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The California Argonauts #2
Gold Rush Deluge
Sacramento is underwater. A deluge of epic proportions has engulfed the town. Lucinda uses her medical skills working as a physician’s assistant to Dr. Mitchell Kersey. When she uncovers lies and treachery in the doctor’s past, she becomes enmeshed in dangers even more deadly than the flood. Lucinda must fight to save her life, her dreams, and her future with George.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
278 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 2014
About the author
Suzanne Lilly
13 books125 followersSuzanne Lilly writes lighthearted stories with a splash of suspense, a flash of the unexplained, a dash of romance, and always a happy ending. Her short stories have appeared in numerous places online and in print. She lives in Northern California where she reads, writes, cooks, swims, and teaches elementary students.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
January 24, 2015
I was very glad that the story continued where it ended in the first book, I wholeheartedly appreciate stories told in series form that do not include great time gaps, flashbacks or require the reader to assume certain outcomes.
The story moved along swiftly, without any unnecessary tangents that distract from the main plot that was good enough to carry the story and characters from the beginning until the end.
The characters were consistent from the first to the second installment of this story; however, I was delighted to observe growth and maturation in the protagonist's character.
I loved the splash of intrigue and mystery that the author decided to include in this installment and was impressed by her creation of a volatile character that seemed so real.
Overall, I felt that the author was more comfortable with the story and characters in this installment, since she already possessed a good feel for the personality traits and nature of character.
This story was a great sequel and I would recommend it to anyone, who enjoyed the first story as well as those, who enjoy mystery, romance and adventure.
ElliotScribbles
The story moved along swiftly, without any unnecessary tangents that distract from the main plot that was good enough to carry the story and characters from the beginning until the end.
The characters were consistent from the first to the second installment of this story; however, I was delighted to observe growth and maturation in the protagonist's character.
I loved the splash of intrigue and mystery that the author decided to include in this installment and was impressed by her creation of a volatile character that seemed so real.
Overall, I felt that the author was more comfortable with the story and characters in this installment, since she already possessed a good feel for the personality traits and nature of character.
This story was a great sequel and I would recommend it to anyone, who enjoyed the first story as well as those, who enjoy mystery, romance and adventure.
ElliotScribbles
March 3, 2016
In the interest of full disclosure, I bought and read this book for two reasons: The author was a new Goodreads friend, and I wanted to see how another author handled an historical flood. Suzanne Lilly did not disappoint. Her research is beautifully interwoven into the story, with period words like "old sourdough" to describe a grumpy old man and "belly bank" to describe what we would now call a fanny pack. I loved the way she captured the feeling of the time (California, 1850) with all its grime and prejudice.
I would recommend this lushly-detailed book for anyone interested in the Gold Rush days and the tenacity of those hardy American pioneers, especially the extraordinary women who paved the way for all of us.
I would recommend this lushly-detailed book for anyone interested in the Gold Rush days and the tenacity of those hardy American pioneers, especially the extraordinary women who paved the way for all of us.
September 17, 2014
Book Description:
“When Lucinda Martin York and George Arnold leave Diggers Flat during a rainstorm, the Sacramento and American rivers crest, causing a deluge of epic proportions that engulfs the town of Sacramento.
George wants to tame the wild waters and be a key player in the settlement and growth of the fertile land. His family has different expectations of him, including whom he should wed, and Lucinda isn’t part of their plans.
Lucinda, holding fast to her dream of becoming a doctor, apprentices to Dr. Mitchell Kersey. She falls under his spell, and too late she realizes Kersey has a dark past that has followed him to California.
Floods, cholera, thievery, and murder will test the limits and human emotions in Gold Rush Deluge.”
In her second installment of The California Argonauts, author Suzanne Lilly reunites us with Luke---now Lucinda, and George. After months of disguising herself as a boy in order to be accepted as an adventurer pining for gold, Lucinda has rid herself of men’s trousers and is becoming accustomed to wearing long, full-length skirts again.
1850 Sacramento was a remarkable, if not unimaginable period in American history of constant building and rebuilding. Lucinda is s able to continue her dream of becoming a Dr. and uses her herbal medicinal knowledge and skills learned from her mother to help the citizens of Sacramento in the hospital. George, eager to find his own way on his own terms, devises a plan to help rebuild the town by stopping the floodwaters.
Lilly again brings to life California’s fascinating and tumultuous struggle to build and rebuild in dealing with the devastating floods and fires that ripped thru Sacramento.
A story filled with oodles of historical details, mystery, suspense and even a touch of romance, it’s a story worth sharing with any young adult reader as well as adults. Once you start reading, you simply won’t want to stop until the last page is turned.
An easy and quick, well written read with an occasional historical word just begging to be defined. Electronic device readers will get a glimpse (by definition) of words unfortunately rarely used in modern times (ex: catawampus – my personal favorite!, hansom, rivulets, deluge, scows, argonauts, daguerreotype). I personally love coming away from a reading having learned new vocabulary.
Would highly recommend this series to any historical fiction fan and young adult reader.
“When Lucinda Martin York and George Arnold leave Diggers Flat during a rainstorm, the Sacramento and American rivers crest, causing a deluge of epic proportions that engulfs the town of Sacramento.
George wants to tame the wild waters and be a key player in the settlement and growth of the fertile land. His family has different expectations of him, including whom he should wed, and Lucinda isn’t part of their plans.
Lucinda, holding fast to her dream of becoming a doctor, apprentices to Dr. Mitchell Kersey. She falls under his spell, and too late she realizes Kersey has a dark past that has followed him to California.
Floods, cholera, thievery, and murder will test the limits and human emotions in Gold Rush Deluge.”
In her second installment of The California Argonauts, author Suzanne Lilly reunites us with Luke---now Lucinda, and George. After months of disguising herself as a boy in order to be accepted as an adventurer pining for gold, Lucinda has rid herself of men’s trousers and is becoming accustomed to wearing long, full-length skirts again.
1850 Sacramento was a remarkable, if not unimaginable period in American history of constant building and rebuilding. Lucinda is s able to continue her dream of becoming a Dr. and uses her herbal medicinal knowledge and skills learned from her mother to help the citizens of Sacramento in the hospital. George, eager to find his own way on his own terms, devises a plan to help rebuild the town by stopping the floodwaters.
Lilly again brings to life California’s fascinating and tumultuous struggle to build and rebuild in dealing with the devastating floods and fires that ripped thru Sacramento.
A story filled with oodles of historical details, mystery, suspense and even a touch of romance, it’s a story worth sharing with any young adult reader as well as adults. Once you start reading, you simply won’t want to stop until the last page is turned.
An easy and quick, well written read with an occasional historical word just begging to be defined. Electronic device readers will get a glimpse (by definition) of words unfortunately rarely used in modern times (ex: catawampus – my personal favorite!, hansom, rivulets, deluge, scows, argonauts, daguerreotype). I personally love coming away from a reading having learned new vocabulary.
Would highly recommend this series to any historical fiction fan and young adult reader.
August 11, 2014
Gold Rush Deluge is a fascinating look at an exciting - yet dangerous - time in American history. Sparkling and compelling characters bring the story to life.
Set against the backdrop of the flooding of the Sacramento and American Rivers in 1850, Lucinda York, an aspiring doctor, leaves Diggers Flats and sets out for Sacramento with George Arnold, a miner with an entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey is hampered greatly by the flooding, which causes tremendous disaster, dismay, and desperation among the people of Sacramento.
George Arnold is a man with vision and compassion, and with his resources, he helps restore the city and make it safe for the citizens. Meanwhile, Lucinda believes her good fortune has found her when Dr. Mitchell Kersey agrees to take Lucinda on as an apprentice. As foreshadowed in the prologue, Dr. Kersey's sinister greed eventually becomes known, and what seems at first to be Lucinda's ticket to becoming a doctor soon turns dangerous.
Based on historical facts and events from Sacramento, California in 1850, Gold Rush Deluge is a journey readers will not forget. Suzanne Lilly's research and historical accuracy is tremendous, and her writing draws readers in and keeps them hooked for the entire exciting ride!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Set against the backdrop of the flooding of the Sacramento and American Rivers in 1850, Lucinda York, an aspiring doctor, leaves Diggers Flats and sets out for Sacramento with George Arnold, a miner with an entrepreneurial spirit. Their journey is hampered greatly by the flooding, which causes tremendous disaster, dismay, and desperation among the people of Sacramento.
George Arnold is a man with vision and compassion, and with his resources, he helps restore the city and make it safe for the citizens. Meanwhile, Lucinda believes her good fortune has found her when Dr. Mitchell Kersey agrees to take Lucinda on as an apprentice. As foreshadowed in the prologue, Dr. Kersey's sinister greed eventually becomes known, and what seems at first to be Lucinda's ticket to becoming a doctor soon turns dangerous.
Based on historical facts and events from Sacramento, California in 1850, Gold Rush Deluge is a journey readers will not forget. Suzanne Lilly's research and historical accuracy is tremendous, and her writing draws readers in and keeps them hooked for the entire exciting ride!
Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 7, 2014
I absolutely LOVED this book! The historical detail, the sweet romance and awesome chemistry between George and Lucinda, the devious villain! Seriously, I devoured this book once I sat down to read. From the Prologue on, I was completely hooked. I adored Gold Rush Girl, but I think I love Gold Rush Deluge more. The story kept me on my toes, constantly guessing what was going to happen next, and I was often surprised by the plot twists. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but the ending was satisfying, the kind that wraps up the book while still leaving me wanting more. I don't know if there is going to be a third book in the series, but I definitely hope so! Lilly is a master at creating rich characters who come alive in a setting that isn't didactic, but still conveys so much information to the reader about early California history. I learned quite a bit while reading this book, but it was in a way that made it feel real and fascinating, rather than dry like reading from a history book. I especially loved how Lilly included the part after the ending that explained the history and mentioned that some of the characters had been real people! That was really cool. I love how she took true stories and wove them into her novel. Fantastic storytelling. I really hope there will be another Gold Rush book!
May 28, 2015
This historical novel is set in California in 1850. I loved the historical descriptions and details. I read the first book in the series and thought it was good. Gold Rush Deluge is even better! It is fantastic. Events from book one are mentioned, but Gold Rush Deluge can easily be read as a stand alone. Lucinda and George Arnold are stranded in Sacramento after a great flood. Their plans to go back to his father's apothecary shop are put on hold.
Lucinda rushes to use her medical knowledge to help people, and becomes student and assistant of Dr. Kersey. The author did a great job developing all the characters, especially Kersey. He was a very believable villain and I was rooting for Lucinda did get proof of his crimes before it was too late. George busies himself building levies to prevent another flood and keeping an eye on Lucinda. Nothing like a little jealousy to get a man thinking.
The adventure, action and suspense kept me turning the pages. This book had a romantic element that was very satisfying. It is sweet and clean and can be read by YA to adult.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lucinda rushes to use her medical knowledge to help people, and becomes student and assistant of Dr. Kersey. The author did a great job developing all the characters, especially Kersey. He was a very believable villain and I was rooting for Lucinda did get proof of his crimes before it was too late. George busies himself building levies to prevent another flood and keeping an eye on Lucinda. Nothing like a little jealousy to get a man thinking.
The adventure, action and suspense kept me turning the pages. This book had a romantic element that was very satisfying. It is sweet and clean and can be read by YA to adult.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 31, 2014
Lucinda and George and their growing romance are back, this time to help Sacramento cope with the dual challenges of flood and cholera. An unknown antagonist tries to thwart them at every turn. Like Book 1, this second book in the series brings the period to life with just the right amount of historical detail and a plot that makes you want to keep turning those pages. Lucinda and George will prevail, right? Won't they? Please? Keep reading...
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews