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Aprons & Veils #3

The Enchanting of Miss Elliot

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She thought he was her forever—he had other plans.

Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted, becoming a Harvey Girl waitress was by far the dumbest—and she’d pulled some pretty foolhardy antics. Her back was sore. Her feet were swollen. And she had done it to herself in a fit of pique over a Texas Ranger who was mooning over another woman. Lorna had longed for distraction at the time, but after weeks of training, she might keel over and die in the middle of the dining room floor with a plate of apple pie in one hand and a pot of coffee in the other. But, she’s an Elliot. And Elliot’s never quit. The only thing she’d ever quit was attempting to win Ranger Reid and now that he’s the new sheriff in her hometown, it’s going to be impossible for her to move on unless she takes control of her heart—for better, or for worse.

Sheriff Reid had never wanted to settle down until he had fallen hard for a runaway mail-order bride turned Harvey Girl who chose another. When news of an outlaw’s escape lands on his desk, he eagerly rides out in pursuit all the way to Topeka and overhears the outlaw’s plans that revolve around the wealthy Lorna Elliot. It’s up to Reid to see his childhood friend safe . . . despite Lorna insisting that she can protect herself without him.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 19, 2024

213 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Grace Hitchcock

25 books1,010 followers
Grace Hitchcock is an award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives near New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 64 reviews
Profile Image for Staci.
2,306 reviews669 followers
March 17, 2025
1899 Kansas & New Mexico

This is such a delightful series! The Harvey Girls and Harvey Houses are an interesting part of American history. The commitment to high standards married with efficiency and ingenuity made them stand out.

Lorna Elliot becomes a Harvey Girl as a result of a dare and as a way to forget the love of her heart Gaston Reid. And then Gaston arrives on the scene to protect her from a band of outlaws. Being a part of their romance was a fun journey as they each were hesitant to share their feelings about the other.

I hope we will get Corinna's story in the future.

My gratitude to the author for a complimentary copy of the novel. I was not required to post a review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Carolyn Bryant.
917 reviews79 followers
June 27, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, the third book in the wonderful Aprons and Veils series, is another delightful Harvey Girls tale from consummate storyteller Grace Hitchcock. I was caught up in this story from page one and was so captivated that I read it in one sitting! The intriguing plot flows at a steady pace with well-placed twists. Whether in Topeka, Las Vegas or Newport, detailed historical descriptions of the Harvey Girl empire and the 1899 settings lend realism to the fictional story bringing the authentic settings and beautifully crafted characters to life! I love Lorna and Gaston as individuals and as a couple and the way their romantic relationship develops. I appreciate the gentle faith thread that is woven throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and love this series. I highly recommend both as must reads for historical romance fans.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Becky of Becky's Bookshelves .
733 reviews100 followers
July 16, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot is a friends to lovers historical romance and third in the Aprons & Veils series by Grace Hitchcock. It is a wonderful read. Lorna Elliot decides to take a dare from her brother and applies to become a Harvey Girl waitress which is way harder than she could have imagined. She has been in love with her neighbor Gaston Reid since they were kids. He recently stopped being a ranger to be the sheriff of Las Vegas, New Mexico. When a criminal escapes and they believe he might be after Lorna their new adventure begins.

I am enjoying the Aprons and Veils series. Lorna is a spunky heroine who I enjoyed watching change and grow in the story. Gaston is how I picture every Texas ranger and watching him fall in love with Lorna made my heart happy. The varied settings of Colorado, train cars, outlaw camps, Harvey Houses, and beaches made the story interesting and fun to read. The story was filled with action and I kept wondering what would happen next! A wonderful read!

I enjoyed the adventure, romance and great banter of The Enchanting of Miss Elliott by Grace Hitchcock. This was a great summer read and I look forward to the next book in the Apron and Veils series. I highly recommend.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Courtney Ranger.
Author 2 books68 followers
August 16, 2024
*Squeals* The Enchanting of Miss Elliot did NOT disappoint!!!!!!!!!!! It was so sweet and cute and included scenes with some of my FAVORITE characters from the previous books and amazing themes and OF COURSE amazing romance!!!

Okay. I'll try to be a bit more... intelligible from here on out (no promises).

Reid was one of the sweetest characters from the second book in the series, so I was SO HAPPY that I got to see him again, and this time as the love interest!!!!!!!! I love how dedicated he is and how chivalrous he can be, while at other times his more teasing nature comes out and it just makes him such an incredibly loveable love interest.

Lorna Elliot was so relatable. I love her determined, competitive nature. She is smart and resourceful and a quick thinker and such a fun character. She could be described as spunky, but I don't love that word, so we're sticking with fun.

I loved the friends-to-more trope in this book!!! Lorna harboring feelings for Reid since childhood is devastatingly relatable. It was so cute watching Reid finally admit that Lorna meant more to him than just best friend's little sister. It was so cute also watching other people react to their budding relationship.

My two favorite scenes were the first kiss scene, the gunfight scenes, and the skunk scene. I won't give too many spoilers, but both were just so cute and had me squealing from all the cuteness!!!!!!

The one thing I didn't love about the book was the polygamy thing. Basically, the villains make this polygamist cult thing and it just left me a bit uncomfortable. It was a really cool way to build the plot and make the villains more interesting, but it just wasn't my favorite.

Overall, this book was just SO CUTE!!!!!!!!!! But seriously, Grace, I did NOT need another book to add to my to-buy list! If you enjoy friends-to-more romance with sweet faith elements and the action that kept me reading WAY TOO LATE into the night.

I received an advance copy of this book. My opinions are my own. A positive review was not required.
Profile Image for Jeanne Alfveby Crea.
978 reviews106 followers
July 2, 2024
Another delightful Harvey Girls story in the Aprons & Veils series by Grace Hitchcock! An engaging, sweet story of friends to more has you rooting for Lorna Elliot and Gaston Reid amidst serious danger to an accomplished Harvey Girl in the Wild West! Hang on to your hats for this page-turning Harvey Girls story. I am so enjoying this series, and hope there will be more!

Thank you to the author for allowing me to read an early copy. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend The Enchanting of Miss Elliot to lovers of historical romance stories sprinkled with mystery and suspense. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,168 reviews116 followers
August 29, 2024
Get ready to go on another adventure with the third book in the Apron and Veils series. Each book can stand on its own but why would you want to miss out. I enjoyed reading Lorna’s story and how a dare has her working as a Harvey girl. The historical aspect of how the Harvey girls were trained and sent to different stations was so interesting. When the man she has been trying to forget enters the picture and becomes her protector the sparks begin to fly but not always romantic ones. You will find the humor as well as the seriousness of the situation as her life becomes a target for some nefarious outlaws. Lots of twists and turns to navigate and I especially enjoyed the Faith thread woven in flawlessly. Well written and strong characters that you will remember after finishing. You will be glad you added this to your TBR pile.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
June 23, 2024
The storyline was exciting and adding the historical details about the Harvey Girls brought it to life. The settings for the story were wonderfully described and gave it a sense of magic. The story was enchanting, and yet had mystery, and danger. Just when I thought I was figuring everything out, a twist would make me wonder what would happen next.

The main characters are well developed with lots of layers that were apparent as the story got towards the middle of the book. There were some dangerous situations, but with Lorna and Reid being fast to react, it was a surprise quite often. The playful banter between the two, had me laughing. The ending wrapped everything up nicely. I highly recommend reading it.

I received an ARC from Netgalley and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Betsy.
490 reviews20 followers
June 26, 2024
I have been enjoying this series featuring young women who became Harvey Girls in the late 1800s and this third book proved to be another page-turner. Lorna Elliot and Gaston Reid were such appealing and down-to-earth characters that you couldn’t help but root for them. This childhood friends-to-more book focused on the reasons behind Lorna taking a position as a Harvey Girl which provided the impetus for the rest of the
story in both action and romance. An inspirational theme was present but understated. While the book can be read as a standalone, it was nice to see characters from previous books make appearances here and have a little background refresher. I appreciated the research done by the author to make the historical aspects as true-to-life as possible. My curiosity is already piqued for the next book which features Lorna’s friend Corinna. Readers of western historical romance would love this series!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. A positive review was not required and these are my own opinions.

95 reviews
July 4, 2024
Why can't she let dares slide off her back? Will she ever be able to just say, "NO!"?
It's actually a dare from her brother that sets up this story. When she accepts and moves away from family and the man she's loved for most of her life, she discovers herself. She's strong, has a good work ethic and finds a friend.
I think you will enjoy reading about the growing up and enchantment of Miss Elliot, through danger, fear and selflessness, she proves to be a force to all around her.
Profile Image for Anastasia.
67 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2024
Grace Hitchcock has written another gem!! This is the 3rd in a series about our nation's own “Harvey Girls”. These stories seamlessly weave together a tale that wraps training for their positions as a Harvey Girl, the work in the diners bursting full of efficient movements from the waitresses and sometimes very lively patrons, the families that they have left behind and the new ones they build with their coworkers, and the paths that lead them closer to the Lord and to their own happily ever afters.

This is a wonderful story of Lorna, who is finishing up her training for her first job outside of her own family's ranch. Lorna is excelling at all she does in the diner and has been offered a position at the Montezuma, the most fabulous hotel always busy and bustling. While other Harvey Girls would be thrilled to catch such a great placement Lorna is dreading it. Montezuma is in Las Vegas and that is where she has just recently left. Lorna grew up there on her parents ranch, helping herd cattle, riding along with ranch hands, shooting a gun…and falling in love with her older brother's best friend, Gaston Reid. The trouble with falling in love was that in Lorna’s case it was one-sided. As Gaston Reid has just returned home from being a Ranger, he has now taken up the Sheriff position in town, his heart aching over the woman that he loved, who went and got herself married to someone else. Lorna decides that it is time for her to put her unrequited love behind her and takes a bet from her brother to get a job as a Harvey Girl. Lorna sees this as her escape to get Gaston Reid out of her heart and mind for good; what Lorna doesn’t know is that now, Gaston Reid is about to be closer than ever to her, and there is no place either of them would rather be. This story will keep you locked with heart racing moments, suspense, sighs of sweetness, and rejoicing with the true love that triumphs over all.
Profile Image for Sarita.
1,520 reviews655 followers
December 29, 2024
This was a fun historical story with a dash of mystery/action.

The narrator did a wonderful job of bringing forth an entertaining telling.

*I listened to the audiobook on Audible.*
Profile Image for Becky Lewis.
1,061 reviews59 followers
August 20, 2024
“We all have a bone to pick with Reid, so it stood to reason that he would be our first target.”

The third book of the Apron Strings series, The Enchanting of Miss Elliot is another great book by Grace Hitchcock featuring the Harvey Girls. With more than a touch of the Old West, fine vistas, fancy hotels, and proper serving girls, plus elements of danger, faith, and romance, you’ll be glad you read this book.

A friends-to-lovers trope, Lorna has become a Harvey Girl on a bet with her brother. She hopes to be placed in a hotel far away from her hometown of Las Vegas, New Mexico, but is placed exactly there instead. How is a girl to get over her childhood crush if she has to see him often? For his part, Sheriff Gaston Reid has grown up as Lorna’s brother’s best friend, but was enamored of another Harvey Girl. When that girl marries another, Reid takes s second look at his old friend… who has built up s wall protecting her heart from interest in him.

However, the leader of The Death Riders, a very dangerous gang, has escaped prison, along with his outlaw wife, and life in the West just got a lot more hairy for both Reid and Lorna. There are some unique twists in this book.

Can Reid keep Lorna safe as he promises? Will she ever see him as more than a friend? The Death Riders are like a bad penny. They keep turning up over and over again, and know one knows just when or where they’re going to appear next. While it actually applies to another character, Lorna easily could have said, “…it is a daily act, giving God my fears…” She certainly is learning to trust God through these times!

Lorna suffers from a lack of friends, which is why Reid’s friendship is so valuable to her. She does make friends with some of the other waitresses at the Harvey House Hotels. One of them, knowing Lorna is working at getting over Reid, reminds her, “Remember your goal, and when you waver, count all the blessings the Lord has given you, and pray that He changes the desire of your heart.”

What will it take for this couple to admit that what they feel for each other is more than friendship and God is directing their course to each other?

In summary, the danger, romance, and twists kept me intrigued from the moment I started the book. I am glad there will be more Harvey House Girl historical romances by Hitchcock!

I received a copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I also bought my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“…bitterness and rage only blinded the person holding on to the offense.”

“But wouldn’t an apology like that hurt her and the confession would be more for me than her? Yes. Yes, it would.”
Profile Image for Melissa’s Bookshelf.
2,545 reviews177 followers
August 16, 2024
Another delightful addition to the Aprons & Veils series! I was so excited to read another Harvey girls adventure from Grace Hitchcock. This time we get Gaston Reid’s story. While he missed his chance to be with one Harvey girl, he gets a second chance at love when his childhood friend is in need of protection from an escaped outlaw bent on revenge. It’s a darling friends to more, unrequited love, brother’s best friend romance with plenty of action, danger, swoony kisses, & a touch of faith.

Lorna Elliott decided to become a Harvey girl on a dare from her brother. Her spunky stubbornness keeps her going while waitressing in the busy restaurant. She’s trying to forget a certain former Texas Ranger whom she’s had a crush on for years. But, when danger comes her way, she needs his protection to thwart a devious outlaw and his new gang of women.

Now the sheriff of his small town, Gaston Reid finds himself drawn to his childhood friend Lorna. When circumstances continually put him in her orbit, he finds himself falling in love. Despite his teasing & close proximity, Lorna seems immune to his charms. He’s sworn to protect her at any cost but also hopes to convince her to give him her heart.

I loved the chemistry between the competitive Lorna & hunky Sheriff Reid and seeing their romance bloom. It was so sweet & there were so many funny, cute situations they found themselves in. Whether it’s a visit to the ocean in Newport, trying to escape dastardly criminals, or encounters with a skunk, this story had me eagerly turning the pages. I also loved the subtle thread of faith woven throughout the story.

Highly recommend to historical & Western romance fans! Though part of a series, it can be read as a standalone. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the publisher, but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.
Profile Image for Christi.
1,169 reviews36 followers
July 22, 2024
I have enjoyed this series so much that I instantly downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited as soon as it was available and had it read in a day. While I feel like each novel gets better and better in many ways, this particular installment didn’t hit like the first two did for me. Maybe it’s because I am over the whole friends-to-lovers troupe, but something bothered me about this story, and I think it’s how much Reid and Lorna are falling all over one another. I would’ve much rather had less of the lovey-dovey stuff and more of the action and suspense, which are what really redeemed this novel for me.

It’s pretty clear from the start that though Grant is behind bars that him and the Death Riders are going to continue to be a problem, and that’s factual. This time the Riders are going after Lorna Elliot to not only get to the Elliot family but also to Sheriff Reid. It’s this tension alone that kept me reading, the parts with the Death Riders were by far my favorite scenes. Honestly, the whole first part was great with a strong start, but the more Reid and Lorna flirted and pined for one another the more I found myself losing interest. I also have to add that the part on the train when Lorna was cold was particularly cringy.

The comrade between the Harvey Girls has been some of my favorite moments in the series so my heart hurt that there weren’t a lot of scenes with the other Harvey Girls. Sure, there are moments, but I was wanting so much more.

Though it wasn’t what I was expecting overall I enjoyed The Enchanting of Miss Elliot. The characters are rich and developed, the scenes come alive, and it’s hard not to fall in love with this world.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,085 reviews135 followers
August 20, 2024
I have become very interested in any story that features The Harvey Girls. They work long hours and are expected to always treat their customers with the highest respect. It was well known that going to one of these famous places where The Harvey Girls worked , you would find excellent service and delicious food.

Oh how I laughed when Lorna’s pride gets in her way frequently in the story. On a dare she applies to be a Harvey Girl. Turns out she is really good at the job. People in her family never give up, which is one of her best qualities. Besides she is trying to run away from everything that reminds her of a certain someone.

Sheriff Reid has learned that his childhood friend Lorna is in danger and sets off to keep her safe. I would love to have been in that dining room when Lorna looks up to see the one person she has been trying to forget about. Reid insists on staying by her side until the danger is gone. This makes for some funny moments as Lorna and Reid don’t exactly agree on his protection duty. Some may say it is Lorna’s pride, but really it is her deep affection for Reid that makes her fight against his every move.

The story is a fun read mixed with danger and faith. I enjoyed watching these two main characters discover that God is in control. Their struggles within themselves are well written and the author illustrates the importance of removing pride and learning to trust.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for BradnAbby.
64 reviews6 followers
July 19, 2024
Grace Hitchcock's third book in her Aprons to Veils series continues to use the history of the Harvey Girls and the beauty of the West as the backdrop of her novel. Readers will delight in the strong female character of Lorna and the fun, loveable and dedicated Reid.

"Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted from her older brother, this one was by far the dumbest..."

The first line of Grace Hitchcock's new novel, The Enchanting of Miss Elliot, instantly gives the reader a glimpse of the main character's personality.

Lorna Elliot never met a dare she couldn't refuse so when her brother Gil dares her to become a Harvey Girl she readily accepts. She'll prove to her brother that the work as a Harvey Girl isn't that strenuous, nothing compared to living life on her parents ranch.
However the dare isn't her only purpose in pursuing work as a Harvey Girl. Secretly she's hoping that being away from her hometown will give her time to get over the man she's loved all her life: Gaston Reid.
Reid for his part has retired from the Rangers and settled into life as the local sheriff. However he's not settled and it's not doing what he thought it would for him. He misses the action of the Rangers.
Then a situation from his past changes everything and places Lorna in danger.
Lorna matches wits with Reid as he tries to keep her safe and she tries to keep her heart safe from loving him.
Together they find ways to escape danger and find each other.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
September 6, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot is a wonderful novel! I love reading about the Harvey Girls and this novel is the third in a fun series too! Such a wonderful novel. If you’ve not read the first two of this series you definitely should. I won’t say you have to read them in order in order to make the most of the books, but I also won’t say you shouldn’t. If it were me though, I would 100% read them in order.

All of the novels in this series are about the Harvey Girls, but each girl is unique. Each girl has their own past and reasons for becoming a Harvey Girl and that is what is the most fun about the novels!

Lorna’s brother dares her to become a Harvey Girl. And because she’s an Elliot she can’t refuse. And when she thinks she might give up she won’t because she’s an Elliot!

Why did she need the dare? Because her heart is broken. She needed a distraction and a way to heal. But when the man who broke her heart comes to protect her from an outlaw will she escape with her heart intact? Or will it be shattered anew?

A great story! Wonderful romance, just enough suspense, and a great Christian love story as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
1,888 reviews
August 25, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three) is a historical romance by Grace Hitchcock. It is the third book in the Aprons and Veils series about Harvey Girl waitresses. Having grown up watching the musical The Harvey Girls, I love reading any book about these waitresses. This book centers around Lorna Elliot and former Texas ranger turned Sheriff Reid. She became a Harvey Girl to win a bet with her brother but wondered if she bit off more than she could chew. Since Elliots does not quit, she sticks with it.

While you probably could read this book independently, I recommend reading the books in order. Sheriff Reid initially wanted to marry a different Harvey Girl, Belle. However, Belle chose to marry someone else. So, when danger stalks Lorna Elliot by way of a gang that wants revenge against him, he sets out to protect her.

The author creates memorable characters, storylines, and settings. I honestly found myself unable to put this book down. I definitely recommend this entire series.

So, if you enjoy Historical Romances, check out The Enchanting of Miss Elliot (Aprons and Veils: Book Three) by Grace Hitchcock; I recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews46 followers
August 26, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot is book three int he Aprons and Veils series that is written by Grace Hitchcock. I have read the whole series, but they can be read as stand alone. This one might be the best one yet. Lorna Elliot accepted a dare and found herself as a Harvey Girl waitress. She was trying to put some distance between her and and old flame, but she is not sure she made the right decision.

Lorna is a phenomenal roper and a great shot. She can outrage and shoot most men on her dad's ranch. Her personality just oozed off the pages, and had me smiling throughout the whole story. She has had a crush on childhood friend, Sheriff Reed. However, he has always seen her as a friend.

Sherriff Reed is on the trail of an outlaw, when he overhears talk of the Elliot Family, and most importantly, Lorna. He knows that he has to keep her safe. Seeing the two interact now as adults was heartwarming.

The book moves at a comfortable pace, the author will have you laughing and smiling. I absolutely love the Harvey Girls and how the author writes her scenes. I literally felt like I was standing there watching Lorna stumble around.

