Laurel Wreath and Aspen Gold Award winner Delia Parr is acclaimed for her inspiring historical romances. Living in an 1840s Erie Canal town in upstate New York, Emma Garrett-the genteel proprietor of a bustling boarding house-learns to trust in God despite trying circumstances. A widow with family far away, 51-year-old Emma fills her loneliness by caring for her guests and sharing her own special blend of wisdom and humor. One stormy night, a rap at her door interrupts her musings. The 80-year-old Widow Leonard is standing in the rain, seeking refuge from her sons' constant bickering. Housing this feisty runaway granny, however, puts Emma in the crosshairs of a family feud. But this crisis is more easily resolved than the one which soon looms over Emma's future. "Fans of Jan Karon's enormously popular Mitford series should love Parr's work" Philadelphia Inquirer "Delia Parr writes a beautiful story that will stay in your heart!"-Literary Times "A wonderful new series by a gifted author."-A Romance Review.com "A soul-lifting launch."-Barnes and Noble.com
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"A Hearth in Candlewood was my first exposure to Delia Parr. She strikes me as highly character-centric, which I prefer. Historically set in the canal-building era prior to the railway boon, Candlewood is a small town in the midst of transition. The characters also are in a similar state of transition, from the retired pastor and widows who live at Hill House to the young ladies who work there. In the center of it all is Emma, proprietress of the boarding house known as Hill House for its expansive hilltop viewpoint overlooking the new canal. Parr's tale of the town and the characters in it didn't draw me in as powerfully as Jan Karon's Mitford, whose characters are nearly as real to me as people I've actually met, but at the same time, I am eager to hear more of their lives. A comforting message of trusting God in uncertainty, living peaceably, and the value of having purpose in one's life regardless of age are ongoing themes in the book. At first, I was dissatisfied with the ending until I learned there were two more books in the trilogy. I guess I will be making another visit to Candlewood in the future."
— Ellen (4 out of 5 stars)
Fans of Jan Karon’s enormously popular Mitford series should love Parr’s work” Philadelphia Inquirer “Delia Parr writes a beautiful story that will stay in your heart!
— Literary Times “A wonderful new series by a gifted author." Loved it cant wait to read the next one. "
— Amy, 2/16/2014" This is a story of a woman starting a boardinghouse and how she has a problem of not taking in everyone that needs a place to stay, she meets many different type folks and comes to love them all. I liked Emma's story, looking forward to next in the series... "
— Paula-O, 2/5/2014" This was fun. It brought me to another place. I felt like I was there.. The characters came alive. "
— Joanne, 1/30/2014" Fluffy. Enjoyed. "
— Barbara, 1/27/2014" Thoroughly enjoyed the book and will look forward to reading more in the series. "
— Linda, 1/15/2014" A relaxed read for at bedtime. So far I'm enjoying it. There must be sequels but I'm on to reading other books right now. "
— Sharon, 1/9/2014" This was a nice slow read. I had difficulty finishing it as it bored me a bit. The style doesn't keep my interest. "
— Audra, 12/23/2013" A nice easy read once I got used to the style of writing. Quite a lot of typos, but didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story. Some comical moments, and some well written descriptive passages. "
— Liane, 12/18/2013" I liked it! I like that not all books have to be about young romance novels to be good books!! "
— Audrey, 11/27/2013" this was a delightful book to read. somehow the author kept me interested despite the non adventurous storyline. great characters and an interesting period piece. I might have to finish the trilogy! "
— Laura, 10/3/2013" I'm sorry the main character was a widow, but I got tired of the scraps of cloth she carried in her pocket to remind her of her family members. It was just a little goody goody for me. "
— Debbie, 8/4/2013" I finished the book, but can't say it was compelling. Don't know if I will read any others by this author. "
— Christine, 7/24/2013" light easy read, good character development. not a page Turner, but worth resting if you need a break from heavier subjects or storylines. i appreciated that this was a period peice, and that it had Christian undertones. "
— Julie, 7/7/2013" Sweet book, I enjoy historical fiction! "
— Marcia, 7/3/2013" This book was excellent. I enjoyed every minute and the main character, Emma is intriguing. "
— Carrie, 11/13/2012" Enjoyed the book but the story never really developed. Author writes very descriptive but just felt the story didn't go anywhere will not read the rest of the trilogy. "
— Josie, 11/11/2012" I did not finish this book. It was kind of boring. "
— Gaylynn, 6/2/2012" Characters that are quickly lovable , a super plot , and great writting style ! "
— Angie, 8/17/2011" Nice light Christian reading. Set in 1841 -- small town New York. As the jacket describes them -- quaint, colorful characters. Thanks, Christi, for a good read Christmas gift! "
— Darlene, 6/17/2011" I like the writing style and the glimpse into life in a small developing town during the mid 19th century. It's my first book from this author and I'm sure I will read more. "
— Eliane, 6/14/2011" Kindle Freebie. Charming, heart warming, feel good type of book. I liked it. "
— Heather, 5/10/2011" I wasn't sure of this book at first. It started off slowly, but once I started to get to know the characters, I found myself loving them. I will have to read the rest of the series now. "
— Beth, 4/28/2011" This is a story of a woman starting a boardinghouse and how she has a problem of not taking in everyone that needs a place to stay, she meets many different type folks and comes to love them all. I liked Emma's story, looking forward to next in the series... "
— Paula, 1/17/2011" I like the writing style and the glimpse into life in a small developing town during the mid 19th century. It's my first book from this author and I'm sure I will read more. "
— Eliane, 10/15/2010" Nice light Christian reading. Set in 1841 -- small town New York. As the jacket describes them -- quaint, colorful characters. Thanks, Christi, for a good read Christmas gift! "
— Darlene, 1/9/2008" I enjoyed the colorful characters in a small town <br/>of Candlewood, New York in 1841. It is a historical <br/>and inspirational fiction-the first of a trilogy. "
— Becky, 8/7/2007Delia Parr, pen name for Mary Lechleidner, is the author
of about a dozen historical novels and the winner of several awards, including
the Laurel Wreath Award for Historical Romance and the Aspen Gold Award for
Best Inspirational Book. She is a full-time high school teacher who spends her
summer vacations writing and kayaking. The mother of three grown children, she
lives in Collingswood, New Jersey.
Barbara Caruso, winner of numerous Earphones Awards for narration, is an accomplished actress. A graduate of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was a featured player in the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has played starring roles on Broadway and in theaters across the country. She won the Alexander Scourby Reader of the Year Award for her performances of young adult fiction and has more than one hundred audiobook narrations to her credit.