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Widows #2
The Widow's Mite
Minnie Price married late in life. Now she is widowed. And starving.
No one suspects this respectable church-goer can barely keep body and soul together. Why would they, while she resides in the magnificent home she shared with Peter?
Her friends and neighbours are oblivious to her plight and her adult step-children have their own reasons to make things worse rather than better. But she is thrown a lifeline when an associate of her late husband arrives with news of an investment about which her step-children know nothing.
Can she release the funds before she finds herself homeless and destitute?
Fans of 'The Hoarder's Widow' will enjoy this sequel, but it reads equally well as a standalone.
No one suspects this respectable church-goer can barely keep body and soul together. Why would they, while she resides in the magnificent home she shared with Peter?
Her friends and neighbours are oblivious to her plight and her adult step-children have their own reasons to make things worse rather than better. But she is thrown a lifeline when an associate of her late husband arrives with news of an investment about which her step-children know nothing.
Can she release the funds before she finds herself homeless and destitute?
Fans of 'The Hoarder's Widow' will enjoy this sequel, but it reads equally well as a standalone.
- GenresContemporaryFiction
353 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2020
67 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Allie Cresswell
32 books104 followersI have been writing stories since I could hold a pencil and by the time I was in Junior School I was writing copiously and sometimes almost legibly.
It was at this time that I had the difference between fiction and lies forcefully impressed upon me, after penning a long and entirely spurious account of my grandfather’s death and funeral.....
The teacher had permitted it as being good therapy for bereavement whereas in fact it was only a good excuse to get out of learning my multiplication tables (something I have never achieved).
Clearly I was forgiven. For for my next birthday I asked for a stack of writing paper and my parents obliged, it being more easily obtained and wrapped than a pony.
A BA in English and Drama at Birmingham University was followed by an MA in English at Queen Mary College but marriage and motherhood put my writing career on hold for some years until 1992 when I began work on Game Show.
In the meantime I worked as a production manager for an educational publishing company, an educational resources copywriter, a bookkeeper for a small printing firm, and was the landlady of a country pub in Yorkshire, a small guest house in Cheshire and the proprietor of a group of boutique holiday cottages in Cumbria.
I am currently teaching literature in the community alongside full time writing.
I have two grown-up children, Tom and Abby, and am married to Tim.
I live in Cheshire.
It was at this time that I had the difference between fiction and lies forcefully impressed upon me, after penning a long and entirely spurious account of my grandfather’s death and funeral.....
The teacher had permitted it as being good therapy for bereavement whereas in fact it was only a good excuse to get out of learning my multiplication tables (something I have never achieved).
Clearly I was forgiven. For for my next birthday I asked for a stack of writing paper and my parents obliged, it being more easily obtained and wrapped than a pony.
A BA in English and Drama at Birmingham University was followed by an MA in English at Queen Mary College but marriage and motherhood put my writing career on hold for some years until 1992 when I began work on Game Show.
In the meantime I worked as a production manager for an educational publishing company, an educational resources copywriter, a bookkeeper for a small printing firm, and was the landlady of a country pub in Yorkshire, a small guest house in Cheshire and the proprietor of a group of boutique holiday cottages in Cumbria.
I am currently teaching literature in the community alongside full time writing.
I have two grown-up children, Tom and Abby, and am married to Tim.
I live in Cheshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 12, 2020
Favorite Quotes:
… her mind was still on the ashes. She imagined some flunkey heaving them out of a bucket on to the ground, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, his shirt not tucked in. Perhaps they’d be mixed with someone else’s. She didn’t like to think of Peter being part of a medley of other dead people. She had never visited the garden of remembrance. It might be a desolate, litter-strewn corner; unkempt, unvisited.
… she had a dry sense of humour, an ability to make everyday things amusing. Today she spoke of a new volunteer at the charity shop who had already jammed the till twice and rubbed a donor up the wrong way by suggesting the paperback books he had brought in were ‘filth.’
Truth be told, the project Maisie suggests appalls him, (an image assaults him, fleeting though vivid, of his mother laundering the rags of hoboes and asylum-seekers, and combing the lice from the matted beards of down-and-outs,) but he would rather die than say so. Dilemma turns him thin-lipped and rheumy-eyed; his thinning hair reveals a scaly flair-up of psoriasis on the narrow dome of his head.
She leafed through the brochures. ‘I’ve never been to Morocco,’ she mused, ‘I expect it’s similar to Egypt, though. The young men are beautiful – there’s no other word to describe them – but by the time they’re forty over-exposure to the sun and inadequate dentistry turns them all into goblins
Jessica perches on the end of Amy’s lounger and eats the olives which have been put there for Amy to enjoy. She does not think she has ever seen such an elderly person before but in her experience the older a person is the more likely they are to have both the time and the wisdom to answer her questions. ‘Tell me about the olden days,’ she says to Amy, ‘when you were alive.’
My Review:
I adored this well-crafted and entertaining tale, it was cleverly written with frequent sneaky slices of wry humor deftly tucked in which often found me rereading them twice or more while giggle-snorting or smirking with each perusal. This was my first exposure to Ms. Cresswell’s writing and I was quickly impressed by her fluid style. The story flowed with a smooth and seamless quality with writing that was often emotive, highly insightful, and perceptively observant. Her character development was top shelf with each cast member being enticingly quirked and uniquely flawed yet curiously interesting and accessible, regardless of their different walks of life and mannerisms.
I picked up two new items for my Brit list with trews for trousers, and three-line whip – a political term for a strict edict to attend and vote the party line or suffer the consequences. The character referenced was certainly at the mastery level of those – both the decrees and the consequences.
… her mind was still on the ashes. She imagined some flunkey heaving them out of a bucket on to the ground, a cigarette dangling from the corner of his mouth, his shirt not tucked in. Perhaps they’d be mixed with someone else’s. She didn’t like to think of Peter being part of a medley of other dead people. She had never visited the garden of remembrance. It might be a desolate, litter-strewn corner; unkempt, unvisited.
… she had a dry sense of humour, an ability to make everyday things amusing. Today she spoke of a new volunteer at the charity shop who had already jammed the till twice and rubbed a donor up the wrong way by suggesting the paperback books he had brought in were ‘filth.’
Truth be told, the project Maisie suggests appalls him, (an image assaults him, fleeting though vivid, of his mother laundering the rags of hoboes and asylum-seekers, and combing the lice from the matted beards of down-and-outs,) but he would rather die than say so. Dilemma turns him thin-lipped and rheumy-eyed; his thinning hair reveals a scaly flair-up of psoriasis on the narrow dome of his head.
She leafed through the brochures. ‘I’ve never been to Morocco,’ she mused, ‘I expect it’s similar to Egypt, though. The young men are beautiful – there’s no other word to describe them – but by the time they’re forty over-exposure to the sun and inadequate dentistry turns them all into goblins
Jessica perches on the end of Amy’s lounger and eats the olives which have been put there for Amy to enjoy. She does not think she has ever seen such an elderly person before but in her experience the older a person is the more likely they are to have both the time and the wisdom to answer her questions. ‘Tell me about the olden days,’ she says to Amy, ‘when you were alive.’
My Review:
I adored this well-crafted and entertaining tale, it was cleverly written with frequent sneaky slices of wry humor deftly tucked in which often found me rereading them twice or more while giggle-snorting or smirking with each perusal. This was my first exposure to Ms. Cresswell’s writing and I was quickly impressed by her fluid style. The story flowed with a smooth and seamless quality with writing that was often emotive, highly insightful, and perceptively observant. Her character development was top shelf with each cast member being enticingly quirked and uniquely flawed yet curiously interesting and accessible, regardless of their different walks of life and mannerisms.
I picked up two new items for my Brit list with trews for trousers, and three-line whip – a political term for a strict edict to attend and vote the party line or suffer the consequences. The character referenced was certainly at the mastery level of those – both the decrees and the consequences.
March 6, 2020
The Widow’s Mite is the follow-up to The Hoarder’s Widow but you needn’t worry if, like me, you haven’t read the first book as The Widow’s Mite works perfectly well as a standalone read.
The Hoarder’s Widow introduced the reader to recently widowed Maisie Wilde, coping with the impact of the death of her husband, Clifford. She reappears in The Widow’s Mite and the book continues her story alongside that of Minnie Price, also recently widowed. The author shows real insight into the little things that can trigger moments of grief following a bereavement – an object, an anniversary, a familiar scent or a reminder of places visited together.
Besides both being widows what Minnie and Maisie have in common is, with a few notable exceptions, rather unpleasant grown-up children. Poor Minnie particularly suffers in this regard and, like me, you may give a little cheer when comeuppance seems possible. However, the two women’s financial positions couldn’t be more different. Maisie has been left well-provided for; Minnie most definitely has not leaving her prey to unscrupulous individuals. Again, the author is particularly good at depicting the frugality to which Minnie is driven and exploring with compassion Minnie’s feelings about the actions she takes as a result.
Although their stories are told in alternating chapters – Minnie’s in the past tense and Maisie’s in the present tense – it is through mutual friends that they eventually come together. There are some great characters among those friends and some fun moments during their trips together.
The Widow’s Mite demonstrates you can never know what’s going on behind closed doors but that there is always room in the world for generosity.
The Hoarder’s Widow introduced the reader to recently widowed Maisie Wilde, coping with the impact of the death of her husband, Clifford. She reappears in The Widow’s Mite and the book continues her story alongside that of Minnie Price, also recently widowed. The author shows real insight into the little things that can trigger moments of grief following a bereavement – an object, an anniversary, a familiar scent or a reminder of places visited together.
Besides both being widows what Minnie and Maisie have in common is, with a few notable exceptions, rather unpleasant grown-up children. Poor Minnie particularly suffers in this regard and, like me, you may give a little cheer when comeuppance seems possible. However, the two women’s financial positions couldn’t be more different. Maisie has been left well-provided for; Minnie most definitely has not leaving her prey to unscrupulous individuals. Again, the author is particularly good at depicting the frugality to which Minnie is driven and exploring with compassion Minnie’s feelings about the actions she takes as a result.
Although their stories are told in alternating chapters – Minnie’s in the past tense and Maisie’s in the present tense – it is through mutual friends that they eventually come together. There are some great characters among those friends and some fun moments during their trips together.
The Widow’s Mite demonstrates you can never know what’s going on behind closed doors but that there is always room in the world for generosity.
March 8, 2020
This was a quaint quirky little story. A follow up to “The Hoarder’s Widow”, but it did work well as a standalone. The only thing is I would have liked a little more of
Maisie’s backstory. This is Maisie and Minnie’s story. Both these ladies have been recently widowed and are dealing with grief, adult children, financial issues, and moving on. Maisie’s story is told in the present. She discovered a big secret while cleaning up her deceased husband‘s stuff and now it is time to tell the children. Minnie’s story is told in the past. Even though it appears on the outside that Minnie is living a lavish life she is really having to pinch every penny. She is being swindled and her stepchildren are being horrific. Really made me think about how you really need to discuss death (as unpleasant as it is) with your loved ones.
