Customer Reviews

Whispers Along the Rails (Postcards from Pullman Series #2)

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

 

 

WHISPERS ALONG THE RAILS, the second installment in the Postcards from Pullman series, continues award-winning novelist Judith Miller's light and enjoyable historical romance saga.

The story picks up several months after where IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS leaves off. It's 1893, and 22-year-old Olivia Mott, the assistant chef at Hotel Florence in Pullman, Illinois, has been hired part-time (and somewhat improbably) as a company spy on the Pullman railroad cars. Dismayed at her new work, she longs to return to the kitchens to assist her dear friend and boss, Chef René, who has suffered a heart attack. Olivia's subterfuge in book one has cost her dearly. And while she has regained friendship with her erstwhile beau, Fred DeVault, his interest in her has cooled and he has lost confidence in her integrity and fidelity. The widower Samuel Howard continues to push himself on Olivia at every opportunity, and his darker side slowly unfolds as the novel progresses.

Other points of view pick up different plot threads. Fred is deeply enmeshed in the idea of unionizing the workers in Pullman but fearful that his activism may cost him his job and home. He spends his leisure hours helping men gain better craftsmanship skills. Meanwhile, it's been seven months since Lady Charlotte Spencer has abandoned her baby, and she has run through most of her money. Unsure of what to do next, she finds a room in a home for poor women and takes a job at Marshall Field's department store. Her path is about to cross with her old lover, Randolph Morgan, and his young family. Will the Christian truths instilled in her at the home for poor women help her deal charitably with the man who cost her everything?

Fred's mother continues her role as wise Christian mentor to Olivia. When Olivia is frightened of assuming her new position, Mrs. DeVault reassures her: "Worry serves no purpose, and if you permit it, your fears will consume you. Just place your trust in God, my dear." Mrs. DeVault also continually chastises Fred for his unwillingness to have a straightforward conversation with Olivia about where her romantic affections lie. Unlike book one, however, Mrs. DeVault is more believable for a few flaws here. Despite her reassurances to Olivia, she fears losing the security Pullman offers.

As in the first book, romance permeates the pages. Olivia is desperately in love with Fred, but Fred continues to view her as untrustworthy. Samuel wants Olivia; although frustrated at every turn, he is determined to win her love. Olivia spots her best friend, the wealthy Ellen Ashworth, in a passionate embrace with Fred. Does Ellen want Fred? Does Fred love Olivia? What about the mysterious newspaperman who seems interested in Olivia for more than just a feature story? Who will end up with whom?

Miller enhances her story throughout with vivid details, no doubt the result of hours of careful historical research. From the design of the dinner plates on the Pullman dining car to Marshall Field's department store, readers discover an intriguing time and place. The interesting settings --- and Miller's portrayal of Pullman and Chicago just before the turn of the century --- are the strongest aspects of the novel.

The narrative has a few troubles: some clichés mar the plot (Olivia's sprained ankle), the dialogue is sometimes stiff, and the occasional awkward sentence appears ("Pulling an old shirtwaist and skirt from the walnut wardrobe, Olivia quickly donned them.") Readers may also question Charlotte's somewhat rapid character change. However, the gently and pleasantly plotted WHISPERS ALONG THE RAILS will appeal to those who enjoy their history accompanied by liberal doses of inspirational wisdom and light romance.

--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby

I enjoyed the book, but don't read it unless you first read number one in the series "In the Company of Secrets". I was frustrated when I finished the first one, because clearly the author envisioned a series of several books and didn't bring the story line to any conclusion at all. And the second one is the same. Very good character development and plot line, but it left me hanging and wondering when the next one would be published. I guess it is a way to sell more books but I felt cheated.
I lived in Pullman for several years and was interested to learn more of its history from the two books. The author is very good at presenting both sides of the strike. I can't judge how good her descriptions are because I lived in the neighborhood and can immediately picture it with little prompting. Do check out the Pullman website like she suggests.

The settings of Chicago and Pullman for this time period are good. Following Charlotte's lifestyle change is very interesting. My view of Mrs. Priddle and her 'boarding house' or 'rescue mission' is ambivalent. She certainly was helpful to Charlotte, but very controlling also. Way too many details about the impending strike, etc. for my interests. Certainly mention of it with some pertinent details would be be appropriate. Fred, whom Olivia is very attracted to, is a continual disappointment. His mother, Mrs. DeVault is certainly a jewel. Olivia's dilemma of her spy work on the Pullman cars puts her in a most difficult position.

Great Story. Judith Miller is a great writer. Couldn't put this one down. As soon as I finished this one I read the 3rd one and I was not let down. I have read many of her books and the ones she writes with Tracie Peterson. I love reading. I love reading all types of books but I always come back to the 1800's and Judith Miller is a wonderful writer of this period.

Whispers Along The Rails is book two in the Postcards From Pullman series, and it's a good one. Readers who have read In The Company of Secrets will be delighted to find their favorite characters are back.
Oliva Mott is now assistant chef at the Hotel Florence, and is also doing undercover work for the Pullman Palace Car Company.
Fred DeVault, is working to bring the union to Pullman, which puts him in direct opposition to Oliva, who supports the company. Fred is risking his job by even mentioning union to the Pullman workers, but he's ready to take the chance.
Lady Charlotte Spencer is living in Chicago at Priddle House, a settlement house that offers shelter to women, and she misses her baby which she left behind in Pullman.
Judith Miller's research is impeccable, and her characters are so strongly devloped they reach out and touch the reader's heart. Although this is the second book in the series, it is capable of standing alone. You don't have to read the first book to enjoy this one. For a good historical with an intriguing story of love and faith, I strongly recommend Whispers Along The Rails.

This series once more by Judith Miller is SO good ! It's difficult to put the book down - plenty of 'action' and intrigue! Olivia's work at the Hotel Florence as assistant chef has worked out well and it is already obvious that the undercover work for the Pullman Car Company is not what she had expected it to be ! There is plenty of action ! I enjoyed reading about Lady Charlotte and the changes in her life and how she adapts to a daily work schedule and her coming through to meet the Lord, bringing the major changes in her life that were needed indeed. I can't wait to read Book No.3 - this series flows one book to the next !

I thoroughly enjoyed this second book of the series and look forward to reading the storyline's resolve in the final volumne.It has been an uplifting and interesting plot set in an interesting time and area of Chicago.Pullman is a unique and historic section of the city with its own rumors and innuendo. The book has given this era and locale flesh and blood as well as intrigue.

This is the second book in a three-part series, but you don't have to read the first book to understand what's going on in this one. If you're looking for a book that's historical, you'll be disappointed since it's a book based in a different era with an inspirational message. It's a well written, easy to read book and I can't wait until the third book is released.

In 1893 Pullman, Illinois, Olivia Mott, formerly a London scullery maid, works as an assistant chef at the Hotel Florence. That is when she is not undercover as a spotter on the Pullman cars where she makes process observations to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the company. Mr. Pullman's prime assistant Samuel Howard and worker Fred are attracted to her, but both cause issues for Olivia, the company town and the firm.

Lady Charlotte Spencer feels guilty for leaving her baby with Olivia while she ran off to Chicago. Financially broke although the daughter of an affluent English aristocrat, Charlotte obtains employment at Marshall Field's store and a place to live. However, though she feels she is not mommy material, she needs to see her child before she faces her disproving parents.

The second Postcards from Pullman tale (see IN THE COMPANY OF SECRETS) continues the saga of the four prime players as each has major problems to contend with. The story line provides a vivid look back at an nineteenth century company town as well as the operations of the Pullman Company. Although seeking process improvements and related efficiencies before the publications of the works of Fredrick Taylor on industrial engineering seems a minor anachronism, Judith Miller provides a strong late nineteenth century Americana.

Harriet Klausner