After her father's death, artist Carrie Brouwer moves to Collinswood, Ohio, where she accepts a job in the carousel factory owned by her friend Augusta's father. On her first day, she discovers she's the only woman in the plant, and the men resent her---especially the manager, Josef Kaestner. Can she win his respect---and perhaps his love? 352 pages, softcover from Bethany.
Average Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars(4.5 out of 5 stars)
8 of 17 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Christy Lockstein (Oconto Falls, WIsconsin), November 18, 2009
The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is a delightful historical romance. Carrie Brouwer has returned home to America after her father's death in France. The two of them had lived in Paris, both practicing their beloved art of painting while he taught student painters to make ends meet. She moves in with her friend Augusta Galloway, but quickly discovers that she is not a welcome guest but a unwelcome pest, so she takes a job painting horses at Augusta's father's carousel factory. There she meets taciturn foreman Josef Kraestner who makes sure that she knows she's not welcome at the factory either, as do the other workers who resent a woman taking a man's job. Throw in an accusation that she stole a valuable necklace from the Galloway home, and Carrie has plenty to keep her busy! Miller writes with a light touch, keeping scenes realistic and the growing romance between Carrie and Josef a joy to read. The main character's growth through faith is carefully written and without pretense or cliche. Carrie and Josef have plenty of chemistry and are the rare couple who I would enjoy reading more about even after their happily ever after.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mandee W (Adams, NY), November 12, 2009
In this season of my life, I rarely read fictional stories. With all of my business and marketing endeavors, I tend to stick to reading materials that further my education, as my once-cherished novels collect dust on a shelf. However, when I saw the opportunity to review The Carousel Painter, my interest was stirred by simply the title alone. I thought a break from my normal studies would be refreshing and so I took the plunge.
The Carousel Painter proved to be a beautiful story that captured me from the very beginning. The main character, Carrington Brouwer, is a young women who struggles with opposition everywhere she goes, or so it seems to her. She doesn’t understand why God would allow her to be wrongly accused of such horrible things on so many occasions! She is just a simple girl trying to do her best in life and pursue what she loves, and yet her efforts would go unappreciated and often times misinterpreted. What really stood out to me about “Carrie” was her enduring faith and longing to learn more about God even in the heat of her trials. If I were to put myself in the shoes of this fictional woman, I know that my own reaction to much of what she encountered would not have been so proper!
I was impressed by the author’s ability to portray the character and found myself unable to put the book down, which is unusual for me. I rarely find a book so good that I literally don’t want to turn my lamp off and go to bed. Carrie is a lovely character that will certainly capture any reader’s heart with her sweet spirit and willingness to do what is right.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Janet (Portland, OR), November 11, 2009
Carrie leaves Paris after her father, a poor struggling artist, dies with very little money and an invitation to stay with a friend back in the States. She arrives with a small trunk and three of her father’s paintings. Her friend, Augusta Galloway’s mother does not care much for Carrie because of her social status. Carrie enters a man’s world of working at the carousel factory owned by Mr. Galloway. The men don’t approve of her working there and neither do their wives. There is trouble at the factory when her paint is tainted, and even more trouble with the Galloway’s when an expensive necklace is missing. Carrie is the prime suspect; she must prove herself innocent and try to find the real thief. Carrie finds herself falling in love with the factory manager. It’s a wonderful story with twist and turns and the perfect ending.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Patti Jo (Georgia), November 10, 2009
I LOVED this book!! Judith Miller's characters came alive for me in this story, and I liked the bits of humor she added throughout the book. I was never bored or wanted to stop reading, and now I look forward to reading more books by Judith Miller! 5 stars!!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ruth Bush (Belleville, IL), October 13, 2009
I thoroughly enjoyed the unsuspected ending of "who did it". Very well written, and interesting reading.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Amanda (Sturgis, MI), October 12, 2009
After reading The Carousel Painter I would love to pick up another Judith Miller book. It only took a few chapters before I was glued to this book. Carrie Brouwer is a very spunky young lady that works through a lot of real-life struggles. I loved the character development the author added to this book, especially the main character. The struggles that Carrie Brouwer went through with past hurts, pride, relationships with co-workers and friendships were very realistic. It was great to see her grow throughout the storyline. If you are looking for a good love story, a bit of history and some good lessons on God's love and patience I recommend The Carousel Painter, it's a great book.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Mocha with Linda (Texas), October 09, 2009
This is an intriguing book of life as an independent woman a century ago. The craftsmanship, time, and talent that it took to make the charming old carousels of yesteryear is fascinating and unmatched by today's mass-produced copies. The contrast between the smooth-talking playboy personality of Augusta's suitor, considered to be from "acceptable" bloodlines, and the integrity of Cassie's hardworking, sincere supervisor (Mr. Tobarth) and the factory manager (Josef Kaestner), who are deemed lower-class, is well-portrayed. Cassie's struggles with her pride and how to distinguish the fine line between pride and wanting to attain excellence in her work were easy to relate to. And as she deals with the uncertainty of the outcome of the stolen necklace, her discussions with Josef and Mr. Tobarth about faith and trust are excellent reminders of taking the truths of the Bible from Sunday into our daily lives.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Doris Bookman (Portsmouth, VA), October 06, 2009
I have read several of Judith Miller's books before and have found all of them to be exceptional. This book had all of the things that I enjoy in a book; mystery, love and history. Thanks for this wonderful book!
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