Sara Margaret Jenkins has just inherited her grandmother’s dilapidated bed and breakfast in Sweet Bay, Alabama. Forced to leave behind her New Orlean’s business to attend to the numerous details, she discovers a bit of mystery surrounding her grandmother Mags. Sara has a chance at a new life in Sweet Bay if she can find the strength to stay. After all, not all stories end happily ever after.
The Hideaway by Lauren K. Denton is a romantic novel about new beginnings. The story is told in overlapping chapters, past, and present, grandmother and granddaughter. Even though the book begins with Mags’ death, her story is told through her own eyes as Sara pieces together the clues left.
I enjoyed both stories although perhaps Mags story just a wee bit more. Her in life in the 1960s, with its expectations and issues, was masterly crafted. The characters that arrived and stayed or left in The Hideaway were diverse and interesting. It would be a real treat to hear William, Dot, Mrs. DeBerry, Daisy, Starla, Glory, Major, Bert, and even Robert’s stories as well.
One issue I was a little confused about was the ownership of the house. Originally, the bed and breakfast was run by Mrs. DeBerry who leaves the business in dire financial straits. Legally, how did Mags obtain the title? Then just how exactly does the town of Sweet Bay use eminent domain when the legitimate owner has due process rights? Of course, knowing the details isn’t essential to enjoying the story but it would add an additional element of realism.
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