The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, Avenue of Dreams Series #1
4.2
5
25
25
Just one of those books...
I'd seen this book at our library many times, and so finally I decided to read it. I didn't really expect it to be amazing, and it wasn't. It was well researched but I found the plot a little monotonous and the romance between our two main characters wasn't very exciting or clear. They were attracted to each other, it mentions that they kissed and then they're planning to get married. I personally was hoping for a little more then that. Lucy Banning was a typical heroine, outgoing, independent, and very considerate of the lower class.
All in all, I would recommend this book to those who love historical fiction set in the late eighteen hundreds. Nothing remarkable, but enjoyable none the less.
April 5, 2013
Excellent!
*Spoiler Alert!*
I would give this book a 4 1/2 stars instead of just a four stars to start with! I gave it a 4 1/2 stars only because it didn't end as I thought it would concerning Daniel. I was surprised to hear about what happens to Daniel having to go to an asylum because I didn't think it really realistic considering that my dad has mental problem issues. The author should have more cues to the reader that there was something up with Daniel before the engagement was broken between Lucy and Daniel. I say this because if someone has a mental illness there would be a lot more "cues" I guess you could say to the people around him that would have a good idea that something was wrong. Granted that was a life-changing event for Daniel when his engagement was broken, but I don't think that his "issues" would just all of sudden start happening and lead to speedy diagnosis of a mental illness. However, I loved the characters especially Charlotte! I admit that I was bummed that she didn't get Henry back and have a "happy ending," but I did see the second book in this series is about her (definitely can't wait to read it)! I thought the details of Chicago were amazing! Overall I really liked this book and will read it again in the future! I am glad that I had the chance to discover this author!
December 20, 2012
My Favorite Era in Historical Fiction
What a lovely journey back to the Gilded Era in fiction! I tell ya, this has got to be my favorite period of history to read about. I love the fashion, the manners, the occasions--all of it just makes me smile. And what's even better is now this era has a new author to add to it's ranks--Olivia Newport.
Considering this was her debut novel, I was extremely impressed with the balance throughout the story. There was a small bit of romance, a little air of mystery and suspicion, and a glorious backdrop of the 1893 World's Fair. All three blended together made for a delightful read.
What was a bit disappointing, though, was that it didn't really feel like a Christian fiction novel. There were a couple of instances where church was mentioned, but Christian elements did not weave themselves through the story like the books I've read by other authors published through Revell. However, for someone looking for simply a clean novel, I'd have no trouble recommending this one.
Olivia looks like she'll be one busy lady in the next few years with all the books she's slated to release! I, for one, am anxious to see what her style is like with some other genres, but will be even more eager to take another journey back to Prairie Avenue in Chicago with the next book in this series.
December 11, 2012
A truly wonderful read!
I thoroughly enjoyed The Pursuit of Lucy Banning and I look forward to the sequel The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow. I have a strong love for books that transport me back to late 1800s and early 1900s and this book, if anything, encouraged my affection. :-)
Lucy Banning is a woman who is beginning to want more than what life is offering her. She wants to be a New Woman and go to a university, get a degree, help out more at orphanages, and so forth. All things that her mother and father disapprove of.
I found this book such an easy read. It captured and held my attention, keeping me turning pages until the last. I could relate to Lucy, as well as Charlotte, a side character, and appreciate how difficult it must have been to be betrothed all one's life.
Ms. Newport allowed into her delightful read mystery and a dash of romance making me like it all the more.
I give this book four stars.
September 5, 2012
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