Bestselling novelist Tracie Peterson joins Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano in this collection of four novellas, each featuring a Harvey Girl heroine. From Kansas to Texas, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, the stories cross the country with tales of sweet romance and entertaining history. In Karen Witemeyer’s “More Than a Pretty Face,” a young woman works her hardest to escape poor … escape poor choices from her youth. Tracie Peterson offers “A Flood of Love,” where reuniting with an old flame after more than a decade offers unexpected results. Regina Jennings’s “Intrigue a la Mode” delights with a tale of a young woman determined to help support her family, despite warnings of danger nearby. And Jen Turano’s “Grand Encounters” heads to the Grand Canyon with a tale of a society belle intent on finding a new life for herself.
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I loved this super fun collection of stories! The heroines were filled with just the right amount of spunk and sass, all while having the strong moral character required to work as a Harvey Girl. Each story brought it own unique flair. Somehow I had missed the Judy Garland classic movie “The Harvey Girls”, and reading this fun collection of stories has made me want to find a copy to watch. Can’t get enough of the Harvey Girls! Although I have a sneaking suspension that the dynamic authors of this collection can not possibly be outdone by Judy Garland. I mean, how could a movie possibly be any better than this delightful collection from Jen Turano, Regina Jennings, Karen Witemeyer and Tracie Peterson?!
I don’t want to give anything away with these stories, so I’ll just wrap it up by saying that you truly do not want to pass up the opportunity to read and enjoy this fabulous stories!
(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I am not required to write a positive review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.)
I have always loved Harvey Girl stories and this novella collection is a wonderful addition with its witty tone and entertaining storylines from Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings and Jen Turano.
With these fast paced novellas, you will get a taste of Harvey Girl history while enjoying sweet romances with a side of mystery in Jenning’s Intrigue a la Mode and humor in Turano’s A Grand Encounter.
This is a fun collection of novellas. Each of these stories have fun heroines who are snarky and sassy. Which are my favorite types of heroines!
I was immediately reminded of the Judy Garland movie The Harvey Girls which I watched with my mom ages ago.
I’ve been enjoying the author’s of these stories individually for a long time and each of these stories are uniquely them. This was a perfect grouping of both authors and stories. I highly recommend this book.
It was a treat to receive a complimentary copy. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire book left me with a happy sigh. Written by four incredible authors, I enjoyed reading more about the Harvey House Girls.
Wonderfully written characters will make you want to go visit one of the Harvey Houses. Oh, if only we could. I really liked that each story takes place in a different state. It was fun to learn more about each one in such a charming way.
Seriously, all of the stories are heartwarming, but not mushy. With unexpected twists and turns you’ll wonder if romance will ever find a way. I heartily recommend this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
I tend to be a bit hard on novellas. Often times, the plots are too grand and the author is left to tie up all the loose ends too quickly for my satisfaction. Happily, that is not the case for Serving Up Love which earns five stars across the board. Each novella was filled with just the right amount of captivating characters and swoon-worthy heroes mixed with a dash of adventure to leave this historical romance junkie’s heart satiated.
As a big history lovin’ nerd girl, I was tickled pink to learn of this novella collection centering around Harvey Girls. I’d first heard about Harvey Girls on a vacation through Missouri, Kansas, and Colorado a few years ago. Fred Harvey was an American entrepreneur who opened a series of cafes and restaurants aligned with railroad stations in the western United States. He provided high quality food in a timely manner. Train travelers new to expect great food and excellent service in any of his establishments. Harvey Girls were the women who provided that outstanding service. Each one had to be single and of impeccable character. Housing was provided above the restaurants for these women who were not allowed to fraternize with the customers, at least not in the cafes themselves. Once a woman was engaged, her employment would be terminated.
There was so much to love about each of these stories — the railway setting, life as a Harvey Girl, and handsome customers just to name a few. In Peterson’s A Flood of Love, spunky child character, Katieann, captures the readers heart from the get go and not long after, Gretchen’s as well. I’d never read Tracie Peterson before but she penned a delightful story and I’ll be seeking more by this author. I loved the humor weaved into Intrigue a la Mode and Grand Encounter. Regina Jennings developed an intriguing plot involving smugglers along the railroad that kept me turning the pages. Jen Turano doesn’t disappoint readers used to the hilarious shenanigan’s of her characters and the author’s quippy dialogue like “Mr. Tall, Dark, and –need I say Delicious is here again and sitting in your section.” I just about spit out my tea! But I’d have to say it was Witemeyer’s, More Than a Pretty Face, that stole my heart. Rosalind, the heroine, is running from a mistake in her past, something we can all relate to. When it blows up BIG in her face, her sweetheart, friends, and co-workers all rally behind her, and Witemeyer weaves in a beautiful lesson about the power of forgiveness and the desire we all have to create a future not defined by past transgressions.
This is a wonderfully charming novella collection from an amazing set of historical romance authors. You’ll not only be “served up love,” but plenty of faith, humor, and warm fuzzies on the side.
***I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House on behalf of the authors and was under no obligation to write a favorable review. All opinions are my own.
Serving Up Love: A Four-in-One Harvey House Brides Collection features novellas by Tracie Peterson, Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano. Memorable and engaging, each of these historical novellas is thoughtfully written and utterly delightful. All four stories contain well-developed characters, remarkable settings, and an abundance of sweet romance.
With novellas that are set primarily in the western United States during the late nineteen and early twentieth centuries, this collection includes stories that will appeal to lovers of history, romance, mystery, and humor. Each novella tells the story of a different Harvey Girl as she diligently serves railroad passengers, nurtures friendships, perseveres through trials, strengthens her faith, pursues her dreams, and makes room in her heart for hope and love.
I enjoyed this entire collection from the first page to the last. Once I started reading, it was difficult to put it down. I was truly captivated by the fictional worlds these authors created. I was easily drawn into the plot of each novella, quickly connecting to the characters and the themes within each story. Their struggles, successes, motivations, and fears kept me intrigued; while their grace, faithfulness, perseverance and courage kept me inspired.
This collection contains four love stories that are charming, romantic, and meaningful. Serving Up Love is a book that I will certainly enjoy re-reading and sharing with others. I recommend it wholeheartedly to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this book from the author/publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Just when I think I know pretty much all about American History, I read a book about the Harvey Girls and realize there is SO much more to learn about our great country! This book has four novellas about 4 women who were Harvey Girls working in Harvey Houses in the American West based on the real Harvey Houses (essentially restaurants) that populated the country at a time when train travel was the “thing”! It offered women a chance to gain independence and see our great country. Harvey Girls weren’t “just waitresses”, they were so much more! This book was so fascinating to me and I enjoyed each story set in a different city, but the Harvey House was real. Each author did such an amazing job of blending the history of the Harvey House with the area it was set in and the characters in the story. I highly recommend this book!
A FLOOD OF LOVE – Tracie Peterson –
A precocious young girl brings two former sweethearts together in New Mexico after a big misunderstanding that tore them apart a decade earlier but will they all survive the big flood?
MORE THAN A PRETTY FACE – Karen Witemeyer –
Rosalind Kemp wants desperately to one day move on to California so she can outrun the past and her youthful mistake but her past finds her and will Caleb make a stand and fight for her?
INTRIGUE A LA MODE – Regina Jennings –
Strange things are happening at this Harvey House and when Willow is warned by her cousin to stay away from things, she doesn’t know what to think! But, a handsome new busboy needs her help in cracking the case and she just can’t seem to stay away!
A GRAND ENCOUNTER – Jen Turano
Myrtle flees high society in New York after an embarrassing situation for a quiet life at the Grand Canyon until a frequent guest makes her “independent life” vow difficult to sustain.
LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
Four of my favorite authors. Four Harvey Girls. Four unique heroes. Four Happily Ever Afters.
Five Stars!!!!!
If you are reading this, you have probably figured out that I loved this book.
~Tracie Peterson gives us a story of a love lost long ago. A second chance. And a sweet little girl that asks God for a Mama. I loved it when Katiann says. “I’m sorry Daddy. I try to obey. But you never said I couldn’t climb out on the roof.”
~In Karen Witemeyer’s story, Rosalind is trying to outrun a mistake from her youth. My heart went out to her. She did what she had to do to help her sick father. Now that thing haunts her. I loved how Caleb loved Rosalind. I did not like Caleb’s mother, not a bit. A sweet story of overcoming, forgiveness, and love.
~Regina Jennings is a mystery writer! I loved the smuggling mystery along the railroad. Willow is working hard to send money back to her parents. Graham is a wealthy man posing as a busboy. I loved the way Willow and Caleb fall in love. She doesn’t know who he is but tries to help him. She actually saves his life. Twice! There is a surprising Pinkerton involved too.
~Jen Turano tells a most delightful story! Myrtle is unaware that Jack is smitten with her. He is unable to say more than his order to her. Thankfully, his brother comes to town. Walter has no problem speaking up, he often says too much. I loved the witty dialog. Let me say I will forever think of “fetching potatoes” every time I make mashed potatoes for the rest of my life.
Myrtle finds her strength, Jack finds his voice. Together, they find love. It’s not that quite simple though.
*I received an early copy of this book in an author giveaway. I was not required to post a review.
Three of these authors are some of my all time favorites, so I was really looking forward to reading these novellas. They didn’t disappoint. They ranged from enjoyable to wonderful. All of the stories were fun reads. One thing that personally bugged me, but wasn’t an issue was that I couldn’t figure out why they organized the stories in the order they did. It wasn’t by the authors’ last names and it wasn’t by the date the stories occurred either The later would have been my personal preference as I feel like it’s easier to remember what’s the norm in history at the time of the story that way.
Anyhow More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer was my favorite. It continued from her patchwork family series and it was great to find out what happens with Rosalind. Caleb is so perfect and the story was great. I just wish Zach had made more of a prominent appearance in the story, because I really enjoyed his character.
Grand Encounters by Jen Turano was my next favorite story. She has a way with writing hilarious realistic situations into her stories, which this novella included several.
Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings was my next favorite. I kind of hope this story is an introduction to Willow’s family, because I could see that being a fun series. Willow’s cousin needs a book.
A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson was also a good story. Usually Tracie Peterson’s writing isn’t my style, but this story was a fun one. Katiann was my favorite character.
I chose this novella collection because the hotel in Jen Turano’s story is in the Grand Canyon and I love all things related to the National Park Service. Another thing that propelled this book to the top of my kindle list is that two of the stories, A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson and Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings have been nominated for a 2020 Christy Award.
I usually shy away from short stories because I feel the word count limits character development and I’m not a fan of insta-love. For these reasons, I preferred some of the stories in this collection over others. Karen Witemeyer’s contribution hit all the marks! Her character, Rosalind Kemp, was my favorite overall and the way her beau stood up for her was… well, some of you may say swoon-worthy. As for the other stories, all the authors had something to offer:
Peterson: an interesting bit of history
Jennings: a fun mystery
Turano: Not the tie in with the National Park like I’d hoped, but she did succeed in making me smile.
Whether you are already a fan of these authors or you are simply looking for short and uplifting stories, the Harvy House Brides Collection is worth your time.
Interested in more Christian fiction set in US National Parks? Check out my Goodreads Listopia https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/98683.Christian_Fiction_set_in_US_National_Parks
A fun set of novellas
I love all four of the authors in this novella collection, and every single story was lovely! The Harvey Girls were a fascinating collection of women, and this collection explores what their lives were like. If you like a little history with your sweet stories, this is an excellent choice! Happy Reading!
A slice of Harvey House history and heart-warming romance all served up with a whole lot of fun!
My new FAVORITE! I just love these authors, so I had to read it. By the last story, I knew I found a new favorite book. It was fun to read the bits of history about the Harvey House girls, and loved getting four unique perspectives. Each novella a treat! By the last one, I was just laughing so hard I had to put the book down so I could read past the tears. When I picked it back up, it just got BETTER! What a delight!
Serving Up Love was a great collection of historical novellas. I loved learning about the Harvey Houses and Harvey Girls. I didn’t know anything about them beforehand, so I found it all really interesting. If you’re a fan of historical romance, I highly recommend checking out this sweet collection.
A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson was a story of second chance love between old flames Gretchen and Dirk who get a little help along the way from his rambunctious daughter Katiann. I loved this sweet story and can’t believe it’s my first time reading anything by Tracie Peterson. It flowed really well and was the perfect length. It didn’t feel too short at all. I loved the characters and enjoyed getting to know some real history. (4.5 Stars)
More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer was a novella of overcoming the past and embracing hope and the future God has planned. I had a hard time connecting with the characters in this one, but the story had a good message and, in the end, I liked it. (3 Stars)
Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings was so much fun! I pretty much loved everything about it. The characters were wonderful, the mystery was intriguing, and I loved the undercover elements. It’s my first book by this author and I’m really excited to check out some of her other books. This was a prequel to Jennings’ new series and you can be sure that the first book is high on my wish list. (5 Stars)
Grand Encounters by Jen Turano was an entertaining and hilarious read that had me doubled over in laughter numerous times. I can always count on Turano’s books to brighten my day and bring a smile to my face. This one did just that. It was pretty much perfection. (5 Stars)
This was such a fun collection of interesting novellas (in a historical setting I wasn’t super familiar with)!
I believe my favorite of the collection was Intrigue A La Mode from Regina Jennings, but each of these sweet stories was unique in their own way and made for some enjoyable reading time.
I laughed my way through Jen Turano’s “Grand Encounters,” had so much fun reuniting with Rosalind (from More Than Words Can Say) in “More Than a Pretty Face” from Karen Witemeyer, swooned over “Intrigue A La Mode” from Regina Jennings, and watched as two hurting people found their way back to each other in Tracie Peterson’s “A Flood of Love.”
If you’re looking for a book complete with romance, adventure, mystery, redemption, and hope, I think you may have just found your next read!
Content Advisory: Overall, this really was a very clean collection, however, there is some mention of illicit photographs and a few assaults/attacks.
FOUR STARS for a thoroughly enjoyable collection of Historical Christian Fiction stories!
NOTE: I received a copy of this book for FREE, and a positive recommendation was not required.
I didn’t want each story to end. Four amazing authors!
Very well written, these four novellas about the historical Harvey Houses and the women who worked there, is very enjoyable. Serving Up Love includes four novellas written by Tracie Peterson; Karen Witemeyer; Regina Jennings, and Jen Turano, who are truly wonderful storytellers.
Each story is full of western adventure and young women who chose to be a part of the Harvey House family. The women served meals to weary train travelers from 1876; the Harvey House Company not only was the first chain restaurant in the United States, it also provided weary travelers a place to rest in motels. The women were expected to be fastidious and above reproach in both dress and comportment.
The four novellas provide glimpses of early employment of women in the restaurant and motel business. Because Harvey Houses were built near railroad stops, they were located all over the west.
Come aboard, take a load off your feet and rest awhile with the Harvey House girls! I highly recommend you do.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and am under no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions therein are solely my own, and freely given.
I find the Harvey Houses fascinating! Serving Up Love is a collection of four novellas about Harvey Girls written by well-known authors!
A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson: Gretchen Gottsacker has worked her way up to Housemother at the Harvey House when she returns to her hometown. Gretchen is a great protagonist as she meets the young daughter of her old love, Dirk.
More than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer: Rosalind Kemp made an error in judgment as a young teen and is trying to escape the past. Caleb Durrington’s mother is determined he will marry a woman of her choice and definitely not a “waitress”! You will admire Caleb as he wants to marry for love.
Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings: You will admire Harvey Girl Willow who works away from her family in order to send money back home. What is up with the new older busboy who is caught sneaking out at night?
Grand Encounters by Jen Turano: Miss Myrtle Schermerhorn is an excellent protagonist who was born into New York society but has fled to the El Tovar Hotel as a new Harvey Girl! Myrtle has had to learn to do simple tasks since she was used to being waited on! I liked the mostly silent Jack Daggett who made a practice of sitting in Myrtle’s section.
I recommend Serving Up Love to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary book from Regina Jennings and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.
Since seeing the Judy Garland musical, I have been intrigued by the Harvey Girls. So, when a collection featuring Harvey House stories by some of my favorite authors became available, it was a given that I’d need to read it as soon as I could!
A Flood of Love by Tracie Peterson
I enjoyed this story. While I haven’t read many books written by Tracie Peterson, after this novella, I’m thinking I may need to remedy that. I liked the characters and how multiple facets of history intersected in this one short tale, the Harvey House and an historical flood, specifically. Interspersed with humor and some sweet passages, this was a great start to the collection.
More Than a Pretty Face by Karen Witemeyer
This novella follows a secondary character from More Than Words Can Say, Rosalind, Abby’s sister. Hard to read in some places because of past mistakes that make healing difficult, it is an exceptionally poignant story about forgiveness and grace, and not allowing our past to rob us of a beautiful, God-honoring future.
Intrigue a la Mode by Regina Jennings
Mystery is the added ingredient in this novella, who is stealing and how they are doing it; there is also a strong thread of family bonds and protecting those we love. I enjoyed lots of the unique details about how the restaurants prepared for each train and some of the standards the staff was expected to meet.
A Grand Encounter by Jen Turano
As is usual for a story by Turano, I was cracking up from the beginning. From mashed potatoes that look as fetching as the Harvey Girl serving them to engagements that need some intervention, this novella entertained me all the way through. Myrtle is a rare lady who has discovered what’s truly important and witnessing her standing up for her own happiness was inspiring.
I recommend this collection, especially for fans of these authors and those with an interest in the Harvey Girls, though anyone who enjoys shorter historical romances will not regret picking this volume up as it contains something for everyone: heartwarming moments, mystery, humor, and historical accuracy. Despite the novella length, the characters and plots are well-developed and a great taste of these authors’ work.
I received a review copy of this book from the authors and publisher but was not required to write a favorable review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
A Flood Of Love
I loved this sweet story of lost loves reunited. Katiann was a perfect addition to the story as a precocious little girl wanting a mama. The flood made for an exciting element and the ending was perfect. Great paced novella.
More Than A Pretty Face
I had been looking forward to Rosalind’s story since meeting her character in Karen’s “More Than Words Can Say” from earlier this summer. This story was a perfect happy ending for Rosalind. Caleb was such a strong hero and just what I would have picked for Rosalind’s happily ever after.
Intrigue A La Mode
What a fun mystery! This story was neat since it had a mystery element, an undercover Pinkerton detective as well as another undercover player. I really liked Willow and Graham and I hope to see Calista get her own story. Fun read!
Grand Encounter
My favorite story in the set! The humor in Jen’s stories never fail to deliver and that is always my favorite thing about a Jen story. This one has it in spades! The story was sweet and moved well. Jack and Myrtle are great characters and I also enjoyed Walter and Ruthann and the rest of the supporting characters. Perfect story.
I received this book from one of the authors and was not not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.