Book Review: Annabel's Story by Mary Jean Kelso

Mabel leaves the streets of New York when she is placed on an Orphan Train bound for the West. Separated from the one friend who journeyed with her, she arrives in New Mexico and is adopted by the Westerman family. She changes her name to Annabel and begins to learn more about herself, her new family, and her new home.

Unaware of the secret she carries, Annabel hopes she can find love and happiness on the homestead. But her secret could pull her back to streets.

Young Toby Meltonberger makes his living on the streets of New York as a newspaper boy. Hardworking and honest, he dreams of a better future. He doesn't know where Mabel has gone. He only knows he has to find her.

In this moving historical, author Mary Jean Kelso has created a story of a young woman searching for her place in the world. Torn away from the only life she's known, Annabel has no idea what the future brings. She can only hope it is better than the past.

Kelso has woven so many wonderful elements into this story: details of the American frontier, well developed characters, an engaging plot, sweet romance, and a young woman's desire to find the kind of life she isn't sure she will ever have. While this is definitely Annabel's story, Toby's motivation to find her plays an integral role.

Annabel's Story touches the heart. The fifth book of Kelso's Homesteader series, this historical  will be enjoyed by those who enjoy sweet romances and books set on the American frontier.

Paperback: 262 pages

Publisher: Wing ePress (2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1613099231

ISBN-13: 978-1613099230

SRP: $16.95

Ebook: $7.50

I received a free electronic version of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

This is the 36th book I've read for the following challenge:

This is the 22nd book I've read for the following challenge: