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Molly Chase #1
In Pieces
Certain things ruin a girl’s reputation, and madness is one.
BOSTON, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends, the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience.
Merchant sailor Josiah Robb is as familiar to Molly as a brother—as dear and as exasperating. Yet she is no sister to him. He hopes to marry her before anyone else does, but sailing the high seas leaves no time for convincing Molly that he is more than her teasing childhood friend. Josiah wants a new job and a fresh start, and when he agrees to carry a confidential letter to President Washington, his life is forever changed.
In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives.
BOSTON, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends, the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience.
Merchant sailor Josiah Robb is as familiar to Molly as a brother—as dear and as exasperating. Yet she is no sister to him. He hopes to marry her before anyone else does, but sailing the high seas leaves no time for convincing Molly that he is more than her teasing childhood friend. Josiah wants a new job and a fresh start, and when he agrees to carry a confidential letter to President Washington, his life is forever changed.
In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
11 people are currently reading
327 people want to read
About the author
Rhonda Ortiz
4 books85 followersAward-winning novelist and mother of many. // rhondaortiz.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 11, 2021
The love between Molly and Josiah captured me from page one, and tortured me til the last page. Their story is a love story you can sink your teeth into, one of not only romance but self-sacrifice and prioritizing the other over themselves. Josiah is complete book-boyfriend material, while Molly is a character that is easy to root for. The woven in plots with his mother, Sarah and Prudence definitely added complexity to the story and further depth. I really enjoyed this debut. The only thing that I struggled with at times were the number of named minor characters. While it was effective in creating a town atmosphere, and the feel of gossip moving between different sects of people, there were many and sometimes I couldn't remember who they were or how they connected to the story. This book would really benefit from one of those handy maps or charts at the front or back with all of the various characters and connections (especially since it's going to be a series!). I look forward to reading more of Molly and Josiah's story and diving deeper into the lives of this family.
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October 13, 2021Rarely have I encountered a debut novel as well told as this one. In Pieces took me captive from the first scene and held me fast to the end. This seamless story is woven into a rich historical tapestry, threaded with intrigue, and shaped by characters who grow, change, and take their faith seriously. A winning blend of liveliness and deeper themes, this carefully crafted tale was a joy to read. I can’t wait to see the adventures Molly Chase and Josiah Robb have next.
September 27, 2021
A brilliant debut and a rich and sophisticated romance, with psychological depth and unerring historical detail. Looking forward to the next book!
September 27, 2021
What a great read! Long and engaging and perfect for vacation. I didn’t want it to end, and I’m thrilled that it’s a series. The author left just enough loose threads to give hints about the plot of the next book, but they were expertly woven so that I didn’t feel irritated at any sudden stops. The romance was perfect. The intrigue was suspenseful and a wonderful subplot to the historical themes.
September 12, 2022
After 2nd Read - Loved it just as much as the first time, perhaps more! Molly and Josiah have such a beautiful story of selfless love!
Rhonda Ortiz is a Lay (Third Order) Dominican who incorporates her faith into Molly and Josiah’s journeys without preaching or pushing beliefs on the characters or the readers. Throughout the novel, tough questions are asked that do not always have clear or easy answers, but certainly make one think about what they believe and why. Not every question is resolved in this first novel, but the story ends with both characters at a place of peace, at least for the moment.
I also thought the romance aspect was done beautifully. Being childhood friends, most of Josiah and Molly's friendship is built on teasing and jest. Their witty banter is delightful, but it is also wonderful to see how their conversations mature. I don’t typically enjoy slow burn romance as it can be too drawn out, but Rhonda’s writkeeps the story moving. Even their time apart is filled with scandal, a mysterious woman in the shadows, and a letter Josiah must transfer to President Washington himself. Never a dull moment and I eagerly await Book 2.
Rhonda Ortiz is a Lay (Third Order) Dominican who incorporates her faith into Molly and Josiah’s journeys without preaching or pushing beliefs on the characters or the readers. Throughout the novel, tough questions are asked that do not always have clear or easy answers, but certainly make one think about what they believe and why. Not every question is resolved in this first novel, but the story ends with both characters at a place of peace, at least for the moment.
