What do you think?
Rate this book
Hungry Mother Creek
Inspired by the idyllic setting of Oriental, North Carolina, Hungry Mother Creek is a story of love, loss, and the healing power of speaking your truth.
To the outside world it looks like Maya Somers lost everything in Hurricane Katrina: her husband, the bungalow they shared and her job. But inside, Maya knows Katrina gave her the gift of a fresh start. She and her yellow lab, Doodle Bug, leave the destruction of the Gulf Coast for North Carolina and settle in Oriental, a quaint fishing village on the Pamlico Sound.
In her new home by the water, Maya begins to rebuild her life. She knows she needs to heal from her abusive marriage and the trauma of Hurricane Katrina, but isn’t sure where to start. It isn’t long before teachers appear to help her: Hazel, her elderly but spirited neighbor who has secrets of her own; Travis, a handsome kayak guide to whom she immediately feels a strong attraction; Buster, a crusty old fisherman who always seems to show up just when she needs him; and Bay Witherspoon, the much younger wife of a wealthy attorney who becomes a close friend despite their initial differences. Maya finds the most profound help when she is welcomed into a women’s circle that meets on the banks of Hungry Mother Creek. Gathered with these women, Maya learns that becoming vulnerable and sharing her pain with others is the first step of her healing journey.
What is the second step? Maya isn’t sure, but with the help of her loyal yellow lab, her new friends and the peace of living by the water, she stays the course. Ultimately, Maya finds the healing journey to be messy, tangled and unpredictable. The result is nothing she could have ever imagined.
To the outside world it looks like Maya Somers lost everything in Hurricane Katrina: her husband, the bungalow they shared and her job. But inside, Maya knows Katrina gave her the gift of a fresh start. She and her yellow lab, Doodle Bug, leave the destruction of the Gulf Coast for North Carolina and settle in Oriental, a quaint fishing village on the Pamlico Sound.
In her new home by the water, Maya begins to rebuild her life. She knows she needs to heal from her abusive marriage and the trauma of Hurricane Katrina, but isn’t sure where to start. It isn’t long before teachers appear to help her: Hazel, her elderly but spirited neighbor who has secrets of her own; Travis, a handsome kayak guide to whom she immediately feels a strong attraction; Buster, a crusty old fisherman who always seems to show up just when she needs him; and Bay Witherspoon, the much younger wife of a wealthy attorney who becomes a close friend despite their initial differences. Maya finds the most profound help when she is welcomed into a women’s circle that meets on the banks of Hungry Mother Creek. Gathered with these women, Maya learns that becoming vulnerable and sharing her pain with others is the first step of her healing journey.
What is the second step? Maya isn’t sure, but with the help of her loyal yellow lab, her new friends and the peace of living by the water, she stays the course. Ultimately, Maya finds the healing journey to be messy, tangled and unpredictable. The result is nothing she could have ever imagined.
- GenresFiction
377 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2014
About the author
Heather W. Cobham
3 books27 followersI was born on Long Island, New York and moved to Clinton, North Carolina when I was five. I grew up in Clinton and consider myself a Southerner since most of my memories come from south of the Mason Dixon line. I attended Wake Forest University where I majored in health and sports science and then went on to UNC Chapel Hill to receive a Master’s in Exercise Physiology in 1991 and a Master’s in Social Work in 2003.
I’ve loved writing all my life, but until I started Hungry Mother Creek, it was limited to occasional poems, journaling and required writing for my education or job. In May of 2007, while standing by the waters of the Neuse River in Oriental, North Carolina, the inspiration for Hungry Mother Creek struck me with such force that I began jotting down ideas that day. Later that month I signed up for a weeklong writing retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. Since then, writing has been a staple in my life, and something I've created more time for because of the sense of fulfillment it brings me.
In addition to being an author, I'm a licensed clinical social worker and have my own counseling practice in New Bern North Carolina. The strength and resilience of my clients provides inspiration for the protagonists in my books. I live on the Neuse River in Oriental, North Carolina, the setting of my three novels. To keep my creative juices flowing and to maintain my own health and balance, I spend time with my husband, run, paddle board, do yoga and read.
I’ve loved writing all my life, but until I started Hungry Mother Creek, it was limited to occasional poems, journaling and required writing for my education or job. In May of 2007, while standing by the waters of the Neuse River in Oriental, North Carolina, the inspiration for Hungry Mother Creek struck me with such force that I began jotting down ideas that day. Later that month I signed up for a weeklong writing retreat in the mountains of North Carolina. Since then, writing has been a staple in my life, and something I've created more time for because of the sense of fulfillment it brings me.
In addition to being an author, I'm a licensed clinical social worker and have my own counseling practice in New Bern North Carolina. The strength and resilience of my clients provides inspiration for the protagonists in my books. I live on the Neuse River in Oriental, North Carolina, the setting of my three novels. To keep my creative juices flowing and to maintain my own health and balance, I spend time with my husband, run, paddle board, do yoga and read.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 16, 2014
Lovely first novel by this NC writer who takes the reader right into the coves and creeks of the NC shoreline. Yet, this is not a beach read. It is full of interesting characters and an underlying current of tension that takes the reader back to Katrina and the disaster it made of land and lives. Strong characters, insight on how we overcome, and the struggle to create a new life keeps the reader engaged and wanting more. I highly recommend.
May 15, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The author does an excellent job of taking the reader through the peaceful world of life on the water in Oriental, NC. The characters in the book are described in a way that I feel like they are my friends. I highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2015
Did not want this book to end. The author sucks the reader right in from the very beginning. Truly a book to escape into!
July 4, 2019
What a read! Maya's transformation is a beautiful testament to the healing that happens from, by and with nature as well as exploring and finding one's inner strength through a supportive circle of friends. The setting of Oriental, NC and it's beautiful creeks flowing to the Neuse River only add charm to this delightful read. Heather Cobham captured the spirit of Oriental especially when naming actual places in town, The Bean and The Toucan. I expect to met Maya when I spend time in Oriental.
July 30, 2014
This was a riveting story of one woman's journey to find herself. Maya is a victim of the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and has a lot of things to overcome, when she takes a trip to Oriental, NC, she has an instant connection with the place. She moves to Oriental and makes a new life for herself. Heather Cobham has written and enthralling story of Maya's journey and I really enjoyed and I really connected with all the characters. The writing was so good, I felt I knew the characters personally and I feel that I know the area of Oriental, even though I have never been to the area. I say great job Heather, and I look forward to your next novel.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for my honest review.
October 25, 2014
Cobham did a great job of character development in this debut novel! Maya is a Hurricane Katrina/domestic abuse victim who has moved to the coast of North Carolina in an attempt to start anew and to regain her original confidence and strength. There are many complex relationships that she needs to work through in order to come to terms with where she has been and where she wants to go, but with the help of several other "salt of the earth" natives and others she is able to move in that direction!
Cobham grew up in my hometown and I knew her mom when her parents lived here making this an even more special read! Congratulations to Heather! Well done and I look forward to the next in the series!
Cobham grew up in my hometown and I knew her mom when her parents lived here making this an even more special read! Congratulations to Heather! Well done and I look forward to the next in the series!
July 26, 2014
This was a wonderful story about relationships; with parents, women, children and men. Also about expectations in those relationships.
All set in Oriental, NC which is just across the Neuse River from my home. It was delightful to read about a place that I have visited many times. Also talked about New Bern, NC and the different roadways to get there.
I loved the characters and hope there is a second story to see how things have changed with their lives. Their was a surprise ending that I did not see coming. Hope you check this out even if you are not from near here, you will enjoy the characters, and the story of their lives!
All set in Oriental, NC which is just across the Neuse River from my home. It was delightful to read about a place that I have visited many times. Also talked about New Bern, NC and the different roadways to get there.
I loved the characters and hope there is a second story to see how things have changed with their lives. Their was a surprise ending that I did not see coming. Hope you check this out even if you are not from near here, you will enjoy the characters, and the story of their lives!
May 26, 2018
Heather captures the essence of Oriental as a caring, welcoming community, whether you're a "been here" or "come here". She also understands the deep need of many women to have a core group of women that you not only depend on but can share your deepest thoughts, dreams and problems. Women that love you, don't try to "fix you" but get out of the way while you work it out. I'm looking forward to the next book, The Mother Tree.
September 13, 2018
I was exploring downtown New Bern and stumbled upon a bookstore where the author was doing a signing. I took a chance and bought this book because I enjoy local references and it’s always fun to support an author. The book reminded me of Nicholas Sparks without the cheesy romance. I enjoyed the characters and felt connected to them. Now I really want to read the sequel.
August 13, 2016
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway. This was a very enjoyable book. Great characters and good pacing of the story.
April 22, 2016
Loved!
July 28, 2014
In her debut novel, Hungry Mother Creek, author Heather W. Cobham weaves an emotional and inspirational tale that follows Maya Somer's journey of personal healing, and the rebuilding of her life after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
Set in the picturesque coastal village of Oriental, North Carolina, the reader is easily drawn into Maya's emotional story as she struggles to come to terms with her abusive marriage, the death of her husband, and the rebuilding her life. Settling in the quaint little fishing village with her yellow Lab, Doodle Bug, Maya embarks on a personal journey of renewal with the help of a supportive group of people she meets. It is a journey that is an inspirational testament to the strength of the human spirit to survive, heal, and thrive after a traumatic experience.
Hungry Mother Creek is a beautifully written and emotionally compelling tale that pulls at the heartstrings and stirs the soul. The story delves into the difficult issue of abusive marriages, traumatic life experiences, loss and grief, new beginnings, and the renewal of a person's life through a strong bond of friendship relationships. The reader can't help but establish a connection with Maya and feel empathetic as her story unfolds, it invokes a gamut of emotions that will resonate long after the last sentence has been read.
I loved the wonderful friendships that Maya builds with the local group of women, their relationships are heartwarming and inspirational, their understanding and support enables Maya to find peace and learn to move forward with her life.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful and rich description of the North Carolina setting, the author easily transports the reader to this tranquil fishing village on the Pamlico Sound, that easily captures the sights and sounds and flavor of the townspeople.
Hungry Mother Creek is an uplifting story of self-discovery and life's renewal, and perfect for a lighthearted summer read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Set in the picturesque coastal village of Oriental, North Carolina, the reader is easily drawn into Maya's emotional story as she struggles to come to terms with her abusive marriage, the death of her husband, and the rebuilding her life. Settling in the quaint little fishing village with her yellow Lab, Doodle Bug, Maya embarks on a personal journey of renewal with the help of a supportive group of people she meets. It is a journey that is an inspirational testament to the strength of the human spirit to survive, heal, and thrive after a traumatic experience.
Hungry Mother Creek is a beautifully written and emotionally compelling tale that pulls at the heartstrings and stirs the soul. The story delves into the difficult issue of abusive marriages, traumatic life experiences, loss and grief, new beginnings, and the renewal of a person's life through a strong bond of friendship relationships. The reader can't help but establish a connection with Maya and feel empathetic as her story unfolds, it invokes a gamut of emotions that will resonate long after the last sentence has been read.
I loved the wonderful friendships that Maya builds with the local group of women, their relationships are heartwarming and inspirational, their understanding and support enables Maya to find peace and learn to move forward with her life.
I would be remiss if I didn't mention the wonderful and rich description of the North Carolina setting, the author easily transports the reader to this tranquil fishing village on the Pamlico Sound, that easily captures the sights and sounds and flavor of the townspeople.
