Synopsis:
Lillian Porter has always wanted to fulfill her mother's dream of going west, so when she hears about a nanny position in Angels Camp, California, she defies her grandfather and takes a chance on a new future. But she quickly wonders if she made the right choice. There are rumors in town that her new employer, Woodward Colton, caused the death of his wife. This accusation doesn't match the man Lillian comes to know--and Mrs. Goodman, Woody's long-time housekeeper, is decisively on Woody's side--but many in town stay far away from Lillian because of her association with the Colton family.
Lillian's six-year-old charge, Jimmy, was there when his mother died, and he hasn't spoken a word since. Gently, Lillian tries to coax him out of his shell, hoping he'll one day feel safe enough to tell her the truth about what happened. But the Colton olive farm is no longer a safe place. Lillian encounters suspicious characters on their land and mysterious damage done to the farm. Will Mrs. Goodman and Jimmy be able to speak what they know in time to save Lillian from tragedy?
I was really into the 19th Century, women going across America type books at the time I requested this, but by the time I got it, I had forgotten what it was really about. So, I began reading.
This book has good potential, and it lived up to that potential, for the most part. But I found it to be a little too descriptive and ended up skim-reading what I read of it. To be honest, I didn't finish the whole book. I made it over half-way through before I gave up. It wasn't that it wasn't a good book, just not my cup of tea. I honestly think this book would be the perfect read for some people. I found it to be interesting, while I was reading it, but it just didn't leave me wanting more when I wasn't reading it. I have my mind on so many other books at the moment, and this one just took the backseat.
I found that the book pulls you in from page one. After reading the prologue, I just couldn't help being excited for the rest of this book. But after the prologue, there really wasn't any of that edge-of-your-seat type suspense. Which is understandable. I mean this isn't a suspenseful book.
I also found the book quite predictable.
Little Jimmy is just adorable and he's probably my favorite character from the book. I also really like Mrs. Goodman. Lilian Porter is good strong, female protagonist and I enjoyed reading her story. Now about Woody...I just don't like him. I understand he has been through a lot, but he won't even go to church when this book begins because of what the townspeople think of him. Sounds like he was harboring a little unforgiveness,, which he finds out for himself, and it left for good character development. But still, just something about his personality that just wasn't my cuppa tea. Also, Harry is a wonderful character! He's just so sweet and kind.
Overall, I liked what I read of this book, but didn't love it. It's not the best historical fiction I've ever read, but most certainly not the worst. I'm rating this book a solid 3.5 stars out of 5.
*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*
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