I really liked both Maisie and Minnie and found their stories both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I really liked their friends as well (with the exception of one who was quite a witch). I also liked how resourceful Minnie was. And I can’t forget about her adorable dog who she had such an amazing bond with! There were some definite frustrating moments in the story, but the ending was perfection. I’m hoping there is a follow-up to this follow-up.
This book in emojis. 🖤 🧵 🐶 💸
*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Maisie’s backstory. This is Maisie and Minnie’s story. Both these ladies have been recently widowed and are dealing with grief, adult children, financial issues, and moving on. Maisie’s story is told in the present. She discovered a big secret while cleaning up her deceased husband‘s stuff and now it is time to tell the children. Minnie’s story is told in the past. Even though it appears on the outside that Minnie is living a lavish life she is really having to pinch every penny. She is being swindled and her stepchildren are being horrific. Really made me think about how you really need to discuss death (as unpleasant as it is) with your loved ones.
I really liked both Maisie and Minnie and found their stories both heartwarming and heartbreaking. I really liked their friends as well (with the exception of one who was quite a witch). I also liked how resourceful Minnie was. And I can’t forget about her adorable dog who she had such an amazing bond with! There were some definite frustrating moments in the story, but the ending was perfection. I’m hoping there is a follow-up to this follow-up.
This book in emojis. 🖤 🧵 🐶 💸
*** Big thank you to the author for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
April 18, 2023
review - https://booksteacupreviews.com/2023/0...
The Widows Mite is a touching and emotive #contemporary that revolves around one of Maisie’s friends, Minie, who was known to be obsessed with living economically and frugally in first book, The Hoarder’s Widow, but no one could figure out why which is revealed in this story. This is a painful and heartwrenching bereavement journey of Minnie that tested her patience and hope.
I expected this solely from Minnie’s POV but I was surprised to see Maisie’s POV as well. There is an alternative dual perspective and dual timeline.
Minnie’s POV is from a year before Starting with her husband’s death, how friendship with Gwen helped her with grief and loss, how she met other Gwen’s friends and also Maisie, how she handled her financial situation until the current timeline that is Maisie’s POV that continues Maisie’s story from the previous book. Both timelines merge near the end.
In first book I couldn’t get why Minnie was so frugal, I wondered a lot if it’s her nature or something else but because of the end of the first book I could see there is story behind it which was interesting to read here.
The author excellently presented layers of financial exploitations by fraud and scams under the bereavement services or investment companies for new widows or old people, trauma of hunger, misleading and misappropriation of will, and emotional and physical toll of long suffering.
Why 4 Stars-
I get Minnie’s nature and everything she did or believed but still her nativity got on my nerves. She preferred to go hungry than let people in! It made me want to shake her so hard.
Overall, Widow’s Mite is bittersweet, heartwarming and heartbreaking contemporary about bereavement, scam, and financial issues.
The Widows Mite is a touching and emotive #contemporary that revolves around one of Maisie’s friends, Minie, who was known to be obsessed with living economically and frugally in first book, The Hoarder’s Widow, but no one could figure out why which is revealed in this story. This is a painful and heartwrenching bereavement journey of Minnie that tested her patience and hope.
I expected this solely from Minnie’s POV but I was surprised to see Maisie’s POV as well. There is an alternative dual perspective and dual timeline.
Minnie’s POV is from a year before Starting with her husband’s death, how friendship with Gwen helped her with grief and loss, how she met other Gwen’s friends and also Maisie, how she handled her financial situation until the current timeline that is Maisie’s POV that continues Maisie’s story from the previous book. Both timelines merge near the end.
In first book I couldn’t get why Minnie was so frugal, I wondered a lot if it’s her nature or something else but because of the end of the first book I could see there is story behind it which was interesting to read here.
The author excellently presented layers of financial exploitations by fraud and scams under the bereavement services or investment companies for new widows or old people, trauma of hunger, misleading and misappropriation of will, and emotional and physical toll of long suffering.
Why 4 Stars-
I get Minnie’s nature and everything she did or believed but still her nativity got on my nerves. She preferred to go hungry than let people in! It made me want to shake her so hard.
Overall, Widow’s Mite is bittersweet, heartwarming and heartbreaking contemporary about bereavement, scam, and financial issues.
August 25, 2021
As I was reading this, the police in my county posted the following on NextDoor--"Bail money scam--This week, three residents fell victim to the friend and family member in jail scam. In all three incidents, a male came to their residences to pick up the money, saying he was a courier." You gotta be alert! What scares me with this one (and the one Minnie was put through) was that people came to her house. It just wasn't faceless electronic transfers.
This was a Kindle freebie on Amazon awhile ago. It's second in a series, and honestly, the first one could have been skipped since that widow is featured in this one and the reader is brought up to speed in a few paragraphs.
I was a paralegal, so I could predict how the story would end once the will was read. One problem I had was that Minnie married "late in life" but she seemed very unaware of *all* financial matters considering that she was on her own for years. I couldn't get a handle on how old she was either--at one point tampons are mentioned and here I thought all the widows were in their 60s and/or 70s!
