Friday, August 3, 2012

On My Nightstand - Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke



When Maureen O'Reilly's mother dies, her aunt insists she take her sister and move to America. A letter from an old friend of their father promises a start in the new world. 

Her hopes are dashed when she discovers that the old friend has died, and the family disavows any knowledge of the promise. Olivia Wakefield, the daughter, decides to honor her father's commitment even though her family disapproves.

Maureen finds a job at a high-class department store. Women begin disappearing, and she wonders if she hasn't stepped from the proverbial frying pan into the fire. When several people offer their assistance, her trust issues make it difficult to accept.

Cathy Gohlke hits the target with her latest book. She has a way of putting a face to historical issues. Intricate family and friend relationships drive the story forward, and the decisions made can open the doors to love or slam them shut forever.

The author has a wonderful talent for creating realistic characters and situations. Their actions were always understandable even when I groaned at some of their choices.

I highly recommend this panoramic view of an female immigrant's life in the big city. If you want to see first-class writing, read Cathy's novels.

Disclaimer: The author provided an Advanced Reader Copy. As always, the opinions expressed are completely mine, and I received no payment for this review.




 

11 comments:

Dorothy said...

Sounds like my kind of book. I'm always on the look out for immigrant stories. Thanks for sharing, Susan.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings
Dotti :)

Sarah Forgrave said...

I keep hearing great things about Cathy's writing. Thanks for the recommendation, Susan!

Have a great weekend!

Rhonda Schrock said...

Thanks, Susan. Sounds like there's mystery involved, which is the hook that will get this voracious reader. :)

Happy weekend!

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Susan, thanks for this review. I absolutely LOVE the cover, hope the story is as good as my first impression ;)

quietspirit said...

This sounds very intriguing. Thanks for sharing.

Karen Lange said...

I enjoyed this book too. Wishing Cathy the best for success upon its release!

Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Dotti - You'd not only enjoy this book, but Cathy's book, Promise Me This. It's also an immigrant story and relates to the Titanic.

Hi Sarah - She's won a couple of Christy Awards for her books.

Hi Rhonda - Yes, there's definitely a mystery.

Hi Marja - I've been drawn to Cathy's books from the day I met her at a book signing. She's always delivered.

Hi Quiet Spirit - You're welcome.

Hi Karen - Thanks for the thumbs up. I know you're a big Cathy Gohlke fan too.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Cathy Gohlke said...

So glad you enjoyed "Band of Sisters," Susan!

God's blessings for you!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for stopping by! I sure hope you have another book in the wings. I can't get enough Cathy Gohlke books!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane Estrella said...

I had seen this book and wondered about it. Thanks for your thoughts on this new author to me. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

This is Cathy's 4th book. Two of them won Christy Awards. She's a fabulous writer.

Blessings,
Susan :)