3.5 here. A very sweet and just warming novel, a bit like the blanket Celia was constantly knitting.

There was one moment that was a bit anti-abortion that I think could have been phrased better, but I don't think it was intentional, especially after Calpurnia's very sweet and letter. ( )

A surprisingly deep novel full of family drama. It grabbed my interest from the beginning chapters and didn't let it go until the very end. The characters are unique and well drawn and the story unique yet familiar.

This is an absolutely lovely feel-good read!

I have been struggling a bit this week for a number of reasons I am not going to go into. This book not only lifted my spirits but also put me in a productive mood, which is saying something! Celia was such a relatable character, and even though I am in nowhere near the same situation as she found herself in, I found myself identifying with a lot of the underlying struggles that she went through. Because of that, as Celia worked through her problems, I was able to relate her solutions and revelations to what was going on in my own life and made me feel better about where I was. Very well done on Marie Bostwick's part!

I also adored the entire cast of supporting characters, which is a bonus!

If you are looking for a spirit-lifting book or just something with feel-good vibes that will put a smile on your face, this book is for you! ( )

After years as a school librarian, I’ve had my fill of youth and YA fiction, so appreciate books with more mature characters such as Celia in The Restoration of Celia Fairchild. Our story begins as Celia loses not only her job/income but her identity as popular advice columnist “Dear Calpurnia” when her newspaper is sold along with her moniker. Timing couldn’t have been worse as she has just received a positive response to her “Dear birthmother” request to adopt a child, and her New York City budget won’t be able to handle that additional cost, especially without a job. Her estranged Aunt Calpurnia, from whence her column name began, has recently died and left Celia her home in Charleston, SC. Celia travels to see it figuring with a bit of work and TLC, she can make it into a home that will pass muster for the adoption agency. Surprise - the house is a wreck, full of what Calpurnia hoarded, and Celia needs all the help she can get from new neighbors, friends and a questionable but affordable contractor.

This book is a fun read, with interesting and quirky characters, a great setting, and story that keeps the reader interested. As I stated earlier, I appreciate the fact that Celia is not some 20-something (or younger) heroine, but has been around the block and is able to appreciate subtlety and nuance in her life and relationships. The only thing I didn’t like about it was that there was just one too many elements in the story - potential new mom, divorcee (but not much info about the ex beyond the beginning of the book), old friendships and new, relocation to a new area, major life/career change, and a love interest. I think we could have done without that last one - or perhaps the author could have suggested that it might come, rather than spend as much of an otherwise entertaining and full story.

While chick lit can be entertaining, this genre with a southern bent is just a touch above all the others, especially when tackled by an insightful author. Marie Bostwick has given us characters to loathe, admire, love and cheer for.

Everything was a plus, setting, dialog, plot and execution - I really enjoyed this book - how much? When I realized my water bottle had leaked and soaked the last third of the book there I was at 3 A.M. using my hair dryer to dry each page so I could finish the book. That’s how much I liked this book.

Thank you LibraryThing and William Morrow for a copy ( )