Whispers Along the Rails

Postcards from Pullman #2

by Judith McCoy Miller

Olivia Mott finds herself juggling two jobs: her assistant chef position at Hotel Florence and her undercover work for the Pullman Rail Car Company. Olivia thinks the suggestions she relays to Pullman's town manager are being used to improve conditions for workers and save the company money, but is something much more sinister happening behind the scenes?

Several months have passed since Lady Charlotte fled to Chicago, leaving her infant son in Olivia's care. Now Charlotte's money has run out. A kindly woman offers her a place to live and secures her a position at Marshall Field's store, but Charlotte's heart can't forget the past. Dare she return to Pullman to find out what happened to her baby?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Romance, Christian Romance, Historical

382 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2007

About the author

Judith 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.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispers Along the Rails is the sequel to In The Company of Secrets. The book begins roughly four to five months after the close of the first book. Olivia Mott, the heroine-and-narrator of the first book, is ready to begin her new duties for the Pullman company. She'll be traveling--in disguise, not letting anyone know she works or lives in Pullman--and taking notes on the service she receives. The first book saw the crumbling of Olivia's courtship with Fred DeVault. The second book sees it slowly--very very slowly--being mended. She's still being pursued by Mr. Howard, her manager and one of the elite executives.

Unlike In the Company of Secrets, Whispers Along the Rails has multiple narrators. We now get the pov of two other characters: Charlotte (who we see is now living in Chicago) and Fred (who has become more and more involved in talks of Unions and strikes). We also meet several new characters: Mrs. Priddle, Charlotte's landlady; Matthew Clayborn, a Chicago journalist who is interested in Pullman's ethical mishaps; Ellen Ashton and her father, Mr. Ashton, a Chicago lawyer who is an advocate of Unions and a friend to those in Pullman wanting to join the Union, his daughter, Ellen, is being "courted" (a.k.a. smooched in public) by Fred who makes frequent trips from Pullman to Chicago. Those are just to name a few.

My favorite element of Whispers Along the Rails? The redemption of Charlotte Spencer. Charlotte comes to the end of the money she'd taken with her, and seeks refuge at the Priddle House. A place where the down-and-out can board if and only if they're willing to contribute to the house: whether that means taking a job outside the home or working within the home. And Charlotte is definitely down and out. Mrs. Priddle has a second rule--a rule that proves to be the salvation of the young and foolish Charlotte--her boarders must attend daily bible studies and attend church weekly. Charlotte finds work at a department store, Marshall Fields. And it does her a world of good. Charlotte's life becomes transformed--from the inside out--during the course of the book.

My least favorite element of Whispers Along the Rails? I got impatient with Olivia and Fred. Olivia may very well be the most naive woman I've encountered of late within the pages of a book. Her cluelessness about life, about her work, about her boss, Mr. Howard...can be annoying. You can begin to understand why Fred finds Olivia to be more than he can handle. That being said, Fred is one of the most stubborn, most jealous, most frustrating "heroes." In some ways, he may be more world-wise, but in other ways he's just plain dumb.

My favorite new character? It'd be hard. I love Matthew Clayborn. And I love Mrs. Priddle.

This book ends in a cliffhanger.

[Noran Miss Pumkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I got sucked in the second book on the series, like a bad TV marathon, you are just to lazy to change the channel on a bad weather day. This books gets 2 stars, for the brief glimpses in the history of my most favorite late great department store-MARSHALL FIELDS!!! I never knew it started at a women's only store. I mean the state street store is a square city block.

Well, what has happen to the characters? Olivia got some brain cells, and bible teaching. She knows finally Samuel Howard is interested in her, and she does everything, but tell him no creep.
Her heart throb Fred, now lies like she did in the first book-but it is okay-it is for a good cause. Oh by the way Olivia-I am pretending to woo your new girlfriend, and kissing her a lot/ It is just for show, we swear. So it is okay for him to lie to dear mother, and others-make woo, but Olivia was ripped a new one by him for lying in the first book. Gee! Olivia spends tiny about of time in the kitchen with chef Rene. I miss this interaction from the first book.

Charlotte gets a heart, and the bible lessons, at Mrs. Priddle house for wayward women. It is called a settlement house in the book, but most of the women are having kids without the benefit of marriage. Charlotte gives us the views of Marshall Fields, ah to have seen it in their prime. I so miss the store and their green bags, and icon white boxes, especially at this time of the year. By the bible lessons, and a orphan named Fiona, Charlotte finally finds she has a heart after all. She is also granted the wish of going home to London, if she wants it, at the end of the book.

Fred finally gets courage enough, to go forward with organizing union at Pullman. Gee-brain, heart, and courage-why is that so very familiar?!?!?

The bible is used alot in this book-today it would be learning lessons of respect, responsibility, honesty, humanity, and giving to others via charity. The bible does not help this book along, as it could have. It was how things were back then though.

Sorry to say, while the first book left me, against my better judgement to read book 2. Book 3 has totally sucked any interest in book 3 for me. I can see clearly what will be played out in the third book. No surprises left.

Oh, hey if you watch NCIS-L.A. this week-Sam is married with a daughter?!?! Oh my, now that it how to develop interest in a series!

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I somehow forgot about how Bethany House likes to end books in a series with utterly NO resolution whatsoever, sigh. Oh, well.

I didn't really care for Olivia that much - she was kind of spineless. I really, really disliked Fred and found it hard to root for them when he was actively looking for ways to distrust her. Olivia had promise, though, and I'd love to see her end up with Matthew.

Charlotte was my favorite character of all. She was *awesome.* I will track down book three purely for reading more about her and seeing how her story ends. She was lovely and real and flawed but trying.

Very little moralizing in this book, outside of 1892 social conventions. I enjoyed it.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

DefInitely an intriguing addition to this series.

Library notice received.. this lovely is on its way to my branch..!

[Kimberly Burkhardt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still as naive as in the first book, I found myself shaking my head at Olivia's logic. There were a couple of times I had to stop reading because I was angry with how she was thinking. But I like that because it means I care about the character and that's what the author is suppose to do. Make the reader care about the characters. Otherwise I would have stopped reading halfway through the first book.

In this book, we do get to see more of Charlotte's POV and I can't wait to see how things unfold for her in the final book.

Fred is also a big character in this one. His relationship with Olivia is still bumpy and by the end we are still left wondering about it, unfortunately. We do get to see more of who he is and what he cares about though.

I'm excited to read the third book to see how the lives of all the characters unfolds. I'm ready for them to have their happy endings.

[Cindi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the 3-book series. I must admit that I never did connect with Olivia, though. She came across as a dunce at times while others quite intelligent. She just didn't make sense to me with her inconsistent behavior and thought process.

I was very happy that more of the story focused on Charlotte and how she grew to become a Christian and mature as a person. She really came a long way from who she was back in England.

The reason for my not giving this a higher star rating is because I felt as though the story dragged and didn't hold my interest as much as I would have hoped. The writing was good but could have used a bit less of "the older woman" description. After a while I just rolled my eyes when reading it, yet again.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia is stuck riding the rails for Mr. Pullman to look for ways to improve things when in reality, it is to fire those conductors and pullman that don't live up to their contract. But Olivia doesn't know anything about that. Samuel is a sly dude. Charlette is having second thoughts about giving up Morgan and contacts Olivia to see how he is doing. Now she has to decide whether to leave the boarding house she lives in and go back to England or not. Fred is in a pretend relationship so as to fool Pullman spies that he isn't trying to gather enough men to form a union and strike. Where will that leave Olivia? Book three in the series sounds like it will have just as much drama as the past two so look forward to reading about how the story all comes together.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably closer to 3.5 stars, I enjoy the characters in this series and the lessons they are learning about deceit, honesty, authority and faith. Pullman, Illinois is an interesting setting. Presented as a “utopian” community to the public, it had some hidden problems and a fascinating history. The main drawback I found with this book is that the reader gets no closure at all with any of the conflicts presented without reading the third book. This reader was very disappointed in that.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Musings

This is a very intriguing series. I'm enjoy how the plot is unfolding. Ms. Miller does an excellent job of redeeming her characters. I actually like Charlotte now. I look forward to continuing this journey with the next book. It's clear she has done a great deal of research for this series. Happy reading!

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book to fulfil the goal read a book from your favorite prompt. (i chose the prompt female author). this book was ok. it is a little more preachy than i perfer the story wraps up just a little too nicely, but i didn't mind it. it is a nice light read. i will continue to read the series.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

book 2, Whispers along the rails, of the series -Postcards from Pullman. Olivia Mott turns out to be one feisty lady.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light hearted book that has a strong bent on Christianity.

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoying this series. Has enough mystery, romance, historical references, and good characters to keep me interested.

[D. Barretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story continues & I couldn’t be happier. I really enjoyed getting to know Charlotte & watching her character grow.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

On to book 3 and hopefully the conclusion!

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book

[Tabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whispers Along the Rails is the second book in the Pullman Postcard series by Judith Miller. It is a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to youth. I feel young female readers will enjoy this book and learn moral and historical lessons from its pages. The author pulls you through the story and as a reader you truly care for the characters. I hope to read this series with a daughter someday because it could lead to excellent discussions of choices, of how binding lies can become, maturity, forgiveness, love, etc. Both this book and the first in the series, In the Company of Secrets, was enjoyable and although there are a few flaws, they were overall good books, especially for their historical value of Chicago’s and Pullman’s early growth and industrial manipulation in the late 1800’s. To anyone considering reading this series, I would highly recommend reading In the Company of Secrets before attempting Whispers Along the Rails because the author continues the story abruptly and doesn’t review too much; the moral lessons could be lost without the beginning story established and understood. For adult readers, expect to be slightly annoyed with Olivia’s naive personality and lack of self-confidence; however, again, I feel those flaws could lead to excellent discussions with younger readers.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Currently reading:

I found the writing better in this one, more elequamt or discriptive or something, but the "holes" in the story are still bugging me.

The only problem that I had with this book is the way that Olivia doesn't deter one of her suitors very actively. The book says that she did nothing to provoke his devotion to her, but it never shows her responding negatively much at all, as if she doesn't notice.

It's like if someone saw a fly had landed on your shoulder (I'm making this up) and they pummel your shoulder. First you'd notice and ask them to stop that, and second if you told another guy not to, you should tell this one the same.

Okay, maybe I should stop rambling about flies, but.... Still.

Or what about the other suitors? How about they do something to stop this guy. I get at they don't want the chance of having their job at risk, but.... priorities!

Also, what do post cards have to do with anything? Like really? That's like printing a new edition of the Bible and calling it "Tips for Fine Dining, with your host Squidward. Where doe that come from, author of the series? Will we learn later in this book?


Kate @ http://majesticgoldenrose.weebly.com

3.5

[Nicole Normand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too bad the author didn't think appropriate to answer ALL the unfinished business from the first book - you'll have to buy the next and the next to put a knot at the end of your stitching. Took 2 stars off. One for the soap opera kind of book and the other for the heroine to not be able to see what's going on around her. If she's smart enough to travel from England to America, find a job and take care of her mistress, she's smart enough to know not everyone likes the way Mr. Pullman organized his city and how Mr. Howard is managing it, to what her friends are doing when she's not there - gossips run around town. She might have put a bit of her foot down but Mr. Howard is still holding Damocles' sword over her and she's still scared of loosing her job - again. PS I saw some whole 2-3 lines repeated a few times and a few characters interchanged too. I will not buy the next book and get these off my Kindle for sure.

[Pegg · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of Olivia Mott and the town of Pullman continues. Olivia has settled into her job as assistant to Chef Rene when Mr. Howard assigns her to go out on the trains and spy for the company. Although she'd rather stay in the hotel kitchen, Olivia fears losing her job if she doesn't do as she's told.

The relationship between Olivia and Fred heats up as trust is rebuild. But the town's troubles are also heating up and with so many uncertainties, their future is far from settled.

Lady Charlotte finds herself in dire straits until she winds up a the home of Mrs. Priddle. Forced to work for the first time in her life, Lady Charlotte learns more about life - and God - under Mrs. Priddle's no-nonsense tutelage.

A nice second book in this series, it continues the story of Pullman and builds on the relationships of the people there.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just picked this off the shelf at the library, and it was an enjoyable fast read. I'm now going to read the first book in the series to find out what exactly happened to bring Olivia and Charlotte to the places they are at when the book begins.

I like the fact that Miller does not recap what happened in the first book, so that I'm really interested to know how everything came about. I also can't wait to see how things wrap up in the third and final book of the series since Miller left us at such an interesting moment with this book. I wonder if Miller is the type of author who likes nice and tidy endings or if she allows for the occasional heartache...we'll see.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Whispers Along the the Rails' is the sequel to 'In the company of Secrets' in the late 1800's. Olivia Mott has taken two jobs: Assistant Chef in the hotel and under cover for the Pullman Rail Car Company. Charlotte leaves Chicago and leaves her new born baby with Olivia. This novel has a good lesson on how one lie leads to other lies and where does it stop, there are lessons on maturity, love and marriage. There is history on the growth of Chicago and how fast it grew and the town of Pullman. Also great detail of the trains and the train rides during that time period. This is a good series I am looking forward to the next book.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is about two girls, one is Charlotte and the other is Olivia, who ran away from England to come to America. Olivia lives in Pullman and is an assistant chef at Hotel Florence. At times she is undercover with the Pullman Palace Car Company finding out if there are ways the company could be saving money. Charlotte is down on her luck living in Chicago and ends up living with Mrs. Priddle and eventually working at Marshall Fields. In the story both girls find out that things are not as they suspected. I enjoyed this book and it left many questions as to what will happen in the next book of the series.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series more and more as it progresses. We continue to follow all the character from the first book, and have added some colorful new ones who have spiced up things. It is great to see the spiritual journeys each are traversing at varying rates. Though all sins are released as soon as forgiveness is requested and no more will be counted against, internal forgiveness takes different amounts of time. Miller gives a fair representation of how difficult it is to forgive oneself and sometimes others for the wrongs committed by and to us.

Looking forward to the next installment.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read by Judith Miller! I was so excited to see how this second book would go and now I'm even more anxious to read the ending that will come with book 3! I won't go into detail about the story, as that would give away details that happen in #1 (In the Company of Secrets), but I will say that this series is every bit as good and better than I was hoping!

[Jennah · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an okay book. I'm glad the author incorporated Charlotte and her story in this book and I liked the new characters. It would have been really boring if she didn't add them. I got tired of Olivia (main character) and Samuel Howard going back and forth. Olivia was very annoyed by him throughout the first and second book and it got tiring hearing her comment about him. Overall, it's still a good book.

[Jill Twigg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second installment of the Postcards from Pullman series. I didn't realize it till after I started reading and kept thinking I was missing some pieces. Now, I will have to find the first and the third to figure them out.
A young assistant chef is picked to help the Pullman industry to figure out how to make the rail cars employees more efficient and to save money; however not all is what it should be.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good, quick read!

I enjoyed this second installment better than the first! It had more of an exciting storyline and I feel like all of the characters developed their personalities in this part of the story! The religious undertones were a bit much fort me but I guess it goes with the time in which the story is set. I'm looking forward to the conclusion in the final book of this trilogy!

[MIllynne Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in what was going to happen next. The best thing about the book was that it made me want to find out more about the real place. I will find the third book just because I hate these cliff hangers.... I prefer books where there is a resolution at the end, yet still allows for sequels (or prequels for that matter).