The Emigrant's Song

Winds of Change #0.5

by Gina Hooten Popp

“Wild as a March hare in spring!” That’s how many of the villagers in 1898 Bunratty, Ireland describe the adventuresome January Cola Buchanan. But she doesn’t care. She has the voice of an angel and the looks of a siren and she intends to make the most of her talents. So when two American entrepreneurs come to Ireland scouting singing talent to record on their new phonograph discs, she sets her sights on returning with them to America. But first she must convince her longtime beau John McLaren that this is a good idea for both of them knowing that they might never see their homeland or their families again.

Genres: Historical Fiction

35 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 16, 2016

About the author

A native Texan, Gina Hooten Popp was born in Greenville and now lives in Dallas with her husband and son. Along with writing novels, Gina has enjoyed a long career as a professional writer in advertising. Her debut novel THE STORM AFTER was a finalist in the 2014 RONE Awards, and her just-released book CHICO BOY: A NOVEL was a 2016 Medalist Winner in the New Apple Annual Book Awards. Recently, her novel LUCKY'S WAY, about a young fighter pilot from Houston, was endorsed by the United States World War One Centennial Commission. 

Reviews

[Patricia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Because one of my great-grandmothers emigrated from England in the late 1800's, I am always interested in books with this kind of setting. Thus, when I saw this prequel free on Kindle, I downloaded it.

It was a quick, easy read, and although I didn't much care for the main character (January Buchanan) because of her selfish, manipulating ways, I will probably take a chance on the first book of this series. Who knows, January might grow on me, and even if she doesn't, the first book is set during the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900---a subject I've never read anything about.

[PJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short story is about January from Winds of Change series. It is set in Ireland. It tells a bit about her life before she goes to America. I loved this bold, sassy character. I feel that anyone who reads this novella will enjoy it.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting and exciting!

Nice little story.
Adventure awaits January. Her excitement is real and addictive! Will be interesting to see how everything turns out. Fascinating!!

[Fran Burdsall · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella pulls you in immediately with strong characters and action. I will definitely read the next in the series!

[Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed "The Storm After", also from this author. "The Emigrant's Song" provides the backstory of two of the TSA's main characters, John and January. A must read for fans of "The Winds of Change" series.

[Becky Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Gina Popp, and it was a delightful, fast read! It only took me 40 minutes, but it was a fun 40 minutes! Sometimes you just need to read books for fun, and I would highly recommend that you read this book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A spirited and angelically voiced young woman and a man smitten with her embark on a new adventure across an ocean in The Emigrant's Song by Gina Hooten Popp.

To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.

January Buchanan is a talented singer and she wants to be able to make the most of her talents, often finding a way to sing in a local tavern in her Irish village. When a pair of American music businessmen come to Ireland to scout singers to record, January sees her chance to seize the rare opportunity that has presented itself to her. Convincing her longtime friend and beau John McLaren that this adventure to America would benefit them both is no small task, as they would be leaving their home and family behind, likely to never see them again, should they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

Quick and easy to read, this novella provides a relatively entertaining glimpse into the lives of those emigrating to a new country in the hopes of improving their lives and reaching their dreams. Though I appreciated the assertive nature that January exhibited, John's foil to that where he's presented primarily as a pushover makes January seem a bit too manipulative; with this story serving as background introducing the characters prior to their larger, subsequent narrative, which I haven't read, they may be developed further to be more complex, and enjoyable, characters but this brief snapshot doesn't portray much depth.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is great to get a glance into how the Winds of Change story originated. A quick read to get you started. I enjoyed the characters before, now I feel that I know their past a little better. I would recommend that you read The Emigrant's Song no matter where you are in the series.

[EBONY M DAWSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story

I really enjoyed reading this short novel. I kept me engaged and it did not take me long to read which was an added bonus since I don't have much time for reading these days. It gave me a sense of an accomplishment being able to complete a novel.

[Sally Ponce · Rating 4 out of 5]

True Love Story

Great story of two people who left everything but had each other. I hope there is a sequel because it left me hanging with the ending.

[Boylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story

Not much time to develop a good plot. But interesting beginning. Characters interesting . What comes next for these two?

[Pamela Epps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Way too short.

I enjoyed this short story but I was expecting a novel. Disappointed is a good word for it. Not much else to say. Maybe the later books are longer.