Hungry Mother Creek is an uplifting story of self-discovery and life's renewal, and perfect for a lighthearted summer read.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
July 23, 2014
Hungry Mother Creek by Heather W. Cobham is a lovely novel of new beginnings, friendship and healing. When Hurricane Katrina survivor Maya Somers relocates to a small tranquil town in North Carolina, she meets several people who aid her as she tries to make peace with her painful past.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Maya is still struggling to make sense of her marriage. She is haunted by lingering questions about her husband, his untimely death and most important, why she stayed with him after his behavior drastically changed. The joy and contentment she experiences in her new life is overshadowed by her guilt that her chance at happiness is a direct result of her husband's death. It is not until a group of women welcome her into their loving fold that Maya is finally able to reconcile her conflicted emotions about her husband and her unanswered questions with the promising future she so richly deserves.
Maya is a sympathetic protagonist and it is easy to understand why she is so desperate for answers. Two years after Hurricane Katrina, she still cannot fully accept that she may never find what she is searching for and this part of the storyline quickly becomes frustrating and a little repetitious. The pace of the story really picks up after Maya becomes friends with an eclectic group of women are also dealing with problems of their own. Through unconditional friendship, unwavering support and helpful advice, each of them finds the strength to face their fears and eventually find a measure of peace.
Hungry Mother Creek is an emotional and insightful novel that is quite enjoyable. The vibrant and colorful cast of intriguing characters is well-developed and appealing. The setting is unique and Heather W. Cobham brings it vividly to life. All in all, it is an engaging story that is poignant yet uplifting and hopeful.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Maya is still struggling to make sense of her marriage. She is haunted by lingering questions about her husband, his untimely death and most important, why she stayed with him after his behavior drastically changed. The joy and contentment she experiences in her new life is overshadowed by her guilt that her chance at happiness is a direct result of her husband's death. It is not until a group of women welcome her into their loving fold that Maya is finally able to reconcile her conflicted emotions about her husband and her unanswered questions with the promising future she so richly deserves.
Maya is a sympathetic protagonist and it is easy to understand why she is so desperate for answers. Two years after Hurricane Katrina, she still cannot fully accept that she may never find what she is searching for and this part of the storyline quickly becomes frustrating and a little repetitious. The pace of the story really picks up after Maya becomes friends with an eclectic group of women are also dealing with problems of their own. Through unconditional friendship, unwavering support and helpful advice, each of them finds the strength to face their fears and eventually find a measure of peace.
Hungry Mother Creek is an emotional and insightful novel that is quite enjoyable. The vibrant and colorful cast of intriguing characters is well-developed and appealing. The setting is unique and Heather W. Cobham brings it vividly to life. All in all, it is an engaging story that is poignant yet uplifting and hopeful.
January 24, 2020
Hungry Mother Creek
Decent read, good female friendship book, with spirituality also a theme. I enjoyed it but at times shuddered at the grammatical errors. Then and than were mixed up and used incorrectly a few times, and at one point Maya was memorized by a conversation rather than mesmerized. Despite the errors I’d recommend this as a good quick read. More angst than I normally like in a book but the author was dealing with very emotional issues so that was to be expected. I liked most of the characters and cried along with them near the end. Since I live in New Bern NC a lot of the places in the book were familiar to me which is always nice. I think it’s interesting to relate to the area where the characters are living.
Decent read, good female friendship book, with spirituality also a theme. I enjoyed it but at times shuddered at the grammatical errors. Then and than were mixed up and used incorrectly a few times, and at one point Maya was memorized by a conversation rather than mesmerized. Despite the errors I’d recommend this as a good quick read. More angst than I normally like in a book but the author was dealing with very emotional issues so that was to be expected. I liked most of the characters and cried along with them near the end. Since I live in New Bern NC a lot of the places in the book were familiar to me which is always nice. I think it’s interesting to relate to the area where the characters are living.
June 2, 2014
I highly recommend this book, not only because Heather is a dear friend, but because she wrote one heck of a book. I couldn't be more excited for her. I look forward to the sequel. I want to know how the characters' lives continue individually and as a group. Best of all, I learned something that can be applied in my own life. What other life lessons will I learn in future books by this author?
March 31, 2014
I read this book in two sittings. I couldn't wait to see what would happen with all of the characters, even Doodle Bug the doggie. The story was streamlined and tight with nothing gratuitous or distracting. The town of Oriental seemed alive as well. This book also makes me want to join a Women's Group. I look forward to reading Heather Cobham's next book!
March 26, 2019
A great read about the importance of our connection to women, as well as the power of secrets, and affects of previous trauma on current Life. Makes you want to go out and buy a kayak, regardless of whether you live near water! A real homage to Oriental, North Carolina, imploring you to add it to your next place to visit.
July 19, 2021
I loved this book from two perspectives: (1) the story itself was intriguing and the characters were nicely developed, and (2) it was great to watch the talent unfold from this first-time writer. If you find the early chapters of the book a bit stilted, hang in there. She finds her voice and it’s lovely!
November 2, 2014
Sweet book by a lovely author! I want to visit Oriental.
July 29, 2018
Fun to read a book about Oriental
January 15, 2020
Finding Your Way Home!
This beautiful story brought me to tears, and I think every woman out there should read this. A story of women who find their way to letting go of the past, helping each other, and setting their self free from so much. Filled with humor, love, compassion and a feeling of belonging.
I loved this book, and look forward to reading The Mother Tree, the next book by this gifted author.
This beautiful story brought me to tears, and I think every woman out there should read this. A story of women who find their way to letting go of the past, helping each other, and setting their self free from so much. Filled with humor, love, compassion and a feeling of belonging.
I loved this book, and look forward to reading The Mother Tree, the next book by this gifted author.
December 7, 2020
A wonderful story about women and the bond between them. I love the way Cobham wove the mystique and history of Oriental, NC, into this story of faith and love. Beautifully described, you'll feel like you're right there kayaking the waterway with Maya as she finds the inner strength she didn't realize she had and overcomes her past. There's a quiet beauty in this story. I can hardly wait to read the next one!
October 12, 2022
Totally pulled me in and I couldn't put it down. Immediately began her next novel upon completing this one. Great storyline that does not disappoint. A great read to take your mind off the stresses of life while sneaking in ways to help process issues. 🙂
December 27, 2023
For this being the author’s first novel I can honestly say that I was VERY impressed with how well the story was told & all the emotional aspects of it as well. Highly recommend if you want to have a good cry!
July 27, 2015
Hungry Mother Creek is the story of Maya, a young widow who lost her husband, home, and everything else in Hurricane Katrina. Two years later, she has started a new life on the creek in small town Oriental, North Carolina with her loyal lab, Doodle Bug. It is there that she begins to learn how to heal from a painful past, unhappy marriage, and guilt. With the help of several women friends and a possible new love interest, Maya begins to rebuild her life.
This story started out with a very sad and dark feeling to it as we learn about Maya’s jerk of a husband and unhappy marriage, and then his eventual demise in the hurricane. Maya just has this dark cloud hanging over her as she deals with the fallout and wonders why she stayed with him in the first place. She wants to start fresh so she can move past all of her feelings of regret, sadness, guilt, and even continued panic and nightmares about the hurricane that changed everything. She wants a simple life in the small town by the water from the moment she first takes a trip there with her sister. When she finds a small boathouse to rent from an elderly woman Hazel, who lives on the property in a large, old home, her life begins to change for the better.
A variety of people from all different walks of life enter Maya’s life, and she soon forms friendships with many unexpected people. Each of these people help play a role in Maya learning to really live again and heal from her past. I enjoyed seeing these friendships grow and Maya evolve. I also have to say, I loved Doodle Bug… I am a sucker for dogs! I also particularly enjoyed that Maya is a runner since I am as well but haven’t been able to do much with it lately because of some pregnancy issues we had. Yay for living vicariously through other people’s running. :)
All in all, this was a quiet but enjoyable read, albeit a bit sad. There were some spiritual parts which kind of threw me for a loop as I wasn’t expecting them and really couldn’t relate to them either, but I know some people will enjoy that aspect, even though it wasn’t for me. I would happily read future works from Heather.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This story started out with a very sad and dark feeling to it as we learn about Maya’s jerk of a husband and unhappy marriage, and then his eventual demise in the hurricane. Maya just has this dark cloud hanging over her as she deals with the fallout and wonders why she stayed with him in the first place. She wants to start fresh so she can move past all of her feelings of regret, sadness, guilt, and even continued panic and nightmares about the hurricane that changed everything. She wants a simple life in the small town by the water from the moment she first takes a trip there with her sister. When she finds a small boathouse to rent from an elderly woman Hazel, who lives on the property in a large, old home, her life begins to change for the better.
A variety of people from all different walks of life enter Maya’s life, and she soon forms friendships with many unexpected people. Each of these people help play a role in Maya learning to really live again and heal from her past. I enjoyed seeing these friendships grow and Maya evolve. I also have to say, I loved Doodle Bug… I am a sucker for dogs! I also particularly enjoyed that Maya is a runner since I am as well but haven’t been able to do much with it lately because of some pregnancy issues we had. Yay for living vicariously through other people’s running. :)
All in all, this was a quiet but enjoyable read, albeit a bit sad. There were some spiritual parts which kind of threw me for a loop as I wasn’t expecting them and really couldn’t relate to them either, but I know some people will enjoy that aspect, even though it wasn’t for me. I would happily read future works from Heather.
Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2014
Maya tries unsuccessfully to convince her husband Steven to delay his trip with friends to New Orleans for the weekend because of the impending hurricane headed straight for that area. After living in Raleigh, North Carolina since Hurricane Katrina and Steven’s death Maya and her sister Kate plan a retreat in Oriental, North Carolina. Maya likes the town where she is on a retreat and decides to move into the small community with its serene and calm setting different from the noise of the city where she lives.
Maya is received and accepted into her new community and invited to join a special group that shares self-healing testimonies in a secluded area of Hungry Mother Creek started by the Neusiok Tribe women who were early settler inhabitants. Friendships grow from the group especially with her landlord Hazel who is leader of the spiritual ritual. Other friendships outside of the group is with Bay who is bossy and does not have many friends in Oriental and Travis who teaches Maya the basics of kayaking and who holds a personal secret. These three individuals help Maya learn the healing process to overcome the guilt she has over her happiness after Steven’s death and their broken marriage and the meaning of sisterhood among women.
Hungry Mother Creek tells the story of broken marriage, handling the death of loved ones, and relationships in a steady paced plot. Even though the character depth was there in the main character of Maya, for some reason I could not connect emotionally. My favorite character was Hazel the property owner with her motherly and quirky ways. However, I recommend to booklovers of drama novels looking for a relaxing read.
I received this book free from CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
Maya is received and accepted into her new community and invited to join a special group that shares self-healing testimonies in a secluded area of Hungry Mother Creek started by the Neusiok Tribe women who were early settler inhabitants. Friendships grow from the group especially with her landlord Hazel who is leader of the spiritual ritual. Other friendships outside of the group is with Bay who is bossy and does not have many friends in Oriental and Travis who teaches Maya the basics of kayaking and who holds a personal secret. These three individuals help Maya learn the healing process to overcome the guilt she has over her happiness after Steven’s death and their broken marriage and the meaning of sisterhood among women.
Hungry Mother Creek tells the story of broken marriage, handling the death of loved ones, and relationships in a steady paced plot. Even though the character depth was there in the main character of Maya, for some reason I could not connect emotionally. My favorite character was Hazel the property owner with her motherly and quirky ways. However, I recommend to booklovers of drama novels looking for a relaxing read.
I received this book free from CLP Blog Tours in exchange for an unbiased opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
January 10, 2015
Good story if you can get past the lack of proofreading/editing. Had it been edited better, I would have given it four stars. Worth the read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews