Band of Sisters By Cathy Gohlke

I received this book from Tyndale House Publishers for no charge for my honest review of this book. The opinion expressed here are my own! 


Book Description: 

New York City, 1910
Driven by a shameful past and a perilous future, Maureen O’Reilly and her sister flee Ireland in search of safety, liberty, and opportunity. But after surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor has died, and his family—refusing to own his debt—casts her out. Impoverished and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to find employment in a prominent Manhattan department store, only to discover the elegant facade hides a dangerous secret.

Despite her family’s disapproval, Olivia Wakefield vows to honor her father’s promise but can’t find Maureen, the woman her brother-in-law so rudely turned away. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, who Olivia dares hope will become more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he’s hiding.

As women begin disappearing from the department store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But will they be too late? And in the midst of a world gone mad, can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might bring? 


My Thoughts:

As a huge fan of Cathy Gohlke I was so excited that Tyndale House Publishers offered her latest book, Band of Sisters for us bloggers. I love Cathy Gohlke's style of writing and the topics she has written about so far.  Band of Sisters takes place mainly in New York 1910 where two sisters come to America from Ireland to find a man, Wakefield, who promised their father a place to live, money, and work should he and his family come. When they show up to this man's home, they find out he is deceased and his heirs have no idea of his arrangement.  Maureen, finds a job at a department store and quickly finds out that things are not what they seem.  Girls that Maureen works with are stating to go missing after their "promotion" to the next floor in the department store. While there Maureen also observes Olivia Wakefield's brother in law heading to the upper floor. Maureen soon finds out that people are selling these girls to the highest bidder, human trafficking.

I absolutely loved this book. Cathy Gohlke gives us a look at a horrible crime, human trafficking, that has been going on for years. Cathy Gohlke writes with authority on immigration of 1912, United States and Ireland in 1912, human trafficking, and the history of this time frame.  I found myself drawn into this book right away and held me until the end.  Band of Sisters takes many twists and turns that keeps you guessing.  I loved the characters in this book, they are well developed and well written.  The descriptions of the surroundings and time period really made me feel like I was there watching it all unfolding.  I truly enjoyed this book and Cathy Gohlke as a writer.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I cannot wait to see what else Cathy Gohlke writes, I know it will be fabulous.