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A Wild and Heavenly Place
From the New York Times bestselling author of My Name is Mary Sutter comes a sweeping story of star-crossed lovers and the birth of Seattle.
Hailey MacIntyre seems conjured from the depths of Samuel Fiddes’s loneliness. Caring for his young sister in the tenements of Glasgow, Scotland, Samuel has known only hunger, while Hailey has never known want. When Samuel saves Hailey’s brother from a runaway carriage, a friendship begins. Through secret meetings and stolen moments, they learn the topography of one another’s innermost thoughts. Then the City of Glasgow Bank fails in 1878, destroying the only life Hailey has known. Her bankrupt father impulsively moves the family across the globe to Seattle, a city rumored to have coal in its hills and easy money for anyone willing to work for it.
Samuel’s days are haunted by Hailey’s parting Remember, Washington Territory . Armed only with his wits, he determines to follow her, leaving behind everything he has ever known in search of Hailey and a chance to make a better life for his sister. But the fledgling town barely cut out of the wilderness will test them all in ways unimaginable.
Poignant and lyrical, A Wild and Heavenly Place is an ode to the Pacific Northwest, to those courageous and resilient enough to chase the American Dream, and to a love so powerful it endures beyond distance, beyond hope.
Hailey MacIntyre seems conjured from the depths of Samuel Fiddes’s loneliness. Caring for his young sister in the tenements of Glasgow, Scotland, Samuel has known only hunger, while Hailey has never known want. When Samuel saves Hailey’s brother from a runaway carriage, a friendship begins. Through secret meetings and stolen moments, they learn the topography of one another’s innermost thoughts. Then the City of Glasgow Bank fails in 1878, destroying the only life Hailey has known. Her bankrupt father impulsively moves the family across the globe to Seattle, a city rumored to have coal in its hills and easy money for anyone willing to work for it.
Samuel’s days are haunted by Hailey’s parting Remember, Washington Territory . Armed only with his wits, he determines to follow her, leaving behind everything he has ever known in search of Hailey and a chance to make a better life for his sister. But the fledgling town barely cut out of the wilderness will test them all in ways unimaginable.
Poignant and lyrical, A Wild and Heavenly Place is an ode to the Pacific Northwest, to those courageous and resilient enough to chase the American Dream, and to a love so powerful it endures beyond distance, beyond hope.
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First published February 13, 2024
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About the author
Robin Oliveira
5 books455 followersRobin Oliveira grew up just outside Albany, New York in Loudonville. She holds a B.A. in Russian, and studied at the Pushkin Language Institute in Moscow, Russia. She is also a Registered Nurse, specializing in Critical Care and Bone Marrow Transplant. She received an M.F.A. in Writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts and is the fiction editor for the literary magazine upstreet and a former assistant editor at Narrative Magazine. She was awarded the James Jones First Novel Fellowship in 2007 for her then novel-in-progress, THE LAST BEAUTIFUL DAY, an excerpt of which appeared in the 2008 issue of Provincetown Arts. She lives in Seattle, Washington with her family."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
February 8, 2024
Hailey MacIntyre family is wealthy, she meets Samuel Fiddes at church and he’s lonely. Samuel is looking after his little sister Alison, they live in the crowded tenements of Glasgow, Scotland. Samuel works hard every day shoveling coal, despite this he and his sister are always hungry and they share a room with five other people. Hailey has never gone without, when Samuel saves Hailey’s brother Geordie from a runaway carriage, she thinks her family should help the Fiddes.
The two teenagers fall in love, when the City of Glasgow Bank fails, Hailey’s father Harold loses all of his money and decides the family need a fresh start, escape the shame and they immigrate to Seattle.
Samuel is determined to follow Hailey, he takes a big risk and he and Alison cross the ocean and he doesn’t know if he will be able to find Hailey in America and will her parents change their attitudes towards him?
I received a copy of A Wild and Heavenly Place from Penguin Random House and Edelweiss Plus by Robin Oliveira in exchange for an honest review. A historical saga inspired by the authors great-great grandfather immigrating to America from Scotland, she wonders how would it feel to leave everything that's familiar behind, knowing you will never see your homeland again, take a leap of faith, and venture into the great unknown.
A story about living in Seattle in its infancy, a place full of mud, endless rain and slapped up buildings, rivalries, racial tension, natural disasters, courage, forgiveness, loss, hope and trying to escape the cycle of poverty.
The narrative focuses on the types and forms of love, Samuel loves his sister Alison and Hailey feels the same way about her brother Geordie and father Harold, both will make sacrifices to keep their loved ones safe and I really admired their characters.
Both Samuel and Hailey desire what seems to be impossible, for them to be together, they endure terrible and beautiful things in life, and so they can reach a wild and heavenly place and it’s called home.
Five big stars from me, a long historical saga that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, from Glasgow to America and I highly recommend A Wild and Heavenly Place, one of the most beautifully and meaningful written novels I have read, it made my drop of Scottish blood zing in my veins and I felt proud. I highly recommend this novel and the authors previous book My Name is Mary Sutter.
The two teenagers fall in love, when the City of Glasgow Bank fails, Hailey’s father Harold loses all of his money and decides the family need a fresh start, escape the shame and they immigrate to Seattle.
Samuel is determined to follow Hailey, he takes a big risk and he and Alison cross the ocean and he doesn’t know if he will be able to find Hailey in America and will her parents change their attitudes towards him?
I received a copy of A Wild and Heavenly Place from Penguin Random House and Edelweiss Plus by Robin Oliveira in exchange for an honest review. A historical saga inspired by the authors great-great grandfather immigrating to America from Scotland, she wonders how would it feel to leave everything that's familiar behind, knowing you will never see your homeland again, take a leap of faith, and venture into the great unknown.
A story about living in Seattle in its infancy, a place full of mud, endless rain and slapped up buildings, rivalries, racial tension, natural disasters, courage, forgiveness, loss, hope and trying to escape the cycle of poverty.
The narrative focuses on the types and forms of love, Samuel loves his sister Alison and Hailey feels the same way about her brother Geordie and father Harold, both will make sacrifices to keep their loved ones safe and I really admired their characters.
Both Samuel and Hailey desire what seems to be impossible, for them to be together, they endure terrible and beautiful things in life, and so they can reach a wild and heavenly place and it’s called home.
Five big stars from me, a long historical saga that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster, from Glasgow to America and I highly recommend A Wild and Heavenly Place, one of the most beautifully and meaningful written novels I have read, it made my drop of Scottish blood zing in my veins and I felt proud. I highly recommend this novel and the authors previous book My Name is Mary Sutter.
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January 25, 2024This is one heck of a terrific book, in my opinion. The sense of place is outstanding, and the historical details are remarkable. The setting initially is Glasgow, Scotland, but the majority of the book takes place in a Seattle of the 1800s, where people are flocking in an attempt to make their fortune, either through mining coal in the hills or heading north in search of gold. Into a wild and desperate area called Newcastle (which, by the way, I can see from my bedroom window every day!) comes an immigrant family from Scotland seeking to regain everything they've lost in Glasgow when a bank goes fails. The characters in the novel are completely believable and utterly compelling and the conflict between love and duty is beautifully drawn. I highly recommend it.
December 22, 2024
A Wild and Heavenly Place by Robin Oliveira is a historical novel that takes the reader from Scotland to Seattle, Wa. in 1879. The novel follows Samuel Fiddes, a man from a poor area of Glasgow, and Hailey MacIntyre, a woman of privilege. Do to the class difference Hailey is forbidden to meet with Samuel. Eventually the family leaves Scotland when the banking system collapse. The novel explores the themes of love, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Even with the harsh challenges the immigrants faced they pursued their dreams in a rapidly expanding frontier. The characters are richly developed, with Samuel and Hailey’s pursuit of love and not giving up, moving on, kept the story moving with meaning. The story was predictable, but not without drama and action. I enjoyed the era and how the author stayed true to it. Though predictable, it did not happen quickly.
February 18, 2024
One family goes from luxury to poverty while another goes from poverty to more poverty, but then both circle back.
The MacIntyre family was living in luxury until the bank of Glasgow failed.
Samuel was poverty stricken from birth.
Harold Macintyre lost everything including his job.
He decided to move his family from Scotland to Seattle, Washington, where he was hoping to get a job in the coal business.
It was a rude awakening for his family, but now they know how the poor that Mrs. MacIntyre had no time for back in Scotland had to live.
Hailey MacIntyre was more devastated than her mother because she had fallen in love with Samuel Fiddes a poor dock worker back in Scotland. Her mother forbid her to see Samuel.
Meanwhile Samuel is on his way to Seattle to find Hailey, and she doesn’t know it.
We follow Samuel, his little sister Allison, and the MacIntyre family as we share in their struggle to live and live with them in their sorrows in this time frame - 1878 to 1882.
I loved sweet Allison.
Samuel will warm your heart too with how he takes care of his sister.
You will also feel the pain of most of the characters, but you will want James to have some pain.
The descriptions were very vivid and easily took you to the setting. Ms. Oliveria’s Writing is beautiful and lush.
There also is some heartbreaking romance, but more of the lives of the characters and how the homesteaders built a life for themselves and the country in the wild area they lived in. 5/5
Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book even though most is about hardships and heartbreak.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The MacIntyre family was living in luxury until the bank of Glasgow failed.
Samuel was poverty stricken from birth.
Harold Macintyre lost everything including his job.
He decided to move his family from Scotland to Seattle, Washington, where he was hoping to get a job in the coal business.
It was a rude awakening for his family, but now they know how the poor that Mrs. MacIntyre had no time for back in Scotland had to live.
Hailey MacIntyre was more devastated than her mother because she had fallen in love with Samuel Fiddes a poor dock worker back in Scotland. Her mother forbid her to see Samuel.
Meanwhile Samuel is on his way to Seattle to find Hailey, and she doesn’t know it.
We follow Samuel, his little sister Allison, and the MacIntyre family as we share in their struggle to live and live with them in their sorrows in this time frame - 1878 to 1882.
I loved sweet Allison.
Samuel will warm your heart too with how he takes care of his sister.
You will also feel the pain of most of the characters, but you will want James to have some pain.
The descriptions were very vivid and easily took you to the setting. Ms. Oliveria’s Writing is beautiful and lush.
There also is some heartbreaking romance, but more of the lives of the characters and how the homesteaders built a life for themselves and the country in the wild area they lived in. 5/5
Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book even though most is about hardships and heartbreak.
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 19, 2024
Such an enjoyable read. Inspired by the mystery of a rare stone house on San Juan Island where her family vacationed as a child, and by her own Scottish heritage, Oliveira conjured this lush and lyrical historical romance, set in 1880s Scotland and Seattle.
Star-crossed lovers Hailey MacIntyre and Samuel Fiddes meet when Samuel saves Hailey's little brother from being trampled by a runaway horse in their hometown of Glasgow. It's love at first sight for these preternaturally beautiful and tender-hearted teens. Samuel, living in a tenement with his little sister after escaping from an orphanage, and Hailey, whose father is a wealthy banker, begin a clandestine romance. Then Hailey's father loses his fortune and the family flees Glasgow for the Promised Land of the American West. Samuel, knowing only that they are bound for a strange place named Seattle, soon follows, his sister in tow. Adventures abound until they are reunited, Hailey and her family now destitute and split apart.
The plot, which tosses Hailey into the arms of an abusive husband and Samuel into the role of (frustrated) guardian angel, is predictable enough, but Oliveira writes with such specificity of detail and keeps the pace moving, making it easy to slip comfortably into an engaging tale.
Seattle in the late 19th century is the real star of this tale, in all its tenacious, vibrant Wild West, mud-splattered glory. Oliveira presents it in painstaking detail—historical fiction fans will delight in her research.
Coincidences abound and secondary characters are often two-dimensional (Papa MacIntyre is neatly rendered catatonic for most of the narrative and Mama MacIntyre is conveniently disappeared), but Oliviera knows her audience and welcomes them warmly into her world. A lovely long summer (or winter!) weekend read.
Star-crossed lovers Hailey MacIntyre and Samuel Fiddes meet when Samuel saves Hailey's little brother from being trampled by a runaway horse in their hometown of Glasgow. It's love at first sight for these preternaturally beautiful and tender-hearted teens. Samuel, living in a tenement with his little sister after escaping from an orphanage, and Hailey, whose father is a wealthy banker, begin a clandestine romance. Then Hailey's father loses his fortune and the family flees Glasgow for the Promised Land of the American West. Samuel, knowing only that they are bound for a strange place named Seattle, soon follows, his sister in tow. Adventures abound until they are reunited, Hailey and her family now destitute and split apart.
The plot, which tosses Hailey into the arms of an abusive husband and Samuel into the role of (frustrated) guardian angel, is predictable enough, but Oliveira writes with such specificity of detail and keeps the pace moving, making it easy to slip comfortably into an engaging tale.
Seattle in the late 19th century is the real star of this tale, in all its tenacious, vibrant Wild West, mud-splattered glory. Oliveira presents it in painstaking detail—historical fiction fans will delight in her research.
Coincidences abound and secondary characters are often two-dimensional (Papa MacIntyre is neatly rendered catatonic for most of the narrative and Mama MacIntyre is conveniently disappeared), but Oliviera knows her audience and welcomes them warmly into her world. A lovely long summer (or winter!) weekend read.
March 29, 2024
Wow! This unexpected beauty blew me away. This had not even been on my radar until I saw someone share it on Instagram. Samuel and Hailey will live forever in my heart. Everyone needs a Samuel in their lives. What a fine person, gentleman he was. Also, I love when I learn so much when reading a book. Who knew coal was one of Seattle’s earliest industries and the process of building ships was fascinating. I never thought about what all that rain could do to a city without the infrastructure. You could say mud was a character in this story. The setting, descriptions, writing was just phenomenal. Do yourself a favor and listen to the Thoughts From a Page podcast episode with this author. I learned even more listening to it. The author really did her research.
May 10, 2024
A Wild and Heavenly Place
By: Robin Oliveira
I love a beautifully told historical fiction romance and this one takes us from Scotland to the infancy of Seattle in the gorgeous PNW. Written by a Robin Oliveira, Registered Nurse who really captures the themes of reversal of fortune, love, and sacrifices. In this heartbreaking story we follow these characters that suffered so much hardships and Oliveira did a fantastic job incorporating accurately the historical aspects of Glasgow and the budding new city of Seattle. I really enjoyed reading this one a lot.
