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Apron Strings #2
Nellie
One cookbook connects them all...Nellie ~ Book Two in a string of heartfelt inspirational stories, featuring different women throughout the decades from 1920 to 2020. Finances are tight for the O’Dwyer family who live on a mountain outside of Scranton, Pennsylvania in 1931. Life gets even harder when their beloved Dadaí must cease work as a coal miner to become a patient at the West Mountain Sanitarium. Nellie is her preferred name, but family and friends have heard Mam shout “Fenella Aileen O’Dwyer!” all too often with the countless predicaments she got herself into throughout childhood. So, it’s not altogether surprising when Nellie impulsively accepts a job as an assistant cook at the Clarinda House in a case of mistaken identity -- though she’s the last person her family would ask to prepare a meal. Fortunately, along with determination, a talent for acting, and the gift of blarney, Nellie has Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, a treasure she discovered at a Red Cross drought relief sale. As her reluctant admiration for her employer grows, Nellie wishes she could be the truthful woman of faith that Mr. Mason Peale esteems. If she confesses all, will she lose her job along with the friendships she’s formed at Clarinda House?
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2024
About the author
Amy Walsh
8 books329 followersAmy Walsh, the author of the Victorian romance, A Misplaced Beauty, and the contemporary romance, Elsie Whitmore: A Star from Oak Hills, is a 5th-grade teacher from Scranton, Pennsylvania. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping with her Scouts BSA Troop. Amy also appreciates opportunities to share her faith through singing, teaching, and writing for her church family. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children: Bree, Spencer, Liz, and a son-in-law, Kyle. Amy and her extended family love to spend time together celebrating special occasions, listening to great music, swimming and kayaking, and having occasional ping pong tournaments.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
February 20, 2024
Nellie: Apron Strings Series, Book Two ~ A 1930s Vintage Romance is an absolutely charming read. Its eponymous protagonist is the most darling heroine (reminded me of a combination of Pippi Longstocking and Anne of Green Gables!), who's full of ideas and a go-get-'em attitude. She has a scheduled interview for a retail position when a case of mistaken identity places her as a cook's assistant in the wealthy Peale household. This is wonderful for her family, as her Dadai (dad, in Irish vernacular) has had to enter a sanitorium, and they must not only pay for his nursing care but for the upkeep of their own family.
Only Nellie can't cook.
Plus, there's the mystery that sent her to the Peale household to begin with. What about that precious object, which has somehow disappeared?
Grab yourself a copy of Amy Walsh's charming and marvelous Nellie: Apron Strings Series, Book Two ~ A 1930s Vintage Romance. You will love reading about Nellie, her family, the wonderful cook she's assisting--and the connection that seems to be forming between her and Mr. Mason Peale. Lovely book and lovely story!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
Only Nellie can't cook.
Plus, there's the mystery that sent her to the Peale household to begin with. What about that precious object, which has somehow disappeared?
Grab yourself a copy of Amy Walsh's charming and marvelous Nellie: Apron Strings Series, Book Two ~ A 1930s Vintage Romance. You will love reading about Nellie, her family, the wonderful cook she's assisting--and the connection that seems to be forming between her and Mr. Mason Peale. Lovely book and lovely story!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own.
February 19, 2024
I absolutely loved this story, and the whole series, in fact! Watching Nellie grow into the woman God intended her to be while falling in love with Mason was so much fun. I loved the mentorship she had with the cook and how that relationship transformed so much of how Nellie saw herself. The setting of the mining town during the Great Depression added a layer of historical interest to the sweet romance- always a winning combination for me.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 17, 2024
Nellie is a breath of fresh air. It is 200 pages of light reading with a little bit of mischief, a little bit of history, and a little bit of romance. Amy Walsh is a new to me author and this is the first book I have read in the Apron Strings series. I found Walsh’s writing to be engaging and enjoyable - this will not be the last book of hers that I read. I most likely will also not be the last book in the Apron Strings series that I read. I do not know if there is any overlap between the books but I did not feel I was missing any information.
Nellie is an actress who is attempting to return a valuable item she found inside a purse purchased at a rummage sale. The man of the house thinks she is a job applicant who is late for an interview. Nellie gets a little flustered because he is quite handsome and she can’t seem to get the reason she is there out of her mouth. She ends up getting the job (that she wasn’t applying for) as a cook - but she can’t cook. Walsh has created some very endearing characters. Her plot is engaging. It was a hard-to-put-down book for me.
Even though Nellie is written for the adult audience, it could easily find its way into a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for older middle school students and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Nellie. This is my honest review.
Nellie is an actress who is attempting to return a valuable item she found inside a purse purchased at a rummage sale. The man of the house thinks she is a job applicant who is late for an interview. Nellie gets a little flustered because he is quite handsome and she can’t seem to get the reason she is there out of her mouth. She ends up getting the job (that she wasn’t applying for) as a cook - but she can’t cook. Walsh has created some very endearing characters. Her plot is engaging. It was a hard-to-put-down book for me.
Even though Nellie is written for the adult audience, it could easily find its way into a K-12 Christian school library. It is appropriate for older middle school students and up.
I received a complimentary copy of Nellie. This is my honest review.
February 15, 2024
Nellie is a heartwarming story that will take you to a time in history, the 1930s, that was full of challenges and change. I really loved the character of Nellie and enjoyed seeing how she grew as a person from beginning to end.
March 13, 2024
The Apron Strings series does it again! Amy Walsh’s Nellie: Apron Strings Series Book Two, the second installment of the Apron Strings series, follows the next stop on the adventures of Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book and whoever it’s current owner is. In the 1930s, The Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book finds itself in a thrift shop where, Nellie, an aspiring actress, ends up purchasing the cookbook, intending to give it to her twin sister Joanna who is going to get married. As Nellie continues to shop, she finds a priceless heirloom in a purse, intending to return it to the owner at Clarinda House, the town’s mansion. After arriving at Clarinda House, Nellie gets mistaken for a cook applying for a job, by Mason Peale, the owner of Clarinda House, and Nellie accepts the position. Nellie can’t keep up the ruse for long, mainly because of her guilty conscience and the fact she can’t really cook. Plus, Nellie is falling for her boss, Mason. For Mason, Nellie is a breath of fresh air and an answer to prayer. Most importantly, Nellie and Mason learn powerful lessons not only about themselves and each other, but how God intends them to be.
Nellie is a complete delight to read! Nellie is the first book I have read by Amy Walsh, but if Ms. Walsh’s writing in Nellie is any indication of any of her other work, this will not be the last book I read by Amy Walsh! I just loved Nellie’s personality and creativity and her antics had me cracking up! I love how Mason is the type of boss everyone should have. I love how Mason mirrors Jesus to Nellie by accepting Nellie the way she is, being patient with her, and yet gently nudging her to be all that she was created to be. I felt that Nellie was genuine and relatable in her struggle to do what was right and her desire to honor God, because I have those same struggles. I love how Mason helped Nellie come to know Christ (I wish I had a list of the verses he gave her) and how Nellie soaked them up and memorized them, actively meditating on them. I love how Mason waited to pursue a more permanent commitment to Nellie until he knew Nellie’s commitment to Christ was permanent as well. (A lot of times this gets washed over in Christian Fiction and I’m glad in Nellie’s case it wasn’t.) If you looking for a fun read that’s centered on Christ, then you will love the escape Nellie gives you! I highly recommend Nellie: Apron Strings Series Book Two by Amy Walsh! I can’t wait to see where Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book goes next in the Apron Strings Series! What about you?
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape and Amazon.
Nellie is a complete delight to read! Nellie is the first book I have read by Amy Walsh, but if Ms. Walsh’s writing in Nellie is any indication of any of her other work, this will not be the last book I read by Amy Walsh! I just loved Nellie’s personality and creativity and her antics had me cracking up! I love how Mason is the type of boss everyone should have. I love how Mason mirrors Jesus to Nellie by accepting Nellie the way she is, being patient with her, and yet gently nudging her to be all that she was created to be. I felt that Nellie was genuine and relatable in her struggle to do what was right and her desire to honor God, because I have those same struggles. I love how Mason helped Nellie come to know Christ (I wish I had a list of the verses he gave her) and how Nellie soaked them up and memorized them, actively meditating on them. I love how Mason waited to pursue a more permanent commitment to Nellie until he knew Nellie’s commitment to Christ was permanent as well. (A lot of times this gets washed over in Christian Fiction and I’m glad in Nellie’s case it wasn’t.) If you looking for a fun read that’s centered on Christ, then you will love the escape Nellie gives you! I highly recommend Nellie: Apron Strings Series Book Two by Amy Walsh! I can’t wait to see where Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book goes next in the Apron Strings Series! What about you?
