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The 1929 Series #5
Purgatory Cove - Book Five
Elizabeth Williams’ mind is full of fissures and hairline fractures held together by the love of fellow patient, Simon Sinclair. But when the staff at the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics informs her that Simon, her soul mate, had died, she instantly shatters.
Retreating within the depths of her mind, she must confront the fractured personality that’s tried to control her for years. But Elizabeth discovers that she’s outnumbered and must live in the shadows of her own personal purgatory until she finds the strength to change her fate.
**With bonus content from the upcoming novel, 1931 Caleb's Err - Book Six
Retreating within the depths of her mind, she must confront the fractured personality that’s tried to control her for years. But Elizabeth discovers that she’s outnumbered and must live in the shadows of her own personal purgatory until she finds the strength to change her fate.
**With bonus content from the upcoming novel, 1931 Caleb's Err - Book Six
92 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2014
188 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
M.L. Gardner
47 books165 followersM. L. Gardner is the bestselling author of the 1929 series. Gardner is frugal to a fault, preserving the old ways of living by canning, cooking from scratch, and woodworking. Nostalgic stories from her grandmother’s life during the Great Depression inspired Gardner to write the 1929 series—as well as her own research into the Roarin’ Twenties. She has authored nine books, three novellas, one book of short stories and a cookbook. Gardner is married with three kids and three cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 6, 2015
Having finished the entire series, I can say that this was the absolute worst novel of the bunch. Goodness gracious, it could not get much worse! When I realized it was a very short read I felt immensely relieved. This book, by far, had the most grammatical errors in it. The author couldn't even remember some characters names from one page to the next (the Frenchman Elizabeth's mother was involved with--first his name was Avant, then it was Amant.)
Everything I said in my reviews of the other books is just as true for this one: This whole subplot was unnecessary as part of the grander plot for this series. The Elizabeth/Simon story line would have been great as its own novel, but it detracted from the focus of the 1929 series and made the main plot patchier and disorganized.
Also, this (again) delves into the territory of the "paranormal" genre, which, in my opinion, shouldn't be paired with a series that was quite obviously historical fiction when we all began reading it. This entire novella was paranormal, or sci-fi, and since at the point I read it I was only trying to finish the series (because I wanted to know what happened with the original characters) it felt like a waste of time.
The purpose of the title for this one is also unclear, or at least not as clear as it should be.
Everything I said in my reviews of the other books is just as true for this one: This whole subplot was unnecessary as part of the grander plot for this series. The Elizabeth/Simon story line would have been great as its own novel, but it detracted from the focus of the 1929 series and made the main plot patchier and disorganized.
Also, this (again) delves into the territory of the "paranormal" genre, which, in my opinion, shouldn't be paired with a series that was quite obviously historical fiction when we all began reading it. This entire novella was paranormal, or sci-fi, and since at the point I read it I was only trying to finish the series (because I wanted to know what happened with the original characters) it felt like a waste of time.
The purpose of the title for this one is also unclear, or at least not as clear as it should be.
April 28, 2022
This is a very confusing read. If you haven’t read the books that preceded this in the 1929 saga, you will be lost.
I found the story confusing even though I read the earlier books, all of which are much better than this.
Elizabeth, the main character, first entered the story in Book Two, “Elizabeth’s Heart. She was a mental patient in the earlier book; here she seems to be back home or maybe she’s back in the hospital. It’s hard to tell. She battles with her multiple personalities, and at times seems violent. She’s more confused than the reader.
I recommend the 1929 series. But skip this volume. It doesn’t advance the story.
I found the story confusing even though I read the earlier books, all of which are much better than this.
Elizabeth, the main character, first entered the story in Book Two, “Elizabeth’s Heart. She was a mental patient in the earlier book; here she seems to be back home or maybe she’s back in the hospital. It’s hard to tell. She battles with her multiple personalities, and at times seems violent. She’s more confused than the reader.
I recommend the 1929 series. But skip this volume. It doesn’t advance the story.
August 21, 2018
Yet another good book dealing with Elizabeth Williams. Her fragile mind continues to fracture after she is told of the death of Simon. She draws into herself only to discover that she is far outnumbered by the other personalities and can not continue until she finds the strength to pull herself together and take control.
Again, it was an interesting story, but I'm not sure really what it had to do with the main characters. Would be a good story line for a series on it's own.
Again, it was an interesting story, but I'm not sure really what it had to do with the main characters. Would be a good story line for a series on it's own.
December 19, 2017
Definitely the weakest of the series...
Although it fills in some holes in Elizabeth's life, I truly couldn't wait to get to the end of it. It was poorly written, almost as if the author was rushing through the story to get to the end...
Thank goodness it was short!
Although it fills in some holes in Elizabeth's life, I truly couldn't wait to get to the end of it. It was poorly written, almost as if the author was rushing through the story to get to the end...
Thank goodness it was short!
September 14, 2018
Bad
This was the most difficult book to make sense of! Jumped into a character that wasn't pertinent to story line of previous books in series. Could not make myself finish it, though I never do that. Unsure of next book in series.
This was the most difficult book to make sense of! Jumped into a character that wasn't pertinent to story line of previous books in series. Could not make myself finish it, though I never do that. Unsure of next book in series.
May 26, 2017
An interesting resolution to the issue of the crazy lady. The premise for these books was interesting and I plan to finish the series, but I will be glad when I am done.
July 10, 2017
Liked it going on to book #6.
April 4, 2018
Purgatory Cove
Strange story, but very good! I am really enjoying The 1929 Series. M L Gardner has a new fan. Read on.....
Strange story, but very good! I am really enjoying The 1929 Series. M L Gardner has a new fan. Read on.....
July 6, 2020
Great read
Love the 1929 series and I have enjoyed every book. Characters and plot are great. Recommend books to those interested.
Love the 1929 series and I have enjoyed every book. Characters and plot are great. Recommend books to those interested.
January 3, 2022
Loved it
I only wish someone had proof read these books for spelling and grammatical errors as well as punctuation. Oh well.
I only wish someone had proof read these books for spelling and grammatical errors as well as punctuation. Oh well.
February 9, 2024
Part of a series...best series I've read. Keeps your interest.
September 8, 2016
I've now read the first 5 books in this series -- my review for every book is/will be the same. (I wrote "will be" since I know I'll keep reading to the end of the series.) In a nutshell, these are books I love to hate. The storyline is engaging, and I definitely want to keep reading to see what happens to all the characters. Having said that, there are SO MANY historical inaccuracies that it's almost, but not quite, enough to make me walk away. Other readers have pointed out some of the obvious errors, like showers in the NYC tenements, etc. I'll point out a couple of things that just about drive me crazy: (1) the author's constant use of bad grammar in an effort to make the dialogue more authentic -- at least I can only assume that's why she uses it. Case in point, "Me and Caleb used to go there when we were younger." (OK, this isn't a direct quote, but you get the idea.) Every time I read another example of "Me and ____ did such and such" it makes me grit my teeth. (2) Getting a very simple detail like the Ides of March incorrect. In Book 3, one of the chapters is titled, "March 10, 1931," and starts off: " 'The Ides of March,' Jonathan grumbled as he carried Jean back to his bed." NO! NO! NO! The Ides of March is the 15th!!! The Ides of any month is the 15th!!! IMO, this sort of error is inexcusable. (3) In Book 2, a large chunk of the plot is "lifted" straight from the movie "Ghost." Hardly original.
OK, so it's obvious I have a number of issues with the series/writing. BUT, as I've said above, I'll keep reading to see what happens. And I guess ultimately that's what matters to the author.
ADDENDUM: I lowered my rating for Book 5 by 1 star. Yes, I understand it's a "novella;" yes, I read it; yes, it does relate, at least somewhat, to the rest of the series. BUT, I simply cannot rate it any higher. The storyline would be perfectly fine without this, and, IMO, it really doesn't add much.
OK, so it's obvious I have a number of issues with the series/writing. BUT, as I've said above, I'll keep reading to see what happens. And I guess ultimately that's what matters to the author.
ADDENDUM: I lowered my rating for Book 5 by 1 star. Yes, I understand it's a "novella;" yes, I read it; yes, it does relate, at least somewhat, to the rest of the series. BUT, I simply cannot rate it any higher. The storyline would be perfectly fine without this, and, IMO, it really doesn't add much.
July 2, 2015
The 1929 Series continues with Purgatory Cove.
Elizabeth William’s mind is full of fissures and hairline fractures held together by the love of fellow patient, Simon Sinclair. But when the staff at the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics informs her that her soul mate, Simon, has died, she instantly shatters.
Retreating within the depths of her mind, she must confront the fractured personality that’s tried to control her for years. But Elizabeth discovers that she’s outnumbered and must live in the shadows of her own personal purgatory until she finds the strength to change her fate.
Elizabeth William’s mind is full of fissures and hairline fractures held together by the love of fellow patient, Simon Sinclair. But when the staff at the Massachusetts Asylum for Feeble Minds and Lunatics informs her that her soul mate, Simon, has died, she instantly shatters.
Retreating within the depths of her mind, she must confront the fractured personality that’s tried to control her for years. But Elizabeth discovers that she’s outnumbered and must live in the shadows of her own personal purgatory until she finds the strength to change her fate.
June 4, 2015
This book has been the best of the series, we finally hear Elizabeth's story. I liked how her story was portrayed, it was a nice break from all the drama going on in the other books. I was able to rate this book higher because relative to my opinion on the others, this one was significantly better. It was not drawn out, it got right to the point, was captivating, and well told (until the last chapter).
August 3, 2015
This was a very cute way to end Elizabeth's story. I adored it. After reading the first five novels, this little novella was a breath of fresh air. It had minor grammatical errors but nothing that took away from the story. Most of the people who rated the book lowly are literary snobs that have no business reading anything but grammar books. I'm still loving the series and how I know about everything that was going on with every character. I cannot wait to see how this ends
April 12, 2015
"Purgatory Cove" Book 5 of the 1929 Series by M.L.Gardner is back to the ghosts and I don't feel it contributes anything to the series. ANYTHING referenced in "Elizabeth's Heart" and "Purgatory Cove" could have been included in Books 1, 3, or 6 and saved me reading about imaginary people. Just not my style
January 19, 2016
This cannot be called a book. It is barely a shirt story that fills in one small part of Gardner's 1929 series. The weakest and silliest of the links in the series has Elizabeth from volume two literally struggling with the demons in her mind. Really, horribly atrocious, but unfortunately necessary for the series to make sense.
May 21, 2016
"Purgatory Cove" goes back to the aslyum characters Elizabeth and Simon. Well, Simon is dead so really it just deals with Elizabeth. It is her fighting with her two other personalities; Beth and Stewart. Well, Beth was the evil one. She didn't need to fight Stewart as he just tried to protect her. It does tie in with the main story in a couple of ways.
Read
August 25, 2014I love this series and will hate to see it end. It has alwaya kept me on the edge of my seat and wanti g to read more after the book is finished! I read for enjoyment and not for historical inaccuracies and grammar errors. Just read and enjoy!
February 2, 2015
Little novella, big impact.
If you are a reader of this series you have wondered about these characters for a while. The author does a wonderful job of really getting to the heart of the matter in this story.
If you are a reader of this series you have wondered about these characters for a while. The author does a wonderful job of really getting to the heart of the matter in this story.
August 21, 2015
Short but scary
A look inside Elizabeth's fractured mind is chilling. She finally finds the strength to be with Simon again. Such a sad story of mental illness and life out of control.
A look inside Elizabeth's fractured mind is chilling. She finally finds the strength to be with Simon again. Such a sad story of mental illness and life out of control.
December 23, 2016
Kept me going
I had a hard time putting this one down. Always wanting to know what would happen next and trying from the beginning to put all the pieces together. Really enjoying this whole series!
I had a hard time putting this one down. Always wanting to know what would happen next and trying from the beginning to put all the pieces together. Really enjoying this whole series!
January 22, 2016
Disturbing novella - perhaps I don;t deal with multiple personalities well! About Elizabeth and some of her history and difficulties
August 2, 2016
It was good to read about why Elizabeth was the way she was but I feel the story could have been told in book 2. I would have preferred to read more about the main characters
September 5, 2016
#5 1929 series
October 26, 2016
A short novella related to Elizabeth's heart. This is just plain weird. It tells the story of Elizabeth from inside her head looking out on the havoc her split personality wreaks.
abandoned
August 21, 2018didn't read as didn't like or finish first book in series
February 14, 2014
Just love this series!
Read
August 9, 2017This was one of the best series that I have ever read!
The character development is amazing! I feel as though I know each of these characters.
I love the bond that these 3 families share; Claire and Aryl, Jonathan and Ava and Caleb and Adrianna.
I am also impressed with the way that include others in their special friendship.
I will now read the continuation of the story in Purling Road.
M.L. Gardner is one of my new favorite authors!
The character development is amazing! I feel as though I know each of these characters.
I love the bond that these 3 families share; Claire and Aryl, Jonathan and Ava and Caleb and Adrianna.
I am also impressed with the way that include others in their special friendship.
I will now read the continuation of the story in Purling Road.
M.L. Gardner is one of my new favorite authors!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews