I really enjoyed this one! Read my review and an excerpt, and enter to win a copy below...
The Forgotten Girl
by Heather Chapman
Adult Historical Romance, Women's Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 185 Pages
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It is 1906, and sixteen-year-old Stella’s life in Durliosy, Poland, is bleak. Her only hope of surviving is to travel to America, a land of freedom and opportunity, and reunite with her brother in Baltimore. There she’ll find new challenges, and perhaps, if she can put her painful past behind her, a new chance for love and lasting happiness.
if you make a purchase using my links.)
Summary
It is 1906, and sixteen-year-old Stella’s life in Durliosy, Poland, is bleak. Her only hope of surviving is to travel to America, a land of freedom and opportunity, and reunite with her brother in Baltimore. There she’ll find new challenges, and perhaps, if she can put her painful past behind her, a new chance for love and lasting happiness.
My Review
THE FORGOTTEN GIRL is an astute title for this story of a girl who is barely surviving under her brother's roof. Readers will empathize with Stella and her lot in life, and cheer her on when she begins a new life across the sea. A well-researched historical setting, likable characters, and a story fraught with difficulties and survival make for a heartwarming story with an ending that is all the sweeter for what has been overcome in the journey. Recommended to historical romance and women's fiction fans.
This story has particular interest to me as my father's side comes from Poland. They too travelled across the ocean in search of a better life. I found the historical setting and the hardships Stella faces both in Poland and in America to be a look into what my ancestors might have faced. The settings and experiences came across as authentic and it was easy to feel a connection to these characters and want a better life for them.
Stella is such a stalwart character. She has had a very tough life, but has persevered regardless. She is a survivor and she is stronger than she knows. The story very much reads like women's fiction, where the romance takes a secondary role, but is still hinted at here and there. I liked how the author poses questions without really posing them. She just brings up various issues that are woven through the story that were not always answered... making the reader pause for a moment to think. Those who are looking for straight romance or a lighter read, won't find that here.
I loved Stella's relationship with her niece and friends. I also loved seeing her grow and to open up to new people and experiences as time went on. I liked that I wasn't completely sure where the story would end or how she would gain her happily-ever-after, and that was a nice surprise. I liked that it wasn't a completely predictable ending. On top of that, the ending was fun and sweet and perfect for this story.
I would have loved a little more development in some parts. A little more time spent on the boat, more time in America, and more time with these characters. I also wouldn't have minded a more stretched-out ending with a little more romance. Really, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and just wanted more. :)
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really, really enjoyed this one from beginning to end! I loved the historical setting and how connected I felt to the heroine.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
This story has particular interest to me as my father's side comes from Poland. They too travelled across the ocean in search of a better life. I found the historical setting and the hardships Stella faces both in Poland and in America to be a look into what my ancestors might have faced. The settings and experiences came across as authentic and it was easy to feel a connection to these characters and want a better life for them.
Stella is such a stalwart character. She has had a very tough life, but has persevered regardless. She is a survivor and she is stronger than she knows. The story very much reads like women's fiction, where the romance takes a secondary role, but is still hinted at here and there. I liked how the author poses questions without really posing them. She just brings up various issues that are woven through the story that were not always answered... making the reader pause for a moment to think. Those who are looking for straight romance or a lighter read, won't find that here.
I loved Stella's relationship with her niece and friends. I also loved seeing her grow and to open up to new people and experiences as time went on. I liked that I wasn't completely sure where the story would end or how she would gain her happily-ever-after, and that was a nice surprise. I liked that it wasn't a completely predictable ending. On top of that, the ending was fun and sweet and perfect for this story.
I would have loved a little more development in some parts. A little more time spent on the boat, more time in America, and more time with these characters. I also wouldn't have minded a more stretched-out ending with a little more romance. Really, I thoroughly enjoyed the story and just wanted more. :)
In the end, was it what I wished for? I really, really enjoyed this one from beginning to end! I loved the historical setting and how connected I felt to the heroine.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the the publisher, which did not require a positive review nor affect it in any way.
Excerpt
My brother shakes his head, and I see his shoulders rise. His eyes are dark, a far away look in them. "You forget," he says, his voice growing deeper. "Poles are not welcome in America."
I wipe my cheek with my sleeve, praying Jozef did not see the tear roll down it. Not welcome? My chest feels like it is on fire, and it is as if only my rebuttal can quench it. "We are not welcome in our own country," I say, my eyes falling to the floor.
Jozef lets out a deep grunt, so deep that it rolls throughout the room, bouncing along the floorboards and between the others seated at the table. I lift my head to see his hand twist around the back of the chair as if meant to crush the wood between his fingers. "At least tell me you have not forgotten your Polish pride," he whispers, his voice cracking like a whip against a mule.
I shake my head, too angry and stubborn to say anything in reply. I do not forget. I cannot forget.
About the Author
Being the youngest of four sisters and one very tolerant older brother, Heather grew up on a steady diet of chocolate, Anne of Green Gables, Audrey Hepburn, Jane Austen, and the other staples of female literature and moviedom. These stories inspired Heather to begin writing at an early age. After meeting and marrying her husband Mark, Heather graduated magna cum laude from Brigham Young University and finally settled down in a small farming community in southeastern Idaho with her husband and four children. In her spare time, Heather enjoys time spent with family, volleyball, piano, the outdoors, and almost anything creative.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
1 winner will receive an ebook of THE FORGOTTEN GIRL by Heather Chapman
Provided by the publisher
Open internationally
Ends February 28th
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Do you think you have more interest in a book if there is some type of personal connection to you?
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