Warren, Ohio, 1910: Katherine Newman loves being a teacher, but she loves Henry Jorgensen more, which is why she’s willing to give up her job to marry him. But instead of proposing, Henry breaks up with her. Devastated, Katherine seeks to escape the probing eyes and wagging tongues of her small town. A former Harvey Girl, Katherine’s mother arranges for Katherine to be hired at the Williams, … Arizona Harvey House. Can she carve out a new life in the stark desert land unlike anything she’s ever known?
Henry Jorgensen loves Katherine with all his heart, but as the eldest son of a poor farmer can he provide for her as she deserves? The family’s lien holder calls in the mortgage, and Henry must set aside his own desires in order to help his parents meet their financial obligation. But when Katherine leaves town after their break up, he realizes he’s made the biggest mistake of his life. Can he find her and convince her to give their love a second chance?
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I enjoyed this story of the Harvey Girls. I liked the great descriptions of the daily routine of the restaurant at the train stops. I enjoyed how it wound back to the main characters life with her family and first love. Enjoyable story with a sweet romantic ending..
I was gifted a copy, no review was required. My review is voluntary.
On the Rails is a well-written, fascinating Christian Historical story from the early 1900’s, when traveling through the country was primarily done by passenger train. The Harvey Girls and the restaurants they worked in at train stops around the country were established by a man whose son now runs the business. Today’s waitstaff have it much easier than these young ladies did, but it was a solid place to work requiring intelligence, coordination, and speedy service.
Katherine Newman was as schoolteacher, awaiting the end of the current schoolyear. The young man she was dating, Henry Jorgenson, was taking her out to a special new restaurant and she was convinced that he was going to propose to her. Oopsie. Instead, he … broke up with her? Said she deserved someone better?
At the close of the schoolyear, Katherine had nothing to look forward to for the long months of summer. Her mother, however, made a plan for her. She wrote to someone she knew from her long-ago days of working as a Harvey girl and, if Katherine wants to, she can go to the restaurant at the train station in Williams, Arizona – a long, long way from the high country of Ohio. She met Eunice, a girl on the train trip west, a young woman who became her roommate when they arrived. The day she learns that Alice Jorgenson, Henry’s sister, arrives to be a Harvey girl, she knows life won’t be the same again.
I like Katherine and Eunice! They are well defined, with Katherine ready to step off the pages into Williams, and Flagstaff, Arizona. Not just anyone can be a Harvey Girl; my own days of waitressing sound like a breeze in comparison. These ladies uphold the tradition and expectation of the Harvey Girls everywhere. This time away from home is a real blessing for Katherine, and a whole new side of life than she is accustomed to.
The history is interesting, as are the brief descriptions of the area. There are plot twists throughout, including a bully among the staff, getting in past curfew, and when Katherine is finally talked into going to a revival service after work. The farthest thing from her mind is faith or religion, but she finally agrees to go. Will make a difference for her or any of her friends in attendance? This is a thoughtful, delightful story that quickly drew me in and held my attention throughout. I highly recommend On the Rails for those who appreciate Christian historical fiction that can be enjoyed on a quiet afternoon or evening.
From a grateful heart: I received an e-Arc of this novella from CelebrateLit, and this is my honest review.
On The Rails by Linda Shenton Matchett is a sweet inspirational romance set in the early 1900s. Katherine unexpectedly jilted by her boyfriend, leaves her job and family to travel West for employment as a Harvey Girl. Nursing her wounded heart, would she be able to erase her past and bring herself to forgive or was Henry simply a lesson to be learned and carried through the rest of life’s journey? I enjoyed the historical aspect of this novella with all the information regarding the Harvey Girls. The characters were realistic and relatable, the story moves quickly and easily held my attention. This is a captivating tale of love and loss, disappointment and hope, and of faith and family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via CelebrateLit. A favorable review was not required and opinions are my own. This review is part of a CelebrateLit blog tour.
I enjoyed this quick read, it can be read in one sitting, and it kept my interest until the end.
I didn’t know about the Harvey Girls, and loved the brilliant idea that the man had, but wow, they sure were very strict, guess that is what made them a success.
You will be quickly walking in Katherine Newman’s shoes, feeling her heart ache and her total joy, see what gossiping can do, and then finding salvation.
If you enjoy a good story and one that shows God working in someone’s life, you don’t want to miss this one.
I received this book through Celebrate Lit, and was not required to give a positive review.
This is a very good historical romance. I loved learning about the Harvey Girls. I could not have been one. I would be a horrible waitress or hostess. I really liked Katherine and how she first handled what happened with Henry. I loved how both Katherine and Henry mature throughout this story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
On the Rails
This is a short story which I do enjoy short stories to get a break from the long ones. I loved the characters, it would be great to have another book about the characters. Maybe more about Elizabeth and her adventure.
This is a historical set in 1910. I love reading books that take me back in time. I now have a desire to read more about the Harvey Girls. The author does a great job of bringing the scenes and characters to life. This is a book I could read again. The book is very inspirational also which makes it even better.
I received a advanced copy of the book from Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write an positive review. This is my own opinion.
The author sure knows how to write a story that keeps readers entertained. The story was fascinating and I learned so much about the Harvey Girls. I don’t think I knew anything about them before but after reading this story I was very intrigued by them. It seemed like the perfect place for Katherine to get a job after her heart was broken. She wanted to get away and start a new life.
Katherine goes to Arizona to hopefully get over the pain in her heart. The rules were very strict to be a Harvey Girl. I loved all the details and the author made me feel like I was there among the diners. Katherine takes her job serious, but she still thinks about what she left behind. I was happy to read that Katherine was making friends because she sure was no fun to be around. Her bitterness and pride really was prevalent especially when someone from her hometown comes to Arizona.
At the heart of the story is Henry who broke up with Katherine. He is in the background through most of the story, but Katherine’s bitterness stems from unresolved issues with him. He may have hurt her, but perhaps it was the only thing he could do in order to mature. I liked him because he was honest.
The best part of the story is near the ending. There is a strong element of faith in this section. I did enjoy reading how several characters came to know Jesus. It was a bit over the top at times but as a new Christian I suppose you are excited about the new beginning you have. The book deals with forgiveness and pride which really go hand in hand. I wasn’t surprised at the ending and I did find it a bit rushed. Overall good story but I wanted more dialogue between Katherine and Henry when they first see each other after several years.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
It’s the early 1900’s in small town Ohio. Katherine is a teacher at the local schoolhouse, but she would rather be Henry’s wife! Since her mother had been a Harvey Girl many years earlier, this seemed like the perfect solution when that relationship falls apart. Harvey Girls were responsible for the fantastic service received by guests travelling the railroad, as they stopped for meals. I found the rules and expectations most fascinating and smiled upon thinking what a good idea that might be in some settings today! A travelling evangelist brings the gospel that turns around the lives of Katherine and many of her co-workers. Katherine’s continued trust in the Lord attracts changes in those she loves. Can it possibly bring her first love back to her?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story that I received through CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.