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Bishop Street #1
Bishop Street
“Bishop Street” is a heartwarming and redemptive novel that captures the complex relationships between four orphans and their lifetime of challenges. It’s uplifting and with each turn of the page you fall more in love with the characters.
Margaret Gray for the past twenty years has hidden behind a facade of normalcy. She wasn't always rich and famous. At the age of seven her mother abandons her on the steps of the Bishop Street Orphanage with a note pinned to her coat. Here, under the cruel tutelage of Sister Theresa, Maggie develops a powerful bond with her roommates, Elizabeth, Lucy and Randolph. Their close friendship fortifies them against the years of physical abuse, emotional torment, and manipulation that follow.
Now, Maggie is thirty-nine and her nightmares are coming back. Despite a successful writing career and a flawless reputation, she is unable to keep all that she has built from crumbling around her. It’s been twenty years since she’s heard from her friends. Why didn't they answer her letters? Had they survived? Had Sister Theresa been right, or had she manipulated them all with lies, aiming to destroy their friendship, forever?
Sister Theresa is dead and with nothing left to fear, Maggie hires Damon Depre, a private investigator to find her friends, and seek the truth. This starts her down a twisted path that will once again, test her strength of character. Will she find more than just her friends...
Margaret Gray for the past twenty years has hidden behind a facade of normalcy. She wasn't always rich and famous. At the age of seven her mother abandons her on the steps of the Bishop Street Orphanage with a note pinned to her coat. Here, under the cruel tutelage of Sister Theresa, Maggie develops a powerful bond with her roommates, Elizabeth, Lucy and Randolph. Their close friendship fortifies them against the years of physical abuse, emotional torment, and manipulation that follow.
Now, Maggie is thirty-nine and her nightmares are coming back. Despite a successful writing career and a flawless reputation, she is unable to keep all that she has built from crumbling around her. It’s been twenty years since she’s heard from her friends. Why didn't they answer her letters? Had they survived? Had Sister Theresa been right, or had she manipulated them all with lies, aiming to destroy their friendship, forever?
Sister Theresa is dead and with nothing left to fear, Maggie hires Damon Depre, a private investigator to find her friends, and seek the truth. This starts her down a twisted path that will once again, test her strength of character. Will she find more than just her friends...
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 28, 2013
59 people are currently reading
1251 people want to read
About the author
Rene D. Schultz
8 books77 followersI’m divorced and I live in a small community just north of Los Angeles where I raised my two sons. I love to garden, try new recipes, take lots of pictures, and occasionally I enjoy a glass of wine with dear friends. I’ve never jumped out of a plane, climbed Mt. Everest, or seen the Northern Lights of Alaska. But, I have danced in the rain, sent a message in a bottle, and I’ve rode my motorcycle down The Pacific Coast Highway on sunny California days!
After my divorce, I waltzed into the world of online dating. I didn’t find my knight-in-shining armor, but instead in 2008, I wrote a very successful book on my entertaining experiences. My first book “Searching4MrRight.com” was published by a small press and you can find it on Amazon.
My first fiction novel “Bishop Street” is coming out July 2013. This story is about four powerful friendships that begin at Bishop Street Orphanage. It continues with lies and deceit after they leave at eighteen. Then, twenty years later, redemption plays out and ultimately the strength that got them through their childhood becomes the catalyst that binds them back together.
My passion of writing has lead me on the most amazing journey. Now, my focus is on fiction. I thrive on developing strong storylines that showcase today’s contemporary lifestyles. Rags to riches, Robinhood, and surviving the odds, seems to be my one common denominator that showcases my fascinating and diverse characters.
After my divorce, I waltzed into the world of online dating. I didn’t find my knight-in-shining armor, but instead in 2008, I wrote a very successful book on my entertaining experiences. My first book “Searching4MrRight.com” was published by a small press and you can find it on Amazon.
My first fiction novel “Bishop Street” is coming out July 2013. This story is about four powerful friendships that begin at Bishop Street Orphanage. It continues with lies and deceit after they leave at eighteen. Then, twenty years later, redemption plays out and ultimately the strength that got them through their childhood becomes the catalyst that binds them back together.
My passion of writing has lead me on the most amazing journey. Now, my focus is on fiction. I thrive on developing strong storylines that showcase today’s contemporary lifestyles. Rags to riches, Robinhood, and surviving the odds, seems to be my one common denominator that showcases my fascinating and diverse characters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
October 2, 2016
I picked this up through NetGalley based on some really high ratings I had seen, but this was not what I expected at all.
4 children thrown together in an orphanage make their own kind of family to help deal with the abuse they endure at the hands of a ruthless nun. 20 years later, one of these children is a highly successful author and hires a PI to try and find the other 3. (As close as they were, I found this to be a big hole in the story. With her being so successful, why didn't they reach out to her?)
The rest of the story centers on the reuniting of these childhood friends. How 3 of the 4 moved on to build successful and fulfilling lives, and then they team up to help the 4th get back on track,
There were some heartwarming moments, but overall I would sum this up with one word: CHEESY.
This barely scratched the surface on their past abuse at the orphanage, and just skimmed through some of their years together. It was hard to understand how they all lost touch yet came together without questioning a thing. Everything was just too perfect here with perfect happy endings. The worst was the addict storyline, where an addict miraculously recovers with some brief withdrawal symptoms and individual counseling. I know some people who would have a hard time with this portrayal...
I understand the author was looking for a feel good read, but this just didn't do it for me. Apparently this is the first in the series. With the story wrapping up like the perfect bow on a present, I'm happy to leave there characters behind in their perfect world.
ARC provided by NetGalley
4 children thrown together in an orphanage make their own kind of family to help deal with the abuse they endure at the hands of a ruthless nun. 20 years later, one of these children is a highly successful author and hires a PI to try and find the other 3. (As close as they were, I found this to be a big hole in the story. With her being so successful, why didn't they reach out to her?)
The rest of the story centers on the reuniting of these childhood friends. How 3 of the 4 moved on to build successful and fulfilling lives, and then they team up to help the 4th get back on track,
There were some heartwarming moments, but overall I would sum this up with one word: CHEESY.
This barely scratched the surface on their past abuse at the orphanage, and just skimmed through some of their years together. It was hard to understand how they all lost touch yet came together without questioning a thing. Everything was just too perfect here with perfect happy endings. The worst was the addict storyline, where an addict miraculously recovers with some brief withdrawal symptoms and individual counseling. I know some people who would have a hard time with this portrayal...
I understand the author was looking for a feel good read, but this just didn't do it for me. Apparently this is the first in the series. With the story wrapping up like the perfect bow on a present, I'm happy to leave there characters behind in their perfect world.
ARC provided by NetGalley
September 12, 2014
Please let me introduce you to Rene D. Schultz. I was given the chance to read this book of hers she has been sitting on for 7 years! I feel she has been hiding her talent under a bushel. My friend Philomena has the chance to read this first as I was reading a subsequent book. She raved a lot about it, and even rang me up about it! She said this was one I would love to read, she was NOT wrong.
I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions with this read, happy tears, sad tears. Each character became family, pulling at my heart strings.
In my humble opinion, there are "writers" and there are "authors", for me, Rene is most definitely an AUTHOR. She has the ability to allow each character to breathe, to develop in such a way they become quite real. I felt that there was a Maggie, Rand, Lucy and Damon out there somewhere. Reading through it I just saw how they must have been when they were children, each brought something to the group. I can't tell you too much because I would be spoiling it.
So I am going to introduce the author too and a bit about her. I have had the pleasure [and believe me, it has been a great pleasure] to chat to her online and in our 2Authors Promote Group on Facebook. Humble charming lady, I really do not think she knows her worth as a writer. In turn, I love that humbleness about her.
Please Please, buy this book, make a gift of this book to your friends, I am not on commission and urging you to buy this for that reason lol I am saying, you won't regret it. Tearjerker, bit of a love story growing, the life time strength of friendships made, touching emotions that you never knew you had, this authors has strengths, stick with her.
I have been on a rollercoaster of emotions with this read, happy tears, sad tears. Each character became family, pulling at my heart strings.
In my humble opinion, there are "writers" and there are "authors", for me, Rene is most definitely an AUTHOR. She has the ability to allow each character to breathe, to develop in such a way they become quite real. I felt that there was a Maggie, Rand, Lucy and Damon out there somewhere. Reading through it I just saw how they must have been when they were children, each brought something to the group. I can't tell you too much because I would be spoiling it.
So I am going to introduce the author too and a bit about her. I have had the pleasure [and believe me, it has been a great pleasure] to chat to her online and in our 2Authors Promote Group on Facebook. Humble charming lady, I really do not think she knows her worth as a writer. In turn, I love that humbleness about her.
Please Please, buy this book, make a gift of this book to your friends, I am not on commission and urging you to buy this for that reason lol I am saying, you won't regret it. Tearjerker, bit of a love story growing, the life time strength of friendships made, touching emotions that you never knew you had, this authors has strengths, stick with her.
August 1, 2013
Oh my god..... I loved this story. This was about a sad story been turned into a beautiful story. I had goosebumps reading it. It certainly brought a tear to my eye a few times.
The author grabbed my attention straight away. I was glued to this story. Words cannot express how I felt about it. Such sad & joy mixed together in this story made it a fantastic read.
I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author:)
Received from author in return for honest review.
The author grabbed my attention straight away. I was glued to this story. Words cannot express how I felt about it. Such sad & joy mixed together in this story made it a fantastic read.
I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author:)
Received from author in return for honest review.
January 31, 2015
Oh my god..... I loved this story. This was about a sad story been turned into a beautiful story. I had goosebumps reading it. It certainly brought a tear to my eye a few times.
The author grabbed my attention straight away. I was glued to this story. Words cannot express how I felt about it. Such sad & joy mixed together in this story made it a fantastic read.
I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author:)
Received from author in return for honest review.
The author grabbed my attention straight away. I was glued to this story. Words cannot express how I felt about it. Such sad & joy mixed together in this story made it a fantastic read.
I'm so looking forward to reading more from this author:)
Received from author in return for honest review.
November 1, 2014
This is a book that had me loving it in part, and being frustrated with other parts. A conflicted read for me, one that had me analysing the book more than I would have liked to. I pushed aside as much of that as I could and settled back to see where the book would take me as the reader overall.
The book is a tender and often emotional story of one woman who shared sad years of her childhood in an orphanage with three other special children that became close friends amidst the horrors of orphanage life. All were abandoned to this Christian orphanage, all feel the pain of being an unwanted child. Like many children in these situations, four of them bonded together and drew strength from the common friendship.
I was expecting the orphanage scenes and memory flashbacks to be quite disturbing based on some reviews I had read, they are not, they are sad certainly but I would not say disturbing. There is nothing too graphic, or sadistic, certainly not a happy environment, certainly abusive in a lot of ways, but those scenes did not get to me too much. Maybe I am a bit thick skinned as an avid graphic crime novel reader! But if you are worried they are all horrible and disturbing, don't be, do read this book as they are not. It just showcases the trauma they all went through.
Margaret Gray, now a successful author decides that after 20 years she wants to track down her three other friends from the Bishop Street Orphanage, to see if their friendship is still strong or was it torn down after she left the orphanage first by the cruel nuns in charge. She hires a Private Investigator by the name of Damon Dupre to find her friends, she won't rest until she gets answers and peace in her heart.
Positive aspects are the heart warming moments in this book with moving scenes and encounters and special moments savoured. It also highlight triumph of the human spirit over adversity for most, the will to keep going, be strong, get better, do things different. I enjoyed journeying with Margaret into both her past and present and of course looking to the future with her.
The things I had issues with that stunted my reading flow were the overuse of very descriptive sentences and words, where a simple event such as a hug was over-described for want of a better term. Everything described was a bit over the top. This detracted from the plot as it comes across as very unrealistic. I just couldn't accept that so many characters were all having these very unrealistic dramatic moments for an entire book. There seemed to be words used just for the sake of it, rather than enhancing the paragraph it cluttered it.
The narrative seems forced at times, conversation doesn't seem true to form in some way, again it's that overuse of emotion, expression, words.
I had massive issues with the relationship between the PI Depre and Margaret. Who the hell does he think he is quite frankly? She HIRED him, yet from the onset he is telling her what to do, how to speak, to calm down, to do what she is told. Sometimes when he speaks to her it's bordering on verbal abuse for goodness sake. Then throw in some sexual tension especially from Margaret towards him? Just no..
He did not work for me as a character that was meant to be helping her, paid by her, she was his client. Sure he did his investigations but why was he then so over-involved?. There should have been a firmer line written between them as characters, it comes off as very out there. I hated the way he spoke to her, have no idea why it was written like that and no idea why this strong woman just did what she was told no matter what tone he used. He was awful and spoilt a lot of this book for me.
I actually wanted to kick him out of the book, he brought it down so much for me! Just shoo! Go away!
Then we have the scenes where one of the friends from the orphanage comes to live with Margaret, it seemed her fast forward from addiction healing was very rapid indeed, knowing how long it usually takes (in real life). And again why was Mr PI in the house all the time? What's it to do with him, he's not a counsellor, a therapist, a doctor or a nurse. And he's not in a relationship as such with Margaret, so why are you there again? Frustrated me so much!
My feeling is that if those things I have commented on can be edited to be more realistic and not so over the top this book would send a much more powerful message, it would also be easier to read. I bet this is not the first criticism of these aspects of this book that have been said, nor will they be the last. I hate to find things in a book I want to love and give five stars too, but my followers like my reviews because I am honest, always honest.
It's not an awful book, I did enjoy it, but I did not have that sense of not wanting to put it down. I read it over a couple of days, again parts of it are done really well, I really did enjoy the lead up to the final chapters and the close of the book. I give this one 3 stars, which of course is a Goodreads rating of "I liked it", because I did like it, I just felt some of it held the book back from being amazing.
I have the follow up book to Bishop Street to read and am keen to find out what happens to the characters I have come to know in this book. Watch for my review!
I received a copy of this book from the author, Rene D. Schultz in exchange for a fair and honest review. Many thanks.
The book is a tender and often emotional story of one woman who shared sad years of her childhood in an orphanage with three other special children that became close friends amidst the horrors of orphanage life. All were abandoned to this Christian orphanage, all feel the pain of being an unwanted child. Like many children in these situations, four of them bonded together and drew strength from the common friendship.
I was expecting the orphanage scenes and memory flashbacks to be quite disturbing based on some reviews I had read, they are not, they are sad certainly but I would not say disturbing. There is nothing too graphic, or sadistic, certainly not a happy environment, certainly abusive in a lot of ways, but those scenes did not get to me too much. Maybe I am a bit thick skinned as an avid graphic crime novel reader! But if you are worried they are all horrible and disturbing, don't be, do read this book as they are not. It just showcases the trauma they all went through.
Margaret Gray, now a successful author decides that after 20 years she wants to track down her three other friends from the Bishop Street Orphanage, to see if their friendship is still strong or was it torn down after she left the orphanage first by the cruel nuns in charge. She hires a Private Investigator by the name of Damon Dupre to find her friends, she won't rest until she gets answers and peace in her heart.
Positive aspects are the heart warming moments in this book with moving scenes and encounters and special moments savoured. It also highlight triumph of the human spirit over adversity for most, the will to keep going, be strong, get better, do things different. I enjoyed journeying with Margaret into both her past and present and of course looking to the future with her.
The things I had issues with that stunted my reading flow were the overuse of very descriptive sentences and words, where a simple event such as a hug was over-described for want of a better term. Everything described was a bit over the top. This detracted from the plot as it comes across as very unrealistic. I just couldn't accept that so many characters were all having these very unrealistic dramatic moments for an entire book. There seemed to be words used just for the sake of it, rather than enhancing the paragraph it cluttered it.
The narrative seems forced at times, conversation doesn't seem true to form in some way, again it's that overuse of emotion, expression, words.
I had massive issues with the relationship between the PI Depre and Margaret. Who the hell does he think he is quite frankly? She HIRED him, yet from the onset he is telling her what to do, how to speak, to calm down, to do what she is told. Sometimes when he speaks to her it's bordering on verbal abuse for goodness sake. Then throw in some sexual tension especially from Margaret towards him? Just no..
He did not work for me as a character that was meant to be helping her, paid by her, she was his client. Sure he did his investigations but why was he then so over-involved?. There should have been a firmer line written between them as characters, it comes off as very out there. I hated the way he spoke to her, have no idea why it was written like that and no idea why this strong woman just did what she was told no matter what tone he used. He was awful and spoilt a lot of this book for me.
I actually wanted to kick him out of the book, he brought it down so much for me! Just shoo! Go away!
Then we have the scenes where one of the friends from the orphanage comes to live with Margaret, it seemed her fast forward from addiction healing was very rapid indeed, knowing how long it usually takes (in real life). And again why was Mr PI in the house all the time? What's it to do with him, he's not a counsellor, a therapist, a doctor or a nurse. And he's not in a relationship as such with Margaret, so why are you there again? Frustrated me so much!
My feeling is that if those things I have commented on can be edited to be more realistic and not so over the top this book would send a much more powerful message, it would also be easier to read. I bet this is not the first criticism of these aspects of this book that have been said, nor will they be the last. I hate to find things in a book I want to love and give five stars too, but my followers like my reviews because I am honest, always honest.
It's not an awful book, I did enjoy it, but I did not have that sense of not wanting to put it down. I read it over a couple of days, again parts of it are done really well, I really did enjoy the lead up to the final chapters and the close of the book. I give this one 3 stars, which of course is a Goodreads rating of "I liked it", because I did like it, I just felt some of it held the book back from being amazing.
I have the follow up book to Bishop Street to read and am keen to find out what happens to the characters I have come to know in this book. Watch for my review!
I received a copy of this book from the author, Rene D. Schultz in exchange for a fair and honest review. Many thanks.
October 24, 2013
"Bishop Street" by Rene D. Schultz is the beautiful story four orphans that reunite many years after one of them left the orphanage behind at the age of 18. Riddled with guilt and longing the now successful writer Maggie decides to hire a private investigator to locate her three particularly good friends.
The handsome and charismatic investigator finds all three of them and helps with the meetings that Maggie has with each of the three individually.
There are sad and tragic excursions into their painful past but also wonderful memories revisited and together the reunited friends help each other to bring the ghosts of the past and present to rest.
Schultz has written great characters who you feel for, all very different and each bringing a new angle to the story. She gives us enough pain to see what life in some orphanages can be like, what life as an orphan can mean and how people can struggle all of their life to come to terms with having no family. But she also shows how this hardship can be overcome, how our protagonists have survived and have found their own new families.
This is a bitter sweet story with hope and redemption.
The handsome and charismatic investigator finds all three of them and helps with the meetings that Maggie has with each of the three individually.
There are sad and tragic excursions into their painful past but also wonderful memories revisited and together the reunited friends help each other to bring the ghosts of the past and present to rest.
Schultz has written great characters who you feel for, all very different and each bringing a new angle to the story. She gives us enough pain to see what life in some orphanages can be like, what life as an orphan can mean and how people can struggle all of their life to come to terms with having no family. But she also shows how this hardship can be overcome, how our protagonists have survived and have found their own new families.
This is a bitter sweet story with hope and redemption.
January 22, 2014
I was given this by the author as I had read a previous book DONE DEAL.
This is a wonderful story of 4 friends who was growing up in an Orphanage and through the love and determination of 1 woman, they all come together in their hours of need.
I found Maggie who is an author and is a wonderful woman who wanted nothing more than to find her 3 friends who were like family. Elizabeth is a homebody with 5 wonderful children and a lovely husband and a lovely person. Randolph is a man who is so full of life now that he can buy whatever he wants after his upbringing. Lucy is the lovely woman who has problems with addiction, with love and help from her friends who are like family, she can get through anything.
I loved the characters and the way the story melded into what happens to each character and how they've over the obstacles in their lives.
This is a wonderful story of 4 friends who was growing up in an Orphanage and through the love and determination of 1 woman, they all come together in their hours of need.
I found Maggie who is an author and is a wonderful woman who wanted nothing more than to find her 3 friends who were like family. Elizabeth is a homebody with 5 wonderful children and a lovely husband and a lovely person. Randolph is a man who is so full of life now that he can buy whatever he wants after his upbringing. Lucy is the lovely woman who has problems with addiction, with love and help from her friends who are like family, she can get through anything.
I loved the characters and the way the story melded into what happens to each character and how they've over the obstacles in their lives.
September 26, 2013
This is an amazing story about loss, hate, addiction, poor parenting, love and the power of friendship. Four orphaned kids ban together to over come the bullies and mean Sister that they are stuck with. 20 years later they join together again. This story keeps you on an emotional roller coaster. Sometimes you just need that second chance. I did want a romance to kick up in the story, but the author left you with enough details to piece it together. Great read. WaAR
October 9, 2014
How many times have we finished reading a book by an author and wondered what had been this author’s inspiration in writing each of their main characters? Well, Rene D. Schultz is the first author I can recall who has given us this information even before we get to the first page of the actual story; and with it, I feel, gives us a somewhat better understanding of the characters themselves.
The first two characters we meet are Margaret [Maggie] Gray and her secretary Denise Lockwood.
Ms. Schultz had already informed us that Maggie is the author in her and that Denise is her humor; both of which, without going into any details, I can attest to having read her first book, “Searching For Mr.Right.com.”
