New Release - “Blessed Assurance” by Lyn Cote
The Blessed Assurance historical series This series is the story of two families, one white and one black, who help each other through through three major tragedies: Whispers of Love — The Chicago Fire-1871 Lost in His Love — The San Francisco Fire-1906 Echoes of Mercy — The Aftermath of WWI -1920
Review By Harriet Klausner –
“Whispers of Love“. Several years have past since the Civil War made Jessie Wagstaff a single mother. She runs a Chicago boarding house as she raises her young son Linc. A new guest Lee Smith makes her feel uneasy as he seems too interested in her late husband’s family and besides she feels attracted to him. However, when the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 threatens mother and daughter, Lee risks his life to
keep them safe.
“Lost in His Love“. In 1906 San Francisco social activist Linc Wagstaff demands the city outlaw child labor. To make his case stronger he investigates the Dickensian exploitation. During his inquiries he meets heiress Cecilia Jackson. As they fall in love, he holds her accountable for practices her trustees are doing to increase her wealth. Before they can confront one another, an earthquake devastates the city leaving everyone struggling to
survive.
“Echoes of Mercy“. Meg Wagstaff has returned to the States after spending time as a volunteer in France during the war. Her parents, Linc and Cecilia are elated she came back safe, but Meg learns her childhood friend Delman Dubois has been accused of murdering Mitch Kennedy by the New Orleans police. Meg refuses to believe Del would
kill anyone so she travels to the city to prove her Negro friend is innocent. As Del faces racism that will gladly lynch him, Meg feels like a traitor as she is attracted to her opponent New Orleans Parish Attorney Gabriel St. Clair.
The omnibus collection of the three superb Wagstaff Blessed Assurance inspirational historical tales will elate fans of the genre as each era comes alive due to the strong lead couple and a deep support cast. ”
Also drop by www.shoutlife.com/LynCote and read Lyn’s blog about Chicago 1871. The latest Blog discusses a Chicago institution, the Marshall Field’s Department Store, which after over a century of doing business in Chicago was bought out by Macy’s in the past few years.
• Chicago Blog #10
• “Give the Lady What She Wants”– Marshall Field
• If you grew up near Chicago as I did, the name of the famous Chicago Department Store, “Marshall Field’s,” possessed an allure of fine shopping, elegance and class. But I never realized until I was doing my research for BLESSED ASSURANCE that the department store concept was a 19th century social movement. No! I’m not kidding! In
the emerging more urban culture, men had saloons to gather in daily but what social institution did “the ladies” have to go to?
• Well, Marshall Field decided it should be his store! And he designed a place where every woman—by just walking through the door—became a “lady.” With a tea room to meet her friends for lunch or just a cup of tea and conversation. A place where a liveried boy opened the door for her and a store which boasted marble floors and Greek columns and sparkling display counters.
• Needless to say, Marshall Field’s was a success. His guiding principles were: “best quality, attractively presented, customers received with courteous and considerate treatment. Nothing petty or little.”
• Next Tuesday, drop by for more about what the department store experience was like for the lady of 1871.
• Link to purchase http://booksbylyncote.com/LC1/?page_id=4
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