My review is also on my blog Leslie's Library Escape and Amazon.
February 15, 2024
Nellie O'Dwyer is young, energetic, and a bit impulsive. Family finances are tight with her Dadaí off work while he recuperates from tuberculosis at a sanitarium. Nellie had hoped to go into acting, and has the talent for it, but turned down a chance to go to New York to stay home and help the family.
She finds a valuable brooch in a purse in a secondhand shop. When she stops by Clarinda House to return it, she is mistaken for the new cook, who is late for her interview. Nellie's impetuous nature prompts her to accept the job, knowing her family could use the money, even though her cooking skills are, shall we say, sketchy. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh, Nellie! Amy Walsh gives us a plucky, winsome heroine in her title character, and I simply adored her. She has big dreams and a big heart to match, and her actions are never taken with the intent to harm. Even when her dreams are deferred or pushed aside, she doesn't let it get her down for long.
Nellie's heart flutters when she's near her new employer, Mason Peale, but she feels like she never quite measures up. He doesn't care for acting, thinks it frivolous and chastises Nellie for not putting her energies toward something more meaningful. When he learns she took the cook's position under false pretenses, his disappointment is palpable. Little does Nellie realize that his heart is slowly being swayed toward hers, too.
This book called to mind Sara Brunsvold's The Divine Proverb of Streusel in its use of a cookbook as a plot device. While Nellie is at the secondhand store where she finds the purse with the brooch, she also finds a copy of a cookbook by one Mrs. Canfield. She decides to make use of the book to help her learn cooking skills, and much like Nikki in Brunsvold's story, Nellie finds not only helps for kitchen use but also verses and notes that point her heart to a much more vital knowledge of and faith in God.
With characters you can cheer for, sweet romance, unintended chaos, a gentle focus on faith, and a lovely happy ending combine to make Nellie a charming, heartwarming read. I loved it, and I recommend it!
She finds a valuable brooch in a purse in a secondhand shop. When she stops by Clarinda House to return it, she is mistaken for the new cook, who is late for her interview. Nellie's impetuous nature prompts her to accept the job, knowing her family could use the money, even though her cooking skills are, shall we say, sketchy. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh, Nellie! Amy Walsh gives us a plucky, winsome heroine in her title character, and I simply adored her. She has big dreams and a big heart to match, and her actions are never taken with the intent to harm. Even when her dreams are deferred or pushed aside, she doesn't let it get her down for long.
Nellie's heart flutters when she's near her new employer, Mason Peale, but she feels like she never quite measures up. He doesn't care for acting, thinks it frivolous and chastises Nellie for not putting her energies toward something more meaningful. When he learns she took the cook's position under false pretenses, his disappointment is palpable. Little does Nellie realize that his heart is slowly being swayed toward hers, too.
This book called to mind Sara Brunsvold's The Divine Proverb of Streusel in its use of a cookbook as a plot device. While Nellie is at the secondhand store where she finds the purse with the brooch, she also finds a copy of a cookbook by one Mrs. Canfield. She decides to make use of the book to help her learn cooking skills, and much like Nikki in Brunsvold's story, Nellie finds not only helps for kitchen use but also verses and notes that point her heart to a much more vital knowledge of and faith in God.
With characters you can cheer for, sweet romance, unintended chaos, a gentle focus on faith, and a lovely happy ending combine to make Nellie a charming, heartwarming read. I loved it, and I recommend it!
February 12, 2024
Historical Romance books are a favorite Genre of mine. Nellie by Amy Walsh is the latest book in this genre that I have read. It is Book 2 in the Apron Strings Series, each book is written by Various Authors. The books are covering the decades from the 1920's to 2020.
