REVIEW: Sunset at Embthwaite Farm (The Mowbray Sisters Book 3) by Kate Hewitt
When Anna Mowbray receives a curt message from one of her estranged daughters that her ex-husband–a silent and surly Yorkshire farmer –is dying, she realizes it’s time to return home. Twelve years ago when her daughters were mostly grown, Anna walked away from Embthwaite Farm with no plan except to preserve her sanity and to find a ray of light to cling to.
But going home is harder than even Anna imagines. Her daughters are miles away from forgiveness and rebuff her every overture of help and communication, and her ex, who knows why she left, doesn’t even want to speak to her. But Anna’s determined to face her demons, make amends, and reconnect with her family.
What she doesn’t expect is kindness from her neighbors and understanding and warmth from the handsome widower James Adams, as well as his warm and welcoming daughter Jane. As Anna grieves her old life and tries to come to terms with the mistakes and hurts from the past, can she create a future where there’s room for a family around her… and the possibility of love?
CW/TW – discussion of mental health crises (including postnatal depression) and treatments, death of a character from cancer, discussion of adultery
Dear Ms. Hewitt,
My goodness. There’s much more drama to be dished out at Embthwaite Farm with the Mowbray Sisters. Taciturn father Peter is closer to death from a brain tumor, sisters Rachel and Harriet are dealing with the pain of their mother’s return – the mother who walked out on the family thirteen years ago, Anna herself is trying to reconnect with her daughters and might have a new relationship on the horizon, and a change to Peter’s will could upend everything.
Let’s just dive right in. Straight off the bat I admire that everyone was allowed moments of being totally pissed off. There are situations in the book which can be viewed like a funhouse mirror with people seeing different realities based on where they’re standing and what they are/were going through at the time. Mistakes were made. Mistakes are corrected but everyone needs to be allowed “moments of grace” to explain their side. Even if the people hurt by past actions are still hurt and mad.
Up until now, it’s just been sisters Rachel and Harriet (books 1 and 2) who described the pain and fallout from when their mother abruptly left the family. Rachel was in uni while younger sister Harriet (who had been her mother’s favorite) felt lost and devastated. Their father had clearly – and painfully – favored Rachel which damaged Harriet’s coping mechanisms. Their books allowed readers to see their viewpoints. But what caused Anna to bolt?
When word reaches her about Peter’s disease and prognosis, Anna returns to try and rebuild the relationships that she severed. Yes, she had her reasons which are slowly explained. I appreciate, as I said, that the sisters now understand but are still dealing with over a decade of hurt. Had they instantly brushed that away, I would have cried foul. Anna is also finally coming to terms with her relationship with her ex-husband who both loved and negligently (but deliberately) hurt her for years. Yeah, Peter does not come off in a good light in regards to how he treated anyone. He might have been a good Yorkshire farmer but he was a crap husband and father. There, I said it. If this was a reddit thread, I’d say “YTA.”
After it’s discussed, I can understand why Anna behaved as she did. This ties into some of the CWs above. She left because of the astounding hurt she felt for almost twenty years, the fact that her fairytale dreams of “Heathcliff” were just that, and because her own health was at risk. One character whispers to Anna that it’s amazing she didn’t leave before she did. I totally agree. Yet, Anna’s reasons for hanging on as long as she did are valid as well and are baked into her character’s backstory. The new relationship she tentatively begins is lovely but also not perfect. Yay for that. I saw a few things coming with it which I’m guessing will play out in book four.
Ah yes, book four. Peter’s will is a bombshell. I knew there would be a fourth book but as this one progressed I wondered, who was going to be the main character. Let me just say I can’t wait for this story. There looks like there will be drama leaping off of ledges all over the place. I want this book now. And also to know where Fred’s going to live – with Rachel and Ben? I’m looking forward to the final installment of As the Yorkshire Farm Turns. B+
~Jayne
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Definitely guessing this is not the book to start the series with!