2019 Donora, Pennsylvania Ninety-one-year-old Patryk Rusek hides in his attic, hoping the searchers think he’s escaped. When Lucy finally bursts in, she discovers her beloved grandfather clutching a fat, hand-illustrated, antique book. In it is the story of Donora, the town that shaped America, its people and Patryk himself. Before long, Lucy and her son Owen lose track of their goal to get … get Grandpa Patryk somewhere “safe” as they’re drawn into the book, back in time, into stories that read like real-life fairytales born of purpose, hard-work, and chance.
1910 Donora, Pennsylvania
In the early dawn of Donora, Pennsylvania, the mills make and shape the steel that builds America. Mary Lancos lives in a home on the hill overlooking town and its mighty Monongahela River. That tiny house bursts with her siblings and boarders. Wind whipping through the walls and windows makes Mary determined to marry well and create a better life.
Shy Pole, Lukasz Musial, arrives in Donora seeking the clear blue skies, green lawns, and better life he’d seen pictured on a postcard. Settled in Donora’s Polish community, Lukasz secures a coveted job in the wire mill. Life is set on course to achieve the American Dream. All he needs is a wife who believes in him, in his mighty, quiet, strength.
After a series of casual, friendly meetings, fate brings Mary and Lukasz to the river under a snowy, pink moonlit sky and everything changes. Their attraction is sudden and consuming, turning the pair onto an unexpected path. With mounting disapproval from Mary’s parents she and Lukasz must decide if love is enough to risk losing everything else that matters.
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Good story but written at a 4th grade level.
Having lived in “Steel Country” PA and not too far from the setting of this story, I was looking forward to a little historical fiction of a very familiar and dear place. What I got was a great story-line with multi-layered characters who struggled with life, and coming of age in the New World of promise, America. There is excellent attention to details of the time and place of the story. The plot was predictable, but, as I read the book, I was hoping that I would be correct in my prediction. But that did not take away from the telling of a great story.
Set in history at about the same time my ancestors migrated to America from Poland so I related to the work ethics and superstitions.
Historical romance. Enjoyed the insight into the period of time.
Very good story line with lots of detail! I loved the historical aspect!
I enjoyed it very much, realistic, a bit of history about early immigrant lives and hardships. Sorry to see it end…looking forward to next one.
It was like suddenly an ending was needed and it was not true to the character of the heroine
This was one of the best books I’ve read in months! Truly enjoyable characters and well developed plot. Highly recommend!
Leaves you wanting more.
Loved every bit of this book . If you believe that its in your destiny for what will happen does happen then this is the book for you. Super great characters. I couldn’t put it down
This was a book that took me by surprise – I truly loved it!
Not only a great story, but filled with details that bring the culture of the time alive. I learned a lot about a time and place I knew little about before.
I liked this book very much. Living across the river from St. Louis and growing up with the St. Louis Cardinals, I found this book very interesting as it was about Stan Musial’s parents. It kept my attention all the way through and loved the characters. Felt like I actually knew them!!! Even though it was a rather long book, I was sorry to see it end. And the people have stayed with me.
A dramatic story of a strong and resourceful immigrant and the daunting odds he faced.
Just didn’t capture my interest. Didn’t finish.
Great historical background for an interesting romance, linked to a well known baseball player. Really enjoyed it!
OK read. Interesting historical background. Predictable but ok
I really enjoyed this book. I really liked the main characters and how their lives become intertwined. I especially enjoyed reading about Donora, Pa since I am from another small town in PA. My hometown was also built by immigrants working in steel mills. I feel like this books is full of hope, family obligation, destiny, and self determination. I’m glad I read the book!
Very entertaining!
Loved this book – while, based on the parents of Stan Musial, it was most entertaining and reflected the time and the place where they lived. It made me want to know more about their lives and … of the “famous” son they would eventually have.