I also thought the romance aspect was done beautifully. Being childhood friends, most of Josiah and Molly's friendship is built on teasing and jest. Their witty banter is delightful, but it is also wonderful to see how their conversations mature. I don’t typically enjoy slow burn romance as it can be too drawn out, but Rhonda’s writkeeps the story moving. Even their time apart is filled with scandal, a mysterious woman in the shadows, and a letter Josiah must transfer to President Washington himself. Never a dull moment and I eagerly await Book 2.
March 4, 2022
Before I was a third of the way through this volume I almost put it down and added it to my ‘did not finish’ pile. However several authors and other readers I respect has spoken so highly about the book that I kept going. If I drop a book it is normally by the 25-30% mark. Normally I knock out a novel ever day or 2, this one took me over a week to finish. This one I decided to extend that normal ranger to 50, and I am very thankful that I did. This story historical fiction that is an interesting mix of action, mystery, and of romance. For me the story did start slow, but once I was hooked it was completely. The description of this book is:
“BOSTON, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends, the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience.
Merchant sailor Josiah Robb is as familiar to Molly as a brother—as dear and as exasperating. Yet she is no sister to him. He hopes to marry her before anyone else does, but sailing the high seas leaves no time for convincing Molly that he is more than her teasing childhood friend. Josiah wants a new job and a fresh start, and when he agrees to carry a confidential letter to President Washington, his life is forever changed.
In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives.”
I struggled with the character of Josiah Robb, he seems so determined and straightforward in all manners except for with Molly. And with Molly he is so wishy washy at the beginning and allows himself to be completely overruled by his mother in regards to her. Molly has flashes of strength, growing maturity and sensibility. But is also a bit of a wreck and is overwhelmed easily.
I had figured out much of the story line. And in fact expected a revelation about the death of Molly’s father, but who knows maybe in the next volume. The story has a lot going on, spies, intrigue, the French trying to pull the US into their war. A meeting with the president, leaders in the government and a job offer out of the blue. When you and a mix of responsibilities around faith, family, friends, and duty.
I loved some of the secondary characters; Laurent, Eliza, Melvill, and Filippo. From the strength of those characters alone I would pick up the next volume to see where the story goes. I am thankful I stuck it out. And I appreciated the story greatly by the end. It was well worth picking up.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
“BOSTON, 1793—Beautiful and artistic, the only daughter of a prominent merchant, Molly Chase cannot help but attract the notice of Federalist Boston—especially its men. But she carries a painful secret: her father committed suicide and she found his body. Now nightmares plague her day and night, addling her mind and rendering her senseless. Molly needs a home, a nurse, and time to grieve and to find new purpose in life. But when she moves in with her friends, the Robbs, spiteful society gossips assume the worst. And when an imprudent decision leads to public scandal, Molly is tempted to take the easy way out: a marriage of convenience.
Merchant sailor Josiah Robb is as familiar to Molly as a brother—as dear and as exasperating. Yet she is no sister to him. He hopes to marry her before anyone else does, but sailing the high seas leaves no time for convincing Molly that he is more than her teasing childhood friend. Josiah wants a new job and a fresh start, and when he agrees to carry a confidential letter to President Washington, his life is forever changed.
In the wake of tragedy, these longtime friends discover a new intimacy. But slander, confusion, absence, and a wealthy, conniving bully stand between them. And with French spies on the loose, they not only have to rescue their reputations—they have to protect their lives.”
I struggled with the character of Josiah Robb, he seems so determined and straightforward in all manners except for with Molly. And with Molly he is so wishy washy at the beginning and allows himself to be completely overruled by his mother in regards to her. Molly has flashes of strength, growing maturity and sensibility. But is also a bit of a wreck and is overwhelmed easily.
I had figured out much of the story line. And in fact expected a revelation about the death of Molly’s father, but who knows maybe in the next volume. The story has a lot going on, spies, intrigue, the French trying to pull the US into their war. A meeting with the president, leaders in the government and a job offer out of the blue. When you and a mix of responsibilities around faith, family, friends, and duty.
