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Purling Road (The 1929 Series)
Purling Road - The Complete First Season: Episodes 1-10
After the terrible accident that nearly claimed his friend's life, Caleb quits the fishing business and returns to his farm, disrupting Jonathan's plans for growth. Though the men must continue on without him, tension remains between the friends.
The strain intensifies when a chance encounter with the new sheriff of Rockport sends chills down Caleb’s spine. What is it about Sheriff William that unsettles them all? David’s return to Rockport lands him in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it may just be perfect timing for someone else in need.
A handsome stranger catches the eye of the adorable and frantic Muzzy Brown. What are his intentions in town, and will she slow down long enough to find out? A family secret is discovered in Jonathan’s attic, leading him to question everything he knew about his past.
More secrets from the past are revealed, complicating the group’s lives even further. Aryl is tempted by old demons. Jean’s birth mother’s reputation becomes a source of pain for Jean. The tension between Jonathan and Caleb finally comes to a head.
Will they forgive each other, or will they go their separate ways for good?
Keep up with the characters of 1929 by following them through ten episodes of Purling Road, A 1929 Serial.
The strain intensifies when a chance encounter with the new sheriff of Rockport sends chills down Caleb’s spine. What is it about Sheriff William that unsettles them all? David’s return to Rockport lands him in the wrong place at the wrong time, but it may just be perfect timing for someone else in need.
A handsome stranger catches the eye of the adorable and frantic Muzzy Brown. What are his intentions in town, and will she slow down long enough to find out? A family secret is discovered in Jonathan’s attic, leading him to question everything he knew about his past.
More secrets from the past are revealed, complicating the group’s lives even further. Aryl is tempted by old demons. Jean’s birth mother’s reputation becomes a source of pain for Jean. The tension between Jonathan and Caleb finally comes to a head.
Will they forgive each other, or will they go their separate ways for good?
Keep up with the characters of 1929 by following them through ten episodes of Purling Road, A 1929 Serial.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2015
517 people are currently reading
905 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 41 reviews
July 21, 2022
Hardship, friendship and love
What a great book! Gardner takes you seamlessly back in time where you follow a group of friends/family as they struggle and strive to make their way. It's beautifully written, and I will read the rest of the books in the series.
What a great book! Gardner takes you seamlessly back in time where you follow a group of friends/family as they struggle and strive to make their way. It's beautifully written, and I will read the rest of the books in the series.
November 23, 2015
Purling Road – The Complete First Season: Episodes 1 – 10 by M. L. Gardner is a continuation of the 1929 Saga, which details the lives of the residents of a small town. Mostly dialogue, with just enough narrative to set the scenes, these stories give an in depth look at life in the late 20s. With an interesting cast of characters, it is fast-paced reading that’s actually not a bad read.
June 17, 2018
How did this end up on my kindle? I'm assuming it was a free or nearly free title that came up sometime ago. Since I do enjoy historical fiction, I guess I read enough in the short description to take the plunge. Regardless of the reason, I didn't get to reading it for over a year. And once I started, it became a pure hate read for me. Hands down the worst book I've read in a year.
First, it's obvious this is part of a series. I don't like coming into a series in the midpoint, but a halfway decent author will at least provide enough exposition that you not only can follow along, but will be enticed to go back and read what you missed. Not the case here - waaaaaay too many characters, with undefined and difficult to follow relationships with each other. With so many characters, they were always going to be one dimensional, and impossible for a newcomer to ever become invested in.
Second, this is loose historical fiction at best. The language, the interactions, the behaviors, it could have been based at anytime. Show, don't tell about the era. Once we veer too far from 1929, let's throw in a random passage with MORE characters to let us know it was different then. Homopbobia! Thank goodness that one wrapped up early. Societal gender roles! Racism! A few words on these topics and we are back to the uninteresting "plot".
First, it's obvious this is part of a series. I don't like coming into a series in the midpoint, but a halfway decent author will at least provide enough exposition that you not only can follow along, but will be enticed to go back and read what you missed. Not the case here - waaaaaay too many characters, with undefined and difficult to follow relationships with each other. With so many characters, they were always going to be one dimensional, and impossible for a newcomer to ever become invested in.
Second, this is loose historical fiction at best. The language, the interactions, the behaviors, it could have been based at anytime. Show, don't tell about the era. Once we veer too far from 1929, let's throw in a random passage with MORE characters to let us know it was different then. Homopbobia! Thank goodness that one wrapped up early. Societal gender roles! Racism! A few words on these topics and we are back to the uninteresting "plot".
July 9, 2019
Purloined Road
Purloined Road ML Gardner
Quite an interesting story taking place around 1929 after the great crash. We are introduced to many different characters whose lives are intertwined due to their circumstances after the crash. Fascinating twists and turns in this book, was a tad confusing at the beginning to figure out woh belonged to whom and how they were related and why. Ones heart breaks with the vivid description of how life has a cruel way about it when some characters are just trying to survive.
July 2019
Purloined Road ML Gardner
Quite an interesting story taking place around 1929 after the great crash. We are introduced to many different characters whose lives are intertwined due to their circumstances after the crash. Fascinating twists and turns in this book, was a tad confusing at the beginning to figure out woh belonged to whom and how they were related and why. Ones heart breaks with the vivid description of how life has a cruel way about it when some characters are just trying to survive.
July 2019
August 30, 2019
I decided to read this book as it has been on my Kindle for so long. I hadn't realised that it is part of a longer series which explains why it is confusing with all it's characters and reads more like a TV soap opera! Set after the Great Depression I was hoping to learn about this era. However it was a slow and uninteresting storyline throughout. Finished but not enjoyable for me hence only 2* rating. Others obviously loved it looking at the number of higher ratings, maybe they started a the beginning of the story.
August 3, 2024
I felt like I walked into a movie well after it had started with this read. No cohesive introduction of characters and their relationship to each other. Hard to place who was connected to whom, etc. Eventually by the end it started to pull together a bit, but very choppy. Disappointed.
July 24, 2017
Liked it. Going on to season 2.
August 14, 2017
Just couldn't get into it read 20% and to be honest that was enough
September 22, 2017
A wonderful book
This series was so interesting about a group of friends and their families dealing with the aftermath of the great depression.Huh
This series was so interesting about a group of friends and their families dealing with the aftermath of the great depression.Huh
June 26, 2020
Enjoyable read
Love the 1929 and Purling Road Series. Great characters and story lines. I can't seem to put these book down.
Love the 1929 and Purling Road Series. Great characters and story lines. I can't seem to put these book down.
May 2, 2021
Well-developed characters intertwined with each other in a compelling story.
March 12, 2017
I really feel like I should have read the other ones that come first but I had no idea they even existed. I'm not sure about the format here - why there are episodes and not chapters, but it was strange.
There are tons of characters to keep straight and I'm pretty sure I was playing wife/husband swap in my head a lot while I was reading. Probably doesn't help that I wasn't feeling particularly well while reading either.
Anyway, I enjoyed that it was set back in olden times during another great period in US history - not long after the crash of 1929. Ah, the Great Depression, how lovely. I didn't get a great feel for their houses, which would have been nice to be able to visualize. I basically pictured shacks for everyone. Not sure if that's quite right. I also don't get what their little village/town was like. Close to Boston, but where?
I did get a bit of a feel for the characters, which is my favorite part of any story. I do think it was hard to get too deep with anyone since there were SO many of them. I'm debating whether to pick up the Second Season or whether I'll go backwards and maybe get more history.
There are tons of characters to keep straight and I'm pretty sure I was playing wife/husband swap in my head a lot while I was reading. Probably doesn't help that I wasn't feeling particularly well while reading either.
Anyway, I enjoyed that it was set back in olden times during another great period in US history - not long after the crash of 1929. Ah, the Great Depression, how lovely. I didn't get a great feel for their houses, which would have been nice to be able to visualize. I basically pictured shacks for everyone. Not sure if that's quite right. I also don't get what their little village/town was like. Close to Boston, but where?
I did get a bit of a feel for the characters, which is my favorite part of any story. I do think it was hard to get too deep with anyone since there were SO many of them. I'm debating whether to pick up the Second Season or whether I'll go backwards and maybe get more history.
March 12, 2017
It was difficult to follow, presumably because I hadn't read the previous books. It was hard to keep characters straight, and the relationships between them were really unclear throughout most of the story. It was like coming in halfway through...
January 8, 2017
Okay
What I liked: it's written like a radio play, or at least that's my take on the way it's structured. That's clever and enjoyable.
I'm neutral on how we learn about the town and it's featured characters. We just step into their lives and walk along with them. There's no background story, no explanation of circumstances, no description of the town. It is what it is. I suppose it's like tuning in to a long running soap opera.
What I don't like is the quality of the writing. I began with a thought that this might be literary fiction, but I was increasingly disappointed as I read. Typos, wrong words, missing words, misplaced modifiers, trite phrases, overuse of darlings; I challenge the reader to count how many times eyes grew wide. The closing is a little startling in its abruptness and ultimately isn't a wind up, it's a wind down.
What I liked: it's written like a radio play, or at least that's my take on the way it's structured. That's clever and enjoyable.
I'm neutral on how we learn about the town and it's featured characters. We just step into their lives and walk along with them. There's no background story, no explanation of circumstances, no description of the town. It is what it is. I suppose it's like tuning in to a long running soap opera.
What I don't like is the quality of the writing. I began with a thought that this might be literary fiction, but I was increasingly disappointed as I read. Typos, wrong words, missing words, misplaced modifiers, trite phrases, overuse of darlings; I challenge the reader to count how many times eyes grew wide. The closing is a little startling in its abruptness and ultimately isn't a wind up, it's a wind down.
August 17, 2015
Here we go again ...... After having read the entire 1929 series, it was a given that I'd read Purling Road to continue the saga -- especially since I got this book for free. Overall my rating is the same as for the previous books. The writing is generally good, with the exception of the author's continued use of bad grammar to try to make the characters' dialogue more believable. (At least I assume that's why she does it -- if not, then it's just plain bad writing.) As with the initial series, there are historical inaccuracies that jump out at the reader, although perhaps not quite as many.
Overall, all these books are soap opera in print form. That said, they are quick, easy, and entertaining reads.
Overall, all these books are soap opera in print form. That said, they are quick, easy, and entertaining reads.
October 30, 2015
My thoughts about this book!
I have really enjoyed this first book, looking forward to following these characters in book two!
The way the author,describes each character is amazing,,,,like meeting a new neighbor and becoming close friends.
I feel the cold icy weather as though I'm there on the boat with the guys. And in the homes I feel like I smell the biscuits baking and the chicken frying. The farm life as well as the life on the water is so real. The hardships that they all suffer are real and the friendships are as well. Makes me enjoy reading about their lives everyday! I'm hoping for more about the farm life and maybe how they preserve food to. E used through the winter in the next book.! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXO
I have really enjoyed this first book, looking forward to following these characters in book two!
The way the author,describes each character is amazing,,,,like meeting a new neighbor and becoming close friends.
I feel the cold icy weather as though I'm there on the boat with the guys. And in the homes I feel like I smell the biscuits baking and the chicken frying. The farm life as well as the life on the water is so real. The hardships that they all suffer are real and the friendships are as well. Makes me enjoy reading about their lives everyday! I'm hoping for more about the farm life and maybe how they preserve food to. E used through the winter in the next book.! XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO XOXOXOXO
February 12, 2016
Set in the post-depression era
Though not a time period I am particularly drawn to, this was interesting to read. The various characters are well drawn, and I am interested in what happens to them. It's also interesting to consider that these men & women are around the age my grandparents were at that time. Other than the slightly different circumstances and family heritages the story provides an eye opening glimpse into the trials of family life in that era. I think people would enjoy reading this story.
Though not a time period I am particularly drawn to, this was interesting to read. The various characters are well drawn, and I am interested in what happens to them. It's also interesting to consider that these men & women are around the age my grandparents were at that time. Other than the slightly different circumstances and family heritages the story provides an eye opening glimpse into the trials of family life in that era. I think people would enjoy reading this story.
July 9, 2015
Short chapters
Depression short chapters seem realistic. This is better and more reality than today's reality TV. Short chapters in the series are full of life challenges and individual characteristics that offer the reader opportunities to for self evaluation. I look forward to reading more.
Depression short chapters seem realistic. This is better and more reality than today's reality TV. Short chapters in the series are full of life challenges and individual characteristics that offer the reader opportunities to for self evaluation. I look forward to reading more.
July 21, 2015
Courageous Clan
An interesting series of overcoming trials is depicted for a group of friends. Some references to previous events are a bit confusing. But on the whole, when the current cast of characters are sorted out, the episodes/chapters are interesting and uplifting. A good read!
An interesting series of overcoming trials is depicted for a group of friends. Some references to previous events are a bit confusing. But on the whole, when the current cast of characters are sorted out, the episodes/chapters are interesting and uplifting. A good read!
February 2, 2016
Good
I enjoyed this book. The excellent writing made it easy to picture the characters and action. I wanted to know these people and see how they coped with their problems. Although it is set in 1931 many of the difficulties are still around today. I look forward to reading more.
I enjoyed this book. The excellent writing made it easy to picture the characters and action. I wanted to know these people and see how they coped with their problems. Although it is set in 1931 many of the difficulties are still around today. I look forward to reading more.
May 23, 2016
I don't know why the author calls this "the complete first season" or "episodes" instead of a regular title and chapters but be that as it may the book is still very good with all kinds of things happening to our couples and their friends as they struggle thru the depression years. On to "The Complete Second Season".
December 30, 2016
When I started these stories, I felt like I must have missed a previous book because there was a lot of reference to past story lines. However, it didn't take long for me to get the bigger pictures. I have the second of the series of this story so I expect I will understand it better by then. There are many characters, each with their own story to share.
July 3, 2015
Enjoying visiting with the family
I have read every book in this series by ML Gardner since I stumbled on Jonathan's Cross. I truly have enjoyed this family saga and look forward to the next book.
I have read every book in this series by ML Gardner since I stumbled on Jonathan's Cross. I truly have enjoyed this family saga and look forward to the next book.
October 28, 2015
Absolutely a great time stamped read
I love the time period and the way she intertwines the group to be one big family. Through thick and thin this group fights and and faces live just as my grandparents did. Can't wait to begin the next season!
I love the time period and the way she intertwines the group to be one big family. Through thick and thin this group fights and and faces live just as my grandparents did. Can't wait to begin the next season!
May 22, 2016
Step back in time....
Love this continued story line from the 1929 book series. Looking forward the the 2nd season as you can't help become attached to these characters and how their lives have totally changed since "The Crash"
Love this continued story line from the 1929 book series. Looking forward the the 2nd season as you can't help become attached to these characters and how their lives have totally changed since "The Crash"
November 11, 2016
This is the least interesting of this entire series. Considering you're already engaged with the characters it's astounding how boring this melodrama is. If I hadn't already read the next in the series, I wouldn't have read on.
Read
June 30, 2015Enjoyed these characters and how they cope with extremely tough times, almost poverty vs. wealth. Glad I read it.
June 28, 2015
I wish there was a way that I could love these characters more. This is such a great series!!!
July 3, 2015
Love Gardner's writing
Five stars because this book has all you can ask for. All the characters lives are tied together in an easy to follow story.
Five stars because this book has all you can ask for. All the characters lives are tied together in an easy to follow story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews