The Finding Of Miss Fairfield By Grace Hitchcock

The Finding of Miss Fairfield

by Grace Hitchcock

Publisher: Valmont House Publishers

Series: Aprons & Veils

AISN: B09X3W2PZR

It's always fun to join a launch team! This cover was so adorable, and the series idea appealed to me so I applied to join. I received this ebook ARC for review as part of the launch team.

Summary:

When an engagement of convenience becomes anything but convenient . . .

Forced into a betrothal with a widower twice her age, Charleston socialite, Sophia Fairfield is desperate for an escape. But, while her fiancé is away on business, he assigns his handsome stepson, Carver, the task of looking after his bride-to-be. Much to her dismay, Sophia finds herself falling in love with the wrong gentleman—a man society would never allow her to marry, given Sophia was supposed to be his new stepmother. The only way to save Carver from scandal and financial ruin is to run away, leaving him and all else behind to become a Harvey Girl waitress at the Castañeda Hotel in New Mexico.

Carver Ashton has had his life planned out for him since birth, but when he encounters Sophia Fairfield, he glimpses a new life—apart from his overbearing stepfather’s business. But, when the woman he loves disappears before he can express his devotion, Carver abandons all to find her. However, his stepfather has other intentions for Sophia and will stop at nothing until she is his bride . . . even if it is against her will.

My Review:

I'm not sure what it is, but I'm always drawn to stories about the Harvey Girls. This story was no different. The Finding of Miss Fairfield was an easy, quick read and will satisfy any historical fiction lover.

I liked Sophia because she absolutely refused to give in to her father's scheming to marry her off to a man old enough to be her father. Of course, the twist comes in that she meets Prescott's stepson, Carver, right as they're getting ready to announce the engagement.

Carver is immediately likable and it's clear he's nothing like his stepfather. As he watches over Sophia you can see his appreciation for her gumption and his desire to protect her. Unfortunately, since he doesn't make his intentions clear and society tells them how wrong their relationship would be she high tails it out of town to create a new life for herself.

And just in time, Sophia learns about Harvey Girls and sets off with the promise of a job. It's a bit amusing since she has no experience doing any kind of work since she comes from a wealthy family. It's sad though because of the competition of the ladies there vying for the various men's attention. There are misunderstandings which lead to even worse situations.

There's a Sheriff named Kane, and his connection to Carver is an interesting one. There are a number of things that happen in regards to him, and this was the one storyline that I disliked in this story. He's a rather despicable character and it's known by several other characters, yet the direction they move in is baffling to me. I don't want to give things away, but I was very disappointed in the choices others made even knowing his character.

A lot was predictable in the story, but if you're a history buff, you'll certainly enjoy this story!

About the Author:

Grace Hitchcock is an award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives in Baton Rouge with her husband, Dakota, son and daughter. Connect with her online at GraceHitchcock.com.