Book Review: An Unlikely Suitor, a novel by Nancy Moser, c2011

Historical Fiction

 

Excerpt, pp. 180-181.

~~~

   "Oh dear. Pardon me, " Lucy said.
   Rowena looked askance as Lucy helped her with her morning dress. "If you don't mind my asking, am I hearing hunger pangs?"
   Lucy covered her midsection with a hand. The pains had plagued her all night, receding for a time, only to grab on with new vengeance.
   Rowena turned to face her. "When was the last time you ate?"
   Lucy decided to ignore the half scone because it seemed so pitiful. "Yesterday morning."
   "Why haven't you eaten the other meals?"
   Lucy wasn't sure how much she should say. To bring the wrath of a family member down upon the servants would not help her situation. But the fact remained, she needed to eat. "I don't feel at ease eating with the others."
   "Why not?"
   "You've treated me in a manner far above most--"
   "This is ridiculous. They should rejoice in your treatment, not condemn you for it." She walked toward the bell pull that would summon a servant.
   Lucy rushed to stop her. "Please don't."
   Rowena studied her a moment. "Is the situation that bad?"
   Lucy shrugged. And yet, she was living in a no-man's-land between the servants and the family.
   "This is ridiculous." Before Lucy could stop her, Rowena rang for help.
   "You really don't need to intervene."
   "It appears I do. You must have sustenance. I need you healthy."
   "I need you healthy because you are my friend."
   Lucy was touched.
   There was a knock on the door and Sadie entered. "Yes, miss?"
   "I'm giving you a special assignment, Sadie. Do you think you can manage it?"
   Sadie nodded. "Of course, miss."
   "I'm assigning you the job of bringing Miss Scarpelli her meals, up here to her room."
   Sadie's face fell. "Up here?"
   "Three meals a day, without fail. Do you understand?"
   "Yes, miss."
   "Starting with breakfast. As soon as possible."
   Sadie bobbed a curtsy. "Yes, miss." She nodded at Lucy, but there was a tightening of resentment in her eyes.
   Oh well. At least she would eat.

~~~

The summer of 1895 brings surprises for the Scarpelli family in their travels from New York City to Newport, Rhode Island to Chicago, Illinois. Using the talents and gifting of each, they discover strengths they didn't realize they had until put to the test. I have always found it interesting that prior experiences prepare us for the future; even what we may have considered insignificant skills or attributes.

In the upheaval of news that their tenement building is being razed to make way for a city park, the families dislodge and begin anew. Dante Scarpelli has passed away; in a happenstance meeting, the eldest daughter, Lucia, finds not only lodging but employment for herself, her mother, and younger sister using their skills as dressmaker seamstresses in a very fine shop. Because of  "Lucy's" forthrightness, she is befriended by a wealthy client's daughter, who instigates a need for Lucy's attendance during the summer social season in Newport. Her mother and sister are required to complete wardrobe additions on time. Each personality sparkles and is needed in this unveiling story of an immigrant Italian family within the confines of those they have come to serve. Are each so different from each other?

I received a free copy of An Unlikely Suitor, by author Nancy Moser, from Bethany House Publishers for my review opinions. I enjoy historical fiction and included at the end of this book are research notes, fashion drawings from the time period, and discussion questions for readers. Amazon.com's link has these references along with Chapter One for you to read: http://www.amazon.com/Unlikely-Suitor-Nancy-Moser/dp/0764207520 Click on "look inside!" for this book preview. Enjoy!