I am definitely going back to Oliveira's backlists.
By: Robin Oliveira
I love a beautifully told historical fiction romance and this one takes us from Scotland to the infancy of Seattle in the gorgeous PNW. Written by a Robin Oliveira, Registered Nurse who really captures the themes of reversal of fortune, love, and sacrifices. In this heartbreaking story we follow these characters that suffered so much hardships and Oliveira did a fantastic job incorporating accurately the historical aspects of Glasgow and the budding new city of Seattle. I really enjoyed reading this one a lot.
I am definitely going back to Oliveira's backlists.
February 11, 2024
Set in the late 1800s, this is mostly romance with some period details.
First, let me say that I wish I had paid more attention to the publisher's summary or to reviews. I thought this was going to be more of an emigration story or about life in a young Seattle. Though there were some descriptions of everyday life and the coal mines, the story is really about Samuel and Hailey, their forbidden love, and what happens over the course of the next couple of years. I should have DNF'd this, but I kept thinking there would be more to the story. Sigh.
I don't really know what to say here. The book simply wasn't for me--predictable romantic plot, too many coincidences and forced "oh no!" moments, and no real sense of place. Furthermore, much of Hailey's and Samuel's experiences took place off the page, so I didn't see them as fully formed characters. For example, we have a scene where Samuel is offered a job copying ships' blueprints, but I don't recall any scenes in which we see him drawing or talking to a colleague or doing anything at all pertaining to his work. I kept hoping for those kinds of details.
The audiobook was performed by Angus King and Katy Townsend. Their performances blended well and I liked the singing. But a decent narration didn't save the book for me.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.
First, let me say that I wish I had paid more attention to the publisher's summary or to reviews. I thought this was going to be more of an emigration story or about life in a young Seattle. Though there were some descriptions of everyday life and the coal mines, the story is really about Samuel and Hailey, their forbidden love, and what happens over the course of the next couple of years. I should have DNF'd this, but I kept thinking there would be more to the story. Sigh.
I don't really know what to say here. The book simply wasn't for me--predictable romantic plot, too many coincidences and forced "oh no!" moments, and no real sense of place. Furthermore, much of Hailey's and Samuel's experiences took place off the page, so I didn't see them as fully formed characters. For example, we have a scene where Samuel is offered a job copying ships' blueprints, but I don't recall any scenes in which we see him drawing or talking to a colleague or doing anything at all pertaining to his work. I kept hoping for those kinds of details.
The audiobook was performed by Angus King and Katy Townsend. Their performances blended well and I liked the singing. But a decent narration didn't save the book for me.
Thanks to the publishers for review copies in various formats.
February 22, 2024
Like the Elizabeth George blurb on the front says: this is a novel about love, redemption, jealousy revenge….Definitely another fantastic story by Oliveira! I sailed through this one, and was gripped from the very first pages to the last.
March 12, 2024
4.5 ⭐
I was trying to take this read very slowly, but then I got about halfway through and couldn't put it down. I stayed up until 4am to finish it and the ending made me cry.
This was phenomenal. I felt as if I knew the characters and I was living in their shoes. The scenery made me want to hop on a plane; it was so perfectly described.
I feel like it probably drags at bits for some people, but I knew going into it that it is a historical fiction and those do tend to be slower paced in my experience. I didn't have a problem with pacing because it felt very natural to me, flowed nicely, no rushing.
The romance was by far my favorite part. Heartbreaking, but so beautiful at the same time.
This was my first time reading this author and I had such a lovely time.
Thank you to putnam for this book.
I was trying to take this read very slowly, but then I got about halfway through and couldn't put it down. I stayed up until 4am to finish it and the ending made me cry.
This was phenomenal. I felt as if I knew the characters and I was living in their shoes. The scenery made me want to hop on a plane; it was so perfectly described.
I feel like it probably drags at bits for some people, but I knew going into it that it is a historical fiction and those do tend to be slower paced in my experience. I didn't have a problem with pacing because it felt very natural to me, flowed nicely, no rushing.
The romance was by far my favorite part. Heartbreaking, but so beautiful at the same time.
This was my first time reading this author and I had such a lovely time.
Thank you to putnam for this book.
October 1, 2024
Rags to riches, Riches to rags, He, She and They mixed up neatly in Glasgow and set to rise, punched down and re-rise across the ocean in the upcoming community now known as Seattle, Washington. The calendar reads 1870 and there's news of riches to be had for those willing to work for it - in the Washington Territory. Add a dash of siblings who matter, and parents who. . .don't. . . much. . . and you've got motivations for love striving to be realized - but the wild world and its unruly humans so consumed by eager self-interest may cause a forfeit of the promise.
Samuel and Hailey, one with his feet in poverty and the other's feet well shod in wealth - are two people on opposite sides of the social class chart. It is their tryst to endeavor with all the limited opportunities their lives as the charge of others allows. As with all of us, time changes everything.
Robin Oliveira spins an impressive tale, the beauties of the Pacific Northwest well-drawn (and reading it while in this lovely place just made it even better!). History rises up out of the earth here, it can be felt every moment wandered in this land - and she with her words, conjured up echoes, cries, foresty fragrance, mud that doesn't let go and mist that comforts bare skin.
If I'd have read this anywhere but here, it would have made me homesick. A great tale for any season surely, but it felt particularly serendipitous during the autumn days we were together.
*A sincere thank you to Robin Oliveira, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
Samuel and Hailey, one with his feet in poverty and the other's feet well shod in wealth - are two people on opposite sides of the social class chart. It is their tryst to endeavor with all the limited opportunities their lives as the charge of others allows. As with all of us, time changes everything.
Robin Oliveira spins an impressive tale, the beauties of the Pacific Northwest well-drawn (and reading it while in this lovely place just made it even better!). History rises up out of the earth here, it can be felt every moment wandered in this land - and she with her words, conjured up echoes, cries, foresty fragrance, mud that doesn't let go and mist that comforts bare skin.
If I'd have read this anywhere but here, it would have made me homesick. A great tale for any season surely, but it felt particularly serendipitous during the autumn days we were together.
*A sincere thank you to Robin Oliveira, Penguin Group Putnam, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
April 18, 2024
I initially spotted this a few months ago but it was one of those reads that was a "maybe" for me but my library was featuring it as part of their new reads and decided what the heck I will give it a shot and was very glad that I did because I totally enjoyed it, it hooked me straight away from the beginning.
Set in the late 1870's, young Samuel Fiddes is caring for his younger sister Alison on the streets of Glasgow, Scotland after they are left orphaned. Cold and always hungry the pair barely survive the disease and death that permeates the cramped living quarters of where they live and the endless poverty, ever hopeful Samuel and Alison manage to attend church most Sundays where beautiful Hailey MacIntyre attends with her wealthy family. Knowing he can only ever glimpse at Hailey from the balcony because only the prosperous are allowed to be near the altar and occasionally smile at her, Samuel dare not approach her until one day he saves her younger brother from death in the path of a runaway carriage and sets in motion the events that will intersect their lives from this day forward. Samuel and Hailey's lives unfold as the storyline progresses and tells the journey of Samuel's unrelenting determination to overcome poverty and make a better life for he and Alison while Hailey must reconcile the fact that her life will never be the same when a change of fortune affects her family and her future. The story line was captivating and well written, I was totally immersed in this and didn't want it to end. Recommended
Set in the late 1870's, young Samuel Fiddes is caring for his younger sister Alison on the streets of Glasgow, Scotland after they are left orphaned. Cold and always hungry the pair barely survive the disease and death that permeates the cramped living quarters of where they live and the endless poverty, ever hopeful Samuel and Alison manage to attend church most Sundays where beautiful Hailey MacIntyre attends with her wealthy family. Knowing he can only ever glimpse at Hailey from the balcony because only the prosperous are allowed to be near the altar and occasionally smile at her, Samuel dare not approach her until one day he saves her younger brother from death in the path of a runaway carriage and sets in motion the events that will intersect their lives from this day forward. Samuel and Hailey's lives unfold as the storyline progresses and tells the journey of Samuel's unrelenting determination to overcome poverty and make a better life for he and Alison while Hailey must reconcile the fact that her life will never be the same when a change of fortune affects her family and her future. The story line was captivating and well written, I was totally immersed in this and didn't want it to end. Recommended
July 25, 2023
A Wild and Heavenly Place is a historical romance set in Scotland, following a young couple in very different circumstances. Both Samuel and Hailey have a younger sibling to care for and a devotion to their family, and find themselves on a journey to America, looking for new opportunities. When their lives start to change, their love is put to the test.
I thought the storyline in this book was interesting enough, but so much of the book was filled with extensive details about the scenery or environments, which made my reading experience quite dull.
Hailey and Samuel are likable and their romance is easy to root for, but neither of them were very complex characters, and all of their questionable decisions seemed to be made for the purpose of furthering the plot. The side characters were mostly frustrating as well, and I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters.
I think fans of historical romances would enjoy this simple book with a happy ending, but I prefer character-driven books with complex relationships.
I thought the storyline in this book was interesting enough, but so much of the book was filled with extensive details about the scenery or environments, which made my reading experience quite dull.
Hailey and Samuel are likable and their romance is easy to root for, but neither of them were very complex characters, and all of their questionable decisions seemed to be made for the purpose of furthering the plot. The side characters were mostly frustrating as well, and I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters.
I think fans of historical romances would enjoy this simple book with a happy ending, but I prefer character-driven books with complex relationships.
