The Cliffs: Reese's Book Club: A novelBY J. Courtney Sullivan

J. Courtney Sullivan's novel unfolds against the backdrop of a Victorian house perched on a secluded bluff overlooking the ocean, steeped in a century's worth of mysteries and memories. For Jane Flanagan, discovering the abandoned house as a teenager becomes an escape from her tumultuous upbringing, a sanctuary filled with remnants of its former inhabitants.

Two decades later, Jane returns to Maine as a Harvard archivist, seeking solace after a devastating mistake jeopardizes both her career and marriage. To her dismay, the once-charming Victorian has been transformed into a modern marvel by its new owner, Genevieve—a summer resident from Beacon Hill who believes the house is haunted by unsettling echoes of its past.

Genevieve hires Jane to unravel the house's history and the lives of the women who once called it home. As Jane delves into the house's secrets, she uncovers tales of love lost at sea, unfulfilled desires, stolen artifacts, and the enduring impact of colonialism. Sullivan weaves a tapestry of narratives that span generations, blending elements of psychic mediums, past lives, and the complexities of familial legacies.

"The Secrets of the Lavender Victorian" is a deeply moving exploration of identity, inheritance, and the interconnected lives of women across time. It delves into themes of motherhood, marriage, addiction, and the profound ties we maintain with the land and homes we inhabit. Sullivan's narrative grips readers with its richly imagined characters and evocative storytelling, offering a poignant reflection on the enduring echoes of history and the ways in which our pasts shape our present and future.