5.0 out of 5 stars There is goodness and kindness in this book, the kind that can restore your faith in human nature.

S.G.C. · October 2, 2014

If you’re like me, your faith in human nature needs restoration now and then. I am writing to let you know that Bellehaven is a book that can do the job. There is goodness and kindness in this book, the type that enters the cracks and crevices of your heart and breaks it wide open. Margaret Hawke has written an up-lifting story of a believable character named Kate, who dares to come together with her co-workers to humanize their workplace, a run-down nursing home called Bellehaven. We meet Kate in the first few pages, a 1960’s mother of three girls, who faces the stress of a marriage that may be headed for the rocks, and a family economic crisis that forces her to return to her nursing career. In desperation, and against her husband’s wishes, she takes a part-time job at Bellehaven, a work situation that places her well below her former station as a crack emergency room nurse. Fast paced dialogue, a cast of interesting characters, and a great story, make this book a page turner. I read it in a single weekend, and when I arrived at the last page, I didn’t want to leave Bellehaven, or the people I met there.

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Read

B.B. · September 2, 2013

Bellehaven, Margaret Hawke's debut novel,pulled me right in, Set in the mid-sixties, it explores the struggles women faced when they became working wives and mothers. Kate, the main character,is thrust into this position when an accident leaves her husband unable to work and she must take over as bread winner.Fortunately she has the inner resources to traverse the course her situation thrusts upon her. She finds a part time job in a nursing home. As a former ER nurse, she has to modify her nursing style without compromising her principles. She also has to cope with a hostile administrator, fellow nurses and aides who seem uncaring, a different philosophy for patient care and the challenges of blending family life with working.The author's ability to develop the characters gave me a sense of being with them and Bellehaven became a page turner for me.If you are looking for a good read, I highly recommend it. The author also included a readers'guide making it suitable material for a Book Club.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bellehaven

A.C. · September 29, 2013

I really enjoyed this book. It was interesting to take a walk into the world of nursing in a nursing home. I think one of the main themes of Bellehaven was the difference between the use of the words "patient" and "resident" as rendered by Brad and later by Kate. The connotation of the former is that of a temporary situation. The expectation is that of temporary care. Once the patients are better, they are gone. Whereas the connotation of the latter is that of a permanent situation. Thus, residents would be treated with care forever. The use of the word "resident" gave the reader a warmer feeling as to how the staff (at least Kate & Brad) felt toward the residents. I really felt that Margaret did a great job with this book. It was easy to follow. I liked the way in which she developed the characters. They seemed very honest and real. She painted beautiful pictures with words. It was fun for me to tell people that I was reading a book written by my high school classmate.

4.0 out of 5 stars Primer for a nurse

N.P. · August 23, 2013

Kate Bannion is struggling with her changing life. Sidelined by a tragic accident, her husband is unable to work and Kate is now the breadwinner. Ten years ago she had been an ER nurse. Now back in the workforce, she's can find only part-work in a nursing home. Like every new employee she struggles to understand the real and informal rules that govern Bellehaven. And she slowly learns that nursing skills alone are not enough to provide the kind of care needed by the elderly patients.Set in the mid-sixties Bellehaven is a lovely character study of a person and a time. The author illuminates not just the music, literature and media of the era, but the mores that shaped behavior. Those mores are turning upside down and Kate and her family are learning to adjust. A working-mom is not what her husband wants, and their relationship is strained. Another path that Kate must learn to navigate.The book is a primer for how to be a REAL nurse. We watch Kate evolve in her understanding from competent ER nurse, removed from almost all patient interaction, to the nurturing relationship of one caring for the elderly. There are lessons for us all about dealing with older folks. As Kate gains confidence in herself she watches and learns too, how to manage difficult people.As I watched Kate evolve the setting seemed both far away and just yesterday. I found myself with both a bit of nostalgia and a gratefulness for how things have changed. Kate's personal journey, however, is universal.

5.0 out of 5 stars A good read that makes you think

E. · February 8, 2015

I recently started going to a book discussion group that Margaret Hawke attends. We read the book and then got to discuss it with her--a wonderful, insightful discussion! The book is enjoyable and well written with realistic characters and a plot that will keep you interested until the last page. It shows well not only the problems of nursing homes but also how women's roles have changed and the difficulties of communication in marriage. If you get the opportunity to attend a discussion with Margaret Hawke, make sure you go! Otherwise, it's a good read all by itself.

3.0 out of 5 stars Nursing changes

K.C. · March 12, 2015

The unique story, set in a nursing home, shares with the reader some of the dynamic changes occurring in the medical world during the 60's. Hawke may have been a bit premature in her character development of Dr Wolfe...that compassionate model didn't evolve until the nineties and is still being developed today. Nursing, however, evolved more quickly. The relationship between Joe and Kate was portrayed in a way that everyone could relate to. Joe, in my opinion, "came around" a bit to quickly and fully. The story is a quick read with excellent insights into long term care, death, and dying. Keep a tissue handy.