Saturday, June 8, 2013

Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke

About the Book:

Maureen O’Reilly and her younger sister flee Ireland in hope of claiming the life promised to their father over twenty years before. After surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor, Colonel Wakefield, has died. His family, refusing to own his Civil War debt, casts her out. Alone, impoverished, and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to obtain employment in a prominent department store. But she soon discovers that the elegant facade hides a secret that threatens every vulnerable woman in the city.

Despite her family’s disapproval, Olivia Wakefield determines to honor her father’s debt but can’t find Maureen. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, whom Olivia begins to see as more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he’s hiding. As women begin disappearing from the store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen take a stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring?

My Review: 

5 Stars

Fans of Cathy Gohlke's Promise Me This will find they will love this book just as much even though its very different. It still has Cathy's excellent story telling, historical accuracy and a page turning book you can't put down. What is doesn't have is the romance story but it has a powerful story that will stay with long after you turn the last page.

I loved Olivia's character and her determination to do good and on honor her father's promise. She is a person that many of can learn from. Of course, I also loved Maureen's character but her story was more heart breaking at times. She was frustrating at times with her stubbornness, which made sense at times but not always.

This is a great book for anyone who likes a good historical story. Though I will say it is not a light beach read by any means, but I think that is why the book is so great and powerful!

* I received this book from Tyndale through Radiant Lit. Thank you!


27 comments:

  1. So glad to hear how much you enjoyed this book! I really liked Promise me This so would love to read this next one :) jnbischof (at) hotmail.com

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  2. This looks so good to me!! I would love to read it... whether I win or not, it will go on my TBR list. Thanks for the review!

    ladettek[at]gmail[dot]com

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  3. I would love to be able to read this book. I loved Promise Me This.

    My email is dawn(dot)janis(at)gmail(dot)com

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  4. Thank you, Jen, for your excellent review of "Band of Sisters!" You're so right--this is quite a different story from "Promise Me This," and a unique journey for me as a writer and researcher.

    Many thanks, and God's rich blessings for you!

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  5. I would love to win this book. Wonderful review.
    slc925@yahoo.com
    Sandi

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  6. I loved Promise Me This and was hoping that Band of Sisters would be just as good. Sounds like it is!

    iblog4books(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. I would love to win this book. Thanks for the opportunity to enter this giveaway. Blessings

    Darlene spangldlady@gmail.com

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  8. Sounds like a great book! Love the title too.

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  9. Ooo, this is a new title to me! I'd love to be entered in the giveaway!

    Thanks,
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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  10. Great review. I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for this post and giveaway!

    Blessings!
    Judy
    judyjohn2004(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  11. I love historical fiction, especially at the time surrounding the Civil War. The struggles these sisters encounter make this sound like an exciting story. Thank you for offering this giveaway! I'd love to win a copy of Cathy's book!
    Nancee
    quiltcat26[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  12. I think I have Promise me This on my Kindle but haven't read it yet... This one sounds very interesting, would love to win a copy!

    Patty
    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  13. a fabulous posting...thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  14. Sounds good, I'd love to read it!

    ecriggs1990(at)aol(dot)com

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  15. I enjoy reading historical fiction that is an accurate portrayal of the times or event. Band of Sisters sounds like it would fit that criteria. Thank you for the review and for the chance to win a copy of this great book.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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  16. Oh my, I love historically accurate fiction, so this sounds perfect! Growing up with a wall of history books has sorta ruined half of the fiction books I've picked up. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
    bskaggs(at)zoominternet(dot)net

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  17. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one Jen, I have not read much from this author but sounds like a great story, I would be interested in being in your drawing. I love to read historical fictions.
    Paula O(kyflo130@yahoo.com)

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  18. This book looks so good! I'm never read anything by Cathy, but I'm looking forward to reading this one!

    lubell1106(at)gmail(dot)com

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  19. Ooh! nice!
    Cathy, your writing is wonderful and I'm excited about this new book! I'd love to be in the drawing. thank you!

    Debra

    debraemarvin ( at ) yahoo

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  20. Looks Interesting! Please enter me!

    richmond.abigail@gmail.com

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  21. Please enter me in the giveaway! Looks like a great book!

    Emreilly303(at)gmail(dot)com

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  22. Can't wait to read this one! I'll read anything about the Irish!!! Thanks so much!

    Dreilly316(at)gmail(dot)com

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  23. Sounds like another great book by Cathy Gohlke. Would love to win and read this one. Read "Promise Me This" and really enjoyed it. Thank you.
    Karen
    kmgervais(at)nycap(dot)rr(com

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  24. Very good reviews on your blog. Please follow my blog! I'll return the favor. Thanks!

    http://writersoldier.blogspot.de/
    Casey Sean Harmon
    Author

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  25. Good review. Sounds like a great read. Please add my name to the giveaway. Thanks.
    prettyinpurplerose@aol.com

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  26. Sounds interesting!

    Jes

    jswaks at gmail dot com

    P.S. Love the font and style of your website!!

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  27. Putting this on my wish list. Thank you for the chance to win. Have a happy day!!
    msbookwormlady(at)aol(dot)com

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