Take a Journey to 1893 Chicago in The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow (Avenue of Dreams, Book 2) by Olivia Newport
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| The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow (Avenue of Dreams, Book 2) by Olivia Newport Copyright 2013 Revell Books ISBN: 9780800720391 |
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 Thoughts:
In her sophomore release in the Avenue of Dreams series Olivia Newport once again takes us to Chicago, on the cusp of the 20th century. This time instead of a tale set "upstairs" in the world of a wealthy socialite we meet Charlotte Farrow, "downstairs" maid whose life has more scandal than anyone upstairs could imagine. The only one who knows part of Charlotte's secret yet still supports her is halfway across the world on a honeymoon trip so Charlotte is left to fend for herself. If her secret gets out she's afraid of what will happen to her and the one she loves most.
As before in The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, I fell in love with Chicago. The World's Columbian Exposition is certainly an interesting setting for a story and in that respect The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow doesn't disappoint, I even got a lurch in my chest when Charlotte finally rode the Ferris wheel! The imagery is definitely vivid but when it came to the romance it was a bit lacking. Don't get me wrong, the hero was such a sweetheart, but Charlotte and said hero didn't get a lot of page time together. I don't think every book has to end in a proposal or wedding especially if in the rest of the story there wasn't a big emphasis on the romance because then everything seems forced.
Ms. Newport is supremely talented and I enjoyed reading about Chicago, the life of a servant, and orphans. Next time I'll keep my fingers crossed for more romantic interaction between characters because then the book will be perfect. Bring on book three!
“Available January 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”
~ My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars ~
To learn more about the author visit HER WEBSITE.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher. 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.*
Happy Reading!
Feel much the same way about this one, Renee - cute as Archie was (he was so caring towards Charlotte, never willing to give up on her), he almost felt like an "expendable" character.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I'm anxious for Sarah's story though I'll confess I didn't expect it to be about her. Weird, I know since she's featured prominently.
Ugh...I didn't really like Sarah at all so I hope the next book isn't about her OR if it is that she changes a lot! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Renee C.
thanks for the awesome review, Renee! There are a lot of aspects that sound great to me! even though you didn't love it, I may check it out if i get the chance!
ReplyDeleteI really liked both books. I was so happy to see Charlotte get her own story. But, Sarah. Ugh. I really hope the next book isn't about her!
ReplyDelete2 Kids and Tired Books