At the Corner of King Street

Alexandria #1

by Mary Ellen Taylor

An engaging novel about the nature of family and the meaning of love. The Author of Winter Cottage and Spring House presents the third book in the Alexandria series

AT THE CORNER OF KING STREET

After a childhood filled with conflict and loss, Addie Morgan is determined to live a very different kind of life, she deserves stability and happiness, doesn’t she? Addie finds just what she’s looking for when she gets a job at a vineyard in the country. And maybe she’s found more than peace and contentment with the vineyard owner, Scott.

But Addie’s ties to the past intrude when she gets a call telling her that her sister has just given birth and she is wanted at home to help the family she tried so hard to forget. Now, as she returns home, she faces an impossible choice – should she abandon the picture-perfect future she planned or to return to the past.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Chick Lit, Romance, Contemporary, Family

362 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 5, 2015

About the author

A southerner by birth, Mary Ellen Taylor’s love of her home state of Virginia and its past is evident in her contemporary women's fiction novels, from her first THE UNION STREET BAKERY to her latest, THE WORDS WE WHISPER, which debuts July 20, 2021. Her novels explore issues of family, home and belonging and entwine the past and present.
Richmond born, Mary Ellen has lived there most of her life. Alongside writing, cooking and baking are important creative outlets for Mary Ellen, who's been known to name recipes in honor of her characters. Just a few years ago, she earned her Baking and Pastry Arts Certificate at the University of Richmond's Culinary Arts Program. "In some ways, I liken baking to my efforts as a writer. You need to learn the basic tools of the trade before you can push the limits and create a distinctive sweet dessert or savory novel.”
Mary Ellen is also known nationally as New York Times and USA Today bestselling suspense novelist Mary Burton. Together, they have published forty-five novels, with Mary Burton’s latest, NEAR YOU, debuting April 13, 2021.
When not traveling or holed up writing, she and her husband spend time alternately enjoying their empty nest and spoiling their miniature dachshunds, Buddy, Bella and Tiki.

Reviews

[Judy Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Ellen Taylor returns following her heartwarming popular Union Street Bakery Series with AT THE CORNER OF KING STREET with the first in the Alexandria Series---a contemporary, poignant story of a woman struggling with her past and the future. As always, love her front covers—drawing you into the beautiful settings.

Taylor knows how to weave a southern story with layers of emotion, history, and human dynamics, as well as delivering riveting crime thrillers under Mary Burton. You have to love an author who can juggle a number of genres, while pulling out "all the stops".

Adele “Addie” Morgan did not have a great childhood and finally finds her happiness at a vineyard and the love of a good man, Scott, the owner. She loves her new life, her job, and she of all people, deserves to find happiness.

However, Addie’s life is uprooted when she is called to return home to help the family in Alexandria, Virginia —a life and a past should would rather forget. Unfortunately a painful family past--her mother and sister suffer from a mental illness, bipolar.

Addie has spent the last seven years trying to escape this curse, after an accident. Addie is torn with demands from Aunt Grace and sister, Janet. From her sister’s pregnancy, baby, ex-husband, meds, drama, mental illness, ups and downs, and a failing family business--plus Scott knows nothing about her past, or family.

Torn between family, loyalty, love, history, and the family's disturbing mental illness-- the demands and tolls, roller-coaster; dealing with the heart breaking disease and trying to escape this drama-filled life.

Taylor captures the emotions of the heart from family tragedy to joy, with beautiful writing from talented Southern storyteller—with intriguing history and mystery. We also hear from familiar characters of the Union Street Bakery series, which was delightful. If you have not read the Union Bakery Series, highly recommend.

Cannot wait for the next book in the Alexandria Series: The View from Prince Street, Coming Jan 5, 2016. (Fortunate to receive an ARC and dying to jump ahead to read)!

One of my favorite authors, both as Mary Ellen Taylor (women’s fiction) and Mary Burton (crime, mystery, thriller). She has a rare talent --loving her writing style!

JDCMustReadBooks

[Gwen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this book. Poor/sloppy editing ruined it for me. Additionally, while the alternate timelines were a clever device, I didn’t find that the letters from Sarah really added anything to my reading experience or understanding.

[Melissa (Semi Hiatus Until After the Holidays) · Rating 2 out of 5]

The latest book in Taylor’s Alexandria series does not have the spark and joy of the first two. The characters are unlikable for the most part, and the storyline is too heavy and has no humor or lightness for balance. Appearances by continuing characters and an interesting job of architectural scavenging with a creepy and intriguing historical story add some interest.
Addie Morgan grew up with a mentally ill mother and a sister with the same illness. Life has been tumultuous to say the least. When she had the opportunity to get away from the stress, Addie made a new life for herself with Scott working on his vineyard. The pair has grown closer, and Addie has finally begun to relax into her life. Then Addie’s Aunt Grace appears, saying that Addie’s sister is in the hospital after giving birth, and Addie must return to Alexandria to care for the baby. Despite her reluctance, family obligations pull her back, and she has to learn how to reconcile her past with her present.

[Colleen Kroeker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story but needed editing

I enjoyed the story, but got frustrated by inconsistencies. At one point they were in a car and then it was a truck. A cradle became a crib. The baby was a week old and yet was getting shots. Good editing needed. These errors took away from the story.

[Jeanne Adamek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written although a bit sadder than The Union Street Bakery. The story doesn't sound quite finished, though, and I am hoping for more---maybe a sequel?!

[Christine Verstraete · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable. I especially liked the dual timeline, the link to witchcraft in the past and the historic aspects.

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Addie has working for the last seven years in a vineyard and is in loving relationship with the owner.
When she receives a phone call from her aunt telling her that her older sister is in trouble and needs her help she reluctantly makes the journey back home.
A story about a family in crisis and the heartache this can cause.
Addie is a great character who will stop at nothing to make sure her family stays safe.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I will be looking out for more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for my e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brandon Ragland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome. Its pages really came to life, and I greatly enjoyed the romance tint and the historical tint of the book. However, the editor seems to have stopped proofreading around the last 1/3 but I didn't find too many mistakes and it was easy to flow through them. None of them caused trouble reading the book. This was easily my favorite book by this author.

Mary Ellen Tayler does a great job of making the story feel acutely realistic and personal. The hardships that are endured by the main characters are well developed, and the seeds of hope and love are woven into the story just enough to get you through the difficult to read chapters on pain, loss, and hardship that must be endured.

Characters are well developed with realistic and easily believable personalities and pasts. The book moves at a good pace and doesn't drag on more than necessary. The ending was very satisfying.

[Marion Sheppard · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25. This is a delightful read that mixes history with everyday life couched in the story of Addie who is searching for a fresh start – while unable to forget her past. Addie grew up in a family where her grandmother and mother were “cursed” with severe mental illness. In her early childhood, she discovers her older sister Janet is exhibiting similar behaviors and symptoms. During this time, her mother commits suicide and Janet disappears. Addie moves to the country where she finds gainful and meaningful employment at a vineyard along with happiness and love with the owner Scott. One day, she receives a call from her Aunt Grace asking her to return home after sister Janet has just given birth. Finding out that Janet has slipped back into her old ways and mental health demons, they both agree with medical advice to have Janet admitted to a mental hospital for 1 month to get her stabilized. In the meantime, Addie oversees the care of her niece Carrie and helps with the architectural salvage family business. Initially, she is overwhelmed and cannot envision maintaining these roles for any length of time, but she refuses to have the baby placed in a foster care situation where her demanding personality may not thrive. Addie comes to a crossroads where she must decide if she wants to return to the vineyards and Scott or remain in Alexandria to help with family and the family business. She takes time away from the country to get things settled for her sister and aunt, but does not offer any information to Scott about the specifics. Having dealt with more than her share of mental health issues within the family and fearing she might be “cursed” as well, Addie has opted not to share her familiar history with Scott.

The author’s story-telling is warm and welcoming, detailed, and inviting. She is able to capture emotions of the heart ranging from family tragedy to joy with ease and draw the reader into the story. You follow Addie’s journey from home to independence to caregiver and support person. I have already ordered the 2nd book in this series to find out where life takes each of these characters. Such a charming book.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the story of Adele"Addie"Morgan and her willingness and need to help her family. Her older sister is mentally ill as was her mother so Addie grew up as the fixer in the family. Seven years ago Addie left and found happiness working at a vineyard and fell in lover with the owner, Scott. Now Aunt Grace has come to get Addie because Janet(the older sister) has returned and has had a baby, a girl. Addie agrees to come but doesn't tell Scott. This is the story of deciding what is really important in your life. The three sisters from The Union Street Bakery make appearances but Margaret plays the biggest part concerning the history of Addie, Grace and Janet. The book was a quick easy read.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook - This story brings to light the effects of mental illness on the family of the sufferer and the lengths they sometimes have to go to be able to live a somewhat regular life, with and without the affected loved one. The small town setting is sweet and the main character Addie is likeable and easy to sympathise with. With dual narrators and timelines set now and in the 1700s that also explored witches and curses in relation to Addie’s ancestors, the historical letters worked well.
Thanks to Netgalley and Brilliance Audio for the audiobook arc for review.

[Mamawattto4 Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Brilliance Audio and NetGalley for the audio ARC

5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

🎧 AUDIOBOOK REVIEW 🎧

I LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved the audio the narrator was great it flowed nicely.

This is story stole my ❤️ from the first chapter. I can’t wait to start the second one which I’m starting now! Addie is a beautiful human. The way she dealt with life is just amazing.

[Melina P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me early access.

I am fascinated by this book and its setting. The other books I’ve read by this author, that go along with this town setting, held my attention so well and this one is no exception! I adored the Union Street Bakery and Sweet Expectations books and to see the characters from those books mentioned and visited again in this one made me feel all warm and cozy!

I connected with these characters too, loved going on the journey with them and teared up a few times at the conclusion. Thank you for allowing me to take this “ride”.

5 star all the way and can’t wait to get the other in this compilation completed!

[Maggie (gardeningbookclub) Hentz · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up

[Eleni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it even though it touched some painful feelings shared with the heroine and at times was a bit angry with the suggestion of sole duty for the family members to be the caregivers of people with mental illness to that extend. Needs some editing on kindle version. Also like the first two books in the series it moves in a kind of smooth steady pace but the end is kind of rushed tying it all without much process.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series so and want to read the last one. Unlike "Sweet Expectations", which had a brighter outlook, "Corner of King Street, has a more fragile one. Dealing with bi-polar disorder, which can be severe, it made a deep connection with me. My father suffered from it and my aunt was in a state hospital most of her life with it.

Addie's mother and her sister had it and she feared it so much that she decided to have her tubes tied. It is a mental illness carried through families and not only the person who has it, the whole family does. I identified with Addie, who had dropped her dreams many times and paid off her sister's debts, cared for her but wanted a life out of it. The suffering from this illness is born only by the one who has it but by the family.

Addie has to make a series of painful decisions in her life, much like I have done. You have to go but what is in your heart.

I hope that you enjoy this and love this book as much as I did.

[Stacey Lechner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. I am not surprised that I liked this, given how much I enjoyed the Union Street Bakery books. The characters are unique and original, as is the story. Mary Ellen Taylor writes about realistic situations and makes her characters relatable, even when they're doing things you don't agree with.
The family dynamics of Addie, Janet and Grace anchor the story and I really felt for Addie in her struggle to avoid being sucked back into the family situation she ran away from. I also liked how we got to see some of the characters from the Union Street Bakery series make an appearance. I appreciated the levity that Margaret brought to the scenes she was in. There were a lot of heavy issues dealt with in the book, but I still found it to be a good summer read.

[janice mcternan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reality sister

As a person with a bipolar sister, this book was like reading a chapter from my family's life. My parents were more iinvolved with the baby than I was. My sister's illness was not as extreme as Janet.. Still very familiar to me as the sister who was a target. Great book.

[Kristin Whitehouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I liked the first series a bit better, this was still a good start to a new one. It was nice seeing characters from the previous one in this one as well. I'm interested to see where this one will go.

[Janet Friesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different but extremely good.

Had a hard time putting this book down. I am not to keen on some of the content but it was part of the story. Will be looking forward to reading the next book by this author.

[Ren · Rating 4 out of 5]

It seems like Addie Morgan's family has been cursed for as long as they have been in Virginia. Half of the girls born into her family develop a severe form of bipolar disorder as teenagers, including Addie's late mother and her sister, Janet. A few years back, Addie stopped playing Ms. Fix-it for her sister and fled to the mountains. She has a job, boyfriends, and plans for the rest of her life when she gets dragged back to Alexandria (temporarily!) to deal with Janet's latest drama: a baby girl. While trying to keep the child alive until somebody more qualified comes along, Addie makes some chance discoveries that may shed light on that old family curse before it comes for her niece.


Addie Morgan and her ex-brother-in-law Zeb Talbott are great characters. As somebody with a family member who is bipolar (thankfully without the delusions that the Shire-clan women are subjected to), I relate to the frustration they feel. Aunt Grace as a character was more convenient than real, but the inclusion of the McRae sisters from a previous series created a support system for Addie that actually worked. They felt like more of her family than any of her blood relatives, save the baby. Watching Addie realize she had help as she made the major decision of whether to embrace this chaos in Alexandria or go back to the winery was so nice and made her eventual choice a natural conclusion.


Overall, I liked this book and am anxiously awaiting the second book (The View from Prince Street, but it seems as though King Street ends rather abruptly. The climax felt like it hit far past a point that allowed any amount of resolution and the plot is left too loose.

The interludes from Addie's ancestor develop quite a bit of intrigue though I did wish for a bit more from them if they were going to happen between every chapter.


I'm unhappy with the choice to anachronistically refer to US Route 1 by its current name instead of the name in 2015 when the book was set. The name change to Richmond Hwy didn't happen until 2019. Referring to it as such is completely unnecessary in the first place because you could just say Route 1! Which, as a Virginian who grew up close to Rt 1, is completely normal (if not preferred by many). This small detail kicked me completely out of the setting. The city council that advised on the name change wasn't even created until September 2015; this book is set in August and the 2015 edition was published in May. This was an active choice to insert inaccuracy by the author or publisher that makes no sense. If you didn't want to call it Jefferson Davis Hwy, there was another way that wasn't a lie.

As an audiobook, the editing is good but I have problems with the voice actress's choices. I wish narrators would bother to look up how to pronounce place names. Staunton, Virginia is pronounced STAN-tən, not STAWN-tun. Somebody living and working nearby would 100% call it correctly. She also gives the character a light southern twang that comes and goes like she's having trouble keeping her accent consistent. That inconsistency is just not good in an audiobook and can be a distraction, presenting some accessibility challenges alongside the thick Scottish accent of the interludes. Overall, it's a serviceable audiobook but this is not a book I'd recommend explicitly on audio.

I received this audiobook through NetGalley as an ARC/ALC. Opinions are my own; many thanks to BrillianceAudio for the read.

[Savanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to love this book because I've loved so many of her other books. I struggled to get into this one, but once I was about 1/4 of the way through, it was easier to push myself. There were some editing errors (several typos, and some sentence structure that had me reading and rereading spots several times to understand what was being said). I think what bugged me the most was some plot lines that were introduced, but the significance never really addressed, such as why Grace visited Janet everyday while she was in the hospital, and if that had an influence on any outcomes. I felt like this was an important point, and it just never went anywhere. Addie wondered where Grave disappeared to everyday and it often impacted her. We were haphazardly told where she disappeared to, but never told why. I don't think the desire that Addie felt for Zeb was necessary to throw in either. As a friend, great relationship to build, anything beyond that wasn't needed. I loved Eric and Carrie, and the development of their big personalities. I usually love the historical letters/aspect, but I will say they didn't contribute much to my understanding until the very end.

Overall a great story, it just had so much more potential.

I will say, I was excited for the sequel, hoping to get a glimpse at some unanswered questions, but I didn't think I needed an expansion on Rae's story. I'm starting that book now with a little hesitation, but I'm sure it'll be fine.

[Gigi Sandoval · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a delightful book about family and sisterhood; Addie Morgan is our main character, a woman living a happy new life running a successful vineyard with her boyfriend Scott. Addie is suddenly called for help from her estranged sister, Janet, who suffers from “the curse” that plagues every female in their family: debilitating mental illnesses. Every girl child born with their blood suffers from this curse that was brought down to them hundreds of years before. The book dives into Addie’s emotions of having to care for a sick older sister, carrying the burden of being the “glue” that holds everything together, temporarily raising her newborn niece (Janet’s baby) born into the curse, and choosing between the life she created with Scott or the new bond she forms with her former brother-in-law, Janet’s ex-husband Zeb.
I absolutely loved this story! Addie Morgan is a character who is flawed yet likable, relatable, and with a strong will that will make any reader champion her in her journey of acceptance and growth. This is a story that made me reflect many times on my own family, on the things that aren’t beautiful about them but serve as a reminder to practice love as an action rather than a feeling.
Mary Ellen Taylor did an excellent job of capturing her struggles and quite a few times I even thought, “Oh gosh, what would I do in that situation?” The one thing that I probably would criticize is the ambiguity that the ending left me with. I won’t spoil the ending, but there was a certain direction that I thought would really happen that didn’t because the ending felt so…abrupt. There was still a sense of closure, but no finality… if that makes any sense.
With beautiful prose and deeply written characters that came to life, I became a fan of Ms. Taylor and her storytelling ability. How is it possible that I could see myself in a character that went through things I haven’t/will never go through? I think only the words of a great author can connect me on that level and hers did.

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This heartbreaking, emotional tale focuses on a family that is cursed with the darkness of mental illness and the shattering destruction it leaves in its path. The feelings evoked from this story were utterly palpable. I admired the strength of Addie's character and empathized with all the weight that she had to endure alone. Even though this was more of a family drama, I loved the air of mystery that hovered throughout the pages. Was their family cursed by a witch? The story was mostly told in Addie's POV, but at the end of each chapter the author provides us with a short journal entry from the past. These diary snippets slowly unravel a tale of witchcraft during colonial times. I really enjoyed these but felt that they were lacking in detail. I would have liked a little bit more from that time period. The ending was also a little cut and dry, which left me with a lot of unanswered questions. With that being said, I know that Addie's story will continue in book two, The View from Prince Street, so I am hoping that everything will be revealed then. I was pleasantly surprised when the McCrae sisters from Union Street Bakery popped up in this story, and I liked that Margaret played a large role in this one. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next. You really can't go wrong with Mary Ellen Taylor. I would definitely recommend!

Thank you to Montlake for granting me a digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review!

