Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Review~M.L. Gardner~1929 Jonathan's Cross

*****5 Stars*****


Synopsis

Jonathan Garrett has just lost everything. He and his two best friends were operating one of the top brokerages in New York City until the stock market crash of '29. With nothing but the clothes on their backs, these men must start over. Renting a shabby apartment from a business rival with his eye on tormenting Jonathan, they begin to rebuild as best they can. Their wives struggle to make the best of their situations, each coping in her own way. They begin to make friendships that promise to last a lifetime. As the jobs become fewer and danger is at their backs, the stakes get higher for these men to find a way out. Their current poverty, their respective pasts, and their own struggles all threaten to ruin them. With hope, close friends, and a lucky twist of fate, they escape the city just in time. They return to their hometown of Rockport Massachusetts to begin a new life. Living modestly, and faring better than the friends they left behind in the city, they begin to think things are taking a turn for the better. But tragedy is never far behind.



Michele's Review

Have you ever read a book that you just wanted to devour? That you just could not wait for the turn of the page to find out what happens next? You simply must marathon read so you can get to the next installment? Yeah, that was me, reading this book.

The 1920's-1930's is probably my most favorite period of time.  I have studied the era intently for many years and am glad the author felt no need to take on the onerous task of rewriting history. Instead choosing to follow where the characters lead her. Yes, there were some details that weren't specific to the era, but this is a work of fiction and the few liberties taken by Mrs. Gardner worked for the story and were by no means unforgivable.

The characters are well developed, very personable and extremely human.  I found myself laughing with them, sympathizing with them, and more than once crying with them.  Several times I caught myself arguing with a couple of the characters about choices that were being made, I couldn't help myself.  I am very glad that I came into this series late because now I don't have to wait for the next one to come out, I can start it tonight! 

I don't say this lightly, ML Gardner has written a story that has captured my imagination and my heart.  Her book reminds  me of one of my favorite series, The Clifton Chronicles.  Mrs Gardner, you are my new Jeffrey Archer. 

Highly recommend this series- 5 Stars



About the Author ~ M.L. Gardner


M.L. Gardner is an American author currently living in Northern Utah after spending a decade in the Pacific Northwest. Having grown up a Navy brat, she's lived everywhere and considers no one place home. She collects cats and dreams of opening a no kill shelter in her backyard where she can be surrounded by her feline friends all the time, despite their love of sitting on her keyboard.

She is married with three kids and four cats and writes full time, living on cheese and Bing energy drinks.



Connect with M.L. Gardner


Goodreads ~ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4759502.M_L_Gardner


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