The Harvey Girls (by Juliette Fay)

I love reading historical fiction books and really enjoyed learning about the Harvey Girls. The characters are well developed and I loved getting to know Billie and Charlotte. I had never heard of the waitresses who served at America’s first hospitality chain along the Santa Fe railroad. The adventures you get to experience as the girls are trained to the people they meet along the way to the various locations they work ... you will be drawn into the story and learn to much about that period of time. The attitudes of people about marriage and spousal abuse will have your jaw dropping in shock. The treatment of and opinions of the Native American Indians was heartbreaking. I am so glad the author was able to bring to the reader’s attention how their land was taken away from them, the feeling by so many individuals that they were “dirty savages,” and how they were forced to give up their beliefs and culture because the “White Man” knew what was best.

While there were some serious topics addressed, there were some fun and light-hearted moments that helped balance out the unpleasant situations. The relationships that developed ... friendships among the women and a few romantic ones as well ... brought a smile to my face.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gallery Books for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

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