"The Captain's Daughter," by Jennifer Delamere

"The Captain's Daughter," by Jennifer Delamere

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leaves Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater putting on the most popular show in the city. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage. That is, as long as the shadows from her past don't catch up with her.

After a hand injury forces Nate Moran from his army regiment in India, he returns home to London, a place that holds bitter memories. He agrees to fill in temporarily as a stagehand while his brother recuperates from a broken leg, but Nate is counting down the days until he can rejoin his regiment. His future is decided--until he meets a beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate yearns to leave behind.

This is the first book in the series "London Beginning."  It was okay, which isn't a great thing, I'm sorry.  I found the story a bit lack lustre.  I did learn something about theatre, but otherwise, I thought the story was lacking depth.  Without giving the story away, I did expect more twists and turns in the "mystery" part of the plot.  It was no surprise the outcome.

As there are three sisters, I am assuming the next book would be about one of the other sisters, and as each one has a different occupation, maybe the next book will be more interesting?

Stars out of 5 : 3 This book was a pleasant read over a couple of afternoons.  Ask me in a month or so time what it was about, I probably won'r remember.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".

"With You Always," by Jody Hedlund

"With You Always," by Jody Hedlund

One of the many immigrants struggling to survive in 1850s New York, Elise Neumann knows she must take action to care for her younger sisters. She finds a glimmer of hope when the New York Children's Aid Society starts sending skilled workers to burgeoning towns out west. But the promise of the society's orphan trains is not all that it seems.

Born into elite New York society, Thornton Quincy possesses everything except the ability to step out from his brother's shadow. When their ailing father puts forth a unique challenge to determine who will inherit his railroad-building empire, Thornton finally sees his chance. The conditions to win? Be the first to build a sustainable community along the Illinois Central Railroad and find a suitable wife.

Thrown together against all odds, Elise and Thornton couldn't be from more different worlds. The spark that ignites between them is undeniable, but how can they let it grow when that means forfeiting everything they've been working toward?

Prior to reading this book I had heard of the Orphan Trains, this book deals with adults (women) being on them as well, which was a twist.  The author's notes sheds light on this aspect of history which is interesting.

This story does have true stories twisted into it along with fiction and it makes for an interesting read.  Add a bit of mystery and it keeps you wanting more.  I did not figure out the "who-dun-it" part of the story until just before it was revealed.

Stars out of 5 : 4   I would be interested in reading more books from this series, when they are released as the author writes:

" Throughout this series I'll be focusing each book on a different aspect of the Orphan Train movement, particularly from the perspectives of women,"

I think there will be a lot to be learned from reading these books in this series.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. 

Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group".