Anyway, if you are married and haven't written a will do it immediately! And make sure your IRAs have named beneficiaries.
This was a Kindle freebie on Amazon awhile ago. It's second in a series, and honestly, the first one could have been skipped since that widow is featured in this one and the reader is brought up to speed in a few paragraphs.
I was a paralegal, so I could predict how the story would end once the will was read. One problem I had was that Minnie married "late in life" but she seemed very unaware of *all* financial matters considering that she was on her own for years. I couldn't get a handle on how old she was either--at one point tampons are mentioned and here I thought all the widows were in their 60s and/or 70s!
Anyway, if you are married and haven't written a will do it immediately! And make sure your IRAs have named beneficiaries.
March 9, 2020
This is #2 in the Widow’s series but can easily be read as a stand-alone.
This is the tale of the recently widowed Minnie Price and Maisie Wilde (from book 1) and how they cope with the trials and tribulations of widowhood.
They become friends due to their shared circumstances, albeit very different financially, but they both have reprehensible relatives and adult children to deal with.
I found this to be a beautifully written tale of grief, life and friendship. It’s full of humour and relatable real life situations. A Gentle, lovely read.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
This is the tale of the recently widowed Minnie Price and Maisie Wilde (from book 1) and how they cope with the trials and tribulations of widowhood.
They become friends due to their shared circumstances, albeit very different financially, but they both have reprehensible relatives and adult children to deal with.
I found this to be a beautifully written tale of grief, life and friendship. It’s full of humour and relatable real life situations. A Gentle, lovely read.
Thank you to Rachel’s Random Resources for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
March 7, 2020
Minnie had married Peter and had a life that she loved with a man that she loved. His sudden death understandably shocks her and leaves her feeling vulnerable, luckily Peter’s grown-up children are on hand to help take care of the will and finances. Unfortunately, it appears that Peter has made no allowance for Minnie, or so it seems.
This is such a wonderful read, it is heartbreaking at times to see Minnie so destitute but still helping others out. Minnie is a proud woman and will not admit to the position she finds herself in. From those outside looking in they see a woman who is tight and miserly, I mean how can a woman who lives in a large 5 bedroom house have any worries?
The author has created a network who gradually become part of Minnie’s life, they can possibly see changes in Minnie but they never know the full extent of Minnie’s life. It is that old saying “that you never know what goes on behind closed doors” that constantly sprang to mind as I read this story.
Minnie’s predicament is one that many people find themselves in, it is one that leaves them vulnerable and open to being taken advantage of. There is always the hope that something will work out, finding it easier to deal with hope than deal with the cold hard truth!
This is a story of friendship, pride and denial and was a wonderful read. It had my heart going out to Minnie and also some of her friends. The author has included tantalising snippets about them that shows that Minnie isn’t the only one with problems. A story that I would definitely recommend.
This is such a wonderful read, it is heartbreaking at times to see Minnie so destitute but still helping others out. Minnie is a proud woman and will not admit to the position she finds herself in. From those outside looking in they see a woman who is tight and miserly, I mean how can a woman who lives in a large 5 bedroom house have any worries?
The author has created a network who gradually become part of Minnie’s life, they can possibly see changes in Minnie but they never know the full extent of Minnie’s life. It is that old saying “that you never know what goes on behind closed doors” that constantly sprang to mind as I read this story.
Minnie’s predicament is one that many people find themselves in, it is one that leaves them vulnerable and open to being taken advantage of. There is always the hope that something will work out, finding it easier to deal with hope than deal with the cold hard truth!
This is a story of friendship, pride and denial and was a wonderful read. It had my heart going out to Minnie and also some of her friends. The author has included tantalising snippets about them that shows that Minnie isn’t the only one with problems. A story that I would definitely recommend.
March 7, 2020
I have read Allie Cresswell's books before, but I haven't read the book one in this series yet, and I will say, although I don't like to do it, I didn't feel left out, because it could be read as a standalone. Of course there were some things I know came from Maisie's story (book one), but it was totally fine with me and it makes me curious now about that novel, just so I can connect some dots.
We follow Minnie Price during this new phase in her life as a widower. It's something I have no experience about, but I have seen my grandma and some aunts and a cousin go through it, and I could empathize for Minnie as I would for any member of my family.
There was this vulnerability in the story that is heart breaking and emotional. Did I love that about the story? Well, yes, Allie Cresswell wrote a brilliant story that was thought provoking while taking us on a emotional rollercoaster.
Because we get to see Maisie's story as well, the format of this novel combined with the plot and the development of the characters, it was like this beautifully knitted blanket. Minnie and Maisie are amazing, well written, characters that touched my heart, and seeing the storytelling unfold was fantastic.
The characters interactions were realistic and that made it for a bittersweet realization about human interactions and our society. There's always plenty of different attitudes and personalities. Something that made this story sound so real.
Overall, it was a brilliant novel. I do hope I get to read the first novel soon so I can fully understand Maisie and the connections with this book. Nevertheless, "The Widow's Mite" was a book I enjoyed reading and if this is the kind of book that sparks your attention, I would say: Go for it and be prepared to feel.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Allie Cresswell for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
We follow Minnie Price during this new phase in her life as a widower. It's something I have no experience about, but I have seen my grandma and some aunts and a cousin go through it, and I could empathize for Minnie as I would for any member of my family.
There was this vulnerability in the story that is heart breaking and emotional. Did I love that about the story? Well, yes, Allie Cresswell wrote a brilliant story that was thought provoking while taking us on a emotional rollercoaster.