February 25, 2024
Not quite 4 stars, 3.75 is more accurate...
December 16, 2023
Well, what can I say. I have read books by this author before and really loved them. This one, it just wasn't that interesting to me. The book followed the outline where boy meets girl, boy and girl are separated from each other by circumstances, boy follows her halfway around the world looking for her, boy finds her.......So, that would be the romance part of the book. The historical fiction part is very shallow and really disappointed me. I was hoping to feel the grittiness of the Seattle fire, abhor the life in a coal mining town with strong images filling my head. None of that happened. I do realize that my opinion is in the minority. The book is getting quite a few 5 star reviews so please, read my review and know that sometimes I am just disagreeable.
March 27, 2024
Overall a predictable plot. This novel is identified as historical fiction, but it is merely a romance set in a historical period. Unfortunately, these days, this seems to be the latest trend of many books labeled as "historical"... it's merely period romance. I didn't care for any of the stereotypical characters. Enjoy it if you're looking for a boy gets girl, boy loses girl, etc. romance. If you're looking for anything a bit more serious, pass this one by.
February 13, 2024
I feel like I’m still on a book high and don’t want it to end. I didn’t have any expectations going into this book but I was quickly sucked in to this beautiful love story. My favorite of the year so far!
Hailey lives a life of luxury and privilege but is very aware of others who have very little. Her volunteer work keeps her humble but it’s her friend Samual and his little sister that have caught her attention. They have nothing but hopes and dreams and Hailey wants to be a part of them. Her family won’t allow the friendship or any relationship for that matter, but quickly the family will find themselves in the same situation as those they have looked down upon.
Hailey and Samual are separated by great distance but never far from each others thoughts. Samual will do anything to be with Hailey and will work hard to gain money, skill, and respect. The two will find their way back to each other but not without conflict, turmoil, and every roadblock in their way. They both know they are meant to be together but the timing is always wrong and the world seems to be against them.
It will take time but Samual and Hailey will learn and grow to be the people they both want for each other. They will experience pain, loss, and in the end….the greatest love.
Hailey lives a life of luxury and privilege but is very aware of others who have very little. Her volunteer work keeps her humble but it’s her friend Samual and his little sister that have caught her attention. They have nothing but hopes and dreams and Hailey wants to be a part of them. Her family won’t allow the friendship or any relationship for that matter, but quickly the family will find themselves in the same situation as those they have looked down upon.
Hailey and Samual are separated by great distance but never far from each others thoughts. Samual will do anything to be with Hailey and will work hard to gain money, skill, and respect. The two will find their way back to each other but not without conflict, turmoil, and every roadblock in their way. They both know they are meant to be together but the timing is always wrong and the world seems to be against them.
It will take time but Samual and Hailey will learn and grow to be the people they both want for each other. They will experience pain, loss, and in the end….the greatest love.
May 31, 2024
As a native, I enjoyed the Seattle history woven throughout the story. Although the author took liberties with specific locations and dates, the basic history of early Seattle was accurately described, enough to render our fair city not necessarily desirable in those formative years.
March 11, 2024
Started out well enough, with a lively historical romance budding between the handsome Samuel and the sparkling Hailey…. But exited at page 51 with a classless reference to masturbation that adds nothing to the narrative. 🪂 Too many “books in the sea” to continue after that. Who know what other vulgarities might creep in? Movin’ on.
January 27, 2026
A wonderfully written romance set in the 1800s in Seattle which was fun. Everything from the plot to the character development and the details Robin Oliveira gets right makes this book soooo good. Highly recommend!
December 22, 2024
3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Full review coming soon
Full review coming soon
February 22, 2024
I listened to the audiobook, but this version is not on Goodreads. There were times when I found the narrator’s voice annoying and would recommend you read rather than listen to this story.
This book, by the author who brought historical romance readers Mary Sutton, will appeal to those who love historical fiction combined with a dramatic love story & predictable outcome. The author does a wonderful job of describing the Pacific NW as a wild and wonderful place from the perspective of European settlers who mainly disregarded how their culture and politics disrupted the lives of the First Peoples. If you’re not a romance reader & looking for a more literary historical novel about European settlement and strong sense of place in the Pacific NW, I highly recommend Deep River by Karl Marlantes. Many readers will find both books very satisfying, so why pick one?
This book, by the author who brought historical romance readers Mary Sutton, will appeal to those who love historical fiction combined with a dramatic love story & predictable outcome. The author does a wonderful job of describing the Pacific NW as a wild and wonderful place from the perspective of European settlers who mainly disregarded how their culture and politics disrupted the lives of the First Peoples. If you’re not a romance reader & looking for a more literary historical novel about European settlement and strong sense of place in the Pacific NW, I highly recommend Deep River by Karl Marlantes. Many readers will find both books very satisfying, so why pick one?
October 26, 2024
" Was this the way of the universe? Happiness only
a fleeting illusion? "
A Wild And Heavenly Place ме държа в постоянно напрежение. И тъга! Заради безкрайно нещастната съдба на любимите ми герои. Книгата беше епично пътуване от Шотландия до Америка и разкриване трудния път на хората, които не са имали нищо в Шотландия и постепенно получават шанс за живот и успех в новата земя. Показва и крахът ( както финансов, така и физически, а оттам и психически) на хора, които са били каймака на обществото и в бурята на банковите банкрути губят всичко - привилегии, финанси, самочувствие и бъдеще.
С A Wild and Heavenly Place усетих пълната сила на въздействащата книга. Не можех да се съсредоточа върху ежедневието си. На работа се сещах за героите и за дилемите им. Съпреживявах и мислех. Тук и сега и там в книгата ми бяха размити, смесени и обсебващи. Страховете, страданията, загубите и цените на успехите бяха много близки до сърцето ми.
Затова ще откроя новелата на Robin Oliveira като най - добрата история на тази година за мен! Абсолютно ще остане с мен дълго след като търся други заглавия за четене. Ще ги съпоставям с нея, ще искам да избегна тази емоционална еуфория и едновременно ще търся същото въздействието и запомнящо е присъствие на характерите и местата! Помня, че една друга книга ми беше повлияла по този начин - Led Astray на Сандра Браун. Радвам се, че нейната магия се повтори отново! В много по - мащабно произведение!
" He knew, too, that devastation and hopelessness wanted no witness. "
a fleeting illusion? "
A Wild And Heavenly Place ме държа в постоянно напрежение. И тъга! Заради безкрайно нещастната съдба на любимите ми герои. Книгата беше епично пътуване от Шотландия до Америка и разкриване трудния път на хората, които не са имали нищо в Шотландия и постепенно получават шанс за живот и успех в новата земя. Показва и крахът ( както финансов, така и физически, а оттам и психически) на хора, които са били каймака на обществото и в бурята на банковите банкрути губят всичко - привилегии, финанси, самочувствие и бъдеще.
С A Wild and Heavenly Place усетих пълната сила на въздействащата книга. Не можех да се съсредоточа върху ежедневието си. На работа се сещах за героите и за дилемите им. Съпреживявах и мислех. Тук и сега и там в книгата ми бяха размити, смесени и обсебващи. Страховете, страданията, загубите и цените на успехите бяха много близки до сърцето ми.
Затова ще откроя новелата на Robin Oliveira като най - добрата история на тази година за мен! Абсолютно ще остане с мен дълго след като търся други заглавия за четене. Ще ги съпоставям с нея, ще искам да избегна тази емоционална еуфория и едновременно ще търся същото въздействието и запомнящо е присъствие на характерите и местата! Помня, че една друга книга ми беше повлияла по този начин - Led Astray на Сандра Браун. Радвам се, че нейната магия се повтори отново! В много по - мащабно произведение!
" He knew, too, that devastation and hopelessness wanted no witness. "
February 5, 2024
A moving, vividly drawn star-crossed lovers historical romance that starts off in Industrial Glasgow and sees two teens from opposite ends of society falling for one another, only to be torn apart when one's family is forced to move to America and try their luck in the growing city of Seattle.
Spanning continents and untold hardships, this dual POV love story follows Samuel and Hailey as they each do what they need to in order to take care of their younger siblings, sacrificing their own wants and desires for the good of their families.
While Hailey gets caught up in an unhappy marriage in Seattle, Samuel follows her with his younger sister as he embarks on a career learning how to build and engineer ships. Eventually the two reconnect in Seattle but life is still full of challenges.
Great on audio narrated by Angus King and Katy Townsend, this is historical fiction at its finest and definitely marks Robin Oliveira as a new favorite author for me! Highly recommended. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
Spanning continents and untold hardships, this dual POV love story follows Samuel and Hailey as they each do what they need to in order to take care of their younger siblings, sacrificing their own wants and desires for the good of their families.
While Hailey gets caught up in an unhappy marriage in Seattle, Samuel follows her with his younger sister as he embarks on a career learning how to build and engineer ships. Eventually the two reconnect in Seattle but life is still full of challenges.
Great on audio narrated by Angus King and Katy Townsend, this is historical fiction at its finest and definitely marks Robin Oliveira as a new favorite author for me! Highly recommended. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
June 15, 2024
3.5 but rounded up for the stunning descriptions of Scotland and wild Washington in the late 1800’s. I felt infuriated more half of the time for Hailey and Samuel but everything was put right in the end. The storyline that seemed to drop off the most and ended abruptly was her father, I hated how it was done and felt like there could have been more closure there with his decisions that effected the whole family for the rest of their lives.
February 13, 2024
4.5 stars
Robin Oliveira is one of my favorite authors. She is not a prolific writer, and I love that she takes her time writing along with researching her novels so deftly.
In her latest novel A WILD AND HEAVENLY PLACE, Samuel and Hailey have an initial attraction in Scotland, but before they get a chance for their relationship to start, Hailey's family sails to America (Seattle) to hope to recover their fortune. A few months later Samuel and his little sister Alison follow.
Once they get to Seattle, Hailey's family melts down even further, and a marriage proposal from James seems like Hailey's only option. In Seattle and its surrounding area, will Hailey find happiness? Will she ever reconnect with Samuel?
The setting is extraordinary. Not only does the feeling of Scotland come to life, but I was also introduced to a Seattle and surrounding area that I have never met (even though I have lived in the area for over 30 years). The late 1800s in Seattle features fire and devastation, coal mines (I never knew they existed here), primitive transportation, overwhelming smells of fish and industry, but still such natural beauty.
The writing is very good. Oliveira chooses less dialogue, likely to cut for space, and I think it's done well. Some might say that it is more telling than showing, but I appreciated the end result.
I did take off a star for the characters. I felt that there could have been more nuance in the male characters, particularly James and Samuel. One is portrayed as evil, and one is portrayed as almost superhuman. The time it takes for young Samuel to move through the ranks as an immigrant in America is astonishing. I really felt like it took suspending disbelief. Samuel being perfect was a little *too* much. Hailey's mother was also rather two-dimensional, but I thought she got more nuance toward the end of the novel. I would have liked to see that more of that nuance with Samuel and James.
All in all, I really enjoyed this historical fiction romance.
Robin Oliveira is one of my favorite authors. She is not a prolific writer, and I love that she takes her time writing along with researching her novels so deftly.
In her latest novel A WILD AND HEAVENLY PLACE, Samuel and Hailey have an initial attraction in Scotland, but before they get a chance for their relationship to start, Hailey's family sails to America (Seattle) to hope to recover their fortune. A few months later Samuel and his little sister Alison follow.
Once they get to Seattle, Hailey's family melts down even further, and a marriage proposal from James seems like Hailey's only option. In Seattle and its surrounding area, will Hailey find happiness? Will she ever reconnect with Samuel?
The setting is extraordinary. Not only does the feeling of Scotland come to life, but I was also introduced to a Seattle and surrounding area that I have never met (even though I have lived in the area for over 30 years). The late 1800s in Seattle features fire and devastation, coal mines (I never knew they existed here), primitive transportation, overwhelming smells of fish and industry, but still such natural beauty.
The writing is very good. Oliveira chooses less dialogue, likely to cut for space, and I think it's done well. Some might say that it is more telling than showing, but I appreciated the end result.
I did take off a star for the characters. I felt that there could have been more nuance in the male characters, particularly James and Samuel. One is portrayed as evil, and one is portrayed as almost superhuman. The time it takes for young Samuel to move through the ranks as an immigrant in America is astonishing. I really felt like it took suspending disbelief. Samuel being perfect was a little *too* much. Hailey's mother was also rather two-dimensional, but I thought she got more nuance toward the end of the novel. I would have liked to see that more of that nuance with Samuel and James.
All in all, I really enjoyed this historical fiction romance.
July 25, 2023
A Wild and Heavenly Place is a historical romance set in Scotland, following a young couple in very different circumstances. Both Samuel and Hailey have a younger sibling to care for and a devotion to their family, and find themselves on a journey to America, looking for new opportunities. When their lives start to change, their love is put to the test.
I thought the storyline in this book was interesting enough, but so much of the book was filled with extensive details about the scenery or environments, which made my reading experience quite dull.
Hailey and Samuel are likable and their romance is easy to root for, but neither of them were very complex characters, and all of their questionable decisions seemed to be made for the purpose of furthering the plot. The side characters were mostly frustrating as well, and I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters.
I think fans of historical romances would enjoy this simple book with a happy ending, but I prefer character-driven books with complex relationships.
I thought the storyline in this book was interesting enough, but so much of the book was filled with extensive details about the scenery or environments, which made my reading experience quite dull.
Hailey and Samuel are likable and their romance is easy to root for, but neither of them were very complex characters, and all of their questionable decisions seemed to be made for the purpose of furthering the plot. The side characters were mostly frustrating as well, and I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters.
I think fans of historical romances would enjoy this simple book with a happy ending, but I prefer character-driven books with complex relationships.
November 8, 2024
This was not the book to read/listen to this week. I will be honest. I hate men. I knew that pre and post this book (and from other events) but now it's really like... I'm full of rage now.
January 25, 2024
Robin Oliveira wrote My Name is Mary Sutter and Winter Sisters and they were both 5+ star reads for me. While I enjoyed A Wild and Heavenly Place, I did not love it as much as the other two. It was more a romance novel filled with a lot of detail and descriptions that I found myself skimming. Most of the time I liked Samuel and Hailey the two main characters, but found their decisions frustrating. The book was pretty predictable.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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