| Title | : | 223 Orchard Street |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 329 |
| Publication | : | First published April 1, 2018 |
Irish immigrant Katie O’Connor and her younger sister, Shannon, risk everything to journey to America at the turn of the twentieth century. As each woman passes into an intimidating, stirring, and unpredictable New York City, she is forced to rethink her dream of a better life. It isn’t until Katie begins serving the sick in the depressed slums of the Bowery alongside Dr. Titus Brentwood that she discovers her true calling. Meanwhile, fate directs the vulnerable Shannon down an unsettling path that could put her life at risk.
As Katie’s and Ty’s selflessness and devotion turn into something deeper, Ty must make a choice that could save one O’Connor sister at the expense of losing the other. But Katie hasn’t come this far to let go now. She’ll do anything to save Shannon and hold on to the man she’s come to love.
223 Orchard Street Reviews
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A romance set against the gritty backdrop of New York City in 1905, featuring a lovely Irish immigrant and a medical doctor seeking redemption.
The author sets the scene well, beginning with the description of a chaotic Ellis Island experience, leading into the sights and smells of the tenement districts of NYC. I liked the main characters, both hardworking and compassionate, struggling with their own pasts and family relationships. I felt for them as they seemed bent on helping others first, while putting their own dreams aside.
The romance was a little more on the swoony side than I like, but the storyline was compelling, and the pacing kept it moving. A satisfying read overall. Fans of love inspired historicals with some faith would probably enjoy this book.
3.5 stars
(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.) -
Why did I wait so long to read this? This was a quick, feel good, little turn of the century, kinda romance book. Once I started it I could not put it down. Yes, a little predictable, yes a tad bit cheesy, but isn't that what makes a good little quick read type of book?
This is the story of Katie O'Conner, an immigrant from Ireland, who works in a garment factory as a finisher to save money to bring her sister, Shannon, over to America. When Katie comes to America, she is detained at Ellis Island for seasickness, but is deemed healthy by Dr. Brentwood. After a year Katie gets the message that her sister has arrived, but she too is detained for sickness. She vows never to fall in love, because having a love like her parents is like an abandonment. But her dream is to work with people in a hospital, to help them, but not fall in love with them.
Dr. Ty Brentwood is a surgeon, he has the hands, the smarts, the heart. But it is Katie O'Conner that captures his heart, her way with patients, and her unwavering understanding that makes him fall so hard for her. He just so happens to still be a doctor on Ellis Island and meets Katie on a ferryboat ride back to the city after finding out her sister has been detained, but it isn't their first meeting, and if he can help it, it won't be their last. He is a surgeon, who has vowed never to do surgery again, especially after he has killed. So working in the Bowery, with the poor and immigrants, is his self-induced punishment. Until he asks Katie to work with him, then he cannot help but see the way she has with patients, and knows he cannot let her go.
Shannon O'Conner has come to America, but only after having left her fiance in Ireland, who no one thinks will come for her, especially now that they think he has abandoned her in her most critical time of life. Shannon has issues of abandonment, from her parents, her fiance, and especially her sister.
This was a book about how differently people look at love, how it can destroy, abandon, and make people think they are better off not hurting those they love the most. But in the end it always wins, no matter how hard people try not to love the ones they love the most.
I was given a free preview of this book from NetGalley, all opinions are my own. -
The beginning hooked me right away, but the story quickly fizzled out. I didn't particularly like any of the MCs. I don't understand how an adult could have such OTT reactions to sadness in their lives. And don't get me started on the sister. Was I ever so self-absorbed? Probably. I'm just grateful that no one smacked me for it.
The message of this story was simplistic at best. All of the characters were one-dimensional. Everything seemed rushed, the ending was very sappy, and I'm sorry to say I didn't enjoy this one. -
review to follow...
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I was excited about the time period and the set-up of two Irish sisters trying to make it in America, one arriving a year after the other. The narrative is third-person but the events are relayed from both sisters' perspectives which is the optimal balance between detachment and getting to see the world through the character's eyes.
The writing style flows naturally. Dialogue stumbles a bit, but finds its rhythm eventually. Unfortunately, that rhythm becomes repetitive and boring. The third-person narrative means that none of the characters have a unique voice, so you can't tell when the POV changes. And since most of the second half of the book is inner monologue of various characters, that's a real problem.
This novel paints a vivid picture of immigrant life and struggle. I had no idea how awful the process of entering the country was. I thought the hardest part was surviving the journey on crowded ships, but I was wrong. It's much worse to get denied entry on a medical issue that's not even explained to you.
HOWEVER, don't be fooled into thinking that this is historical fiction, because it's not. It's a straight-up romance novel, and a bad one at that. The romance feels forced, the obstacles that are keeping the two lovebirds apart are forced; and there's a secondary romance that's played for suspense, but turns out to be just as ludicrous.
Which is why this novel gets 2 ANNOYED STARS. Sorry, not sorry.
a rambling review on my blog -
Another HIT by Ms. Ryan.I definitely wish she'd been my history teacher in school. I would have enjoyed history more. Ms. Ryan is the first author to get me interested in Historical romance.
Set in New York City, in 1905, 223 Orchard Street deals with immigration and poverty. We also get the history of the very first cesarean section delivery for pregnant women in jeopardy. I loved both the hero, Dr. Titus 'Ty' Brentwood and heroine, Katie O'Connor.
I also liked Katie's family. Aunt Jane, cousin Bridget and sister Shannon. I want to learn more about Bridget and Dex. And Ty's fellow Dr. Sebastian. I loved learning about the medical stuff at that time, as I'm kinda into medical stuff. I felt Dr Ty's pain over losing his previous patient, but loved that he had the clinic, to help the poor, in need. I liked when Katie started working there as a nurse.
A wonderful, heartwarming story. -
This lovely story follows a young immigrant woman as she struggles to survive and thrive in the tenamants of New York City.
The story was a bit predictable and there were a couple characters, relationships, that though they served their purpose in the story, were left hanging. I may have scored higher if they had been brought to conclusion.
Regardless, it is a light easy read and if you enjoyed Jane Healey's The Saturday Evening Girls Club and Brooklyn by Colm Toibin, you will like 223 Orchard Steet. -
Ryan’s stories are always captivating, so I eagerly dove into her latest novel, even though I know very little about immigration, especially historically. This book did a great job of helping me to better understand what that life may have looked like for those seeking their own portion of the American dream in the early 1900s.
The details of coming into the country at Ellis Island were a surprise to me, from the medical exams to how young women needed a family member to “claim” them before being allowed to leave, I really had no idea of how difficult it could be. At the same time life could undoubtedly be better for those who came to America, the descriptions of the tenement housing and working conditions painted an often painful picture of an immigrant’s life during this time.
This is a fantastic story of family that I enjoyed a lot. My only hesitation in recommending it stems from unexpected language in several places—while I cannot say it was pervasive or even especially harsh, I do feel it was unnecessary and the story would not have been harmed by omitting it. That being said, the pervasive theme of unconditional love and acceptance is a worthwhile read for older teens and up, as well as a good look at the struggles many historical immigrants endured while pursuing a better life in the United States.
I received a review copy of this book from the author through Net Galley but was under no obligation to post a positive review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own. -
223 Orchard Street, by Renee Ryan, is truly an inspiring piece of historical fiction with settings, characters, and themes that resonate with purpose and meaning. The detailed descriptions of the novel’s integral settings of Ellis Island and New York City draw attention to the hopes that countless immigrants had for a better life. These dreams of prosperity often stood in harsh contrast with the difficult realities faced by the immigrants who made the crowded urban area their home more than a century ago. It is these immigrants who powerfully shine as the characters in this novel. They possess the strength and determination to survive and thrive despite the many physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural challenges they face. Against a backdrop of unmet expectations and broken dreams, the characters persevere to attain forgiveness, acceptance, hope, and love.
These characters abound with authenticity and credibility. Their questions, their insecurities, their fears, their needs, and their desires are wholly believable, heart-wrenching, and inspiring. The opportunities, the choices, and the trials that the characters endure are well-developed and enriching.
The themes of loss, redemption, love, and family that flow purposefully throughout the story fill this book with hope, relevance, and meaning. More than a simple historical narrative, this novel is rich with relevant themes and thought-provoking ideas. It is tender, emotionally stirring, and ultimately uplifting.
This novel stirred my heart as it reflected on the importance of resiliency when life’s trials and burdens become overwhelming. Resiliency is a particularly hard strength to cultivate, as it can only be practiced through adversity and struggle. But with the development and nurturing of resiliency comes the ability to persevere though the most devastating disappointments and unrealized expectations. Within 223 Orchard Street, Ms. Ryan gives life to characters who possess this spirit of resiliency and perseverance. Within the pages of this novel, there is encouragement for those who are facing tough times, and there is inspiration for those in need of courage to press on through difficult challenges. This novel does more than tell a story; it uplifts and offers hope.
223 Orchard Street is a novel that I will long remember for the lasting impact that it has had on my thoughts and upon my heart. This novel was engaging and meaningful, and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
*I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own. -
Actual rating: 2.75
I had high hopes for this book, but it fell short. Katie and Ty were not believable as a couple, and I really just did not like Ty at all. His whole downtrodden, self-imposed exile from family and friends and his past job was kind of too over the top woe is me. There are crosses to pick up and carry, but this particular cross wasn't as heavy as he acted.
This is not classified as a romance, but romance a prominent part of the story. Also, I'm rather puzzled that it's tagged as a Christian novel as faith is very seldom mentioned. I would, however, say that it's a "clean" novel as there is no sex or coarse language.
Shannon, Katie's eighteen year old sister, is rather bratty, but slightly redeems herself. Bridget, their cousin, could have been more interesting and should have a book of her own.
I would have liked to have read more about treating the downtrodden, especially in tenement buildings as that would have fulfilled it being labeled as historical fiction.
Even though I didn't care for 223 Orchard Street very much, I do plan on checking out more of this author's work.
The narrator's Irish accent was excellent and she did a great job reading this book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review galley of 223 Orchard Street from Netgalley, but borrowed the audiobook from Scribd to listen to. All opinions are my own. -
A riveting look at what immigrants traveling in 3rd class experienced upon arriving at Ellis Island. They had to go through a rigorous inspection process that 1st and 2nd class passengers did not. If they were not ill or detained, or sent back to their country of origin, most faced a difficult life of hard work and long hours living in tenement housing in New York City. Renee Ryan shines a light on the immigration process and the daunting life in America for poor immigrants. Historical fiction fans won't be able to put down this tale of resilience when things look hopeless, family bonds, love, and second chances. Dr Titus Brentwood volunteers at Ellis Island once a week. It is here that he encounters and helps two sisters as they each made their way to America a year apart. Both main characters, Dr. Brentwood and Katie, are hardworking and devoted to helping others. They both however, are stuck in a mindset from previous experiences that make it hard for them to move on. Enjoy reading about American Dr. Brentwood's own journey, and Irish immigrant Katie O’Connor and her younger sister, Shannon as they make their way in a new country and discover themselves in the process.
I received an Advance Readers Copy from the author for my honest review. -
4.5 Stars
It has been a really long time since I have read a true romance book, but I actually really enjoyed this one despite the stigma that I have held towards them. It was an easy and enjoyable read that was fun to dig in to but not so heavy that I couldn't dive in often.
The story revolves around Katie and Ty and their various family members and friends in the turn of the century America. While their love story was central, it was also fun to have a look at the lives of those supporting characters around them, including the way that the characters all intertwined.