Because we get to see Maisie's story as well, the format of this novel combined with the plot and the development of the characters, it was like this beautifully knitted blanket. Minnie and Maisie are amazing, well written, characters that touched my heart, and seeing the storytelling unfold was fantastic.
The characters interactions were realistic and that made it for a bittersweet realization about human interactions and our society. There's always plenty of different attitudes and personalities. Something that made this story sound so real.
Overall, it was a brilliant novel. I do hope I get to read the first novel soon so I can fully understand Maisie and the connections with this book. Nevertheless, "The Widow's Mite" was a book I enjoyed reading and if this is the kind of book that sparks your attention, I would say: Go for it and be prepared to feel.
[I want to thank Rachel, at Rachel’s Random Resources, and Allie Cresswell for the eCopy of this book, and for allowing me to join in the fun and being a part of the blog tour with my honest review of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.]
March 7, 2020
This book is the sequel to 'The Hoarder's Widow' and read great as a stand alone book. This installment of the widow series follows the heart wrenching story of Minnie Price. Minnie fell in love and married late in her life to a widower Peter Price who was able to care for her financially. In just a few years into her marriage, Peter dies suddenly of a heart attack. Minnie in a state of shock and complete depression was faced to manage her financial affairs and her gullibility and trustfulness amidst her world falling apart made her an easy target to some people who wants to take advantage, as well as some pretty dreadful step-children who cannot wait to kick Minnie out into the streets.
I enjoyed the beautiful prose and writing of Allie Creswell and delivered such a gut wrenching and powerful story about the unexpected realities when a loved one dies. This story was a powerful punch that I really enjoyed reading about. Creswell's brilliant characterization is what made this story a delight to read. I found that the story built up well with the alternating story lines between Maisie's story from the first book and Minnie's story currently merging together in a delightful and satisfying conclusion.
I enjoyed the beautiful prose and writing of Allie Creswell and delivered such a gut wrenching and powerful story about the unexpected realities when a loved one dies. This story was a powerful punch that I really enjoyed reading about. Creswell's brilliant characterization is what made this story a delight to read. I found that the story built up well with the alternating story lines between Maisie's story from the first book and Minnie's story currently merging together in a delightful and satisfying conclusion.
February 20, 2020
Minnie Price looks to the world like a quiet, polite churchgoer who wouldn't say boo to a goose. Despite being recently widowed, it is abundantly clear she has been left well-off. After all, she lives in a magnificent house and would appear to want for nothing. A few despise her for what looks like an obsession to save money and penny-pinch, but no one knows she has, in fact, been left destitute. Her only hope, a secret investment of money her dearly departed Peter had left to provide for her in widowhood.
This story is so beautifully written, it was a joy to read. I was completely swept up in Minnie's tale full of observational humour and real life parallels. The book also brings back Maisie Wilde from 'The Hoarder's Widow', one of my favourite characters. Maisie is one of Minnie's supportive friends and her tale is continued as she is about to reveal a hidden secret to her adult children. I thoroughly recommend both books but you don't need to read 'The Hoarder's Widow' to enjoy 'The Widow's Mite'.
Five big fat stars from me!
This story is so beautifully written, it was a joy to read. I was completely swept up in Minnie's tale full of observational humour and real life parallels. The book also brings back Maisie Wilde from 'The Hoarder's Widow', one of my favourite characters. Maisie is one of Minnie's supportive friends and her tale is continued as she is about to reveal a hidden secret to her adult children. I thoroughly recommend both books but you don't need to read 'The Hoarder's Widow' to enjoy 'The Widow's Mite'.
Five big fat stars from me!
March 9, 2020
Maisie and Minnie have both been widowed. Minnie married later in life and her marriage made her feel complete. When her husband dies suddenly she finds herself in straightened circumstances, although living in a fairly substantial home she has no income and begins to find her self starving and pifering to survive. Her step children are not interested in her well being. Maisie finds her home to big and intends to find like compatible people to share her home with, to the horror of her children. This lovely story follows how the two women meet and find how much they have in commen. Although this book is a follow up book to the first story it reads well on its own.
March 6, 2020
Beautiful and captivating writing once again by Allie Cresswell.
This thought-provoking sequel to The Hoarders Widow is a little gem that stirs emotions from all angles.
Watching Minnie’s life spiral from a distance makes the reader not want to put the book down, to ensure that the outcome is positive in the end.
Continuing Maisie’s story following on from the first book is a pleasure to see her growth and strength despite the family’s other failings.
A delight to read and well worth the time.
Perfect as a stand-alone book but made even richer by having read the first one.
This thought-provoking sequel to The Hoarders Widow is a little gem that stirs emotions from all angles.
Watching Minnie’s life spiral from a distance makes the reader not want to put the book down, to ensure that the outcome is positive in the end.
Continuing Maisie’s story following on from the first book is a pleasure to see her growth and strength despite the family’s other failings.
A delight to read and well worth the time.
Perfect as a stand-alone book but made even richer by having read the first one.
February 24, 2020
A beautifully written, descriptive book. A story of two main characters who have been dealt different hands in later life and how they deal with it. Excellent characters some you will love and some you will hate. A huge 5* from me. Thanks to TBC for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
March 7, 2020
I've loved all Allie Cresswell books, and, this one is no exception, the sequel to 'The Hoarder's Widow', but works just as good as a standalone book.
Loved the characters, especially Minnie.
A lovely story that stays with you, fully recommend. 😊
Loved the characters, especially Minnie.
A lovely story that stays with you, fully recommend. 😊
March 12, 2020
Sweet book filled with well-drawn characters. The plot was a little slow-moving and there were some character flaws I didn’t understand (why didn’t Minnie have any marketable skills if she lived alone for so long??). But all in all, I loved these characters and left the book hoping they all live happy ever after.
Full review: Check out The Widow’s Mite - a sweet women’s fiction about being lost in the world after losing the person who found you. http://wix.to/6MBLCFE
Full review: Check out The Widow’s Mite - a sweet women’s fiction about being lost in the world after losing the person who found you. http://wix.to/6MBLCFE
Want to read
March 5, 2020Anticipating this story.. currently free
September 25, 2021
Another favourite
Another beautiful book by Allie Cresswell. I love how she portrays her characters so that they become good friends to you and make you invested in their stories
Hoping we get to find out more of the other widows’ stories
Another beautiful book by Allie Cresswell. I love how she portrays her characters so that they become good friends to you and make you invested in their stories
Hoping we get to find out more of the other widows’ stories
March 9, 2020
When one thinks of the poor and needy, the phrase 'widows and orphans' may come to mind. Some may consider this an outdated stereotype, but it does have a basis in the truth. Poor Minnie Price is exactly one of these. Widowed after a brief marriage, she finds herself alone and starving in the house they used to share. Her callous stepchildren and the bitter winter push her into penury and deceit, and leave her vulnerable to promises of a secret investment.
This wasn't a comfortable read. Sometimes I just wanted to step into the page and tell someone - anyone - what was going on underneath their noses. It was all too easy to watch everything play out and makes one wonder how far one would go in the same circumstances. The deft prose was vivid without being heaving handed, painting Minnie's struggles with careful, honest touches. I found myself grimacing at the emotions evoked even as I struggled to put the book down.
I will say that as this is the second in a series, I did find part of the plot wrapped around characters from the first book. I wouldn't say this diminished my enjoyment, but there were definitely threads that I didn't understand. The switching timelines also took a while to get used to, as they read like two separate books that had been merged chapter by chapter.
If you are looking for an emotional read about the quiet fringes of society please pick this book up.
Four stars for the feels and a very satisfying ending.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own.
This wasn't a comfortable read. Sometimes I just wanted to step into the page and tell someone - anyone - what was going on underneath their noses. It was all too easy to watch everything play out and makes one wonder how far one would go in the same circumstances. The deft prose was vivid without being heaving handed, painting Minnie's struggles with careful, honest touches. I found myself grimacing at the emotions evoked even as I struggled to put the book down.
I will say that as this is the second in a series, I did find part of the plot wrapped around characters from the first book. I wouldn't say this diminished my enjoyment, but there were definitely threads that I didn't understand. The switching timelines also took a while to get used to, as they read like two separate books that had been merged chapter by chapter.
If you are looking for an emotional read about the quiet fringes of society please pick this book up.
Four stars for the feels and a very satisfying ending.
Disclaimer: I received an ARC via Rachel's Random Resources, all opinions are my own.
March 5, 2020
The Widow's Mite (Widows Book 2) by Allie Cresswell
Although this is book two in author Allie Cresswell’s ‘Widows’ series it works well as a standalone story.
Minnie Price is widowed having married Peter later on in life and although she still lives in their impressive house, Minnie is actually without funds and on the point of starving. I loved Minnie as a character and really felt for her plight, she comes across as a likeable lady, she’s a regular church goer and is always seen as ‘up together’ in her dress, so her fellow church goers do not realise how bad things are for her. Her only option is to sell her beloved home which she shared with her late husband. Meanwhile her husbands older children seem disinterested in helping their stepmother. When an associate of Peters turns up with news of an investment, things suddenly look up for Minnie.
I fell in love with Minnie and really felt her desperation at having to raise funds before she became homeless and having to trust a man, Peter, that she did not know well to help her. I also liked how the author introduced Maisie, the widow from her first book, as Minnies friend. It was nice to catch up with Maisie, however Cresswell gave enough of her backstory that you could read this book happily without having read the first book in her ‘Widows’ series.
A lovely read which is well written, full of detail and flows nicely. I recommend this book.
Although this is book two in author Allie Cresswell’s ‘Widows’ series it works well as a standalone story.
Minnie Price is widowed having married Peter later on in life and although she still lives in their impressive house, Minnie is actually without funds and on the point of starving. I loved Minnie as a character and really felt for her plight, she comes across as a likeable lady, she’s a regular church goer and is always seen as ‘up together’ in her dress, so her fellow church goers do not realise how bad things are for her. Her only option is to sell her beloved home which she shared with her late husband. Meanwhile her husbands older children seem disinterested in helping their stepmother. When an associate of Peters turns up with news of an investment, things suddenly look up for Minnie.
I fell in love with Minnie and really felt her desperation at having to raise funds before she became homeless and having to trust a man, Peter, that she did not know well to help her. I also liked how the author introduced Maisie, the widow from her first book, as Minnies friend. It was nice to catch up with Maisie, however Cresswell gave enough of her backstory that you could read this book happily without having read the first book in her ‘Widows’ series.
A lovely read which is well written, full of detail and flows nicely. I recommend this book.
March 14, 2020
I was feeling really conflicted after reading this book.
Poor Minnie, struggling to manage her bills and figuring out what the future holds after being suddenly widowed after only 6 years of marriage. She is a hard worker and a nice person but her life unravels at a rapid rate. Her nasty, entitled step-children don't help matters any either. The only thing that helps Minnie is her friendship group. A bunch of women, widows as well, who offer the support and friendship that are a lifeline to Minnie (other than Viola, a truly vile speciman of a woman).
I think it is that the author's writing was so good, that I got so ridiculously emotionally involved in this book. Contrary to most people who read it, I found it heart-wrenchingly sad, for the majority of it. It comes, perhaps, from also living from week to week for so long myself, and not being very far away from the situation that Minnie found herself in either. I can relate a little bit too well to her. I found myself crying for her, the unfairness of the things that were done to her by others and the lack of support and care, especially in the early days. Mind you, I find it hard to believe that a woman who is around a decade younger than I am is so naive about so many things. But still...
Sorry, I can't give it more than 3.5 stars. Even the ending wasn't enough to lift me out of the gloom that the book placed me in.
Poor Minnie, struggling to manage her bills and figuring out what the future holds after being suddenly widowed after only 6 years of marriage. She is a hard worker and a nice person but her life unravels at a rapid rate. Her nasty, entitled step-children don't help matters any either. The only thing that helps Minnie is her friendship group. A bunch of women, widows as well, who offer the support and friendship that are a lifeline to Minnie (other than Viola, a truly vile speciman of a woman).
I think it is that the author's writing was so good, that I got so ridiculously emotionally involved in this book. Contrary to most people who read it, I found it heart-wrenchingly sad, for the majority of it. It comes, perhaps, from also living from week to week for so long myself, and not being very far away from the situation that Minnie found herself in either. I can relate a little bit too well to her. I found myself crying for her, the unfairness of the things that were done to her by others and the lack of support and care, especially in the early days. Mind you, I find it hard to believe that a woman who is around a decade younger than I am is so naive about so many things. But still...
Sorry, I can't give it more than 3.5 stars. Even the ending wasn't enough to lift me out of the gloom that the book placed me in.
March 1, 2020
Recently widowed Minnie Price has found herself in a bit of a predicament. Her late husband has left a Will leaving all his worldly goods to his children (Minnie’s step children) and they want Minnie to vacate the family home as soon as possible. Minnie finds herself on the breadline and is the victim of a scam, leading to some not very good decisions.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a great sequel to The Hoarder’s Wife. It brings home the fact that when times get tough, you find out who your true friends are and they are not always your family. It’s a well written tale with some good observations. It’s very relevant to the present day and has some excellent insights into the anxious mind. Minnie is such a gentle person, she’s described wonderfully and seems realistically portrayed. I loved that she found her voice in the end and her friends gathered round her.
A lovely, gentle read which I can highly recommend.
I enjoyed this story. I thought it was a great sequel to The Hoarder’s Wife. It brings home the fact that when times get tough, you find out who your true friends are and they are not always your family. It’s a well written tale with some good observations. It’s very relevant to the present day and has some excellent insights into the anxious mind. Minnie is such a gentle person, she’s described wonderfully and seems realistically portrayed. I loved that she found her voice in the end and her friends gathered round her.
A lovely, gentle read which I can highly recommend.
February 26, 2020
This is the story of Minnie and Maisie both widowed and outwardly left in comfortable positions but not is all as it seems.
The main story follows Maisemore coming to terms with her husband's unexpected death, her despicable step children and the opportunity of a lifetime to secure her future. The parallel story is Maisie and her decision to change her home circumstances to support others. Running throughout are common friends both supportive and critical that form the bridge between the two women and the experience of widowhood.
On the whole I enjoyed this novel but found the telling of Minnie's story to be too drawn out despite the importance of the subject matter. I would have liked to have known more about Maisie and her circumstances although I do recognise some of this may have been covered in the first novel.
Thank you to TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this novel
The main story follows Maisemore coming to terms with her husband's unexpected death, her despicable step children and the opportunity of a lifetime to secure her future. The parallel story is Maisie and her decision to change her home circumstances to support others. Running throughout are common friends both supportive and critical that form the bridge between the two women and the experience of widowhood.
On the whole I enjoyed this novel but found the telling of Minnie's story to be too drawn out despite the importance of the subject matter. I would have liked to have known more about Maisie and her circumstances although I do recognise some of this may have been covered in the first novel.
Thank you to TBC Reviewer group for my copy of this novel
March 1, 2020
My Aunt Minnie was widowed in 1956 at the age of sixty-one. Her late husband, a successful businessman, had handled all aspects of their financial life. When he died, Aunt Minnie had no idea of the state of their finances, what bills needed to be paid, or even how to write a cheque. Fortunately, her brother, her grown children, and her brother-in-law rallied around and taught her what she needed to know.
In her thoughtful and compassionate narrative, Allie Cresswell brought home to me how badly my own Aunt Minnie’s life might have turned out if not for the love and kindness shown her by her family and friends. Cresswell’s novel is a lesson to all of us to dig below the surface of an image of ‘normalcy’ projected by someone who is desperately in need of help but too proud or embarrased to ask for it.
In her thoughtful and compassionate narrative, Allie Cresswell brought home to me how badly my own Aunt Minnie’s life might have turned out if not for the love and kindness shown her by her family and friends. Cresswell’s novel is a lesson to all of us to dig below the surface of an image of ‘normalcy’ projected by someone who is desperately in need of help but too proud or embarrased to ask for it.