In “Bishop Street” the author tells the story of Maggie’s quest to reunite herself with the only three friends she had growing up in the orphanage, the only home she knew. Those three were friends Elizabeth [the mother in the author’s life], Randolph [the successful one] and Lucy [the lost child]. And with the help of Damon she was able to connect with each one again.
It’s interesting how Elizabeth wound up isolated in small town in North Dakota on a small farm away from the madness of a large city; and the other three in the same large city on the west coast, with each one of these three having built a wall around their personal lives, and each with their own personal reasons.
Yet, throughout the story there are no long drawn out chapters about their lives of her characters in the orphanage on Bishop Street, just snippets dispersed throughout the story itself which adds to the poignancy of the scene.
While Maggie is basically satisfied with how the first two of her friends have turned out. However, she can’t help her desire to help Lucy, the last of her three friends, not only to regain her former dignity and self-respect; but also to regain custody of her daughter who had been taken by social services due to her abuse of alcohol and drugs. Does she succeed? I’m not going to say, it’s in the book.
Even though all four of the main characters lives took different paths after they each left the Bishop Street Orphanage, each one took the same single memento of a special day there; a memento they’ve kept close to them even twenty years later.
Schultz’s descriptive style of writing many times pulls you right into the scene being created, and it feels as if the action is taking place in front of you.
Bishop Street is a great poignant of an individual’s will to survive and succeed, regardless of what life had brought them. Which is why I’m not hesitating in giving it 5 STARS.
The first two characters we meet are Margaret [Maggie] Gray and her secretary Denise Lockwood.
Ms. Schultz had already informed us that Maggie is the author in her and that Denise is her humor; both of which, without going into any details, I can attest to having read her first book, “Searching For Mr.Right.com.”
In “Bishop Street” the author tells the story of Maggie’s quest to reunite herself with the only three friends she had growing up in the orphanage, the only home she knew. Those three were friends Elizabeth [the mother in the author’s life], Randolph [the successful one] and Lucy [the lost child]. And with the help of Damon she was able to connect with each one again.
It’s interesting how Elizabeth wound up isolated in small town in North Dakota on a small farm away from the madness of a large city; and the other three in the same large city on the west coast, with each one of these three having built a wall around their personal lives, and each with their own personal reasons.
Yet, throughout the story there are no long drawn out chapters about their lives of her characters in the orphanage on Bishop Street, just snippets dispersed throughout the story itself which adds to the poignancy of the scene.
While Maggie is basically satisfied with how the first two of her friends have turned out. However, she can’t help her desire to help Lucy, the last of her three friends, not only to regain her former dignity and self-respect; but also to regain custody of her daughter who had been taken by social services due to her abuse of alcohol and drugs. Does she succeed? I’m not going to say, it’s in the book.
Even though all four of the main characters lives took different paths after they each left the Bishop Street Orphanage, each one took the same single memento of a special day there; a memento they’ve kept close to them even twenty years later.
Schultz’s descriptive style of writing many times pulls you right into the scene being created, and it feels as if the action is taking place in front of you.
Bishop Street is a great poignant of an individual’s will to survive and succeed, regardless of what life had brought them. Which is why I’m not hesitating in giving it 5 STARS.
January 28, 2016
“Sometimes in life we have to go through, what we go through, to get to where we are today…”
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
A heartwarming and emotional book that touched the very basics of human kind. The need to belong, to be accepted, to be seen and most of all to be validated.
A gripping story that will draw you in from the start, not putting it down till the very last page. The author did a wonderful work creating this story and it was written with heartfelt compassion, care and knowledge.
I believe her main aim with the book was the restoration of people and the sacrifices we make to achieve that.
When life hands you the raw side of its existence, the only thing that will bring you back is the loving support of family, even if it is not by blood.
All the characters in this book have crept into my heart and I wanted to be better acquainted. You want to see that life will finally turn around and give them that second change. Each character brought their own unique personalities to create this wonderful read, a read that I can recommend to all.
Elizabeth's family will cause a few smiles, touching the very need for connection and belonging. Each of her children were part of the antidote for the weary souls, Lucy, Maggie and Randolph.
Maggie was the one that was determined to get her family back. Having a breakdown in her life made her adamant finding her family. With the help of Damon and Denise she found them and we learn of the long road of recovery, of reconnecting and establishment of the old ties in something new and better.
Randolph, the only male in the small group will astound you with his in-depth wisdom and his ability to give into the places that are very important to him.
Lucy, the youngest of the group will break your heart. Her life-story very emotional as you walk with her to end the cycle of addiction and homelessness.
A wonderful story that was written from the heart, leaving you with the hope that second changes are possible.
Thanks Rene for this opportunity.
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
A heartwarming and emotional book that touched the very basics of human kind. The need to belong, to be accepted, to be seen and most of all to be validated.
A gripping story that will draw you in from the start, not putting it down till the very last page. The author did a wonderful work creating this story and it was written with heartfelt compassion, care and knowledge.
I believe her main aim with the book was the restoration of people and the sacrifices we make to achieve that.
When life hands you the raw side of its existence, the only thing that will bring you back is the loving support of family, even if it is not by blood.
All the characters in this book have crept into my heart and I wanted to be better acquainted. You want to see that life will finally turn around and give them that second change. Each character brought their own unique personalities to create this wonderful read, a read that I can recommend to all.
Elizabeth's family will cause a few smiles, touching the very need for connection and belonging. Each of her children were part of the antidote for the weary souls, Lucy, Maggie and Randolph.
Maggie was the one that was determined to get her family back. Having a breakdown in her life made her adamant finding her family. With the help of Damon and Denise she found them and we learn of the long road of recovery, of reconnecting and establishment of the old ties in something new and better.
Randolph, the only male in the small group will astound you with his in-depth wisdom and his ability to give into the places that are very important to him.
Lucy, the youngest of the group will break your heart. Her life-story very emotional as you walk with her to end the cycle of addiction and homelessness.
A wonderful story that was written from the heart, leaving you with the hope that second changes are possible.
Thanks Rene for this opportunity.
October 3, 2013
The story centers around Maggie Gray who grew up in Bishop Street Orphanage. Abandoned at seven when her mother chose a boyfriend over raising her daughter, Maggie is now a successful author. An emotional meltdown and recurring nightmares brings her to the decision to locate and reconnect with three friends she hasn't seen in twenty years.
A private investigator has located each person and provided a brief report on how they are doing. Maggie's journey to reconnect with each person is fraught with tension, memories, and fear. Each of the children were at the orphanage for different reasons, reasons that have left mental and emotional scars that have shaped who they are as adults.
This story is definitely not one in my preferred genre, but every once in a while, I try to step outside my comfort zone and explore something else. I was uncomfortable when the characters had flashbacks of the abuse and bullying that occurred the orphanage. None of the four children grew up unscathed by the abuse or the bullying from other kids.
This was not a story that held me in its grip from start to finish. There were points in the story where I had to set the book down and take my mind off what had been done to them as children. Although outside of my preferred genre, this was surprisingly, a good story. It felt as though the author either had first hand knowledge or researched her subject matter very well.
There were several errors missed in the proofreading/editing phase that got in the way of enjoying the story. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is available at Amazon.
