The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller (2009-09-01)

by Judith Miller

Paperback, 1765

Status

Available

Call number

813.6

Genres

Publication

Bethany House (1765)

Description

When Carrington Brouwer receives the enviable job of painting carousel horses for a factory in Ohio, she believes her future is secure. But after an expensive necklace disappears from the home where she's been staying, she's caught up in a search for the truth that puts her entire livelihood--and her developing relationship with the factory manager--at risk. Can she lead police to the real culprit before she loses everything?

User reviews

LibraryThing member erinclark

I was disappointed by this book. It had premise, a young girl working as a painter in a factory during a discriminatory time where women were ostracized from working outside the home but for teaching and nursing. But because of several very insipiant characteristics of the main character,

Carrington Brouwer, it fell flat for me. For one, Carrie giggles uncontrollably in stressful situations. I grew extremely tired of reading how she had to clap her hand over her mouth at all the most inappropriate moments. She was also always running into people and knocking them down or elbowing them by rushing about for no good reason. A ridiculous characteristic in my opinion. And last but not least, the out of context Christian theme that kept popping up. As soon as I caught on I thouhgt to myself - Oh no, it's one of THOSE books. If I had known it was considered Christian Lit I would not have requested it as an early reviewer book. Religion being thrown in out of the blue once and a while really detracted from the story - which like I said, had premise - a young woman struggling to make a living in a mans world, a bit of mystery with a bit of romance. If this book could be rewritten without any religous theme, without the irritating giggling and without predictable crashing in to men around corners constantly I think it would be a much better story.

Show Less

12 more

LibraryThing member merigreenleaf

I received “The Carousel Painter” from the LibraryThing Early Reviews program; I requested it because I enjoy reading historical fiction and, as an artist, thought the short summary about a female artist sounded interesting. After finishing the book, I can say that I found it enjoyable and the

story made for some cute, light reading. It's a well written book and the storyline was engaging; I really enjoyed reading about the carousel creating process, especially. I thought most of the characters were interesting and believably written, and the developing relationship the main character had was sweet. The mystery of the missing jewelry introduced about halfway into the book was a bit cheesy (I mean, I figured out what was going on long before the main character did), but it wasn't bad; I enjoy a bit of mystery in stories.

The two main problems I had with the book were the personality of the main character and the Christian aspects that kept popping up in the story. For the first one, I found Carrington, the main character, to be rather annoying with her constant giggling in stressful situations; since most of the book was a stressful situation for her, that quickly got old. That wouldn't be so bad, though, if not for the fact that she was also extremely clumsy and rather obsessed with not being prideful. One or two of those things would have made for a believably flawed character, but combined they just didn't endear her to me. The other problem I had with the book was the Christian theme; I think the book would have been better if that had been omitted or at least hadn't popped up as frequently. I really don't feel that it did anything to advance the plot; if anything it made Carrington more aware of her pride, which is one of the things I disliked about her character. I'm not a fan of overly-Christian stories anyway, so I found myself skipping over those passages. Fortunately there weren't too many of them, so it didn't bother me too much.

Overall, I found this book to be a fun read and would recommend it to people looking for a cute mystery and romance. It's not the best book I've ever read, but it is one I liked. I'd give this book 3 stars out of 5; it would have gotten more from me had those aforementioned two problems been changed.

Show Less

LibraryThing member delan

I had never read a modern Romance novel before, but had taken an English class in Victorian Lit so this potential Bestseller in the genre was no great surprise. I enjoyed the slightly early-feminist idea of the heroine joining an all-male factory, where acceptance is slow in coming. Her best

friend's father, the factory owner, is warm and understanding, while her mother is a social climber with an agenda. This leads to a new home in a 'better' neighborhood and endless parties where romances are nurtured. Carrie, in her new job, using her artistic abilities, has found a warm, motherly boarding-house matron, who creates a family setting of sorts.

