Book Review ~ The Pursuit of Lucy Banning by Olivia Newport

 

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 Blurb:

 

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago.

 

When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Readers will love being swept away into a world of mansions, secrets, and romance as they follow Lucy through the streets of the Windy City during one of the most exciting times in the city's history.

 

From opulent upper-class homes to the well-worn rooms of an orphanage, Olivia Newport breathes life and romance into the pages of history--and everyone is invited.   

My Thoughts:

 

I honestly can't remember if I've read anything from this author before or if she is a new-to-me author.  However, I love her writing style!  It kept me turning the pages.

 

I loved the historical setting and learning about the World Fair.  The social restrictions for women during that time period well depicted.  I also loved the upstairs/downstairs feel to the novel.

 

In the beginning of the book I just wanted Lucy to stand up for herself and quit sneaking around in order to follow her calling.  As the story went on, I could see how the author was evolving the character of Lucy.  I loved seeing her bloom and stand up for herself.

 

I do wish that I could have gotten to know Will a bit better.  He was almost a secondary character at certain points where I would have liked the author to delve into his thoughts and actions a little more.

 

I enjoyed Charlotte's side story and look forward to reading more about her very soon.

 

This is the first book of the "Avenue of Dreams" series and lucky for me, I have books 2 and 3 on my TBR shelf!

 



Colletta

 

P.S.  I hope you can stop by my ETSY SHOP!