A private investigator has located each person and provided a brief report on how they are doing. Maggie's journey to reconnect with each person is fraught with tension, memories, and fear. Each of the children were at the orphanage for different reasons, reasons that have left mental and emotional scars that have shaped who they are as adults.
This story is definitely not one in my preferred genre, but every once in a while, I try to step outside my comfort zone and explore something else. I was uncomfortable when the characters had flashbacks of the abuse and bullying that occurred the orphanage. None of the four children grew up unscathed by the abuse or the bullying from other kids.
This was not a story that held me in its grip from start to finish. There were points in the story where I had to set the book down and take my mind off what had been done to them as children. Although outside of my preferred genre, this was surprisingly, a good story. It felt as though the author either had first hand knowledge or researched her subject matter very well.
There were several errors missed in the proofreading/editing phase that got in the way of enjoying the story. I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is available at Amazon.
October 7, 2013
I don't really know how to start this, except to say that the book was good. It kept me turning the pages wanting to find out what had happened to these friends over the years. Maggie is such a basket case at the beginning of this book, but by the end she is a woman full of life, warmth and happy to have her friends around her. The many turns that people take over the years is something to behold. I've never read a book like this. It made me want to reach out to all those people I haven't spoken to in years, just to find out if they're happy in their lives. This book was about one womans journey to find the 3 friends who got left behind when she had to leave Bishop Street. I was so happy when she went to Elizabeth's and met her family. I was happy and curious when she and Rand reconnected. I cried when they finally found Lucy. And when they all got together, that was just beautiful. I absolutely adored the ending. My only question was whether or not Damon became a part of Maggie's life as well. I got the distinct feeling that he really would like to. I'd like to thank Rene for asking me to read this book, and allowing me the honor of doing so. It sounded interesting, and it was. You should read it. It's really good.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 4, 2013
I received this book from the author for an honest review.
This is really a very attention-grabbing book as we met Maggie, the main character of this book. A successful author that was tormented by flash backs from the past. As the plot builds we are drawn into Maggie’s past and the things that made her miserable. As she continues we experience some terrible things that happened to her and her 3 friends during their stay in the orphanage in Bishop Street. She was confronted with the question “What happened to my friends after the orphanage?” The story captured your attention so that you too wanted to know more. Well written, the story develops in her quest for her three friends that was her only family in her younger years. This is really a heartwarming tale as you meet each character and what has happened in their lives during this separation. As Maggie continues with her search we learn more about her own problems she must face. Meeting with the friends one by one, filling in the blank pieces of a 20 year period. I really enjoyed this story; emotions were invested as the author draws me into their lives with compassion and sincerity. A very thought provoking and soul searching story, with well defined and strong characters that will keep you reading till the very last page.
Well done Rene you had me in tears for quite a few chapters.
This is really a very attention-grabbing book as we met Maggie, the main character of this book. A successful author that was tormented by flash backs from the past. As the plot builds we are drawn into Maggie’s past and the things that made her miserable. As she continues we experience some terrible things that happened to her and her 3 friends during their stay in the orphanage in Bishop Street. She was confronted with the question “What happened to my friends after the orphanage?” The story captured your attention so that you too wanted to know more. Well written, the story develops in her quest for her three friends that was her only family in her younger years. This is really a heartwarming tale as you meet each character and what has happened in their lives during this separation. As Maggie continues with her search we learn more about her own problems she must face. Meeting with the friends one by one, filling in the blank pieces of a 20 year period. I really enjoyed this story; emotions were invested as the author draws me into their lives with compassion and sincerity. A very thought provoking and soul searching story, with well defined and strong characters that will keep you reading till the very last page.
Well done Rene you had me in tears for quite a few chapters.
November 8, 2013
Unbreakable Bonds
In Bishop Street, by Rene Schultz, the past and present are interwoven into a powerful story. As a small child, Maggie was left on the doorstep of an orphanage. She was abandoned by her mother because the man in her mother’s life insisted he did not want to carry the burden of a child.
At the orphanage, Maggie forged strong bonds with Lucy, Elizabeth, and Randolph. In an atmosphere of abuse, the four built not only friendships but also family ties.
Now, Maggie is near forty and a successful author. The cruel Sister Theresa is dead, but her poisonous legacy lingers in the form of Maggie’s bad dreams and symptoms of PTSD. Desperate to find her friends, Maggie turns to Damon Depre, a private detective. Although fearful of the results, she hires Damon to find the others.
Maggie’s journey traverses not geography but time, as she searches for her friends and relives her terrible childhood. In spite of the gray film of grimness from the long-ago abuse, Maggie finds ways to laugh, as well as exploring a romantic attraction. As her journey moves toward its destination, Maggie faces difficult decisions and learns about second chances.
In Bishop Street, by Rene Schultz, the past and present are interwoven into a powerful story. As a small child, Maggie was left on the doorstep of an orphanage. She was abandoned by her mother because the man in her mother’s life insisted he did not want to carry the burden of a child.
At the orphanage, Maggie forged strong bonds with Lucy, Elizabeth, and Randolph. In an atmosphere of abuse, the four built not only friendships but also family ties.
Now, Maggie is near forty and a successful author. The cruel Sister Theresa is dead, but her poisonous legacy lingers in the form of Maggie’s bad dreams and symptoms of PTSD. Desperate to find her friends, Maggie turns to Damon Depre, a private detective. Although fearful of the results, she hires Damon to find the others.
Maggie’s journey traverses not geography but time, as she searches for her friends and relives her terrible childhood. In spite of the gray film of grimness from the long-ago abuse, Maggie finds ways to laugh, as well as exploring a romantic attraction. As her journey moves toward its destination, Maggie faces difficult decisions and learns about second chances.
August 3, 2013
Rene Schultz’s debut novel, Bishop Street, is a richly drawn story of redemption and healing spanning across the lives of four children whose friendship was forged at the Bishop Street Orphanage. The protagonist, Maggie Gray, has worked hard to put her humble and troubled beginnings behind her and has achieved professional acclaim. But something is missing in her life, and she sets out to make it right. She is a woman of strength born from adversity and endowed with the determination to make a difference in the lives of those she once protected and still loves.
Shultz tells this heart-warming story with depth and understanding, interwoven with an attention to detail that pulls the reader in. Particularly poignant are the passages told in the voices of the children as they endured their days under the heartless vigilance of the headmistress, Sister Theresa. Bishop Street is a story that takes the reader from cruelty, to the high-life, to the gritty streets and back to safety. A very enjoyable and fulfilling journey.
Shultz tells this heart-warming story with depth and understanding, interwoven with an attention to detail that pulls the reader in. Particularly poignant are the passages told in the voices of the children as they endured their days under the heartless vigilance of the headmistress, Sister Theresa. Bishop Street is a story that takes the reader from cruelty, to the high-life, to the gritty streets and back to safety. A very enjoyable and fulfilling journey.
January 10, 2014
What a moving story. This book is about four orphans that lived on Bishop Street. Some older than the rest as they aged out of the system they lost touch, not by choice but due to a malicious unexplained woman who lied and lived to torture these children.
