Katherine Merle

Lavender Hill Katherine Merle

With the accidental death of her abusive husband and a surprise inheritance of millions, Kate Patterson decides to follow her dream. That dream leads her to the outskirts of a small town in rural Georgia and includes the restoration of a long-abandoned Southern mansion, a dive head-first into a self-sufficient lifestyle, and the creation of a sanctuary for abused women and animals. But she's not alone. Her twin brother, Jack, a former architect; Cassie, a waif-like young woman who fled an abusive relationship; Cassie's brother, Charlie, contractor and facilitator extraordinaire; and "Mrs. M.", the former occupant of the house who is still waiting around for her deceased husband to collect her so they can move on together, all join forces to help Kate make her dream come true. There are surprises, both good and bad, and ups and downs to weather and, of course there are romances involved, but no explicit descriptions. I trust the reader to use her or his imagination. And there are Mrs. M.'s diaries, letting Kate and company into the mind, heart, and life of a woman who lived more than a century and a half ago.