Review of eBook

When Roberta finds a significant discrepancy with the garment factory books, she asks Bob Brown to come to meet with her. Although reluctant to bring this to the factory owner’s attention, she knows she has no choice since it was her responsibility.

When Bob Brown comes for the meeting, his condescending manner frustrates Roberta. But when he admits something Robert had suspected was true, he makes a veiled threat and storms out.

Shortly thereafter, the front windows are broken and fire destroys the factory.

Roberta, feeling responsible for the women who lost their jobs when the factory burned down, finds a way for the women to survive. But will it work? And, more importantly, will the women accept her idea?

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This short prequel to the Mail-Order Brides series sets the stage for the women who will leave Lawrence, Massachusetts as mail-order brides. There’s not much story here; just the bare bones explanation of how the women came to this solution to their problems after the fire destroyed the garment factory. In fact, most of this information will probably make its way into the telling of the individual women’s tales. [Be sure to read the author’s acknowledgments that precede the story and tell how the various authors got together for this project.]

However, the story gives the reader insight into the character of some of the women that are sure to be the focus of future stories. There’s a hint of resilience, a promise of new lives for the women, a hint of what the future may hold for them. It’s easy to understand a bit of reluctance, but the women make a plan to support each other.

For readers who enjoy historical fiction, there is much promise here and in the series that follows.

Recommended. ( )