Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow (Avenue of Dreams, Bk 2) on + 180 more book reviews
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.
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.
Charity L. (kingsdaughter1611) -
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.
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes.
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.
I received a copy of this book for my review purposes.
