When Love Calls by Lorna Seilstad, Book review

Publisher: Revell (March 18, 2013)

ISBN-13: 978-0800721817

Synopsis:

Hannah Gregory is good at many things, but that list doesn't include following rules. So when she is forced to apply for a job as a telephone switchboard operator to support her two sisters, she knows it won't be easy. "Hello Girls" must conduct themselves according to strict--and often bewildering--rules. No talking to the other girls. No chatting with callers. No blowing your nose without first raising your hand. And absolutely no consorting with gentlemen while in training.

Meanwhile, young lawyer Lincoln Cole finds himself in the unfortunate position of having to enforce the bank's eviction of the three Gregory girls from their parents' home. He tries to soften the blow by supporting them in small ways as they settle into another home. But fiery Hannah refuses his overtures and insists on paying back every cent of his charity.

When one of Hannah's friends finds himself on the wrong side of a jail cell, Hannah is forced to look to Lincoln for help. Will it be her chance to return to her dreams of studying law? And could she be falling in love?
With historic details that bring to life the exciting first decade of the twentieth century, Lorna Seilstad weaves a charming tale of camaraderie and companionship that blossoms into love. Readers will get lost in this sweet romance and will eagerly look forward to championing each sister's dreams.


Here are my thoughts:


Book # 1 in the 'Gregory Sisters series', 'When Love Calls' offers fans of Lorna Seilstad a sweet combination of romance and marvelous historical insights on the working ethics for switchboard operators at the beginning of the 20th century! Lorna Seilstad is full of surprises!
Anyone who has read The Ride Of Her Life (see review HERE) will know what to expect from this vivacious author! She always gives you endearing characters you find yourself cheering as you uncover the plot!

When Hannah looses her parents to Influenza in 1908, she endeavours to leave Law School at Drake University and take care of her two younger sisters. 
However the Gregory sisters are facing imminent destitution when the bank files a notice of foreclose on the family farm. The notice is delivered by a charming young lawyer named Lincoln Cole who is determined to prove he is not the enemy. Hannah however is determined to accept no charity and refuses to accept his help.

Having moved into a modest cottage with her sisters Charlotte and Tessa, the spunky young woman notices an advertisement at the Grocer's for Switchboard operators. Hannah resolves to become one of the selected Hello Girls and with her friend Rosie embarks on the rigid training required for qualification.
Always feisty, Hannah  finds it hard to follow the nonsensical rules imposed by the Telephone Company. When she overhears a crucial conversation over the switchboard she remains silent and unwittingly sets up dramatic events.

Complete with a touch of mystery, a little romance and the wonderful historical touches Lorna's novels are known for, this will appeal to anyone with a good sense of humour! For a woman of her generation Hannah is thoroughly unique and you will enjoy discovering the many characters which this story introduces you to.

Somewhat akin to time traveling, 'When Love Calls' is a delightful beginning to a new series you will not want to miss! Combining family values, solid friendship, sweet romance and good Christian ethics, Lorna Seilstad opens a world we can only dream of!

5 stars!

“Available May 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

About the Author:

A history buff, antique collector, and freelance graphic designer, Lorna Seilstad is the author of Making Waves, A Great Catch, and The Ride of Her Life. A former high school English and journalism teacher, she has won several online writing contests and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.

Visit her website (HERE).

I received this book from BAKER REVELL as part of their blogger review program. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.