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The Undercover Heiress of Brockton is a beautifully written, period sensitive fiction centered around a massive explosion at a shoe factory. It also tells the tale of an independent, adventurous heiress with a gift for writing. She has to work around the establishment of the time however, who thought that women could only handle writing what we would call 'fluff' articles. This was utterly unacceptable for Etta, so she found an ally who was willing to work with her and take a chance.

We also meet a winning firefighter and his family, who not only are first on the scene post-blast, but there's budding romance between Etta and Leo. The question is, will it be an acceptable societal match? You'll need to read the book to find out.

Deeply moving, well-told, and well-paced, The Undercover Heiress of Brockton is a worthy read for your summer historical fiction.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

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A tender historical romance set against the backdrop of real events in early 1900's America.

As a newspaper reporter, an unusual profession for a woman at the time, "Etta" in put into a precarious position; she handles it in a unique way. The author does a good job of working the social norms of the time into her character's dilemma. The brave firefighters and what they faced daily also shines out in Leo and his family who have worked for generations as first responders. The community rallying around each other was inspirational too.

Between the crisis of the disaster and relationship issues, the story contains many faith-filled moments as the characters pray for guidance and look to God for hope. I enjoyed the tender romance that develops, with all of its bumps and bruises along the way. The sighworthy ending was lovely.

Recommend for readers who enjoy inspirational historical romances with real history. Should be fine for teens and up. 4.5 stars

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As an historical fiction enthusiast, I found this book very interesting and found it covered well the issue. From the first page, I was drawn into the life of Etta and her desire to be a female reporter in a male dominated world. I also learned much of life in Brocton, MA. I found The Undercover Heiress of Brockton easy flowing, educational and left me wanted more.

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I need to start with a disclaimer about The Undercover Heiress of Brockton Hall. Kelly Goshorn is one of my closest friends and my writing partner. This means I saw this book when it was barely a couple of chapters written as a proof of concept.

The finished, published version is a long way from those fledgling first few chapters. But some things remain. I am blessed to have Kelly as my writing partner – she’s a beautiful writer. Her stories are carefully thought out and meticulously researched. She prays over the spiritual parts of the story and works extremely hard to encourage and point readers to God.

So if that sort of book is your thing, you’ll love this one. Set against the backdrop of a terrible industrial explosion, this story features society heiress Etta Maxwell. Ellas is hiding her identity to serve as an investigative reporter, a role not suited to a woman. When an explosive tragedy hits the Grover Shoe Factory and its impact affects most families in the town, Etta works with firefighter Leo Ericksson to uncover the truth.

As their cause intensifies, so do their feelings, but the two are from very different sides of the tracks and perhaps won’t ever fit in each other’s worlds. While Etta and Leo’s stories are fictional, the Grover Shoe Factory disaster is a real life event and is treated sensitively here. If you enjoy clever and moving historical romances, this one comes highly recommended.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and bought my own paperback, and the views are my own.

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The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly Goshorn is the second book in the Enduring Hope series. Each novel in the series is written by a different author, so it is not necessary to read the first book in the series to enjoy Etta and Leo’s story. This faith filled story of the aftermath of a boiler disaster is based on a real historical event and contains family drama, mystery, and action.
Through the character of Etta, Goshorn explores the difficulties that a woman who wanted to be a journalist would face in Massachusetts during the early 1900s. Leo and his family are a testament to the dedication required to be firefighters. Even though they are from different worlds, can they remain friends or more?
If you enjoy stories with strong female characters and slow burn romance, add The Undercover Heiress of Brockton to your to be read pile. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, the publisher for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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In 1905, Henrietta masquerades as a man to succeed as an investigative journalist. That gives her a unique perspective on men. They require fewer words and emotions. They don’t have expectations when spending time together. They cut to the chase. Henrietta also had to acquire men’s mannerisms and act like a man. She seemed more comfortable in disguise than as a society woman.
Fireman Leo discovers her real identity and provides her with insight into the explosion at a shoe factory. He likes her, but they’re not in the same income bracket. Between that and her often being in disguise, they have a difficult time deepening a relationship.
I didn’t feel totally engaged with Henrietta. It’s a nice story, but I could put the book down and forget to continue reading.

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This novel is a romance set in 1905 in Brockton, Massachusetts. Henrietta wants to be an investigative journalist but is only allowed to do so under the name Henry Mason. When she's investigating, she wears men's clothing and acts like a man...and worries she'll make some slip that gives away her cross-dressing. (Like the fact she wears the very same, thick glasses in both disguises? No one notices that, though!) While investigating a potential serial arson case, Leo discovers her true identity. They decide to work together, but then a boiler explosion at the Grover shoe factory causes it to catch fire. Leo and his firefighting family help the rescue efforts, but the fire spreads too fast to save everyone. Leo and Etta work the disaster and then help those affected by the disaster.

The somewhat bumbling romance was enjoyable enough until both Etta and Leo refused to listen to or forgive each other. Someone figured out who Etta was and revealed her, and she decided it had to be Leo. She just accused him and refused to talk with him. He wondered if he ever knew the real Etta and held tight to his hurt at her lack of trust. His family told him that he needed to forgive her, but it seemed too big a rift to heal. But both decided they couldn't live without the (imagined person) they loved and jumped into marriage rather than actually getting to know each other. Sigh.

The characters were generally likable, and the descriptions of the fire and aftermath were interesting. Etta as a male reporter was very fun to watch as she did a wonderful job. So it made no sense that, one time, she arrived at the news office more than an hour ahead of deadline but neglected to tell her boss that she had a story until after the deadline (therefore setting up a conflict with another reporter). Also, I found Leo a little annoying with his double standards. Like he didn't want a brother to get caught in the fire during the rescue but seemed to want to die heroically saving people. He felt that Etta, as a woman, ought to put more emotion into her very factual and accurate news stories. At least he was supportive of her work as a journalist. There was no sex or bad language.

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The Undercover Heiress of Brockton by Kelly Goshorn is a beautifully crafted historical novel that swept me into its world from the very first page. Set in 1905, the story is rich with period detail, yet never feels bogged down by it. Goshorn does a wonderful job weaving fact into fiction with a light touch.

At the heart of the book is Etta Maxwell, a protagonist who felt so real and relatable that I found myself deeply connected to her journey. As a woman who once worked in the newspaper industry, her challenges resonated with me, and I appreciated Goshorn taking the time to develop a nuanced portrayal of women in journalism at a time when their voices were often sidelined.

The true events surrounding the 1905 Grover Shoe Factory explosion added a layer of depth and emotional tugs. Those chapters in particular were un-put-downable.

The love story between Etta and Leo Erikkson was also sweet and well done. Ten out of ten, would recommend 😊

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This book was a real page turner with a storyline that captivated me right from the start. The characters were well shaped and relatable in their struggles (especially when it's your younger brother stealing your bacon). I really enjoy historical books and found the inclusion of accurate historical detail really helped shape the story and was matched with the excellent descriptions leaving me feeling like I had been there.

Etta is an unconventional heiress who wants to live her life differently to what society expects from her. Unfortunately society isn't ready for her forward thinking so she takes on the disguise of Henry Mason to carry out her much loved reporter job. When she collides head on with someone who works out who her disguise really is she is forced to trust them with that information - and maybe spending a little bit of time with the handsome firefighter, Leo, won't hurt her either. Following an explosion at the local factory they both end up working alongside each other in their quest to find out what happened and to discover what is happening between them too. But will they be able to continue working together once it is made public who Henry Mason really is?

I loved the clear storyline that not only fed us lots of events but also showed us the importance of integrity and honesty within the characters. The interactions of Leo's family were so relatable and I laughed at the ribbing they gave each other. Etta was a complex character full of dreams far ahead of her time and I loved that those who knew her allowed her to acknowledge those dreams and include them in her future. This is a story I have greatly enjoyed and I look forward to more in the series. 5 stars.

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The Undercover Heiress of Brockton is a novel based on actual events that took place in the early 1900's. Heiress Henrietta Maxwell is posing as Henry Mason in order to get her stories printed in the local newspaper. When the Grover shoe factory boiler explodes Henrietta is a witness to the aftermath and assists with creating a list of those seeking medical attention. Working closely with the fire department, she tries ascertain whether it is a tragic accident or arson that caused the explosion.
The story moves along at a steady pace and kept me entranced from page to page. The characters are so realistic and have their flaws, as we all do. Henrietta seems to be quite ahead of her time with progressive ideas and also has a gift for organization and raising funds to assist others. Leo whole family, as firefighters, are always serving others. In the face of tragedy the characters show strength, peace, hope and forgiveness through their trust in and dependence on God.

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I am learning so much through this series of historical novels. Events that I've never heard of.
It's such a shame that we have to learn the hard way when something bad happens and it brings a community together to help one another and draw us closer to each other. I wished it didn't happen like that.
I enjoyed in getting to know Etta and Leo. They really cracked me up! And sometimes they even made want to shake them sometimes until they woke up! Such stubbornness!!
I'm so glad that I was able to grab this novel at the last minute. I learned a lot through this new to me author. She did a fantastic job in bringing these wonderful characters to life. And I love fact mixed with fiction. That to me, is what makes a good story.
I enjoyed reading about the early fire department in Brockton, Ma. Compared to today's I wonder how much time it took to hitch all those horses up and get everything ready?
I loved the slow burn romance and the hope that was offered in this book. It was what kept me turning the pages more than anything.
That's why I said stubborn early on.
I do want to say that Forgiveness is a very important thing in this story.
Gunnar Leo's brother mentions it to Leo. "If you don't forgive someone it will fester inside your mind and turn you into a bitter old man. She'll eventually figure it out for herself Leo."
I think Gunnar was wise beyond his years don't ya think? You'll just have to read this awesome novel to find out!!
Love knows no bounds no matter where you come from. If it's meant to be it will happen no matter what.
Love is a gift that is freely given. That's what I loved about this novel.
All in all a win win for me. I'm giving this story 5 stars for a well researched event and the wonderful writing that followed. I highly recommend this series.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

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This story is filled with a historical tragic that took place at the Grover Shoe Factory in Brockton, MA in 1905. The heroine comes from wealth but desires to be a journalist, thus leading her move to Brockton. As a journalist she must use a pen name, which she desired to change with her investigating skills with a fireman to all the recent fires. There’s so much packed into the story from the historical aspects of the tragic and city, challenges of the times, inspiration, strong and flawed characters with a budding romance that seemed impossible with Etta being an Heiress but desire to help the less fortunate.

I read an ARC early e-copy of this book via Netgalley and Barbour Publisher. I shared my own thoughts.

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This is an interesting read. The story is set around the historical Grover Shoe Factory where many lost their lives, but many also escaped.
To fit into the time frame, a wealthy young woman whose calling is reporting must disguise herself as a man to work the job. It was really not so long ago that women were told their only place was on the home as a mother. We must not take progress for granted.
Enter a handsome firefighter and the sparks will fly.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

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I was interested in this book because I grew up near Brockton, and the city was a huge part of my childhood. I was not disappointed. While so much was familiar, I still learned a great deal about this interesting piece of history that had ripple effects nationwide.
The author did her research well. The Brockton Enterprise, Nantasket Beach, and many Boston landmarks played prominent roles in this story and brought back many memories for me. The details of the shoe factory explosion itself were not familiar to me, but I enjoyed learning about this mostly unknown tragedy. The firefighters were highlighted, as they should be, for bravery despite overwhelming odds. Leo and Etta were well developed characters that were easy to picture and follow through the story. Etta is especially strong, an unconventional woman ahead of her time and a leader that changes society for the better.
Even if you are not familiar with Brockton, it is a fascinating look at a time past when things were very different, and yet not so different. People are still people, and today disaster serves to bring us together more than tear us apart just as it did back then. “The loss of life from any disaster is not borne by one man alone.”
Take a highly interesting historical event, add a little romance, a dash of mystery, and a distinctly Christian view with realistic characters, and you have a recipe for success. Don’t miss this one!
*I received a complimentary copy of this e-book from the publisher and author through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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A delightful story that focuses on Journalist Henry Mason, Henrietta Maxwell, the Eriksson men and the disaster at the R. B. Grover & Company. You will definitely want to read The Undercover Heiress of Brockton to find out how Kelly J. Groshorn weaves these characters in this outstanding book. I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.

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Based on a true event, the 1905 steam-boiler explosion at the Grover shoe factory in Brockton, Massachusetts, "The Undercover Heiress of Brockton" by Kelly J. Goshorn wove a tragic story with hope, inspiration, and romance. I was unfamiliar with this event, yet Goshorn used her novel to show the details of such a tragedy and created characters that were relatable, compassionate, and heroic. Romance was a strong undercurrent in the plot as well.

Posing as a man in order to follow her dream of being a reporter, Etta, an heiress, rekindles her acquaintance with firefighter Leo. Their lives become intertwined following the explosion and ensuing investigation. As romance grows, so does the risk of Etta being exposed as a female. Can Leo accept Etta desiring to work in a man's world? Can Etta being from a different social class accept Leo's romantic interest?

Releases Aug. 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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3.75-4 Stars
Mostly 3.75 stars but 4 Stars for the last 2 hrs or so.
Overall, a nice storyline, a little different. I appreciate the Christian themes running through this book. A few quotes that I found spoke to me:-
"If God intended them to be joined as husband & wife, He'd either provide a way for her to be a journalist and a mother, or He'd change the desires of her heart." I think this can be true of anything in our lives. God will either provide a way for us to have our dreams, or He'd change our desires/dreams to be in line with His.
"It was all in the hands of the one who held their future........................................" We need to commit everything to God, and trust that he knows what's best for us.
"Embrace who He has made you to be so your gifts can glorify the Giver." Think this speaks for itself.
Whilst not a page turner for me, until later on in the book, it was a good read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity of reading this book, the review is all my own undertaking..

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This is the first book that I have read from this author and won't be the last. This story tells about a real life tragedy along with fictional characters. The story is set in 1905 in Brockton, Massachusetts when a boiler explosion caused the Grover Shoe Company to catch fire and collapse. The main characters are Etta and Leo, along with all the wonderful secondary characters. Etta wants to be a journalist with her real name attached to her stories, instead she has to dress like a man and use a man's name to get her stories in the paper. Leo is a firefighter and discovers who Etta is but promises to keep her secret. With each of them doing their part to help all that they can with the tragedy, somehow a person lets the cat out of the bag as to who Etta really is. How will this affect the budding relationship between them, and who leaked the information? I really loved how this storyline played out. It took factual events and intertwined a slow burn romance into an amazing story. I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an early copy of this book. All opinions expressed are what I thought of the book.

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This read has a lot pack into it, from impersonation, arson, factories blowing up, and add in some sweet romance.
We are give a young women, and heiress, but she lives with everyday people, and has a big heart along with gifting to those in need. She also had a hidden identity, because women really can't be news reports, only fluff stuff!
As we meet our girl Etta, she is experiencing a fall, and at the same time we meet Leo, a firefighter, what a catch.
There are some nefarious happenings, and on top of that a disgruntled reported causes havoc in their lives.
You never know what will happen next! I loved the epilogue!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

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THE UNDERCOVER HEIRESS OF BROCKTON by KELLY J GOSHORN is the heartwarming story of two people of different social status joining together to help those affected by the horrific fire at the Grover Shoe Company in Brockton.in 1905. When firefighter Leo Erikson dances with heiress Henrietta Maxwell at the annual firefighters’ ball, although sparks fly, neither of them know what good friends they will become or just how much they have in common with their desire to help those in need as well as a shared faith in God. When Etta literally drops out of a tree on top of Leo, dressed in men’s clothing, with a skewed false eyebrow, he realizes that she is also a reporter for rhe Enterprise called Henry Mason ………
I love their sweet relationship, the ragging and support Leo gets from his firefighter father and brothers, and Etta’s determination to succeed in a man’s world.
There is heartache and betrayal, and of course the unavoidable hint of scandal…….
This is an emotional story told against the backdrop of heartbreaking loss.
I highly recommend the novel as a most enjoyable and inspirational read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

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