I was thrilled to be selected to read "A Wild and Heavenly Place" and was looking forward to the historical fiction about coal mining in the Pacific Northwest!
The first half of the book built the characters a bit and I enjoyed learning more about immigration and social challenges they had to overcome as they made their way in Washington.
Admittedly, the second half of the book took a turn and I kept trying to get on track without success. The descriptive scenery felt magical but got to be a bit more of the story than the plot - where I found myself grazing over the scenery instead of reading word for word. Additionally, I couldn’t understand why the characters were making the choices in the second half, and became disappointed in the drama that didn't seem necessary to tell their story.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons for the opportunity to read this digital advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you to Netagalley and the publisher for the advanced digital review copy.

I enjoyed A Wild and Heavenly Place. Its a historical romance set in Scotland. There is a lot of great imagery.

4.5 stars I really enjoyed this one and had trouble putting it down. The coal mining and ship building aspects were interesting and I liked reading about the early settlements of Washington Territory. I loved Samuel and adored Alison and Geordie. The pacing was perfect with the exception of the ending which seemed a tad rushed. If you are a fan of historical fiction you should definitely give A Wild and Heavenly Place a try.

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review which is not affiliated with any brand.

A well-written story about star-crossed love in 1800's Glasgow, Scotland and Seattle, Washington. I definitely enjoyed the scenic descriptions and the character development. It was a pleasure getting to know Hailey, Samuel, their family and friends. I was drawn into the story from the first page and it had me turning the pages. Life in the mining town was eye-opening. Highly recommended!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publishers. This is a voluntary, honest review and the thoughts are entirely my own.

A Wild and Heavenly Place is a historical romance set in Scotland, following a young couple in very different circumstances. Both Samuel and Hailey have a younger sibling to care for and a devotion to their family, and find themselves on a journey to America, looking for new opportunities. When their lives start to change, their love is put to the test.

I thought the storyline in this book was interesting enough, but so much of the book was filled with extensive details about the scenery or environments, which made my reading experience quite dull.

Hailey and Samuel are likable and their romance is easy to root for, but neither of them were very complex characters, and all of their questionable decisions seemed to be made for the purpose of furthering the plot. The side characters were mostly frustrating as well, and I didn’t feel particularly invested in any of the characters.

I think fans of historical romances would enjoy this simple book with a happy ending, but I prefer character-driven books with complex relationships.

this was okay, but read a little juvenile and i didn't feel connected to the characters or what happens to them at all. i can see other reader enjoying this a lot tho!

— thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the free digital ARC.

I’ve enjoyed all the books by this author. This is a nice historical novel about Scotland and Seattle, with a good story.

I loved this book and read it an about two days. I love historical fiction, especially when you can find a good one that’s not about WWII! I enjoyed learning a little about Scotland society life and then the beginnings of settlement life in Seattle. I loved the characters and location and perseverance through incredible hardships.

This was an incredible book! It has it all-a love story, a dramatic ship journey from Scotland to Seattle, a few glimpses of cultural and racial tensions from the late 1800s, and some history about the early days of Seattle when it was a coal, timber and shipping town. I really enjoyed Robin Oliveira's writing style. Just as she did in her book 'My Name is Mary Sutter,' Oliveira's writing pulls you back in time and makes the reader feel like they are there in each moment. I learned a lot about 1870s Scotland and Seattle and I hope the author pens a sequel!

I wanted to enjoy this book; I really did! The first half went very smoothly with the character introductions. I especially loved Samuel Fiddes and his development throughout. I enjoyed his journey, and the sheer will to find his lady love and that the journey didn't take a huge chunk of the book. Hailey's character took me a while to warm up to, but I do admire her strength in dire circumstances, and the way she looks after her little brother. The scenery of Scotland and Washington Territory was enjoyable, I could practically hear the seagulls and see the wild wilderness. of Washington.
However, near the end of Part 2 and thereafter, things took a drastic change. I didn't know what I was reading anymore. It felt like the main characters-and a lot of the side characters did a complete 180 degrees! The story went downhill for me. I tried to get through it with an open mind, but I couldn't get past the fact that so much unneeded drama and the supposed "main couple" weren't the people I was rooting for anymore. I was disappointed.
I'm rating this 3 stars just because I was enjoying the story up until around the end of Part 2. Great concept, lovely character development but after the halfway point, it just wasn't the same.

A Wild and Heavenly Place by Robin Oliveira is an entertaining and unique historical fiction that takes us to the world of coal mining in the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century.

This is such a unique and engaging story. It is the first I have read about the challenging and epic world of coal mining in Seattle. As someone from WV, I understand history that is steeped in coal mining, but Seattle was a new world for me. It was fascinating to read of the similarities and differences between the two locations and the people that worked the dangerous positions.

This book is not just about that, however, it is a story of immigration, romance, heartbreak, societal challenges and restrictions. It is about overcoming obstacles, and rising to the difficulties thrown our way. There was action, suspense, drama…it had it all.

I was quite entertained.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam, G.P. Putnam's Sons for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 2/6/24.

Incredibly captivating and help me turning the page and wanting more. I hate I have to wait so long to shout this book from the rooftops and have friends buy, because everyone needs to read it.

Title: "A Wild and Heavenly Place" by [Author Name] - Book Review

"A Wild and Heavenly Place" by [Author Name] is a poignant and lyrical novel that weaves together themes of love, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Set in the late 19th century, the story follows Samuel Fiddes, a young man living in poverty in the tenements of Glasgow, Scotland. His life takes a dramatic turn when he saves Hailey MacIntyre's brother from a runaway carriage, sparking a deep friendship.

The author beautifully captures the contrasting worlds of Samuel and Hailey. While Samuel's life is marked by hardship and hunger, Hailey has never known want. Their friendship blossoms through secret meetings and stolen moments, as they share their innermost thoughts and dreams. However, when the City of Glasgow Bank fails in 1878, Hailey's family is forced to move to Seattle in search of a new life.

Haunted by Hailey's parting words, Samuel resolves to follow her to Washington Territory, leaving behind everything he knows in hopes of a better life for his sister. The story unfolds against the backdrop of a fledgling town grappling with its own challenges and promises of opportunity. The narrative explores the resilience and determination of those who dare to chase their dreams, even in the face of unimaginable hardships.

Oliveira's writing is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of both Glasgow and the Pacific Northwest. The portrayal of the setting, particularly the natural beauty and ruggedness of Seattle, adds depth and a sense of place to the story. The author's attention to detail and meticulous research contribute to the authenticity of the historical setting.

At its core, "A Wild and Heavenly Place" is a love story that transcends distance and time. The enduring bond between Samuel and Hailey serves as an emotional anchor throughout the novel, reminding readers of the power of love and the lengths one would go to be reunited with their beloved.

While the pacing may vary, with moments of reflection contrasting with more action-driven sequences, the overall narrative remains engaging and enthralling. The characters are well-developed, their struggles and triumphs palpable, and the themes of resilience and the pursuit of dreams resonate deeply.

In conclusion, "A Wild and Heavenly Place" is a beautifully written novel that takes readers on a journey of love, resilience, and the pursuit of a better life. With its rich historical setting, vivid characters, and heartfelt storytelling, this book will captivate those seeking a blend of romance, exploration, and the indomitable spirit of the American Dream.

Overall rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

How on earth do I even begin to talk about this book? It touched my heart. I don’t even know how many times I teared up and cried. I truly, truly adored this. The writing is some of the most beautiful that I’ve ever read. As someone from the Pacific Northwest, I loved reading about it, especially in a past setting. The love that the characters have for those they love and care about is inspiring. As the oldest daughter in my family I can relate to both the main characters as they have to each care for their younger siblings and hold together what little they have left. The romance in this book was beautiful and heartbreaking and bittersweet. I highly recommend this book and I know this is one I will keep thinking about for a very long time.
Thank you to Penguin Group Putnam and NetGalley for the ARC!

Everything I have ever read by Robin Oliveira is always a treat, and this book was no different. What sets her apart is her breathtaking prose, her excellent characterization, and the quality of her historical accuracy. Combine that with star-crossed lovers who make their way to Seattle, and you are swept away! Absolutely wonderful!