Reviewer: Annie
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Summary:
“Love is a messy thing. That hopelessly devoted, deep-in-your-bones kind of love we used to dream about when we were kids—it turns out that it’s hard. It aches. It takes time. Like a house that weathers the ages, it must be built, brick by brick.”
Snarky and ambitious Dawn Campbell almost had it all: a job producing lavish celebrity events, a hip downtown apartment, and a studmuffin of a boyfriend. But after losing all three in one fell swoop, Dawn finds herself resorting to the unimaginable: returning home to Bridgeport, an oceanside town where the air smells sweet but not much happens.
When a chance encounter brings her into the sturdy arms of John Brown, her childhood best friend, old feelings come rushing back. As the sparks fly, life finally starts to look up for Dawn…until she meets his wife.
Marguerite Brown has everything that Dawn doesn’t: a killer fashion sense, a breathtaking beauty, and a French accent—oh, and the kind of temperament that makes great white sharks seem docile in comparison. Determined to release John from an unhappy marriage, Dawn turns on the charm and makes a plan to finally win back her one-that-got-away.
But after Dawn stumbles upon a secret that, up until now, Marguerite has meticulously kept hidden, the two women are thrust into an unexpected friendship. An Imaginary House by the Sea follows Dawn’s journey towards self-rediscovery, finding purpose, and building a more complex, steadfast kind of love than she could have ever imagined.
Review:
I became Dawn Campbell’s cheerleader for the two days I read this novel. She may have had faults, or made some unpopular choices, but; as her life comes full circle she realizes her choices were not so wise. But, she was about to change the tide.
Cecily Gates wrote this novel in such a genius manner, giving way to Dawn’s past and present lives all within a chapter. I don’t know which story was more captivating. I was enamored with the way she recalled her childhood Love, John Brown. There was no denying that he was the love of her life, and as Cecily Gates says; “Love makes you do crazy things”. Cecily’s writing is different also, when she goes in to Dawn’s memories, her story-telling is very poetic. I really enjoyed that!
Dawn moved to the city from the small town of Bridgeport to follow her big city dreams, that all folded within five years. She had lost her job, boyfriend, and her closest friends (or so she thought) all at the same time.
But, part the magic of this story was the love she shared with her sister, Kayla. Kayla, their Dad and Step-Mom, Joyce all showed up to move her back to their home in Bridgeport. They were wearing yellow shirts that said “Operation Bring Dawnie Home”!! I was in love with the Campbell’s now, too.
Dawn’s High School Best friend and unrequited true love, John Brown; was back in Bridgeport too, with his family. Dawn describes him as making her abandon all reason. True. I will say no more.
First it was nice to read about a loving family relationship, Secondly, it was about time I got to read about the male lead of the novel having Hazel Eyes…(yes, I am biased)! But, in most books the men have blue or “bedroom” brown eyes.
So, the story is about the Campbell family and the Brown family, along with a mysterious burned down house along Cranberry Lake, where Dawn’s childhood best friend died. Some of the gardens that the Davenport’s planted while still alive, were blooming..and, visited by many. I believe there is more to come from Cecily Gates about the Davenport’s. I hope there is.
This story took me away! Took me to places in my own mind’s eye. Reminding me of old loves, old friends, and what the true value of a FRIEND is.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to review this book. I highly recommend it.
