Sometimes when things get just a little too heavy or overwhelming, it’s good to sit in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and a feel good book. Susanne Bacon’s Wycliff Novels, starting with “Delicate Dreams” are exactly what I needed to find my center again after a very busy week. No bloody murders, no overwhelming crisis, no smart-aleck side kicks, just a cast of familiar characters who welcomed me into their world, and made me feel right at home. These lovely novels, written by my favorite German-American author, are cozy and delightful… perfect for relaxing.
There ae now EIGHT books in the Wycliff series! EIGHT! Each one following a different character in Wycliff…yet all of my old friends still make appearances through the series. Now you can get all of the books in English AND in German. What a great idea for language learners, or anyone who prefers to read in German.
Let Delicate Dreams introduce you to Wycliff… once you are there, pour yourself a coffee and stay a while…
Delicate Dreams Book Review
Delicate Dreams is the story of Dottie (geborn Gertrude) Dolan, the German widow of an American Soldier who passed away shortly after his retirement from the Air Force. At 45, Dottie finds she is alone in the seaside town of Wycliff, WA. The kids have grown up and moved away, and she is searching for something to keep herself busy, and connect her to the community.
With the encouragement and partnership of her neighbor and new friend, Pattie, Dottie opens a German Deli in the historic downtown, selling Aufschnitt, Wurst and treats that she remembers and loves from her home in Germany. The business begins to grow, and soon, Dottie finds herself taking part in the Chamber of Commerce, and is looking forward to taking part in the communities’ famous Victorian Christmas celebration. Until things begin to go wrong…
Delicate Dreams is more than a story about a German Deli, although, I have to admit, the descriptions of the shop might have been my favorite parts. (They reminded me so much of the German Delis and shops I’ve visited). There are several backstories just to keep things lively and engaging. Is there a dangerous thief in town? Will Dottie’s daughter come to her senses about her “relationship”, and finally settle into her own life? Will Wycliff’s Christmas Celebrations be cancelled, ruining downtown businesses, after the funds are embezzled? And most of all… will Dottie allow herself to let a new love into her life?
Susanne Bacon invites us in to Dottie’s life in a way that makes her feel like a good friend. Each chapter ends with a letter that Dottie has written to her late husband containing her deepest worries and longings. You really get a chance to get to know her as more than just a two dimensional character on the page.
I honestly wish I could move to Wycliff, it seems like a place I could live well… not in a fairy tale, but in a happy reality. I look forward to reading more about Dottie and her friends! For now, I will have to be satisfied cooking the delicious soup recipes that Susanne included in the back of the book! Lecker!!
Author Susanne Bacon (Photography: Laci Anna Duer)
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Find Delicate Dreams, as well as other Books by Susanne Bacon on Amazon!
Delicate Dreams was recently republished!
Delicate Dreams: A Wycliff Novel
Update- I’ve read, and thoroughly enjoyed all of Susanne Bacon’s Wycliff novels. While they don’t feature Dottie and her Deli, they do mention her… and other familiar characters in Wycliff. I’m ready to move there now…
The rest of the Wycliff series features many German and German-American characters.
Wordless Wishes: A NovelTelling TruthsClean Cuts: A Wycliff NovelHaunted Homes: A Wycliff NovelSuddenly Snow: A Wycliff Novel (Wycliff Novels Book 6)Greener Grass: A Wycliff NovelMajor Musings: A Wycliff Novel (Wycliff Novels)
Of all the books in the series, Greener Grass one feels the most personal. (She claims it isn’t autobiographical, but clearly there is some firsthand knowledge). Greener Grass deals more with the history of Wycliff.. and follows two families from the beginnings of the small town. But it also spends time dealing with relationships. Married couples, well as family relationships. How people find each other, and what it takes to stay together. The grass isn’t greener on the other side, it’s greener where you water it!
Fun bonus, there seem to be a LOT more Germans and German Americans turning up in Wycliff. It’s interesting to see how different people assimilate.
Get your copy HERE
Greener Grass: A Wycliff Novel
The Latest Wycliff Novel- Major Musings
Summertime, and exciting things are happening in the peaceful coastal town of Wycliff. Holly Haye’s beautiful voice and love for singing, are discovered by Florence Piccolini aka La Strenga, who offers to give her proper voice training. The music flows through the novel acting as a thread to connect the other stories. Will the wedding of Trevor Jones and his bride to be, artist Phoebe Fierce survive a major obstacle in the shape of Trevor’s mother? Is the relationship between Abby, owner of The Gull’s Nest B&B, and Aaron heating up? Will the historical film for a major Hollywood studio being shot in town cause MAJOR disruption? Will Heather, Aaron’s daughter, realize her acting dreams? And in an interesting twist, Emma Wilde (who we met in a stand-alone mystery novel Ashes to Ashes) becomes the newest resident of Wycliff. Will she find satisfaction in her new home away from Germany?
Get your copy to find out here
Major Musings: A Wycliff Novel
Read Susanne Bacon’s Wycliff novels in GERMAN!
What a great way to practice German! Susanne recently translated Delicate Dreams into German for all of us to enjoy.
Schweigen ist Silber: Ein Wycliff Roman (Wycliff Romane) (German Edition)Wissen und Gewissen: Ein Wycliff Roman (Wycliff Romane) (German Edition)Wo ein Wille ist: Ein Wycliff Roman (Wycliff Romane) (German Edition)Schatten der Vergangenheit: Ein Wycliff Roman (Wycliff Romane) (German Edition)Weihnacht in Wycliff: Ein Wycliff Roman (Wycliff Romane) (German Edition)Das Glück der anderen: Ein Wycliff Roman (German Edition)Wen die Muse küsst: Ein Wycliff Roman (German Edition)
Islands on Storm
Like the Wycliff Novels? Why not try one of Susanne’s earlier books…
Islands on Storm is a different type of novel than her Wycliff books.This one feels more personal. The story takes place on the Channel Islands, and goes back and forth between the present and the time when the Islands were occupied by German Forces in WW2. It’s a great story, and an engaging look at a lost bit of history.
Inseln im Sturm: Roman (German Edition)Inseln im Sturm: Roman (German Edition)
Home From Home
A collection of essays, originally published in the Suburban Times, that share some of the differences between Germany and the United States.
Home from Home: German-American EssaysIn der Fremde daheim: Deutsch-amerikanische Essays (German Edition)
