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Refuge on Crescent Hill

by Melanie Dobson (Goodreads Author)

3.68 of 5 stars 3.68 · rating details · 219 ratings · 70 reviews

Moving home after a recent job loss was supposed to reassure Camden Bristow and give her time to decide what to do next. But when she arrives in Etherton, Ohio, she discovers that her grandmother, who she hasn't talked to in years, has passed away and "home" is an empty mansion 150 years old. Not exactly the comfort Camden was looking for. What happened to the house she pl...more

Paperback, 271 pages

Published March 11th 2010 by Kregel Publications

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Jun 08, 2012 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got this either for free or for really cheap through Amazon. It was a good story and worth reading but I wouldn't recommend someone go out of their way to get ahold of this book.

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Oct 26, 2011 Victor Gentile rated it 5 of 5 stars

Melanie Dobson in her new book, "Refuge on Crescent Hill" published by Kregel Publications takes us into the secrets of the Bristow Mansion.

Camden Bristow is a free-lance photographer living in New York who finds herself having a really bad day. First, the magazine that she had done freelance work for, closed it's doors without paying for the pictures she had sold them. Now broke when she returns home she finds she will be evicted by 5:00 pm because of the two months rent she owes. Then Camden d...more Melanie Dobson in her new book, "Refuge on Crescent Hill" published by Kregel Publications takes us into the secrets of the Bristow Mansion.

Camden Bristow is a free-lance photographer living in New York who finds herself having a really bad day. First, the magazine that she had done freelance work for, closed it's doors without paying for the pictures she had sold them. Now broke when she returns home she finds she will be evicted by 5:00 pm because of the two months rent she owes. Then Camden does the only sensible thing: She leaves N.Y. and returns home to Etherton, Ohio figuring she can live with her grandmother whom she has not seen in years. However her grandmother, Rosalie, has passed away and left Camden the 150-year-old Bristow Mansion on Crescent Hill.

The mansion is in great disrepair but at least it is a place for Camden to live. However, she begins to hear strange sounds in the night and objects begin to disappear which would almost make you believe, like the townspeople do, that the mansion is haunted. Now, with the aid of Alex Yates, Camden sets out to discover the real secrets of Bristol Mansion and the role it played in The Underground Railroad as well as who is robbing the mansion.

"Refuge on Crescent Hill" is not only a mystery story but it is filled with history especially regarding The Underground Railroad and helping the escaping slaves to freedom. How the past impacts the future is so well-developed by Ms. Dobson. The themes of secrets that can destroy us but that God wants to bring to His light so that they can be healed is wonderful. Then there is also the themes of domestic abuse and unwed mothers. "Refuge on Crescent Hill" will keep you flipping tha pages, rooting for the good guys and waiting for the bad guys to get theirs. Highly entertaining.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Charity rated it 5 of 5 stars

Refuge on Crescent Hill
by Melanie Dobson

What do Stephanie, a college student researching a family mystery in Columbia, SC and Camden, a photographer in NYC have in common? A house that was a stop on the underground railroad and a runaway slave who stole a family’s treasure. Camden, after not getting paid for her last photography job and having no other jobs lined up, decides the only place she can go is the one place she felt safe growing up, her grandmother’s home, Crescent Hill. However, when...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Camden Bristow is feeling the effects of the economy. She is a free-lance photographer living in New York who finds herself without any job prospects or money. Being kicked out of her apartment with less than five hundred dollars left on her credit card she decides to return to the home where she spent many happy summers with her grandmother Rosalie even though its been years since she has spoken to her grandmother, but when she arrives in the tiny town of Etherton Ohio what she finds at the fam...more Camden Bristow is feeling the effects of the economy. She is a free-lance photographer living in New York who finds herself without any job prospects or money. Being kicked out of her apartment with less than five hundred dollars left on her credit card she decides to return to the home where she spent many happy summers with her grandmother Rosalie even though its been years since she has spoken to her grandmother, but when she arrives in the tiny town of Etherton Ohio what she finds at the family mansion called Crescent Hill is that her grandmother has passed away and the mansion is falling into disrepair. Having no place else to go she stays at the family home anyway and quickly finds herself wondering if someone else isn't in the house. Camden has never believed in the rumors that ghosts haunt the mansion and when a few things start disappearing she is pretty sure someone is getting into the house, but how? Could it be true that there are underground tunnels that date back to slave days, and could Crescent Hill actually have been a stop on the Underground Railroad?

I really enjoyed the historical aspect of this story as well as the mystery and intrigue that surrounded the history of the Bristow family.While Camden was the primary story I loved the secondary stories that went on and how they all came together at the end. The characters were very easy to connect with, especially Camden. Crescent Hill was the only place where she ever felt like she belonged. It was nice to see her grow and watch her priorities change as the book progressed. I also felt empathy for Alex, as he continued to carry the blame for not doing enough to save his sister and nephew. I thought the christian themes woven into the story was well done, especially the message of helping others. I also got a few laughs from reading about the antics of the Sprague children especially Hailey, that little girl had a wonderful imagination.
Overall if your looking for a contemporary story that is firmly rooted in the historical era of the underground railroad, that weaves mystery, suspense, a bit of romance with a nice inspirational story then your certainly in for a treat with this story. Recommended!

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Rambling Readers rated it 4 of 5 stars

The cover of Melanie Dobson's novel, Refuge on Crescent Hill, evokes the mysterious aura that lingers, almost tangibly, until the last page. The grand home on Crescent Hill is a primary character in the novel, and she shines with a faded beauty through the dust and peeling paint. Dobson speaks of Crescent Hill in rich detail, drawing the reader in to uncover its past and present secrets. Each of the main and secondary characters is somehow tied to the house, and their lives entwine in unexpected...more The cover of Melanie Dobson's novel, Refuge on Crescent Hill, evokes the mysterious aura that lingers, almost tangibly, until the last page. The grand home on Crescent Hill is a primary character in the novel, and she shines with a faded beauty through the dust and peeling paint. Dobson speaks of Crescent Hill in rich detail, drawing the reader in to uncover its past and present secrets. Each of the main and secondary characters is somehow tied to the house, and their lives entwine in unexpected ways. Like any good suspense, there are good guys, bad guys, victims, and heroes. There is little mystery as to who is good and who is bad; their loyalties are fairly clear from the beginning of the novel. Dobson tells the story from several different perspectives: Camden Bristow, Alex Yates, Jake Paxton, and Stephanie Ellison-Carter. Each chapter is comprised of various scenes, each told from the viewpoint of a different main character. A scene often ends right before something is revealed, which moves the plot at a steady pace to keep the reader interested.

As a fan of historic homes and history, the setting of this novel is the highlight for me. Although the plot is modern day, its focus on the past provides just the right amount of historic elements. The connection of the house to the Underground Railroad differentiates the Refuge on Crescent Hill from other novels. I've read books set during the Civil War and the years of slavery, but have seen little mention of the Underground Railroad. It is inspiring to read about the sacrifices the families made in the quest and fight for freedom. I enjoyed looking at the photos of the real house that inspired the story on Melanie Dobson's website.

The romance element is quite small in this novel. It is primarily a mystery, but is also story about love and sacrifice. There is ultimately romantic interest between Camden and Alex, but the development of their relationship is not a primary focus. There were moments in the story that I wanted more depth. I did not feel entirely connected to the characters, but I enjoyed this book nonetheless. Refuge on Crescent Hill is a page-turner until the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”(less)

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Oct 24, 2011 Jordan Mierek rated it 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of REFUGE ON CRESCENT HILL by Melanie Dobson from Kregel. This book is now one of my favorites, and I’ve recommended it to my friends who love history as much as I do. I’ve always been fascinated by old houses. This book really whets my appetite to discover more about those in my neighborhood, even if they don’t have as cool a past as the Bristow Mansion. It also inspired me to research my genealogy more.

The book began a bit slowly. Camden Bristow is a freelance photographer, b...more I received a copy of REFUGE ON CRESCENT HILL by Melanie Dobson from Kregel. This book is now one of my favorites, and I’ve recommended it to my friends who love history as much as I do. I’ve always been fascinated by old houses. This book really whets my appetite to discover more about those in my neighborhood, even if they don’t have as cool a past as the Bristow Mansion. It also inspired me to research my genealogy more.

The book began a bit slowly. Camden Bristow is a freelance photographer, but she’s practically penniless, so she decides to visit her grandmother, who lives in Bristow Mansion atop Crescent Hill. When she gets to Ohio, she discovers her grandmother recently died and left her the house. Camden doesn’t want to part with it, but she doesn’t have enough money to support it. Plus, strange things have been happening since she moved in, and the town whispers of ghosts.

Then, there is Alex Yates, who left behind a troubled past to help out the town. He wants to use Bristow Mansion as a means to bring the community wealth, but the citizens keep fighting his ideas. In the meantime, Edward and Jake Paxton, neighbors to the Bristows, believe there is treasure hidden in the house, so they keep sneaking around to search for it. States away, a young woman named Stephanie is researching her family and discovers that a slave fled her ancestral plantation with jewels, planning to send someone back for his wife and child…except, he disappeared while heading toward Crescent Hill. Stephanie sets out to uncover the truth.

After a few chapters in, I really got caught up in the story and couldn’t stop reading. I finished within a day and craved more. There is a perfect mix of history, secrets, underground tunnels, mysterious mausoleums, romance, murder, and maps sewn into Civil War-era quilts. I would have liked to see more emotion from Camden. In a few places, her thoughts weren’t clear. She should’ve been terrified, but instead, she felt a bit two-dimensional. The other characters were well-rounded, though. I also would have liked more descriptions of the mansion. It sounded huge and glamorous, but also rundown. At times, I wasn’t sure how to picture it. Other than those points, the storyline was not only complex, but contained intriguing twists. Anyone who loves mysteries or history – or trying to guess the history of abandoned houses, like I do – will love this story. One of the best parts involved a link at the end that showed the house that inspired Melanie Dobson’s story. Although this is adult fiction/Christian/suspense, this would appeal to young adults, and would work great in a high school history class about the Underground Railroad.(less)

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Oct 23, 2011 DynamicUno rated it 5 of 5 stars

History, tied in with a suspenseful mystery, all surrounding a house? I couldn't put the book down because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next in the story.

Despite the odds against her--no job, no income, and a town threatening the only thing she has left--Camden decided to (grudgingly at first) trust in God and let Him work everything out for her good. It's always a hard lesson, no matter how many times you have to learn it, but Camden was able to over-come the obstacles placed...more

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Oct 19, 2011 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, christian-suspense-fiction

In today's economic downturn it's easy to find yourself working one day and the next you're not. Camden Bristow returns home from Indonesia after the floods only to find her current office of employment vacant. No one is there. Her phone calls to her boss only return with a disconnected recording. With her credit cards maxed out, and her landlord threatening to toss her out by 5pm tonight, Camden has no choice but to head back to her grandmother's home on Crescent Hill in hopes she provide her a...more

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Jun 23, 2010 Catrina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, suspense

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I was captivated by the story of the house, and the history behind it, including the secrets hid within it's walls. I thought the characters were easily relate-able and interesting. I usually find it a bit chaotic when a book jumps back and forth between different characters with their own story-lines, but "Refuge on Crescent Hill" was written in such a way that it didn't feel scattered, and all the characters and their stories came together in the end. There was...more

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May 24, 2010 Nora St Laurent rated it 4 of 5 stars

Camden has run into an unexpected financial crunch and evaluates who she can turn to for help! Her father’s dead, her mother’s, undependable, and then there was Grandma Rosalie. They’d written letters to each other over the years. Etherton was home, so she decides to go to Crescent Hill and see her grandmother. Camden bangs on the door. No answer. Where could her grandmother be? Jenny, a school friend, sees Camden and stops to tell her that Rosalie has passed away—funeral was Friday.

Friday? Why...more Camden has run into an unexpected financial crunch and evaluates who she can turn to for help! Her father’s dead, her mother’s, undependable, and then there was Grandma Rosalie. They’d written letters to each other over the years. Etherton was home, so she decides to go to Crescent Hill and see her grandmother. Camden bangs on the door. No answer. Where could her grandmother be? Jenny, a school friend, sees Camden and stops to tell her that Rosalie has passed away—funeral was Friday.

Friday? Why hadn’t anyone called her? Next surprise, Rosalie has left Crescent Hill to her. Problem…Camden has no money to repair and maintain the mansion. Camden has nowhere to live either, so she stays at the Rosalie’s house. She remembers the fun summers she spent in there and all the stories her Grandmother used to tell her about the mansion and the underground railroads. There were rumors of ghosts who lived on the third floor. She couldn’t think about all that-too scary. She just needed to bask in her childhood memories and sleep. She had to make this work she had no where else to go.

Alex, from the town counsel, and Jenny, try to help to find a solution to Camden’s dilemma; in doing so they uncover mysteries involving Crescent Hill. Did the house really have secret tunnels? Camden discovers surprising family secrets that rock her world! She was going home to Crescent Hill for love and support….not all this.

I enjoyed this fascinating story of Camden’s personal journey, the history behind the house, the underground railroads, and how women used quilts they made for more than just keeping their family warm. Refuge on Crescent Hill’s story builds to a suspenseful, climatic ending that will keep you up late trying to figure out how all the pieces to this puzzle fit together. I’m so glad I received a review copy of this book. Thanks Melanie for helping me escape into another one of your gripping, suspenseful, entertaining stories. I enjoyed seeing pictures of the real house Melanie used for this story on her website. This is one intriguing story.

Nora St. Laurent
ACFW Book Club Coordinator(less)

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May 12, 2010 Jodi rated it 5 of 5 stars

Refuge on Crescent Hill was full of surprises. Unlike Melanie Dobson’s other novels, Crescent Hill took two chapters of laying groundwork before I was fully sucked into the story. As the story progressed and the plot began to unfold, I found myself flipping back and forth between chapters, checking last names of characters trying to figure out how the dots connected. When my hunches were wrong, I gave up and immersed myself in the story. Much to my delight, Dobson connected the dots in suspensef...more

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Jun 29, 2012 Mel rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I'm still reading this, trying to decide if I should finish or not. Horrified and nauseated that a couple of characters spank their kids. I also feel that this should be billed as an "inspirational" book*, because the religious sub-theme is a pretty major part of the plot. Reminds me a lot of Grace Livingston Hill, which isn't really a compliment.

*Beyond the fact that the description here is from a Christian distributor. That's the only hint that this is a book with HEAVY religious themes (most...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Kevin Sorensen rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was a thriller!

I wasn't sure I'd enjoy reading this at first. When I receive "romance" novels to review, I usually run to my wife, Ann, for her help. Yet she read this book and told me I would have to read it also. I will confess, it took a bit to get into the book; I had some difficulty keeping characters straight, kept getting the plot confused. Then I realized it was because I was tired and had too many irons in the fire to read this well. So, I set it down and waited. When I picked this...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Sarah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction, inspirational, kregel-publications, review-books, romance

Refuge on Crescent Hill is a book that is a wonderful read and I’m not just saying that because I live in Ohio and the book is set in Ohio or the fact that it has a ton of history that centers around the Underground Railroad. This book pulls you in from the first chapter and will keep you wanting to read far into the night, which is what I did – I tried to sleep but I HAD to finish this book.

This is a suspense book written with a Christian viewpoint – so when ghosts are mentioned the only people...more

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May 13, 2010 Carly rated it 5 of 5 stars

When Camden returns to her grandmother’s mansion on Crescent Hill, she is met with many secrets and surprises from the past. As her story unfolds readers are taken along for a very exciting ride. This book is a perfect mix of suspense, mystery, romance, faith, and an incredibly interesting history lesson. I really liked the way this book was written and laid out. The author did not rush through any part of it. She peeled away each layer of secrets and mystery in just the right way that made it h...more

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Oct 31, 2011 Crystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review, read-oct-2011

Refuge on Crescent Hill is a wonderful novel with forgiveness being woven into a wonderful suspense plot as the main lesson. There is a lot to take away from Refuge on Crescent Hill and there is a lot to enjoy from it while reading it.

Ms. Dobson has done a wonderful job crafting a suspenseful story with a lesson and meaning in it. Refuge on Crescent Hill is not all about the lesson. It's really a suspense novel first and foremost, but it has wonderful truths and lessons that can be taken home fr...more Refuge on Crescent Hill is a wonderful novel with forgiveness being woven into a wonderful suspense plot as the main lesson. There is a lot to take away from Refuge on Crescent Hill and there is a lot to enjoy from it while reading it.

Ms. Dobson has done a wonderful job crafting a suspenseful story with a lesson and meaning in it. Refuge on Crescent Hill is not all about the lesson. It's really a suspense novel first and foremost, but it has wonderful truths and lessons that can be taken home from it. And I love that they are done in subtle ways, not in "in your face" ways that turn some people off.

First let me talk about the characters. Camden is the main character in the story, but there is a subplot going on as well that I found fascinating that follows a college student (from Clemson - I went there!) named Stephanie who is also very interesting. But Camden is still the main character. Camden has come to Etherton to visit her grandmother only to find she has passed away. Camden is at a place in life where she is just kind of floating freely and not sure where she should be. She just wants to belong somewhere and when she comes home to Crescent Hill she finds that there are problems there as well and she has to fight her urge to run as she usually does when there are problems. In Etherton, Camden meets Alex. Alex has settled into Etherton and now calls it home. He was running from his problems but has come to terms with them. He's trying to help revitalize the town but having a hard time when the town council fights all his recommendations. He and Camden have an attraction to each other, but that is really secondary to the mystery in the book. I felt Camden and Alex were decently developed. I did get to know them and their motivations, but felt I could have known them just a little bit better. But this is a suspense novel so more of the emphasis is on the plot.

The plotting was mostly well-done. Only the ending seemed a little rushed. Up until that point I though the book was plotted excellently, then all of a sudden everthing starts happening and it all just seemed too rushed. I was happy with the outcome of the book and felt like everything was tied up well so this wasn't too big a deal, but it's one of those things that bugs you a little bit, especially with a book as well done as Refuge on Crescent Hill. Ms. Dobson did an amazing job weaving the two present-time plots together with the past plot as well. That part of the story-telling was superb and had me enthralled. I loved the older people in the story that could tell the stories. They were fascinating and I love that she added them to the story. It's a reminder to talk to the older people we know, hear their stories so we can continue to pass them down to our children. It's important.

The underlying message of the book was beautifully done. Forgiveness being the lesson and it is shown in amazing ways in this book. I really though if these people could forgive, then I can surely forgive people that I need to. And it wasn't just about forgiving other people, it also touched on forgiving yourself. We all carry a lot of guilt around and really we need to take the time and forgive ourselves as well. God will forgive us if we ask so shouldn't we forgive ourselves (and we talked about that in Sunday School class this past Sunday so I found that really coincidental). This aspect of the boo was subtle but there and done so well I can't stop thinking about. Yes this is a Christian book, but it's not a beat you over the head Christian book. I think Ms. Dobson did a wonderful job making this a book that could be read in the mainstream while still representing Christian morals and values (and really just any good morals and values).

In summary - while there are some flaws in Refuge on Crescent Hill, I still feel it is a very worthwhile book to read. The characters are interesting and down to earth. The plotting is fast-paced and holds your attention well and the story has a meaning that will stick with you for quite a while.(less)

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Oct 22, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: REFUGE ON CRESCENT HILL
Author: Melanie Dobson
Publisher: Kregel
March 2010
ISBN: 978-0-8254-2590-5
Genre: Inspirational/suspense

Camden Bristow is a free-lance photographer. Except, in today’s economy, the magazine who recently hired her has gone bankrupt, and now Camden is jobless, homeless, and broke. With no where to go, and no one to turn to, Camden decides to visit the grandmother she hasn’t seen in years. However, when Camden arrives, she discovers her grandmother has died—but she left C...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Ann Saylor rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just finished reading this captivating tale of faith, family, service, mystery and suspense.

In regards to faith, characters wrestle with salvation, grace, fear, forgiveness, and mission. The characters are easy to relate to, and the simple messages of faith easily slip into your conscience to influence thinking and actions for good.

The mystery is the search for family jewels, slaves in the Underground Railway, strangers snooping in the mansion, and secret life missions.

Helping others is a them...more

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Oct 25, 2011 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Camden inherits the Bristow Mansion when her grandmother dies, but the house needs so many repairs and Camden is almost out of money so she doesn't know if she can keep the house that's been in the Bristow family for generations.

Soon though, she learns that someone is sneaking around her house - and stealing her purse! What is this person up to and what does he/she want with the house?...

I find houses that have hidden rooms or secret passageways interesting - and since 'Refuge on Crescent Hill'...more

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May 20, 2010 Molly rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: EVERYONE

Recommended to Molly by: FIRST

Shelves: book-review

Wow! Loved this one! A story of uncertainty, mystery, and longing, Melanie Dobson skillfully creates a book that reaches out and pulls you in, grips your heart, and holds you til the end. Dobson' story is full of everything from secrets, history, and mysterious goings-on. The beautiful characters she created in Camden and Alex, and even in Jenny, Jake, Stephanie and all the others, really brings this story to life. I felt everything that was happening in this amazing book! I really felt as if it...more

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Dec 29, 2010 Heather rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads, donate

I won this book through First Reads. I found this a light and refreshing read, although I didn't ever get emotionally involved with the story. I was interested enough to keep reading until the end, wondering what would happen, but the conclusion was rather anticlimactic and the characters were far from dynamic. Still, I can see why people would enjoy this book. It's solidly written.

