⭐⭐⭐
Marty Wingate’s The Orphans of Mersea House is a quiet, character-driven novel set in a post-WWII English boarding house. Olive Kersey, now orphaned and jobless, lands a position as housekeeper at Mersea House, run by her prickly childhood friend Margery. The arrival of young Juniper—spirited, bright, and disabled by polio—adds a welcome jolt of energy to the otherwise uneventful household.
The best part of the book is its cozy, coastal setting and its gentle exploration of found family, resilience, and second chances. Olive is likable, and her growing bond with Juniper is touching. The supporting cast includes a few charming oddballs, and Wingate captures small-town postwar life with warmth and grace.
But let’s be honest: it’s a slow mover. Not much actually happens until the final chapters. For most of the book, the stakes are pretty low, and the pacing can feel like watching fog roll in—peaceful, but a little dull. A few plot points finally pick up near the end, but by then, some readers may have checked out.
A pleasant but underpowered read. Three stars for heart, setting, and sentiment—but don’t expect fireworks.
** Thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for a comp. Opinions are my own.