A sweet, Christian romance! This has the beginnings of a lovely new series of books about the ladies of Harvey Houses. The characters are well written and likeable, and it's a fun story. I look forward to the next book.

Sophia is a Charleston socialite that is promised in marriage to her father's much older partner to keep the family in business. She decides she doesn't love Prescott and won't marry him. He's called away on business and his step-son, Carver, steps in to escort her around. He's more her age and much more suitable. As the wedding nears, Sophia plans her escape - be becoming a server at a Harvey House in New Mexico - hops a train and takes off for adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

I wanted a good romance with an engaging storyline. The real-life Harvey Girls was a wonderful setting for the main character...a young woman with no working experience AND a run-away bride. No spoilers but this is a very "safe" book for young women and anyone wanting to just have a good time learning about the Harvey Girls of the US West.
The ending was a bit abrupt for me. I was thinking the author had several lines of characters to resolve in some manner but they are still hanging on the storyboard in my opinion.

Really loved reading this! Enjoyed the fast, exciting pacing if the story that just kept me turning the pages. The main character went through so much it was heartbreaking. Loved watching her character grow!

While this was a clean read, there are a few kisses, some of them forced by the antagonist who wants to "wed and bed" (actual term used in the book) the main character to grow his fortune.

I just reviewed The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock. #TheFindingofMissFairfield #NetGalley
This book was full of suspense and adventure! Once you think the story is finally coming to a happy conclusion, the floor is swept out from under you! Hold onto your seat, this book is quite the ride!

I'm not sure what it is, but I'm always drawn to stories about the Harvey Girls. This story was no different. The Finding of Miss Fairfield was an easy, quick read and will satisfy any historical fiction lover.

I liked Sophia because she absolutely refused to give in to her father's scheming to marry her off to a man old enough to be her father. Of course, the twist comes in that she meets Prescott's stepson, Carver, right as they're getting ready to announce the engagement.

Carver is immediately likable and it's clear he's nothing like his stepfather. As he watches over Sophia you can see his appreciation for her gumption and his desire to protect her. Unfortunately, since he doesn't make his intentions clear and society tells them how wrong their relationship would be she high tails it out of town to create a new life for herself.

And just in time, Sophia learns about Harvey Girls and sets off with the promise of a job. It's a bit amusing since she has no experience doing any kind of work since she comes from a wealthy family. It's sad though because of the competition of the ladies there vying for the various men's attention. There are misunderstandings which lead to even worse situations.

There's a Sheriff named Kane, and his connection to Carver is an interesting one. There are a number of things that happen in regards to him, and this was the one storyline that I disliked in this story. He's a rather despicable character and it's known by several other characters, yet the direction they move in is baffling to me. I don't want to give things away, but I was very disappointed in the choices others made even knowing his character.

A lot was predictable in the story, but if you're a history buff, you'll certainly enjoy this story!

Not one, not two, but THREE villains! 😱
I adore a good Harvey House story. Reading about the historic restaurant is a topic that fascinates me and The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Apron & Veils book #1 set in New Mexico, 1899, was no different. I always appreciate the faith elements that elevate a story and Grace Hitchcock does a wonderful job weaving them into her stories.
Favorite Quote: “Even the devil can quote scripture to suit his purposes.”

In her challenging escape, Sophia grows in courage and gumption and I quite liked her character and that of the kindly Carver Ashton. He is not the perfect hero, but that made him all the more real. Carver disliked Earl Grey tea. RESPECT! I can’t stand that perfumed-tasting stuff! Blegh!

I look forward to the next installment, The Pursuit of Miss Parish coming May, 2023.

Other Quotes I enjoyed:
2. “Lord, give me direction. Send me someone else! Or give me a way out of this marriage.”
3. “To borrow a line from Keats, ‘I love you the more in that I believe you have liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.’”
4. “And you should include a little tea salon where the husbands or wives… can take their refreshments and also have a wall of only the best novels to entice them to linger and order cup after cup of expensive tea!”
5. “…when I come to New Orleans to see your shop, I will want to take tea and order a stack of books.”
6. A birdcage with a tiny gold finch caught her eye. She paused at the window display, her fingers splaying against the cool glass. “I know how you feel,” she whispered.
7. “You are essentially having tea with your sugar.” Life is short, and let’s be honest, tea is better with sugar, especially when it smells rather medicinal in nature.”
8. Jenny sighed. “And this is the part where I fear we might lose any new Harvey Girl. The bowls of water deters scorpions from climbing into our beds.” Sophia’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” “Scorpions.”

I am honored to have been chosen to be on the Launch Team. Thank you Grace.
I read this eBook without compensation or expectation. All opinions are mine alone. 4 Stars.

Reviewed on my blog, Goodreads & B&N, shared on my Pinterest & FB, pending for Amazon & Kobo.

I was enthralled with this book! I read it on one day because I couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters. There was intrigue, adventure, and the heroine found her independence throughout the story. My favorite quote:

“Willing ? I jumped off a train for you, Mr. Ashton. I am more than willing to be your bride.”

Don't hesitate to add this book to your cart today!

I read an advanced copy; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

What an amazing start to a new series by Grace Hitchcock!

The Finding of Miss Fairfield will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride, to be sure. Grace Hitchcock weaves together a tale filled with heartache, betrayal, true love, fantastic friendships, and so much more! I'm rather (im)patiently awaiting the second novel in this series!

If you love novels by Rachel Fordham or Tamera Alexander, I'm confident you'll love The Finding of Miss Fairfield as well!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

How would you react if your parents decided to have you marry a man twice your age without your knowledge? I’d want to do what Sophia Fairfield did and run! I truly admired her and the courage it took to escape.

The inner workings of the lavish Castaneda Hotel, its restaurant, and the Harvey Girls was very interesting. I not only enjoyed learning about them through Sophia’s experiences, but also feeling like you were one of the girls too. I am glad I got to experience it through the story without having to actually be a waitress!

Some stories have one villain, but we are treated to two despicable men. I couldn’t decide which one I despised more. I am glad that Sophia had a champion in Carver Ashton. He risked everything for her, and that showed his love in the most wonderful of ways.

Seeing Sophia’s fears disappear as she trusts God and strikes out on her own was so rewarding. Her transformation was delightful to read. This is the first book in the Aprons and Veils, so it will be fun to see what other Harvey Girls will find love.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A very well written historical romance. This book has well developed plot and characters. I recommend this book. My thanks to the publisher for my advance ebook. This is my unbiased review

The Finding of Miss Fairfield by Grace Hitchcock is the first in the Aprons & Veils series. Sophia has been told she is marrying a man twice her age by her father for business reasons . His stepson, Carver, is in charge of taking care of her while he is away. Sophia knows she can not live the life that is planned for her, and Carter is someone she wished she had met first.

Carver is a wonderful hero who you love rooting for. Sophia is such an interesting character who has to decide what she wants in life, if she is willing to take risks, and what she will do to make her life happen. It was a pleasure to watch her grow and change in this character driven story.

This charming read takes us from Charleston, South Carolina, to Las Vegas Mexico and back to New Orleans. I enjoyed learning about the Harvey Girls, traveling across the country by train, and about women living in 1899. The author has written a delightful read with a touch of mystery and intrigue. I enjoyed this story and recommend it.

I was given a copy by the publisher and not required to write a positive review.

What a fun story! I enjoyed this historical romance that has danger and bad guys to contend with. Sophia and Carver are wonderful characters and there's a fine cast of supporting characters to round out the story. I really loved how Sophia grows over the course of the story and how brave and strong she becomes when she has to fight back against the bad guys. The ending is quite exciting, and perfect for the story. I am looking forward to more of this series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

The Finding of Miss Fairfield is an adventurous historical romance that's quite enjoyable! Sophia Fairfield is determined to escape an arranged marriage with a man old enough to be her father and show her family that she's capable of more than they ever thought possible. When her intended asks his stepson to watch over Sophia while he's out of town, more than he anticipates occurs between the two of them. Much more suited to her age and personality, Sophia and Carver begin a friendship that could obviously become more. The two must balance societal expectations while realizing they are beginning to have feelings for one another.

I really appreciated much about this story! Sophia's fears of disappointing her parents as well as those around her. But it was a lovely surprise when she takes her future into her own hands and goes where she only has God to lean on. I also enjoyed Carver and his desire to keep Sophia's reputation intact, but also desiring a relationship with her. Their growing friendship to more makes for a very fun read! There are many twists and turns and much adventure in this story to keep a reader turning pages!

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

The plot was interesting and I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of the Harvey girls. I liked how Sophia took the chance to run away and in doing so was able to grow confidence. Unfortunately there were a few things I felt the book needed and some things the book didn’t need. The book felt rushed, especially Sophia’s and Carver’s relationship. I was bothered by the people that were in Sophia’s life, specifically her family and her so called friends. I wish we got to see their change of heart and at least an apology for the drama that happened towards the end of the book. It was an alright read. I didn’t hate it but I wasn’t amazed by it either.

Thank you NetGalley and Valmont House Publishers for letting me read the advanced copy of the book in an exchange for a review. All the opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

I enjoyed a previous book by Grace Hitchcock so I knew I'd love The Finding of Miss Fairfield just as much. I loved how Sophia is a strong woman of her time who decides to take a stand on what she wants in her life (even if that means running away to start a new life) and how Carver loves her enough to search for her. This is a sweet romance with a little fun and adventure. If you like clean Christian historical romance I think this is just the book for you!

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Publishes 29 August 2022

This was the first book I have read regarding the Harvey girls. Such a sweet historical romance complete with faith and depending on God.

All words and opinions are my own. I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest review.

I found this book to be wholesome, fulfilling and enjoyable. It's like a nourishing and satisfying oatmeal breakfast, with a dash of cinnamon. Yum! After reading several thrillers and horror novels this month, I needed a Christian fiction palate cleanser, and this book suited perfectly. It was a sweet, easy read.

At the beginning, I didn't think I would enjoy the story as much as I did. It started with your typical historical fiction romance storyline. The dutiful daughter that is told she must marry an older man, the younger off-limits man whom she wants to marry, and the uptight best friend that encourages her to be faithful to her family and do her duty. Same old, same old...

But, then the story took a quick turn. Our heroine, Sophia, runs away from her family and heads to the New Mexican frontier to become a Harvey Girl. This is where the story gets interesting. I have traveled extensively in New Mexico, and love the state and its culture. So, give me any historical fiction story set in New Mexico, and I'm intrigued. Adding the storyline of the Harvey Girls just made the story that much more interesting.

I found myself really liking the main characters, Sophia and Carver, and rooting for their love story. Will this book end up being memorable, or will it wind up sloshed in the back of my mind with all of the other Christian fiction books I have read? I don't know.. time will tell. But, for now, I finished the book feeling happy, fulfilled, and uplifted. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of this book. I'm happy to have given my honest review!

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4894042564

The Finding Of Miss Fairfield is a fun and light read. I enjoyed the romp from Charleston to New Mexico and finally ending in New Orleans. I loved learning about the Harvey Girls in this romantic tale of a young lady fleeing from an arranged marriage into falling in love with her fiancée's stepson. The second half of the book is my favorite. I look forward to reading the entire series.
*I was given a copy of this book by the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Grace Hitchcock writes with a touch of humor in her novels that engages the readers from the very first page. In writing The Finding of Miss Fairfield, she has given her characters what seem to be insurmountable obstacles to finding happiness.
Sophia Fairfield finds herself pushed to the wall in that her father has given her away to be married to a man who is old enough to be her father. In her desperation, she takes a position as a Harvey Girl in Las Vegas, New Mexico. She leaves without telling her family or friends where she is. Before she left her home, she had become acquainted with the stepson of the man she was supposed to marry. They developed feelings for each other and it hurt them both when she left with no word of warning. Her father was adamant that she marry his business partner, and she was just as adamant that she not marry him.

The book is full of bad guys, ne'er-do-wells, vindictive women, and some generally sleazy people, all of which add up to a light read without having to overthink the plot. The setting of the novel is well defined and easy to imagine. Grace has done her research into the Harvey Houses and the Harvey Girls who worked in them. Harvey Girls were exemplary waitresses who worked hard and were rewarded with a princely sum of $17.50 per month plus room, board, and tips. The work was exacting and needed to be done as efficiently as possible. There was no wiggle room for error.

Overall, this is an enjoyable book for a lazy afternoon read. Four Stars.

Valmont House Publishers provided the copy I read for this review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

Page-turning New Series!

This first book in author Grace Hitchcock’s new Aprons and Veils series grabbed me from the first scene and didn’t let go! I read with much interest how Sophia Fairfield, a sweet and overlooked daughter of Charleston society, would deal with her impending arranged marriage to a man of her father’s choosing. Carver Ashton was such an admirable and pleasing hero and a wonderful match for Sophia. I was riveted to the pages to find out how these two could possibly get to a happy ending for themselves. I love it when I learn some new things from a book and having only heard of the Harvey Girls, this book gave great background information on who they were, where they worked, and what their daily lives were like. The supporting characters ran the gamut of personalities from sweet friend to dangerous villain and made for captivating reading. A Bible verse (2 Timothy 1:7) was highlighted in the opening pages and was the basis for a subtle and beautiful faith theme of trusting God to help face one’s fears. This book had it all: great dialogue, page-turning action, danger, sigh-worthy romance and an inspiring message. Can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

I received an advanced review copy from the author via the publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.