Bertie's Place by Edie Goodwin
The temperature is dropping, leaves are falling, and candles are burning which can only mean one thing: Autumn has arrived! One of the best things about fall is putting together my cozy reading list for the season and I think I found a gem with Bertie’s Place by Edie Goodwin. This book has all the elements you need for a cozy read: small town, charming Victorian homes, found family, forgiveness and of course, romance. Grab a hot drink and a fuzzy blanket to optimize your reading experience for Goodwin’s fiction novel debut, Bertie’s Place.
Discover a Story That Warms the Heart Without Sacrifice
Bertie’s Place is a charming and heart-warming story that centers on Molly Parsons, an idealistic yet naïve young lady who is fresh out of college and left high and dry by her so-called “friend” Eva. Molly finds herself embarking on her journey to a small-town farming community in Ohio for her first teaching job alone with no place to live. Fortunately, she stumbles upon a boarding house that operates out of a beautiful Victorian home known as “Bertie’s Place”. Greeted by the owner named (you guessed it) Bertie Evans, Molly is welcomed with open arms. As Molly settles into her new home and new job, she finds a spark in Joe Stuart. Trouble is just around the corner as the return of her would-be roommate and former friend, Eva also sets her sights on Joe putting him under her spell. Heartbreak aside, Molly also runs into challenges when it comes to her professional life. As she witnesses her students struggle both in and out of the classroom Molly wishes for the wisdom to help her students. Goodwin takes us along on Molly’s journey as she explores love, faith, betrayal and forgiveness in the face of tragedy.
Intense Emotions and Surprising Twists
I found this book to be a rollercoaster of emotions! We deal with some intense themes like Joe’s obsessiveness and possessiveness of both Molly and Eva along with feelings of jealousy from both sides. With each development in Molly and Joe’s relationship, you can feel the tension rising. When reading the summary, I was expecting this to be more of a low-stakes romance so I was surprised when I found myself quickly turning the page to find out what would happen!
A Celebration of Determination and Community
I was also so touched by Molly’s determination and devotion to her students both inside and outside of the classroom. As you read, you can feel her passion for teaching as she plans out her lessons but also becoming involved and helping her students with a troubled family life. Throughout the novel, we see how Molly weaves herself into the community proving such a labor of love. Not only are the subject matter and characters providing us with cozy vibes, but the setting of Winslow’s small town gives off such a warm and inviting feeling as well. This book provides very vivid descriptions of what life in a small town can look like, who doesn’t adore an annual fair? Goodwin puts a great emphasis on the local community and how rewarding it is when you do your part to make the place you live special.
Bertie’s Place by Edie Goodwin gives us a coming-of-age story filled with love, loss, and forgiveness with a sweet ending that will satisfy you and will warm you from the inside out.
About Edie Goodwin:
Edie Goodwin is a lover of the Lord, her family, and anything related to kids and fun. She worked as a pediatric physical therapist for forty-four years, serving children in their homes, schools, and institutions. Edie has two undergraduate degrees and a master’s degree. After a lifetime of writing medical reports, she is now happily penning fiction. Bertie’s Place is her first novel.