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Oct 27, 2011 Michele rated it 5 of 5 stars

Oh my. This the first book I have read by Melanie Dobson and I am sure it will not be my last. I loved this book! I could not put it down! This story is full of twists and turns and will keep you in suspense until the very end.

The story has a very real feel to it. The characters are well developed and the plot line is very believable. If you love suspense you will really enjoy this story! I really loved the Camden and Alex. Camden grows and changes so much throughout this story. You watch her d...more

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Jun 22, 2010 Andrea rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

I loved this book. I'm a history geek honestly even though I'm no good with dates. I loved the way this book had the mystery of murders done by family and the ties in with the underground railroad with sheltering abused women in today's times, the way the leads were all drawn in like it was destiny that they all join at Crescent Hill right then. There was romance but it had more of a christain theme which was a good change in pace.
The first few chapters started off a little slow, and the story...more

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May 21, 2010 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson is a romantic suspense novel with a labyrinthine mystery. Camden Bristow returns home to her beloved grandmother's home, Crescent Hill, after being away for nearly twenty years. Jobless, homeless, and about to max out her credit card, she just wants a safe place to go where she is loved. But her grandmother recently passed away, leaving the house and all its contents to Camden. Instead of this being a blessing, she has two offers on the house, plus it's...more

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Jun 30, 2010 Dustin Crazy little brown owl marked it as started-but-put-aside

Shelves: goodreads-authors, first-reads

I won this through the goodreads first reads giveaway program.

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Apr 14, 2010 Margaret marked it as to-read

Recommended to Margaret by: FIRST, CFBA

Shelves: christianfiction, suspense-thriller, kregel

*Thanks to Kregel Publications for providing a copy for review.*

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Dec 30, 2012 Crystal Durnan rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book was a good enough distraction for a long car ride. The problem I have with it is that for the full first half its a regular old secular story. Then once I was pretty invested and wanted to see how all the storylines would come together and wrap up, suddenly all the characters start talking about trusting in the Savior and going to church and that their impetus for doing or not doing things was due to what the holy spirit was telling them. If I had know I would end up being proselytized...more

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Dec 29, 2011 Lisa Johnson rated it 5 of 5 stars

When I began to read this book, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. The first two chapters seemed to me to be slow going. I kept reading, and soon I was immersed in the story.
The author has done her historical research about the setting of the story very well. I enjoyed the dual story lines, running parallel throughout the book and finally converging. There are multiple themes present in the storyline. The prodigal child returning home, both physically and spiritually, is present for more tha...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Brooke (i blog 4 books) rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I first picked it up. The copy on the back cover intrigued me, but it started a little slow for me. However, once I got into it, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Camden is alone, out of work, behind on her bills, and can't imagine things turning around anytime soon. She decides to go to the last place she remembers being truly happy - her grandmother's home, Crescent Hill. Upon arriving, she learns that her grandmother has died but left her the house on the v...more

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Oct 28, 2011 Sara rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

Refuge on Crescent Hill is told from four people’s perspectives about the mysteries surrounding Crescent Hill. At first I was afraid the different points of view would get confusing, but I actually enjoyed getting the whole story as it unfolded. Since the reader does follow the different perspectives, you tend to know everything as it is discovered by each person, rather than just as one person discovers it. Because of this, I wouldn’t call it a hard-core suspense novel that leaves you guessing...more

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About Melanie Dobson

Writing novels is a fun excuse for Melanie to explore ghost towns and old houses, travel to unusual places, and spend hours reading dusty books and journals. She writes both contemporary and historical fiction with threads of romance and suspense.

Two of Melanie's books recently won a Carol Award (The Silent Order and Love Finds You in Homestead, Iowa), and Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana won a...more

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Books by Melanie Dobson

Love Finds You in Liberty, Indiana (merge)

Love Finds You in Mackinac Island, Michigan

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avg rating	preview: Refuge on Crescent Hill Goodreads rating: 3.68 (219 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7746932-refuge-on-crescent-hill?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348423384l/7746932.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7746932-refuge-on-crescent-hill?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Refuge on Crescent Hill by Melanie Dobson[/url]

Refuge on Crescent Hill

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