5-Star Reviews
Linda Davis is a new author for me. I truly enjoyed Book Three of the Women of Rock Creek, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide. As I entered the WWI war in Italy, I found myself questioning what I would have done with the fighting and seizing of property. Wouldn’t it have been devastating to watch men die as well as have your way of life wiped away. I’m sure women like the heroine in this novel realized they had to search for meaning and a new place in the world where they would heal and remember the firm foundation of their past is still there underneath the rubble. The injustices put forth in this novel through Adelaide’s life put fresh thoughts in my mind about modern-day injustices that many face every day. It might not be the poor handling of mental institutions but I’m sure I could create a list of things that need to be fixed right here in my hometown or state. But will I be as brave as the characters in this book? That’s something to think about. Also, an interesting observation circles around the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment. What a difference from today! Thank you for the challenge, Linda, to face this world’s injustices one by one. |
‘Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.’ Miss Adelaide Fitzgerald, a well-known and beloved opera singer, has inherited the Villa Romano in Italy from her former Maestro. It’s 1918 and The Great War has led to many shortages, and tragically influenza is killing many. Having contracted pneumonia as a result of the flu, her voice, and thus her career is in jeopardy. Will she ever be able to sing again? The suffragette movement is gaining more recognition. As a wealthy, independent woman she could consider involvement, but is that what God wants her to do? Are there other issues in which her abilities could better used? Between ciphers, the travesty of women committed to mental institutions with no valid reason, a mystery that must be solved and a long lost love that suddenly reappears you won’t want to put this aside until you are finished! I found it quite fascinating to learn more of what women went through to allow us the freedoms we have today. We certainly must be most grateful! http://bit.ly/33ceP8U |
Linda Brooks Davis has a wonderful way of putting together pieces of history and great characterization. Miss Adelaide is a strong heroine who fights both for the right for women to vote and equally for those she cares about. Her story begins in Italy and both the characters and descriptions sweep you away to another time and place. Coming to America, we readers get to glimpse a part of our own history, with this author’s adept writing. It’s a beautiful love story of sacrifice, restoration and faith, and hard to put down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this fantastic author. |
This is an historical Christian book centered around the Great War, WWI. The author reached inside for my emotions with this book and tore at them until they were raw. I cried often while reading this and actually had to put it down at times. It is an astounding story of love, family, the cruelty of man and the healing power of music. Expect suffragettes, music, mystery, discrimination, romance, and so much more. The opening chapter captured my attention and I was immediately invested. I felt for Birdie instantly and loved the hymn she sang. What I didn’t like was the way she was being treated in the Texas Asylum. It was horrible. Then the story switched to Italy and we met Adelaide Fitzgerald. Adelaide was a strong, determined, caring, wonderfully complex woman. The friendship with her housekeeper grew into a beautiful sisterhood in Italy. The Italian was an added treat to the book. The food was so well described that I could almost smell the tantalizing aromas. Miss Adelaide had a strong faith and love for God. It was woven all throughout the story. Through hymns, scripture, prayers, and acknowledgments, God was ever present in this poignant tale. Author Linda Brooks Davis has a style of writing that is pleasant and very much to my liking. The subject matter was at times gritty and harsh, but at others loving and beautiful. It was very realistic. This is no sweet bit of fluff, but rather built upon the cruel things life hands to people and how they choose to respond. At times the reality was too much for me. There were twists and turns galore in this lovely book. I loved the poetic way the author writes. Her book had a nice lyrically flow. Conversations sounded accurate and believable. Places and details were spot on. She had obviously done thorough research on this. The book was well organized and written extremely well. My only complaint is I don’t like reading about the rougher things in history. It hurts my soul just knowing they existed. This isn’t a book for everyone. If you enjoy historical books, especially those set during the War, this one will thrill you. The romance is sweet and breathtaking. The mystery made me want to skip to the back and get the answer. I didn’t and encourage you to keep reading, too. For me there was an abundance of heartache, trials, and hurt – just like life. I rated it a 5 out of 5 stars only because there were no more stars! |
One of the best things this author does is write a story that not only has historic details, but allows readers to experience first hand important happenings that defined our country. I loved Adelaide instantly. She is a caring person and has been gifted with a voice like a angel. Adelaide has become well known and it seems her dreams are coming true. I don’t know how a person is able to sing opera but it fascinates me. While Adelaide is in Italy a terrible break out of influenza takes many lives. I found it interesting that the place Adelaide was staying became a kind of hospital for wounded soldiers and a breeding ground for influenza. I don’t want to overlook the breath taking scenes the author provides about Italy. I have always dreamed of going to Italy someday and I felt like I was there while reading the story. Something happens to Adelaide that will change her direction in life. I felt her desperation as she called out to God asking why He gave her a gift and then took it away. We all have been told that there is a reason for everything. If you are like me, you don’t always understand what God’s plan is and it can be frustrating at times. Finding herself back in the states will have a profound affect on her. The best part of the story for me was talking about the Women’s Suffrage. Oh how I would like to have participated in that movement. There was much going on with women during this time period. What a horrible treatment some women faced by being sent off to asylums for unjustified reasons. It is hard to think about the danger women faced just to be equal to men. We are fortunate today to have the right to vote, to drive a vehicle and work in places that only men were allowed to work. The author delivers a powerful story of equality, listening to God and a romance that had almost been forgotten. Will Adelaide follow Gods direction? Can she find happiness and peace? It is a great look at a time where war was going on, sickness was abound and a movement for women to take their place as an equal in a world that was in turmoil. The mystery in the story is well worth reading as Adelaide finds herself working in a place where mistreatment goes on. I admired her strength in finding answers for someone special. Can she rescue someone before it is to late? This is one book you must read and enjoy the writing of an author gifted in historical facts that come to life. |
I so enjoyed reading the first two books in this series and could not wait to tackle this one. I’m an avid reader and found Linda Davis some time ago. She’s one of the authors I follow so that the moment they have a new book out I’m getting it from the library. Definitely, because she’s that good so make sure you add her to your list as well. WWI is not a time period I am super familiar with. I do know about the great influenza outbreak though. It’s something I studied while in nursing school and some on my own as well. This storyline is based upon a family history of Linda Davis. Having a solid historical basis always fascinates me. I love the way these stories read. Not too fast so you’re missing something but not slow so it feels like it just drones on. The characters are lovely and I either love them or hate them as well as love them because I hate them. Will the war or influenza rob Adelaide of more? Right now it feels like influenza will as it stole her voice. Will she ever truly love life again? And what will she do? What is her purpose now? Should she join the suffrage movement? Is that where God is calling her? I love that faith is integral to the story. Small bits of mystery and suspense but nothing edge of your seat. Definitely curl up with a hot cup of tea and this wonderful book. Maybe a scone or two. |
A powerful story that takes us to the Great War, influenza and more. Linda Davis has captured this era completely and gives the reader a glimpse of what life was like. Our main character is a privileged prima donna who finds herself reflecting on her life and what God wants her to do after she “loses” the greatest gift that God has given her. This is a story that will captivate readers to the very end. This is not a story you want to miss, it has history, mystery and of course a woman searching for love and purpose in life. I certainly look forward to reading more from Linda Brooks Davis in the future. |
Full of mysterious events, World War I, and more The Awakening of Miss Adelaide combines different times, places and circumstances into a spell-binding story. I found Miss Adelaide to be a strong-minded woman who was worth getting to know. The descriptions of Miss Adelaide’s villa in Italy and her circumstances during the war kept my interest. I loved reading about her interactions with the soldiers and doctors who occupied the villa. I also found it incredible how she was willing to sing and play for the wounded despite the risks it posed to her. Her sacrifices, determination, and search for God in her life brought much depth to this story. Her dedication to trying to find Brady’s mother also brought much to the story. The intertwining with the suffragist movement added a lot to the story as well. She was able to create friendships and ties that proved valuable in her life. The torment that Brady had dealt with because of his parents’ actions made me want to find out more about what had happened to his mother. Truly, this is a book worth reading. So check it out for yourself. |
I have enjoyed more than one book by our author, and The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is no exception. One immediate draw was the cover, and the name Adelaide- it just has such a richness to it. Inside we find well-researched history in regards to the aftermath of WWI and the soldiers and families lives after the war. We also find history in regards to treatment of women in mental facilities, and the women’s suffrage movement. Along with all these themes we learn about the influenza epidemics that obliterated nations. Among all this rich history, we find Miss Adelaide, an opera singer and orphan, finding her way and love. Along the way, each character develops beautifully, and a thread of faith strengthens each character as well. There is heartache, humor, love, and faith all woven together seamlessly. I recommend this book obviously for the historical fiction reader, but also for those looking for a well written inspirational fiction. http://bit.ly/2w4rQ8e |
A captivating, ambitious, and sweeping story created with exquisite detail and extraordinary characters. This new to me author has certainly caught my attention with this expertly crafted and carefully-researched novel that contains a moving and memorable recollection of the struggles all women face – regardless of location, education or heritage. I highly recommend this one and will be adding more of this author’s works to my TBR! Enjoy! |
Linda Brooks Davis has a wonderful way of putting together pieces of history and great characterization. Miss Adelaide is a strong heroine who fights both for the right for women to vote and equally for those she cares about. Her story begins in Italy and both the characters and descriptions sweep you away to another time and place. Coming to America, we readers get to glimpse a part of our own history, with this author’s adept writing. It’s a beautiful love story of sacrifice, restoration and faith, and hard to put down. I’m looking forward to reading more from this fantastic author. |
I loved the first two books in this series. The Awakening of Miss Adelaide did not disappoint either. Set during WWI in Italy, this book covers a multitude of topics, – the Great War, and Influenza outbreak, and so much more. The historical details are all well written and draws you into the lives of the characters as they are going through this story. There is plenty of drama, history, a bit of romance, and one determined woman’s struggle to find some purpose in life. This book, well actually this entire series, is a must read. I highly recommend you check this one out. |
4-Star Reviews
Historical fictions are one of my favorite types of books. The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is placed during the World War I era. It is the 3rd book in the Rock Creek Women series. I haven’t read the first two books, but still was able to follow along in the story with no problem. I can’t wait to read the first two books. Again, this can be read as a stand alone book. Linda Brooks Davis’s, the author, own family history served as an inspiration for this story. |
The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is full of such rich history. Beginning with the final throes of World War I and the terrifying influenza epidemic, the story touches on important topics of the time–like women’s suffrage and treatment of mental health patients. If you love being immersed in history, then Miss Adelaide’s story won’t disappoint!I also enjoyed the different settings in the book, especially Villa Romano, in Italy. The author paints a beautiful picture of the estate, and I wish I could walk its hills and hear the sights and sounds of the community within its walls. Miss Adelaide (or Addie) was an exceptional woman to get to know throughout the book. Like so many people during that time in history, she was witness to many life-changing events. War. Sickness. Death. Injustice. No wonder she had so many doubts about herself and her faith. It was a little frustrating sometimes when she wavered about her future. She deserved to find her happiness, love, home, and family. But she is often unsure of what her purpose truly is. I loved her sense of truth and justice, and how she wasn’t willing to put her own desires ahead of what was right in the eyes of God. The other characters in the book are also well developed and unforgettable. Brady is a true hero–willing to sacrifice himself for others on and off the battlefield. And although we know he was a rugged cowboy in the past, we get to see him as the broken man coming home from war. His healing journey was encouraging, and I loved to see a soldier be vulnerable about what they’ve been through. It shows how tender Brady’s heart is. Overall, I enjoyed the history of the book, and I loved how the story twisted toward the end. Such danger and mystery! It was a pleasure to see the transformation and maturation of MIss Adelaide as she tried to find God’s will in her life. |
I’ve had great fun getting to know the women of Rock Creek. But The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is probably my favorite book in the series. Adelaide seems to have it all. She was not only given a large estate in Rock Creek, but now she’s been given a villa in Italy! Her life is perfect, right? No, not so much. The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is a perfect example of having it all according to the world’s expectation and having it all according to God’s expectations. Adelaide had everything she could ask for, but it wasn’t enough to make her happy. After losing her voice from the influenza, Adelaide struggles to find her place. Who is she if she’s no longer the world’s darling opera singer? Discovering God’s plan for her life will lead Adelaide on an exciting adventure you don’t want to miss. Rich in historical detail and imbued with a journey toward God’s calling, The Awakening of Miss Adelaide awakened a desire in myself to better serve God’s purpose. With the addition of the suffrage movement and appalling use of mental institutions, Adelaide quickly finds herself in the middle of a fierce battle for women’s rights. And there might even be the chance for a renewed life of love with an old flame. If you enjoy historical novels filled with strong characters, you should pick up this novel. |
The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is the third book in the Women of Rock Creek, although it could be read as a standalone I would read the prior books in the series as they are very enjoyable and help you appreciate this book even more. The book starts in 1918 Italy where heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald an American has inherited a Villa. What you might want to know: What I enjoyed about this book: Who will enjoy this book ( just to name a few): |
Linda Brooks Davis writes a beautifully crafted story that is one I will personally go back and read again. The setting was described in vivid detail making you feel like could actually see through the eyes of the characters. I felt that in the thoughts and feelings of the characters they were genuine to fit the circumstances. I liked that Miss Adelaide, even though she was going through her own struggles always went out of her way to help others. Not thinking of what it might mean to her personally. She is a very selfless character whom I admire. I think that this book is a good example to follow on trusting God with our circumstances, knowing that he doesn’t necessarily take our talents away but gives us a new opportunity to use our talents in different ways that we might not have seen had we continued on our current path. |
This story takes place on two continents—in Europe and in the US. Adelaide Fitzgerald has been an opera star and has inherited an Oklahoma ranch as well as her maestro’s Italian villa, Caught in the midst of the first world war, she remains in Italy, where she tries to help others. Then the influenza epidemic hits! The past eventually meets the present, but can they still connect for those involved? The effort to win female suffrage also plays a large role in the novel. Readers more about life during that time period and the issues people dealt with. The characters seemed realistic and made the tale come to life. Suspense about who and why a woman is hidden away in an asylum makes readers wonder about how this relates, but the truth is finally revealed. Relationships of various sorts are explored in the book. Readers who like strong female characters should enjoy the saga. |
This story starts off with an interesting prologue, where we meet a no name woman who is an asylum in Texas. This intrigued me very much as the author writes about her great-grandmother’s situation who really was in an asylum and states that the family doesn’t really now why, except for the speculations. We jump several years, from 1912 to 1918, as World War 2 is nearing an end. Here the story picks up with the heroine, heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald who is an American living at her inherited estate in Italy. Adelaide is 36 years old, never married and seems like everyone else in the world at the time, has had to put her life on hold until the war is over. Here is where the story continues as we walk through the pages of Adelaide’s life. I like that the author includes the Spanish Influenza that was so rampant at that time, and like the war was destroying the human race. Adelaide herself has to deal with this killer flu in a personal way that will have future ramifications for her life. Adelaide is a complex and interesting character. This story is entirely hers even though this is the third in the series. We get glimpses of her past as she struggles to live in the present while hoping for the future. She is an orphan who became an opera singer and she once loved someone so much she would have done anything for him. This is her story of her journey as she travels through life. And yes the author does not leave us hanging with the mystery woman from the beginning. This was a nice and well researched historical read. |
I love reading stories that are based in WWI era. It is such a wonderful, trying time and I love stories that are created in it. This was a new to me author – and I loved the description and cover and signed up to review this book. This is the 3rd book in the Rock Creek Women series. I have not read the other ones – and had no problems following along. This book can be read as a standalone. This book contained well written characters that are well developed. I love how the author’s writing style flowed across the pages. She has created an intriguing storyline that did not become stagnant. In this story we see, Adelaide who is a beloved opera singer. However, when she contracts the flu – will it damage more then her spirits? Will she lose hope in the war torn country that is her new normal? |
This story starts off with an interesting prologue, where we meet a no name woman who is an asylum in Texas. This intrigued me very much as the author writes about her great-grandmother’s situation who really was in an asylum and states that the family doesn’t really now why, except for the speculations. We jump several years, from 1912 to 1918, as World War 2 is nearing an end. Here the story picks up with the heroine, heiress Adelaide Fitzgerald who is an American living at her inherited estate in Italy. Adelaide is 36 years old, never married and seems like everyone else in the world at the time, has had to put her life on hold until the war is over. Here is where the story continues as we walk through the pages of Adelaide’s life. I like that the author includes the Spanish Influenza that was so rampant at that time, and like the war was destroying the human race. Adelaide herself has to deal with this killer flu in a personal way that will have future ramifications for her life. Adelaide is a complex and interesting character. This story is entirely hers even though this is the third in the series. We get glimpses of her past as she struggles to live in the present while hoping for the future. She is an orphan who became an opera singer and she once loved someone so much she would have done anything for him. This is her story of her journey as she travels through life. And yes the author does not leave us hanging with the mystery woman from the beginning. This was a nice and well researched historical read. |
The Awakening of Miss Adelaide is the third book in Linda Brooks Davis’s series The Women of Rock Creek and it is a very good read. Linda Brooks Davis is a new to me author and I found myself drawn to read this book especially since it is Christian Historical Fiction and I was drawn to the cover. Linda Brooks Davis writes with authority on our world in 1918 especially the US and Italy, WWI, women’s movement, the Opera, and the effects of the Great Influenza. I loved reading this story because I learned more about WWI and the Women’s Movement. I love books based on historical facts so I can learn from it. Linda Brooks Davis writes seamlessly back and forth from Italy and US. I personally have not read the first two books in this series but definitely didn’t feel like I was missing something. I found the characters to be real and relatable. I definitely found Adelaide to be my favorite character. The journey she is on to come into her own and the strength she had to endure all of the hardships. I truly enjoyed going on Adelaide’s journey with her … I felt like I was right there with Adelaide experiencing all she does. I found myself laughing in some parts and crying in others. I did enjoy this book. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. |
