Haven Point
by: Virginia Hume
Macmillan Audio from St. Martin's Press
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Pub date: June 8, 2021

Be transported visually and emotionally to the rocky, rugged Maine coastline in the cliffside community of Haven Point in Virginia Hume's extraordinary debut novel. Covering a period of 1944 to 2008, Hume penned a captivating multi-generational story of wartime love, heartache, family bonds, tragedy, grief, and redemption.
Told through the perspectives of grandmother Maren and her granddaughter Skye, the story weaves alternating timelines of family history. Maren, an Army cadet nurse from Minnesota, fell in love with Oliver, an orthopedic doctor, at Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC during World War II. Maren then sees the Atlantic Ocean for the first time as they go to Oliver's family home of Four Winds in the exclusive community of Haven Point. The story and settings flowed well to capture the intricacies and complexity of the couple's relationship, marriage, and future family generations over the years.
Cassandra Campbell brought Hume's saga to life from page one throughout the years with her immense talent in audiobook narration. Her voice marvelously portrayed Hume's well developed central characters, along with the people in their lives and communities. As I was introduced to the plot and people of Haven Point, I didn't want to leave the Maine coast, even after the story was told.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and St. Martin's Press for the Advance Reader's Copy of this audiobook. It was a pleasure to review this stunning debut novel.
#HavenPoint #NetGalley

The story is told through 7 decades. First up is in the 40's when Maren ( a nurse) meets Oliver (a surgeon). Maren spends most of the summers alone with her children at Haven Point while Oliver works. The story is further told by Maren's daughter Annie and granddaughter Skye. Annie once loved Haven Point but has vowed to never return. This has also skewed Skye's view of Haven Point.

A few twists along the way and a fairly big reveal. I felt it dragged at times and would liked to have know more about Maren and Oliver's relationship through the years. I listened to the audio version and enjoyed the narrator. Overall, a good story that kept me entertained while I completed other tasks.

Thanks to netgalley and Macmillan Audio for the arc.

Haven Point, by Virginia Hume, is a superior debut novel spanning multi-generations of Demarest women. With touch points of 1944, 1970, and 2008, this story illuminates the lives of Marin Larsen Demarest, her daughter, Annie Demarest, and her granddaughter Skye Demarest, and also includes Marin’s mother-in-law Pauline.

Marin, a young Minnesota girl who had joined the nurse corps during World War II, was working at Walter Reed hospital in the amputee ward when she met orthopedic surgeon Oliver Demarest through her fellow nurse, then lifelong friend, Dorothy, who was already a friend of Oliver’s family. Little did Marin understand the dynamics she would marry into and the community politics she would need to negotiate joining this old New England family. But once she was introduced to the closed community of Haven Point, Maine, it would not take long to realize she was an outsider. If not for the strength and friendship of her closest neighbor on the point, Georgie, Marin may not have had the strength necessary to prevail.

Marin and Oliver mainly lived in Washington, D.C., where he had established an orthopedic practice, but each summer Marin would return to Maine with their three children and to spend time with her fading mother-in-law, Pauline. During these times when she was in Maine there were things happening over which she had no control, ultimately resulting in great loss.

This is such a well plotted, well scripted story that it is almost impossible to believe this is a debut novel. Endearing characters, fabulous settings, and a story that will capture the reader in the first chapter until the very end makes for a wonderful read. I very much enjoyed this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin’s Press for the ALC in return for my honest review.

Unfortunately, this wasn’t the audiobook for me.
It seemed as if there wasn’t a plot to the story. I listened to about 30% of the way and nothing was really happening. I also didn’t connect with the narrator.

There are a lot of positive reviews here, so I’m sure it will be great to others.

Haven Point is an exclusive island in Maine, and the book tells the multi generational story of the Demarest family and its relationship to their home there and the surrounding community. It contains dual storylines. The past one is of Marin and her husband Oliver from their meeting in the 1940's to the stories of their children in the 1970's. The contemporary one tells of granddaughter Skye, who is returning to the island to scatter her mother's ashes. Both storylines were intriguing, and the characters were relatable. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the location and following the trajectory of the family's history. I also enjoyed the narrator's performance. Great summer choice for readers who enjoy Beatriz Williams. Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my review.

Thanks to #NetGalley @StMartinsPress for a complimentary eARC and @Macmillanaudio for a listening copy of #HavenPoint upon my request. All opinions are my own.

Originally from Minnesota, Maren works as a cadet nurse at Walter Reed Medical Center. The story begins in 1944 as she meets a handsome doctor who sweeps her off her feet. Oliver is from a prominent family who has a summer residence in a small, exclusive community on the coast of Maine. As a newlywed, Maren feels insecure as she tries to fit in with the tight-knit crowd of Haven Point residents. But Haven Point becomes part of their summer life and their children grow up for part of the year in Haven Point. In 1970, their oldest daughter Anne falls for a young man who doesn’t meet with the approval of Maren and Oliver. A tragedy occurs. In the present day (2008), Anne’s daughter Skye has a close relationship with her grandmother, Maren. In the end, Maren shares the whole truth with Skye about what happened in the summer of 1970.

The setting is vividly described and the writing is lovely in this heavily character-driven family story. The Haven Point narrative is easy to follow as it jumps between three time periods and two main perspectives (Maren’s and Skye’s). I love family stories, so this is an interesting, albeit quiet and reflective, read. The end of the story picks up the pace a little as secrets are revealed and reconciliation, acceptance, forgiveness, and understanding are explored. Haven Point is a poignant story that builds slowly and I noticed that I was gradually raising my star rating as I progressed. By the end, I was pleased to arrive at 4 Stars. I love satisfactory endings!

Haven Point is a quiet and reflective family story with a few thoughtful themes including keeping secrets, insiders and outsiders, small community helping each other in crisis, beautiful and seemingly perfect people have troubles, infidelity, reconciliation, forgiveness, grief, understanding, the role of grandparents, unstable home, second chances, friendship, and survival after tragedy. One important lesson I gained from the story is that it’s helpful when the older generation can be transparent and honest about events that occur in the family and in their lives so that a younger generation doesn’t make incorrect assumptions about the behaviors, actions, and choices of parents and grandparents. I think one observation about grief and tragedy is especially poignant: when you have suffered a tragedy, your job is to survive….it’s the job of family, friends, and community to take care of all the other arrangements and tasks. I love the community support that the family receives.

***may contain spoilers***
Trigger Warnings and Content Considerations: grief, loss of a young adult child, death of a parent, child neglect, alcoholism. All romance is closed door and there is a minimum of profanity.

I’m recommending Haven Point for fans of multi-generational, complicated family drama, for readers who love a heavily character-driven story, for those who might be looking for histfic that doesn’t involve war, and for book clubs.

This debut was nicely written, however, it was boring and flat. After Maren and Oliver got together all I heard were words and it did not keep my attention.

The relationship was boring between the main characters, the relationships between each character I found boring.

Unfortunately, for me, the author did well with the writing itself but the content was lacking.

Maren is a nurse from a farming town in Minnesota. She is working at Walter Reed Medical Center in the orthopedic wing. A handsome doctor, Oliver Demarest, asks her out and they enjoy their time together. Dr. Demarest is from a wealthy family that spends their summers at Haven Point. Maren does not feel she can fit with Oliver’s lifestyle. They marry and she is determined to help with his mother who tends to drink too much. She finds Haven Point a difficult place to fit in. This book covers three generations from the 1940’s, the 1970’s and concludes with 2008 when Maren and Oliver’s granddaughter comes to Haven Point to scatter her mother’s ashes. This book is beautifully written, and the characters are well-developed. The reader experiences the pain of war, the loss of lives and secrets kept, as well as the joy of family and community. Wealth has its own problems, and the sense of community is all that matters.

I loved that this book's plot spanned 7 decades and included different points of view. The characters and the story were well developed. A compelling story about love, family, and secrets in a small summer community!

Haven Point
Virginia Hume
The year was 1944, Maren Larsen was a cadet nurse at Walter Reed Medical Center. She was raised on a farm in Minnesota. Dr. Oliver Demarest, an orthopedic surgeon, was from Boston however his family spent their summers in Haven Point, a small community on the coast of Maine. You could say it was love at first sight.
During the Vietnam era Maren and Oliver’s head-strong, stubborn, and independent daughter, Annie, has fallen for a young man they do not approve of. There is a tragic accident, Annie swears never to return to Haven Point again.
In 2008 Skye arrives in Haven Point to bury her mother’s (Annie) ashes. Skye’s view of Haven Point has been tainted by her mother. She sees the community as snooty and nasty. Maren shares the true story with Skye.
This tale covers seven decades of American history: battles, storms, treacheries and understanding. This tale stayed with me long after the last word. Maren was an incredible character; she is the essence of compassion. Her mother-in-law was pitiful, while I did not like her actions, I could sympathize with her and understand the reason for her drinking. Annie was my least favorite character. Skye tried to take care of her mother. She attempted to hide her mother’s drinking. I loved the interaction between Maren and Skye. Author Virginia Hume demonstrates the meaning of family, the significance of being part of a community and the purpose of traditions.

Thank you @netgalley and @macmillian for the early audio copy of Virginia Hume's debut- 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓. (PUB DATE - 6.8.21)

This is what I consider a quintessential summer read - escapist with substance.  It was perfect  for the season- dual storylines/timelines unfurl a multigenerational family saga set on the coast of Maine.  The story follows 3 women: Maren, Annie and Skye, through 1944, 1970 and 2008. Their respective experiences as women dealing with  family, friendships, rivalry, secrets, personal expectations, grief and forgiveness kept me captivated.  

The writing is refreshing, the story line compelling, and the characters are well-defined. The author depicted the setting so vividly that I could almost feel the sea air on my skin (I wish!) 

𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄:  It reminded me a bit of Beatriz Williams. I've heard it's reminiscent of J. Courtney Sullivan as well.
𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃: Yard work, gardening, painting B&S room, meal prep, puzzling.

What a beautiful story. It’s an emotional listen (or read). It spans generations of a family and small somewhat cloistered town and all that goes along with them. The story starts on 1944 during wartime and follows the family through seven decades. Love, family, war, death, tragedy, betrayals, addiction, differing views on the worlds events, fighting to find ones own identity, different ways of looking at things, politics, a world that is changing and people cannot understand what is happening or think anything, but their view is right and proper, what love really is and how to hold on to those we hold near and dear to us without smothering them and often failing to do so. Traditions do matter, but at times the cost can be too high if they are put ahead of what each person truly needs. It is a wonderfully crafted story that though fictional is so grounded in the times it seems real. Its a trip down memory lane that will be at times heartbreaking, love filled and will leave you better for having read this book. The narration was fabulous and truly drew me right in and added to the experience.

Haven Point follows Maren, from her time as a nurse at Walter Reed Hospital during WW2, to present day times. Maren marries Oliver from Haven Point, Maine. It is difficult for Maren to feel as though she fits in, as most families have been there for generations. Oliver and Maren have 3 children and despite living away in Washington where Olivier is a surgeon, they spend a great deal of time at Haven Point through the years.

The book also follows Sky, the granddaughter of Oliver and Maren. From her time spent there as a child, to present day, where she still keeps in contact with a few from Haven Point.

While I did enjoy this book, I felt it a just a bit drawn out and the story went in too many directions. Overall, I would recommend.

***Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Haven Point feels like a place I know after listening to this audiobook. Enjoyed the setting and the generations described. Found this audiobook immersive and will read/listen to upcoming novels by this author. Thanks for the advance copy audiobook.

A family saga of three multigenerational Demerest women set at the seaside community of
Haven Point, Maine.
It is also just as much a story of the elitist society of Haven Point where a line of rocks provides a visible and invisible line of a social class.
Spanning World War II, through the upheaval of the Vietnam War till 2008, we learn of matriarch Maren’s resilience, her daughter Anne’s loss of innocence and of her granddaughter Skye’s struggle to understand it all. A wonderful novel of heartache, betrayal and addiction. But most of all it is a story of family love, lasting friendships and a struggle to belong.
I received an early copy of this printed and audio book from Netgalley and Macmillan Audio/St. Martin’s Press. The thoughts, comments and review are my honest opinion.

What a wonderful read. I truly can’t explain how much this book swept me away to Haven Point as I learned about four generations of the Demarest family.

This story focuses on the great-grandmother, grandmother (Maren), mother, and daughter (Skye) as they spend their summers in the waspy coastal town. Secrets unfold, loves bloom and fade, and the ties that bond are explored.

A wonderful beach read with heart, I hope you take a chance and get swept away too.

Haven Point is a multigenerational story that takes place in a coastal town in Maine. There are multiple timelines following a grandmother, mother, and daughter through their coming of age, relationships, love, and toils of life. The detailed character development extends beyond the human characters, and breathes life into the town of Haven Point. Overall, this is a delightful read. Some of the storylines get a bit over detailed and lengthy. The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, does a good job narrating the story, yet with the multiple characters, more distinction between the voices could have been beneficial. I give this book a 3.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Macmillian Audio for the advanced readers copy of the book.

This audio and the overall story was not working for me. Unfortunately. I feel that it was very, very slow. I'm not sure that it is me directly or if it is the actual writing. I have made a decision to put this down. I do not think I will pick it back up. Just not a good fit for me.

This is one of those sagas of several generations of a family, beginning with a young Minnesota nurse tending soldiers during WW II, continuing through the next two generations. It weaves back and forth between those years, and we eventually learn of the secrets that emerge when the granddaughter returns to the family estate on the Maine coast. I particularly enjoyed the strength of the matriarch character, Maren. Having grown up less than an hour away from her hometown in Minnesota, I think the author (and narrator) have portrayed her background/culture very realistically. Similarly, the class distinctions are also quite evident throughout the generations. The story line keeps your interest, and, even though it jumps back & forth across generations, it's easy to follow. This would be a great summer beach read!

Haven Point by Virginia Hume spans three generations of women returning to the same Maine town, Haven Point, at pivotal moments in their lives. I enjoyed the switching of points of view from each of the women and learning their stories! Perfect for an audiobook you want to get lost into.