Determined to take control of her life, sheltered Gracie Antes leaves her unhappy home in 1925 to pursue her dream of a singing career. On her way to the big city, she accepts a job as a housemaid at the bustling Crestmont Inn. Once there, Gracie finds a life-changing encounter with opera singer Rosa Ponselle, family she never imagined could be hers, and a man with a mysterious past. Step back into the 1920s and join a colorful cast of characters at The Crestmont Inn. Discover with Gracie that sometimes we must trade loss for happiness.
“What a treat! What a rare privilege to be able to sit and read such a beautiful and engrossing novel; one that swept me along to a different time and place and left me feeling that I had met new friends and had had a much needed vacation…full and unqualified praise…How wonderful to discover the economic descriptiveness of James Herriot combined with the warmth and humanity of Walter Andrew M. Greeley. And, like Greeley, who gives us a moral compass for God’s compassion and grace, puts this premier novel firmly in the highest level of writing.”
—Jon Fredric West, PhD
Weiss writes with such vivid detail that you literally feel you are part of the characters lives. I was sad when I turned the last page, I will miss each of the people I came to know. Her attention to historical facts and the way they are woven into the story add such flavor to the book. This may be her first book but you will find yourself wishing there was already a second!
--P. Rohm posted on Amazon and BN 5/17/2010
“With extensive attention to detail, Weiss describes…a beautifully realistic world of the hustle and bustle at a busy inn in the 1920s.” Feathered Quill Book Reviews
“Crestmont is a delight to read. Holly Weiss evokes a time and place with warmth, respect and sympathy. The music, the clothes, the games and the social mores of the era are skillfully woven into her narrative.” Amy Gardner, 20 year resident of Eagles Mere
“Holly Weiss' Crestmont is a book that was meant to be read aloud - the depictions are incredibly detailed and the tone of the story is both peaceful and engaging. It's a book about people and how their relationships shaped who they are. As you read, you find parts of yourself reflected back with startling clarity and not without a generous amount of sensitivity. Gracie, Margaret, PT, and all the other characters have weaknesses that many of us share and strengths we all aspire to. I felt their pain and delighted in their successes. But in the end, the best part about Crestmont is it is purely enjoyable. It was as if I were at the 1920's Crestmont Inn - breathing the fresh air, smelling the newly baked bread, and watching the butterflies flit among the flowers. For the hours I spent reading this book, I was there. And just like the characters, I could sense the healing and tranquility of that place. Even long after I had finished reading, I found my mind traveling back to the solace of the inn. Holly Weiss' book does the heart good and I strongly encourage you to take some time out of your day to relax, remember, and dream with the Crestmont staff. “ --Rita P. gave 5 stars to Crestmont on www.amazon.com
“I enjoyed using my imagination throughout your story, it's rare to find an author who assumes the reader has an imagination. What a wonderful glimpse back in time. I can't tell you how much I enjoyed the story and all of the characters… this book was delightful, so different from all the other books written about EM.”
--Kay Wilson, Eagles Mere resident May 24,2010
“… a vividly detailed picture of the life of a young courageous woman, Gracie, who after answering a want ad will leave her home and family to make a life of her own. The story takes you into the gracious era of the 1920's…the vivid characters, the Inn's history and the family who owned it help to mold Gracie's character as she matures into womanhood. This reader especially enjoyed the famous opera singer who visited the Inn to perform. For the short time she was there, she mentored Gracie and coached her with her singing. I highly recommend this novel! It made this reader wish it continued!”
—Linda Leonard rated Crestmont 5 stars on Click here 5/22/2010
“The author creates a beautifully realistic world of the hustle and bustle at a busy inn in the 1920s. Ms Weiss' descriptions of life in the `20's are accurate and vivid. Eagles Mere became my town and the Crestmont became my home. In some places, as I was reading, I chuckled to myself, and in a few places I had a lump in my throat. I missed everyone and every place when I closed the book. I highly recommend it, it made this reader wish it continued!” —Giselle, Click here reviewer 5/27/2010
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