Charlotte Farrow, maid in the wealthy Banning household on Chicago's opulent Prairie Avenue, has kept her baby boy a secret from her employers for nearly a year. But when the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him, Charlotte must decide whether to come clean and face dismissal or keep her secret while the Bannings decide the child's fate. Can she face the truth of her own past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's tragedies determine the future for her?
This compelling story set against the glittering backdrop of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition captures the tension between the wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable. Author Olivia Newport expertly portays social classes while creating a story of courage, strength, and tender romance.
My thoughts:
After reading Olivia Newport's exceptional debut novel, The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I was oh-so-eager to return to Prairie Avenue to catch the latest happenings in the Banning household. While Lucy's story had a definite taste of the rich and cultured "upstairs" life, Charlotte's story was all about the "downstairs" life of service.
The story started out great, but before too long, I grew bored. Believe me, I didn't want to. The arrival of Henry at the house, and the reasons why he was there, seemed contrived and not believable. The lack of romance also played a factor in my disappointment. Archie's attraction to Charlotte never appeared to be fully explored initially, and her reluctance to entertain a relationship with him lingered too long. And like the first book, the spiritual elements were lacking again.
But on the flip side, the continuance of the Chicago World's Fair and the history of their mayor were thoroughly enjoyable. The addition of the anarchist movement, while not mentioned at great detail, was a perfect element to include and showed the early beginnings of what we now know as the eight-hour workday.
I do wish to finish the series, and am curious as to which heroine will be the focus of the third and final book.
3 Stars
Southern? No
Sass? No
**Many thanks to Revell for providing a copy for review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Must agree with you, Christy. The character of Archie was a dear but his presence felt less-than-needed and subsequently so did the romance. :/
ReplyDeleteThe final novel is to focus on Sarah titled, The Invention of Sarah Cummings. I was surprised that it was going to be her story... should be interesting though. :)
Wow, didn't know Sarah would be the focus. Hope she grows up a little! She was a little too big for her britches in this one! I agree...it'll be very interesting. :)
DeleteIt surprised me also, Christy! Mainly because this last book was about a downstairs maid, though I suspect Sarah will have risen above that as ambitious as she was. Hope that as a character, Sarah grows and becomes worthy of a story her own. :)
DeleteWonder who the hero will be?
But I loved this one! So not into Sarah, maybe she'll be redeemed...
ReplyDelete