I just finished reading all four of the Women of Ivy Manor – Chloe, Bette, Leigh and Carly – and would recommend them to anyone. Each book pulled me into the story of this family and I could not wait to see what would happen next. I loved how you see how each family member matures overtime and the next generation steps into Ivy Manor. I especially liked the historical references in the books – everything from how different people heard about war, the depression, segregation, JFK being shot and even what books or songs they were listening to at the time – from the 1917 to 1991. I found it interesting that all of these women had issues with their mothers as they turned 18 and were moving out of the house – freedom and how each rebelled / disobeyed their mother. But interesting that they all had great relationships with their grandmother and the older generation. Thankfully most of the mother /daughter conflicts were resolved after the period of rebellion or at least by the end of the series. I was sad that in each book the women’s first true love died but thankfully they each found love again – the heart can be healed after heartache. I loved the Christian morals that were woven into the book (must more in the last book Carly, than any of the other books). Several themes throughout all the books: how one event in someone’s life can change them forever and how secrets within a family can destroy relationships.
Bette is a very interesting lady, and someone I would like to know in real life. Her intelligence and her desire to make a difference for her country set her apart from many other women of her time. This second book in the Women of Ivy Manor series is even better than the first one, "Chloe."There was more intrigue and action in this one, and I related to the characters very well. Lyn Cote helps you feel the emotional strain of what the Jewish people went through without being graphic or overly depressing.
Do You like book Bette (2005)?
I was totally mesmerized by Bette. Daughter of the indomitable Chloe (book #1), Bette's story covers the era of World War II. I could associate with Bette mostly because my own mother was born and raised during this time period. In trying to be an individual Bette succeeds by following in her mother's footsteps by carrying on the line of succession with a daughter. How she found time to do this confounds me! Bette's determination to support herself leads her to undercover work with J. Edgar Hoover long before women agents were sought and trained. Her good looks and sharp intellect take her into adventures that will entertain and inform the reader. Once again Lyn Cote's presentation of an era fills the reader with a new look at an overexposed time of history.
—Marion Marchetto
