Daughter of the Loom (Bells of Lowell Series #1) - Hardcover

Tracie Peterson; Judith McCoy Miller

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0786277076 ISBN 13: 9780786277070

Publisher: Thorndike Press, 2005

Synopsis

Book 1 in the Bells of Lowell series

A CBA Bestseller

With the extraordinary changes to society and families ushered in with the Industrial Revolution, the quaint countryside of Lilly Armbruster's youth has been transformed, to some great wealth and to others tragic loss. Lilly is deeply resentful of the powerful mill owners she believes have stolen her father's farm and caused his premature death. Though intent on avenging herself, Lilly is torn when she discovers her one-time betrothed is hand-in-glove with the "lords of the loom."

About this title

About the Author:

Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than 70 novels. She teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. Tracie and her family live in Belgrade, Montana.

Judith Miller is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, two of which have placed in the CBA top ten lists. In addition to her writing, Judy is a certified legal assistant. Judy and her husband make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

From Publishers Weekly:

Two veteran novelists team up in this evangelical Christian historical fiction series debut that explores interesting social issues, but eventually falls flat. Nineteenth-century New England is in the throes of change as it morphs from an agricultural economy to textile industry. Caught in the growing pains of her little town of Lowell, Mass., is the comely Lilly Armbruster, who has lost the family farm through the death of her parents and the greed of her older brother. Her devotion to the ambitious Matthew Cheever is dispelled when he seemingly sells out his values to become the prot‚g‚ of a dubious business mentor. Lilly contracts to work in the textile mills with the idea of becoming an "instrument of God" and sabotaging the business that she feels has cost her everything she loves. The story begins promisingly enough with some discerning historical insights about the problems of industrialization for women and ethnic groups (sexual harassment, poor working conditions, prejudicial treatment), but the pacing is slow, the dialogue and actions are often wooden and the abundant sermonizing is a constant distraction. Although there are some surprises in the character development of Lilly and Matthew, other characters are one-dimensional and undergo unbelievable transformations too quickly. The sulky Lilly is also difficult for the reader to like. However, fans of Peterson and Miller will likely appreciate that the authors wrap up enough loose ends to make this work not only as a stand-alone title but also as an introduction to the series.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Thorndike Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0786277076
• ISBN 13: 9780786277070
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 608