Judith Miller (2) (1944–)

This is the beginning of trilogy by Judith Miller concerning Pullman, Illinois and the infamous Pullman Rail Car strike of 1894. It makes a good background for an historical novel, or series in this case, with rising tensions between Pullman workers and management, in the "model town" Pullman built for his workers.

Our heroine, Olivia, worked in the kitchen of a British stately home, but needs a change due to harassment and unwanted advances from the head chef. The daughter of the house, show more Lady Charlotte. Is planning an impromptu trip to America and is willing to bring Olivia along as a maid. Once underway, Olivia realizes that the spoiled Charlotte is running away, because she is pregnant, and wants to catch up with the baby daddy in Pullman and get him to marry her. And she appropriated a few of her mother's jewels to finance the trip. And forged a stellar resume for Olivia so she can get work in a restaurant in America. When they get there, it turns out baby daddy is married with kids, and more lies ensue. And two different men show interest in Olivia, Samuel in management, and Fred who is a craftsman. Everything is complicated by the lies, the pregnancy, and Charlotte's bad attitude. Meanwhile, labor tensions simmer.

And then a few of the secrets come out, and it ends. Cliff hanger. I expect the trilogy as a whole will rate higher, but I can't rate this one well because there is so little resolution here. I don't mind an ongoing story arc in a series, but this is a bit too open-ended. show less

First of all, if Judith Miller’s name is on it, I buy or read with confidence, knowing that a well-satisfying book awaits. The artist’s use of pastel sunsets and sunrises in the background of Miller’s recent covers makes them very aesthetically pleasing. Two reasons to read the book before you even open the cover or swipe the first page.

I love Judith Miller’s books because they are well-researched. In this case, The Lady of Tarpon Springs was a fun, mysterious education about the show more Greek sponge divers off Florida’s coast in the early 1900’s. This was a part of history I’d never heard of.

Then there is the sparking, light sizzle of a clean romance. How fun to view it through the eyes of a Greek family’s expectations.

I enjoyed the inclusion of the somewhat irritating, interfering Rochester sisters. They really add a surprising depth to an already good story.

Miller’s writing style is inviting, making what could be profoundly unknown seem familiar, while also keeping my interest. Never once did I feel a-sea nor wonder when the book would end.

Fun Quotables:
“‘What’s that you’re saying about fifty men?’ Her mother dipped a piece of crusty bread into olive oil. ‘I think one will be enough, Zanna.’”

“ ...his bushy black eyebrows wriggled like frightened caterpillars attempting an escape.”

I highly recommend this book. I gratefully received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affected my opinions, for which I am solely responsible. I was not required to leave a positive review. show less

Set in 1847, this novel features two very different young women. One has lived all her life in the closed Amana community (similar to Amish). The other has arrived from Chicago with her parents, but does not want to be there at all.

The two women work together, and their attitudes and personalities are contrasted as they slowly get to know each other. The writing is quite interesting, and the setting felt real, although one of the women felt rather too good to be true, and the other so show more materialistic and selfish that it was hard to have any sympathy for her.

However, themes such as honesty and integrity shine through, and it encourages the reader to think about what is really important in life. Unsurprisingly there's a lot of Christian conversation and principles, but it wasn't too preachy. The ending is a bit contrived, but mostly encouraging.

I was able to download mine free, some years ago, and as a light book to read while travelling it made a pleasant diversion.

Full review here: https://suesbookreviews.blogspot.com/2020/02/somewhere-to-belong-by-judith-mille... show less

There is tension in the hills of West Virginia--and it isn't just because of post Civil War resentment. No, the tension here is between Ewan Mckay--a young Irish immigrant and his Uncle Hugh who wants him to manage the brickworks he is buying. The two decide to purchase the brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, Laura. Ewan is keen to make the business successful so that he can care for his younger sisters, but his uncle's gambling is a constant worry. He finds an show more unexpected ally in Laura, however, who loved visiting the brickworks with her father and who is a skilled bookkeeper. She wants to see the brickworks become successful once again--and Ewan wants to get to know her better. As Ewan tries to win Laura's heart and make the brickworks successful he is deeply discouraged by all of the obstacles--including a rival suitor for Laura's hand--that block his path to success.
The well developed tension between the characters kept me from wanting to put this book down and I wondered how Ewan and Laura were going to manage to get together and also save the business. I also appreciated the details about brickmaking and and how the historical happenings of the time period and place were woven into the story. Laura shined as a strong female character and the Irish background of Ewan's family was captured well. Their Irish brogue and customs added quite a bit of liveliness to the story, as did the impish nature of Ewan's sisters. This all made for a very memorable read and I will definitely be interested to read more of the series. show less