Wednesday, July 6, 2011

On My Nightstand - An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

Lucy Scarpelli and her family learn they must move from the tenement they've called home for many years. The crisis turns into a blessing when she meets a gentleman, who has an apartment to rent. When he learns Lucy, her Mom, and sister are seamstresses, he hires them to work in Madame Moreau's dress shop.

Rowena Langdon, a rich but handicapped young woman, comes into the shop for a new wardrobe. Lucy's heart goes out to her, and she designs a special outfit to minimize her problems.

A friendship developes between the two women, and Lucy is asked to join the Langdon's at their summer home in Newport, R.I. The weeks in Newport bring opportunity, love, sacrifice, and growth to both of them.

This is the first book I've read by Nancy Moser. I picked it up as a result of reading her blog Footnotes: Novel Inspirations From History, which she co-authors with Stephanie Grace Whitson. (You can find the link on my blogroll.) She described her research on Newport in a post that I highlighted in one of my Friday Round-Ups.

Since I've been to Newport several times, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cliff Walk and the "summer cottages." Although I figured out all but one of the love interests, I enjoyed the ride.

I'm glad I found this author and her books. I'll be reading more of them.

How do you generally discover new-to-you authors? Blogs? Book reviews?

14 comments:

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. this sounds like an inspirational read .. particularly bringing in the handicap and minimising its impact .. and your description shows life .. "The weeks in Newport bring opportunity, love, sacrifice, and growth to both of them."

The way we travel that path ahead of us .. thanks - Hilary

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Thanks Susan. Blogging has surely helped to discover new authors, reviews and books, I enjoy recommendations, sometimes it is just a cover that keeps popping up.
And yes, I love it too when I recognize a certain area in a book. That happened to me with Bill Meyers'book Eli, which is situated in the part of California where I lived at that moment.

Rhonda Schrock said...

Good question. You know what? It's often at the library. I had to think about this for a bit. Blogs, too, but I browse the "new" section at the library almost exclusively and find it to be a goldmine.

Keep us posted on your new collaboration with our other friend, Miss K.L.

Jessica Nelson said...

I discover new authors from the library or by winning their books somehow. I rarely buy a new author. Thanks for the review.
Oh, something funky is going on with the top of your posts. The top of the book and your first sentences are cut off. ???

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary -

Yes, the author did a great job with that aspect of the story. I think you'd enjoy it very much.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja -

Perhaps you could do a review on Eli. I've never heard of it before. :)

Blogs are a huge source of book information for me. I like to know what I'm purchasing before I go into a bookstore.

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

I love the library but find it hard to get there due to time constraints.

Karen and I will be doing periodic updates on our writing collaboration. At the moment, we're up to our ears in editing and preparing a one sheet for the upcoming conference.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Oh no, not again! If you recently upgraded your browser, you may need to check on compatibility view, which allows you to view older versions.

Another way to see the post is to click on "Show Original Post" in the comments section.

Sorry for the difficulties.

Blessings,
Susan

Kristen said...

Oh, so many authors! So many books to read!!
Often times I find new authors when I hear them speak at conferences, or recommendations by friends. There's nothing like seeing an author excited about writing/or seeing a friend excited about this great new read, to make you want to join the journey.
Thanks, Susan.
Hope your day is swell!
Kristen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

I've connected with a number of authors through conferences, writing workshops, and recommendations from friends. They're all excellent sources.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

Would love to read this one! The cover is so appealing, and the story sounds great. I've read a few by Nancy, and enjoyed them. Thanks for the review!
Blessings,
Karen

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

Thanks for the thumbs up on this author. I'll be checking out her other books.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane Estrella said...

I really enjoyed this book too. There were some surprises and I think a little too happily ever after, but I'd rather have too happy an ending then a disappointment. :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

I enjoyed the book, but I know what you mean about a "little too happily ever after." At least it had a satisfying ending.

Blessings,
Susan :)