The mystery surrounds some thefts in the home of her friend and in the factory too. Theft of jewelery is an old standard in Victorian novels such as Wilkie Collins' and Dickens', and certainly carries over to more recent mysteries. From Agatha Christie, et al, through Nancy Drew and Sherlock Holmes to contemporary films of bank robberies and TV "heists", robbing personal valuables shows up again and again. And it is commonplace that the 'hero' or 'heroine' be falsely suspected and, finally, exonerated.

Miller has done her homework and gives vivid and interesting detail about the creation of Carousel animals--evoking memories of our childhood. She has also recreated the primness and restraint expected of young women of another era. Carrie has known freedom while being raised by a somewhat Bohemian father following the early loss of her mother. It is also a time when regular church-going is expected of most classes of people. This fits in with the writer's heroine "maturing in her faith".

As a mature reader, I found the book had no surprises. And as a stickler for grammar and spelling I was shocked by the misuse--chalk for chock (as in Chock-Full 'O-Nuts) on the cover's notes! But I would recommend it to young people from 9-12. - Karen Lane

Show Less

LibraryThing member michellereads

I just received this book this morning and I have finished it already! It was quite good and I was pleasantly surprised as this is the first book of this type that I have read. It was evenly paced, authentic in its period detals, and easy to read, with manageable, succinct chapters - in short, it

was a delight! The only part of the story that I found somewhat hard to believe was the fact that the young woman was employed without having to showcase her artistic skill in any manner whatsoever. The fact that her employer "went to bat" for her is somewhat hard to believe under the circumstances. The reader is meant to believe that this is a result of familial/spousal pressure, but I am skeptical. I will be adding other titles from this author and this publisher to my Bookmooch wishlist.

Show Less

LibraryThing member jbbkelsey

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure about it in the very beginning, but it didn't take long for me to start getting into the plot. It was interesting to see the differences between the rich and the poor in this time frame. I also enjoyed learning how they made the horses to sell. I had not

realized carousels were so important that they had an actual factory and artists that made these animals. This is a very good book to read!

Show Less

LibraryThing member polarmath

I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to see the class differences between Carrie and Augusta and to follow the budding romances of them both. I also enjoyed seeing how unusual it was for Carrie to have and do her job and the trials she faced as a single woman.

LibraryThing member Librtea

Set in the late 19th century, The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is the story of Carrington Brouwer, a young woman who moves to Ohio following the death of her father. Having already lost her mother years before, Carrington finds herself alone and longing for a place to call home. Carrington’s

best friend Augusta Galloway invites her to stay with the Galloways in Ohio, and she gladly accepts the offer. She is happy to become part of a family again. When Carrington is hired to paint carousel horses at the local factory, her feelings of independence and optimism soar. However, things are not quite so simple and straightforward. Events at the Carrington home and on the job threaten her newly acquired sense of security and hopefulness.
The Carousel Painter is a light, readable story if you ignore Carrington’s inane nervous giggling and some of the contrived aspects of the plot. The annoying giggling literally opens and closes the story and occurs frequently and regularly throughout. Somehow though, the story line manages to remain sufficiently engaging to warrant the effort required to ignore this less than endearing characteristic. The discussions about Christianity and morality between Carrington and others seem natural and believable. And it is interesting to learn how carousel horses are created. Overall, a nice enough story.

Show Less

LibraryThing member mmyea1

I have to say that I found this book enjoyable for the most part. I usually do not chose books written in the first person but after the first page I found myself enjoying it until I reached about the 1/2 way point of the book and the religious references started. That threw things off for me a

little bit but I decided i wanted to finish the book.
I found Carrie's character just fine for the time period. Being the first woman to break "barriers" in the factory full of men I guess I saw the things she had to deal with true to life. I saw her as human... not overly strong but not a wimp either. I think someone that likes to read Christian Lit and can get past the bible verses with ease will really enjoy this book.

Show Less

LibraryThing member jusme2

I found this book to be fairly enjoyable; although I seldom read Christian Romance. I'm always looking to broaden my reading horizons, and try to read with an open mind.

LibraryThing member sumik

Okay, I requested this through Early Reviewers and was delighted to be picked to read it. Once I received it, though, I started to have regrets. First of all, there were typos on the cover. . . possibly something that was taken care of later. I also found the start of the book heavy going. Just not

a style of writing that I liked. So far, I have been unable to bring myself to finish it so cannot say if it improves over the length of the book.

Show Less

LibraryThing member Carlybird

When Carrie Brouwer’s artist father dies, she decides to move from Paris to Ohio where her friend Augusta lives with her wealthy family. Carrie is not well received in her new town, perhaps it is because she is the only woman working in a carousel factory painting horses. The men in the factory

resent her presence and their wives want this young, single woman to stay away from their husbands. When Augusta’s mother finds an expensive necklace missing, fingers are pointed at Carrie. Carrie must learn to live the Christian life and trust God.

The Carousel Painter by Judith Miller is quite different from many historical novels. It has a little bit of everything. It has romance, mystery, and a positive Christian message. I did have a bit of difficulty with how mean the residents of Collinsford, Ohio were to Carrie. I remember thinking that this must be a town full of evil people, and that made the book hard to read at times. I realize now, having read to the end, that there was a purpose for all the meanness and a good lesson to be learned; not just for Carrie, but for the reader as well.

I really enjoyed this story and the writing. Witnessing the transformation and experiences Carrie went through made reading this book a positive and uplifting experience. The premise and story for this book are very original and the writing is fresh. The characters are very real and likeable, especially Carrie. I found myself rooting for her and feeling her pain. I like a character I can relate to. This story is every bit as beautiful as the cover of the book. Enjoy The Carousel Painter.

Show Less

LibraryThing member HockeyLibrarian

Following the death of her father, a painter in Paris, Carrington Brouwer finds herself at the mercy of her friend Augusta Galloway’s family in Collinsford, Ohio. No longer willing to rely on the charity of socialite-wannabe Mrs. Galloway, Carrie fights to gain employment at the carousel factory.

A woman working at a factory in 1890 has many problems. From co-workers sabotaging her efforts to grouchy worker’s wives and a budding relationship with the plant manager, Carrie has a hard row to hoe. Further complicating Carrie’s life is Augusta’s beau, Travis, and Detective Lawton, both of whom suspect Carrie stole a necklace from Mrs. Galloway. Looking for ways to cope with her many trials, she turns to those around her, with a deeper Christian faith, who bring her slowly along her spiritual journey.
This enjoyable read has well-rounded characters and a plot that keeps the reader interested. Unfortunately the historical context is sketchy and I find it hard to classify as a historical novel. While light on history, elements of mystery and romance in the plot make for an intriguing read.

Show Less

LibraryThing member ljhliesl

Each attendee at a performance of "Carousel" (at the Goodspeed Opera House, woot!) was issued a copy of this book. I (who dislike Rodgers and Hammerstein) received my copy from my friendneice, who had no use for it because she is 10.

One indication that a book is dreadful is that brand new copies

are given away indiscriminately. A copy on every seat of a (weeknight) event means it doesn't sell in the lobby (also it suggests vanity publishing).

The (lack of) cover design was the second sign that no house had invested in the book. What's a young woman of the 1890s doing with paint on her face? Hussy.

The only thing that really matters is the writing (and the typeface and other mechanics of readability). So I opened it. The very first paragraph has a "for" instead of "because." This is wrong but bothers me particularly because V.C. Andrews did it all the time.

That might be a minor problem and one that I notice because of my guilt for wasting my pubescence on Flowers in the Attic. The misplaced modifiers are worse and start in the second paragraph: "The thought ... caused me to force back a giggle -- my compulsive reaction to unpleasant situations." The character means that the giggle is the reaction, but that's not what the author writes.

Another in the third paragraph: "She rang a small brass bell that brought a servant scurrying into the room."

At this point I closed the book.

The publisher is Bethany House, not officially a vanity house, but the website doesn't admit to this title's existence. I wasn't going to write a review (what's the point) but in glancing at reviews on this site I learned that this isn't just a romance or overtly Christian but an overtly Christian romance. Who at the Goodspeed okayed this?

Show Less

Fewer