March 2, 2020
I received a copy of this book from TBC Reviewers request- Thank you
Minnie Price married late in life. Now she is widowed. And starving.
No one suspects this respectable church-goer can barely keep body and soul together. Why would they, while she resides in the magnificent home she shared with Peter?
Her friends and neighbours are oblivious to her plight and her adult step-children have their own reasons to make things worse rather than better. But she is thrown a lifeline when an associate of her late husband arrives with news of an investment about which her step-children know nothing.
Can she release the funds before she finds herself homeless and destitute?
This is the second book in the series and although I’ve not read the first I absolutely loved this book it’s so wrong it’s got to be right!
A really engaging read that raises smiles as well as the questions of morals!
Minnie Price married late in life. Now she is widowed. And starving.
No one suspects this respectable church-goer can barely keep body and soul together. Why would they, while she resides in the magnificent home she shared with Peter?
Her friends and neighbours are oblivious to her plight and her adult step-children have their own reasons to make things worse rather than better. But she is thrown a lifeline when an associate of her late husband arrives with news of an investment about which her step-children know nothing.
Can she release the funds before she finds herself homeless and destitute?
This is the second book in the series and although I’ve not read the first I absolutely loved this book it’s so wrong it’s got to be right!
A really engaging read that raises smiles as well as the questions of morals!
March 7, 2020
Heartbreaking & relevant
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Be prepared. What would you be reduced to, in the event that you lost your loved one & had very little money? How would you survive in a home you can't heat? What would you do to eat? How would you help a friend in need who won't tell you what is going on?
This book will make most people feel anger, sadness, and hopelessness mixed with comical moments, enduring relationships, and heroes found. Believe it all because it happens. Now, what are you doing for your friend? Neighbor? Relative? Co-worker? Church acquaintance? The hungry? The homeless?
This book will impact the reader tremendously. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
I received this book free from one of the book sites. I do not remember which one! This is my honest and voluntary review.
Be prepared. What would you be reduced to, in the event that you lost your loved one & had very little money? How would you survive in a home you can't heat? What would you do to eat? How would you help a friend in need who won't tell you what is going on?
This book will make most people feel anger, sadness, and hopelessness mixed with comical moments, enduring relationships, and heroes found. Believe it all because it happens. Now, what are you doing for your friend? Neighbor? Relative? Co-worker? Church acquaintance? The hungry? The homeless?
This book will impact the reader tremendously. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
February 24, 2022
Part 2 of the Widows series couldn't enthrall me quite as much as the first one, although equally well written as such. Very early on I saw through the various scams poor Minnie, the protagonist, fell for. I must admit that I don't have much patience for such idiocy (sorry), so wasn't able to relate to her and the terrible devastation she felt. I knew how it would all be solved in the end, so I hurried a bit through the pages. What kept me interested was the ongoing story of Maisie in book 1, which alternated with Minnie's experiences until everything came together in the end. A lovely solution and a relief after all the ridiculous drama. Sadly, things like that actually happen, which makes this book very important to raise awareness.
April 19, 2020
Scamming the vulnerable
This well written tale concerning widows was excellent. There were various widows with their own tales revealing the loneliness and problems encountered as they readjust and make their way thru this new terrain. The two main characters reveal some very important issues of grown children, their spouses and grandchildren. Maintaining friendships are shown very important. The one that is left in an awkward situation due to trusting the wrong people. But true friends are essential
This well written tale concerning widows was excellent. There were various widows with their own tales revealing the loneliness and problems encountered as they readjust and make their way thru this new terrain. The two main characters reveal some very important issues of grown children, their spouses and grandchildren. Maintaining friendships are shown very important. The one that is left in an awkward situation due to trusting the wrong people. But true friends are essential
May 13, 2020
A page turner , with every emotion imaginable!
I am a widow, living with my youngest child presently. I related in so many ways with Minnie. All the feelings, emotions and indecision; all the fear and hopelessness, the worry and the pride.
I was going to stop reading at one point because of Minnie 's being so gullible. It made me feel angry with her, even though the perpetrators and the injustice of her situation were both disgusting. I would hope that no one would fall for such a stupid
deception.
I will be reading more of your books.
I am a widow, living with my youngest child presently. I related in so many ways with Minnie. All the feelings, emotions and indecision; all the fear and hopelessness, the worry and the pride.
I was going to stop reading at one point because of Minnie 's being so gullible. It made me feel angry with her, even though the perpetrators and the injustice of her situation were both disgusting. I would hope that no one would fall for such a stupid
deception.
I will be reading more of your books.
March 1, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, it brings back the characters from the previous book The Hoarders Widow by the same author but this one concentrates more on a different one than before. I liked the way that the details are built as the story progresses and the gradual re-introduction of the remaining characters. It gives a greater insight into their lives and expands them as well.
I found it very easy to read and did enjoy the ending.
I found it very easy to read and did enjoy the ending.
March 29, 2020
Good Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Minnie and all she went through. Some of the ladies she thought were friends really weren't, but meeting Maisie and her friends and family seemed like true friends should be. When Maisie first entered the story, I felt the book slightly confusing and almost wanted to give it up. So glad I didn't. Would possibly be interested in more of this writer's books.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Minnie and all she went through. Some of the ladies she thought were friends really weren't, but meeting Maisie and her friends and family seemed like true friends should be. When Maisie first entered the story, I felt the book slightly confusing and almost wanted to give it up. So glad I didn't. Would possibly be interested in more of this writer's books.
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