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Larimer Street
Based on the true story of the charismatic leader of the Sunshine Rescue Mission, Larimer Street is the triumphant, epic tale of one man’s courage and redemption through his weaknesses and failures. There is power in going through—in surviving. And in the final analysis, losing some battles but winning the war.
Larimer Street, downtown Denver, 1907—Jim Goodheart, a tall and handsome man, loses everything. Staggering in drunkenness and desperation on a dark night in November, he decides to drink a bottle of carbolic acid and make room in the world for a better man. Jim stumbles onto the doorstep of the rescue mission on Larimer Street, Denver’s skid row.
In spite of Jim’s life-long battle with alcoholism, and by divine redemption, he becomes known as the captivating leader of the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Through World War I and the horrific 1918 Influenza epidemic, the mission serves the destitute in an era without safety nets or social programs.
The pain of WWI and his personal war against alcoholism brings him to the point of losing it all again, except his loving wife, Ada, and his faith. Larimer Street is a story of courage and redemption. It is not a story of Jim’s success over his challenges, but a story of triumph through his weaknesses and failures.
Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, faith, and love.
Larimer Street, downtown Denver, 1907—Jim Goodheart, a tall and handsome man, loses everything. Staggering in drunkenness and desperation on a dark night in November, he decides to drink a bottle of carbolic acid and make room in the world for a better man. Jim stumbles onto the doorstep of the rescue mission on Larimer Street, Denver’s skid row.
In spite of Jim’s life-long battle with alcoholism, and by divine redemption, he becomes known as the captivating leader of the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Through World War I and the horrific 1918 Influenza epidemic, the mission serves the destitute in an era without safety nets or social programs.
The pain of WWI and his personal war against alcoholism brings him to the point of losing it all again, except his loving wife, Ada, and his faith. Larimer Street is a story of courage and redemption. It is not a story of Jim’s success over his challenges, but a story of triumph through his weaknesses and failures.
Fans of All the Light We Cannot See, The Nightingale, and Unbroken will enjoy this riveting saga of history, faith, and love.
- GenresFiction
428 pages, Paperback
Published December 1, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 6, 2022
Book review
I’ve read several novels by this author and have enjoyed them. I find them intriguing and spell binding, hard to put down. What impresses me the most is the amount of research done to make a fiction story believable and not only possible, but likely. The geography, history, science, and current events all coming together to form a very plausible story. I feel that I learn things from reading his works, much more than just a story of a main character or two.
Because I enjoy historic fiction, I was very interested in reading this latest book “ Larimar Street”. His other novels made me FEEL as though the stories actually happened, but knowing this one came from an actual account definitely had me captivated. I felt as though the main character had written a journal through the years and I had been able to read his words. I’m aware that much had to be written to fill in the spaces, but this story was one I could vividly picture in my mind and I often found myself forgetting that it was in fact a novel.
As a Christian, I love the story of redemption, how God redeems our lives and how it changes everything. However, what I’ve also experienced in my own life and many I’ve known, is that our lives are continuously redeemed by this Great Love that never lets us go. So many “Christian Novels” I have read have had what I consider a sugary sweet ending. Once the main character is “Saved” , their life turns out perfectly. It can leave the reader to believe there must be something wrong with their life as it doesn’t measure up to a perfect ending. I very much believe in souls being redeemed by grace, but I also know that throughout our lives we continually need grace and redemption as we make choices and sometimes stumble as we walk.
This book beautifully describes that journey, for one man, and renews the hope of it happening in our own lives. A story of redemption. A story of hope. A story of lives changed by a perfect God using imperfect vessels.
I’ve read several novels by this author and have enjoyed them. I find them intriguing and spell binding, hard to put down. What impresses me the most is the amount of research done to make a fiction story believable and not only possible, but likely. The geography, history, science, and current events all coming together to form a very plausible story. I feel that I learn things from reading his works, much more than just a story of a main character or two.
Because I enjoy historic fiction, I was very interested in reading this latest book “ Larimar Street”. His other novels made me FEEL as though the stories actually happened, but knowing this one came from an actual account definitely had me captivated. I felt as though the main character had written a journal through the years and I had been able to read his words. I’m aware that much had to be written to fill in the spaces, but this story was one I could vividly picture in my mind and I often found myself forgetting that it was in fact a novel.
As a Christian, I love the story of redemption, how God redeems our lives and how it changes everything. However, what I’ve also experienced in my own life and many I’ve known, is that our lives are continuously redeemed by this Great Love that never lets us go. So many “Christian Novels” I have read have had what I consider a sugary sweet ending. Once the main character is “Saved” , their life turns out perfectly. It can leave the reader to believe there must be something wrong with their life as it doesn’t measure up to a perfect ending. I very much believe in souls being redeemed by grace, but I also know that throughout our lives we continually need grace and redemption as we make choices and sometimes stumble as we walk.
