The first thing I would like to say about Lorna Seilstad's newest release is.... check out the cover! It, in my humble opinion, is one of the prettiest covers I've seen in a long time. The model captures the essence of Hannah Gregory, the heroine of When Love Calls perfectly. In fact, late in the book, there is a scene in which Hannah is dressed exactly like the picture on the cover. Whoever designed this cover needs a good pat on the back for a job well done!
When Love Calls is the first book in Ms. Seilstad's new series, The Gregory Sisters. I can honestly say I can hardly wait for Charlotte's story and little Tessa's story. While Hannah is the heroine in this book, her sister's play major roles as well and the reader is given the opportunity to fall in love with all three girls.
Hannah Gregory is a young woman who finds herself in a role she did not choose for herself. When her parents pass away, she finds she has to quit law school in order to take care of her two younger sisters. Her father had taken out a second mortgage on their home and she soon encounters Lincoln Cole, a young attorney who must deliver the devastating news, "You have one week to make other living arrangements."
Knowing that she has to provide for her sisters, Hannah soon secures a position as an Iowa Telephone Company Hello Girl. The only problem is Hannah has a difficult time following rules and to be a Hello Girl she has lots of rules to follow. She befriends a young woman named Rosie when they begin their training and their friendship proves to be a blessing from God, as Rosie's mother rents a small house to the girls.
The story is set in 1908 during a time in which the unions were having problems. Someone started causing trouble by setting fires and blowing up houses. Hannah's lifelong friend, Walt, is accused of the terrible deed and Hannah breaks down and asks Lincoln for his help. They work together to prove Walt's innocence. During this time Lincoln finds himself drawn to Hannah and her sisters and goes out of his way to help them. Unfortunately, Hannah tries to refuse his help but in time they find themselves falling in love.
There is a wonderful Christian thread woven throughout the book and also a thread of suspense. Just when I thought I knew who was starting the fires another possibility was presented. Ms. Seilstad did a wonderful job of keeping me in suspense.
I would highly recommend When Love Calls to anyone who enjoys reading a book packed with believable, fun-loving characters. Ms. Seilstad's characters pulled me into the story from the very start and I truly hated to finish that last page because I didn't want to say good-bye to them. But then I thought, there is more to come and I will definitely be following the Gregory sisters in the books to come.
On a 5 Star scale - 5 BIG Stars!!!!! I loved this book!
I would like to thank Donna Hausler and Revell Books for my review copy of When Love Calls. I received my copy for free in order to read it and give my honest review, which I have done.
* Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*
Smiles & Blessings,
I just finished reading this book and posted my book review as well! I agree with all that you said. New follower :)
ReplyDeleteIf you get the chance I would love it if you would stop by my blog and follow as well!
Chelsey@Charming Chelsey's