The Restoration of Celia Fairchild by Marie Bostwick (Review by Lisa Albright)

5 stars

This book was such a delight to read. Heartwarming, wholesome, charming, engaging, emotional, fun, happy are all descriptive words that come to mind. I thoroughly enjoyed the descriptions of life and etiquette in the South, and the characters were so well-written and down to earth that I couldn’t help but love them, flaws and all.

Celia is one of the most authentic and loving characters that I’ve come across in a long time. Her desire to piece together her life in order to accomplish her goal of becoming a mother was very admirable and the way she takes care of anyone that enters her orbit was lovely to read. She didn’t realize it, but she already knows how to be a mother. Her home becomes a gathering place and she is the lynchpin that brings them all together. The people she eventually comes to love in the story are also brave souls and they all benefit from their unusual alliance and overcome personal obstacles to better people individual and as a whole. The redemptive vibe is strong in this story.

The author’s descriptions of Charleston, it’s history, architecture, and culture were fascinating. I haven’t been there since I was a child, but I remember the gorgeous baskets and drinking coconut milk right out of a coconut alongside the road there. It was a delightful experience and I have a huge desire to go there again soon and experience the beauty and heritage of the city as an adult. Southern charm is real and not to be missed!

This was my first book by this author and I can see why she is so well-loved. Her writing is smooth, the story well-researched, and her knowledge of human nature seems instinctive. The creativity of her characters reveals the creativity of the author and I would recommend this book to anyone needing a feel good, pick me up, and make me believe in the kindness of others story that will not disappoint. I will be checking out her other books and this one is a solid 5 star read.