Approximately 20 years later Maggie, a very successful writer cannot go on anymore. She needs to write the wrongs of leaving her friends behind and so she hires a private eye to find them. As she is reunited with them one after the other she slowly starts to put her life together and finds that the one thing that survived time was a snapshot taken that they all held a copy with. A recluse turns into a family woman, an addict consultant and sponsor, a friend, an elder sister and the cement that once again reunites a group of strangers into a family. A family not by blood but my choice, circumstances and the one thing stronger than blood. Love.
This is an amazing story. I cannot recommend it enough. Nothing like your normal read. It has a raw truthfulness to it that I adore.
WaAr
Approximately 20 years later Maggie, a very successful writer cannot go on anymore. She needs to write the wrongs of leaving her friends behind and so she hires a private eye to find them. As she is reunited with them one after the other she slowly starts to put her life together and finds that the one thing that survived time was a snapshot taken that they all held a copy with. A recluse turns into a family woman, an addict consultant and sponsor, a friend, an elder sister and the cement that once again reunites a group of strangers into a family. A family not by blood but my choice, circumstances and the one thing stronger than blood. Love.
This is an amazing story. I cannot recommend it enough. Nothing like your normal read. It has a raw truthfulness to it that I adore.
WaAr
December 9, 2014
Excellent story. Execution needs a little polish.
The story centers around four children: Maggie, Elizabeth, Randolph and Lucy, who, for various reasons wound up at the Bishop Street Orphanage. The story is told by Maggie who is a successful novelist who one day decides it’s time to open up the past and find out what happened to her extended family from twenty years ago. Not a bad story line.
Several times I almost gave up on the story. Why? At times I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be a YA novel or one for adults. The subject content indicated it was but the writing style didn’t match. The use of exclamations became much too abusive and the characters were never fleshed out emotionally to a degree of believability.
Yet, I continued forward and am glad I did. The last quarter of the book is worth the pursuit. All of the characters finally take on adult characteristics and believability. The theme, everyone deserves a second chance, came across loud and clear. I concur one hundred percent as I was allowed a second chance with my high school sweetheart back in 2009. It took thirty years for us to reunite and put the past in the past. However, unlike our story book characters, Debbie passed seven months later from breast cancer.
I did find myself tearing up at the end as the emotions from the past and present came flooding back. To be able to connect with Maggie, Elizabeth, Randolph Lucy and her daughter, Mary Jane, is what the story is all about. No matter how difficult our path in life is, when people have faith in our abilities and are willing to help us achieve them, there is nothing that can stop us from succeeding in life.
I believe, with a little more work, this could be a best seller.
Four Stars
The story centers around four children: Maggie, Elizabeth, Randolph and Lucy, who, for various reasons wound up at the Bishop Street Orphanage. The story is told by Maggie who is a successful novelist who one day decides it’s time to open up the past and find out what happened to her extended family from twenty years ago. Not a bad story line.
Several times I almost gave up on the story. Why? At times I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be a YA novel or one for adults. The subject content indicated it was but the writing style didn’t match. The use of exclamations became much too abusive and the characters were never fleshed out emotionally to a degree of believability.
Yet, I continued forward and am glad I did. The last quarter of the book is worth the pursuit. All of the characters finally take on adult characteristics and believability. The theme, everyone deserves a second chance, came across loud and clear. I concur one hundred percent as I was allowed a second chance with my high school sweetheart back in 2009. It took thirty years for us to reunite and put the past in the past. However, unlike our story book characters, Debbie passed seven months later from breast cancer.
I did find myself tearing up at the end as the emotions from the past and present came flooding back. To be able to connect with Maggie, Elizabeth, Randolph Lucy and her daughter, Mary Jane, is what the story is all about. No matter how difficult our path in life is, when people have faith in our abilities and are willing to help us achieve them, there is nothing that can stop us from succeeding in life.
I believe, with a little more work, this could be a best seller.
Four Stars
November 18, 2013
A story of true bonds built out of survival and sadness. This is an emotional roller coaster and one I believe many will enjoy!
Margaret "Maggie" Gray is an accomplished author on the heels of yet another highly anticipated release. It has been twenty years since she left the orphanage she called home whereby leaving behind the only three people she ever considered family.
Maggie sets out to find her long lost childhood friends. To kick off the search she contacts Damon Depre, a successful private investigator. Not only do they have a professional interest but Maggie finds herself very attracted to Damon.
As details are revealed Maggie is taken aback to see the path in which her friend's lives have taken each of them. Can the pain these individuals have suffered as children still be plaguing them as adults? Why have their lives all taken very different paths? From the uber successful to the one still living a nightmare, Maggie is determined to reach each one of them.
Bishop Street is not your typical modern day romance. This story has sad childhood histories which have anchored four adults to one another. What I enjoyed about this story is that the characters were truly dealing with their struggles in the best way they could, which is real life for most people. The book is well written and my only real issue is that at times the story was a bit slow but I was willing to overlook that since the characters were captivating.
This is Rene Schultz's second novel. It was a pleasure to read this novel and I look forward to many more of Rene's books.
I give it a solid 3.5 - 4 stars!
Margaret "Maggie" Gray is an accomplished author on the heels of yet another highly anticipated release. It has been twenty years since she left the orphanage she called home whereby leaving behind the only three people she ever considered family.
Maggie sets out to find her long lost childhood friends. To kick off the search she contacts Damon Depre, a successful private investigator. Not only do they have a professional interest but Maggie finds herself very attracted to Damon.
As details are revealed Maggie is taken aback to see the path in which her friend's lives have taken each of them. Can the pain these individuals have suffered as children still be plaguing them as adults? Why have their lives all taken very different paths? From the uber successful to the one still living a nightmare, Maggie is determined to reach each one of them.
Bishop Street is not your typical modern day romance. This story has sad childhood histories which have anchored four adults to one another. What I enjoyed about this story is that the characters were truly dealing with their struggles in the best way they could, which is real life for most people. The book is well written and my only real issue is that at times the story was a bit slow but I was willing to overlook that since the characters were captivating.
This is Rene Schultz's second novel. It was a pleasure to read this novel and I look forward to many more of Rene's books.
I give it a solid 3.5 - 4 stars!
September 21, 2013
*I received a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Wow! This book was nothing short of fantastic!
Bishop Street is a heart-wrenching, tear jerking story of survival, friendship, and second chances. I haven't cried so much while reading a book since 'The Fault in our Stars' or 'Firefly Lane'. As a mother, the trips down memory lane really affected me at times. I just wanted to pull those 4 kids into a hug and keep them safe. The amount of emotions this book evokes in it's readers is astounding. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to curl up in a ball and stay that way. But most of all, I just wanted to keep reading.
The characters in Bishop Street were sheer perfection. I loved every one of them. Maggie was the epitome of strength when she decided to go in search of her friends with the help of Damon, the amazingly kind and hunky private detective turned friend. Randall was amazing and fun and humble. I loved reading about how he conquered his hellish childhood and turned it into a life he could really be proud of. Elizabeth and her family were so sweet and loving. And the way they all banded together to bring Lucy back from her life on the streets. Sweet, beautiful, broken Lucy. I think she was the strongest of them all. I even loved Denise. Her spunkiness made me laugh out loud at times.
Bishop Street was a really great book. One that I won't soon forget. I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know. Along with a large box of tissues.
Wow! This book was nothing short of fantastic!
Bishop Street is a heart-wrenching, tear jerking story of survival, friendship, and second chances. I haven't cried so much while reading a book since 'The Fault in our Stars' or 'Firefly Lane'. As a mother, the trips down memory lane really affected me at times. I just wanted to pull those 4 kids into a hug and keep them safe. The amount of emotions this book evokes in it's readers is astounding. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. I wanted to curl up in a ball and stay that way. But most of all, I just wanted to keep reading.
The characters in Bishop Street were sheer perfection. I loved every one of them. Maggie was the epitome of strength when she decided to go in search of her friends with the help of Damon, the amazingly kind and hunky private detective turned friend. Randall was amazing and fun and humble. I loved reading about how he conquered his hellish childhood and turned it into a life he could really be proud of. Elizabeth and her family were so sweet and loving. And the way they all banded together to bring Lucy back from her life on the streets. Sweet, beautiful, broken Lucy. I think she was the strongest of them all. I even loved Denise. Her spunkiness made me laugh out loud at times.
Bishop Street was a really great book. One that I won't soon forget. I'm going to recommend it to everyone I know. Along with a large box of tissues.
November 8, 2013
Bishop Street is an amazing book! We follow Maggie as she struggles with depression and nightmares, stemming from abuse she received as a child in an orphanage. Abandoned by her mother at a young age, she meets 3 amazing friends who stand by each other through it all- abuse, bullying from other kids, disappointment on Picnic Day.
Now Maggie is a famous author, successful and wealthy, and the death of one of her abusers from the orphanage has brought it all back. She lost touch after she turned 18 and was forced to leave them behind, and now she wants to find them. With the help of a private investigator, they're tracked down and she sets out to find them. Two of her friends are doing fantastic, but the other one isn't so lucky. After reuniting with the first two, Maggie and the PI set out to find the other who is living on the streets, addicted to who knows what, and selling her body just to survive. Finding her is just the beginning of their struggles, and the road is definitely bumpy.
Bishop Street has great dialogue, some fantastic and hilarious characters, emotional struggles, and an amazing story of strength and survival.
Now Maggie is a famous author, successful and wealthy, and the death of one of her abusers from the orphanage has brought it all back. She lost touch after she turned 18 and was forced to leave them behind, and now she wants to find them. With the help of a private investigator, they're tracked down and she sets out to find them. Two of her friends are doing fantastic, but the other one isn't so lucky. After reuniting with the first two, Maggie and the PI set out to find the other who is living on the streets, addicted to who knows what, and selling her body just to survive. Finding her is just the beginning of their struggles, and the road is definitely bumpy.
Bishop Street has great dialogue, some fantastic and hilarious characters, emotional struggles, and an amazing story of strength and survival.
September 4, 2013
Bishop Street is one that really grabs you. There's a bit of each one of these character's in everyone I think. Written with humor and compassion, you quickly fall for these four life long friends. They prove that while our past does bind us, it does not have to determine who or what we will become. That through love and kindness people have greatness within them. At the heart of it this book is a real three dimensional look at the characters that fill the pages, it is hard to put down, (which I had to do more than I wanted to as I have four children of my own) it builds, to an emotional crescendo that keeps you intrigued, and leaves you with a candid view of the human spirit. Any book that draws me in with such an emotional pull is a win for me. I highly recommend this book to anyone that wants to take a journey into another life for a short time. I think everyone should get to know these four friends that make up this extraordinary family. I was given this book for an honest review, by an amazingly talented author. I can't wait to see what she has in store next!
October 22, 2013
This novel is a heart-felt journey of four people who came from the same childhood yet their lives couldn't have turned out more different. Living in an orphanage, they were more like siblings and therefore one can relate to their reconnection much like they have experienced when gathering with family members after having been separated by years or miles. I truly believe that everyone who reads this novel will be able to latch on to one character or maybe more than one and feel a connection to that character for personal reasons. Maybe it is something you see in yourself or maybe in someone you love, but the point is this book is easy to relate to even if you are the farthest thing from an orphan.My heart broke over and over as I watched the characters recount their past and reunite in hopes for a better future. I strongly recommend this novel if you are looking for a heartfelt, realistic story dive into. From beginning to end I felt compelled to reach out to these characters as if they were real.
October 3, 2013
I liked the book (which I received in pdf format from the author in exchange for a review) ... but I could have perhaps loved it.
For me the book was over-written in places and was cluttered by superfluous descriptions and a few anomalies and errors.
I couldn't fit the description and over familiar behaviour of the Private Detective with my expectations of what the book would be - and worried that the book would turn into a Mills and Boon type soft erotica story (which is fine if that's what you are expecting to buy), but thankfully it didn't :)
It truly wasn't a bad story, I really did like it, but, perhaps because I didn't really grow to love the heroine as much as some of the supporting characters (Randolph and Elizabeth were lovely) it didn't grab me emotionally - which is what I had anticipated given that it involved the reunion of group of orphans who had gone through a terrible childhood together.
For me the book was over-written in places and was cluttered by superfluous descriptions and a few anomalies and errors.
I couldn't fit the description and over familiar behaviour of the Private Detective with my expectations of what the book would be - and worried that the book would turn into a Mills and Boon type soft erotica story (which is fine if that's what you are expecting to buy), but thankfully it didn't :)
It truly wasn't a bad story, I really did like it, but, perhaps because I didn't really grow to love the heroine as much as some of the supporting characters (Randolph and Elizabeth were lovely) it didn't grab me emotionally - which is what I had anticipated given that it involved the reunion of group of orphans who had gone through a terrible childhood together.
October 21, 2013
I read a review for this book and became interested in reading it myself. The main character Maggie, as a child was left at the doorstep of an orphanage. She becomes best friends with 3 other children, Elizabeth, Lucy and Randolph. First to leave the orphanage, she is shown to the door, but she never forgets her young friends. Through memories we learn the orphanage was abusive which has psychological affects of the main character, and the other. With the help of a PI, Maggie goes in search of her long lost friends. The story is well told, but the more I read it, the more I enjoyed it. Maggie's character became more and more realistic as the story progressed. I could picture myself in her shoes as she walked the streets of LA. Being a humanitarian, I felt her pain. Being pulled in emotionally is my sign of a good book. Well done Ms Schultz.
October 22, 2013
This novel chronicles the journey of a successful novelest, Maggie, as she tales the leap of faith required to look up her long-lost best friends and reconnect after many years. Unlike most childhood friends, these four share a past filled with neglect, loss, and abuse in an orphanage. Each person took what life gave them and created their own unique story.
As the journey continues, it becomes clear that each character represents the many different challenges and blessings that come into our lives and forever change us.
This story feels real even when you originally feel you might not be able to relate. It feels honest though I know it is fiction. It both warmes your heart and breaks it.
buy now: http://amzn.com/B00DL3QBBK
As the journey continues, it becomes clear that each character represents the many different challenges and blessings that come into our lives and forever change us.
