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Chestnut Cove: Love and Lessons
Chestnut Cove: Love and Lessons is the second novel about the Stuart family of the fictional town of Elkford in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Set in 1955, it gives insight into the lives of several characters introduced in Chestnut Cove: Poseurs and Portraits, which was set in 1979.
Sandra Duncan and John Stuart have known one another since they were ten. Now seventeen, the couple is set to begin their senior year at Elkford High School. However, one mistake will change their lives, and they will be forced to fight for their future together. The path forward won't be an easy one for the young lovers, and it may set the course for the Stuarts for generations to come.
Sandra Duncan and John Stuart have known one another since they were ten. Now seventeen, the couple is set to begin their senior year at Elkford High School. However, one mistake will change their lives, and they will be forced to fight for their future together. The path forward won't be an easy one for the young lovers, and it may set the course for the Stuarts for generations to come.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
2 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Howell
4 books13 followersB. A. Howell is a native of east Alabama. She attended Auburn University followed by a career in engineering in Huntsville and Auburn, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia, before embarking on the adventure of writing. The Chestnut Cove novels reflect her love of the mountains inherited from her mother. You can keep track of her occasional online postings at bahowell.com.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
October 10, 2021
A very good read such a loving and gentle story with heartache trials and grief. I recommend this book. But reading book 1 first would help. I received this book from Goodreads
October 8, 2021
I won this book in a GoodReads giveaway (thank you to GoodReads and the author).
I haven’t read the first book in the series, which is set 20 years later. This novel can be read as a standalone, although the first mention of the nature of the Stuart estate’s business was halfway through the story.
We discover in the first chapter that 17-year-old Sandra Duncan is pregnant, and she and her boyfriend, John plan to marry as soon as possible. The rest of the story is about how they navigate through the next six months or so. This is a gentle read as relationships are explored. Naturally there are a few hiccups along the way.
The characters were well developed and interesting. I need a Katheryn Stuart in my life! She was able to fix any problems the young couple had and quickly smooth out issues. The main characters who were teenagers were so hardworking and polite… I want a couple of these, too!
I didn’t feel there was a strong sense of place in the story; it could have been set anywhere. It was only the story summary that it was set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain. It was one of the things that drew me to the story, so I was a little disappointed not to learn more about the area.
The novel was well written and edited. I enjoy this gentle read. After reading the summary for “Chestnut Cove: Poseurs and Portraits”, I purchased it and will read it soon. I hope that it won’t make a difference that I read the books out of order.
I haven’t read the first book in the series, which is set 20 years later. This novel can be read as a standalone, although the first mention of the nature of the Stuart estate’s business was halfway through the story.
We discover in the first chapter that 17-year-old Sandra Duncan is pregnant, and she and her boyfriend, John plan to marry as soon as possible. The rest of the story is about how they navigate through the next six months or so. This is a gentle read as relationships are explored. Naturally there are a few hiccups along the way.
The characters were well developed and interesting. I need a Katheryn Stuart in my life! She was able to fix any problems the young couple had and quickly smooth out issues. The main characters who were teenagers were so hardworking and polite… I want a couple of these, too!
I didn’t feel there was a strong sense of place in the story; it could have been set anywhere. It was only the story summary that it was set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountain. It was one of the things that drew me to the story, so I was a little disappointed not to learn more about the area.
The novel was well written and edited. I enjoy this gentle read. After reading the summary for “Chestnut Cove: Poseurs and Portraits”, I purchased it and will read it soon. I hope that it won’t make a difference that I read the books out of order.
December 11, 2021
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Though still teens, John Stuart and Sandra Duncan have been sweethearts for two years. Facing the reality of being parents before turning eighteen, they look to find a way to get their parent to agree to marriage. Unfortunately, John's mother won't budge as she has other plans for her only son. Luckily, John finds an ally in his paternal grandmother, Kathryn.
The time leading up to their upcoming nuptials has them facing one interference after another. No matter what happens, Kathryn always seems to come through to save them.
Kathryn's constant saving renders Sandra incapable of solving her own problems which gives this novel a sappy and sentimental feel. The writing did nothing to keep my attention. I hadn't checked the publisher before reading this book and as i read the last page, I correctly assumed this was a self published book as it lacks the polish the a solid writing found in larger publishing house novels. This is an entirely forgetful novel that does the saving and thinking for the reader.
Though still teens, John Stuart and Sandra Duncan have been sweethearts for two years. Facing the reality of being parents before turning eighteen, they look to find a way to get their parent to agree to marriage. Unfortunately, John's mother won't budge as she has other plans for her only son. Luckily, John finds an ally in his paternal grandmother, Kathryn.
The time leading up to their upcoming nuptials has them facing one interference after another. No matter what happens, Kathryn always seems to come through to save them.
Kathryn's constant saving renders Sandra incapable of solving her own problems which gives this novel a sappy and sentimental feel. The writing did nothing to keep my attention. I hadn't checked the publisher before reading this book and as i read the last page, I correctly assumed this was a self published book as it lacks the polish the a solid writing found in larger publishing house novels. This is an entirely forgetful novel that does the saving and thinking for the reader.
November 4, 2024
I picture Chestnut Cove as a small town And as in most small everyone knows everyone AND their business….everything from true friends and trust to gossip. I enjoyed reading this book and hope to eead her other one about the same people. I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews