4 Stories of Love Spun at Historic Carousels Experience the early history of four iconic carousels that draw together four couples in whirling romances full of music and charm. Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey 1889 – Oak Bluffs, Martha’s Vineyard Sophia Blackwell is living the life of the wealthy, but on the outskirts of total acceptance. Drake Moreland believes her above his station. A … Moreland believes her above his station. A misunderstanding between them threatens to shatter their dreams before they’ve begun.
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
1895 – Crescent Park Amusement Park, Riverside, Rhode Island
An interview with the artist painting the Crescent Park Carousel is what reporter Thomas West needs. Instead he finds Wells’s daughter, Jane, who is hiding secrets he’s desperate to uncover. Jane must do everything she can to save her ill father’s reputation . . .and her heart.
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
1910 – Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania
For Tamara Brand, spending the summer at Expedition Park impersonating her wealthy debutante employee seemed like a dream come true until she meets Blake Conner; just a Carnie who runs the carousel. He seems to be the type of man, she would like to get to know better if she weren’t pretending to be someone she isn’t. But, is Blake who he appears to be?
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
1922 – Balboa Park, San Diego, California
For June Lowell, a secretary at the Natural History Museum, being with scientist Martin Howard is as thrilling as a ride on the carousel by the museum, but a relationship is forbidden by management.
more
All of the novellas in this book are well written and hold your attention. All of the stories are clean heartwarming romances that have a carousel in the story. This a book that made me smile and brought back memories of the carousel at the fair when I was young. I loved this book and highly recommend it. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Carousel Dreams is a collection of four delightful stories by four talented authors set in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The stories feature historical carousels located in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and California. Social class differences, deception, impersonation, and a forbidden work-place relationship paired with romance, humor, and spiritual truths make this an enjoyable, inspiring read. The engaging characters are well-developed and believable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received a copy of this book in e-book form from the publisher via netgalley but am under no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I have always adored carousels, so when I saw the name and cover of this book – I had to check it out!
Susanne Dietze, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, and Teresa Ives Lilly all four wrote beautiful and thrilling historical fiction stories, each centered around a different carousel.
Each tale was sweet, well-written, enjoyable, and quick read. I relished traveling back in time to experience each of these carousel inspired stories.
I would definitely recommend this novella collection and will be watching for other titles by these four talented authors.
***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***
Sophia’s Hope by Cynthia Hickey
Unfortunately I could not make myself like this story. It didn’t have much depth, and the characters were a bit annoying and contradictory. 2.5/5 stars
The Art of Romance by Patty Smith Hall
A very sweetly romantic story with powerful themes of devotion and family! The premise of a daughter painting under her father’s name was so interesting, I kept wanting a full length story, not because it wasn’t a satisfying novella but because I didn’t want it to end! 4.5/5 stars
Carousel of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly
This story was cute but a bit repetitive. There are good lessons the reader will learn and hopefully remember. 3/5 stars
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietze
A very interesting story with details about problems during Prohibition, as well as a sweet romance. 4/5 stars
Sophia’s Hopes by Cynthia Hickey.
I loved Drake’s timidity and Sophia’s outspokenness. I enjoyed reading about how they completed each other and how they found their way to each other despite all that way against them. Beautiful one sitting read filled with love, faith and adventure.
The Art Of Romance by Patty Smith Hall.
I enjoyed reading this story. Lies have never ended well, worst when love is involved. Thomas and Jane’s was such. But love always finds a way and it prevailed in this story. I admired Jane’s and Thomas’ dedication to their families even when it was uncomfortable.
Carousel Of Love by Teresa Ives Lilly.
I enjoyed reading about the uniqueness of Blake and Tamera’s love. Though from different social circles they found and loved each other. I loved Blake’s protectiveness over Tamera and her quiet and gentle spirit. Theirs was a story of deep faith, love and joy.
The Carousel Wedding by Susanne Dietz
Lovely, lovely story of love, dedication and sacrifice.
Two people have never been suited for each other like June and Martins. Both with family obligations but with sweet hearts that loved deep. I enjoyed their stories and adventures together.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and this is my honest opinion