This story feels real even when you originally feel you might not be able to relate. It feels honest though I know it is fiction. It both warmes your heart and breaks it.
buy now: http://amzn.com/B00DL3QBBK
October 17, 2013
I really enjoyed reading "Bishop Street" by Rene Schultz. The book was amazing. The author really put her heart and soul into writing this book. The emotional roller coaster between the 4 main characters was very inspiring and well written. The book focused on Margaret (Maggie), Elizabeth, Lucy, and Randolph who met her roommates at Bishop Street Orphanage. 20 years later Maggie sets out on a journey to help locate her friends with the help of Damon, a private investigator. Will she find her friends? Will they want her back in their lives? Read this book to find out.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
October 6, 2016
This story is about four orphans that lived on Bishop Street the main character being Maggie.
Maggie and her three friends all received abuse as children in the orphanage but they all stuck together.
20 Years later Maggie is an accomplished Author but has lost touch with her friends and wonders what happened to them so with the help of Damon a private investigator she sets out to find them.
This book is about survival,friendships and second chances. The story will bring you to tears at times but a great heartwarming novel.
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author Publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read this book.
Maggie and her three friends all received abuse as children in the orphanage but they all stuck together.
20 Years later Maggie is an accomplished Author but has lost touch with her friends and wonders what happened to them so with the help of Damon a private investigator she sets out to find them.
This book is about survival,friendships and second chances. The story will bring you to tears at times but a great heartwarming novel.
I would recommend this book.
Thank you to the Author Publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read this book.
October 22, 2013
"...it was who we were, and not what we had..." These were Rand's words, one of the four children who formed and family in the orphanage on Bishop Street. In spite of the beatings and awful living conditions, the children had love and strength while they were together. Each one found a way to hide from the awful fear of being alone when they left Bishop Street, but it wasn't until they reconnected that they would have victory. As the story unfolds, we learn about life styles foreign to most of us. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read.
December 6, 2013
HEART WRENCHING STORY:
This book will haunt you if you have one ounce of empathy in your soul. There is no question in my mind that this author has actually bled the words from her own reality. You will cry, you will laugh and you will never regret opening this book. IF the front cover tugs at your heart just wait till you journey through the pages.
I wonder if this story of 4 orphans is really just a novel or the mirror images of the pieces of the past of the author. It feels too real to be "just fiction".
March 10, 2015
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
This is a very emotional read. The book is in a genre that I don't normally read, but the synopsis intrigued me. I am glad that I did read this book, because I LOVED it!
Margaret (Maggie) Gray is a wonderful character. I really liked this lady. She has grit and determination to succeed. She has not had an easy life, but she has worked hard to become a renown and successful author. However, she is haunted by her past and in an attempt to vanquish the demons, she sets on a journey of discovery to find out what happened to her best friends, Elizabeth, Lucy and Randolph by hiring a private investigator, Damon Depre.
I realised from the start that this book would be an extremely emotional read. However, what I didn't expect was what Maggie's journey would stir up in me. I found myself so proud of all of the characters, as their struggles have shaped them into wonderful people.
Elizabeth has a big heart and a loving family, which made me feel very envious of her. Her life has also not been easy, but it has been filled with love and laughter. I love her children, Randall, Meg, James, Sarah and Katie, not to mention her loving husband, William.
Randolph is another wonderful character. He too has worked hard and has become a successful businessman. He has a wicked sense of humour, but he still seems lonely to me. His success isolates him, which made me feel sad. I am glad that Margaret manages to find him, and this allows him to feel relaxed and part of a family again.
Lucy is one of the not so lucky ones. She has had an even tougher life out of all of them, and her story is not an easy thing to read. She is the one that I am most proud of though, as she has had to climb hand over fist to overcome a lot of bad events and an addiction to alcohol.
I was, however, a little disappointed that there was not more in the way of romance between Maggie and Damon in the story. There was a definite spark there, but I suppose mixing business with pleasure wouldn't have been a good idea. I did, however, love Denise, Maggie's secretary and assistant; she keeps Maggie alive and organised. She is very down to earth, but she also has a warmth about her which instantly made me like her.
This story is full of heartache and regret, but it is also full of love, happiness and hope. I really loved getting to know these former orphans of Bishop Street. I have no idea what living in an orphanage is like, but these four people created their own family within an institution when they were abandoned by their own families. They have not had an easy life, but they have survived, and are a lot stronger for it. They may have been ill-treated and damaged by their experiences, but it is their ability to love that remains one of the true miracles of their upbringing. I found myself in tears quite often as their stories were told, but by the time I reached the end of the book, my tears became tears of joy.
Rene D. Schultz has written an extremely touching and emotional story that will stay with me for some time to come. Her writing style is not especially fast paced, but her descriptive ability brought the places and characters to life. The flow is absolutely wonderful. Each scene flows into another with seamless precision. I would definitely consider adding this author to my favourite author's list.
I highly recommend this book as a MUST READ if you love heartwarming contemporary fiction. - Lynn Worton
This is a very emotional read. The book is in a genre that I don't normally read, but the synopsis intrigued me. I am glad that I did read this book, because I LOVED it!
Margaret (Maggie) Gray is a wonderful character. I really liked this lady. She has grit and determination to succeed. She has not had an easy life, but she has worked hard to become a renown and successful author. However, she is haunted by her past and in an attempt to vanquish the demons, she sets on a journey of discovery to find out what happened to her best friends, Elizabeth, Lucy and Randolph by hiring a private investigator, Damon Depre.
I realised from the start that this book would be an extremely emotional read. However, what I didn't expect was what Maggie's journey would stir up in me. I found myself so proud of all of the characters, as their struggles have shaped them into wonderful people.
Elizabeth has a big heart and a loving family, which made me feel very envious of her. Her life has also not been easy, but it has been filled with love and laughter. I love her children, Randall, Meg, James, Sarah and Katie, not to mention her loving husband, William.
Randolph is another wonderful character. He too has worked hard and has become a successful businessman. He has a wicked sense of humour, but he still seems lonely to me. His success isolates him, which made me feel sad. I am glad that Margaret manages to find him, and this allows him to feel relaxed and part of a family again.
Lucy is one of the not so lucky ones. She has had an even tougher life out of all of them, and her story is not an easy thing to read. She is the one that I am most proud of though, as she has had to climb hand over fist to overcome a lot of bad events and an addiction to alcohol.
I was, however, a little disappointed that there was not more in the way of romance between Maggie and Damon in the story. There was a definite spark there, but I suppose mixing business with pleasure wouldn't have been a good idea. I did, however, love Denise, Maggie's secretary and assistant; she keeps Maggie alive and organised. She is very down to earth, but she also has a warmth about her which instantly made me like her.
This story is full of heartache and regret, but it is also full of love, happiness and hope. I really loved getting to know these former orphans of Bishop Street. I have no idea what living in an orphanage is like, but these four people created their own family within an institution when they were abandoned by their own families. They have not had an easy life, but they have survived, and are a lot stronger for it. They may have been ill-treated and damaged by their experiences, but it is their ability to love that remains one of the true miracles of their upbringing. I found myself in tears quite often as their stories were told, but by the time I reached the end of the book, my tears became tears of joy.
Rene D. Schultz has written an extremely touching and emotional story that will stay with me for some time to come. Her writing style is not especially fast paced, but her descriptive ability brought the places and characters to life. The flow is absolutely wonderful. Each scene flows into another with seamless precision. I would definitely consider adding this author to my favourite author's list.
I highly recommend this book as a MUST READ if you love heartwarming contemporary fiction. - Lynn Worton
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