To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano

 

Inspirational Christian historical romance where you'll laugh till you cry and get very attached to these people. Eunice owns the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency in New York City and is the woman hiding under widows' weeds in previous books. Now we get to learn her story. Their agency takes on cases that no one else will take on, mostly women. 

Arthur comes in knowing that this agency, celebrated for solving unusual and complicated cases, can find the woman he had been searching for since the day her grandfather was killed in Montana. Eunice knew she could solve the case immediately but refused to take it on. Each of the "agents" are capable of doing deep research and very persistent. There are mysteries to be solved and facts to be uncovered to find out who killed the girl's grandfather seven years before - and was probably out to murder her as well. When the girl learns that she's about to be declared dead to steal her inheritance, she has to come out of hiding. 

These girls are members of wealthy families yet devoted to helping those without and making their lives better. Eunice even goes undercover in an insane asylum, shining light on the horrible conditions there, as Nellie Bly also had done and later wrote about. Very interesting people, some hilarious situations and scenes that will tug on your heart strings. Great read for the romantic who wants strong women and a bit of slapstick in their stories. Jen Turano never disappoints! 

I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

#ToDisguisetheTruth #NetGalley.

My Reviews

Goodreads

Amazon

Powells

Book Bub

Pinterest

Christian Book

Barnes and Noble

With You Always by Jody Hedlund

Part 1 of the Orphan Train series – Christian Historical Romance
This is another book that I can relate to because of my German and Irish heritage. You don’t usually hear as much about the German immigrants though. I know that my relatives were all bright and resourceful with a lot of talent. I can’t imagine how hard it was for them to get a start in this country, but I am grateful for them that they didn’t stay in New York City long, which is where this story is rooted. So few jobs and so much competition. Even the most talented were sometimes left to live on the streets. This is a heartrending story of immigrants in the 1850s – the poor just trying to stay alive and the rich building their fortunes. The characters are very endearing and most lifelike. The kind that become part of you and you want to continue reading about even after the story ends.

Elise can remember the old country where their family had to leave because of the local Baron who ruined their family baking business. In America, her father dies and they have to live with her Uncle, working as seamstresses. He cheats them and after her mother dies they are forced out on the street with nothing.  From there follows her journey, that of her siblings, friends and a wealthy socialite who gives up everything to help the homeless. And of course, Thornton, son of a wealthy man who sets up a competition between his twin sons to see who will gain control of the business when he dies.

Another book that I highly recommend and so want to read more about the others and what becomes of them. Great Christian message throughout of learning to trust in God.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

Description from the Publisher
When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

My reviews:
Powells
Goodreads
Book Fun
Twitter
Pinterest 
Google Plus