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The Unveiling of Polly Forrest
- Rural Michigan, 1934
When her new husband Sam perishes in a bizarre farm accident, would-be milliner Polly soon becomes the prime suspect in his murder. As she digs for evidence to clear her name, Polly falls into a sinister web implicating her in a nefarious crime ring being investigated by White House Police. Polly’s life and those of her family are at stake.
Narrated by Polly, her self-righteous older sister, Sarah, and Sarah’s well-meaning, but flawed husband Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest.
When her new husband Sam perishes in a bizarre farm accident, would-be milliner Polly soon becomes the prime suspect in his murder. As she digs for evidence to clear her name, Polly falls into a sinister web implicating her in a nefarious crime ring being investigated by White House Police. Polly’s life and those of her family are at stake.
Narrated by Polly, her self-righteous older sister, Sarah, and Sarah’s well-meaning, but flawed husband Wesley, a Methodist minister, the story follows several twists through the landscape of the rural Midwest.
295 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
23 people are currently reading
9824 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Whitney
9 books406 followersCharlotte Whitney grew up on a Michigan farm and heard her aunts and grandmother tell stories of "hard times," and was surprised to hear that even farmers went to bed hungry.
That served as the impetus for the settings for her award-winning novels, A TINY PIECE OF BLUE, (winner of American Fiction Awards - Historical Fiction; IIPPY Gold Medal for Historical Fiction; Finalist in Hawthorne Prize for Historical Fiction}; THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST, and THREADS A DEPRESSION ERA TALE.
She worked at the University of MIchigan at the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts Program before leaving to write full-time. Currently she lives in Arizona with her husband and dogs Lucy, a Golden Doodle, and Amanda, a Golden -Labrador mix. She loves hiking, bicycling, yoga. and of course, reading..
That served as the impetus for the settings for her award-winning novels, A TINY PIECE OF BLUE, (winner of American Fiction Awards - Historical Fiction; IIPPY Gold Medal for Historical Fiction; Finalist in Hawthorne Prize for Historical Fiction}; THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST, and THREADS A DEPRESSION ERA TALE.
She worked at the University of MIchigan at the Lloyd Scholars for Writing and the Arts Program before leaving to write full-time. Currently she lives in Arizona with her husband and dogs Lucy, a Golden Doodle, and Amanda, a Golden -Labrador mix. She loves hiking, bicycling, yoga. and of course, reading..
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January 25, 2022
The Unveiling of Polly Forrest
by Charlotte Whitney is an engaging historical mystery set in rural Michigan in 1934. The story is told from three points of view: Polly Forrest, her sister, Sarah Wolcott Johnson, and her brother-in-law, Reverend Wesley Johnson. When Polly’s new husband Sam is killed in a farm accident, Polly and her nearby family members become suspects in his death. Was it an accident or murder? If it was murder, who committed the crime?
The Great Depression was a tough time economically for most. In addition to the stock market crash and bank failures, farmers faced drought and over-production which led to reduced prices. The sisters’ families faced true hardship from working hard on their farms to having very little to eat to outgrowing clothes and having no money to buy replacements. Additionally, as a minister Wesley had to find ways to repair roof leaks at the church as well as help his congregation as massive job losses and dropping meat and dairy prices affected everyone. It was a time when a telephone, indoor plumbing, and electricity were luxuries in this small community near Marshall, Michigan. However, there were other dangers including a variety of crimes and rumors.
Polly, Sarah, and Wesley are all very flawed characters and weren’t very likeable at times. Polly essentially married so she wouldn’t have to move with her mother to take care of her grandmother. She thought Sam was wealthy and had no idea what her married life would be like. She hates the isolation and is self-centered. However, she shows tremendous character depth and growth over the course of the story. Sarah is somewhat self-righteous, and gets easily frustrated over Polly’s immaturity. Meanwhile Wesley is flawed, but mainly likeable and tries to help everyone.
Short chapters alternate between the three perspectives and their reflections on the events that occur. While this shows how each person perceived events and people, it also seemed to interrupt the flow for me. There’s a strong sense of time that easily transports readers to 1934. Ms. Whitney did a great job of painting a picture of the lives of the sisters, their families, and the surrounding community. She obviously did a lot of research to ensure historical accuracy. Themes include community, family relationships, friendship, death, forgiveness, secrecy, deception, lies, people loving and supporting one another despite their failings, and much more.
Overall, the story is moving and entertaining. Many readers of historical fiction and family dramas will likely enjoy it. This is the second book I have read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading what she writes next.
Lake William Press – Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members’ Titles and Charlotte Whitney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March, 2022.
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My 3.5 star (rounded to 4 stars) review will be posted in a day or two.
The Great Depression was a tough time economically for most. In addition to the stock market crash and bank failures, farmers faced drought and over-production which led to reduced prices. The sisters’ families faced true hardship from working hard on their farms to having very little to eat to outgrowing clothes and having no money to buy replacements. Additionally, as a minister Wesley had to find ways to repair roof leaks at the church as well as help his congregation as massive job losses and dropping meat and dairy prices affected everyone. It was a time when a telephone, indoor plumbing, and electricity were luxuries in this small community near Marshall, Michigan. However, there were other dangers including a variety of crimes and rumors.
Polly, Sarah, and Wesley are all very flawed characters and weren’t very likeable at times. Polly essentially married so she wouldn’t have to move with her mother to take care of her grandmother. She thought Sam was wealthy and had no idea what her married life would be like. She hates the isolation and is self-centered. However, she shows tremendous character depth and growth over the course of the story. Sarah is somewhat self-righteous, and gets easily frustrated over Polly’s immaturity. Meanwhile Wesley is flawed, but mainly likeable and tries to help everyone.
Short chapters alternate between the three perspectives and their reflections on the events that occur. While this shows how each person perceived events and people, it also seemed to interrupt the flow for me. There’s a strong sense of time that easily transports readers to 1934. Ms. Whitney did a great job of painting a picture of the lives of the sisters, their families, and the surrounding community. She obviously did a lot of research to ensure historical accuracy. Themes include community, family relationships, friendship, death, forgiveness, secrecy, deception, lies, people loving and supporting one another despite their failings, and much more.
Overall, the story is moving and entertaining. Many readers of historical fiction and family dramas will likely enjoy it. This is the second book I have read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading what she writes next.
Lake William Press – Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) Members’ Titles and Charlotte Whitney provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for March, 2022.
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My 3.5 star (rounded to 4 stars) review will be posted in a day or two.
March 24, 2022
Pretty Polly Forrest lives with her husband, Sam, on their farm in rural Michigan. Her sister and her brother-in-law, Sarah and Wes, live on the next farm over. So close that Polly can visit Sarah and her family every day and Sarah can keep an ever-watchful eye on Polly. One day, while Polly visits with Sarah and Wes, they hear a blood-curdling shriek. Upon racing back to the farm, they find Sam mauled beyond recognition by a bull. How did the devil of a bull get outside his pen? Could Polly have wanted Sam dead? If not Polly, who would have killed Sam? Or was it just a farm accident? Polly must work to clear her name and find a way to live her life the best way she can.
Charlotte Whitney tells Polly’s story through alternating viewpoints. Sarah and Wes dominate the first part of the novel. We only hear from Polly through the letters she writes to her mother. I wasn’t sure I trusted her story since the letters felt a bit too sugary sweet. The second part of the novel sees Polly telling her side of the story and that’s when things really pick up. I had to take some time to adjust to the alternating first person narratives. There were times that the characters repeated events from their point of view, which slowed down the action. As for the characters, I disliked Sarah a great deal. She’s sanctimonious and hypercritical. I’m not really sure how she married Wes, who is sweet and kind. She’s a complainer and she unfairly harbors a huge grudge against Polly. For the most part, Wes is a good guy until he makes a bad decision of his own. After that, I kept giving him the side eye. Polly isn’t perfect but she certainly isn’t as bad as Sarah makes her out to be. She does grow quite a bit by the end of the novel (Sarah doesn’t). Whitney hits us over the head with the symbolism of the title at the end. I wish she had peppered the symbolism throughout the novel, which I think was her intention; it just didn’t hit the right mark. The characters are definitely the heart of the novel. I didn’t love them but I was definitely drawn to Polly the most.
An historical fiction mystery is always up my alley. Whitney clearly did a great deal of research on the Great Depression. She is a bit heavy handed with her details, sometimes to the detriment of her narrative. The characters complain a lot about their circumstances, which makes sense. Although, I would like to note that my grandma never complained about her life during the depression and her mother (her father had died very young) and her four siblings had a really tough time of it. There tends to be a lot of telling going on and not a lot of showing, which can be a problem with first person narratives. Sometimes, it feels like Polly, Sarah and Wes are just reciting what they did for the day, instead of weaving me a tale of deception and mystery. As for the mystery, I don’t want to give any of the twists and turns away. I was able to guess the mystery pretty early because the foreshadowing is pretty heavy (again, a result of a first person narrative). Although, I did enjoy the mystery - very interesting.
Overall, I appreciated the good research, the interesting characters, and the fun mystery. I definitely enjoyed this sophomore release from Charlotte Whitney and I would expect that as she publishes more novels that her storytelling will grow. I would definitely read more from her in the future.
I received an ARC for a fair and honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for this opportunity.
Charlotte Whitney tells Polly’s story through alternating viewpoints. Sarah and Wes dominate the first part of the novel. We only hear from Polly through the letters she writes to her mother. I wasn’t sure I trusted her story since the letters felt a bit too sugary sweet. The second part of the novel sees Polly telling her side of the story and that’s when things really pick up. I had to take some time to adjust to the alternating first person narratives. There were times that the characters repeated events from their point of view, which slowed down the action. As for the characters, I disliked Sarah a great deal. She’s sanctimonious and hypercritical. I’m not really sure how she married Wes, who is sweet and kind. She’s a complainer and she unfairly harbors a huge grudge against Polly. For the most part, Wes is a good guy until he makes a bad decision of his own. After that, I kept giving him the side eye. Polly isn’t perfect but she certainly isn’t as bad as Sarah makes her out to be. She does grow quite a bit by the end of the novel (Sarah doesn’t). Whitney hits us over the head with the symbolism of the title at the end. I wish she had peppered the symbolism throughout the novel, which I think was her intention; it just didn’t hit the right mark. The characters are definitely the heart of the novel. I didn’t love them but I was definitely drawn to Polly the most.
An historical fiction mystery is always up my alley. Whitney clearly did a great deal of research on the Great Depression. She is a bit heavy handed with her details, sometimes to the detriment of her narrative. The characters complain a lot about their circumstances, which makes sense. Although, I would like to note that my grandma never complained about her life during the depression and her mother (her father had died very young) and her four siblings had a really tough time of it. There tends to be a lot of telling going on and not a lot of showing, which can be a problem with first person narratives. Sometimes, it feels like Polly, Sarah and Wes are just reciting what they did for the day, instead of weaving me a tale of deception and mystery. As for the mystery, I don’t want to give any of the twists and turns away. I was able to guess the mystery pretty early because the foreshadowing is pretty heavy (again, a result of a first person narrative). Although, I did enjoy the mystery - very interesting.
Overall, I appreciated the good research, the interesting characters, and the fun mystery. I definitely enjoyed this sophomore release from Charlotte Whitney and I would expect that as she publishes more novels that her storytelling will grow. I would definitely read more from her in the future.
I received an ARC for a fair and honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author for this opportunity.
May 15, 2022
This book is historical fiction which takes place in rural Michigan in 1934 during the Great Depression. The story is told from the POVs of Sarah Wolcott Johnson, her husband Wesley Johnson who is a methodist minister, and her sister Polly Forrest who has just lost her husband Sam in a terrible farm accident. A police investigation ensues to look into whether or not Sam's death was an accident.
I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written with interesting characters and a really different story. The story is presented almost in the form of the main characters' journals and it was very easy to imagine the hardships of those years. It's hard to realize that a telephone, indoor plumbing, and electricity were considered out of most people's reach at that time although I remember the days when we didn't have a telephone. None of the characters were especially likeable but I think I'd be pretty cranky too living such a hardscrabble life. It was great to watch Polly mature as time passed. Very unusual for me but I managed to guess the true circumstances of Sam's death.
TW: I know how upsetting many people find animal deaths so you should be aware it happens in this book. It's not really graphic though and you shouldn't miss out on this great book because of it.
My thanks to Lake William Press via Netgalley and the author, Charlotte Whitney, for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
I really enjoyed this book. It's well-written with interesting characters and a really different story. The story is presented almost in the form of the main characters' journals and it was very easy to imagine the hardships of those years. It's hard to realize that a telephone, indoor plumbing, and electricity were considered out of most people's reach at that time although I remember the days when we didn't have a telephone. None of the characters were especially likeable but I think I'd be pretty cranky too living such a hardscrabble life. It was great to watch Polly mature as time passed. Very unusual for me but I managed to guess the true circumstances of Sam's death.
TW: I know how upsetting many people find animal deaths so you should be aware it happens in this book. It's not really graphic though and you shouldn't miss out on this great book because of it.
My thanks to Lake William Press via Netgalley and the author, Charlotte Whitney, for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 27, 2022
‘I thought a small town was bad. Well, living on a farm was a hundred times worse. Everyone made the excuse they were looking out for one another, but really they were meddling types, Sarah being among the worst.’
Excellent, enjoyable historical fiction. Well-rendered picture of rural Michigan life during the Great Depression. Deeply flawed but wholesome trio of protagonists—often each other’s primary antagonist—creates realism and tension. Three unreliable narrators, one who knows it.
‘Farm life was tediously uncreative, and ending up with such a cruel monster was antithetical to anything I’d ever desired.’
Complex, realistic characters. Ordained minister who views the Bible as a guideline and may not be saved, self-righteous control freak, and the princess of her own fantasy. All seven deadly sins woven into a mélange of mistrust, pain, and eventual growth. Each grows; one changes.
‘Once again, Polly was in the spotlight, but I was the one suffering. This went way back.’
Modern vocabulary (logistics, militias, context, dominant, and toxic), often by a woman barely out of high school, disrupts the reader’s willing suspension of unbelief.
‘Why would God bring me to this place of utter euphoria and then dump me to wallow in my sins?’
Turn of events at the climax was well foreshadowed. On-the-nose narrative occasionally explains too much, connecting the dots for the reader and diminishing the fun.
“So that’s it? Is there more to tell me?” “Isn’t that enough? I’ve lied to my mother, sister, and brother-in-law. I’ve lied to you and [redacted]. I may have been harboring [redacted].”
Full disclosure: Whitney’s literary agent provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Excellent, enjoyable historical fiction. Well-rendered picture of rural Michigan life during the Great Depression. Deeply flawed but wholesome trio of protagonists—often each other’s primary antagonist—creates realism and tension. Three unreliable narrators, one who knows it.
‘Farm life was tediously uncreative, and ending up with such a cruel monster was antithetical to anything I’d ever desired.’
Complex, realistic characters. Ordained minister who views the Bible as a guideline and may not be saved, self-righteous control freak, and the princess of her own fantasy. All seven deadly sins woven into a mélange of mistrust, pain, and eventual growth. Each grows; one changes.
‘Once again, Polly was in the spotlight, but I was the one suffering. This went way back.’
Modern vocabulary (logistics, militias, context, dominant, and toxic), often by a woman barely out of high school, disrupts the reader’s willing suspension of unbelief.
‘Why would God bring me to this place of utter euphoria and then dump me to wallow in my sins?’
Turn of events at the climax was well foreshadowed. On-the-nose narrative occasionally explains too much, connecting the dots for the reader and diminishing the fun.
“So that’s it? Is there more to tell me?” “Isn’t that enough? I’ve lied to my mother, sister, and brother-in-law. I’ve lied to you and [redacted]. I may have been harboring [redacted].”
Full disclosure: Whitney’s literary agent provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 11, 2022
The Unveiling of Polly Forrest by Charlotte Whitney takes readers back to 1934 in rural Michigan. The story is told from three points of view: Polly Forrest, Polly’s sister Sarah Wolcott Johnson, and Sarah’s husband Reverend Wesley Johnson. It can be confusing as the story switches between the three points-of-view plus it interrupted the flow of the story. The short chapters allowed us to see the story from each person’s point-of-view, but it also led to repetition. The first half of the book is mainly from Sarah and Wesley’s POV with letters from Polly to her mother. The second half of the book we get Polly’s take on the story and I was glad the pacing increased. The three main characters were realistic. They were flawed people who were hard to like at times. The most likeable was Reverend Wesley Johnson. He worries about providing for his family in these tough times. The donations the family used to receive (especially food) are no longer being received. Wesley must also take care of his flock as well as the church which has a leaky roof. Polly is a frivolous woman who only married to avoid having to move with her mother to take care of her grandmother. While Sam and Polly were dating, he took her out on dates and bought her gifts. Polly thought Sam had money which would allow her to dress in the latest fashions and keep making her hats. Polly was unprepared for the life of a farmer’s wife. Sarah gets frustrated with Polly’s immaturity and work ethic. Sarah has three kids to feed and clothe plus the farm chores. Sarah was very critical and self-righteous. I was glad that one of the characters changed by the end of the book. I thought the author captured the time period. I can tell that she did her research. The author really shows readers how stark life was on farms during the depression. The Great Depression was a rough time for our country. Everyone felt the pinch especially rural farmers. They had to grow or raise most of their food if they wanted to eat. The drought made it hard for farmers as well as the low prices for produce, meat, and dairy. A dangerous bull kills Polly’s husband. Polly and her relatives become suspects. The police have to figure out if the death was an accident or was it murder. Did someone deliberately let the bull out of its pen? Polly did not have a happy marriage, and this could have been her way to get free. The mystery suited the time period. It depends on the number of mysteries you have read on how you view the mystery and how difficult you find solving it. I thought it was easy to solve. The author gave it away. I did not feel the mystery was suspenseful. There is a minimal amount of foul language in the story. I did enjoy the descriptions of Polly’s hats (I love vintage hats). This was an okay book for me. The alternating point-of-view, slow pacing, and unsympathetic characters made this book a challenge for me to finish. While The Unveiling of Polly Forrest was not for me, I suggest you obtain a sample to see if it suits you. The Unveiling of Polly Forrest is a historical whodunit with a fatal farm accident, sibling displeasure, frustrating finances, surprising secrets, a haunted home, and rampant rumors.
February 13, 2022
“Mr. Samuel R. Forrest, age 41, of Cornfield Road, was killed in an unfortunate farm accident. . . Circumstances of the accident are under investigation.” Charlotte Whitney begins The Unveiling of Polly Forrest with a gripping obituary, setting the tone for this engrossing mystery. What at first seems like a horribly careless and forgetful act quickly grows into a pandora’s box of questions surrounding Samuel Forrest’s brutal death. Suddenly Samuel’s 20-year-old wife Polly is singled out as the prime suspect in his murder. Skillfully paced, this mystery curves through one unexpected event after another; just when the reader believes they know where the book is going, a new character arrives on the scene or the plot twists in a different direction.
Pretty and naïve, Polly is self-absorbed and used to having her own way. She is easily taken in by the charming and older Samuel, whose admirable qualities quickly vanish when they marry. Unaccustomed and sadly unsuited to life as a farm wife, Polly is repeatedly berated by Sam for her many shortcomings. As the memory of the unfortunate death of Sam’s first wife still lingers in the minds of Polly’s family and neighbors, little by little, a history of Sam’s abusive behavior comes to light.
Told through the eyes of three characters, Polly, her older sister, Sarah, and Sarah’s husband, the Reverend Wesley Johnson, the story gradually unfolds in three different perspectives. Polly complains about her life to Sarah, but hides her worry and fear in letters to their mother, writing glowing descriptions of her happy married life and describing Sam as a generous and loving husband. The rocky relationship between the two sisters is a constant theme throughout the book. Sarah sees what Polly refuses to admit and worries about her sister even as she envies her. Practical and hardworking, Sarah pries Polly to confide in her without success. Wesley calmly and capably handles his responsibilities as a pastor, farmer, husband and father, even as he struggles with his loyalty to Sarah and attraction to Polly.
Three different narrators might disrupt the flow of the story in some books, but here the voices present different angles to the story and blend easily into each other. Set in Michigan in 1934, The Unveiling of Polly Forrest paints a stark portrait of life in a farm community during the depression. Some readers will easily identify with the characters or recall stories their own grandparents told them. In the end, The Unveiling of Polly Forrest is a compelling mystery which will hold your interest and a testament to the resilient people who struggled through a difficult time in American history.
Pretty and naïve, Polly is self-absorbed and used to having her own way. She is easily taken in by the charming and older Samuel, whose admirable qualities quickly vanish when they marry. Unaccustomed and sadly unsuited to life as a farm wife, Polly is repeatedly berated by Sam for her many shortcomings. As the memory of the unfortunate death of Sam’s first wife still lingers in the minds of Polly’s family and neighbors, little by little, a history of Sam’s abusive behavior comes to light.
Told through the eyes of three characters, Polly, her older sister, Sarah, and Sarah’s husband, the Reverend Wesley Johnson, the story gradually unfolds in three different perspectives. Polly complains about her life to Sarah, but hides her worry and fear in letters to their mother, writing glowing descriptions of her happy married life and describing Sam as a generous and loving husband. The rocky relationship between the two sisters is a constant theme throughout the book. Sarah sees what Polly refuses to admit and worries about her sister even as she envies her. Practical and hardworking, Sarah pries Polly to confide in her without success. Wesley calmly and capably handles his responsibilities as a pastor, farmer, husband and father, even as he struggles with his loyalty to Sarah and attraction to Polly.
Three different narrators might disrupt the flow of the story in some books, but here the voices present different angles to the story and blend easily into each other. Set in Michigan in 1934, The Unveiling of Polly Forrest paints a stark portrait of life in a farm community during the depression. Some readers will easily identify with the characters or recall stories their own grandparents told them. In the end, The Unveiling of Polly Forrest is a compelling mystery which will hold your interest and a testament to the resilient people who struggled through a difficult time in American history.
March 14, 2022
Read via an ARC from the publisher, for Rosie Amber's Review team. The fact that it was free has not affected this honest review.
A book about America's Great Depression always piques my interest; this suspense-filled story of sisters Sarah and Polly, living in farming country in Michigan in 1934, certainly conjured up the atmosphere. Elder sister and vicar's wife Sarah is dutiful, industrious, a tad self-righteous and bitterly jealous of Polly; Polly is stunningly pretty, stylish (with a penchant for glamorous hats), and newly married to the mysterious Sam.
It's clear that the author has a passion for this period of history and really understands the hardship people lived through, with no knowledge of how or when it would end, and I so appreciated all the detail of the every day lives. As for the characters, I found that at first I sympathised with Sarah and wasn't so keen on Polly, but as more insight was given, I soon felt the other way round, and felt the claustrophobia of Polly's life, while disliking Sarah's attitude. I very much liked how the truth about Sam and Polly emerged so gradually; a slow 'unveiling' indeed.
The book is told from the POVs of Sarah, Polly and Sarah's husband Wes; I did feel that Sarah and Wes's 'voices' were too alike, and I'd sometimes have to flick back to remind myself whose chapter I was reading.
I didn't realise straight away that I'd read another book by this author for the review team, a while back; I refreshed my memory about it, and think this is a much more interesting novel, with a more complex and intriguing plot. Aside from the start being a little exposition heavy, to set the scene and give background information, I enjoyed the unfolding of the story and was completely taken by surprise when the 'reveal' came - that's always a real bonus!
A book about America's Great Depression always piques my interest; this suspense-filled story of sisters Sarah and Polly, living in farming country in Michigan in 1934, certainly conjured up the atmosphere. Elder sister and vicar's wife Sarah is dutiful, industrious, a tad self-righteous and bitterly jealous of Polly; Polly is stunningly pretty, stylish (with a penchant for glamorous hats), and newly married to the mysterious Sam.
It's clear that the author has a passion for this period of history and really understands the hardship people lived through, with no knowledge of how or when it would end, and I so appreciated all the detail of the every day lives. As for the characters, I found that at first I sympathised with Sarah and wasn't so keen on Polly, but as more insight was given, I soon felt the other way round, and felt the claustrophobia of Polly's life, while disliking Sarah's attitude. I very much liked how the truth about Sam and Polly emerged so gradually; a slow 'unveiling' indeed.
The book is told from the POVs of Sarah, Polly and Sarah's husband Wes; I did feel that Sarah and Wes's 'voices' were too alike, and I'd sometimes have to flick back to remind myself whose chapter I was reading.
I didn't realise straight away that I'd read another book by this author for the review team, a while back; I refreshed my memory about it, and think this is a much more interesting novel, with a more complex and intriguing plot. Aside from the start being a little exposition heavy, to set the scene and give background information, I enjoyed the unfolding of the story and was completely taken by surprise when the 'reveal' came - that's always a real bonus!
January 6, 2022
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down. It moves very quickly and the story is so suspenseful I just couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. I really enjoyed the writing style where the story was narrated by the main character and two family members, all in short separate chapters setting forth their individual perspectives of an unraveling mystery.
I highly recommend this book. It’s both a fun read, the kind of light reading you’d want to take on vacation, and a historical education in the life of farmers during the Depression. The author’s descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of the way people lived, which makes a great backdrop to the mystery which is the heart of the story. The book also has sister rivalry, family drama and great character development as the main character matures due to the unexpected events in her life. But most importantly, I couldn’t put it down until I found out what really happened.
I highly recommend this book. It’s both a fun read, the kind of light reading you’d want to take on vacation, and a historical education in the life of farmers during the Depression. The author’s descriptive writing paints a vivid picture of the way people lived, which makes a great backdrop to the mystery which is the heart of the story. The book also has sister rivalry, family drama and great character development as the main character matures due to the unexpected events in her life. But most importantly, I couldn’t put it down until I found out what really happened.
March 31, 2022
The Great Depression was a tough time for many with no jobs, food scarcity, and the possibility of becoming homeless. The story encapsulates what it was like for this group in Marshall, Michigan, and what they endured to make sure their family was fed and they were kept safe.
This story is told from three points of view: Polly, her sister Sarah, and Sarah's husband Wes. It is amazing how their views were very different on various things. We also learned how human each character was and they all had their own flaws that defined them as a character. At first, we mostly see it from Sarah and Wes' point of view and what we see from Polly is letters to her mother. It is easy to form a negative impression of Polly from what we learn from Sarah. But I don't think she was far off the mark and Polly was a spoiled child growing up and while only twenty, it doesn't seem like much has changed even if she is married. However, married life is not all it is cracked up to be for Polly and we slowly learn about her husband Sam and his anger management issues. Sam is not a character anyone will like.
The mystery portion is from several different angles - how did Sam die? Who are these men that claim to be with the government? What are they searching for? They all do eventually tie together and you might be able to figure out part of the answer. I know I suspected one thing and found out I was right near the end.
While the story is primarily about Polly, we really do learn a lot about Sarah and Wes and how their lives have gotten to this point, and their thoughts and feelings about everything. I do feel like they felt the stress of this time with little money and trying to do their best to take care of their families. My thoughts about Polly changed as the book progressed and she started to grow up and realize that life isn't what she thought and perhaps she needed to be more gracious. Sarah has a bit of a learning curve towards Polly as well, and we see how much her frustration with her sister over past events slowly changes.
I really enjoyed this book and learned a few things about the depression and how times were back then. I had just learned about Decoration Day from my spouse's family and it was interesting to see it mentioned in this book. If you aren't familiar with this tradition, it is when families visit the cemeteries and leave flowers and such on the graves of their family members. Having just found some graves of ancestors in a cemetery that is pretty much abandoned, it is important that these places don't become lost.
This is a wonderful historical novel and we give it 5 paws up.
This story is told from three points of view: Polly, her sister Sarah, and Sarah's husband Wes. It is amazing how their views were very different on various things. We also learned how human each character was and they all had their own flaws that defined them as a character. At first, we mostly see it from Sarah and Wes' point of view and what we see from Polly is letters to her mother. It is easy to form a negative impression of Polly from what we learn from Sarah. But I don't think she was far off the mark and Polly was a spoiled child growing up and while only twenty, it doesn't seem like much has changed even if she is married. However, married life is not all it is cracked up to be for Polly and we slowly learn about her husband Sam and his anger management issues. Sam is not a character anyone will like.
The mystery portion is from several different angles - how did Sam die? Who are these men that claim to be with the government? What are they searching for? They all do eventually tie together and you might be able to figure out part of the answer. I know I suspected one thing and found out I was right near the end.
While the story is primarily about Polly, we really do learn a lot about Sarah and Wes and how their lives have gotten to this point, and their thoughts and feelings about everything. I do feel like they felt the stress of this time with little money and trying to do their best to take care of their families. My thoughts about Polly changed as the book progressed and she started to grow up and realize that life isn't what she thought and perhaps she needed to be more gracious. Sarah has a bit of a learning curve towards Polly as well, and we see how much her frustration with her sister over past events slowly changes.
I really enjoyed this book and learned a few things about the depression and how times were back then. I had just learned about Decoration Day from my spouse's family and it was interesting to see it mentioned in this book. If you aren't familiar with this tradition, it is when families visit the cemeteries and leave flowers and such on the graves of their family members. Having just found some graves of ancestors in a cemetery that is pretty much abandoned, it is important that these places don't become lost.
This is a wonderful historical novel and we give it 5 paws up.
March 21, 2022
THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST takes you to 1930s rural Michigan as the economic realities of the Great Depression begin to impact everyday life. The Reverend Wesley Johnson and his wife, Sarah, live a short piece away from her younger and prettier sister, Polly, and Polly's newly wedded husband Samuel. Living so close, Wes went running to Polly and Samuel's farm when anguished shrieks broke out, only to find Samuel dead, gored and mutilated by the aptly named bull, Black Devil.
Chapter by chapter, the narrator shifts between Wes, Sarah and Polly, and their widely divergent viewpoints keep the reader from being able to totally trust any version. Plus each of the characters are flawed and almost unlikeable...at least at the beginning of the book. Sarah has always resented her sister and her version of events are full of moral superiority and condemnation of everything Polly does. While Wes is basically a decent man, Polly's vivacious nature seems to captivate him a little too much. Polly's story is told through letters she writes to her mother for the first half of the book. And her story is slightly suspect as she even states, "Well, sometimes deception is the best course of action. Fewer people get hurt." An attitude that leads into trouble for her.
After a short courtship, Polly chose to marry Samuel instead of moving with her mother to help care for her grandmother. Samuel seemed to have plenty of money to indulge his wife and her fascination with making hats. At first, it seemed as if Polly had adapted well to being a farmer's wife. Always going to visit her her sister and play with her twin nephews and favorite niece and coming home to make sure a meal was ready. While she never complained, both Wes and her sister began to notice bruises. Bruises that Polly explained away by claiming clumsiness. Was she being abused? Combined with her lack of visible grief after Samuel's death and seemingly flirtacious behavior, could Polly have had a hand in letting Black Devil out? When the sheriff comes with more and more questions, the whole community starts to wonder about Lilly's innocence.
It's obvious that the author, Charlotte Whitney, did an incredible amount of research into the time period. Her description of everyday life and how it changed, how money got tighter, and the whole community changed as more and more farmers were unable to make their mortgages and even keeping a family fed became more difficult. I loved how the party line for the phone even became a useful plot point.
As it unfolds, the mystery of Samuel's death becomes more complex and layered. And we begin to understand exactly what occurred as we read what Polly is truly thinking, not the whitewashed version of events that she wrote to her mother.
Definitely an enjoyable historical novel that brought depression era to life. The format of three narrators initially put me off, but as I got more into the story that concern diminished in importance.
Thanks to netgalley, Lake William Press and the author's publicist for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Chapter by chapter, the narrator shifts between Wes, Sarah and Polly, and their widely divergent viewpoints keep the reader from being able to totally trust any version. Plus each of the characters are flawed and almost unlikeable...at least at the beginning of the book. Sarah has always resented her sister and her version of events are full of moral superiority and condemnation of everything Polly does. While Wes is basically a decent man, Polly's vivacious nature seems to captivate him a little too much. Polly's story is told through letters she writes to her mother for the first half of the book. And her story is slightly suspect as she even states, "Well, sometimes deception is the best course of action. Fewer people get hurt." An attitude that leads into trouble for her.
After a short courtship, Polly chose to marry Samuel instead of moving with her mother to help care for her grandmother. Samuel seemed to have plenty of money to indulge his wife and her fascination with making hats. At first, it seemed as if Polly had adapted well to being a farmer's wife. Always going to visit her her sister and play with her twin nephews and favorite niece and coming home to make sure a meal was ready. While she never complained, both Wes and her sister began to notice bruises. Bruises that Polly explained away by claiming clumsiness. Was she being abused? Combined with her lack of visible grief after Samuel's death and seemingly flirtacious behavior, could Polly have had a hand in letting Black Devil out? When the sheriff comes with more and more questions, the whole community starts to wonder about Lilly's innocence.
It's obvious that the author, Charlotte Whitney, did an incredible amount of research into the time period. Her description of everyday life and how it changed, how money got tighter, and the whole community changed as more and more farmers were unable to make their mortgages and even keeping a family fed became more difficult. I loved how the party line for the phone even became a useful plot point.
As it unfolds, the mystery of Samuel's death becomes more complex and layered. And we begin to understand exactly what occurred as we read what Polly is truly thinking, not the whitewashed version of events that she wrote to her mother.
Definitely an enjoyable historical novel that brought depression era to life. The format of three narrators initially put me off, but as I got more into the story that concern diminished in importance.
Thanks to netgalley, Lake William Press and the author's publicist for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. The setting was so beautifully described that I could really visualise it perfectly. From the first chapter I was drawn in and trying to assess whether or not I thought Polly was being honest in her letters to her Mother. All three of the speaking characters were just flawed enough to be real and just nice enough to be redeemable and to have my sympathies.
The sisterly tension between Polly and Sarah made it impossible to judge which woman’s version of their upbringing was the correct one. Wes was, while deeply flawed, a wonderful pastor and the sense of community around the church was really heartwarming.
The novel is a very good whodunnit but along side that it is a very strong pastoral story and historical insight into rural communities during the Great Depression.
I thought I had it all figured out, then changed my mind, then settled on another explanation and so on right until the final page. I will definitely read any other books by Charlotte Whitney.
The sisterly tension between Polly and Sarah made it impossible to judge which woman’s version of their upbringing was the correct one. Wes was, while deeply flawed, a wonderful pastor and the sense of community around the church was really heartwarming.
The novel is a very good whodunnit but along side that it is a very strong pastoral story and historical insight into rural communities during the Great Depression.
I thought I had it all figured out, then changed my mind, then settled on another explanation and so on right until the final page. I will definitely read any other books by Charlotte Whitney.
Read
October 14, 2021This mystery manuscript will go to galley and be for sale in 2022 as Charlotte Whitney's second historical novel. Unveiling is preceded by Whitney's first novel, Threads, which was a commercial success.
May 9, 2022
In this gripping mystery by acclaimed author Charlotte Whitney (THREADS: A Depression Era Tale), a young bride faces grief, terror and a life-threatening crisis in the process of finding herself as an artist and a strong woman.
Polly Forrest’s story is told from three viewpoints --- her own, including emotional letters to her mother; her older sister, Sarah Wolcott Johnson; and Sarah’s husband, Wesley Johnson. The drama opens with the violent death of Polly’s husband, Sam, who apparently was mowed down and mauled by a raging bull on their small Michigan farm. As the truth slowly unfolds, we see that Polly secretly has been a severely abused wife whose impulsive early marriage to Sam was a major mistake. Injuries about which she lied --- such as “falling” rather than being pushed from a wagon and sustaining many small broken bones and bruises --- were caused by Sam.
Gradually Sam’s criminal nature and activities unfold, leading to such terrible revelations and immediate danger that the rather flirtatious Polly must find an inner courage that neither she, Sarah nor Wes would have imagined she possesses. Background to the saga includes the woes of the Great Depression, with both physical and political implications adding depth.
THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST is a minute-by-minute account deftly constructed by Whitney, who, like her characters, grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. The book’s title speaks to its contents as readers will observe pretty but “petty” Polly (as her older, rather more judgmental sister describes her) being tested in nearly every aspect of what had been an isolated, fear-bound marriage. Polly is a talented seamstress whose increasing abilities will provide saving graces as she struggles to puzzle out what happened to Sam and why the police won’t let his case go.
The presence of amusing and active children, the life of the local church as seen by Reverend Wes, and some peripheral characters whose roles gradually escalate to center stage will keep readers guessing until the final chapter. Whitney’s fans will be pleased with this latest offering, which is bound to garner a new audience as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
Polly Forrest’s story is told from three viewpoints --- her own, including emotional letters to her mother; her older sister, Sarah Wolcott Johnson; and Sarah’s husband, Wesley Johnson. The drama opens with the violent death of Polly’s husband, Sam, who apparently was mowed down and mauled by a raging bull on their small Michigan farm. As the truth slowly unfolds, we see that Polly secretly has been a severely abused wife whose impulsive early marriage to Sam was a major mistake. Injuries about which she lied --- such as “falling” rather than being pushed from a wagon and sustaining many small broken bones and bruises --- were caused by Sam.
Gradually Sam’s criminal nature and activities unfold, leading to such terrible revelations and immediate danger that the rather flirtatious Polly must find an inner courage that neither she, Sarah nor Wes would have imagined she possesses. Background to the saga includes the woes of the Great Depression, with both physical and political implications adding depth.
THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST is a minute-by-minute account deftly constructed by Whitney, who, like her characters, grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. The book’s title speaks to its contents as readers will observe pretty but “petty” Polly (as her older, rather more judgmental sister describes her) being tested in nearly every aspect of what had been an isolated, fear-bound marriage. Polly is a talented seamstress whose increasing abilities will provide saving graces as she struggles to puzzle out what happened to Sam and why the police won’t let his case go.
The presence of amusing and active children, the life of the local church as seen by Reverend Wes, and some peripheral characters whose roles gradually escalate to center stage will keep readers guessing until the final chapter. Whitney’s fans will be pleased with this latest offering, which is bound to garner a new audience as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly.
Reviewed by Barbara Bamberger Scott
January 18, 2022
I received this ebook as an ARC from NetGalley.
Although this book is not one I would normally choose, I found it very interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat several times! It’s setting in the 1930s during The Great Depression intrigued me even more to read it as I had grandparents who all four lived through those times. The storyline was very relatable with family relationships, hardships, trials, gatherings, emotions and so much more. I found the title of the book quite brilliant as the plot unfolded. The main characters of the book were also relatable, likable and for the most part very easy to follow throughout the book.
I am a “vanilla” type of reader in that I like a good, easy read with very little graphic scenes or language. So, my four star grade reflects my style and preferences when reading a book. The one “intense encounter” between Pastor Wesley and Polly I found unnecessary for the story’s plot. I also didn’t find the handful of vulgar words needed but also appreciate that there were only a few sprinkled throughout the book. All that being said, I don’t give many four star grades to books and even fewer five stars. So even with the few things I disliked, the overall storyline made up for them and I was able to continue on, finish the book and appreciate the author’s work.
Although this book is not one I would normally choose, I found it very interesting. It kept me on the edge of my seat several times! It’s setting in the 1930s during The Great Depression intrigued me even more to read it as I had grandparents who all four lived through those times. The storyline was very relatable with family relationships, hardships, trials, gatherings, emotions and so much more. I found the title of the book quite brilliant as the plot unfolded. The main characters of the book were also relatable, likable and for the most part very easy to follow throughout the book.
I am a “vanilla” type of reader in that I like a good, easy read with very little graphic scenes or language. So, my four star grade reflects my style and preferences when reading a book. The one “intense encounter” between Pastor Wesley and Polly I found unnecessary for the story’s plot. I also didn’t find the handful of vulgar words needed but also appreciate that there were only a few sprinkled throughout the book. All that being said, I don’t give many four star grades to books and even fewer five stars. So even with the few things I disliked, the overall storyline made up for them and I was able to continue on, finish the book and appreciate the author’s work.
January 17, 2022
This was a wonderful story set during the Depression. The main character is Polly who marries a much older man at the age of 20. Her sister married to a minister with 3 children lives next to her husband. There are struggles with the farming, people losing their jobs and homes. Polly's husband dies. In death a whole can of worms is opened and his true character is revealed. Polly deals with a lot of unhappiness and turmoil based on her husband. The book has many twists and turns.
January 21, 2022
Wow! This book grabbed me from the first page. The narration style was perfect for getting inside the heads of the 3 main characters and understanding their motivations and shortfalls. That being said, there were many twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Charlotte Whitney's very clever title is a double entendre that unfolds throughout the book. I generally listen to audio books, but I actually read this book and couldn't put it down. Added bonus...interesting details about living during the Depression years.
January 23, 2022
I found this book totally engrossing. The characters are well-drawn and engaging, the relationships develop in a true and insightful way, and the mystery kept me guessing throughout. Adding in the reality and stresses of Depression-era farm life made this a very entertaining read.
January 17, 2022
Great story of self growth and self worth woven in with the views and expectations of others along with a murder mystery. I loved the multiple view points from the different characters.
January 14, 2022
3.5 - When I saw that this was set in Michigan during the Great Depression, I knew that I wanted to read it! There were parts of the book that I really liked, but then there were parts that seemed thrown in just for shock value with no real movement of the story line. Overall, there was a powerful message of growth and pulling together through hard times that I enjoyed.
January 10, 2022
Loved it! The Unveiling of Polly Forrest was excellent. I couldn’t put it down (wish I had started it earlier in the day!). I really could get into both of the female characters. The twists and turns were well-paced with just a hint of what was to come. In our current pandemic with possible food shortages, inflation, and such, it reminded me how good we have it in 2022 compared to the great depression! More people should have a garden and “can” food. The characters were so determined to make the best of a very difficult time.
January 11, 2022
This story is narrated by Polly, Polly’s older sister, Sarah, and Sarah’s husband, Wes, a Methodist minister. All characters were relatable, likable, and believable. The setting is rural Michigan during the depression. The author did a great job describing the setting and the plight of many in the 1930s.
From the very beginning, the reader learns that the relationship between Polly and Sarah is tense and somewhat complicated. Sarah comes off as judgmental and self-righteous. Polly is portrayed as idealistic and naive but what 20 year old isn’t? I was instantly rooting for Polly to prove Sarah wrong and show that she could be responsible and self-sufficient.
This story has great character development and kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns. I found the events in the story to be well-paced, interesting, and even surprising at times.
Anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction should give this book a try!
I would like to thank @netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
From the very beginning, the reader learns that the relationship between Polly and Sarah is tense and somewhat complicated. Sarah comes off as judgmental and self-righteous. Polly is portrayed as idealistic and naive but what 20 year old isn’t? I was instantly rooting for Polly to prove Sarah wrong and show that she could be responsible and self-sufficient.
This story has great character development and kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns. I found the events in the story to be well-paced, interesting, and even surprising at times.
Anyone who enjoys historical crime fiction should give this book a try!
I would like to thank @netgalley for providing a copy of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 28, 2021
I loved this book! I found myself continuing to read even when I had chores that needed to be done. The chapters are short and it was so easy to keep reading. At the heart of the book was a good mystery and there were several twists and turns, some I guessed right, others not. What I believe, in particular stands out, is the immersion back into farm country during the Depression. It was a definitely a different time and place. I’ve never made soap, driven a horse and buggy, or shoveled silage into a wagon. At the same time, the characters are well-drawn, flaws and all, so true to real life. I believe the author did quite a bit of research in order to come up with this excellent book.
March 15, 2022
This book is an enjoyable mystery which will keep you guessing with unexpected twists, turns and suspense. The story is narrated by the three main characters, and takes place in a rural farming community in Michigan during the Great Depression. The author creatively depicts what life was like in 1934 when Polly, a recently married, youthful, 20-year-old, has the misfortune to have her 41-year-old husband killed in what appeared to be a farming accident. As events unfold, there is much more to be discovered about the mishap and the people involved. The other two narrators of the story are Rev. Wesley Johnson and his wife, Sarah Johnson, the deceased man’s sister, each adding insight into themselves and the tale.
Polly’s character evolves as she is influenced by people and occurrences in the storyline. Thus, “The Unveiling of Polly Forest.” This is a fun read!
Polly’s character evolves as she is influenced by people and occurrences in the storyline. Thus, “The Unveiling of Polly Forest.” This is a fun read!
Read
January 12, 2022I wish Goodreads had the option of shelving a DNF book w/out claiming I read it - because I couldn't make it through this one. I read to about the 33% mark and couldn't get any further. Two-dimensional characters and the plot that, for a mystery, wasn't very suspenseful. A disappointment since I really wanted to like the book.
March 15, 2022
The Unveiling of Polly Forrest is set in Michigan in 1934 during the Great Depression and presents a striking picture of the hardships of that era. For the rural farming communities times were extremely tough. The prices for crops dropped so much that some farmers were left with no choice but to either sell up or lose their farms to foreclosure. There were no luxuries like indoor plumbing, extra money for clothes or anything but the most basic foods.
Polly lives with her husband, Sam, on the farm next to that of her sister, Sarah and brother-in-law, Reverend Wesley Johnson. Polly is young, pretty and immature, preoccupied with her own situation and not at all cut out out to be a farmer’s wife. She’s only been married a short time and the considerate and agreeable man she fell in love with has been replaced by a controlling bully. When her husband is killed in a freak accident Polly is at her sister’s house but that fact doesn’t seem to exclude her from suspicion due to the nature of the death.
'The elephant in the room, of course, was that everyone in the congregation had seen Polly’s bruises and heard her story about falling off the hay wagon when she broke her ribs. I was sure it remained the main topic of conversation. Maybe Samuel Forrest was a cruel husband, but Polly, “Pushy Polly,” as Sarah had often nicknamed her, should not have rolled over and succumbed to his beatings, if that, indeed, had happened. Sarah and I had always been next door. She could have come to us for refuge at any time, day or night.'
The story is narrated from alternating first person perspectives — Polly, Sarah and Wesley, all flawed, well defined and complex. This drives the story and shows the individual points of view as events unfold. The investigation into Sam’s death begins to uncover much more that expected and puts the family in danger.
Sarah and Polly’s relationship is strained at times, more so from Sarah who had been, and perhaps still was, a little jealous of Polly. Both have their own differing versions of their childhood, but it was good to see the development of their characters as the story progresses. The twisty plot kept my interest throughout, it’s entertaining, sad in parts and the historical aspect is very informative — not only about the plight of the farmers but things like telephones with party lines and how people could listen in to everyone else’s phone calls.
There’s drama, heartbreak and several serious issues covered, and even if I didn’t quite see what Wesley’s fall from grace added to the story, I enjoyed it very much.
Polly lives with her husband, Sam, on the farm next to that of her sister, Sarah and brother-in-law, Reverend Wesley Johnson. Polly is young, pretty and immature, preoccupied with her own situation and not at all cut out out to be a farmer’s wife. She’s only been married a short time and the considerate and agreeable man she fell in love with has been replaced by a controlling bully. When her husband is killed in a freak accident Polly is at her sister’s house but that fact doesn’t seem to exclude her from suspicion due to the nature of the death.
'The elephant in the room, of course, was that everyone in the congregation had seen Polly’s bruises and heard her story about falling off the hay wagon when she broke her ribs. I was sure it remained the main topic of conversation. Maybe Samuel Forrest was a cruel husband, but Polly, “Pushy Polly,” as Sarah had often nicknamed her, should not have rolled over and succumbed to his beatings, if that, indeed, had happened. Sarah and I had always been next door. She could have come to us for refuge at any time, day or night.'
The story is narrated from alternating first person perspectives — Polly, Sarah and Wesley, all flawed, well defined and complex. This drives the story and shows the individual points of view as events unfold. The investigation into Sam’s death begins to uncover much more that expected and puts the family in danger.
Sarah and Polly’s relationship is strained at times, more so from Sarah who had been, and perhaps still was, a little jealous of Polly. Both have their own differing versions of their childhood, but it was good to see the development of their characters as the story progresses. The twisty plot kept my interest throughout, it’s entertaining, sad in parts and the historical aspect is very informative — not only about the plight of the farmers but things like telephones with party lines and how people could listen in to everyone else’s phone calls.
There’s drama, heartbreak and several serious issues covered, and even if I didn’t quite see what Wesley’s fall from grace added to the story, I enjoyed it very much.
February 10, 2022
Rural Michigan - 1934
Struggling through the years of the Great Depression, twenty-year-old Polly marries farmer Sam Forrest for his financial assets. Their farm is next to the one that her older sister, Sarah, and brother-in-law Wes live on. Wes is also the local Methodist minister. Sarah and her husband have three children to support, too. Sarah has always felt that her younger sister was self-absorbed, and inconsiderate of others. Polly's mother, who has moved to Connecticut to care for her mother, and Sarah tried to talk Polly out of marrying the much older Sam, but Polly was not to be deterred. When she set her mind to something, it was impossible to talk her out of it.
Despite being newlyweds, Polly is far from happy. The man she thought would take care of her is not the man she thought he was. He's threatened her, forbid her from leaving their house without his permission, beaten her at times, and won't let her near the barn, where he spends all of his free time.
But one day while Polly was at Sarah's house, they hear horrific screams coming from Polly's farm. Rushing there, Wes finds the mutilated body of Sam, apparently mauled by his vicious bull. But how did the bull's pen gate get left open? Sam was always careful to keep it closed. The local police consider Polly a suspect, and Sarah and Wes wonder the same. For Polly, freedom from Sam, and having some financial resources means she can look into establishing herself as a hat-maker, a dream she's had since childhood.
Polly's vision of opening a hat-making shop is on hold as the police continue their investigation. Then, some strangers show up at Polly's home, claiming to be White House police. They want to search her home until Wes shows up, and sends them on their way. Why would the government want to inspect the farm? What secrets did Sam keep from Polly?
THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST starts immediately with questions about Polly's involvement with Sam's death. She laments how life treats her, argues with her sister, refuses to even pretend to be the grieving widow, and hides several secrets from her family. Her letters to her mother have made Sam sound like the perfect husband, and she's denied that the broken ribs and constant bruises she's sported had anything to do with Sam. Just what is Polly hiding? And why?
Each chapter of THE UNVEILING OF POLLY FORREST is told by a different narrator. Sarah, Wes, and Polly each reveal their thoughts, suspicions, and personal feelings for each other, as well as their individual theories on Sam's death. Who would want Sam dead? What was he doing all those times in the barn? Readers will be turning the pages to find out.
A well-written, compelling mystery, it will be hard for readers to put this book down.
Jani Brooks
May 3, 2022
The Unveiling of Polly Forrest
Charlotte Whitney
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
A young bride faces grief, terror and a life-threatening crisis in the process of finding herself as an artist and strong woman, in this gripping mystery by acclaimed author Charlotte Whitney (Threads: A Depression Era Tale).
Polly’s story is told from three viewpoints -- her own, including emotional letters to her mother, and by her older sister Sarah, and by Sarah’s husband Wes. The drama opens with the violent death of Polly’s husband Sam, apparently mowed down and mauled by a raging bull on their small Michigan farm. As the truth slowly unfolds, we see that Polly has secretly been a severely abused wife whose impulsive early marriage to Sam was a major mistake. Injuries about which she lied - such as “falling” rather than being pushed from a wagon and sustaining many small broken bones and bruises - were caused by Sam. Gradually his criminal nature and activities unfold, leading to such terrible revelations and immediate danger that Polly must find an inner courage that neither she, Sarah nor Wes would have imagined the rather flirtatious Polly possesses. Background to the saga includes the woes of the Great Depression, with both physical and political implications adding depth.
This is a minute-by-minute account deftly constructed by Whitney, who, like her novel’s characters, grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. The book’s title speaks for its contents as the reader will observe pretty, but “petty” Polly (as her older, rather more judgmental sister describes her) being tested in nearly every aspect of what had been an isolated, fear-bound, marriage. Polly is a talented seamstress whose increasing abilities will provide saving graces as she struggles to puzzle out what happened to Sam and why the police won’t let his case go.
The presence of amusing and active children, the life of the local church as seen by Reverend Wes, and some peripheral characters whose roles gradually escalate to center stage will keep readers guessing to the final chapter. Whitney’s’ fans will be pleased with this new offering, which is bound to garner new readers as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly.
Charlotte Whitney
Review by Barbara Bamberger Scott
A young bride faces grief, terror and a life-threatening crisis in the process of finding herself as an artist and strong woman, in this gripping mystery by acclaimed author Charlotte Whitney (Threads: A Depression Era Tale).
Polly’s story is told from three viewpoints -- her own, including emotional letters to her mother, and by her older sister Sarah, and by Sarah’s husband Wes. The drama opens with the violent death of Polly’s husband Sam, apparently mowed down and mauled by a raging bull on their small Michigan farm. As the truth slowly unfolds, we see that Polly has secretly been a severely abused wife whose impulsive early marriage to Sam was a major mistake. Injuries about which she lied - such as “falling” rather than being pushed from a wagon and sustaining many small broken bones and bruises - were caused by Sam. Gradually his criminal nature and activities unfold, leading to such terrible revelations and immediate danger that Polly must find an inner courage that neither she, Sarah nor Wes would have imagined the rather flirtatious Polly possesses. Background to the saga includes the woes of the Great Depression, with both physical and political implications adding depth.
This is a minute-by-minute account deftly constructed by Whitney, who, like her novel’s characters, grew up on a farm in rural Michigan. The book’s title speaks for its contents as the reader will observe pretty, but “petty” Polly (as her older, rather more judgmental sister describes her) being tested in nearly every aspect of what had been an isolated, fear-bound, marriage. Polly is a talented seamstress whose increasing abilities will provide saving graces as she struggles to puzzle out what happened to Sam and why the police won’t let his case go.
The presence of amusing and active children, the life of the local church as seen by Reverend Wes, and some peripheral characters whose roles gradually escalate to center stage will keep readers guessing to the final chapter. Whitney’s’ fans will be pleased with this new offering, which is bound to garner new readers as well, with its cinematic settings and historical touches, skillfully woven into the fashioning of a feistier, farther-sighted Polly.
February 22, 2022
Guilty or not?
I truly enjoyed this book. What a story of family drama. A spoiled thoughtless younger sister, a jealous bitter older sister and secrets between them. Set during the great depression in 1934, it portrays the life of those in the farming community during the time when jobs and homes were lost. It is a historical fiction mystery.
This is the story of Polly Forrest, a young woman of twenty who married an older man in a hurry to avoid moving from Michigan to Connecticut with her mother. She soon finds marriage is a lot of work and that her husband is not who he pretends to be. She hides the bruises loath to admit to her self-righteous sister that she has made a mistake in marrying Sam.
When her husband is killed in a farming accident she is the prime suspect. Just when she thinks it is over the white house police come investigating Sam for another crime. She is suspect both in the murder and in the other crime and has no way of proving her innocence. Not even her sister and her not so perfect preacher husband believe in her.
When the real criminals come looking for something her husband has left behind she and her family are in real danger. Can Polly live long enough to prove her innocence?
This is an exciting, fast paced book with twists and turns, secrets and an unbelievable ending. I enjoyed reading it and I know that you will as well. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Charlotte Whitney for writing a great story, to Lake William Press for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
I truly enjoyed this book. What a story of family drama. A spoiled thoughtless younger sister, a jealous bitter older sister and secrets between them. Set during the great depression in 1934, it portrays the life of those in the farming community during the time when jobs and homes were lost. It is a historical fiction mystery.
This is the story of Polly Forrest, a young woman of twenty who married an older man in a hurry to avoid moving from Michigan to Connecticut with her mother. She soon finds marriage is a lot of work and that her husband is not who he pretends to be. She hides the bruises loath to admit to her self-righteous sister that she has made a mistake in marrying Sam.
When her husband is killed in a farming accident she is the prime suspect. Just when she thinks it is over the white house police come investigating Sam for another crime. She is suspect both in the murder and in the other crime and has no way of proving her innocence. Not even her sister and her not so perfect preacher husband believe in her.
When the real criminals come looking for something her husband has left behind she and her family are in real danger. Can Polly live long enough to prove her innocence?
This is an exciting, fast paced book with twists and turns, secrets and an unbelievable ending. I enjoyed reading it and I know that you will as well. I would recommend this book.
Thanks to Charlotte Whitney for writing a great story, to Lake William Press for publishing it and to NetGalley for making it available to me.
May 29, 2022
Sarah has always had to watch out for her little sister, Polly - the Pretty Polly and once again in her life she feels that all she is doing is looking out for Polly and she has her own household to run, and church being the pastors wife. Polly it seemed was always spoiled as a child and is always getting what she wants in life until that is, her husband died from a horrible farm accident and now the police are questioning Polly. What were her intentions when she married Sam? What really happened that day? Was she in the house? Did she go outside? What did her husband do when was in the barn?
As the police start questioning them all - Sarah and her husband included, everyone is starting to question what really happened that day. Who was where, and what was really going on in that household and barn? Sarah had saw the bruises, but it seems to be one mystery after another with Polly and as Sarah tries to untangle what happened that day and if her sister really could have done this, it seems Polly has more and more secrets and things that she had been hiding. Will Sarah be able to get the truth before the police do and who was Sam really?
Thank you to the author for the free autographed novel, I really enjoyed Polly and Sarah's story during the Great Depression when people did desperate things in desperate times to keep food on the table and their families surviving another day.
As the police start questioning them all - Sarah and her husband included, everyone is starting to question what really happened that day. Who was where, and what was really going on in that household and barn? Sarah had saw the bruises, but it seems to be one mystery after another with Polly and as Sarah tries to untangle what happened that day and if her sister really could have done this, it seems Polly has more and more secrets and things that she had been hiding. Will Sarah be able to get the truth before the police do and who was Sam really?
Thank you to the author for the free autographed novel, I really enjoyed Polly and Sarah's story during the Great Depression when people did desperate things in desperate times to keep food on the table and their families surviving another day.
March 14, 2022
The Great Depression was a time of suffering and privation. A time when people lost so many things, not all of them material, serves as a great setting for stories. Charlotte Whitney has created a unique tale in the privations suffered by Polly and the people of her small town. Out of them she has crafted a mystery in which whodunit serves as only a part of the bigger story.
The book begins with a death notice. In a small Michigan town in 1934, farmer Samuel Forrest has been killed in an accident. His much-younger wife Polly adjusts to widowhood with an ease that causes tongues to wag, including that of her big sister Sarah. Evidence surfaces that indicates Sam's death may not have been accidental. This makes Polly a suspect. Even worse, she starts getting visits from different lawmen, some of whom look suspicious but plenty dangerous. What really happened to Sam? Was Polly involved? Most importantly, how much danger is she in?
This book got off to a bit of a slow start. While I liked the use of different points of view, I found some of them (particularly Sarah's) slowed down the narrative a bit. After the first few chapters, this problem ends, leaving the reader with a fast-paced, exciting search for answers. Whitney grew up on a Michigan farm on stories of the Depression. From them, she has fashioned an excellent historical mystery, one that I can recommend highly.
The book begins with a death notice. In a small Michigan town in 1934, farmer Samuel Forrest has been killed in an accident. His much-younger wife Polly adjusts to widowhood with an ease that causes tongues to wag, including that of her big sister Sarah. Evidence surfaces that indicates Sam's death may not have been accidental. This makes Polly a suspect. Even worse, she starts getting visits from different lawmen, some of whom look suspicious but plenty dangerous. What really happened to Sam? Was Polly involved? Most importantly, how much danger is she in?
This book got off to a bit of a slow start. While I liked the use of different points of view, I found some of them (particularly Sarah's) slowed down the narrative a bit. After the first few chapters, this problem ends, leaving the reader with a fast-paced, exciting search for answers. Whitney grew up on a Michigan farm on stories of the Depression. From them, she has fashioned an excellent historical mystery, one that I can recommend highly.
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