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3.36 AVERAGE
3.36 AVERAGE
This was pretty good. It didn't break any new ground really but it was entertaining and satisfying on several levels. I'll probably check out the sequels at some point.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Rosalind leaves her family in Wisconsin to go find her sister who has disappeared without a trace in Chicago. Rosalind works for the same family as her sister did as seeks to solve the mystery of her sister's disappearnce. She makes friends and enemies along the way.
If you have read the other book, *SPOILER*...
The ending is similar. Not sure how much I liked that but again I am 28 and not 14 haha
If you have read the other book, *SPOILER*...
The ending is similar. Not sure how much I liked that but again I am 28 and not 14 haha
Secrets of Sloane House really surprised me. It wasn’t exactly a typical heartwarming read like so many others books of its kind. It was realistic, dark, and true down to the unforgiving, ruthless natures of society people of the time. The Sloane family is an alarming example of how status governed over what they could do and get away with, no matter how ugly their offences could become, like Douglass and his mother, Mrs. Sloane.
I admired Rosalind, although there were times I couldn’t really connect with her, but it’s not exactly easy to put myself in her shoes, so it’s understandable. I loved Reid and applauded him for not going through the motions of marrying someone just because it would increase his social standing, and allowing himself to have true happiness. I hated the Sloane family. I hated Douglass and his sister Veronica. They were such terrible people. Trust me, you’ll hate them.
While everything doesn’t turn out like Rosalind had originally hoped when she came to Chicago, she found herself some new happiness and a new purpose in life that she didn’t have before. She became more of a courageous, strong woman than she probably would have if she had just stayed home.
I’m looking forward to the second book, Deception at Sable Hill, which is about Miss Eloisa Carstairs. I’m curious to see what happens to her next, especially with that terrible thing that happened to her in this book.
I admired Rosalind, although there were times I couldn’t really connect with her, but it’s not exactly easy to put myself in her shoes, so it’s understandable. I loved Reid and applauded him for not going through the motions of marrying someone just because it would increase his social standing, and allowing himself to have true happiness. I hated the Sloane family. I hated Douglass and his sister Veronica. They were such terrible people. Trust me, you’ll hate them.
While everything doesn’t turn out like Rosalind had originally hoped when she came to Chicago, she found herself some new happiness and a new purpose in life that she didn’t have before. She became more of a courageous, strong woman than she probably would have if she had just stayed home.
I’m looking forward to the second book, Deception at Sable Hill, which is about Miss Eloisa Carstairs. I’m curious to see what happens to her next, especially with that terrible thing that happened to her in this book.
I was drawn to the cover of this book because it's so classy and that dress she wearing is beautiful. After I realized that the story takes place in the late 1800's during the Worlds Fair and it's also happens to be a mystery. I was hooked and I couldn't wait to read it.
We first meet Rosalind while she is working for the very rich and prominent Sloan family. The Sloan family come from "old" money and are very affluent in Chicago society. The Worlds Fair is being hosted by the city of Chicago which brings guests to the house every night of the week. Rosalind came to Chicago from a small town in Wisconsin and those places are night and day from each other which puts Rosalind in unfamiliar territory. No matter what though she is determined to find what happened to her sister. She assumes a false name and gets work as a servant within the house. Her sister was previously employed with the Sloan and mysteriously disappeared and was never heard from again. Somebody knows what happened but no one is talking and it is a very sore subject within the household.
If the Sloan family wasn't bad enough the other servants can be just as snippy. You can understand it though because they are just trying to keep their nose clean and keep their jobs. If they were to be fired from the house without a letter of recommendation then they may never find work again. Times were tough and without a job they wouldn't be able to take care of their families.
Rosalind keeps investigating around the house to figure out what happened to her sister and this only bring her trouble. She befriends a young man, Reid Armstrong, who is friends with the eldest Sloan child, Douglass and the object of affection to his sister Veronica. This friendship is unorthodox and bad for both of them. He is considered "new money" trying to gain foothold into the society that only fancies "old" money. Being seen with Rosalind could hurt his chances of finding a suitable mate who could gain the foothold that his family is seeking. His family became rich after a discovery of silver mines and that put them on the map. They still hold their middle class values but because of the money they know their son could have everything they never have. They are very christian oriented and he shows this side of him at all times. I that he is struggling with this new life and trying to figuring things out without losing his values.
Veronica Sloan is a spoiled brat of a girl and she is not married yet and over the age that most women have already married or have a suitor that they are very serious with. This part of the book may not mean much when you read it but it is revealed later why it she has no serious suitors yet. She does have her eye on one man, Reid, but he also is not taken with her. When she feels threatened by Rosalind she lashes out like any spoiled brat does.
“It’s simple, Rosalind,” she says. “I am Veronica Sloane, heiress to one of the country’s greatest fortunes. You are simply one in a long line of unsuitable maids.”
This line kills me but it really does show who she thinks she is. I just felt sorry for her and knew that something had to be up with her to make her this bitter.
Ms. Gray is exceptional at throwing you some clues and then you are like "oh, ok, I get it" then realize you don't really. She is able to make a story a true mystery. You have an idea of what is going on but you are only given enough to make assumptions but you are not entirely true.
I enjoyed this book and really happy that it is going to be a series. I do look forward to the next to see what story she comes up with next. I think that if you enjoy clean, historical mysteries then you will adore this book. If you seek something more hardcore then this isn't it. This is considered Christian because there are themes that revolve around it but it isn't in your face and it just makes for a really rich storyline.
We first meet Rosalind while she is working for the very rich and prominent Sloan family. The Sloan family come from "old" money and are very affluent in Chicago society. The Worlds Fair is being hosted by the city of Chicago which brings guests to the house every night of the week. Rosalind came to Chicago from a small town in Wisconsin and those places are night and day from each other which puts Rosalind in unfamiliar territory. No matter what though she is determined to find what happened to her sister. She assumes a false name and gets work as a servant within the house. Her sister was previously employed with the Sloan and mysteriously disappeared and was never heard from again. Somebody knows what happened but no one is talking and it is a very sore subject within the household.
If the Sloan family wasn't bad enough the other servants can be just as snippy. You can understand it though because they are just trying to keep their nose clean and keep their jobs. If they were to be fired from the house without a letter of recommendation then they may never find work again. Times were tough and without a job they wouldn't be able to take care of their families.
Rosalind keeps investigating around the house to figure out what happened to her sister and this only bring her trouble. She befriends a young man, Reid Armstrong, who is friends with the eldest Sloan child, Douglass and the object of affection to his sister Veronica. This friendship is unorthodox and bad for both of them. He is considered "new money" trying to gain foothold into the society that only fancies "old" money. Being seen with Rosalind could hurt his chances of finding a suitable mate who could gain the foothold that his family is seeking. His family became rich after a discovery of silver mines and that put them on the map. They still hold their middle class values but because of the money they know their son could have everything they never have. They are very christian oriented and he shows this side of him at all times. I that he is struggling with this new life and trying to figuring things out without losing his values.
Veronica Sloan is a spoiled brat of a girl and she is not married yet and over the age that most women have already married or have a suitor that they are very serious with. This part of the book may not mean much when you read it but it is revealed later why it she has no serious suitors yet. She does have her eye on one man, Reid, but he also is not taken with her. When she feels threatened by Rosalind she lashes out like any spoiled brat does.
“It’s simple, Rosalind,” she says. “I am Veronica Sloane, heiress to one of the country’s greatest fortunes. You are simply one in a long line of unsuitable maids.”
This line kills me but it really does show who she thinks she is. I just felt sorry for her and knew that something had to be up with her to make her this bitter.
Ms. Gray is exceptional at throwing you some clues and then you are like "oh, ok, I get it" then realize you don't really. She is able to make a story a true mystery. You have an idea of what is going on but you are only given enough to make assumptions but you are not entirely true.
I enjoyed this book and really happy that it is going to be a series. I do look forward to the next to see what story she comes up with next. I think that if you enjoy clean, historical mysteries then you will adore this book. If you seek something more hardcore then this isn't it. This is considered Christian because there are themes that revolve around it but it isn't in your face and it just makes for a really rich storyline.
Weirdly Christian which I was not expecting and the writing was generic. Everyone keeps talking about how dangerous Chicago is and it’s very repetitive.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Secrets of Sloane House by Shelley Gray is a Christian cozy mystery. It is the first book in the Chicago World’s Fair series. Rosalind grew up on a farm in Wisconsin and is not used to city life. But when her sister Miranda stops writing, the family wants to know what happened to her. Rosalind is sent to Chicago to discover what happened to her sister. Rosalind obtains a job at Sloane House where her sister worked before she disappeared. Life on the farm did not prepare Rosalind for living in the city or working in such a fancy home.
Reid Armstrong is a friend of Douglass Sloane. Reid feels loyal to Douglass because of help he gave Reid at boarding school. However, Douglass’ is hanging out with an undesirable crowd and Reid is not comfortable with them. Reid comes from a Christian home and has very different values from the Sloane’s. Reid is attracted to Rosalind. After hearing about Rosalind’s missing sister, Reid wants to help her.
Reid and Rosalind set out to find Miranda or at least discover what happened to her. Secrets of Sloane House is set in 1893 while the World’s Fair is in Chicago. There are great descriptions of the pavilions, displays, and the Ferris wheel. Secrets of Sloane House has romance and mystery. I give Secrets of Sloane House 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is well-written, engaging, and intriguing!
Happy Reading!
Reid Armstrong is a friend of Douglass Sloane. Reid feels loyal to Douglass because of help he gave Reid at boarding school. However, Douglass’ is hanging out with an undesirable crowd and Reid is not comfortable with them. Reid comes from a Christian home and has very different values from the Sloane’s. Reid is attracted to Rosalind. After hearing about Rosalind’s missing sister, Reid wants to help her.
Reid and Rosalind set out to find Miranda or at least discover what happened to her. Secrets of Sloane House is set in 1893 while the World’s Fair is in Chicago. There are great descriptions of the pavilions, displays, and the Ferris wheel. Secrets of Sloane House has romance and mystery. I give Secrets of Sloane House 4.5 out of 5 stars. It is well-written, engaging, and intriguing!
Happy Reading!
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Christian fiction. Chicago during the Columbian Exposition, domestic servant Rosalind is looking for her sister who worked at the Sloane House, but disappeared.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
I went to libby and picked mystery > historical fiction, and saw "Chicago World's Fair" and got excited. My first thought was that maybe there'd be a murder and HH Holmes would have been involved. I don't research books and rarely even read the blurb. Had I done even a little bit of that I'd have known this was Christian fiction. The shocking part was, I didn't notice until like 2/3 of the way through. It was substantially less preachy than the Passage series by Cronin or a Koontz novel, so I went ahead and finished it. It started out a little bit promising with a solid disappearance but then the last third was rather dull. It had a Poirot style meeting without the Poirot style work that goes into it. Also, the depiction of American classicism was bizarre. I've never seen it so blatantly analogous to British aristocracy. American classicism is generally far more subtle, unless there's race involved.