House and Home

By Kathleen McCleary

Book Overview

Ellen Flanagan has two precocious daughters, a thriving small business, terrific friends, a home she adores and a sexy husband. But now, at 44, she's about to lose the lot. Divorce looms and with it the sale of her beloved house. Set in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon, McCleary's funny, touching debut strikes a deep emotional chord and explores the notion of what makes a house a home.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401341047
• ISBN13: 9781401341046
• Release Date: July 2009
• Publisher: Voice
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.1" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A wonderfully engaging read!

I think this is a wonderfully written book that is engaging from the start. The dialogue is completely natural and believable. McCleary doesn't miss a beat with her vivid descriptions of the characters, the beloved home, geographic setting, complicated relationships, and raw emotions. I found myself "being there" thoughout the book - almost forgetting that I was reading. I recommend it highly. Kudos to McCleary!

A very engaging novel

Once I started House & Home, I couldn't put it down. I sat on the couch (ignoring my own 2 school-age daughters!) absorbed by the emotional plight of the main character. I found this character - a woman in her forties, perplexed that she hadn't figured it all out by middle age - to be both realistic and refreshing. Extremely well-written and engaging.

perfect summer read

I started reading House and Home and could not put it down. The characters are warm and engaging. Ms. McCleary does a great job with describing the details in life as well...from the coffee shop to her home, the meals and drinks served etc. I hope there will be another book by this engaging author in the future. She is a kind of modern day Rosamunde Pilcher or Maeve Binchy.

Home Sweet Home

I really related to Kathy McCleary's main character, Ellen. I even have some of the same taste as she does: Fiesta ware and Hazel Atlas state glasses! But it's her attachment to a place where she built a family and life--and how unhinged she becomes when she has to leave it-- that really ring true. I once moved into a house where the home seller sat crying in front of a closet door where she'd marked her son's height twice a year. It was like she was leaving part of her self behind. Kathy McCleary's book has that kind of authenticity--in the conversations, the details, the emotions, the consequences--plus a whole bunch of drama and twists that keep you turning the pages to the surprising end. I loved it!

Wonderful and Fun

A great story that keeps you turning the pages. Lots of good twists and turns. Although it is a factitious, the story seems like it could be amazinly true! Great references to Portland and the surrounding area. Would be a great book for the beach or other summer trip.