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Postcards from Pullman #1
In the Company of Secrets
The truth could cost her everything....
Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway?
Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependant upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances?
Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?
Olivia Mott didn't intend to lie. Somehow, it just happened. And wasn't it all Lady Charlotte's fault anyway?
Now Olivia's position as assistant chef at Pullman's elegant Hotel Florence is dependant upon her keeping her secrets. And sometimes lies have a way of leading to other lies. Should Olivia admit her real past and accept the consequences or keep quiet in order to preserve her comfortable new circumstances?
Deception seems to be part of everyday life in the company town of Pullman, Illinois, where the grand Pullman Palace Car is manufactured. Samuel Howard, Olivia's friend and the town manager, seems to think everything is fine, but Olivia observes something quite different. Could it be that Olivia is not the only one harboring secrets?
384 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2007
195 people are currently reading
2003 people want to read
About the author
Judith McCoy Miller
65 books632 followersJudith McCoy Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
June 17, 2014
First, Let me clarify my rating as "did not finish" rather than "could not finish." The author is a fine writer and the plot was intriguing however, read on for my explanation for why I "did not finish."
Based on my perusals of reviews on www.amazon.com, I steadfastly refuse to get drawn into another trilogy or series of books that require the reading of all the volumes for some sort of resolution! I put down Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson for that same reason. It is apparent that this first in the trilogy is NOT a stand-alone novel. I've now seen this ploy many times where the first in a trilogy or series is offered enticingly for $0.00 and the subsequent volumes for an additional cost of "$$$." While this practice may be satisfactory for most readers, it is not my style.
For an excellent example of a series of related stories that are definitely stand-alone, might I recommend Shanna Hatfield's excellent Pendleton Petticoats series. I've read the first four in the series, each with a definite resolution/ending. However, each story is cleverly interlinked by relationships between men, women, family and community so I found myself wanting to read "number next" because of the fine entertainment merits of the preceding stories. I hope this last paragraph makes some sense for those desiring a series of related stories, yet wanting stand-alone finishes to each.
Based on my perusals of reviews on www.amazon.com, I steadfastly refuse to get drawn into another trilogy or series of books that require the reading of all the volumes for some sort of resolution! I put down Daughter's Inheritance by Tracie Peterson for that same reason. It is apparent that this first in the trilogy is NOT a stand-alone novel. I've now seen this ploy many times where the first in a trilogy or series is offered enticingly for $0.00 and the subsequent volumes for an additional cost of "$$$." While this practice may be satisfactory for most readers, it is not my style.
For an excellent example of a series of related stories that are definitely stand-alone, might I recommend Shanna Hatfield's excellent Pendleton Petticoats series. I've read the first four in the series, each with a definite resolution/ending. However, each story is cleverly interlinked by relationships between men, women, family and community so I found myself wanting to read "number next" because of the fine entertainment merits of the preceding stories. I hope this last paragraph makes some sense for those desiring a series of related stories, yet wanting stand-alone finishes to each.
September 29, 2011
the plot was not intriguing. I actually find myself not liking Olivia-the lead of the story. She has many chances to come clean from her lies, with all in her life-but she does not, and the usual ramifications at the end of the book. You could see the ending after the first few chapters. I did like seeing the town of Pullman, nicely described. I had the delight of dining at the restored Hotel Florence a decade ago, being a birthday dinner with my brother Anthony. Snowy Feb. evening, just added the to the atmosphere of the night. All I can remember-the herb rolls were amazing, and the soup divine. I gues I could give this book 3 stars, but I am not just feeling it today. Yes, I will read the next in the series, for Marshall Fields store is in the plot line-another old friend -longed missed by me-due the the evil empire known as Macy's. Hiss! BOO!
October 27, 2012
URGH!! This book was SO incredible! It totally captured by attention from page 1 and continued to grab me til the end. And now I'm so frustrated that I don't have books 2 & 3, Whispers Along the Rails & An Uncertain Dream.
Aside from an adult-level threat given in chapter one, In the Company of Secrets was SO clean! As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I so very much appreciate a wholesome, clean love story that doesn't go into unnecessary details.
Olivia Mott seeks to run from a nasty situation in London when she suddenly finds herself whisked to America in a tangle of lies, along with her selfish mistress, Lady Charlotte. One lie leads to another until the two ladies are cocooned precariously in their new life in the town of Pullman, where the famous railroad cars are made and refurbished. When Olivia finds herself caught between the attentions of two different men, she longs to build a relationship with one, but can't seem to discourage the other. On top of that, her lies could very well get her fired and discharged from the town. Warning: Be prepared to run to your local bookstore or library for the rest of the series. Postcards from Pullman is a trilogy you won't want to miss!
For another clean read by Judith Miller check out The Carousel Painter!
Aside from an adult-level threat given in chapter one, In the Company of Secrets was SO clean! As I've mentioned in previous reviews, I so very much appreciate a wholesome, clean love story that doesn't go into unnecessary details.
Olivia Mott seeks to run from a nasty situation in London when she suddenly finds herself whisked to America in a tangle of lies, along with her selfish mistress, Lady Charlotte. One lie leads to another until the two ladies are cocooned precariously in their new life in the town of Pullman, where the famous railroad cars are made and refurbished. When Olivia finds herself caught between the attentions of two different men, she longs to build a relationship with one, but can't seem to discourage the other. On top of that, her lies could very well get her fired and discharged from the town. Warning: Be prepared to run to your local bookstore or library for the rest of the series. Postcards from Pullman is a trilogy you won't want to miss!
For another clean read by Judith Miller check out The Carousel Painter!
May 17, 2012
This book was awful. It was intolerably slow, the plot almost non existent till the end. There was zero character development, and I felt no connection to any of the characters whatsoever. Everything is exaggerated from a small offense to something life ending-ly horrible. The writing style is stiff, and in no way enjoyable. 0 stars.
October 15, 2025
What potential for a great story (Pullman, the unions rumbling, all the "company" shenanigans) that didn't materialize. The dudes in this were cringey at best and manipulative and overstepping at worst. The heroine possessed zero gumption and make poor decisions, Charlotte was a simpering spoiled fool, but the blokes were awful. The initial chef blackmailing her with the threat of sexual assault? AWFUL. Fred snooped in her HOME under the guise of surprising her with a gift? What a violation of privacy in more ways than one. And the big boss-man trying to woo her repeatedly and against her will reeked of rape culture. He gave me the absolute creeps and she always gave in to him!!! Also, interspersed between the lack of character growth and the weird intimate connection with her Chef boss was a ton of preaching which took me out of the story. Personally, if I want to read the Gospel and Scriptures for ages I'll go to the actual Bible and not a novel.
The worst part was that EVERYTHING WAS LEFT UNRESOLVED and finishing this book felt LIKE BEING HIT WITH A MACK TRUCK. Why did she need the lawyer, what did the Earl want, is Charlotte still alive, how did she manage Mr. Howard, WHAT HAPPENED with all these loose ends left hanging? But it wasn't enough for me to go to the next book. Sorry.
The worst part was that EVERYTHING WAS LEFT UNRESOLVED and finishing this book felt LIKE BEING HIT WITH A MACK TRUCK. Why did she need the lawyer, what did the Earl want, is Charlotte still alive, how did she manage Mr. Howard, WHAT HAPPENED with all these loose ends left hanging? But it wasn't enough for me to go to the next book. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2017
What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive! - Walter Scott
Olivia Mott and Lady Charlotte Charlotte Spencer both find themselves in predicaments that necessitate leaving England in a hurry and traveling to the US. They are headed to Pullman Illinois where Lady Charlotte intends to find the man who had romanced her while visiting England and left her pregnant. But their flight begins with lies and one builds upon another as they find their feet in Pullman.
Miller brings a delightful touch of humor to the highjinks that cause Olivia and Lady Charlotte to get into deeper and deeper trouble amidst trying to keep all their stories straight. Her focus on Olivia's despair as the lies pile upon one another and her faith keeps telling her this is all wrong is a pervasive theme throughout the story. Lady Charlotte drove me crazy from beginning to end with her self-centered attitude while Olivia is trying so hard to be truthful. It's only when Olivia finally "spills the beans" that she finally finds peace and can set her life straight.
Definitely an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the others in this series.
Olivia Mott and Lady Charlotte Charlotte Spencer both find themselves in predicaments that necessitate leaving England in a hurry and traveling to the US. They are headed to Pullman Illinois where Lady Charlotte intends to find the man who had romanced her while visiting England and left her pregnant. But their flight begins with lies and one builds upon another as they find their feet in Pullman.
Miller brings a delightful touch of humor to the highjinks that cause Olivia and Lady Charlotte to get into deeper and deeper trouble amidst trying to keep all their stories straight. Her focus on Olivia's despair as the lies pile upon one another and her faith keeps telling her this is all wrong is a pervasive theme throughout the story. Lady Charlotte drove me crazy from beginning to end with her self-centered attitude while Olivia is trying so hard to be truthful. It's only when Olivia finally "spills the beans" that she finally finds peace and can set her life straight.
Definitely an enjoyable book and I look forward to reading the others in this series.
June 25, 2020
***Please note that this is book 1 is a series and that there are many things that do not get resolved by the end of this book.***
I enjoyed this book and the history of Pullman, Illinois. I must say I wasn't a big fan of Olivia through most of the book. Not only did she weave a huge web of lies, she often blamed others for them. She was also especially critical of others as well. Lady Charlotte was extremely annoying and had no redeemable qualities. I dreaded whenever she was in the story. Fred was ok, but I don't feel like we get to see enough of him and his relationship with Olivia.
I did really like the historical parts of the story and even googled information about Pullman and the Florence Hotel. I'd love to see it someday! I did grow to like Olivia as she discovered a relationship with God and grew from her mistakes.
The fact that this is not a standalone book did not effect my rating as I read many series like this. I do not have book 2 yet, but I will most likely read it.
I enjoyed this book and the history of Pullman, Illinois. I must say I wasn't a big fan of Olivia through most of the book. Not only did she weave a huge web of lies, she often blamed others for them. She was also especially critical of others as well. Lady Charlotte was extremely annoying and had no redeemable qualities. I dreaded whenever she was in the story. Fred was ok, but I don't feel like we get to see enough of him and his relationship with Olivia.
I did really like the historical parts of the story and even googled information about Pullman and the Florence Hotel. I'd love to see it someday! I did grow to like Olivia as she discovered a relationship with God and grew from her mistakes.
The fact that this is not a standalone book did not effect my rating as I read many series like this. I do not have book 2 yet, but I will most likely read it.
April 30, 2018
Yet another book where the author's source material appears to be contemporary romance novels set in the past, rather than, you know, reading books from the past. I have no idea how this book ended up on my device, and I went into it with a spirit of adventure, but I could not finish it. When 'oh my gosh, all these lies that we're saying, whatever will we do!' is said five times in three pages, it's time to bail.
April 23, 2017
The problem with Kindle reading- not noticing the end of the book is near and anticipating non-resolution. This was a fine, free read, but slow. Olivia needs some backbone.
August 28, 2017
Intrigue and suspense got me.. off to the library for next 2 in series!
September 17, 2014
(There are some spoilers in this review)
What happens when you build an entire life on a foundation of lies? Consequences!
Olivia travels to Pullman, Illinois from England with the Lady Charlotte. Charlotte is unmarried and pregnant. In order to be hired for a position as the assistant chef at the Hotel and to protect Charlotte's honor, they fabricate a pack of lies and stories about who they are. As time progresses, Olivia's closest friends Fred and his mother, Mrs. DeVault, as well as her cousin Albert and his girlfriend Martha are all deceived by who they are. In the end Olivia realizes the importance of honesty and seeks the Lord's forgiveness for what she has done. She tries to begin a fresh in her walk with the Lord. However, she keeps the truth about the lies hidden. She is eventually found out and has to face the consequences.
I am very baffled by this book. It drove me crazy at parts and I wanted to stop reading it, but I was also intrigued to see how it would all play out. I was disappointed in the end that the loose ends were not tied up. I understand that it is a series, however it felt very confusing at the close of the book. The two main characters were the reasons why I wanted to put the book down. Charlotte has her baby and neglects him and eventually abandons him. I know that this happens in the real world, but Charlotte's snobbery is the main reason behind her poor attitude towards the baby. Being a mother of 2 small children, this made me quite upset. Olivia is extremely naive when it comes to men and seems to be quite spineless when it comes to standing up for herself. She constantly lets herself get walked over and lives in complete fear that someone will find her out. I read for enjoyment and I prefer to read about women who are strong, truthful and stand up for what is right. I did enjoy the historical side of this book. Although, I am not quite sure where the "Postcards" come into play, learning a little about Pullman and the railworks in 1892 was quite interesting.
Even though I have conflicting feelings regarding this book, I am curious to see how Olivia's character progresses. Seeing as how the library does not yet have this series in electronic form though, I will not be continuing. I was able to purchase this book for free at Barnes & Noble.
Bethany House Publishers
What happens when you build an entire life on a foundation of lies? Consequences!
Olivia travels to Pullman, Illinois from England with the Lady Charlotte. Charlotte is unmarried and pregnant. In order to be hired for a position as the assistant chef at the Hotel and to protect Charlotte's honor, they fabricate a pack of lies and stories about who they are. As time progresses, Olivia's closest friends Fred and his mother, Mrs. DeVault, as well as her cousin Albert and his girlfriend Martha are all deceived by who they are. In the end Olivia realizes the importance of honesty and seeks the Lord's forgiveness for what she has done. She tries to begin a fresh in her walk with the Lord. However, she keeps the truth about the lies hidden. She is eventually found out and has to face the consequences.
I am very baffled by this book. It drove me crazy at parts and I wanted to stop reading it, but I was also intrigued to see how it would all play out. I was disappointed in the end that the loose ends were not tied up. I understand that it is a series, however it felt very confusing at the close of the book. The two main characters were the reasons why I wanted to put the book down. Charlotte has her baby and neglects him and eventually abandons him. I know that this happens in the real world, but Charlotte's snobbery is the main reason behind her poor attitude towards the baby. Being a mother of 2 small children, this made me quite upset. Olivia is extremely naive when it comes to men and seems to be quite spineless when it comes to standing up for herself. She constantly lets herself get walked over and lives in complete fear that someone will find her out. I read for enjoyment and I prefer to read about women who are strong, truthful and stand up for what is right. I did enjoy the historical side of this book. Although, I am not quite sure where the "Postcards" come into play, learning a little about Pullman and the railworks in 1892 was quite interesting.
Even though I have conflicting feelings regarding this book, I am curious to see how Olivia's character progresses. Seeing as how the library does not yet have this series in electronic form though, I will not be continuing. I was able to purchase this book for free at Barnes & Noble.
Bethany House Publishers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2020
Olivia Mott and her employer's daughter, Lady Charlotte, escape to America harboring all sorts of secrets. Olivia has relied on Lady Charlotte to provide her with a recommendation so that she can get a job at the prestigious Hotel Florence when they arrive in Pullman. Unfortunately for Olivia, Lady Charlotte's recommendation is so exaggerated that Olivia wonders how she will live up to her new boss's expectations! Lady Charlotte, meanwhile, must lie and claim to be a widow when she discovers she is pregnant from an affair. Nightly, Olivia and Charlotte literally have to compare notes so that each other knows what lies have been told to cover up previous lies.
Olivia also manages to capture the attention of two different men in town. Samuel Howard serves as a town manager of sorts for Mr. Pullman, the founder of the town, and Fred DeVault is a local employee. Mr. Howard would like to have Olivia all to himself at all times, while Olivia is developing a great affection toward Fred.
All the while, Olivia feels so guilty for all the lies that she must continue to tell. How can she ever pray to God, much less sit in church, when she knows her life is full of so much deceit?
This was my first experience with Judith Miller's writing, and I loved every minute of it. From the very beginning, In the Company of Secrets is filled with beautiful descriptions and a wonderful history of the town of Pullman, Illinois. Just a warning--be prepared to be left hanging because you will have no choice but to read book 2 to know the rest of the story!
Olivia also manages to capture the attention of two different men in town. Samuel Howard serves as a town manager of sorts for Mr. Pullman, the founder of the town, and Fred DeVault is a local employee. Mr. Howard would like to have Olivia all to himself at all times, while Olivia is developing a great affection toward Fred.
All the while, Olivia feels so guilty for all the lies that she must continue to tell. How can she ever pray to God, much less sit in church, when she knows her life is full of so much deceit?
This was my first experience with Judith Miller's writing, and I loved every minute of it. From the very beginning, In the Company of Secrets is filled with beautiful descriptions and a wonderful history of the town of Pullman, Illinois. Just a warning--be prepared to be left hanging because you will have no choice but to read book 2 to know the rest of the story!
July 9, 2013
I kept hoping this would get better. But it didn't. The hazards of reading something based on the cover, I suppose. I was hoping for something steampunk-y. Instead, I got a slow moving story about a servant who escapes London with the daughter of her employers (the Earl and his wife) and travels to a company town in Illinois. Her lady is looking for the father of her child. The story is promising. The execution was less than I had hoped. The writing was ponderous and stilted. The main character, Olivia, waffled far too much and was an odd mixture of competent and clueless. There were strong religious undertones that got stronger as the book progressed - but they just added more ponderous and self-loathing layers. I kept hoping it would get better - but no such luck. It didn't even properly end - just trailed off with her hoping that God would convince her love interest to care for her again.
October 19, 2012
Well, I love historical fiction and truly enjoyed all the descriptions and the food talked about in the book. I wasn't totally sold on the romance -- I actually thought Fred was a bad guy in the beginning of the book because of his temper and constant tirade against her boss (I mean Pullman - and we never meet him). I had some trouble "bonding" with Olivia as well. I'm not sure why that is -- her choices, the interaction with other characters . . . I don't really know why.
It's a matter of choice, but I'm not a fan of books that don't seem to have an ending. The romance, the job, her supervisor's almost stalkish behavior -- none of it was resolved at the end. She learned not to lie -- and told the truth. I picked up the book a day after I finished it because I didn't remember that I had already read the ending. It just didn't seem finished.
It's a matter of choice, but I'm not a fan of books that don't seem to have an ending. The romance, the job, her supervisor's almost stalkish behavior -- none of it was resolved at the end. She learned not to lie -- and told the truth. I picked up the book a day after I finished it because I didn't remember that I had already read the ending. It just didn't seem finished.
December 17, 2012
Historically interesting look into the town of Pullman. George Pullman not only invented things like the Pullman railroad car, he also invented the "perfect" town. Smacking of socialism, it was seated just outside of Chicago.
As with so many social experiments meant to improve things for all mankind, with no saloons, no independent newspapers, strict codes to adhere to for the public good, etc., Pullman was far from perfect under the surface.
Into this town comes Olivia Mott. Newly escaped from a bad situation in England, Olivia helps her former mistress, Lady Charlotte, settle into Pullman. Their life - built on lies - gets off to a shaky start. When Olivia meets handsome Fred DeVault, the lies hiding her past and the tempers simmering under the surface of the town of Pullman collide.
As with so many social experiments meant to improve things for all mankind, with no saloons, no independent newspapers, strict codes to adhere to for the public good, etc., Pullman was far from perfect under the surface.
Into this town comes Olivia Mott. Newly escaped from a bad situation in England, Olivia helps her former mistress, Lady Charlotte, settle into Pullman. Their life - built on lies - gets off to a shaky start. When Olivia meets handsome Fred DeVault, the lies hiding her past and the tempers simmering under the surface of the town of Pullman collide.
May 14, 2013
I read this book in one day - snowing in Iowa in May.
I did not know about Pullman, Illinois. I hope to visit the town.
It is easier to tell the truth - one false statement leads to another. These girls have told so many lies they have to write a list to remember them all. Even though she had " 'fessed up " to her employer, when her boyfriend found the list there was damage to their relationship.
All sin is forgiven, but there are still consequences. you cannot put the egg back in the shell - no matter how small the crack or why it happened.
I wonder if future books in the series will tell how the baby's life turns out. Does he learn the circumstances of his birth? Does he return to America? to Pullman? ride the train? meet his mother? find romance? meet his real father? etc.
I liked it. I might read more of the series. . . . . but not right away.
I did not know about Pullman, Illinois. I hope to visit the town.
It is easier to tell the truth - one false statement leads to another. These girls have told so many lies they have to write a list to remember them all. Even though she had " 'fessed up " to her employer, when her boyfriend found the list there was damage to their relationship.
All sin is forgiven, but there are still consequences. you cannot put the egg back in the shell - no matter how small the crack or why it happened.
I wonder if future books in the series will tell how the baby's life turns out. Does he learn the circumstances of his birth? Does he return to America? to Pullman? ride the train? meet his mother? find romance? meet his real father? etc.
I liked it. I might read more of the series. . . . . but not right away.
May 14, 2020
I loved this story as it was neat to learn about the history of the Pullman RR Company! I like Olivia Mott and her love(and eventually husband)and her detective skills and heart for justice when investigating the inhumane working conditions abuse of the company despite how dangerous it is for her.
Bad: Olivia lies at first before eventually becoming a Christian. A French guy tries to assault her, which was scary and inappropriate. Her employer, a rich heiress, has a affair with a married man and becomes pregnant and coldheartedly gives the baby away, refusing to see it even moments after giving birth(but later in the series, she has a change of heart and attempts to locate the baby and have a relationship with him)!
Rating:4 stars
Will def be continuing to read the series!
Recommend fir older teens
Bad: Olivia lies at first before eventually becoming a Christian. A French guy tries to assault her, which was scary and inappropriate. Her employer, a rich heiress, has a affair with a married man and becomes pregnant and coldheartedly gives the baby away, refusing to see it even moments after giving birth(but later in the series, she has a change of heart and attempts to locate the baby and have a relationship with him)!
Rating:4 stars
Will def be continuing to read the series!
Recommend fir older teens
February 7, 2009
This book was what I was looking for. Something that is an easy read, with some history and a little romance thrown in. I enjoyed the story, but I often think that author's overplay guilt. I also think that Fred's responses and reaction to certain things were a little over the top as well... who wants to date a guy that is suspicious of your feelings from the outset, before ever having a reason to distrust you? Overall, I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others who enjoy historical Christian fiction.
December 29, 2013
Spoiler Alert!!!
I was so mad to 'finish' this book. I have had less strings left hanging in a shredded stocking! Why did she need to see the lawyer? What happened between Olivia and Fred? What happened to Charlotte?
It seemed that Judith Miller just decided to cut off the manuscript and go to bed.
Up until this point it had kept me interested. Some of the characters were a bit unbelievable. Mr. Howard fell in love with someone he had barely talked with. He just decided she would be the right woman for him. I wish the author had wrapped up all the loose ends.
I was so mad to 'finish' this book. I have had less strings left hanging in a shredded stocking! Why did she need to see the lawyer? What happened between Olivia and Fred? What happened to Charlotte?
It seemed that Judith Miller just decided to cut off the manuscript and go to bed.
Up until this point it had kept me interested. Some of the characters were a bit unbelievable. Mr. Howard fell in love with someone he had barely talked with. He just decided she would be the right woman for him. I wish the author had wrapped up all the loose ends.
January 2, 2015
Truthfully, I was unable to get through this book. I gave it until almost half way and just couldn't do it. I believe that life it too short for bad literature so I gave up for my next literary adventure. I found the story line to be shallow and predictable. The main character is written is such a way that she comes off as almost annoying and not likeable. I also found the book to be very preachy and "bible-thumping" for lack of better expression.
August 15, 2017
This book had so much potential but it fell a little flat. The characters were too weak and needed more personality. I found the way Charlotte departed to be rather abrupt and the lack of emotion from Olivia disappointing.
August 16, 2013
Didn't finish. It was too sensationally dramatic from the start for me.
August 4, 2014
So, the book starts out with Olivia running away from a chef who's trying to make her his mistress.
Yeah, so, uh, I didn't get passed that.
Yeah, so, uh, I didn't get passed that.
August 1, 2014
Not very interesting
July 11, 2016
Heavy handed amd didactic, I was intrigued by the history of a company town but did not enjoy any part of the plot or writing.
January 13, 2021
A good book about the sinfulness of lies. I appreciated several aspects of the book, including all the history of the Pullman company, which is something I've never read about before.
I do feel like the style is a bit stilted, and the story seems to move a bit quick for me. The very slight consequence Olivia had to deal with for lying about her credentials as a chef seemed to be too light, and the way Fred won't have anything to do with her at the end of the story seems to be a bit much . . . although I know I'd have trouble trusting anyone who told so many lies, so maybe it's not so far fetched, after all.
The Gospel message is good and sound, and I loved how Olivia found herself questioning and seeking after God, and Mrs. DeVault seems like a dear.
The sensitive issues of conceiving a child outside of marriage was handled VERY delicately, and there was almost no romance -- I mean, you have an interest there, and a love triangle with a twist, but absolutely no "romantic" scenes.
I'm looking forward to starting the second story in this series and seeing what happens with Olivia and Fred and Samuel Howard.
I do feel like the style is a bit stilted, and the story seems to move a bit quick for me. The very slight consequence Olivia had to deal with for lying about her credentials as a chef seemed to be too light, and the way Fred won't have anything to do with her at the end of the story seems to be a bit much . . . although I know I'd have trouble trusting anyone who told so many lies, so maybe it's not so far fetched, after all.
The Gospel message is good and sound, and I loved how Olivia found herself questioning and seeking after God, and Mrs. DeVault seems like a dear.
The sensitive issues of conceiving a child outside of marriage was handled VERY delicately, and there was almost no romance -- I mean, you have an interest there, and a love triangle with a twist, but absolutely no "romantic" scenes.
I'm looking forward to starting the second story in this series and seeing what happens with Olivia and Fred and Samuel Howard.
May 22, 2020
It took me a while to get into the book. Once I did, I enjoyed it. The characters weren't as developed as I would have liked in the beginning but I did learn to care for them as the story progressed.
The history woven into the novel was quite interesting and I loved that the author took the time to do her research. I've learned a lot more about the Pullmans than I hadn't known before.
I'm not a fan of abrupt endings without closure so I was quite disappointed with so many loose strings left untied. I'm fortunate to already have the next books in the series, otherwise I would have been a bit upset.
I think my favorite character so far is Chef René There is something special about his personality that I found comforting. It may sound strange since he tends to yell a lot and expect perfection, but I think he's a softie at heart.
I do look forward to reading Whispers Along the Rails.
The history woven into the novel was quite interesting and I loved that the author took the time to do her research. I've learned a lot more about the Pullmans than I hadn't known before.
I'm not a fan of abrupt endings without closure so I was quite disappointed with so many loose strings left untied. I'm fortunate to already have the next books in the series, otherwise I would have been a bit upset.
I think my favorite character so far is Chef René There is something special about his personality that I found comforting. It may sound strange since he tends to yell a lot and expect perfection, but I think he's a softie at heart.
I do look forward to reading Whispers Along the Rails.
January 10, 2021
This book was exceptionally average. I thought setting was very interesting, I didn't know about the town of Pullman before reading this book. I might have enjoyed the book more if I had like the main character. I know her type of person exists, but I found it very difficult to relate to her. She was so worried about losing her job that she wouldn't tell the supervisor "no" when he grievously overstepped his bounds when trying to stake his claim.
As for the other characters, I thought most of them were two-dimensional. I like Chef René, he seemed to have the most depth. I also liked Mrs. Devault, the motherly type you can' t help but like. The last character I liked was Charlotte. I thought her character had a lot of potential and I hope she returns in the next two books.
The plot was simple. To me the most intriguing part was the Earl's note at the end. And to find out what happens with that I'll have to read the next book. Clever, Judith Miller. I have a be a hard time leaving a story unfinished.
As for the other characters, I thought most of them were two-dimensional. I like Chef René, he seemed to have the most depth. I also liked Mrs. Devault, the motherly type you can' t help but like. The last character I liked was Charlotte. I thought her character had a lot of potential and I hope she returns in the next two books.
The plot was simple. To me the most intriguing part was the Earl's note at the end. And to find out what happens with that I'll have to read the next book. Clever, Judith Miller. I have a be a hard time leaving a story unfinished.
August 22, 2019
This was a good read. Olivia Mott gets a position at Hotel Florence as a assistant chef. The only thing is, she's made up part of story. The more lies she tells, the harder it is for her to tell.
After arriving in Pullman, Olivia meets many new people.
The one character that took a star off of my rating was Charlotte. The fact that she dumped her baby on Olivia and so many others so much made me really upset. And then, when I got to the part when Olivia went into the room, heard the baby cry and found the note; Worst part of the book. Who just up and abandons their baby!?
The end of the book was great. I liked that Olivia finally told Chef Rene the truth. In all honesty, she should have just been honest right from the beginning., but that wouldn't have made the book interesting, I guess. Overall, it was really good!
After arriving in Pullman, Olivia meets many new people.
The one character that took a star off of my rating was Charlotte. The fact that she dumped her baby on Olivia and so many others so much made me really upset. And then, when I got to the part when Olivia went into the room, heard the baby cry and found the note; Worst part of the book. Who just up and abandons their baby!?
The end of the book was great. I liked that Olivia finally told Chef Rene the truth. In all honesty, she should have just been honest right from the beginning., but that wouldn't have made the book interesting, I guess. Overall, it was really good!
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