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Bishop Street #2

House of Stone

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“The test of life is not meant to break you, but to make you stronger...”

Four powerful childhood friendships become twisted with lies and deceit after they leave Bishop Street Orphanage. Twenty years later, the four orphans are back together--once again. Maggie is a best-selling author that lives in Los Angeles. Elizabeth, is a farmer’s wife with five children in North Bend, North Dakota. Randolph the billionaire, is a wandering nomad who has never put down roots. Lucy is finally clean and sober, and raising her daughter, after twenty years of living on the streets.

Challenging themselves to let go of the past, and still fused together by the immeasurable power of friendship, they will never let anything get in their way again. Not the tests of courage or willingness to change, not the devastating flood that hits North Bend, and not the love and happiness they find, unexpectedly. Suddenly, their lives will all change forever when Maggie is visiting an orphanage in Honduras. The big earthquake hits and the towns are reduced to rubble, thousands of lives are lost, and Maggie is missing. Will their worst fears test their strength of survival once again!

303 pages, Paperback

First published August 29, 2014

8 people are currently reading
779 people want to read

About the author

Rene D. Schultz

8 books77 followers
I’m divorced and I live in a small community just north of Los Angeles where I raised my two sons. I love to garden, try new recipes, take lots of pictures, and occasionally I enjoy a glass of wine with dear friends. I’ve never jumped out of a plane, climbed Mt. Everest, or seen the Northern Lights of Alaska. But, I have danced in the rain, sent a message in a bottle, and I’ve rode my motorcycle down The Pacific Coast Highway on sunny California days!

After my divorce, I waltzed into the world of online dating. I didn’t find my knight-in-shining armor, but instead in 2008, I wrote a very successful book on my entertaining experiences. My first book “Searching4MrRight.com” was published by a small press and you can find it on Amazon.

My first fiction novel “Bishop Street” is coming out July 2013. This story is about four powerful friendships that begin at Bishop Street Orphanage. It continues with lies and deceit after they leave at eighteen. Then, twenty years later, redemption plays out and ultimately the strength that got them through their childhood becomes the catalyst that binds them back together.
My passion of writing has lead me on the most amazing journey. Now, my focus is on fiction. I thrive on developing strong storylines that showcase today’s contemporary lifestyles. Rags to riches, Robinhood, and surviving the odds, seems to be my one common denominator that showcases my fascinating and diverse characters.

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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
395 reviews172 followers
September 5, 2014
House of stone by Rene d Schultz
THE BLURB

HOUSE OF STONE is a ‘standalone’ sequel to BISHOP STREET— That takes the past and present, and it is interwoven into another powerful story.

“The test of life is not meant to break you, but to make you stronger...” Four powerful childhood friendships become twisted with lies and deceit after they leave Bishop Street Orphanage. Twenty years later, the four orphans are back together. Maggie is a best-selling author that lives in Los Angeles. Elizabeth, is a farmer’s wife with five children, and they live in North Bend, North Dakota. Randolph the billionaire, is a wandering nomad who has never put down roots. Lucy is finally clean and sober, and raising her daughter, after twenty years of living on the streets.

Challenging themselves to let go of the past, and still fused together by the immeasurable power of friendship, they will never let anything get in their way again. Not the tests of courage and willingness to change; or the devastating flood that hits North Bend, threatening to destroy the town; and not the love and happiness they find, unexpectedly. Suddenly, their lives will all change forever, when Maggie is visiting an orphanage in Honduras and the big earthquake hits. Will they find her in time, or will their worst fears turn into reality?

“Author Rene D. Schultz has done it once again! She has created a story so rich with love, loss, friendship and hope that it feels like I am a part of the story.” ~Stephenee Carsten

“You can read it as a standalone book, or I would tell you to read Bishop Street where the story begins.”
~AJ Book review club

Rene Schultz is a master storyteller. With a compassionate touch, Ms. Schultz also weaves in social issues and their aftermath, including homelessness, addiction, and abandoned children. ~Jada Ryker

This author brings out emotions in me that aren't easily displayed. There were times when I was biting my nails; times when I was crying buckets; and times when I was scared. Each character has now got a place in my heart, as this lovely unique author, Rene D. Schultz. ~Sue Ward-2-Friends / UK reviewer

WHAT I SAY

What can I say about - House of Stone? Another gem of a book! I loved it! It will pull at your heart strings, and you will need a tissue. You can read it as a standalone book, or I would tell you to read Bishop Street where the story begins. Bishop Street will let you understand the love, the bond, and the strong connection they all shared, as soon as you read the first page. I was hooked, and I got pulled into the story. I could feel all the pain, the heartache, the love, the humour, and the strong bond they felt for each other.
House of Stone has a flood and earthquakes, and it will threaten their further. This story test them and shows their strengths and how they cope; together. It’s so well written, and it really is a book you cannot put it down, as with all of Rene’s books. Rene’s passion for writing shines down on her characters and makes them jump out of the page at you! You become one of them! Her style just flows along, and you just flow with it, wanting to hear more and more. From the first page to the last you will not be able to put it down. I really recommend you enjoy another one of her gems! Thank you Rene for letting me read this wonderful book. Amandajayne at ajbookreviewclub.wordpress.com check out my blog to see how you could win a copy of this e book just post me the link to your review for bishop street bythe 10 th September on my blog rene will pick one winner of her fab new ebook
Profile Image for ReadAlongWithSue recovering from a stroke★⋆. ࿐࿔.
2,870 reviews412 followers
December 8, 2015
After reading Bishop Street I thought that was the end of the journey.

Then Rene Schultz messaged me to say that so many wanted it not to end she had more!
Yes more, well, I was so excited you wouldn't believe. I wondered what Maggie would
bring to book 2.

I was wondering how she would grow and how her past of being left
on the doorstep of the orphanage in Bishop Street would affect her in later life.

This second book had me gasping in places. I literally could feel my heart
pounding, the event that happened was awful, I am not going to tell you.
But it had me wondering if Maggie was alive. Did she make it?

We see the bonds of the other grown children, Lucy, Elizabeth and Randolph
again in this book 2.

The characters are as solid and stone, they are rocks to each other, they are bold
like boulders, unmoveable and unstoppable.

I really don't want to give too much away so I am deleting bits as I go
I just want you to know how this book made me FEEL.

This author Rene Schultz brings out emotions in me that aren't
easily displayed.

There were times when I was biting my nails, times when I was crying buckets
and times when I was scared.

Each character has now got a place in my heart, as as this lovely unique
author, Rene Schultz.
Profile Image for Fiona (Titch) Hunt.
522 reviews89 followers
April 4, 2015
OMG, where do I start with this sequel. I was given a copy of this via the lovely Rene Schultz for a review. Rene has made me cry so many times with her books and this one hasn't disappointed me in that state neither. This brings in ALL the previous lovely characters Maggie, Elizabeth, Randolph, Lucy and the rest. This carries on from when they are all reunited and life is a bouquet of flowers.

Well, there are so many things going on with this story, I don't know where to begin. Maggie and Damon are living the wonderful couple life, Elizabeth is still living in North Bend, North Dakota and they have some worries there as well. Lucy is doing well for herself in the new book and hopefully will meet the love of her life. Randolph is the same as he always is and spreads himself and his wealthy around a bit more in this book. I don't want to give the book away, but if you have read Bishop Street, YOU HAVE TO READ House Of Stone. It'll bring you to tears and joy in places and let you see into the world of Rene Schultz's mind.
Profile Image for Valerie Roberson.
406 reviews9 followers
March 31, 2016
Rene Schultz has captivated me once again with the House of Stone. I just love how she writes with emotion, love and from her heart. She is amazing at capturing life at it's best and at it's worst. She had me laughing, grinning from ear to ear, balling, sitting at the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. I thought I had a few parts figured out, but she has thrown in a few twists, turns and surprises. I am hoping a few of my suspicions come true down the line. And once again she left me hanging!
It has been a few years now and the 4 Orphans and been busy with their lives. A new relationship is starting and a fairly new relationship is growing stronger. They are still having their family get togethers and every one is happy.
Elizabeth and William's farm is in the path of a bad storm. Rand, Maggie and Damon head there to help and bring supplies for the town. Meg has a bad mishap and Maggie gets her way with her. James and Meg's hearts get broken and Maggie comes home with a new pet.
Juliann is in South America starting a new Orphanage in a small very poor town. She has Maggie come to see the Orphanage. A disaster hits and Maggie and Juliann is separated. Juliann ends up in the hospital and Maggie makes it with a handful of little ones with her.
From here on out I cried and smiled and cried some more. My heart went out to the Orphans and what they went through. This was a very scary time and there was a lot of heartache all around them.
The last few chapters gave signs of hope and fresh starts. Everybody's lives were changed who were in South America, some good and some bad, but all had to deal with pain. Then the holidays came around and everybody was together again. Juliann was out of the hospital and the children were so excited to see her. There were festivities going on all around the small town in Mexico. There were surprises and excitement. Then chapter 30 came and ended. It left me hanging and wanting more. I want to know what happens to the Orphans. I want to know what happens to Juliann and Randolph. I want to know if Maggie gets her desire. I want to know what happens to Lucy and Bradley. I want to know what happens to Chica and Sofia.
I enjoy reading Rene Schultz"s work very much. She makes me think about life in different ways. She makes me remember my childhood and even tho I was Adopted, I still lacked the Love and Attention a child craves. She also shows that there is real love out there for a child that has nobody to love and be loved. It is so important for a child to feel loved and know no matter what, that child will always be loved. It doesn't matter if you are that childs blood or not.
Profile Image for Stephenee.
1,863 reviews47 followers
August 31, 2014
Author Rene Schultz has done it once again! She has created a story so rich with love, loss, friendship and hope that it feels like I am a part of the story. If asked to choose my favorite book by her I would be hard pressed to choose, they are all amazing and exciting in their own way. The characters in House of Stone are truly like friends that you spend time with and when you are apart and get back together you don't miss a beat! I love that she continues along with the lives of Maggie, Lucy, Elizabeth and Randolph and we can see how they continue to grow and beat the odds that always seem to be stacked up against them. I first met them in the book Bishop Street and immediately I wanted more of them! I enjoyed the continuation of the love we see developing and the moral that one must be patient and work hard to achieve the things that they want in life. No road is an easy one to walk (even if it is a yellow brick road) and nothing comes easy to anyone, no matter how rich or poor they are. I love the fact that the author has taken these characters and given them a life of their own. I can honestly say that I feel as if they are friends, especially as I see them grow. While reading House of Stone I felt like I was in a whole different place and it was one that I could easily picture as Rene does an amazing job with the details, down to the littlest things that may be important so that the reader has a clear picture, (such as the VW van or the inside of the private jet). Rene writes real stories, stories that readers can relate to, there are no rich billionaires who can have anything they want and choose the poor waitress or there are no graphic sex scenes that so many books contain now. They are modern day stories that can happen to anyone, anywhere and they are all amazing! The writing is easy to follow, the plot flows with no interruption or without the reader having to go back and re-read something. The characters are so well developed and so real that you can picture the events of the story actually taking place in real life or to someone that you know. I am already looking forward to the next book that Rene writes, as I know before reading it that it will be amazing and another one to try to choose from as my favorite. Thanks for these amazing books and keep writing as I need more!!
Profile Image for Jada Ryker.
Author 25 books51 followers
August 31, 2014
Excellent Standalone Novel in the Series

In Bishop Street, the first book in the series, the past and present were interwoven into a powerful story. As a small child, Maggie was left on the doorstep of an orphanage. At the orphanage, Maggie forged strong bonds with Lucy, Elizabeth, and Randolph. In an atmosphere of abuse, the four built not only friendships but also family ties. Near forty and a successful author, Maggie hired private detective Damon Depre, who found the others.

Now, House of Stone takes up the story four years later. Maggie and her extended family of former orphans have to face challenges while maintaining their own definition of family. Challenges include those today and their horrific childhoods at the orphanage.

"Maggie’s tears formed as she remembered her childhood. Those nights all she ever wanted was to be kissed goodnight. Or hear some kind loving words that children deserve. Instead Elizabeth, Lucy, Randolph, and she had accepted a childhood of sadness, manipulation, and abuse. Sister Theresa ran the orphanage and should have never been allowed to be around children. She hated children. Her biggest pleasure was breaking their spirit. She couldn’t break Maggie. So, instead she nurtured a hatred toward her that became a constant source of her resentment. Whenever Sister Theresa had a chance, she belittled Maggie and her friends, or shamed them over something small. Maggie was mortified when she hung Randolph’s wet sheets for everyone to see. Or she cut off all of Lucy’s beautiful hair, just to be cruel. Maggie touched her cheek, and the scar that had reminded her of those ugly orphanage beatings."

Rene Schultz is a master storyteller. The friendly banter between Maggie and Denise is always good for a smile. The interactions among the former orphans are both heartwarming and poignant. They are the family none of them had at birth. With a compassionate touch, Ms. Schultz also weaves in social issues and their aftermath, including homelessness, addiction, and abandoned children.

Profile Image for Shelby.
219 reviews6 followers
September 3, 2014
House of Stone is the newest five star read from one of my all time favorite authors, Rene D. Schultz. Be prepared to be put through the emotional wringer! This book will make you smile, laugh out loud, and cry actual tears, but it's definitely worth the wild ride.

Bishop Street is one of my favorite books so it was really great to get to reconnect with the characters. They're all here in the sequel -- Maggie, Elizabeth and her family, Lucy, Randolph, the hunky private detective (Damon), my girl Denise ... and if you think you love them, wait until you meet some of the new characters!

The very best thing about Rene D. Schultz's books is the way she keeps you so entertained with her amazing storylines while at the same time opening your eyes to some very real world problems and headlines.

Open up that first page and be swept away with the tides of love and loss, floods and earthquakes, weddings and funerals so well written that it feels as if you're actually there until you turn that last page and realize it's over and it was only a book after all.

House of Stone is a great book all on it's own but to get the most out of it make sure you pick up Book 1, Bishop Street. I promise you you won't regret it. Grab the tissues and get comfy because you will be turning pages long past your bedtime. I know I was!
Profile Image for Renes Getaway.
103 reviews6 followers
July 20, 2015
I received House of Stone for review by the author Rene D Schultz.
After reading Bishop Street, which was by far one of the best books I have ever read. I could not wait to climb into House of Stone.

Meeting the characters from BS again was a welcoming experience. I felt like I had never left them. They became a part of my "family". Following each of their stories from despair to happiness entices you to carry on reading. Rene takes real life situations that these orphaned children had to endure, how they have conquered their fears and weaves them into a beautiful tapestry of love, dedication and family.

In House of Stone, the fear of loosing someone again, becomes a reality as Maggie disappears after a horrific earthquake. Once again this family of unwanted children comes together to fight fate, and once and for all prove that no matter what life decides to throw at them, they will come out undefeated.

When Rene writes you can be sure that the words, like honey, will drip from the pages, and you keep finding yourself wanting more.
Profile Image for Leslie Beebe.
336 reviews2 followers
September 3, 2014
A House of Stone A work of fiction by Rene D Schultz

If you want to read a book that will evoke the feelings of friendship, love, suspense, & tears of joy & sadness, A House of Stone is your book. The 4 orphans from Bishop Street are drawn together again in Rene Schultz's sequel A House of Stone. The suspense starts in the first chapter continuing throughout the book in the form of a hostage situation, a flood & an earthquake. You will be transported through the story by the authors realistic portrayal of her characters, both old & new. They will become your friends as they embark in their many adventures in LA, North Dakota, Mexico & Honduras.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a great story with realistic characters & story line. Even though there were several new characters added they fit in very well. I didn't want the book to end but I believe there is more story to tell.
Profile Image for Philomena Callan Cheekypee.
3,962 reviews425 followers
September 18, 2014
Rene Schultz is a fantastic story teller. She will grip your attention and you won't want to put it down until the book is over. Bishop Street made such an impact on me I can still remember the day I read it, where I was and where I was meant to be when I was reading this.

Now I really didn't think Rene could make a bigger impact on me with the second book but I was so wrong. I was so happy to read about these lovely characters again. Maggie, Lucy, Elizabeth and Randolph will always hold a piece .

I'm not going to tell you what happens as I want you to experience this book like I did. This book & Bishop Street are must reads. They are thoroughly brilliant captivating reads that I hope you will love just as much as I did.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,897 reviews4 followers
September 2, 2014
This is an amazing series that follows the life of a group of friends that were raised together in an orphanage. This series does need to be read in order for you to follow the story line. This book was mainly focused on Maggie and Damon, but still included everyone else. The author has done an amazing job pulling you into the story. I cried in several spots, so have tissues handy. This book is truly an emotional roller coaster. It does leave us on a cliff hanger, but a good one! Can't wait for the next book.
1,461 reviews47 followers
November 30, 2014
This has been written as a standalone book but it is better as the sequel to bishop street.
It was rather irritating in places as the passages that made it standalone were lifted from bishop street -- exactly the same, word for word.
That said, I enjoyed this sequel although some of the characters were not fully explored - and some of the anecdotes/story lines felt superficial.
A good story that whiled away a rainy Sunday afternoon. A few tears were shed too!!
3.5*, not to everyone's taste.
Profile Image for Christoph Fischer.
Author 48 books468 followers
February 7, 2015
"House of Stone" by Rene D. Schultz is a great follow up to her wonderful novel "Bishop's Street".
Four years on this book tells how life continues for the former orphans, who have formed their own new family, caring for each other in a beautiful manner. I found this support most heart warming and hope giving.
Of course not everything goes smooth and life throws them a few more challenges. Get on this bumpy but worthwhile ride full of heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. Very moving.
86 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2016
House of Stone (Bishop Street Book Two)

So much turmoil, pain and tears.....woven together beautifully. Five stars for the way things work out. I just want to read book three....give me more. Does Maggie adopt the little boy and have a baby? Does Lucy and Bradley get together permanently? Does Randolph and Julian make music? What about Sophia and the baby? Will there be a next book?
Profile Image for Dianne McMahan.
589 reviews10 followers
March 14, 2023
Amazing book by a great author.
The 2nd.book of the series about four young orphans,
Maggie,Elizabeth,Lucy & Randolph who grew up in an Orphanage & reconnected after twenty yrs.is a joy to read.
There are many blessings, some tragedy & much more to discover about this amazing foursome.
They all have fulfilling lives,although not in the same way,but remaining friends & loyal,has brought happiness
to them all.
Do read this final chapter,as it puts life in perspective.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Barb.
1,530 reviews37 followers
June 15, 2018
A great book after reading Bishop Street and how these four kids ended up as adults
10 reviews
December 29, 2019
Another riveting read. Could not put it down. I laughed and I cried again. Hope we will fon ou what happens Fer the wedding!
3 reviews
October 13, 2020
Adventure has a heart

Enjoyed the pace. Fight for life in all instances was gritty and moving. Good read; would recommend it. It's hard to put down.Adv
Profile Image for Wanda Hartzenberg.
Author 5 books73 followers
February 22, 2015
I waited a day or two between reading this book and writing this review.
My reason for this is pretty simple. This book is packed with emotion and written in such a manner that the reader cannot help but to get involved in all the emotion.
Unlike book one Lucy plays a lesser role in this story. And thus I feel that although you can read it as a stand alone I would advise you read Bishop Street first.
Now here is my problem, with time passed I turned the story even more emotional, not less.
So lets talk about the things that will not be a spoler.
Cover is 5*.
Editing is another 5*.
Plot line and flow. 4*. I felt overwhelmed ny the two major catastrophes herein.
Character development. 5 *.

I recommend this book to all readers.
WaAr
Profile Image for Maria.
77 reviews
August 25, 2023
Wonderful return to the orphans

Rene has done it again. I received this as a gift for an honest review but I had this on my wish list since reading Bishop Street. It was wonderful to immerse myself in the world of the orphans again. This installment was more action and romance packed than the original as each orphan dealt with a test to their "safe" worlds. They deal with it together as a true family and show their new maturity and strength. Rene is an author who can build a world, inhabit it with believable characters and suck you in to the point you never want to leave.
Profile Image for Suzanne.
806 reviews5 followers
January 24, 2015
I loved this story. I smiled away to myself in parts, and struggled to keep the tears away at others. This could be read as a stand alone, because you are given enough snippets of the background for it to give you the sense of what has gone on in Maggie and her friends lives, but I would strongly recommend that you read Bishop Street first.

I think that this book could quite easily have another instalment some day and I would pick it straight up!
26 reviews2 followers
February 1, 2015
This is Book 2 in the Bishop Street series. I totally enjoyed both of them. Rene D. Schultz has a way of hooking me in to her stories within the first few pages. I'm hoping there will be a Book 3!! Until then I will search out other books by her.
Profile Image for Geraldine A. Scheps.
2 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2015
Good book

Better than the first if that is possible. Hope she continues to write more like this. Excellent read for all.
Profile Image for Carol.
301 reviews
April 25, 2015
I enjoyed this sequel, but little more far fetched and predictable that the first novel. Good light hearted read, but nothing amazing.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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