Summary:
Turn of the century novelist Lilly Westbrook learns that being faithful to her calling means more than just putting pen to paper.

It’s the summer of 1899 in Newport, Rhode Island, and Lilly Westbrook is struggling to conceal her career from family and friends because of the stigma attached to dime novels. Lilly feels good about her secret—after all, she’s enlightening working class girls with her books and honoring God by using her talents to His glory.

But her secret is threatened when Jackson Grail, a former suitor, becomes Lilly’s new publisher. He’s determined to revive his floundering publishing house by maximizing their most promising–and most secretive–author. His plan? Find “Fannie Cole” and convince her to go public.

When a gossip columnist discovers Lilly’s true identity, she finds that being faithful to her calling involves more than just putting pen to paper. It requires that she stand up for her faith and for herself, no matter the consequences.

My Review:

I was instantly drawn to this book for many reasons. Of course, because it was about a novelist and it was historical. Got me there! But Lilly’s character was endearing and earnest and had me rooting for her all along.

I enjoyed the atmosphere of the Gilded Era in New York and Newport. I hope this new plethora of Gilded Era novels continues. It is a time of paradox and glamour. Society who would shun people and abandon the very values they laid claim to every Sunday.

The hero, Jackson Grail, is a hard working man with a devotion and drive that you rarely find. He rose from the bottom of the society into the top and finds that the prosperity isn’t all its cracked up to be. A lesson for us all to take note.

“Love on a Dime” was an engaging read but did lag a little in the middle for me. However, the ending was so delectably satisfying, The main character was so real and so passionate about her writing, I connected with her. A wonderful read as the summer draws near. I can’t wait to see what more Cara Lynn James has to offer in the future!