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5 Minutes for Books: The Carousel Painter

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PhotobucketIn April of 1890, Carrington Brouwer finds herself alone. After growing up in Paris with a father struggling to make a name for himself as an artist, Carrie is forced to find a place to live and a way to support herself when her father dies. One of her father’s former art students, Augusta Galloway, invites Carrie to return to America and to visit the Galloway family in Ohio until Carrie can make more permanent arrangements. Carrie takes the few personal belongings she has and sets off to find a future for herself.

Unfortunately, Carrie is not welcomed by all the members of the Galloway family. Augusta’s mother is not pleased that her daughter is friends with someone of uncertain social status, and she is upset that Augusta extended an invitation to Carrie without permission. Things become more pleasant for everyone, however, when Carrie convinces Mr. Galloway to give her a job as a painter in his carousel factory. With an income, Carrie is able to move into a boarding house and begin a new life.

Judith Miller’s The Carousel Painter is a delightful read about a spunky young woman who has a lot to learn about herself and the world around her. Although she is thrilled with her new job, the men in the factory do not welcome a woman worker, and Carrie finds her job and her new lifestyle to be more of a challenge than she can handle alone. To add to these difficulties, expensive items are stolen from the Galloways, and Carrie is a prime suspect. Carrie must learn to swallow her pride and trust God to handle the outcome.

As I have mentioned before, I enjoy historical fiction. The Carousel Painter is a story filled with romance, mystery, and historical detail. I recommend it, and I look forward to reading more books by Judith Miller.

Leave a comment to enter to win your own copy of this book (U.S. and Canadian residents welcome). The winner will be announced in next week’s book column. Want a chance to win more books? Check out our current giveaways at 5 Minutes for Books, including one for another historical fiction novel by Tricia Goyer, The Swiss Courier.

The winner of the Day is Done book and CD is #53 Susan.

Lauren is a wife, a mother of two, and an avid reader. She blogs at Baseballs and Bows and is a staff reviewer at 5 Minutes for Books.

The Carousel Painter was provided for review by Bethany House publisher.

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46 Comments

  12. Your review of this book is great and has me interested. I think that we are all familiar with feeling like an outsider, and have all felt the sting of being unfairly judged and/or accused, so the central character is someone we can all identify with. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Reply

  19. It’s really nice. I’m really interest to win this book. Would you like to add me? Thanks for the chance 😉

    Reply

  24. This sounds like a fabulous read. I’m really beginning to enjoy historical fiction. Thanks for the opportunity.

    bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  26. Historical fiction is my favorite type of book. I have always been fascinated with carousels (my favorite is in Sandwich, Massachusetts) and collect music box carousel animals. I would love to read this.

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  28. Hm. This sounds like a really good book! I think that even if I don’t win I’ll try to find it and read it …

    Reply

  29. I am always open to a historical. This one sounds good because of the circumstances she must overcome. Please enter me. Thank you.

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  42. Sounds like a great read. I love historical fiction and I’m always looking for new books and authors to read. I read the books by my “regulars” too fast and need a few more!

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  46. I haven’t been reading historical fiction for too long but I’ve been enjoying it. I’d love to read this!

    Reply