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Tour of Mansions #1
The Chautauqua Belles
From a mansion on Buffalo's Delaware Avenue to the shores of idyllic Chautauqua, the secrets of a beautiful Victorian maid are best left hidden.
After the death of both parents and the sale of the farm, eighteen-year-old Rebecca Galloway is hired as a parlor maid in the Eaton's Buffalo mansion in 1885. Her life becomes a nightmare with a secret so awful that she prays no one will find out.
After the death of both parents and the sale of the farm, eighteen-year-old Rebecca Galloway is hired as a parlor maid in the Eaton's Buffalo mansion in 1885. Her life becomes a nightmare with a secret so awful that she prays no one will find out.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2016
134 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 27, 2018
I’m so conflicted about this book. First thought: It was not well done.
Told in second person, often sounding like first person, it was almost like the narrator was speaking through the first person. The reader had to figure out who the thoughts were coming from. Random and a bit confusing.
Mature themes:
Rape, three near rapes, one beating, one slap, arrogant, even cruel upper class snobbery. Unconscionable conditions offered to woman to give up the child born of rape. Twin (born after the first one was taken from the mother) is hidden. Homeless, penniless mother with no where go collapses as she escapes, taken in by a woman and her lecherous husband.
The book was simply written, about middle school level, but this is certainly not appropriate for 13-year olds.
Positive:
A Christian theme of trusting God after assaults, and after death of a loved one, of bible reading, and the gospel was shared at least twice.
Sadly, I can’t recommend this book to anyone. I wanted to find out what happened to all the characters so I read it to the end. But as an objective reader I can’t give it above two stars.
Told in second person, often sounding like first person, it was almost like the narrator was speaking through the first person. The reader had to figure out who the thoughts were coming from. Random and a bit confusing.
Mature themes:
Rape, three near rapes, one beating, one slap, arrogant, even cruel upper class snobbery. Unconscionable conditions offered to woman to give up the child born of rape. Twin (born after the first one was taken from the mother) is hidden. Homeless, penniless mother with no where go collapses as she escapes, taken in by a woman and her lecherous husband.
The book was simply written, about middle school level, but this is certainly not appropriate for 13-year olds.
Positive:
A Christian theme of trusting God after assaults, and after death of a loved one, of bible reading, and the gospel was shared at least twice.
Sadly, I can’t recommend this book to anyone. I wanted to find out what happened to all the characters so I read it to the end. But as an objective reader I can’t give it above two stars.
August 6, 2016
This was a wonderful historical fiction story that I thoroughly enjoyed. The author took great care to research the time period and the location - even the way people thought at the time. A wonderful plot with inspirational themes running through the chapters. A great read.
February 22, 2020
Too predictable
I liked the story line though I cannot see how a woman who just gave birth to 2 babies could go anywhere immediately without pain and bleeding a lot. And how could she leave her other screaming child knowing she could be feeding. I don't mind stories centering about God, but not every one would. Characters were one dimensional for the most part which is not how people are.
I liked the story line though I cannot see how a woman who just gave birth to 2 babies could go anywhere immediately without pain and bleeding a lot. And how could she leave her other screaming child knowing she could be feeding. I don't mind stories centering about God, but not every one would. Characters were one dimensional for the most part which is not how people are.
March 16, 2020
Love the fact the author bases the story on real places. She explains at the end where you can learn more about those places on line. The story certainly makes you want to continue to be sure of how things will play out. I do feel it is a little too predictable and that a little unbelievable the way things are put together. But it does make for a fun story to read and I would want to continue on in this series
March 24, 2021
Your of Mansions is a wonderful series of Christian books to fill the heart of believers everywhere! It is sure to reach those who have been searching for a way to let God into their hearts and souls.
The thyme of these inspirational books is knowing God in your heart and soul. Lives are still pulled apart by a fallen world and pieced back together by a loving God.
The thyme of these inspirational books is knowing God in your heart and soul. Lives are still pulled apart by a fallen world and pieced back together by a loving God.
February 23, 2020
Very good Christian book
This author writes very knowledgeable about the historical area, she shows you what can happen when you try to deceive people and what can happen years later. God can change a lot of things if you let him into your heart.
This author writes very knowledgeable about the historical area, she shows you what can happen when you try to deceive people and what can happen years later. God can change a lot of things if you let him into your heart.
April 7, 2021
Review
I was a little disappointed in this book. The story was very predictable. I picked up because I was recently in Chautauqua and wanted to read more about it. It took over half book to get there.
I was a little disappointed in this book. The story was very predictable. I picked up because I was recently in Chautauqua and wanted to read more about it. It took over half book to get there.
May 13, 2024
Page turner for sure.
I found myself observing the story as it unfolded. The writing puts the reader in the setting as an observer.
So many young women endured the kind of thing that Rebecca did in that time. So sad. Thankful that good came from all of it.
I found myself observing the story as it unfolded. The writing puts the reader in the setting as an observer.
So many young women endured the kind of thing that Rebecca did in that time. So sad. Thankful that good came from all of it.
January 15, 2017
Sweet story
This is not my typical genre preference. I'm also not a huge fan of serials. This book, though! I honestly don't know what compelled me to download it. I'm certainly glad I did, though! It was sweet, clean (modest), and well-written. My only complaint is the speed with which everything happened. I realize it was necessary in order to tell such a long story, but it kind of took some of the feeling out, I think. Still, I will absolutely consider more from this series!
This is not my typical genre preference. I'm also not a huge fan of serials. This book, though! I honestly don't know what compelled me to download it. I'm certainly glad I did, though! It was sweet, clean (modest), and well-written. My only complaint is the speed with which everything happened. I realize it was necessary in order to tell such a long story, but it kind of took some of the feeling out, I think. Still, I will absolutely consider more from this series!
June 19, 2017
Thoughtful story of love and loss
Loved the story of servant making good and living a new life. The awful husband of the saving woman who took in the runways made for some suspense and intrigue in the end.
Loved the story of servant making good and living a new life. The awful husband of the saving woman who took in the runways made for some suspense and intrigue in the end.
July 25, 2017
Very good read!
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters and dialogue were well-written and the story keeps you interested. I liked the historical facts in this book. Well done, Beth Livingston.
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters and dialogue were well-written and the story keeps you interested. I liked the historical facts in this book. Well done, Beth Livingston.
September 28, 2017
I enjoyed this story immensely! However it felt like to me the story was missing parts...it skipped great seasons of life in all the characters. But again I read the book in full and did enjoy the story.
September 24, 2018
I loved this book, couldn't put it down!
October 2, 2018
Very good book and I enjoyed it a lot. Pick it up and give it a try, I think you'll like it also.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews