The Orphans of Mersea House by Marty Wingate

 If asked to describe this book, the best answer would be "comforting" and "lovely". This story is all about family - the loss of it, the finding and building of it and most of all - all of the different feelings that come with having a family. 

Olive as the main character, having just lost her last family member and is trying to figure out what she should do next in this weird time occurring after World War II. So when her old friend Margery comes back to town and decides to operate two different businesses including a boarding house and she wants Olive to manage it. 

A classic drama book that manages to skillfully incorporate several ideas and themes from each character into the story. Themes like found family, ableism, living with disabilities and homosexuality are consistent throughout and are written very well.

The ending of the story is such a beautiful ending where it is not absolutely perfect but Olive and the others are content and healing. Sometimes what happens in life is nothing like what you expect to happen or even thought could happen, but that is exactly what was needed to heal and grow. Beautiful and touching - this book is perfect.

This book was given to me free by NetGalley and Alcove Press to review and this is my honest review. 

Five out of five stars