[Ann Boytim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.0 A companion series with the Union Street Bakery book and involving some of the characters. Addie Morgan has a happy life but troubled family past. Addie is happy working in a vineyard in the country and in love with the owner Scott but she has not told Scott of her past life. Addie has a family history of mental health issues involving her mother and her sister. Addie's Aunt Grace comes looking for Addie and begs her ro come home to help as her sister Janet has been found pregnant and now in hospital. Janet was married and now divorced and had one son but she could not cope with the life and would not take her medications but now is in hospital and had a little baby girl. Addie leaves the vineyard and Scott to go home to a mess - will her life ever be the same again as Janet once again ruined Addie's life. Who will take care of this baby - father unknown as Janet is committed to a mental hospital? Janet gets to meet the son she abandoned along with her ex husband Zeke but will she ever be able to cope? Addie now has to face Scott and tell the truth and to see where her future is.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m never disappointed having spent time listening or reading anything from this author. This book takes us back to Alexandria and along with the new characters we revisit some of the characters and places from the Union Street Bakery series. The definition of family varies from person to person based on their life experience. We first meet Addie. She has spent her life dealing with her mother and sisters mental health diagnoses. It caused her to be the adult in the room from a very young age. When she has finally had enough and wants to be untethered from her sister packs up and leaves it all behind. She is ultimately called back home when her sister resurfaces. I really liked her storyline. She goes from complete denial to slow acceptance while dealing with everything else in her life. She is amazing. The rest of the people around her, not so much. Mixed in with some historical mysticism which I personally could have done without and still loved the story. Now off to listen to the next in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.com in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in the same location and timeframe as her Union Street Bakery series, this is a companion series. After a lifetime of disruption and family troubles, Addie has moved to the country and is working hard at marketing a winery with her boyfriend, Scott. But her world is turned upside down when she gets a call from her Aunt Grace, telling her that her sister, who suffers mental illness as their mother did, is in town, hospitalized, and is expecting another child. Aunt Grace insists that Addie return to help sort out the situation. Addie comes to town, but does not tell Scott the whole truth. When Addie is unwilling to accept the foster situation offered by child protective services, she finds herself taking care of the baby with some support from Aunt Grace and her sister’s ex-husband while she tries to figure out a more permanent solution.. The story alternates with their historical family and works to explain the “curse” that plagues some of the women in the family. I didn’t connect with this one as much as the original Union Street Bakery books.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three families, intertwined with the history of Alexandria, Virginia since the 1750s, begin to unravel their families' relationships, both blood and otherwise, when a bottle is discovered in the remains of an eighteenth century hearth on the property of one of the women. A local historian explains the significance of a "witch bottle," and when another one is found in the basement of a house on Prince Street, the stories of the three families begin to come together. Hereditary mental illness, secret adoptions, untimely deaths and broken relationships all run in one or more of the families and when Addie comes home to care for her baby niece and resurect the family salvage business, the first of the mysteries is revealed. The history, the ambiance and the issues brought forth in this novel are all interesting. She story rolled out of the pages comfortably as I became invested in the lives of the characters. There is a sequel that fills out the tale and explains things for two other women that I know I'll look up and read.

[Tuwanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gentle, layered novel that combines family secrets, personal growth, and a touch of historical intrigue. Set in Alexandria, Virginia, it follows the story of Addie Morgan, a woman trying to distance herself from a family legacy steeped in superstition and dysfunction.
The book blends themes of ancestry, homecoming, and self-discovery, and while the historical elements are interesting, the pacing sometimes drags. The characters are reasonably fleshed out, though not all are particularly memorable. Addie’s internal conflict is relatable, but the resolution feels predictable and tidy.
Taylor’s writing is competent, and her sense of place is strong, giving the setting a warm, lived-in feel. However, for readers expecting a more emotionally charged or twist-filled narrative, the plot may come off as subdued or overly safe.
Overall, At the Corner of King Street is a fine read—nothing groundbreaking, but pleasant enough if you enjoy contemporary women's fiction with a historical slant.

[Whitney Kellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published in 2015, At the Corner of King Street is a gentle, emotionally layered novel that explores the complicated pull of family, trauma, and forgiveness. It reminded me a bit of Deborah Smith—steady pacing, richly drawn relationships, and a strong sense of place.

The story moves quickly even without much action, and I especially enjoyed the architectural reclamation business backdrop—it added unique texture to Addie’s world. The family dynamics felt authentic: full of love, resentment, obligation, and hope. The interwoven journal entries from an ancestor were less compelling for me, though they offered some historical depth. At times, they painted past characters in a fairly negative light without adding much insight to the main narrative.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, quiet novel about choosing between the life you planned and the family you never quite left behind.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.