When I first started the book, I didn't think it was the usual historical novel. But it did hold my interest until the end. I'm really glad I didn't live in the era that the characters in the book did. How women were held back was very frustrating to me.

I really don't think Evelyn's parents were considering her in any of their decisions. although her mother's finally comes around in the end, it doesn't feel right that she had a change of heart. The romance part of the book is frustrating with missed opportunities and assumptions about the other person. I think both Evelyn and her mother should write the father out of their lives.

I know the book isn't suppose to be about the problem and addiction of gambling, but it does show how that personality type very often cannot quit it. The real hero is Mr. Morton when he leaves the bookstore to his nephew and also Evelyn for sending William's manuscript to a publisher. The end felt like a Hallmark movie.