The Courting of Miss Cady by Grace Hitchcock

 

Purchase: AMAZON

Another wonderful addition to the Aprons and Veils series! And I expected nothing less, which is why, upon receipt, I began reading it directly after work, until 11:30, and woke up early to finish it at 6:30 this morning.
This book has some wonderfully dramatic moments, an almost double meet-cute, and beautiful faith woven throughout.  Wade is a kind, gentle hero, and Jane is generous beyond expectation.

 Quotable: "Lord, help me through today. Let me not focus on the rumors. Renew my heart, Lord, and give me hope for my family’s future."

I loved this tale and always enjoy returning to a Harvey House.

Highly recommended! 

I received an eVersion from the author prior to release, for my honest opinion. All thoughts are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

Read: 10/15&16/2025
Book #200 - 2025 Reading Challenge 

SYNOPIS:
He’s the man of her dreams—she just doesn’t know it yet.

New York socialite Jane Cady is the envy of the season, and the supposed love of Graham Bank’s life until news arrives that her father’s last merchant ship has sunk, costing them everything. To avoid scandal, the family disappears to manage a hotel in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Determined to support her family, Jane sets aside her dream of marriage and joins her father in working for the Harvey House as a waitress. But when her former fiancé strolls into the Castañeda Hotel, the weight of her sacrifice becomes all too real.

Rancher Wade Sterling is well acquainted with hard work, and that Miss Jane is one of the hardest-working Harvey Girls he’s ever met, besides his sister-in-law. When Jane faints on duty, Wade catches her and upon her awakening in his arms, her passionate kiss nearly knocks him off his feet. She begs him to play along and before he knows it, she tells some dandy that they are happily courting. Jane later begs Wade’s forgiveness, explaining it was an emergency as the man was her former fiancé and their relationship ended poorly. But, when the dandy stays in town, Wade finds himself in a fake courtship and in love with the woman of his dreams. He only needs to convince Jane that he is the man of hers.

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FW9ZGSRR
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Valmont House Publishers
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 14, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 280 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8991270717
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 15 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.7 x 8.5 inches
• Book 5 of 5 ‏ : ‎ Aprons & Veils
• Best Sellers Rank: #513,740 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #242 in Gilded Age Historical Romance
  • #536 in Western & Frontier Christian Romance
  • #2,045 in Christian Historical Fiction (Books)
    
    
    
    
    
    
    

GIVEAWAY - The Finding of Miss Fairfield - Grace Hitchcock

/ 

Available 8/29/22 Amazon Link to Preorder

Not one, not two, but THREE villains! 😱

I adore a good Harvey House story.  Reading about the historic restaurant is a topic that fascinates me and The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Apron & Veils book #1 set in New Mexico, 1899, was no different.  I always appreciate the faith elements that elevate a story and Grace Hitchcock does a wonderful job weaving them into her stories.

Favorite Quote: “Even the devil can quote scripture to suit his purposes.”

In her challenging escape, Sophia grows in courage and gumption and  I quite liked her character and that of the kindly Carver Ashton. He is not the perfect hero, but that made him all the more real. Also, Carver disliked Earl Grey tea. RESPECT! I can’t stand that perfumed-tasting stuff! Blegh!

Amazon Link to Preorder

I look forward to the next installment, The Pursuit of Miss Parish coming May, 2023 (more information below).

Other Quotes from The Finding of Miss Fairfield that I enjoyed:

 2. “Lord, give me direction. Send me someone else! Or give me a way out of this marriage.”

3. “To borrow a line from Keats, ‘I love you the more in that I believe you have liked me for my own sake and for nothing else.’”

4. “And you should include a little tea salon where the husbands or wives… can take their refreshments and also have a wall of only the best novels to entice them to linger and order cup after cup of expensive tea!”

5. “…when I come to New Orleans to see your shop, I will want to take tea and order a stack of books.”

6. 

A birdcage with a tiny gold finch caught her eye. She paused at the window display, her fingers splaying against the cool glass. “I know how you feel,” she whispered. 

7.

"Life is short, and let's be honest, tea is better with sugar, especially when it smells rather medicinal in nature."

8. Jenny sighed. “And this is the part where I fear we might lose any new Harvey Girl. The bowls of water deter scorpions from climbing into our beds.” Sophia’s jaw dropped. “Excuse me?” “Scorpions.”

 

I am honored to have been chosen to be
on the Launch Team. Thank you Grace.
I read this eBook without compensation or expectation.
All opinions are mine alone. 4 Stars.

Valmont House Publisher’s Description:

New Mexico, 1899, 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.

GoodReads Giveaway:

Link to GoodReads Giveaway ends 08/28/22 - see their site for Rules

Author, Grace Hitcock: Click for her website

 

Link to Preorder on Amazon

Aprons & Veils #2, The Pursuit of Miss Parish, available on May 31, 2023

Publisher's Synopsis: Love's gentle promise becomes nothing more than a withered dream. 
With dreams of love and a hope for belonging, shy Belle Parish leaves her position as a maid in Charleston to travel to New Mexico with her best friend to become mail-order brides. Colt Lawson's letters hold great promise and while his devilishly handsome face matches his picture, something does not add up. Discovering his lie only moments before they wed, Belle flees the church and straight into the Castañeda Hotel Harvey House. Giving up the prospect on ever marrying, she dons her nun-like uniform and focuses on her role as a Harvey Girl waitress until a strong, former Texas Ranger rides into her life.
Colt Lawson didn't want to send that letter to Belle Parish in the first place, but her first response had all but captured his heart. When he is left standing at the altar alone, he is left with two choices—either release his dream of a love marriage, or attempt to win her heart. Wooing her would be a lot easier if that Texas Ranger wasn't back in town. Who wants a dusty rancher with a past when she could have a shining knight in a Stetson?

Until next time, Hugs and cup of tea... or flowers
whatever your heart fancies!
~Heather Elizabeth ~

A DEEP DIVIDE BY KIMBERLY WOODHOUSE 5 STARS

PURCHASE LINK

"The deep blue sky was beautifully decorated with clouds, as if the Master Painter had used a brush to spread the wispy white layers for the light to play with."

***An unexpected pleasure***
It felt like a movie and I definitely liked getting caught up in the show.
I love Harvey House/Harvey Girl stories! Ray Watkins faith and desire to please were very sweet. After her troublesome youth, Emma Grace has escaped to become a strong, self-dependent woman who ends up on a journey toward faith and connection. The descriptions of the El Tovar and the Grand Canyon made me want to hop a train and go visit, and I enjoyed the interaction with the Hopi Indians.
I liked the mystery elements as well.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I received an ebook from NetGalley and the Publisher. All opinions are mine alone.
(c) Bethany House Pub. Available 10/8/21

AUTHOR FB LINK

Kimberly Woodhouse

DREAMING OF FALL

Serving Up Love 4 in 1 Harvey House Brides Collection

Serving Up Love – Four (unrelated) Harvey House Brides Novellas

    

A Flood of Love, Novella by Tracie Peterson •*•Great Ending •*•

[OPENING] August 1929  

Gretchen Gottsacker stepped from the train and looked around at the tiny town of San Marcial, New Mexico. (5 stars)

More Than A Pretty Face, a Patchwork Family Novella by Karen Witemeyer •*• Book 1.5 I loved It!  •*• [OPENING] Gainsesville, TX, 1902

“I’m not going to marry her, Mother.” Caleb Durrington bit the inside of his cheek to keep the rest of the words piling up on his tongue from escaping. (5 stars)

Intrigue al la Mode, a Novella by Regina Jennings •*• Good mystery which is hard to do in a novella •*• [OPENING] Emporia, Kansas, 1898

The breakfast rush had ended, and Willow Kentworth had already reset her station. There was nothing to do now except patrol her table and guard against horseflies dying on the starched tablecloth… (5 stars - Loved the cousin! She needs her own story!)

A Grand Encounter, a Novella by Jen Turano •*•All the wonderful shenanigans one has come to expect from a Jen Turano story! •*•

[OPENING] El Tovar Hotel, Grand Canyon, AZ, 1908

“I know you mentioned you’ve sworn off gentlemen forever, but Mr. Tall, Dark, and – need I say Delicious is here again, and, unsurprisingly, he’s sitting in your section.” (5 stars I would give it 10 stars if I could!)

I don’t often find a novella collection where all the stories are 5 stars, so this was a great surprise!

Bethany House Publishing © 11/5/2019

Click for Karen's Site

Karen Witemeyer kindly sent me a complimentary book in the hopes of a favorable review, with no further compensation. All opinions are mine alone.

Click for Tracie's Site

Click for Regina's Site

  

Click for Jen's Site

& wherever books are sold.
Click Here for Amazon Link

Until next time, Hugs and a Cup of Tea ~
 

Calico Spy Book Review

Hello again friends.  Today's book review will also include some fun history about Harvey Girls!  I hope you enjoy it and are as intrigued as I am to learn more about them, and you also give this book a try.  

CLICK HERE to purchase

Calico Spy – Undercover Ladies Book 3

Margaret Brownley

•°o Wonderful Pinkerton Mystery Set in Kansas o°•

Opening scripture: The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. -Nahum 1:7

1880 Calico, Kansas

Two women have been murdered and it’s up to Katie Madison to go undercover as a Harvey Girl and find the killer.  Unfortunately she has NO experience as a waitress, hostess, or food handler of any sort.  It was fun to watch her muddle through and try to learn the “cup code”.

P. 9 “Tonight you’re the drink girl.  Do you think you can handle that?” Plastering a smile on her face, she nodded. How hard could it be to pour tea?

china made especially for Harvey House by Syracuse China. Pictured above is the Harvey House Normandy hand-painted pattern of a bowl, plate and cup.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.

P. 10 “You do know the cup code, right?”  “Uh?” There was a code for cups? “Cup in the saucer means coffee.” “A flipped cup against the saucer for ICED tea.  A cup next to the saucer –milk.” “As for hot tea, the cup will be flipped upon the saucer.” He then explained how to tell if the customer wanted black, green or orange pekoe tea by the direction of the cup handle. “Any questions?”

A 'Harvey Girl' in Emporia, Kan., where that
restaurant  opened in 1888.  UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA LIBRARY

Harvey Girls were required to where clean, starched uniforms of a black dress with high collar, starched white apron (which must be clean at all times, and therefore several were changed throughout the day), black shoes and stockings, and always, always have a big smile pasted on (uniforms would change and evolve with the times). 

 There were prominent restaurants located along the train stops, which made them very successful.  While it did give young women an opportunity to earn an honest living, it was also very hard on them.  They worked long days, and they had to live above the restaurant with a strict curfew, and were not allowed to marry while under contract.  I enjoyed getting to know the ins and outs of it all.  

Here is an interesting 2013 blog link with more detail on Harvey House: CLICK HERE

Fun FB page: CLICK HERE

Wall Street Journal Article: CLICK HERE

Katie has a lot of issues with her past.  She lost her fiancé to her sister.  She believes she is ugly with her red hair and freckles.  She feels she is to blame for her father’s death.  But, she is a woman of faith, and a good detective. P. 31 “God, don’t let me mess up this job.  You know how my mouth gets away from me and I say things I shouldn’t. You have my permission to bang me on the head if I don’t curtail my tongue.  And please forgive my envious heart.  I’m sure You had a good reason for giving me hair the color of a rooster’s comb, and maybe one day You’ll let me know what that reason is.”  (Ha!) - She reminds me of Anne Shirley!

Throughout her investigation, she keeps putting herself in harms way.

However, a certain local sheriff is there to keep an eye on her. Branch Whitman has absolutely no use for Pinkerton detectives, but he has no idea she is one, until it’s too late.  He’s intrigued by the new Harvey Girl, and insists on keeping an eye on all the girls since two have already wound up dead, and he has an open investigation to run.  But, he dare not get to close since his wife died 8 years ago, and his responsibilities are stretched thin between his son and his job.  He is stubborn, but kind and a praying man. 

There are past secrets to uncover, old wounds that need mending, and trust is a hard thing to give when so many are suspect, and some might just be plain crazy.  

Amusing tea reference: P.43 "He was a high-strung man with a pencil-thin mustache and a tea-strainer nose." {Yikes, can you imagine?}

Definition: I had to look up what what cackleberries were from P.87.  They are diner talk for hens eggs. -smile.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to others.

The author has shared she has written these as stand-alone-stories, so you can read them in any order.  They simply have the same theme of female Pinkerton agent. The story ends well, with no lingering questions which is always a plus.

Included at the end of the book: Discussion Questions, and a bit of interesting commentary on detective work.

I purchased this book from CBD and I am offering my honest opinion for no compensation.

©2016/01 Shiloh Run Press-Barbour Publishing

312 Pages

Read 01/25/2016

Reviewed 01/26/2016

SERIES: Undercover Ladies

*Petticoat Detective – Book 1 – 2014 (5 stars) MY GOODREADS REVIEW - CLICK HERE

*Undercover Bride – Book 2 – 2015 (5 stars - MY BLOG REVIEW  CLICK HERE)

*Calico Spy – Book 3 – 01/2016 

Hugs and a cup of tea,