Thank you to the author, publisher and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
2,043 reviews
August 29, 2024
I have really been caught up in this series, and this third book focuses on Gaston Reid, once ranger and now sheriff, and the woman who has loved him since she was a girl, Lorna Elliot. Reid is still smarting that the woman he fell for in the second book, Belle, married someone else. But Belle and her husband's past and evil family have escaped and are coming for vengeance. Reid knows at once they are coming for Lorna. So, he sets himself up to be her personal guard.

Poor Lorna is trying to move on with her love life as a Harvey girl, especially since Reid has never shown any interest in her anyway. So, why is he so intent on being the one to protect her, and only him? And when Reid realizes he is in love with Lorna, hold on to your hats. This was a fun, swoony read full of danger and unrequited love and so many almost kisses that had me grinning from ear to ear. I so enjoyed the story of Lorna and Reid. This can be read as a standalone, but the whole series is really great to dive into.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Profile Image for Vicki.
74 reviews
July 20, 2024
Grace Hitchcock's 3rd book in this series continues with characters we previously met - Lorne Elliot and Gaston Reid. Lorna accepts her brother's dare to take a job as a Harvey Girl, convinced it will help mend her broken heart after finally giving up hope of Sheriff Gaston Reid ever noticing her. However, she finds herself not too far from home once again when she is given her first assignment upon completing training, making that task all the more harder.
When word gets out that an outlaw is once again on the loose with a grudge against Reid, he takes it upon himself to keep Lorna safe, forcing them to spend much more time together and giving rise to both old and new feelings.

This story was so charming, yet still thrilling! There was a good balance of romance and plot. The various twists in the story kept surprising me and compelling me to keep reading. I had such a hard time putting it down! If your a fan of her other stories, you will absolutely love this one too, though you can also jump in without having read the others and still have a sense of the history.

I read an advance copy of this book for review purposes, My opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Deanne Patterson.
2,417 reviews119 followers
July 20, 2024
I have read all of the books in the Aprons and Veils series, and this is the third in that series. I've enjoyed learning about the Harvey Girls and their requirement to become one and their job requirements 0nce they became one. This particular book in the series has quickly become a favorite and was read in two days. I would consider this a historical fiction-western-romance.
I would have loved to have gone to the restaurant and been served by the Harvey Girls. I believe I would have received top of the line service. I also thought it was interesting how the girls were moved around to different restaurants depending on need and their sonority.
It wasn't all peaches and cream, turkey dinners and white wrinkle free tablecloths though with the Harvey Girls. This one had some action in it, and I could feel my pulse beating faster as I read the descriptions. I was thoroughly engrossed as was hoping for the best possible outcome despite the danger. Sweet romance with quite the protector. I really enjoyed this one.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,476 reviews86 followers
August 16, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot” has a great first line and captured my attention and sense of adventure quickly. I love Grace Hitchcock’s writing voice and the stimulating characters she creates.

I’ve read a few stories about The Harvey Girls and find them fascinating. Times were so different then and I enjoy getting a taste of the past. I rooted for Lorna and wanted her to get what she wanted. I enjoyed the banter she and Reid shared and got a kick out of their relationship.

This adventure kept me turning pages and the friends-to-more trope warmed my heart. I love a story that keeps me wanting more. I look forward to Lorna’s friend’s story next!

First Line: Of all the dares Lorna Elliot had accepted from her older brother, this one was by far the dumbest—and she had pulled some pretty foolhardy antics in the name of pride.
Series: Aprons & Veils, book 3
Genre: Christian Historical, Western Romance
Author: Grace Hitchcock
Page Count: 282

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.
Opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews47 followers
August 21, 2024
I really enjoy Historical Romance books. The Enchanting of Miss Elliott by Grace Hitchcock is the latest book in this genre that I have read. This is Book 3 in the Aprons and Veils Series. I have read the first 2 books in this series and have been anxiously awaiting this book.


I was captivated by this book from the very first chapter. I started reading and finished within 3hrs. The 2 main characters are Lorna Elliot and Sheriff Gaston Reid. Lorna is a Harvey Girl waitress and she really loathes her job. She feels it was a big mistake to do this job, but is determined to stick it out. Sheriff Reid discovers that an outlaw has escaped and he must travel to Topeka to keep others safe, including his childhood friend Lorna Elliot. Lorna is a woman who likes to be independent and she insists she doesn't need Gaston Reid around. I LOVE how he is also determined to keep her safe and a relationship between the pair grows. Gaston Reid is a man of faith and he talks to Lorna about his faith and she really begins to seek God. This book is one of Faith, Renewed Relationships, LOVE and Family. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance books! FANTASTIC BOOK!
Profile Image for Karen Baney.
Author 42 books449 followers
August 17, 2024
Grace Hitchcock brings the life of a Harvey Girl to life in this classic western love story.

I loved the dynamic Lorna Elliot. Her personality and grit left me smiling throughout the book. It was a joy to watch her grow and bloom into an endearing young woman who still exhibited moments of sass.

The relationship between her and Gaston followed a lovely arc as these lifetime friends grew closer together. I enjoyed the way the author handled Gaston Reid’s awareness of Lorna.

The action and danger, while page-turning, faded to the background after the first quarter of the book to focus on the romance. I had hoped for a little more action, or another twist not quickly resolved. Even so, I very much enjoyed the story and highly recommend it to fans of clean Christian romance.

Romance: Squeaky clean. Brief mention of kissing.
Faith: The characters prayed and attended church.

I received an advanced copy of this book courtesy of the publisher through Celebrate Lit Tours. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robin Willson.
688 reviews23 followers
August 19, 2024
The Harvey Girls, the ladies who tamed the Wild West with fine china, good pie, and exceptional service with complete propriety.

I really like the Harvey Girl stories. This one is about Lorna, a tough ranch girl who has had a crush on Gaston (who is now a sheriff) for some time. She a accepts a dare from her brother to become a Harvey Girl and sets out to become independent as well as distance herself from unrequited love. The Death Rider gang has escaped and is out for revenge. As usual a tumultuous tale with sweetness, danger, conflict and love bundled in. Lorna finally finds friends that she never had before. Beautifully wrapped up with openings for continued stories. A story where you can fall in love with the characters and sigh over.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#TheEnchantingOfMissElliott #GraceHitchcock #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #ValmontHousePublishers
Profile Image for Laura.
718 reviews14 followers
June 27, 2024
What a sweet adventure & romance! Grace Hitchcock has succeed in producing another truly engaging work of historical fiction that is clean, wholesome, and vibrant. The story gives us some ebb and flow in action but stays consistently grounded in real people and historical events, even though portrayed fictionally. Personally, I don't feel a need to be a voyeur by reading detailed descriptions of someone else's romantic experiences. She kept it very appropriate (in my opinion). I don't have to give any caveats with my recommendations when its a book by Grace Hitchcock.

For that I am grateful.

I laughed and cried while anticipating good things. One of my favorite quotes is this one, when one character finally realizes how deeply in love they actually are: "...it was a raging river of love that ran deep with memories and strong with time."

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,206 reviews
August 27, 2024
Just when Lorna Elliott was ready to let go of her feelings for Gaston Reid, he comes waltzing in the front door ready to protect her from an outlaw on the run.

A page-turning western adventure, that brings back characters from previous books for an adventure all their own. I was excited to see that this book was about Gaston and Lorna, and I loved the various settings, and adventure-filled plot of this heartwarming western rom-com. Lorna is intelligent, quick on her feet, and knows how to stand up for herself. Reid is a man of action and integrity, it was fun seeing them both reconnecting and working together as their relationship grew.

A delightful read that brought many smiles to my face. Engaging, filled with action, mystery, humor, great interaction, and romance, what more could I ask for? Another amazing book from Grace Hitchcock!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,012 reviews47 followers
August 30, 2024
The Enchanting of Miss Elliot by Grace Hitchcock is the third book in the Aprons & Veils series and a definite must read if you love inspirational historical romances.
Lorna Elliot regretted her decision to become a Harvey Girl almost immediately because the long hours on her feet waitressing gave her a sore back and swollen feet and did nothing to distract her from thinking about Ranger Gaston Reid.
When Lorna's childhood friend Gaston Reid becomes the town Sheriff he steps up to protect her when an escaped outlaw has mentioned her in his plan, but Lorna insists that she can take care of herself. That may be true however Gaston is not going to leave her unprotected no matter what she insists. Now if they can only get through with their feelings and hearts intact.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books by this author in the future.

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
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