Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of The Mesmerist.

I was intrigued by the premise and pleased my request was approved. I've never read this author before so I was eager to dive right in.

The Mesmerist is set in 1894 Minneapolis and based on real historical figures and events, focusing on the women at the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers.

The Bethany Home was progressive for its time, offering sheltering, room, and board to unwed young women and sex workers.

When a new guest, distraught and traumatized, arrives at the home, her presence and seemingly magical abilities to hypnotize people soon get the household buzzing with rumors and sordid stories.

I liked how the author weaves historical background and true crime with her fictionalized characters, May and Faith and brings us a story most people can relate to.

You get a feel and sense of the time period, the bitter cold, the hard times of the early 19th century.

I liked the way the author writes, the tone is warm and sympathetic, and the characters were relatable and well developed.

There wasn't much suspense but it was a good historical novel and I learned quite a few things about the time period and what was happening in Minneapolis at the time.

I'll check out other books by the author.

The Mesmerist is a multi-POV story set in Minneapolis, MN surrounding a possible mesmerist (like a hypnotist) who is living in a halfway house before she gives birth. Although I found the book easy to read, I was ultimately a little disappointed in the story. I expected more mesmerism and mystery in the book but it definitely read more character driven historical fiction. I didn't feel like a lot happened in the story either. I'm not sure if that is also because I found it very predictable. Although I enjoyed this novel, it isn't one that will stick with me long term.

Thank you to Doubleday and Netgalley for a copy in exchange for review consideration.

The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods is my first book by this author. I wasn't quite sure where this story was going when I started it. The beginning was definitely creepy and eerie. It didn’t stop there. There was a fine line throughout the story between evil and good and darkness and light so as the reader you are never quite sure where each character is coming from. The story is a fictional account of a true crime. It definitely can be seen as a thriller.

The story takes place during the “Gilded Age” in Minnesota. The author’s description of the settings are wonderful. You can see the cold dark streets, feel the chill, see the unwed mother’s home. Her characters are vulnerable and somewhat relatable. This is a story of female friendship and female mistrust.

This story does not fit into one genre. It’s historical fiction, part thriller and part who done it. I was disappointed about the mesmerism. I thought, given the title, that it would pay a much larger role in the story. Walking away from the story it appeared to me that mesmerism is truly just a slight of hand.

While I love historical fiction this story was not my cup of tea. I did read the entire book but I felt it left me uninterested in the subject matter.

I would like to thank the author, Doubleday and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fictionalized account of one of the earliest American serial killers, set in the 1890s. At first, the deaths seem unrelated, but the arrival of a mute girl, Faith, at Bethany House starts an investigation that reveals something more sinister.

I found myself so frustrated with May’s behavior with Hal. She acted so desperate and ignored so many red flags. I have a hard time with books about women being used and manipulated by men, especially when it’s considered perfectly ordinary. I realize this is a function of the times (this one is set in the 1890s) but I found it difficult to read.

The Mesmerist is a good read if you like historical fiction, women’s fiction, and some mystery. The most interesting part to me was the mystical element of “Mesmerism” and how easily people can be manipulated. I was hoping for more of that, but it sounds like the author stayed true to the historical sources that the story is based on, so I can see why it wasn’t more of a focus.

This book is hovering somewhere around a 3.5 for me, but I'm rounding up to 4 because I think my lack of enthusiasm is much more about me than the book itself. I love historical mysteries, but occasionally there's one that feels too real. The Mesmerist explores 1894 Minneapolis, looking at the unexpected (expected?) links among a home for unwed mothers, local politicians, and the wealthy. Reading the book felt like entering a maze I wasn't sure I could escape from, which means the book was quite effective, but also emotionally difficult. The fact that this book is based on historical events—the author has definitely done her research— adds to both its effectiveness and its difficulty.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

3.5⭐️s rounded up. I thought it was interesting and enjoyed the fact that it was loosely based on a true story. Typically most unwed mother homes back then and even for the next number of decades were awful, corrupt places, so it was refreshing reading about a modern wholistic and progressive one in the Bethany House.

I think it was just a little on the slower side to me, with just a little about mesmerism, but ultimately not enough that I was really struggling with a is-it-real-or-isn’t-it frame of mind, just mildly so. I think I would have liked it better if I could focus deeper on one aspect of the story rather than spread on a more surface level of things, mesmerism, murder, sex trafficking, or coercion.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book. All opinions are mine.

An historical fiction and true crime novel set in Minneapolis in 1894, at a time in American history where people were enthralled with various forms of Spiritualism, apparently in the hopes of contacting their Civil War dead.

The main setting for the story is The Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers, run by a Quaker woman named Abby Mendenhall and other churchgoing society women. One of the residents at the home is a young woman named May. Her year of living at the home is coming to an end and she hopes to find a man to marry. Unfortunately for her, she is falling under the spell of a handsome, charming and mesmerizing man named Harry T. Hayward, who may have ulterior motives for his courting of the naive young woman.

The novel is an interesting look at Midwestern American life in the 1890s: how women who have fallen from the straight and narrow are treated, how hard it is for a woman on her own to support herself. May is trusting, with no one to guide her, and one can't help pity her as she bumbles along. Her lack of experience with the world make the wacky spiritualism she encounters seem even more sinister.

Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new novel via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, PRH Audio and Doubleday Books
for providing me with this book for free in exchange for my review! I was also lucky enough to receive an ALC from the Penguin Random House Audio Influencer Program. @prhaudio #PRHAudio #PRHAudioInfluencer
All opinions are my own.

This was a delightful historical fiction novel. It's probably cheesy to say, but I quite honestly WAS mesmerized by this book. I was not familar with the history of women being prone to mesmerization back in the lat 19th century, so I found this story utterly fascinating. I also found myself very invested in the characters and I loved how they were such strong women. It really is a shame that not much history has been discussed about these women and the boarding house, so I am very glad that Caroline Woods brought these remarkable women's story to light just over 100 or so years later.

I also had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook version of this story. I think Carlotta Brentan did a great job narrating this story and her wonderful voice is another reason I was so invested in the story.

I recommend picking up this dazzling book this fall, you don't want to miss this fabulous story!

This was such a captivating and well-realized story. From the beginning I was drawn in and I was so compelled by the plot, characters and historical aspect. This was just a really solid story, and I really enjoyed reading it!

The Mesmerist by Caroline Woods was such a wonderful story!
A wonderfully written historical novel that grabbed my attention from the very beginning!
Intriguing mystery with fascinating characters.
It will keep you turning the page’s with anticipation.
An amazing read, well-written, fabulous plot with plenty of suspense. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I can’t say this book is bad. In fact, it’s written in a captivating and intriguing way that does a good job of pushing the story forward. Knowing that the book is based on a true story, you can clearly see where the author drew her reference material and characters from. So much of the story feels like a dedication to the events that occurred. That being said, with a title like The Mesmerist, along with the amazing cover and description, I was really hoping the author would have played more with the concept of mesmerism. But I get the desire to stay historically accurate.

There were also a few other elements of the book that bothered me, such as the character Faith being mute, but not really mute. It felt like a lot of the tension in the story could’ve been resolved much quicker if Faith had been more forthcoming with information. At some points, it felt like the story had already reached a resolution, yet it continued to drag on. The pacing felt off, as nothing significant really happens until a good portion of the book is over, and by that time you already have a good idea of what’s going on. The flashbacks didn’t offer much in the way of surprises either.

Overall, The Mesmerist is an engaging historical read that definitely piqued my interest in learning more about the history of that time and the real events that inspired the novel. I appreciate how respectful the author was of the real people she drew inspiration from, even if I wished for a bit more exploration into the more mystical aspects suggested by the title.

A twisty tale of three women- Faith, May, and Abby-in 1894 Minneapolis-and murder. Faith arrives, mute and clearly abused, at the Bethany Home and everything there changes, especially for May who becomes her room mate. May decides to find out where Faith came from and takes the dress she arrived in to the woman who made it. She's determined to be married before she must leave the house but things go sideways. Faith, for her part, does her best to remain a mystery while Abby, patron of the home, tries to keep everything together. This deserves to be read without spoilers- without a hint of what's to come for these and other women at the home and elsewhere. It's vividly atmospheric and the characters are terrific. You might guess some things before May recognizes the situation and you'll want to reach through the page and tell her no. Don't miss the afterword. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. It's a terrific read.

This book was so Good! The Mesmerist, by Caroline Woods held me captive and took me on a wild ride from the word go.

I was given an advance reading copy (arc) of this book by NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. When a strange girl comes to the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers in 1894 Minnesota, she is suspected of having supernatural powers enabling her to coerce people into doing things they normally wouldn't. At that time, spiritualism was quickly becoming a popular topic/fad and the fact that young Faith did not speak made her suspect. The ladies that ran the home, did not want to entertain any gossip that made them look bad so they sheltered Faith as best they could. Faith's roommate, May, is enamored with a handsome, charming, man who has evil intentions. Faith knows better and as she tries to help May, she entangles them all into mayhem. Author Caroline Woods did a good job telling the story and setting the scene. The book did seem to drag at some points, but other than that it was entertaining and kept my interest.

In the 1890s, there was a surge in spiritualism around the country. There was a need for mediums, palm readers, séances, crystal balls, and mesmerist. Mesmerist's is not a topic I have read much on and now I am full entangled in learning as much as possible. The ability to have people do your bidding by mere suggestion. Is an intense and intriguing concept. You were arrested for murder; you lay blame upon your neighbor for putting the idea into your head.

How does this tie into The Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers? You need to follow the threads that lead from one person to the next, from one disaster to another. Most of the women in the home are there because they are with child, or their child has been born and they are trying to decide if they should keep it or put the child up for adoption. It is a horrible circumstance to be in. However, this home seems like one of the good ones. It was started by women, who are looking out for others. To lift one another up and to befriend one another. It is not all happiness and friendship. There is off course jealousy and bullies found amongst the roses.

Like everyone at the home. Each character comes with a story and of course secrets. Faith has the biggest mystery to uncover. She blows in one cold winters night. Mute, dirty, with bruises wrapped around her neck. What happened to her and who is she? Of course, stories begin as soon as the other girls lay eyes on her. She is placed in a room with May. Who is on a mission to find a husband before her time at the home ends. She has found a man that is showing interest in her. The more she meets up with him, the more questions she has. Will she be able to settle down with a family of her own? As the mysteries and secrets collide, you are left twisting and turning in the wind until the very end.

I loved that Caroline Woods based this story on actual people. Including one of the first serial killers that we know about. You can tell she did her due diligence in tracking down the history of the many characters and on Bethany House. I am now off to do some more digging. Thank you to Caroline Woods and Doubleday for my gifted copy.

I absolutely loved this book, it was so engaging and transportive. I love that it was based on a real event, I learned a lot and really enjoyed the story.

Thank you NetGalley and Doubleday for the ARC of this book. The Mesmerist is what happens when women writers tell women's stories from history - and it's fantastic! I wasn't quite sure where this was going when I started but it definitely hooked me and kept me fascinated with the characters and plot. The dramatic opening and introduction to Faith was delightfully eerie and wicked. The story walked a tightrope between darkness and light so you're never quite sure which side some of the characters are on. To find out it was based on a true story made it even more interesting because, as we all know, had this been written 30 years ago, the female characters would have been definitely slanted in a different direction. But Caroline Woods makes them human and vulnerable and relatable. They are strong and weak. They have a moral code but understand sometimes you have to bend the rules, if not outright break them. It's a thriller, a fictional account of a true crime, a tale of female friendship, and a lot of beautiful writing.

A young woman appears on the steps of a home for pregnant, unwed women, many of whom were "sporting gals" from the area brothels. Her dress is in tatters and her neck is bruised from an apparent attempt on her life. When the women who run the home bring her in and give her shelter, they have no idea what they are really allowing into their lives. Given the name Faith because she doesn't speak, the woman soon makes both friends and enemies. It isn't until she realizes her closest friend is in danger that she finds her strength and, eventually finds her true calling. Hers is a story I won't soon forget.

THE MESMERIST
BY: CAROLINE WOODS

This is an amazingly well written blend of a very real true life factual representation of 1894, Minneapolis that is reflected in this gorgeously written historical novel. Caroline Woods does a fantastic job in her presentation of depicting the truth as the backbone of her impeccably astonishing job of character development who propel her subject matter forward. I always appreciate a well written Author's Note, which has been included and that illuminates who were factual characters, and who were characters that served to function as products of an author's fertile imagination. This contains many factual characters utilized in order to create her tantalizing narrative. The Mesmerist is an unforgettable tale woven by a gifted wordsmith that drew me in from the very beginning that grew more intriguing with each descending page. I was interested initially, by reading the synopsis that I thought I'd like to learn more about Mesmerism. When it appeared on my shelf I had to familiarize myself by reading the synopsis again, which doesn't give an entirely accurate description of this spellbinding part of unknown history. As soon as I started reading this I was totally surprised with how much I ended up feeling drawn into the story so much, that I couldn't stop reading realizing I had read 70%. I was totally unprepared for how much I LOVED IT! It's a page turner for a multitude of reasons. One being its goodwill of women helping other women!

The synopsis really doesn't do this fantastically spectacular period of history it's much well deserved justice. One of many of my favorite aspects of this historical novel involves two main characters whose kindness towards one another resulted in a beautiful friendship. I was actually absorbed by the friendship that ensues based on one of the main characters named May has an independent personality who made up her mind about a misunderstood other main character's kind and gentle nature named Faith. They are roommates who as it turns out, Faith, happens to end up being May's only true friend she's ever had. The topic that motivated this author to research started with her learning about the Bethany Home for unwed mothers. There is a group who are secondary characters with each of them shunning Faith who turns up in the beginning. At first it's due to her appearance which you find out halfway why she looks a mess. May is the only one in the Bethany Home for unwed mothers to interact with Faith who is gentle and misunderstood. The other secondary characters who are unwed mothers shun Faith as soon as she arrives. She does turn up and her appearance is disheveled with tangled dark hair and wearing a dirty aubergine gown. The other inmates automatically assume Faith is a witch, or a Medium, or a Mesmerist. She does arrive without speaking a word to defend herself so they believe that she has the ability to do them harm. Faith is traumatized and as she is assigned to be May's roommate May discovers a ring of purple bruises around Faith's neck that looks as if she was choked. Faith slowly speaks to May and I felt great sympathy for her since with slowly interacting with May, Faith is kind and soft spoken with a gentle nature. Readers who might be hesitant to read this based on the dark content described in the synopsis, can rest assured that there is much kindness that takes place which doesn't get illuminated in the blurb, which in my opinion is unfortunate. What kept my addictive reading experience to be transfixed and therefore impressed was the selfless goodness shown as set by example by Abby, the third main character, who believes everyone should be welcomed into the Bethany Home and called "friend," and treated as equals. Every story does need a villain, or a few to perhaps build the deliciously taut suspense in its delivery, which this one promises. It was not my intent to be drawn to the darker content that isn't misrepresented in the synopsis. It might have been what caught my attention initially, but not what kept my attention that drew me in to continue reading this. What impressed me the most, that held me captive during this addictive and compelling reading experience was the warmth and kindness and women supporting women. Rather what was the most compelling for me, was the continued warmth, and compassion shown to impoverished women. From the point in which this book began, it became glaringly evident to me that this author's intentions were to highlight the goodness that existed among the women who are her three main characters. I could feel right away that her strength as a writer was her extraordinary talent that elevated her above most writers were to place her main emphasis on kindness and goodwill taking center stage. Her choice to focus on goodness and kindness in her character development is apparent right away. There are also some villains that existed during the era this story takes place. They are introduced gradually and start out with at least without being obvious of their intent and get less focus. Caroline Woods has a pure heart which she mentions in her Author's Note that what drew her attention to write this book was that pure goodness existed in the women who ran the real factual Bethany Home for unwed mothers. It is a heartwarming story that happened to have a few characters that their motives aren't apparent and not the point. The main characters are Abby, May and Faith with the message that the Bethany Home for unwed mothers was a safe place in a new frontier. Abby Mendenhall starts from the beginning told in the third person that all new arrivals of women were offered a warm and comfortable place to live free for one year with food and training to give everyone a clean slate. The home had a board that was a Sisterhood who relied on donors and benefactors to keep the home for unwed mothers solvent. No matter what anyone's circumstances were or how impoverished the goal was to help their inmates. Inmate was used in this era to not mean someone incarcerated. It's not meant in a pejorative way it's simply what during the time period meant occupant. They were free to leave if they chose to whenever they wanted. The purpose was to train them so when their time expired they would not return to life in the brothels. Abby Mendenhall, whose guidance and goodwill, and some of the bold actions she took in her efforts at rescuing those who she thought needed her assistance are courageous even by today's standards. Abby's desire to help those less fortunate is based on facts derived by this author's research which she put in from studying Abby's complete correspondence and journals that this author utilized in this admirable narrative. Caroline Woods has also provided two non-fiction books that I plan on reading, but time and other commitments don't allow me to read them before submitting my review. I have bought them and plan on reading them after I finish my Net Galley ARCS that aren't anywhere as fascinating as this memorable story.

The synopsis to this isn't completely accurate which misrepresents in my opinion the beautiful attributes that made this enjoyable for me. That is my opinion based on my careful analysis of the content as I read it slowly with focus. My intuition based on what Caroline Woods states drew her to 1894, Minneapolis in the first place, was the Bethany Home for unwed mothers run by three progressive, reality based women who she features in this story. The Bethany Home for unwed mothers, was run by Charlotte Van Cleve, Abby Mendenhall, and Euphemia Overlock. They had assistance from some more unnamed church going society women, who aren't mentioned in the novel, but what I assumed were referred to a the other members of the board, which is a concern of these factual women. They were concerned with the Bethany Home's reputation or they wouldn't be able to stay solvent if the donors and benefactors learned about a few things reported to the newspapers. One instance that was a concern having to do with Faith and knowledge about her fortune telling. Later when Abby starts believing the secondary characters who claim Faith used her magic as a witch to some characters receiving consequences Abby locks Faith on the third floor tower. There is an article by an unknown source that is printed in the newspaper that Faith is imprisoned which could jeopardize the Bethany Home. They are the Sisterhood which had women helping those who ended up with unwanted pregnancies due to the vice that was everywhere. For me learning that such a place that women who existed to help anyone who arrived, how Abby made them feel equal, by making the occupants feel welcomed, and she greeted each new inmate by calling them "friend." I was enchanted with such a noble idea for women supporting any women who needed assistance no matter what is worth celebrating. We all should consider each other a Sisterhood back then, but in today's era, also. I could tell that Caroline Woods has love for most of her characters by how she rewards her characters with giving them a satisfying circumstance. It might not be how you hoped things would be which adds unpredictability for the master storyteller she is. The quality of the storytelling was outstanding.

Charlotte Van Cleve, was a woman that was somewhat a celebrated public speaker, or an orator who attracted crowds that she charged each person who attended a fee. These fees that she earned were used to support herself which she needed to survive. She was ahead of her time in that she believed in Temperance which I define as abstinence. Caroline Woods has needlessly worried in her Author's Note that she unwittingly portrayed Charlotte as one of her villains, which informed me her intent was to highlight the charitable efforts that these three women were known for doing. Per the author's words "She did not shy away from calling out male privilege and the role men played in creating unwanted pregnancies." Abby Menderhall was the treasurer of the Bethany Home, but her selfless bravery extended far beyond that. She was known to roam Minneapolis freely, despite her ill health, searching for women who she thought needed her help. Euphemia Overlook and Abby Mendenhall had been best friends, with their higher stations in life making them lovable characters who could depend on each other's moral support who are factual characters along with Charlotte Van Cleve who were in charge in, 1894, in running the Bethany Home. Abby and Euphemia were both financially in a higher social standing than Charlotte, who was more reliant on her speaking fees and public persona, and her acute awareness of the Bethany Home keeping a good reputation to be reliant on benefactors and donors for meeting the expenses of the home. She was dependent on her public speaking fees to survive even though she was married.

As to the novel I loved how the Bethany Home treated what they referred to the new arrivals of women who were allowed to stay there free for one year to be referred to as a "friend" upon welcoming them, which Abby and another true character named Miss Beth Rhodes. I loved the idea of the kindness and compassion shown both to impoverished women of all walks of life which included women who were former brothel workers.. The purpose was to provide them with a comfortable home with meals, and efforts were made towards training them to leave the brothel life for good. With the support and help each inmate received included setting them up with the tools towards giving them all a clean slate. Everyone was able to start fresh when they left. I loved that they weren't required to give their real names unless they chose to. What stood out to me the most was that the inmates were able to choose whether or not to keep their babies. With allowing the mothers decision whether they wanted to keep their babies, unlike so many other church sponsored homes for unwed mothers where they would be automatically required to put their babies up for adoption leaving so many of unwed women with the unimaginable trauma. Mostly the Catholic convents were what I knew which I am Catholic myself. I don't agree with how unwed mothers with no options were separated from their babies in Catholic homes for unwed mothers. That was a horrible practice that I can't imagine unmarried mothers having undergone the trauma of being required to be separated from their babies immediately after giving birth. This is my first time learning that a place such as the Bethany Home existed. It was lovely for once to read that the women were provided with free medical care and besides their assigned chores in running the home they weren't made indentured servants. This was the first home that I learned about that was run by women that their intentions were to empower each unwed pregnant woman to decide for themselves what their lives were going to be at the end of their stay. This was the first unwed mothers home that I learned that its motives were to provide them with opportunities to succeed in learning a trade while they lived in a supportive environment with guidance and help on new accommodations and help with their having a job waiting. After each woman left the home they had the help from the home to earn a fair wage arranged for each woman for an incentive of hope when their year ended. This gave women a chance of not thinking their only means of survival was to work in a brothel. The whole point was to educate these women to choose a life without the backbreaking work that they thought was their fate. The help from the Bethany Home to arrange a job that paid them enough to not to think their only options of experiencing the same comfort were to return to life in a brothel.

Some of the secondary characters needed that guidance the Bethany Home women inspired in them that the women didn't have to remain in poorly treated low wages positions where they were taken advantage of and abused. In May's character who had good manners and grew up with more opportunities than the rest of the girls. She thought she had to find a husband like Hal to marry her in order to continue living the comfort that Bethany Home provided. When the story begins she was due to terminate her stay in three weeks time. She is resistant to Abby's proposal that guaranteed her a position as a chef that the opening offered a job cooking in a new hotel. The owners were going to pay her enough to save money and had a third floor rental she was guaranteed. She became angry at Abby when just thinking about taking that job, since she thought she shouldn't have to work. Her mind was made up that her efforts at her time spent with Hal would lead him to ask her to marry him. If their courtship kept progressing between them, Hal was going to be the husband that would be able to give her the life she was raised in before she came to Minneapolis. She likes his apartment, but I was surprised by the choices that she made during that time period thinking that would help him want her more so he'd marry her. Her actions ended up having backfired with him becoming more of the type of man who posed a threat she was wise to get away from him as fast as she could. She quickly sees he's not who she thought he was either. I liked her assertiveness in speaking her mind, but she is quick to be grateful that she saw that he is not who he pretended to be and hopes that Abby's job offer is still available feeling sorry she put all her future plans in a man who she was lucky to escape from his apartment with opportunity and comfortable living space she suddenly feels the job offer is . Faith tries to warn May about Hal. Abby is having May investigate Faith's past which while doing so she finds out more about Hal that is an even bigger reason to avoid him. Will May put herself in an unsafe situation? She is used to her upbringing where her father had picked out the man she planned to marry. Will her thinking the same philosophy as other inmates from the Bethany Home who see getting married is the key towards a continuation of replicating the comfort the Bethany Home offered?

Faith is a gentle soul that takes the longest to understand how she ended up dirty and with tangled hair in an aubergine gown. She is welcomed by Abby and given a room with May who doesn't believe the secondary characters about Faith being clairvoyant. She's responsive to May and speaks softly. I felt so bad for her the way she was treated by the other women believing she is a Mesmerist. Abby thought it was nonsense initially. Faith gets blamed for some strange circumstances that happen to some of the girls who go too far in their cruel treatment. Faith won't defend herself when accusations and consequences to the other girls cause them to blame Faith for using her powers as a witch. As a reader some of Faith's actions made me wonder if what the secondary characters were saying is true and she's a Mesmerist. It takes the reader to arrive at the 50% of the novel to gain an understanding of Faith's background and she arrives at the Bethany Home in the very beginning. The author reveals what happened to Faith that caused her to arrive in the condition that she did which the novel alternates chapters with Abby, May and Faith whose points of view is told in the third person. Faith knows that May is putting herself in grave danger if she continues to pursue Hal. I read things that made me wonder if Mesmerism is a real phenomenon. Even though I know what's true and what's not the question of it's existence is left up to the reader. The author received her MFA in Creative Writing at a University I'm fond of and she taught there so you are guaranteed a Five Star Plus by this author's expertise. This historical novel has exceeded my highest expectations. The author is skilled and writes from the heart. This book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. A top favorite of all time.

Publication Date: 9-10-2024

My huge and heartfelt thank you to Net Galley, I wish you my best wishes to the Masterful storyteller Caroline Woods may you continue to write, and the same grateful thank you to Doubleday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMesmerist #CarolineWoods #DoubledayBooks #NetGalleyTHE MESMERIST
BY: CAROLINE WOOD

This is an amazingly well written blend of a very real true life factual representation of 1894, Minneapolis that is reflected in this gorgeously written historical novel. Caroline Woods does a fantastic job in her presentation of depicting the truth as the backbone of her impeccably astonishing job of character development who propel her subject matter forward. I always appreciate a well written Author's Note, which has been included and that illuminates who were factual characters, and who were characters that served to function as products of an author's fertile imagination. This contains many factual characters utilized in order to create her tantalizing narrative. The Mesmerist is an unforgettable tale woven by a gifted wordsmith that drew me in from the very beginning that grew more intriguing with each descending page. I was interested initially, by reading the synopsis that I thought I'd like to learn more about Mesmerism. When it appeared on my shelf I had to familiarize myself by reading the synopsis again, which doesn't give an entirely accurate description of this spellbinding part of unknown history. As soon as I started reading this I was totally surprised with how much I ended up feeling drawn into the story so much, that I couldn't stop reading realizing I had read 70%. I was totally unprepared for how much I LOVED IT! It's a page turner for a multitude of reasons. One being its goodwill of women helping other women!

The synopsis really doesn't do this fantastically spectacular period of history it's much well deserved justice. One of many of my favorite aspects of this historical novel involves two main characters whose kindness towards one another resulted in a beautiful friendship. I was actually absorbed by the friendship that ensues based on one of the main characters named May has an independent personality who made up her mind about a misunderstood other main character's kind and gentle nature named Faith. They are roommates who as it turns out, Faith, happens to end up being May's only true friend she's ever had. The topic that motivated this author to research started with her learning about the Bethany Home for unwed mothers. There is a group who are secondary characters with each of them shunning Faith who turns up in the beginning. At first it's due to her appearance which you find out halfway why she looks a mess. May is the only one in the Bethany Home for unwed mothers to interact with Faith who is gentle and misunderstood. The other secondary characters who are unwed mothers shun Faith as soon as she arrives. She does turn up and her appearance is disheveled with tangled dark hair and wearing a dirty aubergine gown. The other inmates automatically assume Faith is a witch, or a Medium, or a Mesmerist. She does arrive without speaking a word to defend herself so they believe that she has the ability to do them harm. Faith is traumatized and as she is assigned to be May's roommate May discovers a ring of purple bruises around Faith's neck that looks as if she was choked. Faith slowly speaks to May and I felt great sympathy for her since with slowly interacting with May, Faith is kind and soft spoken with a gentle nature. Readers who might be hesitant to read this based on the dark content described in the synopsis, can rest assured that there is much kindness that takes place which doesn't get illuminated in the blurb, which in my opinion is unfortunate. What kept my addictive reading experience to be transfixed and therefore impressed was the selfless goodness shown as set by example by Abby, the third main character, who believes everyone should be welcomed into the Bethany Home and called "friend," and treated as equals. Every story does need a villain, or a few to perhaps build the deliciously taut suspense in its delivery, which this one promises. It was not my intent to be drawn to the darker content that isn't misrepresented in the synopsis. It might have been what caught my attention initially, but not what kept my attention that drew me in to continue reading this. What impressed me the most, that held me captive during this addictive and compelling reading experience was the warmth and kindness and women supporting women. Rather what was the most compelling for me, was the continued warmth, and compassion shown to impoverished women. From the point in which this book began, it became glaringly evident to me that this author's intentions were to highlight the goodness that existed among the women who are her three main characters. I could feel right away that her strength as a writer was her extraordinary talent that elevated her above most writers were to place her main emphasis on kindness and goodwill taking center stage. Her choice to focus on goodness and kindness in her character development is apparent right away. There are also some villains that existed during the era this story takes place. They are introduced gradually and start out with at least without being obvious of their intent and get less focus. Caroline Woods has a pure heart which she mentions in her Author's Note that what drew her attention to write this book was that pure goodness existed in the women who ran the real factual Bethany Home for unwed mothers. It is a heartwarming story that happened to have a few characters that their motives aren't apparent and not the point. The main characters are Abby, May and Faith with the message that the Bethany Home for unwed mothers was a safe place in a new frontier. Abby Mendenhall starts from the beginning told in the third person that all new arrivals of women were offered a warm and comfortable place to live free for one year with food and training to give everyone a clean slate. The home had a board that was a Sisterhood who relied on donors and benefactors to keep the home for unwed mothers solvent. No matter what anyone's circumstances were or how impoverished the goal was to help their inmates. Inmate was used in this era to not mean someone incarcerated. It's not meant in a pejorative way it's simply what during the time period meant occupant. They were free to leave if they chose to whenever they wanted. The purpose was to train them so when their time expired they would not return to life in the brothels. Abby Mendenhall, whose guidance and goodwill, and some of the bold actions she took in her efforts at rescuing those who she thought needed her assistance are courageous even by today's standards. Abby's desire to help those less fortunate is based on facts derived by this author's research which she put in from studying Abby's complete correspondence and journals that this author utilized in this admirable narrative. Caroline Woods has also provided two non-fiction books that I plan on reading, but time and other commitments don't allow me to read them before submitting my review. I have bought them and plan on reading them after I finish my Net Galley ARCS that aren't anywhere as fascinating as this memorable story.

The synopsis to this isn't completely accurate which misrepresents in my opinion the beautiful attributes that made this enjoyable for me. That is my opinion based on my careful analysis of the content as I read it slowly with focus. My intuition based on what Caroline Woods states drew her to 1894, Minneapolis in the first place, was the Bethany Home for unwed mothers run by three progressive, reality based women who she features in this story. The Bethany Home for unwed mothers, was run by Charlotte Van Cleve, Abby Mendenhall, and Euphemia Overlock. They had assistance from some more unnamed church going society women, who aren't mentioned in the novel, but what I assumed were referred to a the other members of the board, which is a concern of these factual women. They were concerned with the Bethany Home's reputation or they wouldn't be able to stay solvent if the donors and benefactors learned about a few things reported to the newspapers. One instance that was a concern having to do with Faith and knowledge about her fortune telling. Later when Abby starts believing the secondary characters who claim Faith used her magic as a witch to some characters receiving consequences Abby locks Faith on the third floor tower. There is an article by an unknown source that is printed in the newspaper that Faith is imprisoned which could jeopardize the Bethany Home. They are the Sisterhood which had women helping those who ended up with unwanted pregnancies due to the vice that was everywhere. For me learning that such a place that women who existed to help anyone who arrived, how Abby made them feel equal, by making the occupants feel welcomed, and she greeted each new inmate by calling them "friend." I was enchanted with such a noble idea for women supporting any women who needed assistance no matter what is worth celebrating. We all should consider each other a Sisterhood back then, but in today's era, also. I could tell that Caroline Woods has love for most of her characters by how she rewards her characters with giving them a satisfying circumstance. It might not be how you hoped things would be which adds unpredictability for the master storyteller she is. The quality of the storytelling was outstanding.

Charlotte Van Cleve, was a woman that was somewhat a celebrated public speaker, or an orator who attracted crowds that she charged each person who attended a fee. These fees that she earned were used to support herself which she needed to survive. She was ahead of her time in that she believed in Temperance which I define as abstinence. Caroline Woods has needlessly worried in her Author's Note that she unwittingly portrayed Charlotte as one of her villains, which informed me her intent was to highlight the charitable efforts that these three women were known for doing. Per the author's words "She did not shy away from calling out male privilege and the role men played in creating unwanted pregnancies." Abby Menderhall was the treasurer of the Bethany Home, but her selfless bravery extended far beyond that. She was known to roam Minneapolis freely, despite her ill health, searching for women who she thought needed her help. Euphemia Overlook and Abby Mendenhall had been best friends, with their higher stations in life making them lovable characters who could depend on each other's moral support who are factual characters along with Charlotte Van Cleve who were in charge in, 1894, in running the Bethany Home. Abby and Euphemia were both financially in a higher social standing than Charlotte, who was more reliant on her speaking fees and public persona, and her acute awareness of the Bethany Home keeping a good reputation to be reliant on benefactors and donors for meeting the expenses of the home. She was dependent on her public speaking fees to survive even though she was married.

As to the novel I loved how the Bethany Home treated what they referred to the new arrivals of women who were allowed to stay there free for one year to be referred to as a "friend" upon welcoming them, which Abby and another true character named Miss Beth Rhodes. I loved the idea of the kindness and compassion shown both to impoverished women of all walks of life which included women who were former brothel workers.. The purpose was to provide them with a comfortable home with meals, and efforts were made towards training them to leave the brothel life for good. With the support and help each inmate received included setting them up with the tools towards giving them all a clean slate. Everyone was able to start fresh when they left. I loved that they weren't required to give their real names unless they chose to. What stood out to me the most was that the inmates were able to choose whether or not to keep their babies. With allowing the mothers decision whether they wanted to keep their babies, unlike so many other church sponsored homes for unwed mothers where they would be automatically required to put their babies up for adoption leaving so many of unwed women with the unimaginable trauma. Mostly the Catholic convents were what I knew which I am Catholic myself. I don't agree with how unwed mothers with no options were separated from their babies in Catholic homes for unwed mothers. That was a horrible practice that I can't imagine unmarried mothers having undergone the trauma of being required to be separated from their babies immediately after giving birth. This is my first time learning that a place such as the Bethany Home existed. It was lovely for once to read that the women were provided with free medical care and besides their assigned chores in running the home they weren't made indentured servants. This was the first home that I learned about that was run by women that their intentions were to empower each unwed pregnant woman to decide for themselves what their lives were going to be at the end of their stay. This was the first unwed mothers home that I learned that its motives were to provide them with opportunities to succeed in learning a trade while they lived in a supportive environment with guidance and help on new accommodations and help with their having a job waiting. After each woman left the home they had the help from the home to earn a fair wage arranged for each woman for an incentive of hope when their year ended. This gave women a chance of not thinking their only means of survival was to work in a brothel. The whole point was to educate these women to choose a life without the backbreaking work that they thought was their fate. The help from the Bethany Home to arrange a job that paid them enough to not to think their only options of experiencing the same comfort were to return to life in a brothel.

Some of the secondary characters needed that guidance the Bethany Home women inspired in them that the women didn't have to remain in poorly treated low wages positions where they were taken advantage of and abused. In May's character who had good manners and grew up with more opportunities than the rest of the girls. She thought she had to find a husband like Hal to marry her in order to continue living the comfort that Bethany Home provided. When the story begins she was due to terminate her stay in three weeks time. She is resistant to Abby's proposal that guaranteed her a position as a chef that the opening offered a job cooking in a new hotel. The owners were going to pay her enough to save money and had a third floor rental she was guaranteed. She became angry at Abby when just thinking about taking that job, since she thought she shouldn't have to work. Her mind was made up that her efforts at her time spent with Hal would lead him to ask her to marry him. If their courtship kept progressing between them, Hal was going to be the husband that would be able to give her the life she was raised in before she came to Minneapolis. She likes his apartment, but I was surprised by the choices that she made during that time period thinking that would help him want her more so he'd marry her. Her actions ended up having backfired with him becoming more of the type of man who posed a threat she was wise to get away from him as fast as she could. She quickly sees he's not who she thought he was either. I liked her assertiveness in speaking her mind, but she is quick to be grateful that she saw that he is not who he pretended to be and hopes that Abby's job offer is still available feeling sorry she put all her future plans in a man who she was lucky to escape from his apartment with opportunity and comfortable living space she suddenly feels the job offer is . Faith tries to warn May about Hal. Abby is having May investigate Faith's past which while doing so she finds out more about Hal that is an even bigger reason to avoid him. Will May put herself in an unsafe situation? She is used to her upbringing where her father had picked out the man she planned to marry. Will her thinking the same philosophy as other inmates from the Bethany Home who see getting married is the key towards a continuation of replicating the comfort the Bethany Home offered?

Faith is a gentle soul that takes the longest to understand how she ended up dirty and with tangled hair in an aubergine gown. She is welcomed by Abby and given a room with May who doesn't believe the secondary characters about Faith being clairvoyant. She's responsive to May and speaks softly. I felt so bad for her the way she was treated by the other women believing she is a Mesmerist. Abby thought it was nonsense initially. Faith gets blamed for some strange circumstances that happen to some of the girls who go too far in their cruel treatment. Faith won't defend herself when accusations and consequences to the other girls cause them to blame Faith for using her powers as a witch. As a reader some of Faith's actions made me wonder if what the secondary characters were saying is true and she's a Mesmerist. It takes the reader to arrive at the 50% of the novel to gain an understanding of Faith's background and she arrives at the Bethany Home in the very beginning. The author reveals what happened to Faith that caused her to arrive in the condition that she did which the novel alternates chapters with Abby, May and Faith whose points of view is told in the third person. Faith knows that May is putting herself in grave danger if she continues to pursue Hal. I read things that made me wonder if Mesmerism is a real phenomenon. Even though I know what's true and what's not the question of it's existence is left up to the reader. The author received her MFA in Creative Writing at a University I'm fond of and she taught there so you are guaranteed a Five Star Plus by this author's expertise. This historical novel has exceeded my highest expectations. The author is skilled and writes from the heart. This book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. A top favorite of all time.

Publication Date: 9-10-2024

My huge and heartfelt thank you to Net Galley, I wish you my best wishes to the Masterful storyteller Caroline Woods may you continue to write, and the same grateful thank you to Doubleday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMesmerist #CarolineWoods #DoubledayBooks #NetGalleyTHE MESMERIST
BY: CAROLINE WOOD

This is an amazingly well written blend of a very real true life factual representation of 1894, Minneapolis that is reflected in this gorgeously written historical novel. Caroline Woods does a fantastic job in her presentation of depicting the truth as the backbone of her impeccably astonishing job of character development who propel her subject matter forward. I always appreciate a well written Author's Note, which has been included and that illuminates who were factual characters, and who were characters that served to function as products of an author's fertile imagination. This contains many factual characters utilized in order to create her tantalizing narrative. The Mesmerist is an unforgettable tale woven by a gifted wordsmith that drew me in from the very beginning that grew more intriguing with each descending page. I was interested initially, by reading the synopsis that I thought I'd like to learn more about Mesmerism. When it appeared on my shelf I had to familiarize myself by reading the synopsis again, which doesn't give an entirely accurate description of this spellbinding part of unknown history. As soon as I started reading this I was totally surprised with how much I ended up feeling drawn into the story so much, that I couldn't stop reading realizing I had read 70%. I was totally unprepared for how much I LOVED IT! It's a page turner for a multitude of reasons. One being its goodwill of women helping other women!

