Chez Maximka: Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin

Thursday, 21 September 2023

Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin

"Running a farm with only her younger sister for help needed a daily dose of optimism and a large dash of resilience".

Under a Gilded Sky by Imogen Martin is a historical romance novel, set a decade after the end of the civil war.

Blurb:

In this epic and unforgettable love story, set in the wilds of Missouri and the glamour of high society Boston at the dawn of the Gilded Age, one woman's life changes forever the day that a stranger turns up on her doorstep.

Missouri, February 1874:

The last thing struggling homesteader Ginny needs is a scandal on her hands. But when a badly injured drifter arrives at Snow Farm in desperate need of medical attention, Ginny's kind nature and good upbringing means she has no choice but to treat his wounds and care for him until he's back on his feet, no matter the danger he might pose.

Ginny's been running the farm and looking after her fourteen-year-old sister Mary-Lou since their papa died two years ago, each morning pulling on his old leather coat and pushing her feet into stout boots that come up to her knees, before heading out to tend to the cattle. She's determined to hold onto one thing that connects them to memories of their parents - whatever the cost. And when their uninvited guest - Lex - is well enough he offers his help, and she surprises herself by accepting it.

But not long after Lex moves on, Ginny realises that her heart has gone with him. And when the farm's fortunes take a turn, she faces her hardest test yet. Can she save the only home she's ever known, and everything she holds dear? And what if doing so means risking a chance at love and happiness she never expected to come her way?

Ginny Snow lives with her younger sister Mary Lou on a remote farm in Missouri. Their father passed away two years earlier. He has gambled so much of their land on cattle, leaving them almost destitute. Both sisters have to work hard to keep the farm afloat, budgeting every cent.

Ginny is determined to keep the farm, "This farm is the only thing we've got left of Mama and Papa. It's how Mary Lou and I keep connected with them. I can't let it slip away".

Their parents' marriage was considered a mésalliance by her mother's side of the family. Mama's family disavowed her for marrying against their wishes and expectations.

One day Mary-Lou finds a wounded stranger who is barely able to stand, and helps him into the farm. There's no shelter for miles around, and both sisters know that he'd freeze to death if they leave him outside. The stranger looks like a farm worker, or a cowboy, travelling from place to place. How on earth did he end up in the vicinity of Snow Farm? Is he an outlaw on the run, a robber or worse?

Ginny "keenly felt the vulnerability of running Snow Farm by themselves. Papa had died two years ago, but she'd been determined to keep the family homestead".

They come up with a plan: "We mustn't let the stranger know it's just us two here. We need him to think there's a man in the homestead". Thus the girls pretend for the stranger's sake that their father is alive.

From years looking after the livestock on the farm, Ginny knows a thing or two about bones and muscles. She examines the wounded man's leg, and tends to him.

Ginny is worried, "being trapped in their home with an unknown man was the last thing they needed".

Lex Carlton fought in the American Civil War, supporting the Union's side. Looking around the Snows' house, he realises where the family sympathies lie. Missouri is the state of divided loyalties, and they have to be vigilant regarding who they confide in.

He is also amazed to see a piano in the parlour. Ginny is a talented pianist, educated by her mother, who insisted on daily practice. Music is her escape from the daily drudgery and constant fear of losing the farm.

Ginny is too proud to ask for help. "She didn't want people's pity, or for them to think she was dissatisfied with what life had dealt her. She could manage by herself". But running such a big homestead is an almost impossible task. When Lex offers help, she is very reluctant to accept the kind offer.

"Ginny and Mary Lou just about kept their heads above water, with hired help. One unexpected catastrophe had left them with no one to lean on." Lex believes he can help to keep the farm going, but it takes a lot of convincing.

Ginny's pride prevents her from recognising the fact that she needs to learn to accept help when offered. As Lex tells her, "There is a joy in giving. But for someone to experience that joy, someone else has to accept the gift".

When time comes for Lex to move back to where his family is, Ginny comes to realise the depth of her feelings for him.

Yet life goes on, and there are much bigger worries on her mind. The farm has been struggling with the debts since before Mr Snow's death. And now Ginny is going to lose everything that had belonged to her family. The girls are facing an uncertain future.

Is there any chance for Ginny and Mary Lou's home to be saved? Will Ginny make the right decision when it comes to the matters of the heart?

Ginny and Mary Lou are likeable protagonists, brave, strong-willed and determined, and also kind and compassionate. Their struggles to keep the farm afloat, and their isolation and vulnerability are portrayed realistically.

The historical background feels authentic and well-researched.

Under a Gilded Sky is a dramatic, moving story with a spirited heroine. A tale of survival and hope, it is also a portrayal of America after the civil war, with its divided loyalties and economic struggles. It is a beautifully told story with a vivid sense of place.

This review is part of the blog tour for Under a Gilded Sky.

Many thanks to Imogen Martin and Rachel's Random Resorces for my e-copy of the book!

Chez Maximka, historical fiction set in America 19C

Purchase Links

multi retailer choice link - all retailer options : https://geni.us/176-al-aut-ch

Separate retailer links

Google: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-go

Apple: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-ap

Kobo: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-ko

Amazon: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-am

B&N: https://geni.us/176-al-aut-ba

Author Bio –

Imogen writes sweeping, historical fiction. Her first two novels are set in nineteenth century America.

As a teenager, she took the Greyhound bus from San Francisco to New York. Over those three days of staring out of the window at the majestic mountains and endless flat plains, stories wound themselves into her head: tales of brooding, charismatic men captivated by independent women.

Since then, she has worked in a coffee-shop in Piccadilly, a famous bookstore, and a children’s home. She has run festivals, and turned a derelict housing block on one of the poorest estates in the UK into an award-winning arts centre.

During 2020 Imogen was selected by Kate Nash Literary Agency as one of their BookCamp mentees, a mentorship programme designed to accelerate the careers of promising new writers.

Married with two children, Imogen divides her time between Wales and Sardinia.

She hopes her books will bring you the tingle of a new love affair whilst immersed in a different time and place.