Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow By Olivia Newport!


The whole world is coming to Chicago. — Charlotte's whole world is coming down around her. — While the rest of Chicago focuses on the enormous spectacle of the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition, Charlotte Farrow's attentions are entirely on one small boy -- her boy -- whom she has kept a secret from her wealthy employers for nearly a year.


When the woman who has been caring for her son abruptly returns him to the opulent Banning home, 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 past and open her heart to a future of her own? Or will life's struggles determine her path?This compelling story of courage, strength, and tender romance captures the tension between the glittering wealthy class and the hardworking servants who made their lives comfortable.



MY REVIEW-I have enjoyed all of Olivia's previous books and this one was no different. She pens a tale that pulls you into the lives of these characters and makes you root for them, cheer them on, cry at their struggles and pray they get through their lives okay.

Now for those of you who have not read her other books, this is the second installment in the Avenue of Dreams. Many of you will remember Charlotte as the good friend of Lucy Banning, now Lucy Edwards. Charlotte has come through a long hard fight with her little boy and trying to keep him hidden so she keeps her job. But Lucy is leaving on her honeymoon and when trouble comes calling, Charlotte is forced to give it all she has in her struggle of what to do and what the right decision is for her little Henry.

Charlotte is someone I felt very akin to. She has a lot of fear of stepping outside the norm of what is expected of her. She almost feels threatened by Archie, who wants her to do things she never has before. I can see both their viewpoints but I think I would have been more like Charlotte:) Sarah is a newcomer and I am hoping another book is written with her story. I didn't really like her at first but after a bit you might grow to like her. I also wouldn't mind finding more out about Emmaline. Maybe a marriage in the future? Who knows:) But it is fun dreaming what happens after the pages end.

This is an excellent book that I will come back to time and time again. The only thing I thought would make more of an appearance was the Chicago World's Fair. It was a big thing back then and it is mentioned some but I kind of expected more about it. I did think the Anarchist views was a good throw in. Didn't realize they were that common in that time period. If you love a good historical novel, this is one for you. Not a stand-alone novel and I think the storyline flows better if you have read the first one, the Pursuit of Lucy Banning. Loved this book!!

Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.





**DISCLOSURE: I was given a free product in exchange for an honest review. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine. Please read my full disclosure policy HERE.**

1 comment:

Carrie at In the Hammock Blog said...

I really liked her previous book, I'm glad to hear this one is great too.

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