This book beautifully describes that journey, for one man, and renews the hope of it happening in our own lives. A story of redemption. A story of hope. A story of lives changed by a perfect God using imperfect vessels.
November 23, 2021
I think it’s always nice to learn of people in the past who went through serious struggles but learned to rely on the Lord for strength. We definitely owe a lot to our ancestors for their courage and tenacity for continuing to get up and try again when things got hard. I think that this book is a little treasure for Mr. Goodheart’s family and descendants. For myself and I believe perhaps for the general public, this book may read just a little slow. But again, definitely a treasure of family history for the Goodheart family.
Copy received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.💜
Copy received by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.💜
December 25, 2021
The inspirational story of James Goodheart and his life in Denver before, during, and after World War I. Full of human frailties and courage, this is a well-researched look at life and the struggles represented by one family and how their lives affected many, many more.
December 2, 2021
Consequences of Spiritual Infidelity!?!
I must admits that I didn’t know what to expect from Timothy Browne’s new novel ‘Larimar Street’ … historical fiction is not a genre I am drawn towards. My reading genres have now expanded; I was tremendously surprised & thoroughly entertained by this ‘real’ story!
Jim Goodheart’s life, along with all those near & dear to him, was touched, filled, & defined by loss, depravity, suicidality, redemption, hope, courage, faith, doubt, psychological erosion, needless squandering, acceptance, repentance, & finally peace.
Just as the Author’s ancestor filled the minds, bodies, & souls of the downtrodden in Denver & at War, Tim Browne has satiated my desire for an engaging, complete story!
Read this impressive tale filled with human failings, spiritual infidelity, & the solace of absolution through the unfailing grace & love of Jesus Christ.
I’m honored to have been able to read this novel! Thank you Tim for writing another tantalizing tale & sharing your family history with us readers.
I must admits that I didn’t know what to expect from Timothy Browne’s new novel ‘Larimar Street’ … historical fiction is not a genre I am drawn towards. My reading genres have now expanded; I was tremendously surprised & thoroughly entertained by this ‘real’ story!
Jim Goodheart’s life, along with all those near & dear to him, was touched, filled, & defined by loss, depravity, suicidality, redemption, hope, courage, faith, doubt, psychological erosion, needless squandering, acceptance, repentance, & finally peace.
Just as the Author’s ancestor filled the minds, bodies, & souls of the downtrodden in Denver & at War, Tim Browne has satiated my desire for an engaging, complete story!
Read this impressive tale filled with human failings, spiritual infidelity, & the solace of absolution through the unfailing grace & love of Jesus Christ.
I’m honored to have been able to read this novel! Thank you Tim for writing another tantalizing tale & sharing your family history with us readers.
February 21, 2022
One can all but smell Denver's Skid Row of the early 1900s as described in Larimer Street - the steaming piles of horse manure, rivers of fresh detritus, sweaty, unwashed bodies and the undercurrent of raw human pain and sorrow. It's a vivid picture of the life Jim Goodheart experienced for many years first as an alcoholic on the streets and later as the superintendent of the Sunshine Rescue Mission, the precursor of today's Denver Rescue Mission. Author Timothy Browne hasn't glossed over any of the grit in telling this true story of his great grandfather. Goodheart was a man with deep compassion for others, undoubtedly birthed from his own struggle with alcohol. From Denver, to France at the dawn of WWI as a volunteer chaplain with the 96th Aerial Bombardment Squadron, and back to Denver, Goodheart touched hundreds of lives with God's love. Through it all, one powerful, unchanging message resounds through this book: JESUS SAVES!
December 1, 2021
Larimer Street is Timothy Browne’s latest book. Following the The Book of Andy it is another story of faith and struggles that helps to give us insight into how to live through hard times and find peace and happiness. It tells the captivating story of Jim and Ada Goodheart who established a mission in Denver at a time of great need. While the book is historical fiction, it is accurate in its depictions of the time, including WWI, the Spanish flu and prohibition. The way Browne addresses alcohol addiction is also very significant to the understanding of the disease at that time. The book leaves you feeling positive and hopeful that we all can persevere and find meaning in even the most difficult times.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my review is my own honest opinion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but my review is my own honest opinion.
December 4, 2021
This historical novel is an excellent read! It’s a fascinating story of the author’s great grandfather – a tale of suffering, despair, alcoholism, love, faith, redemption and peace, told in such a way that you are drawn into the pages of the book and feel as though you are living on Larimer Street yourself. Timothy Browne’s latest book is amazing, descriptive of the struggles that we all face and the grace and mercy of God that lifts us out of our despair into His peace when we turn it over to Him.
December 9, 2021
Good books are difficult to find. This one is REALLY a great one - Don't miss it!!!
