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Searching for Home
She thought a dead relative ruined her life, but discovering his story will save it instead.
When the story of Whitney's long-dead anarchist ancestor, Lewis Ingram, makes front-page news, she must find a way to exonerate her relative, or risk losing everything--her mayoral-candidate boyfriend and her job at a local magazine. Aided by Nate, a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Foundation, she digs in, determined to find a positive spin on the situation. But what awaits her isn't spin at all. It's truth--and it will change her life.
In the world of 1886, Ellen Ingram and James Kent didn't intend to get caught in the middle of an anarchist spy ring. Ellen was content to leave all such intrigue to her brother, Lewis Ingram. But as the political climate in Chicago changes, Ellen and James have no choice. In the midst of the famous Haymarket Riot, both realize that they must live the life God created them for, not the one dictated by society.
Two generations encounter the same truth--and neither will ever be the same.
When the story of Whitney's long-dead anarchist ancestor, Lewis Ingram, makes front-page news, she must find a way to exonerate her relative, or risk losing everything--her mayoral-candidate boyfriend and her job at a local magazine. Aided by Nate, a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Foundation, she digs in, determined to find a positive spin on the situation. But what awaits her isn't spin at all. It's truth--and it will change her life.
In the world of 1886, Ellen Ingram and James Kent didn't intend to get caught in the middle of an anarchist spy ring. Ellen was content to leave all such intrigue to her brother, Lewis Ingram. But as the political climate in Chicago changes, Ellen and James have no choice. In the midst of the famous Haymarket Riot, both realize that they must live the life God created them for, not the one dictated by society.
Two generations encounter the same truth--and neither will ever be the same.
ebook
First published October 7, 2014
31 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Keller
32 books69 followersJessica Keller is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of both Young Adult Fiction and Romance. If you're looking to interact with her on social media, she is most active on Instagram and has a Facebook author page.
Jessica can most often be found sipping an iced coffee while listening to an audiobook, working on her next novel, or attempting to gain her aloof cat's affection. She lives in the Midwest and is mom to the greatest kid in the world (though, she may be bias).
Jessica can most often be found sipping an iced coffee while listening to an audiobook, working on her next novel, or attempting to gain her aloof cat's affection. She lives in the Midwest and is mom to the greatest kid in the world (though, she may be bias).
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
March 12, 2015
{About the Book}
She thought a dead relative ruined her life, but discovering his story will save it instead.
When the story of Whitney's long-dead anarchist ancestor, Lewis Ingram, makes front-page news, she must find a way to exonerate her relative, or risk losing everything--her mayoral-candidate boyfriend and her job at a local magazine. Aided by Nate, a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Foundation, she digs in, determined to find a positive spin on the situation. But what awaits her isn't spin at all. It's truth--and it will change her life.
In the world of 1886, Ellen Ingram and James Kent didn't intend to get caught in the middle of an anarchist spy ring. Ellen was content to leave all such intrigue to her brother, Lewis Ingram. But as the political climate in Chicago changes, Ellen and James have no choice. In the midst of the famous Haymarket Riot, both realize that they must live the life God created them for, not the one dictated by society.
Two generations encounter the same truth--and neither will ever be the same.
{My Review}
My Rating: 5 blazing stars!!
Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Jessica, what are you doing to me?! First Saving Yesterday, now Searching for Home. Boy, can Jessica write! I was completely enthralled and invested in this story and the characters from the first page. In fact, I stayed up until almost 5 AM to finish it, because I could not and would not put it down. I loved that the story had a present day POV and a "flashback" POV. The characters are so rich and each have their own flaws. I love the characters of any story have flaws. And Nate, oh Nate! I love this guy! *swoon* Overall, this story of an anarchist ring, political intrigue, and heart pounding romance is something you will not want to miss. Believe me, you will fall in love with this story as much as I did!
She thought a dead relative ruined her life, but discovering his story will save it instead.
When the story of Whitney's long-dead anarchist ancestor, Lewis Ingram, makes front-page news, she must find a way to exonerate her relative, or risk losing everything--her mayoral-candidate boyfriend and her job at a local magazine. Aided by Nate, a volunteer at the Chicago Historical Foundation, she digs in, determined to find a positive spin on the situation. But what awaits her isn't spin at all. It's truth--and it will change her life.
In the world of 1886, Ellen Ingram and James Kent didn't intend to get caught in the middle of an anarchist spy ring. Ellen was content to leave all such intrigue to her brother, Lewis Ingram. But as the political climate in Chicago changes, Ellen and James have no choice. In the midst of the famous Haymarket Riot, both realize that they must live the life God created them for, not the one dictated by society.
Two generations encounter the same truth--and neither will ever be the same.
{My Review}
My Rating: 5 blazing stars!!
Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Oh. My. Gosh. Jessica, what are you doing to me?! First Saving Yesterday, now Searching for Home. Boy, can Jessica write! I was completely enthralled and invested in this story and the characters from the first page. In fact, I stayed up until almost 5 AM to finish it, because I could not and would not put it down. I loved that the story had a present day POV and a "flashback" POV. The characters are so rich and each have their own flaws. I love the characters of any story have flaws. And Nate, oh Nate! I love this guy! *swoon* Overall, this story of an anarchist ring, political intrigue, and heart pounding romance is something you will not want to miss. Believe me, you will fall in love with this story as much as I did!
February 22, 2016
I have to be honest at the outset: I am not usually a reader of historical fiction nor a lover of "bad boys." However, Keller won me over with both. Her historical thread makes me want to dive into Chicago research on my own, and the Ingram siblings have my heart. With plucky Ellen this makes perfect sense, but Lewis? He was a complete surprise to me and, honestly, made the book for me. If future books include him, I'll buy every single one.
September 15, 2015
OH my STARS!! What a GREAT book! A great message over all, "God has given you one life, and has called you to be who He made you (to be)" not what others want you to be. Be yourself, because YOU are created on purpose for a purpose!
Historically placed in Chicago, during a dangerous but significant time in US history. Ms Keller did her homework, and wrote the events correctly with very little embellishment.
First let me say I love the descriptive way Ms Keller talked about Chicago in the fall. “Scarlet October” & “after-rain air” are very vivid & clear. I can see myself breathing it in, not guess, know what it felt like. My favorite line from the whole book is “A childhood doesn't have to define you.” Bam! Hit me right in the gut! My past doesn't define me!! Every genealogist dream is to “...reach through time and ask..” their ancestors questions! I was drawn to this book because of the genealogy aspect of the book!
I was very baffled by the idea of Ellen's family being against her reading, I'm so glad that's changed! It amazes me that in the 1880's young lady's were taught how to get a husband. Their one job was get a husband, have kids & take care of the home.
Characters: Lovable & relatable characters, with flaws & strengths that we all deal with. Hidden behind masks of what others want them to be, some “play-acting” to hide their true selves & some just trying to survive-that are what all people struggle with. I felt invested in the characters & was cheering them on & telling them to stay away from things/people.
Ellen-Oh to be a woman with a brain in 1886! Oh my gosh, talk about being pulled in two directions! She is expected to find a rich man & marry him. She has a desire in her heart that God placed there, which is different than society demands.
Whitney-She is the character I most relate to. What an awful childhood, but it made her stronger. From her painful childhood she knew what she wanted out of life, but she let that cloud her judgment of people & let them walk over her. She let Owen & his mother treat her pitifully, there were times I wanted to grab her by the shoulders & yell at her.
James-Passionate character. Fiercely loyal to Ellen & Lewis. Trust God with all he has! Even though he trust God, he also has doubts & struggles with letting go & not being protector to those he loves.
Nate-Patient, kind & loyal. A lot like James! Compared to Owen he is a saint!
Lewis-I was really worried about what was going to happen with him, because Ellen, his sister, loved him so much! What a GREAT twist! I would have never saw it coming! Always think the best of him!
Aunt Louisa-She is so bold! She is at times selfish & stubborn, but underneath I think she is just scared to be alone & wants what is best for her family.
Hugh-What a man of mystery! I never trusted him! In Chap.19 he said a few things that were a twist of his character trait, which is intriguing.
Owen/Carter-I see Owen & Carter as the same person, I didn't like either of them! Selfish, self-absorbed, egoistical, self-centered snobs in my mind!
I was very intrigued by the secondary characters, made me wanting more. Ellen's uncle, Mr. Danby, what is his “missions” & why is he so mysterious? Iana, who is she really? What is her role? Whitney's grandma, what does she really know? Why wouldn't she talk about what Lewis really did?
Over all this book is amazingly written. The few spelling/grammar errors didn't deter me away from the over all message of the book, that we are all flawed without the Master's touch!
Historically placed in Chicago, during a dangerous but significant time in US history. Ms Keller did her homework, and wrote the events correctly with very little embellishment.
First let me say I love the descriptive way Ms Keller talked about Chicago in the fall. “Scarlet October” & “after-rain air” are very vivid & clear. I can see myself breathing it in, not guess, know what it felt like. My favorite line from the whole book is “A childhood doesn't have to define you.” Bam! Hit me right in the gut! My past doesn't define me!! Every genealogist dream is to “...reach through time and ask..” their ancestors questions! I was drawn to this book because of the genealogy aspect of the book!
I was very baffled by the idea of Ellen's family being against her reading, I'm so glad that's changed! It amazes me that in the 1880's young lady's were taught how to get a husband. Their one job was get a husband, have kids & take care of the home.
Characters: Lovable & relatable characters, with flaws & strengths that we all deal with. Hidden behind masks of what others want them to be, some “play-acting” to hide their true selves & some just trying to survive-that are what all people struggle with. I felt invested in the characters & was cheering them on & telling them to stay away from things/people.
Ellen-Oh to be a woman with a brain in 1886! Oh my gosh, talk about being pulled in two directions! She is expected to find a rich man & marry him. She has a desire in her heart that God placed there, which is different than society demands.
Whitney-She is the character I most relate to. What an awful childhood, but it made her stronger. From her painful childhood she knew what she wanted out of life, but she let that cloud her judgment of people & let them walk over her. She let Owen & his mother treat her pitifully, there were times I wanted to grab her by the shoulders & yell at her.
James-Passionate character. Fiercely loyal to Ellen & Lewis. Trust God with all he has! Even though he trust God, he also has doubts & struggles with letting go & not being protector to those he loves.
Nate-Patient, kind & loyal. A lot like James! Compared to Owen he is a saint!
Lewis-I was really worried about what was going to happen with him, because Ellen, his sister, loved him so much! What a GREAT twist! I would have never saw it coming! Always think the best of him!
Aunt Louisa-She is so bold! She is at times selfish & stubborn, but underneath I think she is just scared to be alone & wants what is best for her family.
Hugh-What a man of mystery! I never trusted him! In Chap.19 he said a few things that were a twist of his character trait, which is intriguing.
Owen/Carter-I see Owen & Carter as the same person, I didn't like either of them! Selfish, self-absorbed, egoistical, self-centered snobs in my mind!
I was very intrigued by the secondary characters, made me wanting more. Ellen's uncle, Mr. Danby, what is his “missions” & why is he so mysterious? Iana, who is she really? What is her role? Whitney's grandma, what does she really know? Why wouldn't she talk about what Lewis really did?
Over all this book is amazingly written. The few spelling/grammar errors didn't deter me away from the over all message of the book, that we are all flawed without the Master's touch!
October 20, 2014
Searching For Home
Spies of Chicago Book 1
By: Jessica Keller
Two generations; both searching. Solving her ancestor’s past, pushes Whitney Dean to reevaluate her future. Searching for Home tells two stories: Whitney’s from present day and Ellen’s from 1886. If you love history, genealogy, mystery, and a warm romance, you will love this book!
Owen Taylor, Whitney’s fiancé, is running for mayor. According to him, her past legacy causes voters to doubt his judgment. She must solve her great-great-grandfather’s shenanigans before it ruins Owen’s chance at an office or her future with Owen. He has put their relationship on hold until she straightens it out.
More than a hundred years earlier, Lewis Ingram was called a fraud, a riot inciter, and a cop killer. How can Whitney find out the truth about her ancestor? Nate Holland volunteers at the Chicago Historical Foundation. He helps Whitney search for the truth about her ancestor. What happened to Lewis that his past is still in the news now?
By reading letters from Ellen, Lewis’ sister, Nate and Whitney are able to piece together what was going on in Chicago in 1886. As Ellen learns about her brother’s escapades, she tries to find out what is going on. James, Ellen and Lewis’ friend, tries to keep her safe, even distancing himself from her in the hopes she won’t be targeted. Is Lewis involved in the revolt of the laborers? He states that violence is the only remedy for an intolerable society.
Can you do wrong and it be considered the right thing to do? Join Whitney and Ellen’s journey as they discover the truth in this intricately woven story of love, trust, and faith. What might you find if you look beyond the stable, decent, and secure? Find out in Searching for Home. You may be rethinking your future based on what Whitney and Ellen find out! I look forward to more books by Jessica Keller!
Spies of Chicago Book 1
By: Jessica Keller
Two generations; both searching. Solving her ancestor’s past, pushes Whitney Dean to reevaluate her future. Searching for Home tells two stories: Whitney’s from present day and Ellen’s from 1886. If you love history, genealogy, mystery, and a warm romance, you will love this book!
Owen Taylor, Whitney’s fiancé, is running for mayor. According to him, her past legacy causes voters to doubt his judgment. She must solve her great-great-grandfather’s shenanigans before it ruins Owen’s chance at an office or her future with Owen. He has put their relationship on hold until she straightens it out.
More than a hundred years earlier, Lewis Ingram was called a fraud, a riot inciter, and a cop killer. How can Whitney find out the truth about her ancestor? Nate Holland volunteers at the Chicago Historical Foundation. He helps Whitney search for the truth about her ancestor. What happened to Lewis that his past is still in the news now?
By reading letters from Ellen, Lewis’ sister, Nate and Whitney are able to piece together what was going on in Chicago in 1886. As Ellen learns about her brother’s escapades, she tries to find out what is going on. James, Ellen and Lewis’ friend, tries to keep her safe, even distancing himself from her in the hopes she won’t be targeted. Is Lewis involved in the revolt of the laborers? He states that violence is the only remedy for an intolerable society.
Can you do wrong and it be considered the right thing to do? Join Whitney and Ellen’s journey as they discover the truth in this intricately woven story of love, trust, and faith. What might you find if you look beyond the stable, decent, and secure? Find out in Searching for Home. You may be rethinking your future based on what Whitney and Ellen find out! I look forward to more books by Jessica Keller!
October 18, 2014
When an article shows up in the news paper about her great-great grandfather, Whitney is determined to clear his name. As she researches the life of Lewis Ingram beginning in 1886, she learns about his sister, Ellen, and his best friend, James Kent. Drawn to Ellen and James’s story, Whitney and a research assistant named Nate continue to dig for the truth even though Whitney fears Lewis was, indeed, evil. As they uncover the mystery, Whitney learns more about herself as well as her relatives.
Spanning two generations, over a hundred years removed from each other, Searching for Home addresses the fear of loneliness and the longing to find a place to belong. Jessica Keller writes from the perspective of Whitney today and both Ellen and James in 1886. The story is woven together seamlessly. The reader learns the answers about Ellen, James, and even Lewis, along with Whitney and Nate. There is some humor in how inept James is at the job that’s been thrust upon him and Ellen’s determination to follow.
A quick, enjoyable read with suspense, romance, a bit of humor, and characters who are flawed but lovable, Searching for Home does not disappoint. I am looking forward to more books in this series and hope to spend time with Whitney (and hopefully James and Ellen) again.
Spanning two generations, over a hundred years removed from each other, Searching for Home addresses the fear of loneliness and the longing to find a place to belong. Jessica Keller writes from the perspective of Whitney today and both Ellen and James in 1886. The story is woven together seamlessly. The reader learns the answers about Ellen, James, and even Lewis, along with Whitney and Nate. There is some humor in how inept James is at the job that’s been thrust upon him and Ellen’s determination to follow.
A quick, enjoyable read with suspense, romance, a bit of humor, and characters who are flawed but lovable, Searching for Home does not disappoint. I am looking forward to more books in this series and hope to spend time with Whitney (and hopefully James and Ellen) again.
December 19, 2014
Like myself, Keller is an #indiebooksbeseen author, and I was anxious to read her work.
Searching Home is the first book in the series Spies of Chicago. Having visited the Windy City not too long ago, I was very interested in learning more about this fascinating city. Keller did not fail to deliver. Every chapter told me more about the city's history, from physical attributes to social expectations in the late 1800s.
In addition to historical fiction, I'd categorize this as a light mystery, Christian fiction with elements of romance.
Paralleling stories, one modern, the other in 1886.
Current day: Whitney, together with her new, cute historical society friend, Nate, shakes the limbs of her family tree, uncovering the truths of her lineage. A romance develops.
1886: The historical plot of the story revolves around 18-year old Ellen and family friend, James. As a woman of society, Ellen is not expected to worry her pretty head with the unrest of the laboring class, but both her brother, Lewis and her sweetheart James are somehow involved. Are they spies for the opposing side? She won't rest until she knows the truth.
Searching Home is the first book in the series Spies of Chicago. Having visited the Windy City not too long ago, I was very interested in learning more about this fascinating city. Keller did not fail to deliver. Every chapter told me more about the city's history, from physical attributes to social expectations in the late 1800s.
In addition to historical fiction, I'd categorize this as a light mystery, Christian fiction with elements of romance.
Paralleling stories, one modern, the other in 1886.
Current day: Whitney, together with her new, cute historical society friend, Nate, shakes the limbs of her family tree, uncovering the truths of her lineage. A romance develops.
1886: The historical plot of the story revolves around 18-year old Ellen and family friend, James. As a woman of society, Ellen is not expected to worry her pretty head with the unrest of the laboring class, but both her brother, Lewis and her sweetheart James are somehow involved. Are they spies for the opposing side? She won't rest until she knows the truth.
November 2, 2014
I loved this book! I had a hard time leaving Ellen, James, Whitney, and Nate to do my work! I loved the flashbacks. If you are a history person, this is the book for you! The mystery of it was so much fun! I didn't guess what was going on the whole time...I was definitely surprised by the ending in a good way! I loved the way Jessica interwove these stories together to make not only a great book but a great encouragement to the reader about the way they view life and dreams.
January 3, 2015
Simply loved "Searching for Home"! The two story lines were captivating. I am a huge fan of period pieces and this was a nice blend of both present day & historic Chicago. Can't wait to read the next book!
October 18, 2014
Jessica is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her unique style of writing is fun to read and always leaves me wanting more. I loved how she mixed both the historical and contemporary love stories in this book. I was never left confused, because she did a great job of developing the characters. After reading Saving Yesterday, I knew Jessica would be one of my favorite authors. I'm happy to say, she has knocked another one out of the park. Great job!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews