A story of how world events helped shape and affect the generations of the Willard family for one hundred seventy years.
John Willard built a house for himself and his wife, Mary in 1840. The house became a home for their four children and their children's future generations. They survived through the Civil War, polio, the Great Depression, Prohibition, World War II, and even the Woodstock festival. The apple tree that Thomas Willard planted in the back yard proved to be as strong and resilient as the people inside the house.
Excerpt
The turn of the century arrived with fireworks and prayer services. Outside, it was spitting snow. David, home for the winter break, knew just how he wanted to celebrate. A few minutes before midnight on New Year’s Eve, two of his classmates from Yale gathered with him outside the house and helped him tie Roman candles to the old privy that was no longer in use. When all was ready, at nearly midnight, he went inside and called his parents, Ruth, and Henry to come watch. With everyone assembled in the backyard in their nightclothes, David lit the Roman candles and quickly ran back to safety. First came a good amount of crackling, popping, and sizzling and then the candles burst into flames and lit up the sky, setting the privy on fire. The group watched in amazement as the privy burned to the ground amidst fireworks to rival any public display. David howled with laughter. “Did you see that? Yahoo! Helloo 1900!”
Benjamin put his arm around Esther and gave her a tender squeeze. “Well, old girl, looks like it’s a new era."
Ruth put her hand to her stomach and felt the new life growing inside.
Professional Reviews
A WHOLESOME BOOK THAT KEEPS YOUR ATTENTION
This was a great book to read and kept my interest throughout the entire story. It starts out quietly and simply, but picks up speed as you are introduced to a number of characters as new owners. It is a wholesome book and feeds your soul in a positive manner. This book leaves you wanting even more stories about Willard Manor.
Lovely story!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was a real delight to finally finish a good book for a change. I loved how the story developed between past history and the present. And the characters were so real to me. I highly recommend this book!
New twist on America's History!
Willard Manor, a fictional house in Connecticut, was built in the 1800s by an English immigrant. Linda Loegel weaves a poignant story using 'The Manor' as a focal point as a twenty-first century couple purchase the house from an heir of the Willard family and find artifacts that help reveal the family's story from the mid-1800s through present day. I loved the way Loegel follows the family through significant events and inventions of American history. In fact, it made me wish that I had taken the time to learn more about my own family history. If you enjoy historical fiction, you won't want to miss WILLARD MANOR by Linda Loegel.
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