Henderson House

Henderson House is a boarding house tale set in 1940s Oklahoma, following the lives of the Blackwell sisters and their interactions with new tenant Frank Davis. The story explores themes of romance, family, and secrets, with Mrs. Henderson possessing an uncanny intuition about true love.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 434 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Inkshares

Nestled within the charming streets of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Henderson House stands as a poignant testament to a bygone era, where lives and loves danced to the gentle rhythm of small-town cafes, front porch swings, and nostalgic two-lane highways. This enchanting boardinghouse tale unfolds amidst the backdrop of May 1941, a time when the city buzzed with anticipation of spring blossoms, fishing derbies, and the escalating tensions of World War II. Within the confines of Henderson House, the Blackwell sisters, Bessie and Florence, reside in a quiet neighborhood, their lives intertwined by a shared history and a deep bond of sisterhood. Bessie, a copy room manager at Phillips Petroleum and a devout churchgoer, finds herself reluctantly holding the reins of a new pair of glasses, a symbol of her evolving perspective on love and companionship. Despite her self-proclaimed spinster status, the young women in the office seek her romantic counsel, drawn by her unwavering wisdom and kind heart. Meanwhile, Frank Davis, the newest tenant at Henderson House, arrives with a captivating presence, his gentle eyes and infectious smile casting a spell of doubt upon Bessies preconceived notions. Yet, beneath the surface of his charm lies a troubled past, marked by a scar on his forehead and whispers of divorce. Florence, Bessies sister, bears the weight of her own troubled past. Her husband's absence leaves her responsible for raising their young son, Johnny, with the unwavering support of her sister. Life at Henderson House, though luxurious compared to their upbringing in Cherokee Indian Territory, pales in comparison to Florence's aspirations for her son. When an opportunity arises for Florence to take on a management position at the flagship store in Tulsa, she seizes it, setting her sights on a brighter future and the unwavering commitment to keeping her family together. However, Frank Davis remains an unwelcome presence in their plans, a reminder of a past that threatens to disrupt their newfound stability. Mrs. Henderson, the landlady, cook, and adopted matriarch of the Blackwell clan, possesses an uncanny ability to see into the hearts of those who reside under her roof. With a warm smile and a keen sense of intuition, she navigates the complexities of the boardinghouse, offering solace and guidance to those in need. As the story unfolds, the sisters' lives intertwine with the residents of Henderson House, each carrying their own secrets and burdens. Love blooms between Bessie and Frank, their connection deepening as they navigate the challenges of their past and embrace the possibilities of a future together. Meanwhile, Florence's determination to provide a better life for Johnny leads her to confront the harsh realities of her past and make difficult choices that will shape her future. Henderson House serves as a metaphor for the resilience and strength of the human spirit, a testament to the enduring power of love and the capacity for transformation. Through its pages, readers are invited to immerse themselves in the heartaches and hopes of 1940s Oklahoma, experiencing the joys and sorrows of a community that has weathered the test of time.

Dimension: 210 x 140 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781950301553