urges her to become her gruff brother-in-law's housekeeper. Her heart yearns for stability and love which is why she becomes a perfect match for Amos. Juliet figures that it can't be that hard to keep house. Her disastrous attempts at cooking and cleaning give us our lightest moments. When Amos finds out she is inept, will he send her packing???? The rest of the cast of characters are more supportive of Juliet. Frances, Amos's sister is dying of cancer (a sad and poignant part of the book) and enjoys the beauty that Juliet brings to the household. She teaches Juliet the skills to be a successful housekeeper. Ethan our gangly 16 year old is mesmerized by Juliet. Eventually his puppy love turns to friendship and respect. There is a story surrounding Amos and Ethan's mother that is integral to all the relationships Amos has with others. As the summer progresses everyone reveals their true selves. You begin to like then love them as Juliet does. I liked that you really get into Juliet's and Amos's minds but of course they do not let the other know their true feelings. This leads to some misunderstandings which are quickly resolved. I don't like that to drag on too long. But is their joy short-lived? Will a memory from the past rear it's ugly head to haunt them. This is a compelling novel. One of my favorites that I enjoy reading again. The title is a misnomer (to me) based on some heirlooms that Amos's mother had. I guess the meaning is that Juliet brought the beauty back into their lives that Amos's mother so appreciated. Truly exceptional writing and enjoyable reading.

"WELL, YOU KNOW WHAT ACTRESSES ARE LIKE!"

Every one had an opinion on the morality of actresses.Henrietta saw more to Juliet Drake than the rest of the town.She literally forced her brother-in-law, Amos Morgan to hired Juliet as housekeeper and companion to his sister, Frances.Amos, at 36, was not about to fall into the clutches of another designing woman. He had his ailing sister, Frances and an impressionable 16 year old son, Ethan to look out for.Ethan was favorably impressed with Juliet which further angered Amos. But Frances needed help and he couldn't run the house and the farm both. He could not face the thought of Frances dying.Juliet's bungling attempts to cook soon had Amos ready to send her back but Frances had other ideas. She taught Juliet how to cook and clean house.Juliet couldn't believe how Amos could kiss. Her very own first kiss was an eye-opener. Amos couldn't believe that a woman as young as Juliet would be interested in a stuffy old farmer - unless it was for money or security.Wonderful, emotional love story that just had to work out - more in keeping with the honorable attitudes of the times - wonderful characters - so heart-warming and realistic.HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - another of her keepers.