The time is 1931 in Scranton, PA. Finances are already a struggle for the O’Dwyer family and then get worse when their Dadai becomes a patient at West Mountain Sanitarium. He was a Coal Miner and the bread winner for the family. Nellie has always been the rambuctious child and her many Childhood predictments prove so. It doesn't surprise the family when she takes a job as an Assistant Cook at the the Clarinda House, even though she can't cook very well. Nellie is determined to do well at her new job and she is using a "fake it to make it" method. Nellie is using Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, a cookbook she found at Rummage Sale for the Red Cross. Nellie starts to get a feeling that she needs to confess to her employer that she isn't the GREAT cook or person that she pretends to be, especially seeing how the employer has a strong faith. Will Nellie lose her job that she has come to love if she confesses? Will she lose her friends that she has gained at Clarinda House?
I was captivated by the storyline from the very first chapter. I truly enjoy the 1930's, the Victorian Era and Coal Miner stories. Nellie is quite the character, even from Childhood. I LOVE that she was determined to help her family financially and took a job under Mistaken Identity premise. Nellie immediately notices that her employer is a kind and caring enviroment and it begins to change her and her heart really wants to be honest. I also LOVE the little romance she has in the story. The book made me laugh, tugged at my heartstrings and encouraged me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!
The time is 1931 in Scranton, PA. Finances are already a struggle for the O’Dwyer family and then get worse when their Dadai becomes a patient at West Mountain Sanitarium. He was a Coal Miner and the bread winner for the family. Nellie has always been the rambuctious child and her many Childhood predictments prove so. It doesn't surprise the family when she takes a job as an Assistant Cook at the the Clarinda House, even though she can't cook very well. Nellie is determined to do well at her new job and she is using a "fake it to make it" method. Nellie is using Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book, a cookbook she found at Rummage Sale for the Red Cross. Nellie starts to get a feeling that she needs to confess to her employer that she isn't the GREAT cook or person that she pretends to be, especially seeing how the employer has a strong faith. Will Nellie lose her job that she has come to love if she confesses? Will she lose her friends that she has gained at Clarinda House?
I was captivated by the storyline from the very first chapter. I truly enjoy the 1930's, the Victorian Era and Coal Miner stories. Nellie is quite the character, even from Childhood. I LOVE that she was determined to help her family financially and took a job under Mistaken Identity premise. Nellie immediately notices that her employer is a kind and caring enviroment and it begins to change her and her heart really wants to be honest. I also LOVE the little romance she has in the story. The book made me laugh, tugged at my heartstrings and encouraged me. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!
February 13, 2024
Nellie is the delicious addition to the Apron Strings series and the first installment that I’ve read. It is also the first novel that I’ve read by author Amy Walsh. I love the overall premise of this series and couldn’t wait to get to know Nellie.
I will say, this novel has a choppy start, but Nellie herself has such a cute personality that her charm is practically jumping off the pages. I adored the scenes with Nellie and her siblings, especially her little brother, Johny. The characters are definitely the stars of this novel.
Nellie’s first solo attempts at cooking is so real. I am not a cook by any stretch of the imagination, so it was almost autobiographical in its exactness to my own personal experiences. I just wish I would’ve had a Mrs. Owen by my side during my attempts!
The recipes at the end of the book sound so good that it actually makes me want to cook, which says a lot! I was wondering while I was reading if they would be included and was so pleased when I saw them. I am not a chef by any means but figure if Nellie can learn to cook so can I!
As far as the novel itself I didn’t love the overall writing style, especially at the beginning, and it took me a bit to get into it but, just like Mason and his family, I couldn’t help but be charmed by Nellie. I am so glad I stuck it out. This was such a fun and cute read that is oozing with charm, a few tongue-in-cheek moments, and will leave you feeling happy...and hungry!
*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
I will say, this novel has a choppy start, but Nellie herself has such a cute personality that her charm is practically jumping off the pages. I adored the scenes with Nellie and her siblings, especially her little brother, Johny. The characters are definitely the stars of this novel.
Nellie’s first solo attempts at cooking is so real. I am not a cook by any stretch of the imagination, so it was almost autobiographical in its exactness to my own personal experiences. I just wish I would’ve had a Mrs. Owen by my side during my attempts!
The recipes at the end of the book sound so good that it actually makes me want to cook, which says a lot! I was wondering while I was reading if they would be included and was so pleased when I saw them. I am not a chef by any means but figure if Nellie can learn to cook so can I!
As far as the novel itself I didn’t love the overall writing style, especially at the beginning, and it took me a bit to get into it but, just like Mason and his family, I couldn’t help but be charmed by Nellie. I am so glad I stuck it out. This was such a fun and cute read that is oozing with charm, a few tongue-in-cheek moments, and will leave you feeling happy...and hungry!
*I have reviewed a copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher through JustRead Tours. All views and opinions expressed are completely honest, and my own.
February 16, 2024
Have you ever picked up a book where you’d never heard of the author and hadn’t read the previous book in the series, and then found that it was just the book you were needing? Nellie by Amy Walsh is book 2 in the multi-author Apron Strings series that uses a cookbook as the link between stories set in different decades. Nellie’s story is set in one of my favorite eras for fiction, the 1930’s, and it is a hopeful story of situations that result from her impetuous nature and the growth that she experiences through them, helped along by the scriptures and other notes, along with the recipes in Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book.
Filled with characters to love and a story that is amusing and touching by turns, Nellie is a delightful read with the requisite Historical Romance happy ending, though I definitely wouldn’t say no to more stories of Nellie, Mason, Mrs. Owen, the O’Dwyers, and Clarinda House.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Filled with characters to love and a story that is amusing and touching by turns, Nellie is a delightful read with the requisite Historical Romance happy ending, though I definitely wouldn’t say no to more stories of Nellie, Mason, Mrs. Owen, the O’Dwyers, and Clarinda House.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
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February 6, 2024I hadn’t heard about Clarinda House before and was fascinated by the historical details.
Good-hearted Nelly is a character I would love to meet in real life. She’s funny, kind, and generous, but doesn’t always make the best choices. She can be a little distractible and gets herself into uncomfortable situations. She’s a character I can relate to and sympathize with.
The mystery of the brooch she found in chapter one caught my interest, and I really wanted to know what happened to it. There’s a little romance going on that also kept me reading. There’s a bit of family conflict, which I’m always interested in, and I’m always game for sister stories. Even with many story people populating Nellie’s slice of 1931 Scranton, the story was never confusing.
Heroine with a habit of stumbling into trouble
Mystery
Historical 1930s Scranton
Bit of Romance
For Readers of Inspy Fiction
Splashes of humor
Good-hearted Nelly is a character I would love to meet in real life. She’s funny, kind, and generous, but doesn’t always make the best choices. She can be a little distractible and gets herself into uncomfortable situations. She’s a character I can relate to and sympathize with.
The mystery of the brooch she found in chapter one caught my interest, and I really wanted to know what happened to it. There’s a little romance going on that also kept me reading. There’s a bit of family conflict, which I’m always interested in, and I’m always game for sister stories. Even with many story people populating Nellie’s slice of 1931 Scranton, the story was never confusing.
Heroine with a habit of stumbling into trouble
Mystery
Historical 1930s Scranton
Bit of Romance
For Readers of Inspy Fiction
Splashes of humor
February 6, 2024
- [ ] Time and again, I thought I was all settled in for a sweet little story only to have my heartbeat quicken, my emotions surge as I was totally immersed in Nellie’s many antics and theatrics. From her childhood, Nellie was always creating chaos, leaving a trail wherever she went. But pretending to be a genius in the kitchen when she was attempting to return a valuable piece of jewelry found in a purse at a rummage sale, took it to a whole other level. And first impressions with Mason Peale weren’t favorable when he thought she was late for her interview at the Peale house. The reader will be immersed at page one, with each chapter tugging the heartstrings a little harder, enveloping a menagerie of emotions felt deep in the soul. The author is truly blessed with the talent of making the reader feel a part of the story, whether laughing or crying with these lovable characters, you are touched deeply in every way!
February 16, 2024
This book is not only steeped in history but also has funny little moments as an innocent young woman with a little too much spunk for her own good grows up. Nellie is a sweet story of growing in Christ as well as growing in adulthood.
Nellie is a young woman, growing up during the prohibition era. I love history, and enjoyed reading about the nuances of this era. When she gains employment at one of the grandest homes in the area, she must learn to cook – quickly. It's not her forte but, after a few misfortunes, she gets the hang of it. She also catches the eye of her employer, Mr. Mason Peale. There is also a mystery revolving around a missing broach... who stole it?
“I’m ashamed to say that it wasn’t just my family’s financial worries that lead me to take on the pretense. It was done so impulsively that I didn’t plot it, but I fear I was attracted to the dramatic side of it all. I am ashamed to have been so childish.”
Nellie is a young woman, growing up during the prohibition era. I love history, and enjoyed reading about the nuances of this era. When she gains employment at one of the grandest homes in the area, she must learn to cook – quickly. It's not her forte but, after a few misfortunes, she gets the hang of it. She also catches the eye of her employer, Mr. Mason Peale. There is also a mystery revolving around a missing broach... who stole it?
“I’m ashamed to say that it wasn’t just my family’s financial worries that lead me to take on the pretense. It was done so impulsively that I didn’t plot it, but I fear I was attracted to the dramatic side of it all. I am ashamed to have been so childish.”
February 13, 2024
This was a fun romance story about outliving your impulsive mistakes. Nellie is known for acting without thinking and this time she really dug herself in deep. She can't cook or bake a thing but her new employer thinks she has had plenty of training. She is good hearted and is trying to do the right thing, helping her family with a better paying job than she would have normally had, but it always seems to go wrong. She is honest, coming clean with Mrs. Owens in the kitchen and to her employer, but she still seems to keep ending up in hot water. But through it all, her heart shines through and she captures the heart of a sweet, kind, generous man in the process. In the end, it all works out, even her baking.
I really enjoyed the impulsiveness of Nellie. I feel like she is an echo of myself quite often. The honesty with which she addresses life is refreshing and hopeful. I found myself smiling at the situations and family interactions quite often. This was just a happy little read that I don't mind recommending. At all.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed the impulsiveness of Nellie. I feel like she is an echo of myself quite often. The honesty with which she addresses life is refreshing and hopeful. I found myself smiling at the situations and family interactions quite often. This was just a happy little read that I don't mind recommending. At all.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
February 20, 2024
Lovable spunky heroine
Nellie is a 1930s vintage romance with a dramatic, spunky heroine who has a heart for others. With Nellie’s acting abilities, she can master any part in a play. The challenge comes when she applies for a job as a cook with no cooking skills. Her acting skills have never had a bigger challenge. However, what she lacks in knowledge, she makes up for in grit and determination.
I loved Nellie’s compassion and care for her family, especially her brother and her dad who must receive medical treatment for his lungs.
Mason’s handsome face and commitment to his family and his employees make him an ideal hero.
Walsh wrote an intriguing novel that wove in wonderful spiritual truths.
Pros: witty dialogue, excellent character development, unique plot, spunky heroine, great spiritual themes, wonderful romance
Nellie is a 1930s vintage romance with a dramatic, spunky heroine who has a heart for others. With Nellie’s acting abilities, she can master any part in a play. The challenge comes when she applies for a job as a cook with no cooking skills. Her acting skills have never had a bigger challenge. However, what she lacks in knowledge, she makes up for in grit and determination.
I loved Nellie’s compassion and care for her family, especially her brother and her dad who must receive medical treatment for his lungs.
Mason’s handsome face and commitment to his family and his employees make him an ideal hero.
Walsh wrote an intriguing novel that wove in wonderful spiritual truths.
Pros: witty dialogue, excellent character development, unique plot, spunky heroine, great spiritual themes, wonderful romance
February 23, 2024
A really good book with some humor and a little mystery. Nellie is an actor and singer but she needs a job really fast to help her parents with living expenses since her dad has gotten sick and is unable to work. Being at the right place at the right time has landed Nellie a job as a cook’s assistant . The problem is Nellie can’t cook so the acting come in handy. The guilt Nellie has over the deception bears heavily on her. She begins to study Mrs. Campbell’s Cookery Book at night to learn the recipes she needs to prove she can cook. Nellie begins to befriend the cook and her employer, Mason. She admits the truth to Mason. Will this destroy the relationship with him or cause her to lose her job?
June 7, 2024
This book warmed my heart with the silly antics of Nellie and her conscience of things that are beyond her control. When Nellie is looking for engagement gifts for her twin sister at a Red Cross drought relief rummage sale, she finds the perfect thing. A cook book titled Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. And then she sees a beautiful purse, that she would love to have for herself, but debates the purchase, knowing her family has to be conservative with their money, but upon further inspection, she finds a surprise in the lining and knows she has to get it. Returning the treasure to the rightful owner, brings more adventures than she ever expected. This book is so much fun and I love how the characters grow and accept unforeseen gifts.
February 10, 2024
Delightful story. Each character has his or her own personality—with flaws that need overcoming, and strengths that make the impossible happen. There is enough suspense to keep readers engaged, and just the right touch of romance so as not to be sappy.
There were a few typos, but nothing horrible. The story flowed fine and was interesting as well as engaging. And I love the way this series will weave a single item through the entire series (though I don’t want to spoil anything by saying more. Just a little hint as to the creativity of these authors.) I enjoyed reading it and put the book down satisfied. I've already recommended it to several others.
There were a few typos, but nothing horrible. The story flowed fine and was interesting as well as engaging. And I love the way this series will weave a single item through the entire series (though I don’t want to spoil anything by saying more. Just a little hint as to the creativity of these authors.) I enjoyed reading it and put the book down satisfied. I've already recommended it to several others.
February 16, 2024
In Nellie’s Story, Amy Walsh transports us to the 1930s, bringing to life a wonderful cast of characters. The discovery of a cookery book and a purse at a second hand sale, change the course of Nellie O’Dwyer’s life. From the very first page, you’ll be hooked on this story, desperate to know what happens next. Nellie is a fabulous character, full of fun and personality, bringing a smile to those around her. The interactions between Nellie and Mason are wonderfully written, but I won’t say too much about that for fear of spoilers. Once again, Amy Walsh has brought us an engaging story, highly recommended.
June 25, 2024
Nellie is a light hearted romance set in 1931 Scranton, Pennsylvania and the West Mountain Sanitarium. The series' common thread is a cook book titled Mrs. Canfield’s Cookery Book. Issues of social inequalities in a coal mining community and the effects of tuberculosis are woven throughout the story. Nellie and her antics made me chuckle. Having a younger brother, Nellie's interaction and care for her Johny warmed my heart. Returning a brooch to the rightful owner, brings more adventures than Nellie ever expected. As the family cook, I enjoyed the premise, the characters, the twist and turn plot and the believable resolution. Looking forward to reading more in this series. This was a June selection in the 2024 International Reading Challenge. Amy Walsh is a new to me author.
February 19, 2024
Engaging Story
I enjoyed this second book in the Apron Strings Series. Nellie was such an interesting character. I appreciated the growth she experienced. Mason was the perfect match for Nellie's energy and enthusiasm.
I love how the cook book is tying the stories together and how it brings life, truth, and hope into the situations of its owners.
As a Pennsylvanian, I especially liked the setting of this story. Both the location and the time period were very interesting.
I definitely recommend this series!
I enjoyed this second book in the Apron Strings Series. Nellie was such an interesting character. I appreciated the growth she experienced. Mason was the perfect match for Nellie's energy and enthusiasm.
I love how the cook book is tying the stories together and how it brings life, truth, and hope into the situations of its owners.
As a Pennsylvanian, I especially liked the setting of this story. Both the location and the time period were very interesting.
I definitely recommend this series!
February 21, 2024
My mother lived during this time period. She talked of the contentment her family had despite the hardships of the 30’s. Amy Walsh has done a great job of capturing this in Nellie’s life. Her story develops nicely and the characters are wonderfully depicted. I also enjoy the spiritual references.
My favorite line was: “It’s not just your voice, which is a gift from God, but your courage and humor.” It showed the merit of good character.
I loved how this family pulled together when their lives were turned upside down. Nellie is one of those people you never forget. Well done, Amy Walsh.
My favorite line was: “It’s not just your voice, which is a gift from God, but your courage and humor.” It showed the merit of good character.
I loved how this family pulled together when their lives were turned upside down. Nellie is one of those people you never forget. Well done, Amy Walsh.
February 28, 2025
Delightful!
Loved the humor, and frequently chuckled while reading. Again, I copied recipes that look delicious and easy to make.
This is the second of a great, fun yet also serious, clean romantic series set in the early 20th century. I am eager to
continue reading the next book offered in this series, but also delighted to be introduced to Amy Walsh and will look for more of her work!
