The Turtle House: A Novel By Amanda Churchill

"The Turtle House" is an emotionally resonant debut spanning late 1990s Texas and pre-World War II Japan. Lia, a young architect, returns to her hometown after the family ranch is destroyed by fire, reuniting with her grandmother Mineko, a Japanese war bride. Through late-night conversations, Mineko shares stories of her past, including her great loves and the Turtle House estate in Japan. As Lia learns about her grandmother's sacrifices and pain, she grapples with her own secrets, including her abandoned career and a mysterious caller. When Mineko's children plan to move her to an assisted living community against her wishes, Mineko and Lia hatch a plan to bring the Turtle House back to life, seeking a sense of belonging and safety.

The novel explores themes of intergenerational friendship, family, identity, and love, delving into the hidden lives and secrets we hold close. It captures the complexity of relationships and the journey to find home again, even in the face of loss and adversity. With richly drawn characters and vivid settings, "The Turtle House" offers a poignant exploration of the ties that bind us and the resilience of the human spirit. Readers are drawn into a compelling narrative that spans generations and continents, revealing the power of connection and the search for belonging in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties.