THE MEASURE OF A LADY
Deeanne Gist
This story takes place in 1849 San Francisco, while the gold rush is going on; it's a rough, but booming town.
Rachel Van Buren arrives after a voyage from the East coast, with her almost 16 year old sister Lissa, and her 14 year old brother Michael. Their father had hopes of striking it rich and beginning a new life in California, but he died from cholera on the ship.
It is up to the prim and proper Rachel to take care of her younger siblings, and keep them safe and out of trouble, something she finds very hard to do with the temptations surrounding them.
Rachel meets saloon owner Johnnie Parker, who gives them shelter and a job. Rachel finds herself falling for Johnnie, but disapproves of the way he makes his living. Johnnie finds himself falling for her too, but is reluctant to change his way of life. She also feels she has failed her brother and sister, especially after Lissa begins an affair with a married man. While trying to save her sister, and find her own place in this new world, Rachel learns the lesson that being a true lady is more than just dressing the part and good manners.
I really liked this book. The author did a good job with her research on what life was like in San Francisco during that time. It was interesting to read how the city got its start. While the story of Rachel and Johnnie ended pretty much like I expected it would, I liked that Lissa's story ended differently; it made the story more realistic. The story was also told with humor throughout, which I liked too; it kept the story from being "sappy".
Deeanne Gist
This story takes place in 1849 San Francisco, while the gold rush is going on; it's a rough, but booming town.
Rachel Van Buren arrives after a voyage from the East coast, with her almost 16 year old sister Lissa, and her 14 year old brother Michael. Their father had hopes of striking it rich and beginning a new life in California, but he died from cholera on the ship.
It is up to the prim and proper Rachel to take care of her younger siblings, and keep them safe and out of trouble, something she finds very hard to do with the temptations surrounding them.
Rachel meets saloon owner Johnnie Parker, who gives them shelter and a job. Rachel finds herself falling for Johnnie, but disapproves of the way he makes his living. Johnnie finds himself falling for her too, but is reluctant to change his way of life. She also feels she has failed her brother and sister, especially after Lissa begins an affair with a married man. While trying to save her sister, and find her own place in this new world, Rachel learns the lesson that being a true lady is more than just dressing the part and good manners.
I really liked this book. The author did a good job with her research on what life was like in San Francisco during that time. It was interesting to read how the city got its start. While the story of Rachel and Johnnie ended pretty much like I expected it would, I liked that Lissa's story ended differently; it made the story more realistic. The story was also told with humor throughout, which I liked too; it kept the story from being "sappy".