Loved the humor, and frequently chuckled while reading. Again, I copied recipes that look delicious and easy to make.
This is the second of a great, fun yet also serious, clean romantic series set in the early 20th century. I am eager to
continue reading the next book offered in this series, but also delighted to be introduced to Amy Walsh and will look for more of her work!
February 16, 2024
beautifully written and engaging
I loved how this book and another tied together. Nellie was doing what she had to in order to help support her family. If you read one of Amy’s books, you want to read the others. I have yet to read one that I wouldn’t recommend. Polly started the series and I enjoyed it. Nellie was fantastic. I can only imagine what this series will be like
I loved how this book and another tied together. Nellie was doing what she had to in order to help support her family. If you read one of Amy’s books, you want to read the others. I have yet to read one that I wouldn’t recommend. Polly started the series and I enjoyed it. Nellie was fantastic. I can only imagine what this series will be like
February 17, 2024
What a great story
This is book 2 of the story of an old cookbook. It's filled with recipes and wisdom. It has gone from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Where will it go next?
Can a gal who seems to get in all kinds of troubles become at peace and find love?
I am really enjoying this series.
This is book 2 of the story of an old cookbook. It's filled with recipes and wisdom. It has gone from Wisconsin to Pennsylvania. Where will it go next?
Can a gal who seems to get in all kinds of troubles become at peace and find love?
I am really enjoying this series.
February 26, 2024
Nellie by Amy Walsh is a light, uplifting read with a ton of heart and faith mixed in. Nellie finds herself in a bit of a pickle when she is mistaken for the woman applying for a position in the kitchen of a home of a well-known businessman in Scranton, Pa. Not wanting to admit she lied and knowing her family could use the money since her father is in the hospital for tuberculous, she decides to keep up her ruse – even though she can’t cook at all.
There are moments of laughter and tears in this book, the second in the Apron String Book Series. The books do not have to be read in order to be understood. What connects each book is a cookbook from Mrs. Clara Canfield, which helps inspire or encourage each character (or in Nellie’s case helps her cook in the first place).
Don’t miss this sweet women’s/historical fiction story with a dash of romance. It is currently in Kindle Unlimited and paperbacks are also available.
There are moments of laughter and tears in this book, the second in the Apron String Book Series. The books do not have to be read in order to be understood. What connects each book is a cookbook from Mrs. Clara Canfield, which helps inspire or encourage each character (or in Nellie’s case helps her cook in the first place).
Don’t miss this sweet women’s/historical fiction story with a dash of romance. It is currently in Kindle Unlimited and paperbacks are also available.
February 26, 2024
Nellie Belly!
What a delightful read! Fun world building so believable that I could hear the trees rustling. I adore Johny, Nellie's young brother. The characters throughout the story are amazing. This novel is spot on with the historical facts and a good old fashioned read. Highly Recommended.
What a delightful read! Fun world building so believable that I could hear the trees rustling. I adore Johny, Nellie's young brother. The characters throughout the story are amazing. This novel is spot on with the historical facts and a good old fashioned read. Highly Recommended.
December 7, 2024
2.5/5 STARS! Awww this was cute & I liked the idea of a cookbook being passed down throughout history. This was an adorably done romantic story that was a ton of fun. I enjoyed this, and could see this being a Hallmark movie (MAKE IT HAPPEN) one day. Book 2 but can be read as a standalone. Very easy to read & get into, recommend for anyone in a book slump wanting something simple but cute.
February 27, 2024
I loved this book. There were parts of it that read like an episode of "I Love Lucy". I laughed so much at times. Nellie started out not knowing how to cook but learned how and even ended up with her happily ever after.
March 8, 2024
Nellie is such a fun story and love that it involves a cookbook found at a rummage sale. The story itself is interesting and just reading about all the mishaps she gets into is entertaining overall. Nice mix of romance and humor. Worth a read and enjoyable on its own in the series.
April 10, 2024
A wonderful trip to yesteryear.
Nellie was a fun and feisty FMC. It was fun to watch her in action. This book takes the reader back to a bygone era and it was a wonderful trip. Well done!
Nellie was a fun and feisty FMC. It was fun to watch her in action. This book takes the reader back to a bygone era and it was a wonderful trip. Well done!
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