This book was just not for me. I continued reading it simply to get it off my TBR pile and to have something to read on today's bus trip. Charlotte was the most cowardly heroine I have come across in a while and boring to read about to boot. Archie was too pushy and pretty stalkerish. Sarah was obnoxious and her quick 180 degree flip in personality at the end of the book to set up her as the heroine in the next book was not executed well. The Bannings were your typical rich white family.

The writing is competent and I really liked how Chicago in 1893 really came through via placement of historically accurate details and events (such as the World's Fair and the beginnings of a the 20th century labor movement). The religious tone is pretty light and done with a deft touch to make you feel like the characters' faiths are really authentic. If you like Christian fiction (women's and/or historical) and Downton Abbey, this is your book. 2 stars.