I cannot love this book enough. It ranks up with the books that I read again and again. As we were camping, I almost reread until a book from my wish list came through.

After Helen and Lutie lose their parents, they pack up and move to Colorado. Helen, a nurse, is exhausted from taking care of Spanish Flu patients. Lutie, advertising designer, sees the aftermath of the Spanish Flu in the streets of Denver and eventually first hand.

The girls rent the downstairs of their new home to a mother, father and daughter. The daughter, Dorothy, loses her mother to the Spanish Flu. As Dorothy's father has disappeared, Helen and Lutie let Dorothy stay with them and would like to adopt her. Obstacles are thrown in their way making it more difficult.

Such as any book in war time, Luties beau goes off to war. She builds a strong relationship with his rich mother who has a secret past.

Helens beau is a Dr, also taking care of Spanish Flu victims. I wish I could tell more about the relationships, but that would spoil the reading it yourself. It's a long wait, but worth the wait to read.

As you read through the pages, you will find similarities to the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC Of Little Souls. Sandra Dallas continues to introduce readers to women who persevere through tremendous heartaches. In Little Souls, the reader follows the story of sisters who are living through the Spanish influenza of 1918. The lives of Lutie, Helen, and Dorothy are intertwined in ways that bind them beyond genetics. The story, as told through Luties’s voice, takes place in Denver during a time when war and sickness changes the trajectory of their lives. Being a nurse, Helen the eldest sister, witnesses the suffering and death of those inflicted with the influenza. Her sister Lutie finds love and happiness despite the troubles around her. And then there is the youngest sister, the one who binds the family together for all time.

I very much enjoy the writing of Sandra Dallas and this story did not disappoint. From the opening scene of a dead soldier on the street to the epilogue, Dallas provides the reader with a novel which includes endearing characters who face the daily challenge of living their lives during this trying time in history. The story has many twists and turns but yet seemed very uncomplicated and easy to read. This is not to say that the plot is simplistic, rather, it is an indication of Dallas’ talent as a writer. There is one point that did seem a bit contrived though. I was disappointed at how the relationship between Lutie and Gil played itself out. That being said, I still very much enjoyed this novel and the special relationship that exists between sisters.

Sweet book about two sisters living in Denver during the Spanish Influenza and World War I. The sisters face love, heartbreak, terror and death in multiple forms. They take in the daughter of boarders, the mother an abused woman, and the little girl herself physically and emotionally damaged. But harboring the young girl is a dangerous undertaking, and the sisters find themselves in potential trouble with the law and fearing for their lives from a bootlegging couple.

The story had pathos and although at times the character's words seemed stereotypical of the times, it was an enjoyable and interesting read, and the characters touched my heart.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins press for the opportunity to read and review this book. Sandra Dallas does a great job with this book about two sisters living in Denver during the Spanish flu epidemic. I’m giving it 5 stars, it will be published April 26, 2022.

Nineteen year old Lutie and her older sister Helen live in Denver, CO in 1918 during the Spanish flu of 1918. Helen is a nurse and Lutie is an artist. Both girls have loving boyfriends and are expected to marry soon, but Peter, Lutie's beau has joined the war effort and is going to France. Helen's boyfriend Gil is finishing up his last year in medical school. Soon their lives change forever.

This was a beautifully written book and really brings to light the tragedy of the times. They are somewhat reminiscent of what we are experiencing now with the pandemic. The story of the two girls and little Dorothy who they take in as their little sister after her mother's death from the influenza is a heartfelt story.

Little Souls by Sandra Dallas This is a very well researched and beautifully written novel. Ms. Dallas has such a wonderful way with words and descriptions that you feel you are in that period of time. I have enjoyed ever single novel written by Sandra Dallas and always wish there was another waiting for me. Thank you St. Martins for the opportunity to read this book.

Quiet the story of a difficult time in the past! Not much quilting as usual but good story of how we made do with what we where given.

Sisters Lutie and Helen are living in Denver at the end of World War I. Helen is a nurse and Lutie is an artist who works on advertisements for a department store. They own a home and rent out the basement to bring in a bit on money. They develop a friendship with the daughter of the couple, Dorothy, especially when they realize that the father is abusing both Dorothy and her mother. When the influenza kills Dorothy's mother and her father disappears, Lutie and Helen take Dorothy in and treat her as a sister. Lutie meets a theology student, Peter, and they fall in love. He feels that he must go and fight in order to bring hope to the troops. As the pandemic worsens, secrets start to come out and soon Lutie and Helen are having to make choices in order to protect their family. When Peter is killed, Lutie develops a close bond with his mother and she starts to learn that everyone has a difficult past.

Interesting that during this pandemic stories are being written of epidemics during other time and places. Interesting characters and story line. A good read

Tragedy of their parent’s death find, Helen and Lutie deciding to move to Denver from Ohio. Helen, a nurse, has learned of nursing jobs available in Denver and is ready for a new start. Lutie is an advertising designer. World War I is begun and Lutie’s new boyfriend enlists and is soon sent overseas. Helen’s boyfriend is a local doctor and is fighting the Spanish Flu that is running wildly through Denver. The sister’s have rented out their basement to a family with a 10 year old daughter. The mother dies from the Spanish Flu and the father who has a history of abuse has disappeared. Lutie and Helen take in the young girl to keep her out of foster care. Lutie comes home from work one day and discovers the absent father dead on the floor. The story continues as the influenza continues to spread, tragedy hits their home again, the police begin to question Dorothy’s father’s death and an “uncle” appears wanting custody of Dorothy.

Sandra Dallas's tells the story of Lutie, Helen and Dorothy; she weaves in many twists and turns and hits on every emotion possible while providing a history lesson about the Spanish Flu. This was my first Sandra Dallas novel but will defiantly not be my last. Thank you Sandra Dallas, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing me an advance copy in exchange for my review.

Little Souls is a timely and informative book centered around the 1918 flu pandemic which devastated America while WWl was in full swing. Little Dorothy’s mother died of the flu, her father was nowhere to be found, and Dorothy found a new home with sisters Helen and Lutie, forging a new family unit.

Little Souls triumphs in its telling of what it means to be a family, and of our enduring capacity to love and be loved even in the most difficult of circumstances. Some of the characters I adored, while other characters were deplorable. This was simply a marvelous book.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.

I wasn’t sure if I would be able to relate to life during a pandemic in Colorado during the early 1900s, but I was -heavily- invested in this story right from the beginning! I have always loved the beauty of Sandra Dallas’ work, but this particular story of sisters, secrets, and society in 1918 was inevitably like a beautiful quilt when completed. It’s rare for a novel to make me tear up, but these characters felt just like family, and I was a little heartbroken every now and then. This is an absolute brilliant story, and it solidifies Sandra Dallas as a true artist of words.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing an advanced reader’s copy of Little Souls in exchange for my review. This title will be published on April 26, 2022, and you better RUN to your local bookstore once it does!

5 stars. This book is Sandra Dallas at her best (and I’ve read all her books). Just like Westerning Women, her last novel, Little Souls is atmospheric and dire. The story, told with such care and aplomb, keeps you wanting more. Such a heartwarming piece of historical fiction.

Though the subject of Little Souls does not feel that far off in time. It’s 1918 and a contagion is coursing through the world: the Spanish Influenza. It wreaks havoc during the final days of WWI, but no one really knows what it is yet. Sound familiar?

Sisters Helen and Lutie move to Denver from Ohio. Helen is a nurse and Lutie an advertising artist. They buy a modest house and rent out the basement apartment for extra income. When the tenant dies from the flu, the sisters become responsible for Dorothy, the ten year old daughter of the deceased tenant. Dorothy’s father left them when she was a little girl.

One day, Lutie returns home to find sister Helen standing over a dead body. The ice pick in Helen’s hand is still dripping with blood. Drip. Drip. Drip. Unsure what to do, the sisters put the body on the street to pass as an influenza casualty. This begins a wild ride; a why’d she do it?; a tale of war and disease; a tale of hope.

When you read a Sandra Dallas novel you know you’re in good hands. She researches her history with the same acuity as a historian. She knows her western history and it shines through here. I’ve read a lot of fiction this past year on the Spanish Influenza, but nothing quite like Little Souls. You’ll get swept up in her writing and storytelling. For anyone who loves historical fiction, western history, books about ordinary women who do extraordinary acts, and books about adventure will love this. It’s a bit bigger than her usual books, so maybe not a beach read, but definitely pack this in your carry on for the train or plane. Or pare it with a whisky sour!

Books by the Sea Reviews gives this title: 5 anchors!

An interesting story about a time in history that is timely with having just been through the Covid pandemic. It is a story written about the Spanish flu and a family in the city of Denver. Historical facts are always interesting to me so I really enjoyed learning things I did t know.
Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the copy.

I loved this book. I always enjoy Sandra Dallas, but this was exceptionally well done. I enjoyed learning about the Spanish flu and life in Denver during WWI. I particularly appreciate the handling of a very touchy and timely child abuse case

I imagine this novel will help win more readers to Christian fiction books. Reverent, but never “preachy”, it will be a hit!

If you enjoy historical fiction set in America, this is your book! It is especially interesting as it is set during the influenza pandemic of 1918 and focuses on the lives of two sisters and their adopted sister. As a reader, I was immediately drawn in and did not want to put the book down until I finished it. Though the ending was predictable, it was a very satisfying ending and all of the historical details and phrasing were also fascinating. I'd definitely read more from this author.

Because my two Grandfathers served during WW I and my Grandmother almost died from the Spanish Flu, I was very interested in reading Little Souls by Sandra Dallas. I found the historical facts, data about the Spanish Flu very fascinating . The characters are very believable. The plot was somewhat predictable but I still enjoyed the historical novel .

Another winner from Sandra Dallas. Her writing always takes you to the most I threshing time and places. This novel takes place in Denver during the Spanish influena. Lucie experiences loss due to both the flu and World War being fought in Europe. However, she finds Dorothy, around girl who is living a horrible life with her Father and takes her in. Murder,intrigue and reconciliation are part of the fantastic storyline. Dallas has a way of transporting her readers to another ti e and place.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect time to read this book and I'm so happy I received an ARC! Apparently Sandra Dallas had written a draft of this book a while back but there wasn't much interest in the Spanish Influenza until the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
This book is very well written and sucked me in from the start. The parallels between the Spanish Influenza pandemic and the COVID-19 pandemic are frighteningly similar, such as not knowing how it's spread to misinformation and overreaction to some of the myths. Plus the mystery aspect makes this book addicting.
My mom is a huge Sandra Dallas fan and is really jealous that I got the opportunity to read this way before she will get to. I hope this book is a best seller when it's published!

Wow,Wow,Wow!
I loved this book and read it in a day!
I was glued to this touching historical fiction story about resilience, family, friendship, death and hard times.
Although it will not be published until April,2022, it takes place during the influenza pandemic in 1918 when people were devastated by this awful deadly flu and World War I was also in full force.
It brings many similarities to our own journey with Covid-19. Not an easy read at times.
When a little girl loses her mother to the influenza, she needs to find a family who will love and care for her.
She comes with many awful secrets and fears.
Can sisters Lutie and Helen help her, include her and be her "sisters" during this unprecedented time in our history?
It is definitely a page turner and you will surely need and want to read this beautifully told novel!
Well done!