The Lavender House

Nancy is stuck in the sandwich generation, caring for her ailing mother and helping her troubled daughter care for her own family. She’s so exhausted, taking care of everyone and no one to take care of her since her recent divorce. Like so many women, Nancy soldiers on, when by chance, she meets Jim. He’s really not a great catch: a smoker, country music star wannabe and he likes his alcohol. Still, Nancy and Jim are drawn to each other even as her family warns her off. They think he’ll steal her blind and break her heart at the same time. Is her family truly worried about her, or are they worried they will lose their built-in carer? Ah, the joys of being middle-aged, too old to be young, too young to be old. Boyd hits the bullseye with this story that will resonate with all women

I enjoy Hilary Boyd’s books; they are more along the lines of mature romances instead of the sweaty sheet books that are too prevalent in this genre.

Love hurts no matter what your age and unfortunately, fate is not yet finished with Nancy de Freitas. Having given up her own music career when she married, Nancy now finds herself alone when Christopher walks out after thirty-four years. Four years later, she is all that is holding her small family together. Her ailing mother Frances refuses to get the medical treatment that she needs, her daughter Louise is in a troubled marriage to a man that cannot see beyond his own dreams to understand that his family is suffering. And two adorable granddaughters that are of the age where they can both see and need to be sheltered from the dynamics surrounding them.

Taking an evening for herself, Nancy is introduced to Jim, a pseudo successful, but past his prime, country singer. There is a spark, but Nancy knows that she has more pressing responsibilities at home then starting up with a man that may not be completely honest when it comes to his current situation.

Yet she cannot get this man off her mind. This may be her last chance at not being alone, that is until fate once again steps in. Does she choose Jim and the new life that he has to offer or does she stay firmly within her comfort zone and resign herself to the needs of her family.

That is what I like about Hilary Boyd – she writes realistic characters. We can feel Nancy’s pain and confusion and we can understand why Jim is not willing to let go. We find ourselves constantly preaching to and cheering on this couple and it is not until the last pages that we can finally exhale and hope that destiny has finally connected this couple.