A troubled man, a good wife, helpful friends, a World War and Gods direction to help others. I think we need more books like this in our world. It is a book of hope written with feeling using great language. I was utterly riveted to find out more about this true experience. I have also loaned my copy out several times.
No wonder Timothy Browne is a noted author!
A troubled man, a good wife, helpful friends, a World War and Gods direction to help others. I think we need more books like this in our world. It is a book of hope written with feeling using great language. I was utterly riveted to find out more about this true experience. I have also loaned my copy out several times.
No wonder Timothy Browne is a noted author!
December 25, 2021
I've been reading SOMETHING nearly ever day since shortly after I learned to read (55+ years ago?), and I can say with absolute sincerity that this is one of the very best books I've ever read. I don't exaggerate on this. I finished the book and said out loud "Holy smokes". I'll read it again with highlighter and notepad handy. An absolutely amazing book.
December 1, 2021
It’s not often I read a book about a historic personal family and a Christian lifetime journey. Pictures of the authors family are included. This story is wonderful! *I received this book for my honest review.
December 14, 2021
Loved, loved this true story of the author’s Great-grandfather Rev. Jim. Jim’s life during WW1, his struggles with alcohol, and his passion for the Lord and the Sunshine Rescue Mission gave me tears of sadness, joy, and goosebumps! This is a must read!
December 15, 2021
This book was very inspirational.
James Goodheart was a good, flawed man who was able to overcome many obstacles.
This book taught me it's never too late, no matter what mistakes you have made.
Thank you Hidden Gem Books, for the opportunity to read this book.
James Goodheart was a good, flawed man who was able to overcome many obstacles.
This book taught me it's never too late, no matter what mistakes you have made.
Thank you Hidden Gem Books, for the opportunity to read this book.
January 3, 2022
Well written, story of one man's failures, struggles, courage, faith and God's grace. A little drawn out at times and some time lines doesn't add up but overall a very good read. Thank you Timothy Browne.
January 4, 2023
What a great, emotional and motivational read!!! It’s a story of a man down in the dumps, picks himself up, relapses and overcomes and finds true happiness and peace. Truly a great read!! Definitely a must!!!
January 27, 2026
Wonderful written. A true story of how God loves us
November 4, 2021
Larimer Street
by Timothy Browne
Pub Date 01 Dec 2021 | Archive Date 30 Nov 2021
BooksGoSocial
Christian | Historical Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of Larimer Street through Books Go Social, and NetGalley:
Larimer Street is based on the true story of Jim Goodheart, the founder of The Sunshine Rescue Street mission. It is a triumphant and epic tale of one man’s courage and redemption through his weaknesses and failures. There is power in going through—in surviving. And in the final analysis, losing some battles but winning the war.
The year is 1907, Larimer Street, Denver Jim Goodheart, a tall and handsome man, loses everything. Staggering in drunkenness and desperation on a dark night in November, he decides to drink a bottle of carbolic acid and make room in the world for a better man. Jim stumbles onto the doorstep of the rescue mission on Larimer Street, Denver’s skid row.
Despite Jim Goodheart’s life long battle battle with alcoholism, and by divine redemption, he becomes known as the captivating leader of the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Throughout the First World War and the Spanish Flu epidemic the mission serves the destitute in an era without safety nets or social programs.
The pain of the First World War and his personal war against alcoholism brings him to the point of losing it all again, except his loving wife, Ada, and his faith. Larimer Street is a story of courage and redemption. It is not a story of Jim’s success over his challenges, but a story of triumph through his weaknesses and failures.
I give Larimer Street five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by Timothy Browne
Pub Date 01 Dec 2021 | Archive Date 30 Nov 2021
BooksGoSocial
Christian | Historical Fiction
I am reviewing a copy of Larimer Street through Books Go Social, and NetGalley:
Larimer Street is based on the true story of Jim Goodheart, the founder of The Sunshine Rescue Street mission. It is a triumphant and epic tale of one man’s courage and redemption through his weaknesses and failures. There is power in going through—in surviving. And in the final analysis, losing some battles but winning the war.
The year is 1907, Larimer Street, Denver Jim Goodheart, a tall and handsome man, loses everything. Staggering in drunkenness and desperation on a dark night in November, he decides to drink a bottle of carbolic acid and make room in the world for a better man. Jim stumbles onto the doorstep of the rescue mission on Larimer Street, Denver’s skid row.
Despite Jim Goodheart’s life long battle battle with alcoholism, and by divine redemption, he becomes known as the captivating leader of the Sunshine Rescue Mission. Throughout the First World War and the Spanish Flu epidemic the mission serves the destitute in an era without safety nets or social programs.
The pain of the First World War and his personal war against alcoholism brings him to the point of losing it all again, except his loving wife, Ada, and his faith. Larimer Street is a story of courage and redemption. It is not a story of Jim’s success over his challenges, but a story of triumph through his weaknesses and failures.
I give Larimer Street five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews