Band of Sisters by Cathy Gohlke

Maureen O’Reilly and her younger sister flee Ireland in hope of claiming the life promised to their father over twenty years before. After surviving the rigors of Ellis Island, Maureen learns that their benefactor, Colonel Wakefield, has died. His family, refusing to own his Civil War debt, casts her out. Alone, impoverished, and in danger of deportation, Maureen connives to obtain employment in a prominent department store. But she soon discovers that the elegant facade hides a secret that threatens every vulnerable woman in the city.

Despite her family’s disapproval, Olivia Wakefield determines to honor her father’s debt but can’t find Maureen. Unexpected help comes from a local businessman, whom Olivia begins to see as more than an ally, even as she fears the secrets he’s hiding. As women begin disappearing from the store, Olivia rallies influential ladies in her circle to help Maureen take a stand against injustice and fight for the lives of their growing band of sisters. But can either woman open her heart to divine leading or the love it might 

bring?

My Thoughts:

Band of Sisters, crafted by Cathy Gohlke, reads like a thrilling movie.  There are echoes of the film Far and Away but this book has a razor sharp edge.  The main character, Maureen O'Reilly, is independent and fiesty- even hard at times.  She carries a past that she fears will haunt her forever.  Maureen and her sister, Katie Rose, flee to America in hopes of starting a new life, but there are perils that await them there, too.  Not all is as seems and soon Maureen is caught in a web of secrets and treachery.  She gains employment at an elegant department store but soon discovers that coworkers are disappearing.  What has happened to them and why does no one seem to care?  Not wanting to endanger any of her friends, Maureen is left to turn to God, who she felt left her long ago.  

Band of Sisters is a story that I never wanted to end.  It was exciting, romantic, even frightening at times.  The characters were so real I wanted to cast them!  Emma Stone would play Maureen, Joshua would be played by Ryan Reynolds, Ashley Greene would be Katie Rose, and Ian Somerhalder would be Drake (a villain you love to hate!).  I'll get back to you on the rest of the cast.:)  

Let me leave you with this thought. Band of Sisters will make you think, make you feel and stay with you long after the last page.  The book addresses the theme of white slavery and sadly it's alive and well in this day and age. Band of Sisters entertains, inspires and educates.  Bravo, Cathy Gohlke!