Multiple Christy Award-winning author of A Woman's Place, Lynn Austin creates vivid historical settings with vibrant characters. Set in 1893 Chicago and seasoned with wholesome humor, A Proper Pursuit tells the uplifting story of 20-year-old Violet Hayes and her search for her elusive mother and for true love. In her quest, Violet learns much about love, faith, and life as she marches for women's rights, feeds slum dwellers, hobknobs with the highfalutin, and ponders marriage proposals.
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"This book is one of the best I have read in a long while. I loved the story. I loved the Characters and all there quirky layers and rich personalities. The main characters(Violet's) experiences and her inner monologue with all its emotions dilemma felt so genuine and relatable. I totally lost myself in Violet, in her time period, in the places she went and experiences she had. What a fun enjoyable read."
— Jasmin (5 out of 5 stars)
“In this new historical novel by a most talented author, Austin works her magic to captivate her readers’ attention without burdening with overdone details.”
— RT Book Reviews“Austin delivers her strongest offering yet…Readers will enjoy accompanying Violet as she discovers the answers, her calling, and her adult self.”
— Publishers Weekly“Austin delivers another agreeable saga that draws on America’s rich, turbulent history and features distinctive characters. This sure winner will please readers who enjoy high-spirited, adventurous heroines and vivid details of bygone eras. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal" This is one of my absollute favorites of Lynn Austin's books! It was really well written and I loved the plot of the book it kept me guessing until the end. I feel God calling me to pursue a career in acting and this is one of the books that f I ever end up doing directing later on that I would love to turn into a movie!!! "
— Hannah, 2/17/2014" A girl's struggle to find all the pieces of her past and come to terms with her future. "
— Deborah, 2/14/2014" A fun historical fiction. Loved it! "
— Janet, 2/11/2014" My first Lynn Austin book and I loved it. Hilarious and poignant and I loved the characters. I look forward to reading more or her work. "
— Denise, 2/2/2014" I think this book deserves 4 1/2 stars. It was so much fun to read. I laughed more in this book than any other I have read this year. I loved all the witty comments & the characters are so well developed. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author. "
— Natalie, 1/19/2014" This was a good light hearted read and was interesting as it took place during the time of D.L. Moody and the World's Fair in Chicago. "
— Tracey, 1/17/2014" Set in the last part of the 19th century in Chicago, this is a light and entertaining book about coming of age and falling in love during the time of the Women's Suffrage movement. "
— Sheri, 1/12/2014" Could not put this book down and din't want it to end! Loved the history of Chicago as part of the story. "
— Candy, 12/30/2013" Another book by Lynn Austin that I thoroughly enjoyed. She paints the picture of the times (in this case 1893) beautifully! "
— Diane, 12/21/2013" a young girl goes to stay with her grandmother and great aunts in Chicago in the 1800's during the worlds fair. She is in search of her mother. There is mystery and a lot of drama involved as she searches for the truth of her past and for the true love of her future. "
— Joellen, 12/5/2013" A light read that made me giggle - and I can gladly admit I am so grateful I didn't live during this time... Fun historical information, quick read for during the Christmas holidays... "
— Jo, 12/4/2013" Couldn't finish it, so I gave it two instead of just one! Characters weren't very developed, so it didn't suck me in like it could have had it been more character-driven. "
— Lauren, 11/29/2013" A fun book to read with a dash of history, some romance and life's experiences but the ending although sweet was predictable. "
— Teral, 11/19/2013" LOVED this book. Just such a fun, light read but also funny and entertaining. Clean romance. "
— Megan, 3/30/2013" Oh my. This book was all over the place, but I totally liked it. Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be this naive...oh wait, maybe I already know the answer to that. Super fun predictable and fluffy. Just what suits me. "
— Shoonieb, 12/5/2012" I enjoyed the story, but it was very long! "
— Donna, 3/8/2012" I really liked this book, it gave a good description of Chicago in the late 1800's. It was also good to see how far we have come as women since that time! I didn't want this book to end, because I wanted to see what happens next! "
— Mary, 11/1/2011" Loved it! Probably my favorite Lynn Austin book. "
— Cami, 10/2/2011" I like this period - surprised I liked it in spite of it not being in Great Britain! "
— Alice, 8/20/2011" Delightful read from beginning to end. Filled with humor, history, and crazy aunts! "
— Theemilyray, 5/12/2011" I have to say that from the first page i was hooked. I love 18th Century reads. It felt very Jane Austin like to me. I was a great book and i torn through it in less then 36 hours. Cant wait to read more of your books. I'm a huge fan now. "
— Courtney, 5/4/2011" This was a very cute book. Fun story with good mystery and fun romantic tension. <br/> "
— Amorie, 5/4/2011" Set in the last part of the 19th century in Chicago, this is a light and entertaining book about coming of age and falling in love during the time of the Women's Suffrage movement. "
— Sheri, 4/27/2011" A fun, sweet, romantic, historical novel. Nice light, feel-good reading. "
— Holly, 4/22/2011" My first Lynn Austin book and I loved it. Hilarious and poignant and I loved the characters. I look forward to reading more or her work. "
— Denise, 2/27/2011" fluff - the book tries to deal with weighty issues like womens rights but in the end this is a bad romance novel. It gets a star for detailing what was the magical Chicago Worlds Fair less than 30 years after the great fire. "
— Nancy, 2/24/2011" Got annoyed with the main character. Stopped reading midway through. Skimmed the ending. The author has written far better books than this one. "
— Lindsey, 2/7/2011" Oh, I am in love. I also believe that I was born in the wrong era. haha. Actually, I can't stop gushing! This book was such a fun read. Nothing to serious. I loved Violet, and I felt everything and loved seeing life through her eyes. I am excited to read more books by Lynn Austin! "
— Jamee, 2/4/2011Lynn Austin has sold more than one and a half million copies of her books worldwide. A former teacher who now writes and speaks full-time, she has won eight Christy Awards for her historical fiction. One of those novels, Hidden Places, has also been made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie.
Jennifer Ikeda has been narrating audiobooks since 2002. Among her readings are When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park; Just Listen by Sarah Dessen; and After the Wreck, I Picked Myself Up, Spread My Wings, and Flew Away by Joyce Carol Oates. She has won six AudioFile Earphones Awards.