MY REVIEW:
As a long-time reader of every author in this collection, I was thankful to be receive complimentary copies and the opportunity to review this excellent anthology of novellas. Each story features a Harvey Girl who works at one of the famous Harvey House restaurant stops along the railroad west. In addition to different characters, the Harvey House in each novella has a different location and/or time frame.
I have previously enjoyed historical novels about the Harvey girls and loved reading more about them. For some reason this aspect of our nation’s history was fascinating to me and it was a treat to learn more about this era of our history. Because of the short format of each novella, I will not attempt to describe each one.
Each of the authors are favorites of mine and I found that each story completely met my expectations. Despite the short length, each author expertly condensed their tale without taking away from its enjoyment. Characters were portrayed in a manner that made me care about each of them and the plots were developed nicely with just the perfect amount of action, suspense, humor, and romance that was necessary. Each story also included a touch of faith that made it more meaningful to me.
I thoroughly enjoyed Serving Up Love and recommend it to all who enjoy historical fiction. If you are not familiar with these authors, this book would be an excellent introduction to their work.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Jen Turano, Regina Jennings and Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
On the Menu for These Ladies?
Adventure, Independence, and a Big Serving of Romance!
A storied part of American history, Harvey Houses offered women a unique chance to gain independence and see amazing parts of this great country. Celebrated historical romance writers Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano offer four fun, romantic tales of Harvey girls whose western adventures lead to love.
Tracie Peterson – A Flood of Love
Returning home to New Mexico for the first time in years to fill in at the Harvey House, Gretchen Gottsacker is sure the past is behind her. But nothing can be that simple. When the man she loved long ago steps back into her life–with a daughter, no less–will she ever be the same?
Karen Witemeyer – More Than a Pretty Face
Rosalind Kemp becomes a Harvey Girl, clinging to the promise of one day transferring even farther west, someplace her youthful indiscretion won’t catch up to her. But the past is hard to escape, and when the worst occurs, will anyone stand up for her?
Regina Jennings – Intrigue a la Mode
When Willow Kentworth is warned that strange things are happening in the rail yard after dark, she never intends to get involved. That is, until a handsome new employee at the Harvey House–who has secrets of his own–needs her assistance.
Jen Turano – A Grand Encounter
After her fiancé abandons her, Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn flees New York’s pity for a position at the El Tovar Hotel on the rim of the Grand Canyon. She’s determined to hold fast to her life of independence–but a rugged, frequent guest of the hotel makes that vow difficult to uphold.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
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Regina Jennings is a graduate of Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in English and a minor in history. She’s the winner of the National Readers’ Choice Award, a two-time Golden Quill finalist and a finalist for the Oklahoma Book of the Year Award. Regina has worked at the Mustang News and at First Baptist Church of Mustang, along with time at the Oklahoma National Stockyards and various livestock shows. She lives outside of Oklahoma City with her husband and four children and can be found online at www.reginajennings.com. |
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Jen Turano, the USA Today bestselling author of eleven books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com. |
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Winner of the HOLT Medallion and the Carol Award and a finalist for the RITA and Christy Award, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer writes historical romance to give the world more happily-ever-afters. Karen makes her home in Texas, with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at www.karenwitemeyer.com. |
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Tracie Peterson (www.traciepeterson.com) is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 100 novels. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana. |
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