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A Daughter's Journey
The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again.
Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in far away Boston. This is where the adventure begins……
Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in far away Boston. This is where the adventure begins……
132 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 3, 2023
218 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 25, 2024
It was ok...fast read....but it wasn't believable.
For someone to travel with practically no money....then happen to meet somebody...And be taken it....didn't explain aunt's action. True depression is devastating, but needed a little more to the story.
For someone to travel with practically no money....then happen to meet somebody...And be taken it....didn't explain aunt's action. True depression is devastating, but needed a little more to the story.
August 9, 2023
A Daughter’s Journey by Myra Lee Glass is a captivating young adult historical fiction novel set in the year 1938. The story revolves around a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort who faces a significant challenge. Mary Banks, the mother of the family, falls into a deep depression after the birth of her long-awaited son. Seeking a cure, she leaves her family behind and travels to Boston, leaving her loved ones wondering where she has gone and what has happened to her.
The narrative primarily follows Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle, who cannot bear to wait any longer for her mother’s return. Fueled by love and bravery, Estelle decides to embark on a heroic journey to rescue her mother in faraway Boston and thus begins a thrilling adventure.
As a teen author, Myra Lee Glass demonstrates remarkable skill in creating authentic family connections within the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Glass’s writing style is commendable, displaying maturity beyond her years.
The novel starts off at a slower pace, focusing on introducing the characters and setting up the story. While this may initially seem like a drawback, it serves a purpose by allowing readers to form a deeper connection with the characters and understand their motivations. Once the story gains momentum, it becomes a page-turner that keeps readers eagerly engaged, yearning to uncover the fate of Mary Banks and the outcome of Estelle’s courageous quest.
Despite being a relatively short book, A Daughter’s Journey packs a significant emotional punch. The author adeptly weaves together elements of historical fiction, adventure, and family dynamics, creating an enjoyable and entertaining reading experience. Glass manages to evoke a range of emotions, from hope and anticipation to heartbreak and resilience, making this novel a compelling and memorable read.
A Daughter’s Journey by Myra Lee Glass is a well-written young adult historical fiction novel that excels in portraying family connections. While it starts off slowly, it evolves into a gripping page-turner that leaves readers eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Banks family. With its concise length, the book manages to deliver a powerful story that lingers in the reader’s mind. Overall, it is an enjoyable and entertaining read that showcases the talent of its young author.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
The narrative primarily follows Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle, who cannot bear to wait any longer for her mother’s return. Fueled by love and bravery, Estelle decides to embark on a heroic journey to rescue her mother in faraway Boston and thus begins a thrilling adventure.
As a teen author, Myra Lee Glass demonstrates remarkable skill in creating authentic family connections within the story. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy for readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Glass’s writing style is commendable, displaying maturity beyond her years.
The novel starts off at a slower pace, focusing on introducing the characters and setting up the story. While this may initially seem like a drawback, it serves a purpose by allowing readers to form a deeper connection with the characters and understand their motivations. Once the story gains momentum, it becomes a page-turner that keeps readers eagerly engaged, yearning to uncover the fate of Mary Banks and the outcome of Estelle’s courageous quest.
Despite being a relatively short book, A Daughter’s Journey packs a significant emotional punch. The author adeptly weaves together elements of historical fiction, adventure, and family dynamics, creating an enjoyable and entertaining reading experience. Glass manages to evoke a range of emotions, from hope and anticipation to heartbreak and resilience, making this novel a compelling and memorable read.
A Daughter’s Journey by Myra Lee Glass is a well-written young adult historical fiction novel that excels in portraying family connections. While it starts off slowly, it evolves into a gripping page-turner that leaves readers eager to uncover the mysteries surrounding the Banks family. With its concise length, the book manages to deliver a powerful story that lingers in the reader’s mind. Overall, it is an enjoyable and entertaining read that showcases the talent of its young author.
I received a copy of the book for the tour. This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
May 11, 2023
An exceptionally fine debut novel - a mystery reuniting a family!
Texas author Myra Lee Glass steps onto the literary stage with this exceptional overture to a very promising career - her debut novel A DAUGHTER’S JOURNEY, a teen and Young Adult historical adventure of stature. Her prose is eloquent and descriptive, evident as the story opens: ‘Leaning against the side of my house, I stood with my hand to my chest as I caught my breath. I could always stay outdoors for a long time, but it was becoming warmer every day. Our house was old and normally well maintained, but small nicks in the windows and wooden pickets coming loose from the gate were a long time coming. The fiery South Carolina sun had bleached our blue front door and I had to tug on it to get it open. The spiders on the porch light formed cobwebs and there were no plants in the flower =pots. With Mother pregnant and Father working additional jobs, our home had become a little disorderly…’ Having successfully painted the scenery while introducing Estelle, the driver of the story, this solid novel is launched.
Myra distills the plot well: ‘The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again. Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in far away Boston. This is where the adventure begins…’
One of the many reasons this novel works so well is the author’s sense of creating family connection, an attribute usually found only in seasoned writers. Add to that list a strong insight into the range of mental dysfunction, familial commitment, and well-scribed deployment of the depression years of the 1930s, and this novel soars. This is a comfortable - and memorable - two hour read for an evening’s emotionally sated pleasure - an impressive introduction to an important new author. Very highly recommended.
Texas author Myra Lee Glass steps onto the literary stage with this exceptional overture to a very promising career - her debut novel A DAUGHTER’S JOURNEY, a teen and Young Adult historical adventure of stature. Her prose is eloquent and descriptive, evident as the story opens: ‘Leaning against the side of my house, I stood with my hand to my chest as I caught my breath. I could always stay outdoors for a long time, but it was becoming warmer every day. Our house was old and normally well maintained, but small nicks in the windows and wooden pickets coming loose from the gate were a long time coming. The fiery South Carolina sun had bleached our blue front door and I had to tug on it to get it open. The spiders on the porch light formed cobwebs and there were no plants in the flower =pots. With Mother pregnant and Father working additional jobs, our home had become a little disorderly…’ Having successfully painted the scenery while introducing Estelle, the driver of the story, this solid novel is launched.
Myra distills the plot well: ‘The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again. Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in far away Boston. This is where the adventure begins…’
One of the many reasons this novel works so well is the author’s sense of creating family connection, an attribute usually found only in seasoned writers. Add to that list a strong insight into the range of mental dysfunction, familial commitment, and well-scribed deployment of the depression years of the 1930s, and this novel soars. This is a comfortable - and memorable - two hour read for an evening’s emotionally sated pleasure - an impressive introduction to an important new author. Very highly recommended.
June 17, 2023
Shortly after Estelle has a new brother, her mother becomes depressed. Her mother suddenly abandons her and her family. Estelle is heartbroken that her mother has left and resolves to find her. She tracks her to Boston to persuade her mother to come back home. However, her mother does not want to be found. Could Estelle find her mother and bring her home?
Estelle is a very likable protagonist. I love her tender relationship with her mother. Estelle is a very strong young woman, but reckless. She leaves to find her mother without letting her father know her whereabouts. She can also be very sneaky. Despite these flaws, I love her steely determination to continue on her quest even when her hopes are constantly dashed. Thus, Estelle was a very compelling character, and I rooted for her to find her mother.
Overall, this novel is about depression, family, and friendship. I liked the friends that Estelle made along her journey. They cared for Estelle and helped her on her mission. There also seemed to be hints of a blossoming romance. I also loved Estelle’s father, who loved his wife and children. Estelle’s mother was a very tragic character, and I sympathized with her. I loved the historical details in the novel. I liked the 1930s Southern idyllic setting of South Carolina and the urban setting of Boston. I did not like the one-dimensional villain because she needed more explanation of why she was always against Estelle. I also thought that the ending was rushed and seemed incomplete. Hopefully, there will be a sequel so that there will be a better resolution. I am keeping my fingers crossed! A Daughter’s Journey was a very poignant and emotional read! I recommend this story for fans of When the World Was Ours, The Downstairs Girl, and The Weight of Our Sky!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)
Estelle is a very likable protagonist. I love her tender relationship with her mother. Estelle is a very strong young woman, but reckless. She leaves to find her mother without letting her father know her whereabouts. She can also be very sneaky. Despite these flaws, I love her steely determination to continue on her quest even when her hopes are constantly dashed. Thus, Estelle was a very compelling character, and I rooted for her to find her mother.
Overall, this novel is about depression, family, and friendship. I liked the friends that Estelle made along her journey. They cared for Estelle and helped her on her mission. There also seemed to be hints of a blossoming romance. I also loved Estelle’s father, who loved his wife and children. Estelle’s mother was a very tragic character, and I sympathized with her. I loved the historical details in the novel. I liked the 1930s Southern idyllic setting of South Carolina and the urban setting of Boston. I did not like the one-dimensional villain because she needed more explanation of why she was always against Estelle. I also thought that the ending was rushed and seemed incomplete. Hopefully, there will be a sequel so that there will be a better resolution. I am keeping my fingers crossed! A Daughter’s Journey was a very poignant and emotional read! I recommend this story for fans of When the World Was Ours, The Downstairs Girl, and The Weight of Our Sky!
(Note: This book was given to me as part of a blog tour. All opinions expressed are my own.)
June 23, 2023
Estelle is a young fifteen-year-old girl living in the year 1938 with her father and expectant mother. As the birth of her younger sibling approaches, her parents are tired but happy. Her mother then gives birth to Jerry, a healthy baby boy. But then things change.
The care of Jerry falls on Estelle and her father as her mother barely even gets out of bed. Neither of them knows what to do or how to help her. Then her mother states that she is leaving to go and be with her sister in Boston and get help from the doctors there. However, when her mother quits writing, Estelle decides to take it upon herself to go and find her mother. Leaving all she holds familiar and traveling to an unknown city is going to take more bravery than Estelle has ever known. But is Estelle prepared for what she finds out?
This is an interesting story that touches on post partem depression and the rather primitive ways it used to be treated. This is a story that shows a daughter's love for her mother and family and will not give up until she finds her. Filled with unexpected friends and ruthless enemies, Estelle has quite a journey. The only thing missing was an epilogue.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
The care of Jerry falls on Estelle and her father as her mother barely even gets out of bed. Neither of them knows what to do or how to help her. Then her mother states that she is leaving to go and be with her sister in Boston and get help from the doctors there. However, when her mother quits writing, Estelle decides to take it upon herself to go and find her mother. Leaving all she holds familiar and traveling to an unknown city is going to take more bravery than Estelle has ever known. But is Estelle prepared for what she finds out?
This is an interesting story that touches on post partem depression and the rather primitive ways it used to be treated. This is a story that shows a daughter's love for her mother and family and will not give up until she finds her. Filled with unexpected friends and ruthless enemies, Estelle has quite a journey. The only thing missing was an epilogue.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/202...
May 16, 2023
One of the best things Myra Lee Glass does with her debut novel, ‘A Daughter’s Journey,’ is getting the reader to emotionally care about the main character, 15-year-old Estelle. After the birth of her baby brother, following a series of miscarriages over many years, her world begins to spin out of control as her mother falls into post-partum depression. Her sense of bewilderment and fear is ably communicated and heightens the tension.
The quiet pace of life in rural 1938 South Carolina frames a family in crisis, where each day of uncertainty ramps up the stress which burdens her father and young Estelle. Unsure of what exactly is happening, she is torn apart at the sight of her mother’s rapid descent into a black hole. Then the unknown becomes the unthinkable when her mother picks up and leaves, ostensibly accepting an invitation from her sister in Boston to ‘rest and recover.’
After a time with no news, Estelle runs away to find her mother, becoming the unlikely crusader in true Hitchcockian style. I will not indulge you with any more details, but let’s just say this ‘Daughter’s Journey’ is one well worth taking.
Brad Butler, Author of ‘A World Flight Over Russia’ & ‘Without Redemption.’
The quiet pace of life in rural 1938 South Carolina frames a family in crisis, where each day of uncertainty ramps up the stress which burdens her father and young Estelle. Unsure of what exactly is happening, she is torn apart at the sight of her mother’s rapid descent into a black hole. Then the unknown becomes the unthinkable when her mother picks up and leaves, ostensibly accepting an invitation from her sister in Boston to ‘rest and recover.’
After a time with no news, Estelle runs away to find her mother, becoming the unlikely crusader in true Hitchcockian style. I will not indulge you with any more details, but let’s just say this ‘Daughter’s Journey’ is one well worth taking.
Brad Butler, Author of ‘A World Flight Over Russia’ & ‘Without Redemption.’
June 14, 2023
A Daughter’s Journey is a journey indeed! This unique story took me through many emotions and kept my interest throughout. I enjoyed the main character tremendously, and the writing is right up my southern alley!
Estelle is a fresh and interesting main character. I connected with her instantly and walked in her skin with little effort. I admired her courage, especially at the young age of fifteen, and her determination to find her mother.
I love it when a book grabs me from the get-go, and the characters revisit my mind long after I’ve closed the book. This freshly written debut surrounds the reader in smart writing, an engaging plot, and well-developed characters—not to mention fabulous cover art!
First Line: Leaning against the side of my house, I stood with my hand to my chest as I caught my breath.
Genre: Historical Fiction, YA
Author: Myra Lee Glass
Page Count: 132
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Estelle is a fresh and interesting main character. I connected with her instantly and walked in her skin with little effort. I admired her courage, especially at the young age of fifteen, and her determination to find her mother.
I love it when a book grabs me from the get-go, and the characters revisit my mind long after I’ve closed the book. This freshly written debut surrounds the reader in smart writing, an engaging plot, and well-developed characters—not to mention fabulous cover art!
First Line: Leaning against the side of my house, I stood with my hand to my chest as I caught my breath.
Genre: Historical Fiction, YA
Author: Myra Lee Glass
Page Count: 132
#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
September 27, 2025
A daughter‘s journey is an interesting short story. It’s a tale of a daughter having to step up when her mother suffers from postpartum depression after giving birth to a new baby. While the premise was interesting, the storyline was a bit strange. The daughter ends up embarking on this journey to find her mother and along the way, meets some friends to help her. But the storyline once she reaches her destination is just kind of out there and really far-fetched. I feel like for the story to have taken that turn it needed to have been much longer than a short story because it just kind of rushed from thing to thing and just seemed unbelievable. Overall, it was a quick and easy enough read that it kept me reading to see what was going to happen but the writing style is a bit juvenile at times. I don’t know if that is from the fact that the main characters are younger or if it’s because the author herself is younger. There’s also quite a bit of explaining what a characters body movement meant when the writing itself should have inferred that.
June 7, 2023
The story of A Daughter’s Journey tells of the tragedy of postpartum depression and how it can affect family members. Myra Lee Glass is a young author and the book could have done with better editing. The base of the story is good but it doesn’t flow smoothly. It feels like there is information missing at various points in the story - gaps in the plotline. It also ends very abruptly. All of these things could have been taken care of with good editing.
Estelle takes matters into her own hands when her mother goes to visit her sister Rose while dealing with postpartum depression. It is 1938 so treatments for depression weren’t always appropriate. Rose never liked her brother-in-law and never really acknowledged Estelle. When her mother doesn’t come back Estelle travels hundreds of miles on her own to find her mother and bring her home.
Realizing it was a different world in 1938 I suppose some of the situations are possible. Yet some of it doesn’t sit true with me so I wonder at the historical accuracy of some of the story. The author does not provide any historical data so I am not sure how much research she did into the period.
While there is nothing to keep A Daughter’s Journey from being placed in a K-12 Christian school library, I am not sure I would based on the concerns previously mentioned. I recommend librarians read the book for themselves before making a purchasing decision.
I received a complimentary copy of A Daughter’s Journey. This is my honest review.
Estelle takes matters into her own hands when her mother goes to visit her sister Rose while dealing with postpartum depression. It is 1938 so treatments for depression weren’t always appropriate. Rose never liked her brother-in-law and never really acknowledged Estelle. When her mother doesn’t come back Estelle travels hundreds of miles on her own to find her mother and bring her home.
Realizing it was a different world in 1938 I suppose some of the situations are possible. Yet some of it doesn’t sit true with me so I wonder at the historical accuracy of some of the story. The author does not provide any historical data so I am not sure how much research she did into the period.
While there is nothing to keep A Daughter’s Journey from being placed in a K-12 Christian school library, I am not sure I would based on the concerns previously mentioned. I recommend librarians read the book for themselves before making a purchasing decision.
I received a complimentary copy of A Daughter’s Journey. This is my honest review.
June 23, 2023
A great read for the new young author
A daughter's love for her mother is endless. She will do everything to get her mother back. A great read for the new young author.
This is a sweet book to read. The power of finding her mother back in her life is so touching. She will do everything and even risk her life just to be in her mother's arms is so inspiring. I can't wait to read what is next for this beautiful young author. What a great start to her writing as a young author.
Being young is not easy especially when you have a big responsibility as a young kid. Estelle, such a pretty name, so brave, beautiful heart is what makes this story so powerful. I enjoyed reading it. I am looking forward to more. I like the friendships that come along the way as well.
A daughter's love for her mother is endless. She will do everything to get her mother back. A great read for the new young author.
This is a sweet book to read. The power of finding her mother back in her life is so touching. She will do everything and even risk her life just to be in her mother's arms is so inspiring. I can't wait to read what is next for this beautiful young author. What a great start to her writing as a young author.
Being young is not easy especially when you have a big responsibility as a young kid. Estelle, such a pretty name, so brave, beautiful heart is what makes this story so powerful. I enjoyed reading it. I am looking forward to more. I like the friendships that come along the way as well.
June 10, 2023
Glass makes a remarkable debut with this family saga, covering elements of historical fiction, drama, mystery, adventure, and also dealing with the much-needed awareness of post-partum depression. Glass's writing is superlative! I absolutely loved the literary charm she brings into her lines in every page. The characterization of Mary, Rose, and Estelle is brilliantly done. And Glass shows wonderful depth of character in how she writes their lines. Their dialogues stay true to their characters and reflect their inner mental turmoil and agony.
In short, this is an absolutely brilliant read, and one that I highly recommend.
In short, this is an absolutely brilliant read, and one that I highly recommend.
September 21, 2025
This is the story of a teenage girl, Estelle, whose mother has a baby boy and does not want to take of him. Her mother packs a bag and announces that she is going to her sister's in Boston for a while. When they quit hearing from her mother, Estelle runs away to Boston to her aunt's house. Her aunt informs her that her mother is not there and she will not let Estelle in. Estelle meets Raymond at a fruit market where he works for his family and together they begin looking for her mother. This story of kind of disjointed and I felt there were a lot of loose ends that should have been tied up before the abrupt ending.
June 14, 2023
This was a story about a young girl whose mother had a baby boy but who changed after giving birth. Her mother was unresponsive when talked to and had her daughter take care of the baby for her. Her father couldn't get his wife to do anything. Finally the mother leaves by herself to visit her sister in Boston. Then they don't hear from her. The daughter sneaks away one night to take a train to Boston to find her mother. This was a quick reading book that held my interest to the end. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2025
Review
For a short book it was packed with drama. A mother is having a baby and her daughter and husband are so excited but after having the baby , she falls into depression and sleeps a lot which means the teen daughter tends the baby so dad can work? The mom gets a letter from her wealthy sister telling her to come north for treatment and so the mom leaves home and after a few weeks the father and daughter do not receive any information from the mom.
Enjoy
For a short book it was packed with drama. A mother is having a baby and her daughter and husband are so excited but after having the baby , she falls into depression and sleeps a lot which means the teen daughter tends the baby so dad can work? The mom gets a letter from her wealthy sister telling her to come north for treatment and so the mom leaves home and after a few weeks the father and daughter do not receive any information from the mom.
Enjoy
June 23, 2023
Peculiar
This book was a peculiar read. It does however bring about a very real subject.Although there may be some truth to this It is hard to believe some of the events took took place. I do give praise to the author for bringing about light in the subject though.
This book was a peculiar read. It does however bring about a very real subject.Although there may be some truth to this It is hard to believe some of the events took took place. I do give praise to the author for bringing about light in the subject though.
January 24, 2024
OK but could be better.
This book has potential. For a young author it is impressive, however there were a couple errors/typos and it needed more of an ending. Why did her aunt do what she did? What was her motivation?
This book has potential. For a young author it is impressive, however there were a couple errors/typos and it needed more of an ending. Why did her aunt do what she did? What was her motivation?
February 5, 2024
Wow
To think a young author wrote this! An amazing storing of post partum depression in an era that did not know how to treat this illness humanely. This a very complex subject that is so well versed in this book! A must read!
To think a young author wrote this! An amazing storing of post partum depression in an era that did not know how to treat this illness humanely. This a very complex subject that is so well versed in this book! A must read!
June 22, 2024
This was a interesting book
This book had many twists and turns. The characters had many different types of people. It was nice to see the kindness shown to help the daughter find her mother. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
This book had many twists and turns. The characters had many different types of people. It was nice to see the kindness shown to help the daughter find her mother. I enjoyed this book from start to finish.
December 20, 2023
This is the first novel that Myra Lee Glass has written. As a high school junior it is an amazing first. She has a bright writing future I think.
February 7, 2024
I am glad it was a short novel. So many spelling and grammar errors! The story was good but needed more depth.
July 13, 2024
An interesting little read. Felt like ending was rushed without a complete conclusion.
March 31, 2025
As I read this book, I thought, there are lots of inconsistencies and it's juvenile in its writing. Sure enough, it's written by a young adult
May 11, 2025
terrible
These Kindle unlimited books are a waste of time. I’m sorry I signed up for this and I’m going to cancel.
These Kindle unlimited books are a waste of time. I’m sorry I signed up for this and I’m going to cancel.
August 1, 2025
Great storyline. However, I didn’t like the ending. Would have liked to know why things happened the way they did. (Don’t want to give anything away)
October 21, 2023
This is a YA book written by a very young teen and first time author. The story is set in a small town in South Carolina in 1938 and is narrated by 15 year old Estelle. Her parent (Mary and John) are awaiting the birth of their second child. Mary suffered numerous miscarriages after Estelle was born. The new baby, Jerry, was regarded as a “miracle baby”. However, Mary did not recover well from his birth. She was withdrawn, silent, and very depressed. She rarely got out of bed and was not interested in the new baby. Mary accepts an invitation from her sister, Mary, to join her in Boston to seek medical help. Mary did not communicate with her family at all. Secretly, Estelle takes off for Boston to find her mother. There she is befriended by 2 people her age. Estelle is a very determined young girl who desperately tries to put her family back together. A rather simple book. Abrupt ending.
November 9, 2024
SPOILER ALERT!!
This review is honestly just for myself, so I can remember what this book is about.
It’s the year 1938 and 15 year old Estelle lives a happy, simple life with her parents. Her mother is expecting a baby and soon her brother Jerry arrives. The tasks of caring for Jerry soon fall to Estelle as her mom sinks deeper and deeper into postpartum depression. Suddenly her mother is packed and ready to leave for Boston to stay with her sister. Her father is very concerned as he does not like his sister in law, Rose
The letters from her mother stop coming and Estelle is beside herself with worry. She decides to run away and look for her mom. She takes the train to Boston and when she gets to her aunts house she’s turned away. She sleeps on the porch and goes back to the outdoor market for some breakfast. She meets a boy her age and he takes her to his house and invites her to stay with his family. His mother is wonderful and tries to help Estelle find her mom-on the condition that Estelle lets her dad know where she is.
They figure out that Mary was a patient at a sanitarium, but was discharged to her sister. Estelle calls her dad and several days later he arrives in Boston. He knows where the lake house is that Mary and Rose went to as children, and he suspects Rose is hiding her there.
Sure enough, Mary has been heavily drugged and is being held “prisoner” by her sister. Rose protests to them taking Mary, but they take her and run.
After a quick goodbye to their new friends in Boston, they head home to baby Jerry. And that’s all we get!!
I was frustrated by the lack of “ending” in this book. Not even a quick epilogue to given a hint as to how Mary does once home. There was so much detail about Estelle’s journey to Boston, and how the few days she was there played out, and then nothing. It was like the author forgot the other half of the book. Postpartum depression takes diligent work to overcome and just because they found Mary and took her home does not mean the story is over.
This review is honestly just for myself, so I can remember what this book is about.
It’s the year 1938 and 15 year old Estelle lives a happy, simple life with her parents. Her mother is expecting a baby and soon her brother Jerry arrives. The tasks of caring for Jerry soon fall to Estelle as her mom sinks deeper and deeper into postpartum depression. Suddenly her mother is packed and ready to leave for Boston to stay with her sister. Her father is very concerned as he does not like his sister in law, Rose
The letters from her mother stop coming and Estelle is beside herself with worry. She decides to run away and look for her mom. She takes the train to Boston and when she gets to her aunts house she’s turned away. She sleeps on the porch and goes back to the outdoor market for some breakfast. She meets a boy her age and he takes her to his house and invites her to stay with his family. His mother is wonderful and tries to help Estelle find her mom-on the condition that Estelle lets her dad know where she is.
They figure out that Mary was a patient at a sanitarium, but was discharged to her sister. Estelle calls her dad and several days later he arrives in Boston. He knows where the lake house is that Mary and Rose went to as children, and he suspects Rose is hiding her there.
Sure enough, Mary has been heavily drugged and is being held “prisoner” by her sister. Rose protests to them taking Mary, but they take her and run.
After a quick goodbye to their new friends in Boston, they head home to baby Jerry. And that’s all we get!!
I was frustrated by the lack of “ending” in this book. Not even a quick epilogue to given a hint as to how Mary does once home. There was so much detail about Estelle’s journey to Boston, and how the few days she was there played out, and then nothing. It was like the author forgot the other half of the book. Postpartum depression takes diligent work to overcome and just because they found Mary and took her home does not mean the story is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2023
A Daughter's Journey is a wonderful debut by the talented author, Myra Lee Glass. I really enjoyed reading this quick tale of love, adventure, history, and mystery. I was excited to see that it was partly set in the town that I lived in for several years and seeing through the author's eyes of what it looked like way back when during the depression era and beyond. She did a fabulous job with the details that made me feel as though I was right there living among the characters. I wanted to keep reading to find out what had become of Mary and I wanted to see what Estelle would discover. At just over one hundred pages long, it was easy to keep reading, hard to put down, and one to read in one sitting. I thought it was a beautiful story to spend a relaxing break of the day.
I believe that A Daughter's Journey is most definitely a five star read. I would give it many many more stars if I could. I am highly recommending it for readers, fans and lovers of young adult historical fiction. Myra Lee Glass has earned herself a new fan and I will be eagerly awaiting a follow up to this one. It was an honor to have the opportunity to read this debut. I loved it.
I received a digital copy of A Daughter's Journey from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I believe that A Daughter's Journey is most definitely a five star read. I would give it many many more stars if I could. I am highly recommending it for readers, fans and lovers of young adult historical fiction. Myra Lee Glass has earned herself a new fan and I will be eagerly awaiting a follow up to this one. It was an honor to have the opportunity to read this debut. I loved it.
I received a digital copy of A Daughter's Journey from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
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