The synopsis really doesn't do this fantastically spectacular period of history it's much well deserved justice. One of many of my favorite aspects of this historical novel involves two main characters whose kindness towards one another resulted in a beautiful friendship. I was actually absorbed by the friendship that ensues based on one of the main characters named May has an independent personality who made up her mind about a misunderstood other main character's kind and gentle nature named Faith. They are roommates who as it turns out, Faith, happens to end up being May's only true friend she's ever had. The topic that motivated this author to research started with her learning about the Bethany Home for unwed mothers. There is a group who are secondary characters with each of them shunning Faith who turns up in the beginning. At first it's due to her appearance which you find out halfway why she looks a mess. May is the only one in the Bethany Home for unwed mothers to interact with Faith who is gentle and misunderstood. The other secondary characters who are unwed mothers shun Faith as soon as she arrives. She does turn up and her appearance is disheveled with tangled dark hair and wearing a dirty aubergine gown. The other inmates automatically assume Faith is a witch, or a Medium, or a Mesmerist. She does arrive without speaking a word to defend herself so they believe that she has the ability to do them harm. Faith is traumatized and as she is assigned to be May's roommate May discovers a ring of purple bruises around Faith's neck that looks as if she was choked. Faith slowly speaks to May and I felt great sympathy for her since with slowly interacting with May, Faith is kind and soft spoken with a gentle nature. Readers who might be hesitant to read this based on the dark content described in the synopsis, can rest assured that there is much kindness that takes place which doesn't get illuminated in the blurb, which in my opinion is unfortunate. What kept my addictive reading experience to be transfixed and therefore impressed was the selfless goodness shown as set by example by Abby, the third main character, who believes everyone should be welcomed into the Bethany Home and called "friend," and treated as equals. Every story does need a villain, or a few to perhaps build the deliciously taut suspense in its delivery, which this one promises. It was not my intent to be drawn to the darker content that isn't misrepresented in the synopsis. It might have been what caught my attention initially, but not what kept my attention that drew me in to continue reading this. What impressed me the most, that held me captive during this addictive and compelling reading experience was the warmth and kindness and women supporting women. Rather what was the most compelling for me, was the continued warmth, and compassion shown to impoverished women. From the point in which this book began, it became glaringly evident to me that this author's intentions were to highlight the goodness that existed among the women who are her three main characters. I could feel right away that her strength as a writer was her extraordinary talent that elevated her above most writers were to place her main emphasis on kindness and goodwill taking center stage. Her choice to focus on goodness and kindness in her character development is apparent right away. There are also some villains that existed during the era this story takes place. They are introduced gradually and start out with at least without being obvious of their intent and get less focus. Caroline Woods has a pure heart which she mentions in her Author's Note that what drew her attention to write this book was that pure goodness existed in the women who ran the real factual Bethany Home for unwed mothers. It is a heartwarming story that happened to have a few characters that their motives aren't apparent and not the point. The main characters are Abby, May and Faith with the message that the Bethany Home for unwed mothers was a safe place in a new frontier. Abby Mendenhall starts from the beginning told in the third person that all new arrivals of women were offered a warm and comfortable place to live free for one year with food and training to give everyone a clean slate. The home had a board that was a Sisterhood who relied on donors and benefactors to keep the home for unwed mothers solvent. No matter what anyone's circumstances were or how impoverished the goal was to help their inmates. Inmate was used in this era to not mean someone incarcerated. It's not meant in a pejorative way it's simply what during the time period meant occupant. They were free to leave if they chose to whenever they wanted. The purpose was to train them so when their time expired they would not return to life in the brothels. Abby Mendenhall, whose guidance and goodwill, and some of the bold actions she took in her efforts at rescuing those who she thought needed her assistance are courageous even by today's standards. Abby's desire to help those less fortunate is based on facts derived by this author's research which she put in from studying Abby's complete correspondence and journals that this author utilized in this admirable narrative. Caroline Woods has also provided two non-fiction books that I plan on reading, but time and other commitments don't allow me to read them before submitting my review. I have bought them and plan on reading them after I finish my Net Galley ARCS that aren't anywhere as fascinating as this memorable story.

The synopsis to this isn't completely accurate which misrepresents in my opinion the beautiful attributes that made this enjoyable for me. That is my opinion based on my careful analysis of the content as I read it slowly with focus. My intuition based on what Caroline Woods states drew her to 1894, Minneapolis in the first place, was the Bethany Home for unwed mothers run by three progressive, reality based women who she features in this story. The Bethany Home for unwed mothers, was run by Charlotte Van Cleve, Abby Mendenhall, and Euphemia Overlock. They had assistance from some more unnamed church going society women, who aren't mentioned in the novel, but what I assumed were referred to a the other members of the board, which is a concern of these factual women. They were concerned with the Bethany Home's reputation or they wouldn't be able to stay solvent if the donors and benefactors learned about a few things reported to the newspapers. One instance that was a concern having to do with Faith and knowledge about her fortune telling. Later when Abby starts believing the secondary characters who claim Faith used her magic as a witch to some characters receiving consequences Abby locks Faith on the third floor tower. There is an article by an unknown source that is printed in the newspaper that Faith is imprisoned which could jeopardize the Bethany Home. They are the Sisterhood which had women helping those who ended up with unwanted pregnancies due to the vice that was everywhere. For me learning that such a place that women who existed to help anyone who arrived, how Abby made them feel equal, by making the occupants feel welcomed, and she greeted each new inmate by calling them "friend." I was enchanted with such a noble idea for women supporting any women who needed assistance no matter what is worth celebrating. We all should consider each other a Sisterhood back then, but in today's era, also. I could tell that Caroline Woods has love for most of her characters by how she rewards her characters with giving them a satisfying circumstance. It might not be how you hoped things would be which adds unpredictability for the master storyteller she is. The quality of the storytelling was outstanding.

Charlotte Van Cleve, was a woman that was somewhat a celebrated public speaker, or an orator who attracted crowds that she charged each person who attended a fee. These fees that she earned were used to support herself which she needed to survive. She was ahead of her time in that she believed in Temperance which I define as abstinence. Caroline Woods has needlessly worried in her Author's Note that she unwittingly portrayed Charlotte as one of her villains, which informed me her intent was to highlight the charitable efforts that these three women were known for doing. Per the author's words "She did not shy away from calling out male privilege and the role men played in creating unwanted pregnancies." Abby Menderhall was the treasurer of the Bethany Home, but her selfless bravery extended far beyond that. She was known to roam Minneapolis freely, despite her ill health, searching for women who she thought needed her help. Euphemia Overlook and Abby Mendenhall had been best friends, with their higher stations in life making them lovable characters who could depend on each other's moral support who are factual characters along with Charlotte Van Cleve who were in charge in, 1894, in running the Bethany Home. Abby and Euphemia were both financially in a higher social standing than Charlotte, who was more reliant on her speaking fees and public persona, and her acute awareness of the Bethany Home keeping a good reputation to be reliant on benefactors and donors for meeting the expenses of the home. She was dependent on her public speaking fees to survive even though she was married.

As to the novel I loved how the Bethany Home treated what they referred to the new arrivals of women who were allowed to stay there free for one year to be referred to as a "friend" upon welcoming them, which Abby and another true character named Miss Beth Rhodes. I loved the idea of the kindness and compassion shown both to impoverished women of all walks of life which included women who were former brothel workers.. The purpose was to provide them with a comfortable home with meals, and efforts were made towards training them to leave the brothel life for good. With the support and help each inmate received included setting them up with the tools towards giving them all a clean slate. Everyone was able to start fresh when they left. I loved that they weren't required to give their real names unless they chose to. What stood out to me the most was that the inmates were able to choose whether or not to keep their babies. With allowing the mothers decision whether they wanted to keep their babies, unlike so many other church sponsored homes for unwed mothers where they would be automatically required to put their babies up for adoption leaving so many of unwed women with the unimaginable trauma. Mostly the Catholic convents were what I knew which I am Catholic myself. I don't agree with how unwed mothers with no options were separated from their babies in Catholic homes for unwed mothers. That was a horrible practice that I can't imagine unmarried mothers having undergone the trauma of being required to be separated from their babies immediately after giving birth. This is my first time learning that a place such as the Bethany Home existed. It was lovely for once to read that the women were provided with free medical care and besides their assigned chores in running the home they weren't made indentured servants. This was the first home that I learned about that was run by women that their intentions were to empower each unwed pregnant woman to decide for themselves what their lives were going to be at the end of their stay. This was the first unwed mothers home that I learned that its motives were to provide them with opportunities to succeed in learning a trade while they lived in a supportive environment with guidance and help on new accommodations and help with their having a job waiting. After each woman left the home they had the help from the home to earn a fair wage arranged for each woman for an incentive of hope when their year ended. This gave women a chance of not thinking their only means of survival was to work in a brothel. The whole point was to educate these women to choose a life without the backbreaking work that they thought was their fate. The help from the Bethany Home to arrange a job that paid them enough to not to think their only options of experiencing the same comfort were to return to life in a brothel.

Some of the secondary characters needed that guidance the Bethany Home women inspired in them that the women didn't have to remain in poorly treated low wages positions where they were taken advantage of and abused. In May's character who had good manners and grew up with more opportunities than the rest of the girls. She thought she had to find a husband like Hal to marry her in order to continue living the comfort that Bethany Home provided. When the story begins she was due to terminate her stay in three weeks time. She is resistant to Abby's proposal that guaranteed her a position as a chef that the opening offered a job cooking in a new hotel. The owners were going to pay her enough to save money and had a third floor rental she was guaranteed. She became angry at Abby when just thinking about taking that job, since she thought she shouldn't have to work. Her mind was made up that her efforts at her time spent with Hal would lead him to ask her to marry him. If their courtship kept progressing between them, Hal was going to be the husband that would be able to give her the life she was raised in before she came to Minneapolis. She likes his apartment, but I was surprised by the choices that she made during that time period thinking that would help him want her more so he'd marry her. Her actions ended up having backfired with him becoming more of the type of man who posed a threat she was wise to get away from him as fast as she could. She quickly sees he's not who she thought he was either. I liked her assertiveness in speaking her mind, but she is quick to be grateful that she saw that he is not who he pretended to be and hopes that Abby's job offer is still available feeling sorry she put all her future plans in a man who she was lucky to escape from his apartment with opportunity and comfortable living space she suddenly feels the job offer is . Faith tries to warn May about Hal. Abby is having May investigate Faith's past which while doing so she finds out more about Hal that is an even bigger reason to avoid him. Will May put herself in an unsafe situation? She is used to her upbringing where her father had picked out the man she planned to marry. Will her thinking the same philosophy as other inmates from the Bethany Home who see getting married is the key towards a continuation of replicating the comfort the Bethany Home offered?

Faith is a gentle soul that takes the longest to understand how she ended up dirty and with tangled hair in an aubergine gown. She is welcomed by Abby and given a room with May who doesn't believe the secondary characters about Faith being clairvoyant. She's responsive to May and speaks softly. I felt so bad for her the way she was treated by the other women believing she is a Mesmerist. Abby thought it was nonsense initially. Faith gets blamed for some strange circumstances that happen to some of the girls who go too far in their cruel treatment. Faith won't defend herself when accusations and consequences to the other girls cause them to blame Faith for using her powers as a witch. As a reader some of Faith's actions made me wonder if what the secondary characters were saying is true and she's a Mesmerist. It takes the reader to arrive at the 50% of the novel to gain an understanding of Faith's background and she arrives at the Bethany Home in the very beginning. The author reveals what happened to Faith that caused her to arrive in the condition that she did which the novel alternates chapters with Abby, May and Faith whose points of view is told in the third person. Faith knows that May is putting herself in grave danger if she continues to pursue Hal. I read things that made me wonder if Mesmerism is a real phenomenon. Even though I know what's true and what's not the question of it's existence is left up to the reader. The author received her MFA in Creative Writing at a University I'm fond of and she taught there so you are guaranteed a Five Star Plus by this author's expertise. This historical novel has exceeded my highest expectations. The author is skilled and writes from the heart. This book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. A top favorite of all time.

Publication Date: 9-10-2024

My huge and heartfelt thank you to Net Galley, I wish you my best wishes to the Masterful storyteller Caroline Woods may you continue to write, and the same grateful thank you to Doubleday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMesmerist #CarolineWoods #DoubledayBooks #NetGalleyTHE MESMERIST
BY: CAROLINE WOOD

This is an amazingly well written blend of a very real true life factual representation of 1894, Minneapolis that is reflected in this gorgeously written historical novel. Caroline Woods does a fantastic job in her presentation of depicting the truth as the backbone of her impeccably astonishing job of character development who propel her subject matter forward. I always appreciate a well written Author's Note, which has been included and that illuminates who were factual characters, and who were characters that served to function as products of an author's fertile imagination. This contains many factual characters utilized in order to create her tantalizing narrative. The Mesmerist is an unforgettable tale woven by a gifted wordsmith that drew me in from the very beginning that grew more intriguing with each descending page. I was interested initially, by reading the synopsis that I thought I'd like to learn more about Mesmerism. When it appeared on my shelf I had to familiarize myself by reading the synopsis again, which doesn't give an entirely accurate description of this spellbinding part of unknown history. As soon as I started reading this I was totally surprised with how much I ended up feeling drawn into the story so much, that I couldn't stop reading realizing I had read 70%. I was totally unprepared for how much I LOVED IT! It's a page turner for a multitude of reasons. One being its goodwill of women helping other women!

The synopsis really doesn't do this fantastically spectacular period of history it's much well deserved justice. One of many of my favorite aspects of this historical novel involves two main characters whose kindness towards one another resulted in a beautiful friendship. I was actually absorbed by the friendship that ensues based on one of the main characters named May has an independent personality who made up her mind about a misunderstood other main character's kind and gentle nature named Faith. They are roommates who as it turns out, Faith, happens to end up being May's only true friend she's ever had. The topic that motivated this author to research started with her learning about the Bethany Home for unwed mothers. There is a group who are secondary characters with each of them shunning Faith who turns up in the beginning. At first it's due to her appearance which you find out halfway why she looks a mess. May is the only one in the Bethany Home for unwed mothers to interact with Faith who is gentle and misunderstood. The other secondary characters who are unwed mothers shun Faith as soon as she arrives. She does turn up and her appearance is disheveled with tangled dark hair and wearing a dirty aubergine gown. The other inmates automatically assume Faith is a witch, or a Medium, or a Mesmerist. She does arrive without speaking a word to defend herself so they believe that she has the ability to do them harm. Faith is traumatized and as she is assigned to be May's roommate May discovers a ring of purple bruises around Faith's neck that looks as if she was choked. Faith slowly speaks to May and I felt great sympathy for her since with slowly interacting with May, Faith is kind and soft spoken with a gentle nature. Readers who might be hesitant to read this based on the dark content described in the synopsis, can rest assured that there is much kindness that takes place which doesn't get illuminated in the blurb, which in my opinion is unfortunate. What kept my addictive reading experience to be transfixed and therefore impressed was the selfless goodness shown as set by example by Abby, the third main character, who believes everyone should be welcomed into the Bethany Home and called "friend," and treated as equals. Every story does need a villain, or a few to perhaps build the deliciously taut suspense in its delivery, which this one promises. It was not my intent to be drawn to the darker content that isn't misrepresented in the synopsis. It might have been what caught my attention initially, but not what kept my attention that drew me in to continue reading this. What impressed me the most, that held me captive during this addictive and compelling reading experience was the warmth and kindness and women supporting women. Rather what was the most compelling for me, was the continued warmth, and compassion shown to impoverished women. From the point in which this book began, it became glaringly evident to me that this author's intentions were to highlight the goodness that existed among the women who are her three main characters. I could feel right away that her strength as a writer was her extraordinary talent that elevated her above most writers were to place her main emphasis on kindness and goodwill taking center stage. Her choice to focus on goodness and kindness in her character development is apparent right away. There are also some villains that existed during the era this story takes place. They are introduced gradually and start out with at least without being obvious of their intent and get less focus. Caroline Woods has a pure heart which she mentions in her Author's Note that what drew her attention to write this book was that pure goodness existed in the women who ran the real factual Bethany Home for unwed mothers. It is a heartwarming story that happened to have a few characters that their motives aren't apparent and not the point. The main characters are Abby, May and Faith with the message that the Bethany Home for unwed mothers was a safe place in a new frontier. Abby Mendenhall starts from the beginning told in the third person that all new arrivals of women were offered a warm and comfortable place to live free for one year with food and training to give everyone a clean slate. The home had a board that was a Sisterhood who relied on donors and benefactors to keep the home for unwed mothers solvent. No matter what anyone's circumstances were or how impoverished the goal was to help their inmates. Inmate was used in this era to not mean someone incarcerated. It's not meant in a pejorative way it's simply what during the time period meant occupant. They were free to leave if they chose to whenever they wanted. The purpose was to train them so when their time expired they would not return to life in the brothels. Abby Mendenhall, whose guidance and goodwill, and some of the bold actions she took in her efforts at rescuing those who she thought needed her assistance are courageous even by today's standards. Abby's desire to help those less fortunate is based on facts derived by this author's research which she put in from studying Abby's complete correspondence and journals that this author utilized in this admirable narrative. Caroline Woods has also provided two non-fiction books that I plan on reading, but time and other commitments don't allow me to read them before submitting my review. I have bought them and plan on reading them after I finish my Net Galley ARCS that aren't anywhere as fascinating as this memorable story.

The synopsis to this isn't completely accurate which misrepresents in my opinion the beautiful attributes that made this enjoyable for me. That is my opinion based on my careful analysis of the content as I read it slowly with focus. My intuition based on what Caroline Woods states drew her to 1894, Minneapolis in the first place, was the Bethany Home for unwed mothers run by three progressive, reality based women who she features in this story. The Bethany Home for unwed mothers, was run by Charlotte Van Cleve, Abby Mendenhall, and Euphemia Overlock. They had assistance from some more unnamed church going society women, who aren't mentioned in the novel, but what I assumed were referred to a the other members of the board, which is a concern of these factual women. They were concerned with the Bethany Home's reputation or they wouldn't be able to stay solvent if the donors and benefactors learned about a few things reported to the newspapers. One instance that was a concern having to do with Faith and knowledge about her fortune telling. Later when Abby starts believing the secondary characters who claim Faith used her magic as a witch to some characters receiving consequences Abby locks Faith on the third floor tower. There is an article by an unknown source that is printed in the newspaper that Faith is imprisoned which could jeopardize the Bethany Home. They are the Sisterhood which had women helping those who ended up with unwanted pregnancies due to the vice that was everywhere. For me learning that such a place that women who existed to help anyone who arrived, how Abby made them feel equal, by making the occupants feel welcomed, and she greeted each new inmate by calling them "friend." I was enchanted with such a noble idea for women supporting any women who needed assistance no matter what is worth celebrating. We all should consider each other a Sisterhood back then, but in today's era, also. I could tell that Caroline Woods has love for most of her characters by how she rewards her characters with giving them a satisfying circumstance. It might not be how you hoped things would be which adds unpredictability for the master storyteller she is. The quality of the storytelling was outstanding.

Charlotte Van Cleve, was a woman that was somewhat a celebrated public speaker, or an orator who attracted crowds that she charged each person who attended a fee. These fees that she earned were used to support herself which she needed to survive. She was ahead of her time in that she believed in Temperance which I define as abstinence. Caroline Woods has needlessly worried in her Author's Note that she unwittingly portrayed Charlotte as one of her villains, which informed me her intent was to highlight the charitable efforts that these three women were known for doing. Per the author's words "She did not shy away from calling out male privilege and the role men played in creating unwanted pregnancies." Abby Menderhall was the treasurer of the Bethany Home, but her selfless bravery extended far beyond that. She was known to roam Minneapolis freely, despite her ill health, searching for women who she thought needed her help. Euphemia Overlook and Abby Mendenhall had been best friends, with their higher stations in life making them lovable characters who could depend on each other's moral support who are factual characters along with Charlotte Van Cleve who were in charge in, 1894, in running the Bethany Home. Abby and Euphemia were both financially in a higher social standing than Charlotte, who was more reliant on her speaking fees and public persona, and her acute awareness of the Bethany Home keeping a good reputation to be reliant on benefactors and donors for meeting the expenses of the home. She was dependent on her public speaking fees to survive even though she was married.

As to the novel I loved how the Bethany Home treated what they referred to the new arrivals of women who were allowed to stay there free for one year to be referred to as a "friend" upon welcoming them, which Abby and another true character named Miss Beth Rhodes. I loved the idea of the kindness and compassion shown both to impoverished women of all walks of life which included women who were former brothel workers.. The purpose was to provide them with a comfortable home with meals, and efforts were made towards training them to leave the brothel life for good. With the support and help each inmate received included setting them up with the tools towards giving them all a clean slate. Everyone was able to start fresh when they left. I loved that they weren't required to give their real names unless they chose to. What stood out to me the most was that the inmates were able to choose whether or not to keep their babies. With allowing the mothers decision whether they wanted to keep their babies, unlike so many other church sponsored homes for unwed mothers where they would be automatically required to put their babies up for adoption leaving so many of unwed women with the unimaginable trauma. Mostly the Catholic convents were what I knew which I am Catholic myself. I don't agree with how unwed mothers with no options were separated from their babies in Catholic homes for unwed mothers. That was a horrible practice that I can't imagine unmarried mothers having undergone the trauma of being required to be separated from their babies immediately after giving birth. This is my first time learning that a place such as the Bethany Home existed. It was lovely for once to read that the women were provided with free medical care and besides their assigned chores in running the home they weren't made indentured servants. This was the first home that I learned about that was run by women that their intentions were to empower each unwed pregnant woman to decide for themselves what their lives were going to be at the end of their stay. This was the first unwed mothers home that I learned that its motives were to provide them with opportunities to succeed in learning a trade while they lived in a supportive environment with guidance and help on new accommodations and help with their having a job waiting. After each woman left the home they had the help from the home to earn a fair wage arranged for each woman for an incentive of hope when their year ended. This gave women a chance of not thinking their only means of survival was to work in a brothel. The whole point was to educate these women to choose a life without the backbreaking work that they thought was their fate. The help from the Bethany Home to arrange a job that paid them enough to not to think their only options of experiencing the same comfort were to return to life in a brothel.

Some of the secondary characters needed that guidance the Bethany Home women inspired in them that the women didn't have to remain in poorly treated low wages positions where they were taken advantage of and abused. In May's character who had good manners and grew up with more opportunities than the rest of the girls. She thought she had to find a husband like Hal to marry her in order to continue living the comfort that Bethany Home provided. When the story begins she was due to terminate her stay in three weeks time. She is resistant to Abby's proposal that guaranteed her a position as a chef that the opening offered a job cooking in a new hotel. The owners were going to pay her enough to save money and had a third floor rental she was guaranteed. She became angry at Abby when just thinking about taking that job, since she thought she shouldn't have to work. Her mind was made up that her efforts at her time spent with Hal would lead him to ask her to marry him. If their courtship kept progressing between them, Hal was going to be the husband that would be able to give her the life she was raised in before she came to Minneapolis. She likes his apartment, but I was surprised by the choices that she made during that time period thinking that would help him want her more so he'd marry her. Her actions ended up having backfired with him becoming more of the type of man who posed a threat she was wise to get away from him as fast as she could. She quickly sees he's not who she thought he was either. I liked her assertiveness in speaking her mind, but she is quick to be grateful that she saw that he is not who he pretended to be and hopes that Abby's job offer is still available feeling sorry she put all her future plans in a man who she was lucky to escape from his apartment with opportunity and comfortable living space she suddenly feels the job offer is . Faith tries to warn May about Hal. Abby is having May investigate Faith's past which while doing so she finds out more about Hal that is an even bigger reason to avoid him. Will May put herself in an unsafe situation? She is used to her upbringing where her father had picked out the man she planned to marry. Will her thinking the same philosophy as other inmates from the Bethany Home who see getting married is the key towards a continuation of replicating the comfort the Bethany Home offered?

Faith is a gentle soul that takes the longest to understand how she ended up dirty and with tangled hair in an aubergine gown. She is welcomed by Abby and given a room with May who doesn't believe the secondary characters about Faith being clairvoyant. She's responsive to May and speaks softly. I felt so bad for her the way she was treated by the other women believing she is a Mesmerist. Abby thought it was nonsense initially. Faith gets blamed for some strange circumstances that happen to some of the girls who go too far in their cruel treatment. Faith won't defend herself when accusations and consequences to the other girls cause them to blame Faith for using her powers as a witch. As a reader some of Faith's actions made me wonder if what the secondary characters were saying is true and she's a Mesmerist. It takes the reader to arrive at the 50% of the novel to gain an understanding of Faith's background and she arrives at the Bethany Home in the very beginning. The author reveals what happened to Faith that caused her to arrive in the condition that she did which the novel alternates chapters with Abby, May and Faith whose points of view is told in the third person. Faith knows that May is putting herself in grave danger if she continues to pursue Hal. I read things that made me wonder if Mesmerism is a real phenomenon. Even though I know what's true and what's not the question of it's existence is left up to the reader. The author received her MFA in Creative Writing at a University I'm fond of and she taught there so you are guaranteed a Five Star Plus by this author's expertise. This historical novel has exceeded my highest expectations. The author is skilled and writes from the heart. This book deserves to reach as wide of an audience as possible. A top favorite of all time.

Publication Date: 9-10-2024

My huge and heartfelt thank you to Net Galley, I wish you my best wishes to the Masterful storyteller Caroline Woods may you continue to write, and the same grateful thank you to Doubleday Books for providing me with an ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMesmerist #CarolineWoods #DoubledayBooks #NetGalley

I like the idea of this book, especially that it’s based on something that actually happened. But this book is so slow, and I just don’t really care about anyone among this large cast of characters.

The Mesmerist from Caroline Woods takes readers to the late 1800's in a booming Minneapolis. Along with the many, many "Gentlemen's Establishment" houses, there was the Bethany Home for Unwed Mothers.

Founded by a group of women, this was the place to have the children growing inside of them, from a lover, from a customer, from...whoever. The women were 'inmates' for a year, with the hopes of reforming their ways. When a mysterious young woman arrives at the home, mute, covered in dirt and grime and in a deep purple dress, the rumors around her swirl.

At the same time, there is a murderer on the loose and they might be closer than anyone thinks.

Caroline Woods has taken a TRUE story and expanded on the facts, make this an excellent historical fiction book. The alternating POVs adds depth to each character and their story. I quite enjoyed this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.