I loved some of the secondary characters; Laurent, Eliza, Melvill, and Filippo. From the strength of those characters alone I would pick up the next volume to see where the story goes. I am thankful I stuck it out. And I appreciated the story greatly by the end. It was well worth picking up.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2022 Catholic Reading Plan!
October 18, 2021
Thoroughly engaging! With sharp, sophisticated writing author Rhonda Ortiz has canvassed a remarkable breadth of history in this epic debut set during post-Revolutionary America. A time when New England's shipping ports gave rise to international intrigue and the ever-present threat of an infant country being drawn back into war. Amidst her cleverly colorful cast, Molly and Josiah are especially endearing as they explore what it means to become family, navigating their joys, sufferings, and the uncertainties in between. And at its core, love in its truest, purest form; that sacred bond between a man and a woman exemplified on the Cross by a Love greater than ourselves. Believing only through sacrifice can we learn to give wholly and unconditionally to its cause.
In Pieces will remain on the heart long after the last page!
In Pieces will remain on the heart long after the last page!
January 12, 2022
In Pieces, is all you wish for in historical fiction. The Boston setting of 1793 may have overwhelmed in another author’s hands, but not so with Rhonda Ortiz’s sharply written prose. We get an authentic treatment of history along with a compelling story of family ties, personal tragedy, and heartfelt romance. I can’t wait to read more from this talented author.
February 21, 2025
This was a unique and immersive read. The romantic leads were well-developed and each had a deep inner life. I loved their sense of family and connection to their deceased parents. Molly's mental health struggles were totally believable and something that is not often explored in historical settings such as this. The author described the daily life of post-American Revolution Boston in a detailed and engaging way. I don't often come across post-Revolution historical fiction, and I loved the window into the challenges facing Washington's presidency, as well as the cameos of historical figures we know and love. As far as the romance, I enjoy a good childhood friends-to-lovers story, and this one was definitely a slow burn. My only complaint was that Molly & Josiah were not often together in the same scenes, but when they were, I loved their interactions. I hope the next book contains more of them together as a couple.
On another note, I also liked how the author explored Josiah's growing interest in the Roman Catholic Church; even for the time period, I found it believable that a well-read gentleman like himself might explore the work of Thomas Aquinas. It was refreshing to see a male romantic lead really attuned to the voice of God and able to put his faith into practice in a self-sacrificial way.
On another note, I also liked how the author explored Josiah's growing interest in the Roman Catholic Church; even for the time period, I found it believable that a well-read gentleman like himself might explore the work of Thomas Aquinas. It was refreshing to see a male romantic lead really attuned to the voice of God and able to put his faith into practice in a self-sacrificial way.
October 22, 2021
A beautifully crafted historical novel with fully human characters and compelling themes! The post-American Revolution setting comes alive in this well-researched, thought-provoking tale that touches on so many important topics we continue to wrestle with today. I'm grateful to Chrism Press for a chance to read an advanced review copy and look forward to the next book in the Molly Chase series!
December 28, 2021
Beautiful and captivating love story. Every time I needed to put the book down it was a struggle, I just couldn’t stop reading!
June 13, 2023
I give this book 3.5 stars. It was written well, but the synopsis on the back cover was a bit misleading. I thought there would be a lot more spy action and historical intrigue post Revolutionary War. There is a little, but it comes really late in the book.
What you get is a sweet friends to more romance, which I do enjoy. The book is written well, but the pace felt a bit slow for me, because of my expectations. Now that I’m aware of her style, I’ll probably enjoy her next book more.
There are a lot of foreign language quotes, but they almost always have the English translation in the following sentence. There is also a thread of theological struggle for the main character. He is a man of faith, but is wondering whether to make a change to a different religion. Even though I’ve had a similar experience, for some reason, I wasn’t a fan of reading about this. It could be because I’m not familiar with either of those religions, and the thought processes described were a bit tedious and felt a little bit like “author breakthrough.”
