Official Review: A Carriage Ride Home by Sandra H. Esch
Posted: 24 Dec 2015, 16:47
[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Carriage Ride Home" by Sandra H. Esch.]
4 out of 4 stars
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A Carriage Ride Home is the first book of The Chronicles of Amber Leaf, by author Sandra H Esch, and is published by Lamp Post Publishers. Based in the late 1800’s, the story is a historical fiction which traverses though both England and America. Some of the themes that this book explores are about life, family, and learning to love again. Although it is a historical fiction, the book also contains some mystery and crime.
Oliver Harrington, son of a wealthy Aristocrat, falls in love with Emily, a poor Seamstress, and wants to marry her. His parents obviously do not approve of the union because of the difference in their social statuses. Harrington goes against his father’s wishes and weds Emily; as a result, his father cuts him off. Not being able to complete his education to become a barrister, he has to seek work instead, so he enlists himself in the military. Harrington and Emily spend a short but happy time together before he is called off to serve in the war. It is here, while on duty, that he hears of his wife and unborn son’s unfortunate deaths.
Once back in England, Harrington cannot bear the memories and decides to set sail for sunnier shores. He leaves for America after finishing his studies. Once there, he meets relatives of Emily who welcome him warmly. He starts work at a law firm, where he soon makes a name for himself. It is here that he meets Gretta. However, she is already spoken for: Nelson, with whom she is in a relationship, is a very interesting character, one which will perplex the reader. At times he seems a nice enough character, yet at others he seems to be devious and underhanded.
The first part of the story - Harrington’s life with Emily, is rather short. The main focus of this story is when he is in Amber Leaf trying to build a new life for himself. In essence, the first part of the story is more like a prelude.
The one thing I found strange was the behaviour of Harrington. He has recently lost his wife, and although he remembers her from time to time, he thinks about pursing a new relationship with no sign of guilt and sorrow that one would expect a person to feel after having experienced such a loss.
There are a lot of life lessons that Harrington learns throughout the story. All his life he has lived with an abundance of wealth yet he finds a gaping hole inside himself that he cannot fill. He sees those who are less wealthy than himself, yet they seem to have a happiness beyond his reach. This story highlights the importance of family, love and happiness. Overall I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and a pleasant read. I am rating it four out of four stars. The characters were well developed, the storyline was detailed and captivating and the book was enjoyable to read. Anybody who likes historical fiction will be sure to appreciate this story.
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A Carriage Ride Home
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4 out of 4 stars
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A Carriage Ride Home is the first book of The Chronicles of Amber Leaf, by author Sandra H Esch, and is published by Lamp Post Publishers. Based in the late 1800’s, the story is a historical fiction which traverses though both England and America. Some of the themes that this book explores are about life, family, and learning to love again. Although it is a historical fiction, the book also contains some mystery and crime.
Oliver Harrington, son of a wealthy Aristocrat, falls in love with Emily, a poor Seamstress, and wants to marry her. His parents obviously do not approve of the union because of the difference in their social statuses. Harrington goes against his father’s wishes and weds Emily; as a result, his father cuts him off. Not being able to complete his education to become a barrister, he has to seek work instead, so he enlists himself in the military. Harrington and Emily spend a short but happy time together before he is called off to serve in the war. It is here, while on duty, that he hears of his wife and unborn son’s unfortunate deaths.
Once back in England, Harrington cannot bear the memories and decides to set sail for sunnier shores. He leaves for America after finishing his studies. Once there, he meets relatives of Emily who welcome him warmly. He starts work at a law firm, where he soon makes a name for himself. It is here that he meets Gretta. However, she is already spoken for: Nelson, with whom she is in a relationship, is a very interesting character, one which will perplex the reader. At times he seems a nice enough character, yet at others he seems to be devious and underhanded.
The first part of the story - Harrington’s life with Emily, is rather short. The main focus of this story is when he is in Amber Leaf trying to build a new life for himself. In essence, the first part of the story is more like a prelude.
The one thing I found strange was the behaviour of Harrington. He has recently lost his wife, and although he remembers her from time to time, he thinks about pursing a new relationship with no sign of guilt and sorrow that one would expect a person to feel after having experienced such a loss.
There are a lot of life lessons that Harrington learns throughout the story. All his life he has lived with an abundance of wealth yet he finds a gaping hole inside himself that he cannot fill. He sees those who are less wealthy than himself, yet they seem to have a happiness beyond his reach. This story highlights the importance of family, love and happiness. Overall I found the book to be thoroughly enjoyable and a pleasant read. I am rating it four out of four stars. The characters were well developed, the storyline was detailed and captivating and the book was enjoyable to read. Anybody who likes historical fiction will be sure to appreciate this story.
******
A Carriage Ride Home
View: on Bookshelves
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