I really enjoyed this book. I liked Sophia’s spunk and the interesting twist of her falling in love with Carver, who is supposed to be her stepson because of her father’s plans to marry her off. History, suspense, and romance are a winning combination for me, and this book had all three!

I received a complementary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All my opinions are my own.

while this is a fictional story, i do believe there were facts entertwined in the plot. i can't imagine being a "harvey girl" and all the things they had to go through.

however, this was well-written and full of intrigue and suspense to keep you reading to find out what happens. even though you know who sopia is going to end up with, the path there makes it a page turner.

I’m sure Fred Harvey had no idea just how popular his Harvey House servers would be or maybe he did since he had definite rules and a contract in place. I love that Harvey Houses provided a safe place for young ladies to work since their options were rather limited. Grace Hitchcock has given us an entertaining story with interesting characters, humor and a few twists and surprises. It definitely shows that everyone isn’t to be trusted. I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the rest of the series.

When Sophia Fairfield is blindsided by a forced engagement with her father’s business partner, Prescott (a man widowed twice and well old enough to be her father), she begs her parents to change their minds, but to no avail. Prescott leaves on business and charges his stepson Carver with looking after Sophia.
As they spend more and more time together, they quickly develop feelings for one another. But she thinks Carver would be ruined if she tries to break her engagement with Prescott and marry Carver instead…so she runs away.
Fleeing her home in the dark of night and catching a train out west, Sophia heads to New Mexico to be a Harvey Girl, a respectable waitress at a trackside restaurant. Sophia has never had to work before, but she learns quickly, making friends and learning to stand on her own two feet.
Carver eventually finds Sophia, and they want to marry, but there are obstacles…including Prescott, a man who ALWAYS gets what he wants, no matter what - or who - is in his way. And he wants Sophia.
Can Sophia and Carver’s trust in the Lord be enough to bring them through the trials so they can be each other’s perfect match?
You’ll want to find out in The Finding of Miss Fairfield, a delightful, emotional, and suspenseful first-in-a-new-series by Grace Hitchcock. I’m already looking forward to Book 2!
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but my opinion is entirely my own.

This book was just ok for me. I thought the characters were a bit inconsistent and somewhat flat. I did however enjoy hearing about the Harvey Girls. That part of the book seemed well researched and it made me want to learn more about them.

This has been such a fun book to read. I loved following Sophia as she stepped out of her comfort zone to find happiness. How sad it was to know her father was willing to sacrifice her future in order to grow his business. As they say, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” That scripture fits this story so well. Sophia has always had the best of everything but it didn’t bring her joy. The thought of marrying a man twice her age was heartbreaking to her. I applaud her for venturing out and finding her independence.

Carver is a true gentleman who is honest and humble. I love how the author uses him to illustrate that treating others with respect are important. He is smitten with Sophia but there is a little matter of who her father has chosen to marry her that may cause problems for Carver. I enjoyed how Carver never gave up trying to find Sophia when she slips away from home.

I love reading about the Harvey Girls and how polished they must be at all times. Sophia has a lot to learn but I liked that she didn’t mind the hard work. I laughed at how much they were paid. No one could survive on that salary today. It surprised me how many young women wanted to be part of The Harvey Girls. Their reputation does demand respect however and that does help the women who want a better life for theirselves. Some of the women were not thrilled to have Sophia on the team and we see jealousy rears its ugly head. Such pettiness and pride was distasteful to read.

The author does include a great lesson on fear and trusting God. It can be hard to take that leap of faith, but when you do you you are set free. There are underhanded things that go on in the story which will show that forgiveness is necessary so no bitterness sets in. The ending is not what I expected so I wonder if my questions will be answered in a future book.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. My review is my own opinion.

A amazing story that is very atmospheric of the era. I loved it.
Many thanks to Valmont House Publishers and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I was thoroughly enjoying this book but things got busy and time ran out. I can hardly wait until I can get another copy so I can complete it.

Charming story of a woman taking her life into her own hands at a time, early 1900's , when women were expected to do as their fathers, brothers, or fiancés say. Even if they did not agree to be engaged to said "gentleman". Miss Fairfield runs away and reinvents herself. Then the heroine faces many obstacles which naiveté plays a major role as does greed, disrespect of women, and pure evil. Can she prevail in avoiding this ill-fated marriage? Can true love win? Can her faith in God's protection guide them all?

What a charming book! I loved how the setting was in Charleston, and then later New Mexico. Sophia is shocked that her parents have arranged a marriage for her, especially with a much older man who had survived 2 other wives. This helps out, or even saves, her parents financially. Meanwhile, her fiancee assigns Carter, his stepson, to keep Sophia entertained in his absence. Carter acts like Sophia wishes her own, chosen intended should, but, of course, this cannot be. She runs off to New Mexico and becomes a Harvey Girl. The high standards of this historical group were quite educational! I really enjoyed seeing Sophia blossom by depending on herself, especially when danger comes. I loved how the book includes this statement, '"Just when I think you can't possibly become more wonderful, you find a way!"'
I read this wonderful book, compliments of NetGalley and the publisher. My thoughts are my own.

Loved this book! Grace Hitchcock may be a favourite author! She writes great characters and a good steady moving plot! Also I've learned something about the western USA in 1899 from this book! Had no idea about the Harvey Girls. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read this! Can't wait for the sequel.

This was a charming and sweet novel that was a quick, easy read. I thoroughly enjoyed it although the stakes and drama could have been a little higher.

This book was a little slow at the beginning and I felt like I could've used some more tension earlier on in the novel between the hero and heroine. Otherwise, it was a cute, clean read if someone is looking for a light escape!

** Book is presented as fourth in printed column of the Collinwood Observer, along with other versions, one of which is the Euclid Observer, a paper which will come out in the month of December and will be free to readers in and around Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs. While the local news changes in the area my column remains the same. There are hundreds of pick up areas and stand alone paper boxes where readers will get a copy.

Tea Time With A Good Book
Only in December We Substitute With Hot Chocolate ;)
By Jeneane Vanderhoof

With so many great recommendations to close out the year, I wanted to keep them short and plentiful, for under the tree as a gift or a read for yourself on those silent, chilly nights wrapped in a blanket under the twinkling lights.

The Circus Train is a coming of age tale in a mystical, rich, circus, during World War II. It is a tale of strength, courage, love but most of all, endurance, perseverance and overcoming insurmountable, seemingly unwinnable odds. Next, for science fiction/ fantasy fans we turn to the writings of Nathan Traverse in A Fractured Infinity. Hayes Figueiredo, an unsuccessful movie maker, brought to the envisioner, a machine that can't be explained; not where it came from, how it works, even what it does. A complex, metaverse tale that wraps around your mind, not once, or twice but over and over and back to wrap again!

For fans of historical fiction, Philipia Gregory wraps up her series with the long awaited finale to the Fairmire Series with Dawnland. Livia is well, Livia, up to her old schemes. This time, however, her plans may well include royalty, up to, and including, the heir to the English throne. You won't want to miss this masterpiece. And those who want a writer with a strong pen when it comes to looking toward the Lord for strength, there is The Finding of Miss. Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock. Finally, for mystery lovers there is Coached Red Handed by Victoria Laurie. When Cat's client is murdered after a session in which she provided coaching advice she can't help but feel devastated, intent to catch who done it. An instant, new, favorite of mine!

For the Christmas book every reader must have this season, The Naughty or Nice Clause by Kate Callaghan. When Llyas dead father's toy factory is saved from bankruptcy, to appease her co-CEO Mr. Mason Klaus, she must travel to his family's magical wonderland for twelve days. A romance that will knock your stockings off their chimney hooks! Just don't let Santa catch you with this book, you may end up on his naughty list!

To all my readers, Please go to the online version of this article for a longer review, it's provided with more books for yourself and gifts for the holiday reader of all types and genres! Also, my Goodreads page, Jeneane Vanderhoof.

Happy Holidays and Happy Reading!

I’m willing to accept this as a HEA. That being said I did have some issues with the story. While I am thrilled that Sophia took the initiative to change her future her parents lack of understanding bothers me. I know this was the norm of the time, to basically be sold into marriage, but I don’t like that line of story. While the connection between Sophia and Carver was endearing the poetry references were a little over the top. I love that love conquers all but the adversity was a bit much.

I think I wasn’t quite in the right mood for this book, or I may have enjoyed it more. So, my review may emulate that.

This book definitely had some interesting historical facts, but at the same time I sometimes wondered how historically accurate it was. Some things just didn’t sound quite right for the time period, but I’m not a history nerd, so I can’t really say for sure. It was just that feeling of “this sounds too modern.”

Honestly there were a lot of characters in this book that just weren’t very good, or even outright bad, which kind of got exhausting. And I am getting tired of the abducting/attempting to rape and other similar tropes that this book was full of. I sometimes want to read a story where everyone is actually a decent person. Obviously, I knew Prescott wasn’t going to be good when I started
the book, but there were a lot of other bad and annoying characters besides him.

I did enjoy the Harley girls aspect. But most of the girls were kind of shallow, the I-just-want-to-find-a-rich-husband sort of girl.

Honestly, I think Carter was the best character, though at the start I was a little annoyed by how quickly he fell for Sophia. But in the end, he did grow on me as he became a stronger character.

For the most part the writing style was good though occasionally I found sentences that were rather clunky, or words used that didn’t really seem to fit very well.

Overall, if you’re a historical romance reader, you will probably enjoy this story as it has a few fun twists and unexpected turns.

*I would like to thank NetGalley and the author for a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

A new take on an old story...instead of consigning herself to the life her parents have chosen, our protagonist sets out on her own to forge her own path. Complete with real-life situations and drama, this is a story that really features the Harvey House girls and that industry. It will be interesting to see which of the girls is featured next and what her backstory truly is...

I did struggle to get into this book. The writing was great and the concept is great, I just prefer contemporary romances.

Do you ever read a book and think...why on earth did she not just LEAVE the situation? ! Well, in this book, you get to find out what happens when a woman removes herself from an engagement her family has arranged and strikes out on her own. No weepy heroines here, but instead in her new job at a Harvey House Hotel you get a well rounded group of women who can be kind, petty, mean, ambitious, generous, and foolish. Add in a conflicted hero and couple of real villains and some terrible parents and you have a great book for a weekend read.

The details of the Harvey House system take a center roll in part the book - I cannot imagine that exacting perfection in today's world. I would have liked to have seen some of the characters better developed, but as this is a series, I hope we get to learn a little more about some of the other Harvey House girls in the next book.

If you like Christian fiction with drama, true love and intrigue, this is the book for you! It portrays subject matter such as being true to yourself, trusting God and to follow your dreams. The first couple of paragraphs really grabbed my attention. I also found myself drawn to the main character, Sophia. She finds herself in a dire predicament and she's desperate for a way out. "I long to fly, but I am caught in a cage forged by society and propriety. I am only good for singing my despondent songs of things lost and only exist to entertain all that look upon me." Forced to marry Prescott, a man twice her age, Sophia's heart longs for adventure and true love. She would never imagine that she would be attracted to her soon to be stepson, Carver. Alas, they cannot pursue their relationship without causing a scandal and financial ruin for Sophia's family. Wonderful characters and a great setting makes this a fantastic book!