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The Letter #3
The Kitchen Mistress
THE KITCHEN MISTRESS--Katherine's Story-The Letter Series-Book 3 For every woman who's had to choose between the secrets that protect her and the people she loves the most... 1892-Des Moines Katherine Arthur and her family are back and it's time to collect the money Mrs. Mellet left them in her will. The tidy sum will allow the family peace of mind and a future that's stable and fulfilling. But when things don't go exactly as planned, Katherine steps up to do more than her share. Hired as a kitchen mistress, her intuition (with the help of a mysterious recipe book), cooking prowess, and work ethic make her the perfect partner for the enigmatic, wealthy woman next door. Then Aleksey Zurchenko arrives. Violet Pendergrass is a well-heeled, progressive woman with half a fortune in one hand and a plan for enduring prosperity in the other. Resourceful, shrewd, and tough, Violet doesn't realize her one and only weakness leaves her vulnerable as she attempts to solidify her independence in a 19th century world. She sees unparalleled value in Katherine's gifts and does her best to keep the girl close, to keep her true work secret from her mother and the world. Katherine's loyalties to her mother and Violet grow strained and soon her commitment to both frays even further as her feelings for Aleksey grow. Katherine must decide if pursuing her work with the formidable Violet and protecting her family are more important than following love. Can she do it all? Love, hope, joy, secrets buried in walls and hearts; all are threatened by those who claim to care about the Arthurs. Can Katherine separate what's right and true from what it takes to survive? Are they even different things?
736 pages, Paperback
First published August 15, 2017
1478 people are currently reading
992 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Shoop
49 books1,127 followersBestselling author, Kathleen Shoop, holds a PhD in reading education and has more than 20 years of experience in the classroom. She writes historical fiction, women’s fiction and romance. Shoop’s novels have garnered various awards in the Independent Publisher Book Awards, Eric Hoffer Book Awards, Indie Excellence Awards, Next Generation Indie Book Awards and the San Francisco Book Festival. Kathleen has been featured in USA Today and the Writer’s Guide to 2013. Her work has appeared in The Tribune-Review, four Chicken Soup for the Soul books and Pittsburgh Parent magazine. She lives in Oakmont, Pennsylvania with her husband and two children.
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October 25, 2017
Life is about survival
I loved reading Ms. Kathleen Shoop's book. The Kitchen Mistress is another fantastic read from her. If you love reading historical romance, her books are delightful to read.
I have never been to Des Moines, Iowa but maybe someday. Reading this book gives you perspective how life back then with Katherine and her family. It makes you think how blessed we are with our life. Life is about survival.
The Kitchen Mistress is a very long book. The longest book I ever read as a bookworm so far. I enjoyed every chapters of this book. Life is too short to focus on your happiness. Katherine has no choice but to do the best to saved her family. She is one unselfish girl to let go of her own happiness but to help the family survives. I am sure many women and perhaps men will do that in real life as well.
This book has the betrayal, hope and most of all the will to survive to help your family. Sometimes heart does not matter and being unselfish will makes you better as a person. I would do the same just like Katherine. This girl is beyond unbelievable and she is my favorite character of this book.
I loved reading Ms. Kathleen Shoop's book. The Kitchen Mistress is another fantastic read from her. If you love reading historical romance, her books are delightful to read.
I have never been to Des Moines, Iowa but maybe someday. Reading this book gives you perspective how life back then with Katherine and her family. It makes you think how blessed we are with our life. Life is about survival.
The Kitchen Mistress is a very long book. The longest book I ever read as a bookworm so far. I enjoyed every chapters of this book. Life is too short to focus on your happiness. Katherine has no choice but to do the best to saved her family. She is one unselfish girl to let go of her own happiness but to help the family survives. I am sure many women and perhaps men will do that in real life as well.
This book has the betrayal, hope and most of all the will to survive to help your family. Sometimes heart does not matter and being unselfish will makes you better as a person. I would do the same just like Katherine. This girl is beyond unbelievable and she is my favorite character of this book.
March 21, 2020
*received for free from netgalley for honest review* I did really like this book but it was so. long. I didn't know it was part of a trilogy when I first got it but tbh I doubt id need to read the previous books bc they constantly talk about what happened in them in detail. Liked the characters, well for the most part.
October 16, 2017
I have waited so long for this book to release, it has been my most anticipated read of all the books I have. The Letter Series grabbed hold of me from the first book of this amazing historical and emotional series, the era, the characters, their struggles have been so captivating to follow. It's been quite a while since reading the previous book so I was delighted that the author had included past events to jog my memory and also great for anyone who hasn't yet read the book 1, although I urge you to do so as that is what started my love of this series and the amazing author, Kathleen Shoop.
After so much turmoil Jeanie and her children are together as a family should be, yet after another cruel blow they are left homeless in the town of Des Moines where past events are still held against them in many quarters. Living hand to mouth, desperate to find somewhere to live and be able to stay together, they find a glimmer of hope for better times in the shape of Miss Violet, who gives them jobs and a place to live. Jeanie tends to the gardens while Katherine becomes the kitchen mistress, and I could have sat and read about their daily chores all day long as the author brings them to life so vividly. Yet Katherine has a hidden talent, a talent that could save them all or reduce them to poverty yet again. When Miss Violet uncovers her secret Katherine feels the immense pressure of keeping the family together and will do anything she can to make it happen, she may have had to grown up very quickly but her young age still makes her vulnerable and unaware of the situations around her and the lies being told. Will her risk to save her family from further hardships be worth it or will it bring more heartache? Will they encounter even more despair as events unfold?
Absolutely unstoppable reading, The Letter Series has made such a connection with me, the characters, who now feel like family, warm my heart through their stories and their desperate times, my emotions were pulled as as I continue to want to keep them from harm after all they have been through. The author connects the reader to the past and brings the old era to life so vividly, it simply fascinates me, I didn't want to put it down, a never ending book is the only way to fulfill my needs!
Reading The Kitchen Mistress is like reading a film, the whole story is brought to life in the readers mind through Kathleen Shoop's magnificent writing, you are there in Des Moines watching the characters play out their scenes, feeling their emotions with them, gripped to find out more. A story filled with hope, love, despair and the power of never giving up, and I love every single moment with the Arthurs and am now desperately awaiting their next story.
After so much turmoil Jeanie and her children are together as a family should be, yet after another cruel blow they are left homeless in the town of Des Moines where past events are still held against them in many quarters. Living hand to mouth, desperate to find somewhere to live and be able to stay together, they find a glimmer of hope for better times in the shape of Miss Violet, who gives them jobs and a place to live. Jeanie tends to the gardens while Katherine becomes the kitchen mistress, and I could have sat and read about their daily chores all day long as the author brings them to life so vividly. Yet Katherine has a hidden talent, a talent that could save them all or reduce them to poverty yet again. When Miss Violet uncovers her secret Katherine feels the immense pressure of keeping the family together and will do anything she can to make it happen, she may have had to grown up very quickly but her young age still makes her vulnerable and unaware of the situations around her and the lies being told. Will her risk to save her family from further hardships be worth it or will it bring more heartache? Will they encounter even more despair as events unfold?
Absolutely unstoppable reading, The Letter Series has made such a connection with me, the characters, who now feel like family, warm my heart through their stories and their desperate times, my emotions were pulled as as I continue to want to keep them from harm after all they have been through. The author connects the reader to the past and brings the old era to life so vividly, it simply fascinates me, I didn't want to put it down, a never ending book is the only way to fulfill my needs!
Reading The Kitchen Mistress is like reading a film, the whole story is brought to life in the readers mind through Kathleen Shoop's magnificent writing, you are there in Des Moines watching the characters play out their scenes, feeling their emotions with them, gripped to find out more. A story filled with hope, love, despair and the power of never giving up, and I love every single moment with the Arthurs and am now desperately awaiting their next story.
October 16, 2017
Katherine Shoop is a talented writer who takes you on a journey in time and through personal trials and tribulations in The Kitchen Mistress. Let's start with this is book three in a series. I never read books one and two yet loved book three. The Kitchen Mistress can definitely be read as a standalone. I, though, am now going to buy books one and two because I want to read them.
Katherine is a very young woman by today's standards. Just fifteen. Yet in the late 1800s, that was marrying age. Katherine, though, feels very responsible for her family. They have been split up but are now back together and she wants to see that they stay that way.
The book goes through her relationship with her mother. It also brings a former neighbor from the prairie back into the story. Aleksey has feelings for Katherine he cannot quite put into words or he is afraid to do so. Then, it concentrates on the growing odd relationship between Katherine and her employer, Violet Pendergrass. Each of these relationships pulls Katherine in a different direction. How does she decide which is the right direction?
I definitely recommend you pick up The Kitchen Mistress. I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Katherine is a very young woman by today's standards. Just fifteen. Yet in the late 1800s, that was marrying age. Katherine, though, feels very responsible for her family. They have been split up but are now back together and she wants to see that they stay that way.
The book goes through her relationship with her mother. It also brings a former neighbor from the prairie back into the story. Aleksey has feelings for Katherine he cannot quite put into words or he is afraid to do so. Then, it concentrates on the growing odd relationship between Katherine and her employer, Violet Pendergrass. Each of these relationships pulls Katherine in a different direction. How does she decide which is the right direction?
I definitely recommend you pick up The Kitchen Mistress. I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
October 18, 2017
This is an emotionally fraught novel which will leave you wondering what happens next.
This is Katherine Arthur's life after being finally reunited with her family. She is bound and determined to get them on their feet again and takes a job in the kitchen of a wealthy lady. This woman, Violet Pendergrass, had a rough childhood and does not take it against Katherine's Mom that she is a divorcee--a big no no in this time period. She allows them to live in the cottage next door to her home. Instead of paying rent--they work for her.
Katherine is relegated to the kitchen and cooking meals etc. Violet, an enterprising woman for her time to say the least, realizes that Katherine has a special gift and proceeds to take full advantage of it. Even though Katherine has been through a lot in her years she does not realize that Violet is not the kindly woman she believes her to be.
When Aleksey Zurchenko, an old friend, comes on the scene things start to come together, and love begins to bloom.
All I can say is--have the tissues ready--especially at the end! I'm pretty sure this saga will continue--it better--I want to know if they are able to get Katherine's young sister out of the asylum. I also want to know what happens to Violet, as well as what ultimately happens between Katherine and Aleksey!
Although this can be read as a stand alone--I highly suggest you read the first books in this series!!
The Kitchen Mistress
This is Katherine Arthur's life after being finally reunited with her family. She is bound and determined to get them on their feet again and takes a job in the kitchen of a wealthy lady. This woman, Violet Pendergrass, had a rough childhood and does not take it against Katherine's Mom that she is a divorcee--a big no no in this time period. She allows them to live in the cottage next door to her home. Instead of paying rent--they work for her.
Katherine is relegated to the kitchen and cooking meals etc. Violet, an enterprising woman for her time to say the least, realizes that Katherine has a special gift and proceeds to take full advantage of it. Even though Katherine has been through a lot in her years she does not realize that Violet is not the kindly woman she believes her to be.
When Aleksey Zurchenko, an old friend, comes on the scene things start to come together, and love begins to bloom.
All I can say is--have the tissues ready--especially at the end! I'm pretty sure this saga will continue--it better--I want to know if they are able to get Katherine's young sister out of the asylum. I also want to know what happens to Violet, as well as what ultimately happens between Katherine and Aleksey!
Although this can be read as a stand alone--I highly suggest you read the first books in this series!!
The Kitchen Mistress
October 14, 2017
An intriguing and mysterious book of survival!
The Kitchen Mistress is a well-written story of unfortunate life-changing events, survival, and pride. We get to see Katherine and Aleksey grow in their feelings for each other and get through conflict and feelings of betrayal. Through all the hardships Katherine has endured, she keeps her family in the forefront and wants to do what is best for them and protect them. The story kept me guessing and intrigued with the many different twists, turns, and secrets that were throughout.
I felt that the story moved a little slow in many parts. Although there are many different things going on in the book, I did feel that the ending should have been drawn out in a few more chapters to get answers to some unanswered questions. It is a long book but it is well worth reading. I am interested in the first books in this series. I think they will feel in some of the missing pieces.
I have read several books by Kathleen Shoop and will definitely read more. I was not disappointed at all. I recommend The Kitchen Mistress to anyone that enjoys reading a fiction story that is different and will keep you guessing.
The Kitchen Mistress is a well-written story of unfortunate life-changing events, survival, and pride. We get to see Katherine and Aleksey grow in their feelings for each other and get through conflict and feelings of betrayal. Through all the hardships Katherine has endured, she keeps her family in the forefront and wants to do what is best for them and protect them. The story kept me guessing and intrigued with the many different twists, turns, and secrets that were throughout.
I felt that the story moved a little slow in many parts. Although there are many different things going on in the book, I did feel that the ending should have been drawn out in a few more chapters to get answers to some unanswered questions. It is a long book but it is well worth reading. I am interested in the first books in this series. I think they will feel in some of the missing pieces.
I have read several books by Kathleen Shoop and will definitely read more. I was not disappointed at all. I recommend The Kitchen Mistress to anyone that enjoys reading a fiction story that is different and will keep you guessing.
September 10, 2017
Although this is book three in The Letter Series, it entails the continuing story of Jeanie Arthur and her three children, not long after they are reunited. The family has gone through so much in the past few years, but none are ready to share the past they each survived while apart. Things start looking up for the family after they gain room and board with Miss Violet Pendergrass, an independent businesswoman, who takes Katherine under her wing. But as Katherine’s gift of being able to see the dead gets stronger, it creates problems between her and Jeanie.
It’s a sign of a great writer when their story can evoke so many emotions in you for the characters they have created. I can’t describe everything I felt while reading this, but fear and anger were forefront to them. Fear for the family, and anger at the rampant greed going on against them. This series is a must read. It is a heartfelt story of a family during unfortunate times, doing whatever it takes to survive, while keeping their dignity through it all.
It’s a sign of a great writer when their story can evoke so many emotions in you for the characters they have created. I can’t describe everything I felt while reading this, but fear and anger were forefront to them. Fear for the family, and anger at the rampant greed going on against them. This series is a must read. It is a heartfelt story of a family during unfortunate times, doing whatever it takes to survive, while keeping their dignity through it all.
October 17, 2017
First off, I love historical fiction but struggle to find authors who can truly transport me into history. Kathleen Shoop can take me through time and space!
Katherine's family was on the verge of total destruction. They'd lost their wealth and their family name, were separated and had horrible experiences, and were struggling to make it from day to day. When their last chance falls through they luck into a housing situation that will keep them together for the first time in years.
But as Katherine's life begins to turn around everything starts to fall apart. The boy she taught to read is back in her life and studying to be a lawyer. The boss who saved her is asking too much of her. The mother who couldn't keep the family together is being betrayed by Katherine's actions.
Can they survive the changes and come out unscathed? Or will their relationships and lives be forever changed?
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
Katherine's family was on the verge of total destruction. They'd lost their wealth and their family name, were separated and had horrible experiences, and were struggling to make it from day to day. When their last chance falls through they luck into a housing situation that will keep them together for the first time in years.
But as Katherine's life begins to turn around everything starts to fall apart. The boy she taught to read is back in her life and studying to be a lawyer. The boss who saved her is asking too much of her. The mother who couldn't keep the family together is being betrayed by Katherine's actions.
Can they survive the changes and come out unscathed? Or will their relationships and lives be forever changed?
I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.
December 6, 2017
It was a great read, very realistic with a special atmosphere, suspense and mystery, hope and despair.
Katherine's family receives a legacy from Mrs. Mellet that allows them to return to their hometown who had left with debt and shame. But she is not quiet, the ghost of their benefactor is appeared to her and she doesn't perceive anything good. She will be right, her family will be subjected again to harsh trials.
Katherine is a great character, a strong woman willing to sacrifice her life to protect her family.
The descriptions are very impressive and detailed that it seems to have made a travel through time and lived in Iowa in the late 19th and in early 20th century. Great choice is the narration in the first person alternating the point of view of the protagonists. Although it is a very long book the storytelling is so addictive that flows away quickly.
It's the third book of the series, it can be read as standalone but I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the story.
I recommend this book very much!
Katherine's family receives a legacy from Mrs. Mellet that allows them to return to their hometown who had left with debt and shame. But she is not quiet, the ghost of their benefactor is appeared to her and she doesn't perceive anything good. She will be right, her family will be subjected again to harsh trials.
Katherine is a great character, a strong woman willing to sacrifice her life to protect her family.
The descriptions are very impressive and detailed that it seems to have made a travel through time and lived in Iowa in the late 19th and in early 20th century. Great choice is the narration in the first person alternating the point of view of the protagonists. Although it is a very long book the storytelling is so addictive that flows away quickly.
It's the third book of the series, it can be read as standalone but I recommend reading the series in order to better understand the story.
I recommend this book very much!
March 12, 2020
A really good story vs. not one of my favorites
Author Shoop has all the gifts of a really good writer and all are evident in this Book Two of the Letter Series. Great character development but with some confusing detours that don’t make sense except to set the stage for Book Three. The protagonist of the plot doesn’t ring true for me. I just can’t see Katherine who has survived incredible circumstances (many we haven’t been privy to), displays unexplainable weakness of character regarding her gift to see spirits. This ability along with her wishy washy determination to do the right thing is not convincing. The romance is sweetly developed. Mama Arthur is completely out of character from Jeanie in the first book. What’s with all her past involvements with unknown men? She was portrayed as a good moral woman who fled the disgrace of her father and was deeply in love with her husband when forced to move to the prairie of South Dakota. These questions may need Book Three to answer I am curious but not impelled. The story just couldn’t hold up the plot.
Author Shoop has all the gifts of a really good writer and all are evident in this Book Two of the Letter Series. Great character development but with some confusing detours that don’t make sense except to set the stage for Book Three. The protagonist of the plot doesn’t ring true for me. I just can’t see Katherine who has survived incredible circumstances (many we haven’t been privy to), displays unexplainable weakness of character regarding her gift to see spirits. This ability along with her wishy washy determination to do the right thing is not convincing. The romance is sweetly developed. Mama Arthur is completely out of character from Jeanie in the first book. What’s with all her past involvements with unknown men? She was portrayed as a good moral woman who fled the disgrace of her father and was deeply in love with her husband when forced to move to the prairie of South Dakota. These questions may need Book Three to answer I am curious but not impelled. The story just couldn’t hold up the plot.
October 22, 2017
I rated this book a 4 out of 5. It took me a little bit to get into and didn’t capture me right away BUT as I continued to read, I started to get sucked in. This ended up being a great book, even for a reader who doesn’t generally read historical books. I felt connected with the characters, especially Katherine. Katherine is a strong woman who tries so hard for herself and her family and who continued to believe in herself throughout the story. I love to read about strong women like Katherine, so I really enjoyed getting to know her better.
I highly encourage you to get this book, cozy up by the fire with a cup of coffee and enjoy a great evening of good reading!
I highly encourage you to get this book, cozy up by the fire with a cup of coffee and enjoy a great evening of good reading!
April 19, 2020
I loved this story. Katherine has a natural gift of seeing Angels around others. She helps out those grieving their loss. Her ability is real, but people won't believe her and want to see her jailed or killed.
This is actually Book 3 and the only one I have read. I downloaded it for free. Unless the other books are offered free, I won't be reading them. It's a shame as I would like to start at the beginning and read the series.
Jeanie Arthur is the mother of 4 children. Sadly, James died. Katherine and Tommy are twins. The youngest, Yale has learning difficulties. Jeanie is shunned due to her husband leaving. A single woman with children is unacceptable.
Violet is a business woman. She is all business. She takes the family in. Jeanie is to take care of the gardens. Katherine is to cook. Tommy can do odd jobs around the place. Yale has to be kept quiet and out of the way.
Katherine is talking to Olivia one day and comforts Olivia by talking about the Angels around her. Violet overhears and decides to use Katherine to make money.
Then there is Aleksey. The boy she knew when she is younger. He works on a farm and is becoming a lawyer. Under an old wall he finds a book of herbs and an angel stone.
The book doesn't leave a cliff hanger, but it isn't complete either. The story is left open for Violet especially.
I took one star off for the non-ending pages of thoughts the characters go through. All those thoughts are things that we know.
Since I didn't read the first books I don't know what was going on between Jeanie and ...I forget his name. He was a lawyer or a judge. It's not easy to look back when it's on my phone. I missed something about their past which is causing the anger between them. They are not a match. Jeanie is kind, wise and caring. The man is a bully. He is married and fooling around with Violet and trying to take Yale away from Jeanie and put her into a mental institution.
Even though I didn't read the 2 books before this and, unless it comes up free, I won't be reading the books to follow, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This is actually Book 3 and the only one I have read. I downloaded it for free. Unless the other books are offered free, I won't be reading them. It's a shame as I would like to start at the beginning and read the series.
Jeanie Arthur is the mother of 4 children. Sadly, James died. Katherine and Tommy are twins. The youngest, Yale has learning difficulties. Jeanie is shunned due to her husband leaving. A single woman with children is unacceptable.
Violet is a business woman. She is all business. She takes the family in. Jeanie is to take care of the gardens. Katherine is to cook. Tommy can do odd jobs around the place. Yale has to be kept quiet and out of the way.
Katherine is talking to Olivia one day and comforts Olivia by talking about the Angels around her. Violet overhears and decides to use Katherine to make money.
Then there is Aleksey. The boy she knew when she is younger. He works on a farm and is becoming a lawyer. Under an old wall he finds a book of herbs and an angel stone.
The book doesn't leave a cliff hanger, but it isn't complete either. The story is left open for Violet especially.
I took one star off for the non-ending pages of thoughts the characters go through. All those thoughts are things that we know.
Since I didn't read the first books I don't know what was going on between Jeanie and ...I forget his name. He was a lawyer or a judge. It's not easy to look back when it's on my phone. I missed something about their past which is causing the anger between them. They are not a match. Jeanie is kind, wise and caring. The man is a bully. He is married and fooling around with Violet and trying to take Yale away from Jeanie and put her into a mental institution.
Even though I didn't read the 2 books before this and, unless it comes up free, I won't be reading the books to follow, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
February 21, 2020
A good second instalment of the Arthur family.
Katherine’s ability seems to frighten some, but other are disbelievers are wanting to be violent.
Miss Violet has a small cottage on her property and rents it to theArthur family and engages Katherine as her kitchen mistress. That is until she learns of Katherines talent of seeing the spirits. She creates a persona Dreama, that Katherine becomes and money comes rolling in, that is until Miss Violet gets greedy.
Will loo forward to reading the next instalment.
Well written book, but it does take me longer to get through these ones.
Katherine’s ability seems to frighten some, but other are disbelievers are wanting to be violent.
Miss Violet has a small cottage on her property and rents it to theArthur family and engages Katherine as her kitchen mistress. That is until she learns of Katherines talent of seeing the spirits. She creates a persona Dreama, that Katherine becomes and money comes rolling in, that is until Miss Violet gets greedy.
Will loo forward to reading the next instalment.
Well written book, but it does take me longer to get through these ones.
January 18, 2023
Very enjoyable. I never knew quite where the story was going to go. I am interested in reading others in the series, but don't know if I'd like to read the books leading up to this one.
The character of Katharine, with her psychic abilities was just interesting enough to keep me reading on. I was wondering how Violet's life would continue after the novel and that is always a good sign!
It was much longer than these free books usually are, but I looked forward to reading time every night.
The character of Katharine, with her psychic abilities was just interesting enough to keep me reading on. I was wondering how Violet's life would continue after the novel and that is always a good sign!
It was much longer than these free books usually are, but I looked forward to reading time every night.
August 12, 2025
One thing I noticed in this book was how people can take advantage of the vulnerable, like children, young women, and the down trodden. This book is like reading a modern day story of grooming of young, innocent women to do unseemly things. It shows how the evil actions of the powerful are overlooked while the vulnerable who are trying to get ahead are used and abused emotionally, physically and spiritually. I wished there was more closure on Katherine 's family. However, the conniving of Violet in the end just shows how the grooming continues.
January 27, 2020
This was a great piece of historical fiction. The relationships between Katherine, her mother, and Violet prove how the will to survive can set your life in a totally unexpected path. Katherine and her mother working for Violet for a place to stay vs money is a perfect example of this. Katherine's life changes in so many ways due to this arrangement. There were enough loose strings left that the author can easily expand on this plot in further books in this series,
March 24, 2020
I won a copy of this book from a contest, I was not required to give a favorable review. This is the third book in the series, I wish I had read the other two before reading this one, I will try to get the other two and come back and read this a second time. This is a wonderfully written historical novel that show how people have to make choices in their lives. I will write more when I read it again after reading the other two. This is a very well written story.
April 10, 2020
Rather intriguing read in the late-middle 1800’s of Des Moines, the Kitchen Mistress has a few secrets as well as everyone else in town! Sweet Katherine has a wonderful gift to comfort people but some will and have looked at this ability as an evil thing, she and her family could be in so much danger... This one captures the social inequality’s of the time for women in general but children as well as the handicapped. Characters are strong and real, I enjoyed this read.
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August 19, 2021A good read
It was interesting watching Katherine grow in her confidence and her worldly knowledge. As a young girl, she has been through hard times with her family, even being separated from them. This forced separation and having to live with other families has taught her some hard lessons. Meeting Miss Pendergrass gives her and her family hope that things will get better, they could make a new start. They couldn't be more wrong.
It was interesting watching Katherine grow in her confidence and her worldly knowledge. As a young girl, she has been through hard times with her family, even being separated from them. This forced separation and having to live with other families has taught her some hard lessons. Meeting Miss Pendergrass gives her and her family hope that things will get better, they could make a new start. They couldn't be more wrong.
November 1, 2022
Ahh this was okay as far as the main characters are concerned... the pace was super slow for it's 742 pages and i feel like it didn't happen much...😮💨
I liked Katherine and Aleksei and their relationship (although a bit insta-love) but I hated violet and i couldn't stand her pov's chaps...
The last third of the book was a bit quick and the end a bit sloppy if you don't mind me... meaning kath's last phrase like "i felt everything was gonna be okay together" the end🤷♀️🤷♀️
I liked Katherine and Aleksei and their relationship (although a bit insta-love) but I hated violet and i couldn't stand her pov's chaps...
The last third of the book was a bit quick and the end a bit sloppy if you don't mind me... meaning kath's last phrase like "i felt everything was gonna be okay together" the end🤷♀️🤷♀️
December 19, 2022
I always enjoy historical fiction and mysteries. I had not read book one of this series but it was not necessary. It was a slow start and took me awhile to get hooked. The middle was good but Katherine’s character was a little too gullible. I felt the end was abrupt and really not clear especially around Violets character. Maybe that’s because it’s part of a series but wasn’t as satisfying as I would hope.
January 24, 2023
I really enjoyed this book - a historical fiction. The characters were believable and well described and as I read, I could visualize each scene and each character - their features, clothing and demeanor. I felt each person’s fears, warmth and trepidations. It had some twists that weren’t entirely expected.
I must say though, even though this was quite a long book, the ending came too soon. I wanted to know so many more details.
I must say though, even though this was quite a long book, the ending came too soon. I wanted to know so many more details.
September 5, 2023
Too long
The story was interesting,but as it developed, it seems the author lost her way and the storyline started to ramble. After eagerly anticipating a satisfying ending, the book ended rather simply and abruptly. Perhaps the author just had to develop the ending so as not to go on even longer. It left me really disappointed, as some characters back stories that were hinted at throughout were never explained. There was so much left unsaid.
The story was interesting,but as it developed, it seems the author lost her way and the storyline started to ramble. After eagerly anticipating a satisfying ending, the book ended rather simply and abruptly. Perhaps the author just had to develop the ending so as not to go on even longer. It left me really disappointed, as some characters back stories that were hinted at throughout were never explained. There was so much left unsaid.
March 30, 2020
Secrets
Kathleen and Aleksy were long ago friends and would soon find each other again. Unfortunately for Kathleen she would have to live telling lies to those nearest and dearest to her to keep her secrets. Unfortunate for Kathleen her lies would get her in the end. I loved this story and would love to continue with more stories from this author.
Kathleen and Aleksy were long ago friends and would soon find each other again. Unfortunately for Kathleen she would have to live telling lies to those nearest and dearest to her to keep her secrets. Unfortunate for Kathleen her lies would get her in the end. I loved this story and would love to continue with more stories from this author.
April 6, 2020
Heavenly Help
This was an enticing story. Katherine was an interesting character as well as Violet. For each woman who has been through so much it's interesting how each one turned out. Violet could only think of herself and Katherine somehow managed to stay innocent to the ways of the world. Their lives are so entwined, I had to keep reading to see how each would survive.
This was an enticing story. Katherine was an interesting character as well as Violet. For each woman who has been through so much it's interesting how each one turned out. Violet could only think of herself and Katherine somehow managed to stay innocent to the ways of the world. Their lives are so entwined, I had to keep reading to see how each would survive.
April 30, 2020
I got this book through Bookbub, and to be honest, it's not my usual genre. It was very sloooooooow. I don't feel like it was well researched simply because the vocabulary didn't seem to fit the era. Other than that I don't really have a lot of complaints. It helped pass the time during the pandemic.
August 18, 2021
The Kitchen Mistress
This is a haunting story. It could actually be a 5 star because it is reasonably well written. But it also felt manipulative; there is something about the way the central characters interact with each other that frustrated and annoyed me. It makes it difficult to write this review.
This is a haunting story. It could actually be a 5 star because it is reasonably well written. But it also felt manipulative; there is something about the way the central characters interact with each other that frustrated and annoyed me. It makes it difficult to write this review.
October 24, 2023
Mixed emotions
I have very mixed emotions about this book. It is very well written, with very well developed characters. However, the story line was very depressing , and once again, I felt like not enough effort was out in to ending the book...because it is part of a series. But the way it ended did not make me interested enough to read any of the other books in the series.
I have very mixed emotions about this book. It is very well written, with very well developed characters. However, the story line was very depressing , and once again, I felt like not enough effort was out in to ending the book...because it is part of a series. But the way it ended did not make me interested enough to read any of the other books in the series.
June 30, 2024
This was the third book in the series and a long book, it was very good, but due to the length of the book and the third one, I became somewhat bored and was ready to read something else. It also finished rather abruptly.
Katherine and her mother are the main characters. Their relationship is delved into throughout the series.
Katherine and her mother are the main characters. Their relationship is delved into throughout the series.
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