Settlers & Toffs by Caryl McAdoo is a historical romance. This book is the second book in the New Beginnings Family Saga. Typically, I love reading books by Caryl McAdoo, but this book is definitely not one of my favorites. I felt like the book had too many characters and too many different storylines in too many places.

While I really enjoyed Book 1 of this series, I found this one lacking for me personally. Young adult characters turned me off from this story. They seemed extremely self-centered and selfish in general. I truly wanted to love this book and really looked forward to reading it, but I found myself unable to do so.

Because this book was originally written for Kindle Vella, I am not sure if that affected how the storyline and characters developed. Parts of this book I absolutely loved, while others seemed to drag along. The other thing that bothered me about this book was the sudden and abrupt ending of this book.

So if you enjoy historical romances, check out Settlers & Toffs by Caryl McAdoo for yourself. I definitely recommend you make your own decision about this book. If I were giving this book stars, I would give it four stars.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own. ( )

Second in a series where the wagon train settlers moved on to their new destinies with new struggles as another wagon train moves across the country towards them. Each has opportunities to make a new prosperous life. Entertaining read, very well written. Intertwined ups and downs, dangers and attractions, kids trying to grow up.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Settlers&Toffs #CarylMcAdoo #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FiveStarNovel ( )

With this story you get a look at the gold rush that everyone was hoping would make them rich. Some moved their entire family just to be close to what they hoped would be their ticket to wealth. I kinda laughed because aren’t we all looking for that one thing that will give us peace with our finances? During this time period it was hard work with long hours and little provision that people faced. But as the characters go through one thing was constant. God is always there. I love that the author reminds us to look to Him for our needs and trust Him when we face difficult times.

The book may be hard to follow for those who have not read the first in this series. The great news is the author has provided a list of characters to help us out. I recommend reading the first book so you are familiar with the characters. We have repeat characters such as Ambrose Lee and Blaire. Their excitement over now being in California is contagious. Before their eyes is the dream of opening a hotel. Can you imagine starting from scratch building a hotel with just lumber and other hard to find materials? It is not like today where we have machines that can do the heavy lifting and many employees that get the job done quicker.

What I really liked about the story was we were also able to travel to England where William is about to marry Clara and become the Earl of Farnworth. This storyline provided quite an adventure and some drama. Will William marry Clara and become the Earl? What will they face together as they plan their future?

There are a few sensitive subjects in the story that may be triggers for some readers, such as assault on a young woman and talk of suicide. The author illustrates these two topics in a way that shows how we can feel hopeless when facing a traumatic event. She does always direct us to God and his unconditional love and forgiveness.

I liked the story and how it gives us a glimpse into the past where people faced tragedy, hurt, hope and a new beginning. As always I grow in my faith and develop a deeper relationship with God after reading a book by this author.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion. ( )