Readers React: Avenue of Dreams
The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow
(Avenue of Dreams book 2)
“In the character of Charlotte Farrow, Olivia Newport gives voice to the countless thousands of women in domestic service who were seen but rarely heard. Set with exacting detail in Chicago during the World’s Columbian Exposition, Charlotte’s tale of courage and struggle will keep you on the edge of your seat from the first page to the last.”—William Tyre, executive director and curator, Glessner House Museum.
Newport’s latest novel, The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow, provides an enthralling examination of the complex class and gender barriers in nineteenth-century Chicago. Second in the Avenue of Dreams series, this book will find swarms of devoted fans rooting for Charlotte Farrow, a mother forced to make excruciating choices in a world where women have limited options. The storyline is not only unique but also framed by a delicately designed backdrop of both luxury and longing. With timeless themes, Newport gives voice to women across the ages who have found themselves fighting for what matters most, and in the end, readers will join the battle cry. — Julie Cantrell, New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Into the Free
Here’s how to buy The Dilemma of Charlotte Farrow.
The Pursuit of Lucy Banning
“To read … or not? With attention to historical detail and an artful sense of place, Olivia Newport gives readers a fascinating glimpse into the way the wealthy interpreted the 1893 World’s Fair – and the roles of women in the world. The Pursuit of Lucy Banning is a compassionate coming-of-age romance with a spunky, determined heroine and a Happy Ever After that’s satisfyingly sweet.”
Full review here:
—USA TODAY
“Historical romance fans will appreciate a new voice and a new period backdrop for some wholesome romance.” —Publisher’s Weekly Full review here
“Hats off to Olivia Newport. Her characters are compelling, and Chicago’s history comes alive on each page. Readers will feel like they’ve been transported back to 1892.” —Andrea Boeshaar, author of the Seasons of Redemption series
“Lucy Banning is my kind of heroine, pushing against the strictures of her times of the 1890s. Her love and caring wrap around your heart. A fine read.” —Lauraine Snelling, author of the Red River of the North series and the Wild West Wind series
“Newport brings to life historical Chicago with fascinating insight into the wealthy families of Prairie Avenue. She gives us a worthy heroine who struggles to break free of the constraints of her time and offers grace to those less fortunate. The Pursuit of Lucy Banning is a beautiful and sweet romance that will touch readers’ hearts.” —Jody Hedlund, award-winning author of The Preacher’s Bride and The Doctor’s Lady
The Pursuit of Lucy Banning is a beautifully written novel that is rich with history, relationship, and the spiritual purpose that comes from acknowledging and pursuing your dreams. —Elisa Stanford, author of Ordinary Losses
Olivia Newport artfully combines the daily life of historical Chicago with the touching saga of family values and the personal struggle of Lucy Banning to achieve beyond the restrictions of her womanhood during the 1890s. The reader is immediately captivated by Lucy’s loving heart and sense of purpose as she charts her own course through life —Susan Kutkowski, Plainview, NY
The Pursuit of Lucy Banning was a thoroughly captivating read. I couldn’t put it down—I read it much faster than I usually read a book. —Cathy E., Colorado Springs, CO
I fell in love with Lucy Banning after reading the first ten pages. She’s the type of woman that I want to be friends with—which made reading her story such a joy. I don’t want to spoil the story, but by reading The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, you’ll get an in-depth look of high-society Chicago in the 19th century though the lives of likable characters and a moving story. I highly recommend this book! —Erin MacPherson, author of The Christian Mama’s Guide to Having a Baby
What kept me riveted was Newport’s contrast of two worlds–the affluent who lived on Chicago’s Prairie Avenue and its servant class–in the telling of two unique stories within one novel. The strong plot, pleasantly fresh and equally compelling, cut a natural course teeming with historical and period details. The reading journey was fun and anything but predictable. —Dianne Christner, author Plain City Bridesmaids
I loved this story from beginning to end. The attention to historical detail, realistic characters, plot, everything was wonderful! You could hear the carriages rumble by on the streets of Chicago! See the beautiful dresses the woman wore, imagine the fine china. For anyone who is a Downton Abbey fan, this book is for you! —Catherine J. West author of Yesterday’s Tomorrow
In The Pursuit of Lucy Banning, Newport gives her readers a wonderful escape into a lovely romance, but her novel is also a story of survival, strength and determination on the part of two women who must defy social expectations to save those they love most. Newport’s meticulous research into the Chicago of the 1890s is evident in all the exquisite details seamlessly woven into her narrative, and she perfectly sets the stage for a sequel. I can’t wait! —Sue Harrison, author of The Storyteller Trilogy
Publisher (Revell)