The language and writing in this book were great. The story flowed well and all the dialogue and descriptors felt necessary and central to the story. There weren't rogue plot lines to distract from the beauty of the love story between Katie and Ty. The setting of New York in the early 1900's was also a little different from what I've read in the past, but it has influenced me to seek out more from that era to read as it was a fascinating time period to read about in this book.
Overall a highly enjoyable historical romance, coming from a girl who thinks romances are cheesy.
**Many thanks to Renee Ryan, Waterfall Press, and NetGalley for a free copy of this e-book in exchange for an honest review. -
I won this E-book through GoodReads giveaway.
This is historical fiction, romance, set in the 1905 in New York.
It is a story of Irish immigrants, hope, redemption, love and sacrifice.
Author shows the hard process of Emigration on Ellis Island, the tough life and existence of immigrants.
And yet, the main character- Katie O'Connor,who was immigrant herself, living in the poor neighborhood of New York, had a heart full of passion for others, especially those in need.
Trying hard to do what is best for others, her family, she was forcing herself to not for in love with a man, who was a saver for her family.
Because how immigrant and a doctor can even be together? They are both from different worlds.
There is also story about younger sister Shannon, cousin Bridget, and aunt Jane.
It is quite lovely novel. -
223 Orchard Street by [Ryan, Renee]I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Katie and Shannon O'Connor traveled from Ireland to America at the beginning of the twentieth century. Each of them face a world that is different from the world they were expecting. One discovers a calling through serving those that are ill in the slums while the other goes down a path that may cost her her life.
Whereby, the story line was a little predictable, I still felt my heart tug for the lives of these two girls. I realized that many immigrants went through these same struggles when trying to find a new home in a strange country, including going through Ellis Island. It is a romance but I didn't think it sappy or explicit. It fit just right in the world of Christian books.
I enjoyed this book because it was an easy read. -
I received a copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and am honoring their request to write a review.
This is a nice story, altho’ not remarkable in anyway. It’s really not historical fiction but rather a gentle romance. There is very little, if any, research to lend credence to the book. The characters are ok but we’re not given much backstory. The plot is simple, very Hallmarkesque. This is great for lots of folks but I prefer a bit more depth.
The best thing I can say about “223 Orchard Street” is that it is clean. There’s no foul language, sexual content or violence. Your 12 year old can read this book and you won’t need to worry about them stumbling across inappropriate content. In this day and age, that is an accomplishment. -
I received a free Kindle copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I enjoy historical fiction, so I was happy to have won.
This was sweet and enjoyable for a light-reading venture. It was also predictable and small. When I say small I mean that it felt like so much more could have been said or explored into the historical part of the story; let the setting become a character. But instead it was all contained so much in the characters and their very obvious storylines.
I wanted to love it, but for me it was just a fun snack amidst some much better literature I've read this year. -
It's about two sisters who come through Ellis Island and need to make a go of it in the Bowery of NYC. Their aunt is their sponsor. Shannon, the younger, pines for her fiancé who didn't board the ship to NY with her. The older sister, Katie O’Connor, is a talented seamstress who seems to have more connections than most in her station. It's a romance, with a brooding, Dr. Titus Brentwood, looking for redemption from a surgical procedure gone wrong.
It was a quick read. I found myself wanting more in this story. There didn't seem to be a big conflict. -
I received an ARC of book, leaving my honest review. This is a great story with engaging characters that you grow to care for. It amazed me what they have to go through @ Ellis Island and how they can be treated. I admit I wasn’t too sure what way Liam was going to go. I hope there is a follow up in the future to let us know how Ty n Katie Aunt Jane, Shannon & Liam, as well as Dex n Bridget are doing and what is new in their lives. This is my first book by Renee and it won’t be my last.
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Welcome to America!
This is my first read by this author. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and educational read. I was fascinated by the process of the immigrants and Ellis Island. It whetted my appetite for further research. What these folks went through to make a living and how they survived was remarkable! The love story made this book complete. I definitely recommend this book for everyone.
