Pg. 69: "The Tale of Hawthorn House"

The current feature at the Page 69 Test: Susan Wittig Albert's The Tale of Hawthorn House.

About the book, from the author's website:

A foundling baby girl has turned up on the doorstep of Miss Potter's Hill Top farmhouse! Whose baby is she? Why was she left at Hill Top? Who left her? What will happen to her? And there's another mystery at Hill Top. Miss Potter's latest best-selling book, The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck, has made the story of Jemima's misadventure with the fox common knowledge in the village of Near Sawrey — to Jemima's great embarrassment. (How would you like the whole world to know that you were so foolish as to lay your eggs in a fox's back parlor?) But now Jemima herself has disappeared. Where has she gone? What's she up to? Can there be any truth to the rumor that there is some sort of relationship between Jemima and the fox?

These and other mysteries abound in the light-hearted fourth book of Susan Wittig Albert's delightfully collectible series, The Cottage Tales of Beatrix Potter.

Among the early praise for the novel:

"A gentle, whimsical tale with a nice dose of a mystery mixed into the cozy storyline."
—Harriet Klausner

"This whimsical blend of romance, mystery, and nostalgia will keep cozy fans happily entertained."
—Publishers Weekly

"A mystery that's a stellar tribute to the famous children's author. As charming as the 'little books' themselves, this is sure to delight Beatrix Potter fans and cozy lovers everywhere."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Enchantment."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Ms. Albert has a light whimsical touch and integrates animal and human thoughts and conversations in a refreshing, matter-of-fact of way. Delightful and charming old fashioned village mystery, with a twist. It should appeal to teens, animal lovers, and devotees of Beatrix Potter of all ages."
—Judith Rovenger, Youth Services Consultant for the Westchester Library System, Ardsley NY

Read an excerpt from The Tale of Hawthorn House, and learn more about Susan Wittig Albert and her books at her website.

Win a first-edition copy of The Tale of Hawthorn House by visiting the Page 69 Test and following the links to the special drawing page.

Susan Wittig Albert is the best-selling author of many books for young people and mysteries for adults.

The Page 69 Test: The Tale of Hawthorn House.

--Marshal Zeringue