Customer Reviews

The Carousel Painter

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was really intrigued by the storyline that Judith puts forth in her newest book. The intricate workings of the carousel factory really piqued my interest and I loved reading the description of how the carousel horses were made. The way new designs are developed and how a beautiful horse can be ruined. All of this was fascinating to me.

Even better though was the storyline itself that introduced me to a lovely character, Miss Carrington Brouwer. Here is a young lady that has been dealt a hard hand in life. Her mother passed away and now her father has died as well and she leaves France to come to America to stay with a friend because she has been left penniless with only two of her father's paintings to her name. Her friend Augusta Galloway's mother is less than pleased to have someone staying with them and so she quickly tries to find a way to make it on her own and starts working as a painter at Mr. Galloway's Carousel Factory. She has much working against her. No other women work there and she is not welcomed. Even though she is an artist, fellow workers don't consider that adequate training, and the factory manager seems to have a problem with her. She must try and find a way to fit in, discover her faith in God through the many accusations that come her way, and maybe find God's will for her life and love along the way.

This is a quaint story that I really enjoyed. For a good historical romance with a touch of mystery, pick up "The Carousel Painter".

Set in the late 19th century, The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is the story of Carrington Brouwer, a young woman who moves to Ohio following the death of her father. Having already lost her mother years before, Carrington finds herself alone and longing for a place to call home. Carrington's best friend Augusta Galloway invites her to stay with the Galloways in Ohio, and she gladly accepts the offer. She is happy to become part of a family again. When Carrington is hired to paint carousel horses at the local factory, her feelings of independence and optimism soar. However, things are not quite so simple and straightforward. Events at the Carrington home and on the job threaten her newly acquired sense of security and hopefulness.
The Carousel Painter is a light, readable story if you ignore Carrington's inane nervous giggling and some of the contrived aspects of the plot. The annoying giggling literally opens and closes the story and occurs frequently and regularly throughout. Somehow though, the story line manages to remain sufficiently engaging to warrant the effort required to ignore this less than endearing characteristic. The discussions about Christianity and morality between Carrington and others seem natural and believable. And it is interesting to learn how carousel horses are created. Overall, a nice enough story.

Most everyone has fond memories of perching on one of the beautiful horses on a carousel and going round and round. Reading this story was just as much fun. The characters were interesting and the background even more so. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into a carousel factory. Judith Miller has a way of transporting her readers into another era and then telling her story in page-turning fashion. A little history, a good dollop of romance and a side dressing of mystery makes The Carousel Painter a good read.

This was a delightful Christian historical novel, featuring a fast-paced mystery and a little romance. The plot definitely kept you turning the pages! I additionally love that the characters were given very unique personalities - filled with character flaws we could all relate to. This novels main character, Carrington Brouwer, is a young woman seeking to be loved for who she is, flaws and all. Due to the death of both her parents she becomes dependent on the offered charity of one of her father's previous painting students and her wealthy family. After moving from Paris to Ohio she discovers her presence is largely unwanted by the female head of the household. She struggles to fit in, and to find worth after such a drastic change in her family life and her circumstances. Although she does develop an earthly love interest during the plot, the overarching need to trust and be loved by her heavenly father is what helps see the main character through many trials in this great book. I also loved the factoids about the creation of the beautiful carousel animals. The daily operations of a carousel factory were not something I knew a lot about before reading this book, but it was obvious that Judith Miller had done her homework (as usual) and the factory setting seemed to come alive with realism. A wonderful story.

Carrington Brouwer is invited by her friend, Augusta Galloway, to move to the US from France after her father dies and she has no family left. Carrington arrives to quite an unexpected welcome. Augusta's mother doesn't seem well pleased with her arrival. Carrington feels as if she needs to make do on her own rather than live with the Galloways. She is a painter and is not exactly sure what she could do to live on her own. Carrington finds an unexpected ally in Augusta's mother when she suggests that she work for Mr. Galloway at the carousel factory painting their carvings for the carousel. Mr. Galloway agrees and Carrington begins the difficulty of working in a factory full of men and being the only woman worker. It is 1890, so this is quite a foreign idea and not very acceptable. Carrington finds a boardinghouse near the factory to live at and meets Mr. Kaestner, who also happens to be her supervisor at the factory. He has his own difficulties with her as well, but his feelings begin to change as he sees Carrington's character shine through. I really liked this book. It was full of suspense, romance, and much more. I am in awe of the strength that Carrington had to be able to withstand the trials of being the only woman in the factory. She struggles with her faith and learns along the way how to develop a better relationship with God.

When Carrie Brouwer's artist father dies, she decides to move from Paris to Ohio where her friend Augusta lives with her wealthy family. Carrie is not well received in her new town, perhaps it is because she is the only woman working in a carousel factory painting horses. The men in the factory resent her presence and their wives want this young, single woman to stay away from their husbands. When Augusta's mother finds an expensive necklace missing, fingers are pointed at Carrie. Carrie must learn to live the Christian life and trust God.

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is quite different from many historical novels. It has a little bit of everything. It has romance, mystery, and a positive Christian message. I did have a bit of difficulty with how mean the residents of Collinsford, Ohio were to Carrie. I remember thinking that this must be a town full of evil people, and that made the book hard to read at times. I realize now, having read to the end, that there was a purpose for all the meanness and a good lesson to be learned; not just for Carrie, but for the reader as well.

I really enjoyed this story and the writing. Witnessing the transformation and experiences Carrie went through made reading this book a positive and uplifting experience. The premise and story for this book are very original and the writing is fresh. The characters are very real and likeable, especially Carrie. I found myself rooting for her and feeling her pain. I like a character I can relate to. This story is every bit as beautiful as the cover of the book. Enjoy The Carousel Painter.

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is a delightful historical romance. Carrie Brouwer has returned home to America after her father's death in France. The two of them had lived in Paris, both practicing their beloved art of painting while he taught student painters to make ends meet. She moves in with her friend Augusta Galloway, but quickly discovers that she is not a welcome guest but a unwelcome pest, so she takes a job painting horses at Augusta's father's carousel factory. There she meets taciturn foreman Josef Kraestner who makes sure that she knows she's not welcome at the factory either, as do the other workers who resent a woman taking a man's job. Throw in an accusation that she stole a valuable necklace from the Galloway home, and Carrie has plenty to keep her busy! Miller writes with a light touch, keeping scenes realistic and the growing romance between Carrie and Josef a joy to read. The main character's growth through faith is carefully written and without pretense or cliche. Carrie and Josef have plenty of chemistry and are the rare couple who I would enjoy reading more about even after their happily ever after.

I enjoyed this book. It was very readable and hard to put down. I finished it in a couple of days and even though I did find it a bit predictable, there were enough twists to keep me interested. The only reason i didn't give it 5 stars was because I thought it was written at about a 6th grade reading level, so not particularly challenging for an adult. In any case, I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a clean romance that is full of mystery while also being relaxing to read.

I enjoyed this book. It was an unusual premise and an absorbing story. I have enjoyed all of this author's work, especially the Postcards from Pullman series. It seems that the author does a lot of research to make sure her stories are historically accurate, and does an excellent job of painting a scene of the times.

The Carousel Painter starts with a promising and uncommon theme, a young girl moves to the states from Paris after her father's death and is offered a job as a carousel horse painter. Unfortunately, after this initial set-up the events that follow are all too familiar. A so-so romance, trial after trial for our heroine, and a lacking mystery. The mystery spurred me to continue reading, but the resolution was anticlimactic and predictable. It was tied-up just in time to have the perfect happy ending for the love story. Sometimes the subject matter and vernacular were spot on within the historical period, and other times, a slight bit off. Carrie was a great protagonist, but the other characters were a just a little flat.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just didn't quite do it for me. All-in-all it could have been better, but neither was it a waste of time. If you like this genre, read it, but if this genre is not your cup of tea, it wouldn't be my first suggestion.