The Scent of Apple Tea
Family. Courage. Love. Kathryn Gordon’s cozy rural life falls apart when her adult daughter, Heather, is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While Kathryn researches alternative cures, including communicating with a dead Scottish ancestor, Heather Gordon makes a heroic journey to Scotland with an ex-boyfriend she still loves. The Scent of Apple Tea is a story of
Family. Courage. Love. Kathryn Gordon’s cozy rural life falls apart when her adult daughter, Heather, is diagnosed with ovarian cancer. While Kathryn researches alternative cures, including communicating with a dead Scottish ancestor, Heather Gordon makes a heroic journey to Scotland with an ex-boyfriend she still loves. The Scent of Apple Tea is a story of wanting what you can’t have, and finding the courage to live and love the life you’re given. If you like reading about strong female protagonists and scenic foreign lands, you’ll love Valerie Ihsan’s debut contemporary women’s fiction novel. Buy today and transport yourself to the quaint farmlands of Oregon’s Willamette Valley and the lush lochs and villages of the Scottish Highlands. Early Reviews: “A lyrical, deep and emotional story; the dynamic between Kathryn and her daughter Heather, and between Heather and Kyle, will pull you in–and make you think about your own relationships. Set aside a day and grab a box of tissues!” -Kristen James, All in My Head “The story grabbed me right away.” “… a beautiful, very touching and realistic characterization of the mother/daughter bond.” “…realistically…present[ed]…the issue of Heather’s depression, and how that impacted her mother’s life, and [the] continuous thinking about how to be there for her daughter; while also maintaining her own life.” “A great look into somebody dealing with the struggles…of roles, separate from, while still entwined with, their adult children.” “I loved the ending. I thought it was beautiful, poignant and very meaningful.” “I had a really hard time putting it down. I loved… all the detail you put into describing places. It made for really fun reading and great local flavor.”
Valerie writes beautifully. Her descriptions are lush Valerie writes beautifully. Her descriptions are lush, her language engaging. She creates a credible, detailed world for her characters to inhabit. However, I want her to do more with her characters. I feel as if she lets the plot drive the characters rather than the other way around, and the result is disappointing. Her characters end up seeming muddled rather than complex. When the key moments happen, I find I am puzzled by their reactions rather than satisfied or enlightened. For example,…
Good fast read Looked for book to read on my kindle. The title intrigued me as did the play between mother and daughter. As you go on you know it won’t end happily, but the author gives a realistic view of dying of cancer. How it affects her and those around her is done very well, especially in light of having a family member go through a cancer death. It gave me a better insight into the person with cancer feelings and thought processes.
Kept my attention It was fun to read about places I know of where I used to live. The mother and her daughter were both a little “out there”.The food mentioned is definitely Eugene.Really wished they would of given Heather another banjo. She kept missing hers. Very good writing. Story very sad.And the kitty Sophia was a good idea.Good luck in your future writing. Well done!Jenine