In the village of Lauscha in Germany, things have been done the same way for centuries. The men blow the glass, and the women decorate and pack it. But when Joost Steinmann passes away unexpectedly one September night, his three daughters must learn to fend for themselves. While feisty Johanna takes a practical approach to looking for work, Ruth follows her heart, aiming to catch the eye of a … handsome young villager. But it is dreamy, quiet Marie who has always been the most captivated by the magic—and sparkling possibilities—of the craft of glassblowing. As the spirited sisters work together to forge a brighter future for themselves on their own terms, they learn not only how to thrive in a man’s world, but how to remain true to themselves—and their hearts—in the process.
more
I loved everything about this book. The story story begins in a small village, Lauscha Germany where Joost Steinmann, one of the village glassblowers dies in his sleep. He leaves behind three daughters, who must learn how to find their way in a culture where the men blow the glass, and the women do the decorating and packing of the glass.
When I started reading this book, I fell into a world almost magical. I didn’t want to put the book down, but knowing this book was soon to end, I took a break to purchase and download the second book in this trilogy. If you don’t hear from me, you can find me somewhere curled up with a cup of hot chocolate, and my kindle.
Three sisters find themselves suddenly alone in the world and needing to support themselves. Each must do the best they can working in a glass-blowing factory to make money. As each sister makes her own choices, they reap the consequences, learning hard lessons, and eventually pulling together to create their own glass products. This is an entertaining and educational look at creating a business and standing up for oneself when it seems impossible. Petra writes and entertaining historical fiction story.
Set in the small town of Lauscha, Germany, this is the story of three sisters taking command over their lives in a time and place doing so was met with cultural and creative opposition. I can’t give this book any higher of a review than saying: At the end of the book, I immediately went out and bought copies of it for friends to read.
I am a fan of this author and have read the complete glassblower series as well as other novels written by her. I love historical fiction and the glassblower series introduces readers to a world not often thought about or explored by the average reader. I found the books enlightening about glassblowing , in particular to the historical European arena. The characters were unique but believable and the authors style is comfortable and easy to read and understand, even though the novel has been interpreted from another language into English. I found these books enjoyable, informative and fun to read. I will seek out more by this author, and would heartily reccomend her to historical romance fans.
The Glassblower series by Petra Durst-Benning has wonderful characters.
Set in the past this book revolves around sisters learning to fend for themselves in a man’s world after the death of their beloved father. I loved it.
Devoured this book as well as the two that followed. Grew to love the characters and enjoyed following these strong women throughout their lives.
The story is about a family of three sisters who have to make it on their own after the passing of their parents. It’s set in Europe back in the day when girls were expected to get married to have security and some kind of future. You’ll love the characters, and you’ll be rooting for them to succeed while learning a little about the history of glassblowing. (This town is actually known for its glass ornaments.) I read this book for book club, and it engendered a great discussion.
Different and unpredictable. I wouldn’t mind reading it again.
I liked it. Moves a little slow, but the characters are real – not fairy tale.