Overall, it was a pretty good debut, and I am interested in the next book coming out soon.
What you get is a sweet friends to more romance, which I do enjoy. The book is written well, but the pace felt a bit slow for me, because of my expectations. Now that I’m aware of her style, I’ll probably enjoy her next book more.
There are a lot of foreign language quotes, but they almost always have the English translation in the following sentence. There is also a thread of theological struggle for the main character. He is a man of faith, but is wondering whether to make a change to a different religion. Even though I’ve had a similar experience, for some reason, I wasn’t a fan of reading about this. It could be because I’m not familiar with either of those religions, and the thought processes described were a bit tedious and felt a little bit like “author breakthrough.”
Overall, it was a pretty good debut, and I am interested in the next book coming out soon.
July 20, 2023
Rhonda Ortiz has created a detailed historical world with colonial American characters so real they blur the lines between fiction and reality.
Josiah Robb, a polyglot sailor with a passion for theology, is everything you look for in a hero: devoted, passionate, strong, yet uncertain when it comes to courting his childhood friend and lifelong love Molly Chase.
Molly is the kind of strong, sensible, creative, and independent-minded heroine it’s easy to love, even if you want to forcibly open her eyes to what’s right in front of her.
There’s a lot more to the story than romance - rogues, spies, gossipy hens, and crusty sailors. More than that, there’s a lot to contemplate on duty, marriage, family, faith, dignity, conscience, and the pursuit of truth.
A highly recommended debut and the first book in the series. I think Josiah and Molly’s adventure is just getting started.
Josiah Robb, a polyglot sailor with a passion for theology, is everything you look for in a hero: devoted, passionate, strong, yet uncertain when it comes to courting his childhood friend and lifelong love Molly Chase.
Molly is the kind of strong, sensible, creative, and independent-minded heroine it’s easy to love, even if you want to forcibly open her eyes to what’s right in front of her.
There’s a lot more to the story than romance - rogues, spies, gossipy hens, and crusty sailors. More than that, there’s a lot to contemplate on duty, marriage, family, faith, dignity, conscience, and the pursuit of truth.
A highly recommended debut and the first book in the series. I think Josiah and Molly’s adventure is just getting started.
July 4, 2022
Molly Chase loses her mother and not long after her father. The circumstances surrounding her father's death are heartbreaking. Now Molly is without a place to live and the financial ability to take care of her most basic needs.
Josiah Robb grew up with Molly. After the death of his own father, his family was taken in by Molly's as Mrs. Robb went to work for them. Josiah finds Molly in the warehouse where her father's most recent shipments are stored and Molly is not doing well at all. Josiah's solution is to take her to his home, to be cared for by his mother and sister. Since Josiah is a sailor and is gone much of the time, and will be staying on the boat when in town, they should be able to escape gossip and judgement by those who know them. However, as often happens, the gossip is flying and people are determined to damage Molly's reputation.
Molly decides to take things into her own hands and not only begins working to earn money, but is determined to marry to save not only her reputation but Josiah's. What Molly doesn't realize is that Josiah's feelings for her are beyond that of friendship.
As Josiah and Molly learn to see each other in a new light, a letter and an encounter with President Washington changes the path Josiah has set for himself. As Josiah and Molly grow individually and on their path to each other, the decisions that come next must be made together.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this story. The time period, the history of this country I am blessed to call home, the relationship between Molly and Josiah as they learn about themselves and their relationship. Josiah's questioning of the faith he grew up with and the faith he feels drawn to is something I can relate to as I found myself on a similar journey.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series and look forward to anything Rhonda Ortiz writes. She is a gifted storyteller with an ability to describe things in such a way that I felt like I was right there watching it all unfold.
I voluntarily received a copy of this novel from the author. All views are simply my honest opinion.
Josiah Robb grew up with Molly. After the death of his own father, his family was taken in by Molly's as Mrs. Robb went to work for them. Josiah finds Molly in the warehouse where her father's most recent shipments are stored and Molly is not doing well at all. Josiah's solution is to take her to his home, to be cared for by his mother and sister. Since Josiah is a sailor and is gone much of the time, and will be staying on the boat when in town, they should be able to escape gossip and judgement by those who know them. However, as often happens, the gossip is flying and people are determined to damage Molly's reputation.
Molly decides to take things into her own hands and not only begins working to earn money, but is determined to marry to save not only her reputation but Josiah's. What Molly doesn't realize is that Josiah's feelings for her are beyond that of friendship.
As Josiah and Molly learn to see each other in a new light, a letter and an encounter with President Washington changes the path Josiah has set for himself. As Josiah and Molly grow individually and on their path to each other, the decisions that come next must be made together.
I absolutely enjoyed everything about this story. The time period, the history of this country I am blessed to call home, the relationship between Molly and Josiah as they learn about themselves and their relationship. Josiah's questioning of the faith he grew up with and the faith he feels drawn to is something I can relate to as I found myself on a similar journey.
I cannot wait for the next installment in this series and look forward to anything Rhonda Ortiz writes. She is a gifted storyteller with an ability to describe things in such a way that I felt like I was right there watching it all unfold.
I voluntarily received a copy of this novel from the author. All views are simply my honest opinion.
January 27, 2022
This book was written in a unique style that took me a bit to get into, but once I did, I was hooked. The historical time period was one that I had not read much of from the perspective of those in the ship yard or a an orphan. I hope that the second book has some more of Prudence in it, and we get some of the open ended tales that left us with questions, pulled together.
I found myself imagining sewing by hand, facing the ridicule and gossip of the town-folk, along with Molly as I read this book, hoping that she could find a resolution, but what I liked the best was that I felt like Josiah was more the main character for me, which is not always the case with books.
I found myself imagining sewing by hand, facing the ridicule and gossip of the town-folk, along with Molly as I read this book, hoping that she could find a resolution, but what I liked the best was that I felt like Josiah was more the main character for me, which is not always the case with books.
September 28, 2021
Richly detailed post-Revolutionary War love story. Rhonda Ortiz transports the reader to 18th-century Boston in this well-told love story. Readers will cheer for the strong female characters and the smitten, determined hero who battle rigid social expectations and a villain you'll love to hate. A King David-style conflict, a Custom-House mystery, some PTSD, and even a little espionage make "In Pieces" a novel you won't be able to put down.
This novel is even better the second time around!
(Advance review copy received from author)
This novel is even better the second time around!
(Advance review copy received from author)
December 16, 2021
I truly enjoyed this beautiful historical novel! Deliberate and immersive, In Pieces explores themes including the dignity of work, suffering and love while maintaining a captivating story line. I found myself cheering for the main characters and the enthralling ensemble around them. With a satisfying conclusion, there were hints scattered throughout the book that have me already guessing about/looking forward to the next title in the series!
One note: some early parts of the book recount scenes that describe a suicide which may be difficult or disturbing for some readers. Despite a black beginning, I feel that the book is overall quite hopeful.
One note: some early parts of the book recount scenes that describe a suicide which may be difficult or disturbing for some readers. Despite a black beginning, I feel that the book is overall quite hopeful.
February 6, 2022
An endearing story. I loved every second of this beautiful book. Molly and Josiah were both absolutely adorable and their relationship from friends to lovers was so delicately woven. I loved both characters and I can’t wait to see where Molly and Josiah go from here. I also loved all the side characters. The two side stories (the mystery and Josiah slowly discovering the Catholic faith) added additional interest in the overall story and it was fun to see the main story and side stories start to come together in the end. Also, I loved the 1790s Boston setting and the historical elements woven into the fiction. It has become a new favorite of mine and I’m sure I will be rereading it again soon. A beautiful novel!
I can’t wait for the next book!
I can’t wait for the next book!
July 6, 2022
In Pieces is an excellent choice for lovers of historical fiction who crave accuracy, realism, conjecture firmly grounded in history, a dab of intellectualism, and a sweet romance. The Christian elements in the book are beautifully accomplished and illustrate the difficulty of waiting on God’s timing and the fruits available for those who are patient. In Pieces is a strong showing for a debut novel. I am ready to preorder the next book in the series.
November 28, 2021
Such a beautiful love story
December 17, 2023
Best Historical Fiction Book of 2023
Romance, intrigue, drama, politics, and suspense all rolled into one fabulous novel.
Romance, intrigue, drama, politics, and suspense all rolled into one fabulous novel.
October 24, 2021
A fabulous debut filled with romance, espionage, depth of character, and just plain fun.
July 3, 2025
Rhonda Ortiz masterfully combines a rich understanding of love and healing with her phenomenal knowledge of history and a genius for fiction. Within this debut novel she gives her characters pain and joy which is so genuine that it reaches beyond the bounds of storyland.
For readers who wish to see and experience 18th century history outside the confines of textbooks, In Pieces offers an opportunity to do so! This novel is accessable and enjoyable for readers from teens to adults.
I hope to follow the characters from this novel to the next, until their story is complete.
For readers who wish to see and experience 18th century history outside the confines of textbooks, In Pieces offers an opportunity to do so! This novel is accessable and enjoyable for readers from teens to adults.
I hope to follow the characters from this novel to the next, until their story is complete.
May 31, 2022
I loved the beginning of this book. The first quarter or so was excellent, and then it just went downhill fast.
For one, I got tired of hearing how beautiful Molly was. ALL. THE. TIME. We get it. We're not stupid. She's beautiful and all the guys want her. Let's move on.
And speaking of stupid ... Molly really was, which just perpetuated the whole "pretty girls don't have a brain" myth. Not to mention the fact that Molly seemed to have NO backbone at all. I mean, the guy was groping her at a dinner party, and she didn't do anything but have one of her "crazy fits" while she waited for Josiah to save her.
Also, just in general, the story dragged on and on. It wasn't quite clear what kind of story this was. Romance? Mystery? General historical fiction? All three? I think the novel would have benefited from being broken down into at least two different stories.
Finally, the whole pro-Catholic propaganda thing felt unnecessary. Of course, Josiah felt weird going to Mass. It's all ritual and religion, and praying to a bunch of dead people who were just as sinful as we are. The only one we need to pray to, the only one we SHOULD pray to, is God/Jesus. Jesus is our best intercessor because He's the only sinless one, who died on the cross so that we could have an eternally restored relationship with God the Father. All we have to do is believe and receive that for ourselves.
Sorry. I truly don't mean any disrespect to the author or her fellow Catholics. It just saddens me when I see people trying to make it more about religion than relationship. Because God loved us and wanted a relationship with us so much that He came down to earth in the form of a man to pay the ultimate price for our sins, so that we could be with Him forever. Mary didn't do that. The Pope didn't do that. St. Thomas Aquinas didn't do that.
Jesus did. Get your relationship right with Him, and do right by other people who are still living. You don't need to worry about anything else.
For one, I got tired of hearing how beautiful Molly was. ALL. THE. TIME. We get it. We're not stupid. She's beautiful and all the guys want her. Let's move on.
And speaking of stupid ... Molly really was, which just perpetuated the whole "pretty girls don't have a brain" myth. Not to mention the fact that Molly seemed to have NO backbone at all. I mean, the guy was groping her at a dinner party, and she didn't do anything but have one of her "crazy fits" while she waited for Josiah to save her.
Also, just in general, the story dragged on and on. It wasn't quite clear what kind of story this was. Romance? Mystery? General historical fiction? All three? I think the novel would have benefited from being broken down into at least two different stories.
Finally, the whole pro-Catholic propaganda thing felt unnecessary. Of course, Josiah felt weird going to Mass. It's all ritual and religion, and praying to a bunch of dead people who were just as sinful as we are. The only one we need to pray to, the only one we SHOULD pray to, is God/Jesus. Jesus is our best intercessor because He's the only sinless one, who died on the cross so that we could have an eternally restored relationship with God the Father. All we have to do is believe and receive that for ourselves.
Sorry. I truly don't mean any disrespect to the author or her fellow Catholics. It just saddens me when I see people trying to make it more about religion than relationship. Because God loved us and wanted a relationship with us so much that He came down to earth in the form of a man to pay the ultimate price for our sins, so that we could be with Him forever. Mary didn't do that. The Pope didn't do that. St. Thomas Aquinas didn't do that.
Jesus did. Get your relationship right with Him, and do right by other people who are still living. You don't need to worry about anything else.
January 16, 2024
4.5/5
Reading this book reminded me just how much I love Historical Fiction (especially Historical Fiction Romance). There were so many great themes in this book : true sacrificial love, seeing others for who they truly are, lessons in rash judgement and the damaging effects of gossip, God's timing, and a beautiful glimpse into the human heart in relation to family, friendships, and the deep, authentic love between a man and a woman. There were so many great things about this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found myself not wanting to put the book down as I read about Molly and Josiah's relationship, their relationships with family and friends, as well as following some other minor characters that I really enjoyed getting to know more. This book is so well written and paints a rich, immersive picture of the time period! I felt like I was in 18th century Boston, experiencing all of the triumphs and trials that the characters go through along with them. The spy network is also very intriguing. I also enjoyed the Catholic faith element in this book.
All that said, I did struggle a bit to keep up with the large cast of characters. I found myself having to back track in my memory to remind myself who the character was and what they were like in past scenes.
Overall, I would say it is a very enjoyable read that has a very positive and encouraging view of the importance of sacrificial love and marriage and family.
Reading this book reminded me just how much I love Historical Fiction (especially Historical Fiction Romance). There were so many great themes in this book : true sacrificial love, seeing others for who they truly are, lessons in rash judgement and the damaging effects of gossip, God's timing, and a beautiful glimpse into the human heart in relation to family, friendships, and the deep, authentic love between a man and a woman. There were so many great things about this book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I found myself not wanting to put the book down as I read about Molly and Josiah's relationship, their relationships with family and friends, as well as following some other minor characters that I really enjoyed getting to know more. This book is so well written and paints a rich, immersive picture of the time period! I felt like I was in 18th century Boston, experiencing all of the triumphs and trials that the characters go through along with them. The spy network is also very intriguing. I also enjoyed the Catholic faith element in this book.
All that said, I did struggle a bit to keep up with the large cast of characters. I found myself having to back track in my memory to remind myself who the character was and what they were like in past scenes.
Overall, I would say it is a very enjoyable read that has a very positive and encouraging view of the importance of sacrificial love and marriage and family.
September 3, 2022
I knew I was going to love In Pieces from page 1. Rhonda Ortiz does an amazing job of bringing 1793 Boston to life through the tale of Molly Chase and her lifelong friend Josiah Robb. Everything about this story resonated with me — the era, the intrigue, the historic details and the sweet romance. I actually found myself rationing my reading time, trying to stick to one chapter a day so I could enjoy this story longer. This is an excellent debut novel, so well done! Can't wait to read Book 2 in the series!
September 1, 2022
In Pieces, by Rhonda Ortiz is about a young woman, Molly Chase living in Boston in the 1700's. She has lost people important in her life and struggles with how to cope. Most of the story is about Molly and her relationship with her childhood friend, Josiah Robb. Very enjoyable, maybe went a little long. I'm eagerly waiting for the next book to come out. There are many interesting characters I can't wait to read more about-James, Prudence, Deb, Mrs. Robb.
July 27, 2023
This genre is not my usual pick, but this first entry in Molly Chase’s story is such an intriguing slow burn with a rewarding payoff. The storyline is more complex than meets the eye and I found myself genuinely rooting for several characters. Love the subtle explorations of faith, trauma, duty, and divine timing. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
November 26, 2023
This is an enjoyable read with likeable characters. I would have loved a bit more spying and less time given to the secondary characters. Josiah's draw to Catholicism threw me a bit as it felt like an odd addition to a storyline that is already quite full. Overall though, the story flowed well and kept my interest. I hope the second book is as good or better!
August 18, 2022
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I did enjoy it. I like Josiah & Molly together. It is frustrating that it seemed to take so long for them to come to an understanding. Looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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