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Home Sweet Home #1
Harmony House
First in a new women's fiction series from the author of Auld Acquaintance! Mavis and Hilary have a common problem. Both retired widows, they've reached the point in their lives where it would make most sense to move into a retirement community. Neither want that for their future, however, and they devise a plan to solve all their problems and provide a residence designed exactly to their requirements. But it won't work for just two women--and so the search is on for the perfect companions to share Harmony House.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 3, 2017
1513 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Hay
73 books40 followersWho is Ruth Hay?
I am a retired teacher-librarian who loves books, reading, writing and storytelling.
After a lifetime of writing for education purposes, I can now create the kind of family-friendly stories I have always loved to read.
I have been lucky enough to travel and those adventures feature in my Prime Time novel series.
Visit Scotland, England, Greece, Italy and Egypt with my heroine Anna Mason.
Have you ever known a family that didn't have some kind of mystery to solve? Anna Mason's family is no different. The thing that most surprises, and shocks, Anna, is how much was hidden from her.
How does she uncover the answers? That involves time, travels, a concealed journal and a new home in Scotland that gradually gives up its secrets. Not until the sixth, book, are the most unexpected developments revealed.
In 2016 I added a new chapter to Anna's life story. Read it in Return to Oban. Will there be more? I can't wait to find out!
Also in 2016 the Seven Days Series was completed. What a busy writing year! This series introduces four women who reunite in a luxurious holiday in the English Lake District. Of course, they have a wonderful time together but no one could have expected the surprising events that set off changes lasting far longer than just one week. There are six novels with the last having two sections. Lots of heartfelt reading for you. Which of the women will be your favourite; Zoe, Valerie, Corinne or Sandra?
In 2017 I am working on a new series. Sign up for my monthly Newsletter www.ruthhay.com to get updates.
Thank you for being one of Ruth's Readers.
I am a retired teacher-librarian who loves books, reading, writing and storytelling.
After a lifetime of writing for education purposes, I can now create the kind of family-friendly stories I have always loved to read.
I have been lucky enough to travel and those adventures feature in my Prime Time novel series.
Visit Scotland, England, Greece, Italy and Egypt with my heroine Anna Mason.
Have you ever known a family that didn't have some kind of mystery to solve? Anna Mason's family is no different. The thing that most surprises, and shocks, Anna, is how much was hidden from her.
How does she uncover the answers? That involves time, travels, a concealed journal and a new home in Scotland that gradually gives up its secrets. Not until the sixth, book, are the most unexpected developments revealed.
In 2016 I added a new chapter to Anna's life story. Read it in Return to Oban. Will there be more? I can't wait to find out!
Also in 2016 the Seven Days Series was completed. What a busy writing year! This series introduces four women who reunite in a luxurious holiday in the English Lake District. Of course, they have a wonderful time together but no one could have expected the surprising events that set off changes lasting far longer than just one week. There are six novels with the last having two sections. Lots of heartfelt reading for you. Which of the women will be your favourite; Zoe, Valerie, Corinne or Sandra?
In 2017 I am working on a new series. Sign up for my monthly Newsletter www.ruthhay.com to get updates.
Thank you for being one of Ruth's Readers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
July 22, 2018
Would that this could happen
My overall impression of this story is told from a viewpoint of a possible candidate for just such a situation. As we age and face the future alone, we begin to recognize that our previously less thought about weaknesses take on more gravity. This group is searching for others who would have strengths in their individual areas needing a boost. I would hope to find such a group and have the resources to put together a household as they have done. I love this story and will always watch for deals from this author. Wish more of her books were in the Kindle Lending Library. Highly recommended.
My overall impression of this story is told from a viewpoint of a possible candidate for just such a situation. As we age and face the future alone, we begin to recognize that our previously less thought about weaknesses take on more gravity. This group is searching for others who would have strengths in their individual areas needing a boost. I would hope to find such a group and have the resources to put together a household as they have done. I love this story and will always watch for deals from this author. Wish more of her books were in the Kindle Lending Library. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2019
I loved the premise. The whole idea of a group of ladies sharing a home into old age sounded fun. Unfortunately, I was so bored that I started skipping entire pages just to finish the book. There is no drama, no angst, no climax, no twist, nothing. It is basically a step by step of the process of meeting the housemates and arranging the purchase. The only time any serious action happened was with an abusive (ex) spouse and it was written very lackadaisical and blase.
The writing wasn't authentic or organic. The dialogue was so formal/stilted and choppy. For example: “You two are the first to arrive. The wind is chilly today and there’s a definite touch of winter in the air. Hilary is in the living room waiting for you. I’ll bring hot tea and coffee when everyone is here.” It definitely didn't feel genuine.
The setting was really confusing for a while. There were references to Canada and references to London and it took quite a while to figure out that there is actually a London in Canada and that is where they all live since they weren't used together. It would have been helpful for that to be explained clearly in the beginning.
This is my first book by this author. I don't think I am in a hurry to read another but I thought this was a really cute idea so I might give her another try sometime.
The writing wasn't authentic or organic. The dialogue was so formal/stilted and choppy. For example: “You two are the first to arrive. The wind is chilly today and there’s a definite touch of winter in the air. Hilary is in the living room waiting for you. I’ll bring hot tea and coffee when everyone is here.” It definitely didn't feel genuine.
The setting was really confusing for a while. There were references to Canada and references to London and it took quite a while to figure out that there is actually a London in Canada and that is where they all live since they weren't used together. It would have been helpful for that to be explained clearly in the beginning.
This is my first book by this author. I don't think I am in a hurry to read another but I thought this was a really cute idea so I might give her another try sometime.
June 5, 2019
2.5 rounded down.
If you like your fiction drama-free and full of unrealistic plots, here you go! The plot is great--a spin-off of the Golden Girls where a group of older women plan to live together. In this case, after meeting, they go out and buy a house that's just perfect for them. And of course, all the maintenance men, attorneys, realtors and gardeners are competent, arrive on time, work on budget and speak English.
There's just no conflict. At the beginning there was a snarky character but she got rejected from the group. Actually, I was a little confused when two friends put an advertisement out looking for roommates. I would have thought two women who lived their lives in the same town would have known others. It never mentioned any friends or past co-workers either ever had.
And while the whole house buying procedure was spelled out exactly, at no time did they ever discuss how any one person could leave the setup.
The writing's a bit stilted and formal. With all the talk about London I assumed it was in England and felt a little betrayed when near the end of the book it's clear that it's London, Canada.
Golden Girls will live forever!
If you like your fiction drama-free and full of unrealistic plots, here you go! The plot is great--a spin-off of the Golden Girls where a group of older women plan to live together. In this case, after meeting, they go out and buy a house that's just perfect for them. And of course, all the maintenance men, attorneys, realtors and gardeners are competent, arrive on time, work on budget and speak English.
There's just no conflict. At the beginning there was a snarky character but she got rejected from the group. Actually, I was a little confused when two friends put an advertisement out looking for roommates. I would have thought two women who lived their lives in the same town would have known others. It never mentioned any friends or past co-workers either ever had.
And while the whole house buying procedure was spelled out exactly, at no time did they ever discuss how any one person could leave the setup.
The writing's a bit stilted and formal. With all the talk about London I assumed it was in England and felt a little betrayed when near the end of the book it's clear that it's London, Canada.
Golden Girls will live forever!
July 11, 2018
A rather boring story about rather boring women. The writing and the conversations were so modulated that you could almost hear everyone speaking in a monotone. It made even the slightest excitement boring.
September 7, 2018
Too good to be true
I have to confess that the idea of co-housing with five other woman is not one that this 65 year old woman is attracted to. So, when I started reading the book I thought that Hilary and Mavis were slightly mad to advertise for four other women to share a house with. It all worked like clockwork though, really way too well. So in a way this book is a kind of “fairytale for retired women who live alone.” There are way too many leaps—all of the women have over $140,000 cash to hand over to a group purchase, a perfect house is found, a perfect lawyer manages everything for them, heck they are even able to have an elevator installed in their house. Not one of those stair lift things, a full-blown elevator.
My other comment is that the writing is for me slightly stilted and formal. The author has the women speak in such formal ways.
There is also an odd non-sequitur involving the antique dresses. They supposedly belonged to an Amelia Harris, a spinster but earlier in the book, when the clothes are first found, the label inside one of the dresses says Mrs. Jordan O’Connor. I don’t know whether this is a mistake or whether other books might expand on the O’Connor mystery.
Other books. Will I read them? Oh probably, when I am looking for something escapist with a happy ending. The series, set in London, Ontario, is like a non-murder equivalent of a cozy mystery.
I have to confess that the idea of co-housing with five other woman is not one that this 65 year old woman is attracted to. So, when I started reading the book I thought that Hilary and Mavis were slightly mad to advertise for four other women to share a house with. It all worked like clockwork though, really way too well. So in a way this book is a kind of “fairytale for retired women who live alone.” There are way too many leaps—all of the women have over $140,000 cash to hand over to a group purchase, a perfect house is found, a perfect lawyer manages everything for them, heck they are even able to have an elevator installed in their house. Not one of those stair lift things, a full-blown elevator.
My other comment is that the writing is for me slightly stilted and formal. The author has the women speak in such formal ways.
There is also an odd non-sequitur involving the antique dresses. They supposedly belonged to an Amelia Harris, a spinster but earlier in the book, when the clothes are first found, the label inside one of the dresses says Mrs. Jordan O’Connor. I don’t know whether this is a mistake or whether other books might expand on the O’Connor mystery.
Other books. Will I read them? Oh probably, when I am looking for something escapist with a happy ending. The series, set in London, Ontario, is like a non-murder equivalent of a cozy mystery.
August 6, 2018
This was an interesting read, the first of a series of 4 books by the author. Having jokingly tossed out the idea with my friends of all moving in together at some future point when we find ourselves alone, it was fascinating to read about a group of women who actually did it. Fictionally, of course.
The plot had a lot to do with meticulous planning - each of 6 women to be able to afford the idea, finding a large enough affordable home, selling their own homes, and once the decision had been made, the stress of a getting away from a vengeful abusive husband. It did have its share of drama. Each of the women had her own strengths, so there was never a lack of ideas and someone to take on the responsibility. Not very realistic, but it is fiction, after all. It made for a fulfilling summer read.
The plot had a lot to do with meticulous planning - each of 6 women to be able to afford the idea, finding a large enough affordable home, selling their own homes, and once the decision had been made, the stress of a getting away from a vengeful abusive husband. It did have its share of drama. Each of the women had her own strengths, so there was never a lack of ideas and someone to take on the responsibility. Not very realistic, but it is fiction, after all. It made for a fulfilling summer read.
August 5, 2018
This is an easy/quick read about six women who decide to embark on a new phase of their lives as they reach their retirement years. Lonely living alone, but not interested in living in a retirement community, they decide to buy a home together. The first book in the series shows how they came together and gives some background into their lives. It would probably not be as interesting a book to younger people, as they would not have a full understanding of the the challenges and needs of older, yet active women.
September 19, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. The idea of six single women setting up co housing was intriguing but the writing was flat and rather childish. I kept going despite my irritation to see how it ended but suddenly there were back stories for the characters in the last few pages. As the characterisation had been pretty thin throughout the book this appeared to be a clumsy device to set up a sequel. I don’t think I’ll bother.
June 30, 2021
This book (and book series) is about older women looking forward to what's ahead in their lives while being realistic that like many older people, may need physical help at some point. It is one of my favorite book series not just because how well it's written but because it's one of the few books about older women that I've read which doesn't focus on reminiscing about their past lives, what they wish they had done differently, or which parts they could relive. I'm tired of reading about older folks who live as if their lives are over (or almost over) rather than being excited about their future.
This book and book series focuses on dealing with and appreciating the present, the excitement of moving toward achieving future goals/dreams, and living a fun, happy, lovely life.
I'd love to read more positive, uplifting, well-written books about older adults moving on to the next wonderful phase of their lives. Well done Ruth Hay and thank you!
This book and book series focuses on dealing with and appreciating the present, the excitement of moving toward achieving future goals/dreams, and living a fun, happy, lovely life.
I'd love to read more positive, uplifting, well-written books about older adults moving on to the next wonderful phase of their lives. Well done Ruth Hay and thank you!
August 14, 2018
Storyline - 6 Canadian women of a certain age planning for their later years together.
What bothers me is the feeling that I read this (or most of this) before. The first half (or more) was spot on familiar, despite its unique situation. I kept going to find the publish date and trying to reconcile its recent date with the antiquated technology described. Most of the character's individual story lines were exactly as I remembered them. It's as if an old manuscript (or previously published work) got updated, but not fully. It really drove me crazy. The other part that was jarring was the location setting - which is Canada in this book. Except nearly all the town and river names can be found in England (London, Thames). These are real towns in Ontario, but if you're not Canadian, you will think of the more famous England locations first.
What bothers me is the feeling that I read this (or most of this) before. The first half (or more) was spot on familiar, despite its unique situation. I kept going to find the publish date and trying to reconcile its recent date with the antiquated technology described. Most of the character's individual story lines were exactly as I remembered them. It's as if an old manuscript (or previously published work) got updated, but not fully. It really drove me crazy. The other part that was jarring was the location setting - which is Canada in this book. Except nearly all the town and river names can be found in England (London, Thames). These are real towns in Ontario, but if you're not Canadian, you will think of the more famous England locations first.
September 26, 2018
It was nice to read a book about the friendship of older women. Mavis and Hillary are retired widows, who were thinking it was time to look at retirement homes. They didn't want to do that. They came up with the idea of co housing and advertised for women who were willing to invest with them in a house they could all share. They found 4 women to join them and we are taken along on their journey of friendship, bonding and finding the right house to remodel to meet their needs.
This was book 1 in the Home Sweet Home series. After reading this, I went and bought the rest of the series. The series is set in London, Ontario so some of the talk is different than I am used to but I like different.
This was book 1 in the Home Sweet Home series. After reading this, I went and bought the rest of the series. The series is set in London, Ontario so some of the talk is different than I am used to but I like different.
September 14, 2021
Excellent book, the very best in a long time.
The book, Harmony House by author Ruth Hay, was really interesting, with a great idea for a great story. It certainly kept me turning the pages. Good descriptions of the various characters and the twists and turns that their lives took.
I admired how Ruth Hay interpreted the personalities of the main people, and how they, in turn, analysed the view for themselves of the ladies that were to share Harmony House with.
I wanted the story to continue and immediately decided to buy the follow-on book, just as soon as I had read the end of this one.
Not only that, I am going to follow this author. I am sure she will have lots of other interesting stories for me to read.
The book, Harmony House by author Ruth Hay, was really interesting, with a great idea for a great story. It certainly kept me turning the pages. Good descriptions of the various characters and the twists and turns that their lives took.
I admired how Ruth Hay interpreted the personalities of the main people, and how they, in turn, analysed the view for themselves of the ladies that were to share Harmony House with.
I wanted the story to continue and immediately decided to buy the follow-on book, just as soon as I had read the end of this one.
Not only that, I am going to follow this author. I am sure she will have lots of other interesting stories for me to read.
July 13, 2018
Great summer read! I really enjoyed the extraordinarily hopeful concept of six women buying a house and living in harmony. The six primary characters are well developed and I felt that I would enjoy being friends with each of them. It was distracting for a time as some other characters were mentioned more than in passing and then summarily dispatched. That problem was solved when I remembered that this is only book one. All in all a pleasant way to spend a bit of time each day during a time of year when more serious reading is not my strong point. I also don’t usually continue series in the summer so I’ll have to wait until cold weather returns to learn how life treats each of the six.
July 12, 2018
Living in harmony
What a great idea in this book, how the six women met and arranged to buy a big house to accommodate all of them, with on suite bedrooms, they each chose which rooms they liked, each had to get enough money to pay their parts in the scheme
and to know how well they got on, especially as an awful thing happened to one of the wives who'd husband used to beat her up attacked both his wife and one of the ladies, and how they all rallied around to help.
Look forward to the next instalment.
What a great idea in this book, how the six women met and arranged to buy a big house to accommodate all of them, with on suite bedrooms, they each chose which rooms they liked, each had to get enough money to pay their parts in the scheme
and to know how well they got on, especially as an awful thing happened to one of the wives who'd husband used to beat her up attacked both his wife and one of the ladies, and how they all rallied around to help.
Look forward to the next instalment.
July 16, 2018
Uplifting page turner
The concept of six women from diverse backgrounds, joining together to purchase a house and share their lives in "HARMONY", seemed a bit of a stretch.
Made even moreso by the fact they were complete strangers except for two widows with the original idea.
It is full of surprises and we are left with the idea that there will be much more to tell about these ladies.
All in all a nice paced story that holds one's interest. Grab "a cuppa" and settle in for an enjoyable read.
The concept of six women from diverse backgrounds, joining together to purchase a house and share their lives in "HARMONY", seemed a bit of a stretch.
Made even moreso by the fact they were complete strangers except for two widows with the original idea.
It is full of surprises and we are left with the idea that there will be much more to tell about these ladies.
All in all a nice paced story that holds one's interest. Grab "a cuppa" and settle in for an enjoyable read.
January 10, 2020
Being I am of that age, I thought it was kind of cute how these gals had meetings as to please everyone etc. It was a fast read as you could almost predict what was going to happen next. A tad boring in parts, but I kept on reading. Before I decided to read this however I should have looked to see if this was a series. Knowing now there are 4 books in this series, I will not buy 3 books just to finish the whole thing. Sheesh. Would have been better as a stand alone book, with a proper ending.
July 9, 2018
I would put this book between a three and a four. I really enjoyed the plot but found the writing a little stilted and somehow old-fashioned. The style reminded me of British writers for some reason and it took me a few chapters to realize it took place in Canada and not England. I found the ending a little abrupt but I’m guessing it was that way so you’d read the rest in the series. I enjoyed it enough that I probably will.
July 12, 2018
I loved every word in this book. I started reading the second one as soon as I finished the first. I knew something would be found in the attic. I was an antique dealer for 25 years and it thrilled me to see what they found. But the whole concept of this type of house is really interesting and something to really think about for when WE reach those golden years. (The buzzards may be circling but God isn't through with us oldsters yet. (copied) I recommend reading this book.
July 13, 2018
Happy ever after later
These women have lived full lives and come together in all their glory and talents and baggage to find comfort and security in the company of strangers. Their strengths gather to make possible an extended chance at independence and new homemaking. There is a little intrigue but this first. Book is mostly just sweet and comfortable. Kick your shoes off peaceful reading.
These women have lived full lives and come together in all their glory and talents and baggage to find comfort and security in the company of strangers. Their strengths gather to make possible an extended chance at independence and new homemaking. There is a little intrigue but this first. Book is mostly just sweet and comfortable. Kick your shoes off peaceful reading.
July 27, 2018
Enjoyed this read as I found it easy to relate to the characters and their needs as seniors. I liked that the author choose to emphasize that women of different backgrounds and beliefs can find ways to understand various views and be willing to work together for the benefit of all concerned. Seems most these days think a reality story is bickering, arguing, back stabbing, and in general casting gloom on life. So glad this story took the path less traveled.
July 30, 2018
Some women like to live alone when husband's have departed, by divorce or death, and children have flown the coup. However, there are those that find solitary life depressing and lonely. This book offers a fictional solution. I don't know if it would be all harmony and light, but I am one who seems to enjoy the solitary existence.
An excellent read, of a different to normal quality and a bit of drama thrown in.
An excellent read, of a different to normal quality and a bit of drama thrown in.
August 12, 2018
A Brilliant Idea, Will it Work?
It is rare to find a fictional story where the characters are facing their older years and all the concerns this brings! Ruth Hay brings some of these concerns and the lives of 6 very different women together in Harmony House.
I'm hooked... Isn't that the true sign of a good book?
On to the next book in the series to see if the plan actually works.
It is rare to find a fictional story where the characters are facing their older years and all the concerns this brings! Ruth Hay brings some of these concerns and the lives of 6 very different women together in Harmony House.
I'm hooked... Isn't that the true sign of a good book?
On to the next book in the series to see if the plan actually works.
September 9, 2018
A cute group story set in Canada. Fastinating set up with unique individuals. Yet it doesn't quite hit the mark for me. With the focus on story telling and managing all the details, there remains a passive, telling voice that saps some energy and focus from characters. It may just be that the author's style doesn't appeal to me. However the story is fastinating, and the methodical nature of moving is informative and inspiring.
May 16, 2019
Endearing. Intriguing. Comforting.
A wonderful story about six women, veritable strangers to one another, embarking on a plan to purchase, renovate, and coexist together in a large estate house thereby offering companionship, support, and financial relief. Can six strangers become friends? Is this plan doable, or is it cooked from the start?
A great story, well-written with wonderful characters and a rich storyline! Can't wait to see what happens in Book 2 of this series!
A wonderful story about six women, veritable strangers to one another, embarking on a plan to purchase, renovate, and coexist together in a large estate house thereby offering companionship, support, and financial relief. Can six strangers become friends? Is this plan doable, or is it cooked from the start?
A great story, well-written with wonderful characters and a rich storyline! Can't wait to see what happens in Book 2 of this series!
June 16, 2019
I absolutely loved this book!
The author succeeds in weaving a story about women who are working at giving themselves independence and company in their later years. These are not little old ladies who need a rest home or nurse! These are women who still have many years ahead of them, but want to live in surroundings with like minded friends that will become family. Definitely worth the read!!
The author succeeds in weaving a story about women who are working at giving themselves independence and company in their later years. These are not little old ladies who need a rest home or nurse! These are women who still have many years ahead of them, but want to live in surroundings with like minded friends that will become family. Definitely worth the read!!
October 1, 2020
As a widow I found this quite interesting story
Six different women meet and the side to move in together. Reading the different steps that were taking and how carefully they looked into it the ups and downs I found this book totally inspiring. It’s getting my mind to think this might be something I’d be interested in. I had no idea this was going on for so long throughout the world. Read and find some inspiration in this book.
Six different women meet and the side to move in together. Reading the different steps that were taking and how carefully they looked into it the ups and downs I found this book totally inspiring. It’s getting my mind to think this might be something I’d be interested in. I had no idea this was going on for so long throughout the world. Read and find some inspiration in this book.
July 11, 2023
Sometimes a book just touches you and flows so smoothly that you don’t want to put it down. Perhaps because I’m older but this tale of six women moving in together intrigued me. Six completely different women with stories of their own plan how and what they need to support each other through the later part of life. They were too young for a nursing home and too old to be happy or comfortable living by themselves.
July 8, 2018
If only she could write....
This could be an interesting series, reminiscent of the "Ladies of Covington ." Sadly, this author writes in a stilted, artificial, effusive fashion. Lady, no matter what your old English teacher told you, people use contractions in everyday speech. For heaven's sake, get an editor .
This could be an interesting series, reminiscent of the "Ladies of Covington ." Sadly, this author writes in a stilted, artificial, effusive fashion. Lady, no matter what your old English teacher told you, people use contractions in everyday speech. For heaven's sake, get an editor .
July 12, 2018
I just finished The Girl with Seven Names, and am reading Home Fire. I needed something light to escape for a while after so much drama and political strife, and Harmony House fit the bill. The writing was often stilted, and some of the characters were a bit over the top, but it was a nice read with a happy ending. I needed that!
July 23, 2018
A good read - good enough that I bought the next book, in the series, and the next, and................at that point, realized the success of their experiment as women living together, with common goals, was satisfied two books ago - and I was reading the mundane day to day activities of a bunch of mature women by "habit" rather than "enjoyment".
Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews