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1920s #1
Ramble and Roar
New York City, 1925. A place abounding with every good and glittering thing, or so Eliza Belcourt believes...Leaving behind a broken heart and her parents' selfish expectations, Eliza flees to Manhattan's sleepless streets hoping to become the next famous jazz singer. But every sparkling dream comes with a price, and the Irish mob is ready to collect. As Eliza grasps for success and love, she finds that her city of bright promise might offer only dazzling lies.Ramble and Roar is an honest, daring adventure that captures the pleasure-seeking decade of the 1920s in all its glory and grit.
344 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Catie Cordero
7 books24 followersCatie Cordero is passionate about writing stories that are honest and will resonate with its readers long after they flip the last page. She resides in West Michigan with her family. She is a novelist, storyteller, and blogger at catiecordero.com. Also on TikTok and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 18, 2018
A brightly buoyant tale that evocatively captures the dangerous allure of 1920s Manhattan.
Twists and turns await well-bred Eliza Belcourt as she chases her dream of a recording contract to the Big Apple and finds more than she bargained for with the deliciously enigmatic Warren. Meanwhile her would-be affianced Hugh will stop at no lengths to ensure she knows he is the man for her.
Peppered with colourful characters, mob action, music and romance, Ramble and Roar will leave you eager for Cordero's next flapper-filled tale.
A thoroughly enjoyable and accessibly well-written tale that keeps the pages turning.
Twists and turns await well-bred Eliza Belcourt as she chases her dream of a recording contract to the Big Apple and finds more than she bargained for with the deliciously enigmatic Warren. Meanwhile her would-be affianced Hugh will stop at no lengths to ensure she knows he is the man for her.
Peppered with colourful characters, mob action, music and romance, Ramble and Roar will leave you eager for Cordero's next flapper-filled tale.
A thoroughly enjoyable and accessibly well-written tale that keeps the pages turning.
May 7, 2018
I endorsed this book and I am so thrilled that I had the opportunity to do so, because it's such a fresh take on the 1920s era. I could not put this book down and I'll be recommending it to my readers! My endorsement below:
"A debut that blasts out of the gate with all the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, Ramble and Roar is a joyride of a book. Charged with the sinuous power and passion of 1920's New York City, this story vividly portrays a world where mobs rule the streets--and once you're in, there's no getting out. A prodigal tale that speaks to rebels without a cause, drawing them back to the truth with gentle hands. Catie Cordero is an author to watch, and this book is going on my keeper shelf." ~Heather Day Gilbert, award-winning, bestselling author of The Vikings of the New World Saga
"A debut that blasts out of the gate with all the exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, Ramble and Roar is a joyride of a book. Charged with the sinuous power and passion of 1920's New York City, this story vividly portrays a world where mobs rule the streets--and once you're in, there's no getting out. A prodigal tale that speaks to rebels without a cause, drawing them back to the truth with gentle hands. Catie Cordero is an author to watch, and this book is going on my keeper shelf." ~Heather Day Gilbert, award-winning, bestselling author of The Vikings of the New World Saga
May 7, 2018
One of the best books I've read this year. Cordero has crafted a tale that will keep readers turning pages and falling in love with her characters. I can't wait to read more from her!
June 6, 2018
Cordero has masterfully researched and represented the 1920s – the music, the clothes, the slang and the society speak, debutantes and waitresses, businessmen and the Irish mob, ramble and roar. The era comes alive on every page, almost becoming a secondary character to the plot.
But it’s the characters that did me in – especially the four young adults who are the main focus of the plot. Each prodigals in their own way, some more painfully so than the others. Each searching for what will make them happy. Each faced with the consequences of their poor decisions. And while they needed to be in the era they are in – for their connected story to play out the way it did – their individual stories could apply to people walking through New York today. Or Chicago. Or San Francisco. Or down the street from you and me. In fact, there but for the grace of God go any of us. And it’s this point that hit my heart so deeply. Along with the subtle theme of redemption and restoration that weaves gently – achingly bittersweet, at times – between the lines.
Bottom Line: Ramble and Roar is a vivid (and gritty) depiction of a vivid (and gritty) era in American history. From high society Pennsylvania to the seedier neighborhoods of New York, the sights and sounds and smells leap off the page and immerse the reader in stuffy dining rooms and smoky jazz clubs, dark alleys and drafty apartments. It’s a tale of prodigals trying to find their way, of the slippery slope that so easily entangles, of the darkness that so quickly replaces light. It’s about going nearly as far from Home as you could possibly go… and it’s about crawling your way back to the One who waits with arms outstretched. Bittersweet at times, gritty at others, it is always captivating – and I can’t wait for the sequel!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
But it’s the characters that did me in – especially the four young adults who are the main focus of the plot. Each prodigals in their own way, some more painfully so than the others. Each searching for what will make them happy. Each faced with the consequences of their poor decisions. And while they needed to be in the era they are in – for their connected story to play out the way it did – their individual stories could apply to people walking through New York today. Or Chicago. Or San Francisco. Or down the street from you and me. In fact, there but for the grace of God go any of us. And it’s this point that hit my heart so deeply. Along with the subtle theme of redemption and restoration that weaves gently – achingly bittersweet, at times – between the lines.
Bottom Line: Ramble and Roar is a vivid (and gritty) depiction of a vivid (and gritty) era in American history. From high society Pennsylvania to the seedier neighborhoods of New York, the sights and sounds and smells leap off the page and immerse the reader in stuffy dining rooms and smoky jazz clubs, dark alleys and drafty apartments. It’s a tale of prodigals trying to find their way, of the slippery slope that so easily entangles, of the darkness that so quickly replaces light. It’s about going nearly as far from Home as you could possibly go… and it’s about crawling your way back to the One who waits with arms outstretched. Bittersweet at times, gritty at others, it is always captivating – and I can’t wait for the sequel!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I read via Kindle Unlimited.)
first seen at Reading Is My SuperPower
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June 4, 2018Oh Catie Cordero, how your research does shine!
I am a detail-loving reader. I want characters and plot but I also want to know how the story world smells, sounds, looks, tastes, feels. I want to hear the culture in idioms and dialogue and song lyrics.
Cordero delivers all of that and more. We're talking about 1920s New York City, complete with characters involved with the mob. This story is a page-turner, but not always an easy read because in order to see the brokenness of these people's lives, we see the consequences of poor or desperate choices. There is grit between these pages. It wouldn't be an honest story without it.
What I gleaned from this novel was just how easy it is to be seduced by what the world has to offer, and how empty those promises ultimately prove to be.
Ramble and Roar is written by a Christian author but is marketed to mainstream audiences. There is no overt or explicitly spiritual thread here except for what the reader reads between the lines, and I was able to read plenty.
Quick disclaimer for those who might wish to know: depictions of some mob characters do contain brief profanity and vulgarity. The author explains the risks she took in this story and why here: https://breatheconference.com/home/fe...
I am a detail-loving reader. I want characters and plot but I also want to know how the story world smells, sounds, looks, tastes, feels. I want to hear the culture in idioms and dialogue and song lyrics.
Cordero delivers all of that and more. We're talking about 1920s New York City, complete with characters involved with the mob. This story is a page-turner, but not always an easy read because in order to see the brokenness of these people's lives, we see the consequences of poor or desperate choices. There is grit between these pages. It wouldn't be an honest story without it.
What I gleaned from this novel was just how easy it is to be seduced by what the world has to offer, and how empty those promises ultimately prove to be.
Ramble and Roar is written by a Christian author but is marketed to mainstream audiences. There is no overt or explicitly spiritual thread here except for what the reader reads between the lines, and I was able to read plenty.
Quick disclaimer for those who might wish to know: depictions of some mob characters do contain brief profanity and vulgarity. The author explains the risks she took in this story and why here: https://breatheconference.com/home/fe...
May 29, 2018
This story is the bee’s knees! Slide on into the world of the 1920’s in the pages of this story filled with razzmatazz and authentic history. I felt fully emersed in the world of the 1920’s. You won’t need to step into a time-ship, just open the pages of this book and you will be there!
Eliza is a young woman intent on pursuing her dreams. She is bold and not afraid to face the challenges that such a drastic life change brings. However, often she finds that she is unprepared for the results of her decisions.
A story that is sure to remind you of the importance of perseverance and of grasping onto hope when all seems lost.
Don’t let the abundance of gasper and giggle water turn you off, because that was considered berries for the time. Catie for sure knows her onions! Like me, you may just walk away having picked up some new words!
Fans of The Great Gatsby and the Roaring 20’s era will be delighted. So, don’t take any wooden nickels and be sure to snag a copy of this book for yourself!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
Eliza is a young woman intent on pursuing her dreams. She is bold and not afraid to face the challenges that such a drastic life change brings. However, often she finds that she is unprepared for the results of her decisions.
A story that is sure to remind you of the importance of perseverance and of grasping onto hope when all seems lost.
Don’t let the abundance of gasper and giggle water turn you off, because that was considered berries for the time. Catie for sure knows her onions! Like me, you may just walk away having picked up some new words!
Fans of The Great Gatsby and the Roaring 20’s era will be delighted. So, don’t take any wooden nickels and be sure to snag a copy of this book for yourself!
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
May 12, 2018
Get ready to be taken back to the 1920s! This book keeps you turning pages and holds you in suspense of what is going to happen next! Catie Cordero paints a picture in your mind through her descriptions of the setting and characters. It is clear to see that Catie did a lot of research on the setting and the diverse characters she used in the story. As I kept turning pages I learned more and more about the 1920's and what life was like back then, all while reading a story that kept me guessing if the characters were being truthful and what was going to happen next to the characters. I strongly recommend reading this book!
May 7, 2018
Hang on for the ride! This debut novel by author Catie Cordero has it all. Mobs, speak easys, pretty girls who run away, and of course a dashing hero.
It’s easy to tell that Cordero has done a lot of research for this book. I learned new things about the Roaring 20s and what the culture was like. From rich, powerful families to waitresses living in the boroughs of New York, the characters in Ramble and Roar were real and gutsy.
The plot keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next, and to whom it will happen. Who can you trust, was my question. You’ll have to read the book to find out, but it’s full of twists and turns so be prepared to keep guessing. I’m looking forward to more from Catie Cordero.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
It’s easy to tell that Cordero has done a lot of research for this book. I learned new things about the Roaring 20s and what the culture was like. From rich, powerful families to waitresses living in the boroughs of New York, the characters in Ramble and Roar were real and gutsy.
The plot keeps you turning the pages to see what will happen next, and to whom it will happen. Who can you trust, was my question. You’ll have to read the book to find out, but it’s full of twists and turns so be prepared to keep guessing. I’m looking forward to more from Catie Cordero.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
June 19, 2019
What a fun book to read! The Roaring Twenties with all its guts and glory! Written by a local author and daughtet of a former classmate. Eliza makes her way to New York to follow her dream of being a singer. She meet Warren and Mattie, and is followed to NYC by Hugh.Follow Eliza's journey in this book. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, Murder and Mayhem and following Matties journey :)
May 27, 2018
I could not think of a more fitting title. This novel rambles with excitement and roars with the spirit of the 1920's. As a life-long fan of literature written during the 1920's, I've longed for a historically accurate, relatable, and contemporary take on such a simultaneously colorful and dark era. Cordero's debut novel fir the bill perfectly.
Heroine Eliza is a sweet, if not naive singer who embodies the hope and promise of the era. Cast opposite traditional Hugh Whitmore and bad-boy mobster Warren Moore, you'll feel just as torn as Eliza. Cordero's colorful cast of characters will charm you, alarm you, and keep you up reading late into the night.
I would recommend this book for readers of Christian fiction who have been looking for something with more honesty and grit. Cordero knows how to handle heart, history, and the heat of an exciting moment. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Heroine Eliza is a sweet, if not naive singer who embodies the hope and promise of the era. Cast opposite traditional Hugh Whitmore and bad-boy mobster Warren Moore, you'll feel just as torn as Eliza. Cordero's colorful cast of characters will charm you, alarm you, and keep you up reading late into the night.
I would recommend this book for readers of Christian fiction who have been looking for something with more honesty and grit. Cordero knows how to handle heart, history, and the heat of an exciting moment. I can't wait to read more from this author.
June 8, 2018
This story, was of course, set in the '20s in the city of Manhattan. I am not a fan of reading books or watching movies dealing with the mob and gangsters...just usually bores me and I just shy away from them. But ya'll, I'm so glad that I read this one! I met Catie at the FRS and after hearing about her book, I wanted to read it. I won a copy on a giveaway and dove right in! The characters are fascinating and have so many layers. Catie showed us that every person has to make their own decision to do what is right or continue down the wrong path. Even those who have done wrong in the past or found themselves in groups like the mob....a lot of times because they fell on harsh times and didn't know where else to turn. These characters were made real to me. The descriptions of the clothes, the way the author used the speech of that time, and the foods, drinks, and dances were all so fun to read about! I will definitely read more of Catie's books!
July 1, 2023
The Roaring Twenties!
Eliza is tired of the 1920's debutante life and longs to become a singer in New York City. After escaping her parents and her friend-turned-fiance, she finds a whole new world in prohibition-era America, complete with gangsters, liquor, and flappers! But when she encounters a mysterious gangster who helps her and sets her heart beating fast, things escalate. I won't ruin the twist, but I didn't see it coming! If you're looking to immerse yourself in another time and place, this is the book for you!
Eliza is tired of the 1920's debutante life and longs to become a singer in New York City. After escaping her parents and her friend-turned-fiance, she finds a whole new world in prohibition-era America, complete with gangsters, liquor, and flappers! But when she encounters a mysterious gangster who helps her and sets her heart beating fast, things escalate. I won't ruin the twist, but I didn't see it coming! If you're looking to immerse yourself in another time and place, this is the book for you!
July 27, 2019
There are time in life where we have to learn the hard way that our worth doesn't depend on who we are or what we do. God has made us just the way we are and has placed us exactly where we are for a specific reason. The key is to trust Him every step of the way and to accept the dreams that He has placed within our hearts, to move when those opportunities come our way in His timing. He's got us, so we don't have to worry about a thing anymore.
March 30, 2021
Thank you thank you thank you. Just what I’ve been looking for. I love the 1920’s so anything written in that era I have an extra star. Not in this case. It is for sure five star. OK, give me a sixth star. I enjoyed the characters and the arcs. I am about to open up the next book. I hope to see three and four and.....after.
September 3, 2018
This book was so good. Historical fiction at its finest! Red lipstick, long strands of pearls, New York, the mob, young people finding their, way chasing their dreams while finding some romance. I couldn't stop reading!!!
August 24, 2022
3.5 rounded up. Nice easy summer read.
February 4, 2023
Love how Catie makes you feel like you are there, and just how fast you fall for the characters!
February 23, 2026
Drink and be merry for tomorrow we may die
June 9, 2019
As an author I am always nervous about reading books by people I know. But in this case there was no reason for worry. Ramble and Roar is an engaging story with endearing characters. The plot moves quickly, but still spends an adequate amount of time on character and setting development. While I can’t say that I’m normally a big 20s era reader, this story left me wanting more, especially as a lover of New York City.
September 28, 2019
In Catie Cordero’s début novel, Ramble and Roar, Eliza Belcourt is engaged by her parents’ arrangement, but she wants to pursue a music career. Against the convention of the day and her parents’ wishes, she runs away to New York City to make her dream a reality. She finds life in the big city more challenging than she expected. Will Eliza thrive in this new environment, or is it more than she bargained for?
Ramble and Roar is an incredible story and packed with plot twists and personalities. Set in the 1920’s, the novel is an ode to flappers, frivolity, the Jazz Age, and a time when women fought for a more public role in society. The historic description of the era is fascinating, and the themes of innocence, privilege, and cynicism are explored beautifully throughout the storyline.
On the other hand, the usage of slang seems overdone in places and makes the characters feel inauthentic. In addition, the negative portrayal of authority figures is troubling and, in a sense, the lead character uses others’ actions to justify her own. I have some reservations about the subtle message that the end justifies the means in regards to Eliza’s decisions.
However, if you like riveting historical fiction that transports you to unique time periods, Ramble and Roar is right up your alley.
Ramble and Roar is an incredible story and packed with plot twists and personalities. Set in the 1920’s, the novel is an ode to flappers, frivolity, the Jazz Age, and a time when women fought for a more public role in society. The historic description of the era is fascinating, and the themes of innocence, privilege, and cynicism are explored beautifully throughout the storyline.
On the other hand, the usage of slang seems overdone in places and makes the characters feel inauthentic. In addition, the negative portrayal of authority figures is troubling and, in a sense, the lead character uses others’ actions to justify her own. I have some reservations about the subtle message that the end justifies the means in regards to Eliza’s decisions.
However, if you like riveting historical fiction that transports you to unique time periods, Ramble and Roar is right up your alley.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews