Giveaway & Guest Review of My Heart Belongs in San Francisco by Janice Thompson

My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby's Prospects

by Janice Thompson

Guest Review

Andrea's Thoughts

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. My initial impression of Abby Effingham was that she was a selfish, spoiled socialite, thinking only of herself, dragging poor Nigel (the family butler) across the country with her. Though, he is there for chaperoning he also helps keep Abby from getting into trouble. I felt bad for Nigel, he is doing his best to be content wherever he is ( according to the Bible) even if it's in California.

When Abby's finances run low she decides to get a job rather than just wire her father for more money. Sam is there not only offering her a job and a place to stay but protection from the less than savory citizens of San Francisco. Abby is a bit naive when it comes to what kind of jobs are available for young ladies in a gold rush town.

Sam Harris, a young man running The Gold Rush Inn that is owned by his father but really wants to return to Missouri where there were regular people that didn't brawl in the streets or shoot at each other. But he stays, for his father. Since his mother's death, life has not been the same.

Cookie is probably my favorite person in the book. She has a Bible verse memorized for every situation. She doesn't flinch when the bullets fly saying “they know better than to shoot who feeds them.” Cookie has been with the Harris family for most of Sam's life and is the cook for The Gold Rush Inn. She is without a doubt the best cook around.

As Abby begins her job as helper and waitress at the Gold Rush, Cookie is very patient, teaching her the basics of kitchen work. Some things like plucking a chicken, take longer than others. Nigel is also put to work. He doesn't mind plucking.

Abby overcomes many of the obstacles placed in front of her but still refuses to believe some of the things she is warned about even though the truth is right in front of her. It is a hard lesson for her to learn.

Sam has to come to terms with himself and accept that he is “reliable old Sam.”

Abby's mother has “wanderlust” never wanting to stay in one place for too long. She is surprised to find Abby so grown up when she arrives in San Francisco from Oregon.
When Abby's father arrives in San Francisco, he finds Abby doing dishes. Abby is finally strong enough to tell him “...I'm learning to earn my keep, this is what I look like while doing that.” 

Sam and Mr. Effingham have a serious discussion. Mr. Effingham afterward, he knows what he must do. No spoilers from me, you need to read that for yourself. It is one of the best parts of the book!

In trying to fix her parents, Abby talks to Cookie about how she's prayed for them. Cookie gives Abby some excellent words of wisdom. “What if you just prayed, “Thy will be done”...That might free up the Lord to do things His way. And it might relieve you of the burden of telling Him how to do it.”
That is one of the best things I've ever read. I know I've been guilty of praying what I wanted to have happen.

This book full of interesting, diverse, and even a few eccentric characters, you will be drawn into the rough and tumble gold rush time of early San Francisco. Even though I had a difficult time warming up to Abby, I'm glad to have read this book. With all Cookie's biblical lessons, I'm sure there is something here for everyone. Plus, there's pie. As Cookie says, “Honey, a slice of pie is always the answer, at least if it's one of my pies.”

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 

CFP: Check out ALL the My Heart Belongs books from Barbour Books at the series website (click here). Andrea has graciously reviewed all of the novels so far including Amanda Barratt's and my novels pictured above and below! Didn't Barbour do a great job on Janice's covers and on ours?

Giveaway: A copy of Janice's book, My Heart Belongs in San Francisco,  goes to one of our commenters.