The daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, Rose Meehan longs for a better life than the tenements of New York City. Courted by two men–a young doctor who represents material security, and a poor violin instructor who has captured her heart–she must choose between the two. When Manhattan explodes in mob rule following Lincoln’s unpopular draft, Rose’s decision could mean the … difference between life and death.
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This was a beautiful, heartwarming, yet deep, realistic and inspiring Civil War novella that captivated me!
I always prefer novels to novellas because it’s not easy, due to the story’s shortness, to develop well the characters, to get them to grow and mature, and discover things about life, God and themselves. But I was surprised that this novella had depth, emotion, and that I was totally engaged with the characters, who became endearing to me, and I was quickly rooting for them in their all their struggles, fears and bonding until their happily ever after!
It’s 1863, and Rose Meehan is the strong minded daughter of immigrants who fled the Irish Potato Famine, and longs for a better life for her family in New York City. She’s being courted by two men, a young doctor who is well established and has a promising future, and a poor violin instructor with a heart of gold, and she must choose between the two. When Manhattan explodes in mob protest and riot’s following Lincoln’s war draft, Rose is challenged with decisions that could alter her life and her family’s forever.
It truly was a beautiful story. I loved the characters, especially Rose, with her determination to help her family and her kind heart, and William was a true hero, with a humble and compassionate heart open to the most unfortunate, like men of color and other immigrants. I can’t say Dr. Ian was not a good suitor, he was good and generous, but there was something lacking and my heart was immediately tugged toward William and wishing he would conquer Rose’s heart over her father’s obvious objections.
The plot was so engaging, with drama, suspense, adventure, sweet romance, and even humor. The historical details felt accurate and I was delighted to discover that Rose’s character was based on the author’s great-great grandmother. I love stories based on true events and people!
And it has an inspiring message that is not to be missed about trusting God and letting Him be in control when everything seems so uncertain and almost hopeless. Truly touching!
I highly recommend this novella! Historical romance lovers will definitely enjoy it and learn a part of real history too!
I loved this Christian Historical Fiction Novella about a young girl named Rose. Who will she choose and what’s to become of her future. This was the first book I read by this talented author Kathleen L. Maher and am excited about reading her other books. This is truly one of those WOW, loved it books.
For a novella, this story reads like a full-length novel. Rich in historical detail, Bachelor Buttons is a wonderful story!
I loved this book by the talented author, Kathleen L. Maher. With her own family background contributing to the story, it reads as personal and realistic. Extremely well-written. You will love this Civil War story, too!
For such a short story, there was so much detail and history packed into this! I love how she brought to life the Civil War draft riots. The characters felt very real. I also like how she included information about her own family’s history in this one. It was very good!
I was given a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author, but was not required to write a review. The thoughts and comments are my own.
What a nice short escape! I read this novella in a little over an hour and thoroughly enjoyed learning a bit more about the Civil War and the draft riots. And after learning that the main character, Rose, is loosely based on the author’s great-grandmother, I found it even more enticing. Two suitors, one leading lady, makes an interesting saga! I felt at times a part of the story because of all the descriptive details, especially Rose’s ventures into the more shady areas of New York city.
I received a copy of this book from the author and was under no obligation to write a positive review.
A great historical fiction story of events that I did not remember from history studies. It was so well written that I felt I was there in the story.
I liked it very much.
Bachelor buttons is a wonderful historical romance that kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen until the very end. There is adventure, romance, wonderful historical information that I hadn’t known, and a beautiful ending. The theme of the story is relevant today with inspirational scenes that remind us to love our neighbor. Bachelor Buttons will pull at your emotions from beginning to end. Another well researched and beautifully written story from the author.
Oh, wow! What a wonderful story!! Especially since it’s based on a true love story, the author’s great great grandparents!! I loved that it’s not your typical Civil War story; it’s one that many won’t recognize, and many won’t accept. I remember hearing some about these types of riots in my history classes, but not much. The North was supposedly all for freeing the slaves, and supposedly the North welcomed them with open arms. NOT SO!!! This book shows that very well!! I would love a sequel!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this story, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
This novella set in 1863 in the Irish borough of New York City features a violinist and a doctor vying for the attentions of Irish lass Rose Meehan. Even though it is a quick read, the narrative is packed with humor, romance, faith, and drama. Incorporating a historical event (the Civil War draft riots in New York City) and real-life experiences of the author’s great-great grandmother, this story is well-crafted and meaningful. Vivid descriptions and expressive sensory imagery draw the reader close to the action and impact the emotions. The story flows at a steady pace with some surprises along the way. The characters are believable and appealing. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
Oh my heart! The vivid, lyrical storytelling and compelling plot is what keeps me coming back to Kathleen’s stories! From the first line, Bachelor Buttons drew me into the turbulent New York City streets as a beautiful romance bloomed between a poor violinist and a vivacious young lady. William and Rose lived on the pages. The sights, sounds, smells, and dilemmas placed me right alongside these characters. When the story came to a close, I didn’t want to leave! This story will uplift you. You’ll find yourself cheering William and Rose all the way to the end! I can’t wait for Kathleen’s next one!
I am a big fan of stories about the Civil War era so I was eager to read this novella by Kathleen Maher and I’m so glad that I did! It is July 1863 when the story begins but the setting isn’t the deep South and the heroine isn’t a Southern belle. Rose Meehan is an Irish girl living in a New York tenement and she is eager to find a better way of life. Maher tells the efforts of the two very different young men trying to capture Rose’s heart and she eloquently describes Rose’s confusion and indecision. Should she follow her heart and choose a young violin teacher who is financially poor but spiritually rich or should she allow her desires for financial security to color her decision? Will Rose choose the prosperous young doctor who can surely give her everything she has desired?
I truly enjoyed reading about Rose’s efforts to find true love and the fact that Bachelor Buttons is based on the story of Maher’s own great, great grandmother made it even more special. As a lover of history I also appreciated learning about the riots that occurred in New York during the 1860s because of President Abraham Lincoln’s decision to make freedmen (black men) exempt from the draft. The Irish rebelled against this and there were riots, mobs, and violence but this story isn’t just about bigotry and hatred. Maher also shares the deeds of good, Christian people , both black and white, who chose to rise up above hatred and bigotry to help people of all skin colors.
This novella is a lovely romance but there is also drama that includes the riots and a medical emergency that requires William Lee and Dr. McGuiness to work together as a team. Bachelor Buttons is a testament to the power of faith and forgiveness and I recommend it to all who enjoy Christian romance and historical fiction.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I wasn’t obligated to post a review and I am voluntarily sharing my own thoughts.
A slice of life in a 1863 Irish borough of NYC
May green be the grass you walk on, May blue be the skies above you
May pure be the joys that surround you, May true be the hearts that love you.
– traditional Irish blessing
What a lovely way to spend an afternoon, learning about life in a New York City Irish borough in 1863. Rose Meehan is a single girl that has caught the eye of two very different men. It was great fun to follow them and try to figure out who would get the prize, the beautiful Rose. With lots of action, and a good dose of suspense, I would not have imagined it would end the way it did.
The author has done a fabulous job of describing the danger that racist attitudes brought to both the Irish and the freeman. The draft caused many challenges for these groups, for some as they had to serve and for others as they were excused from the fight. Understanding the grace that saves us gave Rose and those around her the courage to extend that same grace to others.
The digital copy was received from the author. My comments and impressions were in no way solicited.
I’ve never read a book that begins with a footrace between suitors for a date with an Irish lass! Not only does “Bachelor Buttons” do just that, it’s based on a family story from decades past. Kathleen Maher’s historical fiction not only lets the reader in on a mostly-unknown corner of history (draft riots and racism in New York during the Civil War), she weaves it all together with captivating characters and bits of family history into a delightful novella.
This story was a wealth of information about the draft riots in New York City during the Civil War. What was fascinating was it was based on the romance of the author’s great great grandmother.
Rose Mechan has two suitors, William Lee and Dr. Ian McGuiness. Their unusual courtship includes a foot race for the right to accompany Rose on an outing. Will and Ian could be friends if they weren’t vying for the same young lady. Great story amid the backdrop of the slums of New York in the time of war and the unrest of unequal laws stemming from the exception of blacks from the draft because blacks were not citizens. Ms. Maher puts the reader in the action when the characters find themselves surrounded by rioters, fire and chaos. The author builds on family history to spin an interesting tale that informs and entertains. I am looking forward to more from Kathleen L. Maher.