Annaleise Winston can never seem to fit in with the Society Girls, the strict rules that govern them, or their selfish indulgence during the Great Depression. Behind closed doors, her publicly perfect new fiance, Frank Alexander, is violent and dismissive, but without his financial security, Annaleise and her mother will be on the streets with not a penny to their name.
When Annaleise finally has enough, she runs away and accidentally becomes stranded in a Hooverville, a lawless homeless encampment in Central Park, where she must keep her identity a secret if she wants to stay alive. But a kind shoe shiner named Thomas Kelley may get in the way of everything she thought she ever wanted. As their love for each other grows, the Great Depression worsens, and Frank will pay any price to bring back his bride.
Purchase Links
UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/
US - https://www.amazon.com/Hooverville-Kayla-Joy-ebook/dp/B08XS9XY4N/
Review
In the midst of the Great Depression, as the homeless gather in encampments nicknamed Hoovervilles, Annaleise Winston runs away from her abusive fiancé. Hiding in a Hooverville in Central Park, She grows to love the people there, especially one Thomas Kelley, but her small slice of happiness is precarious, especially with her fiancé on her tail.
Whoa. This is not a typical historical romance, y'all. The people of the Hooverville grow to accept Annie in a way she never experienced in Society, but their poverty isn't inspirational, it's institutional, and this book doesn't shy away from the class prejudice and hopelessness of their situations. Annie is soon forced to face her privilege, even if her naiveté sticks around a little longer. Once the blinders are off, she quickly resolves to help her new friends. I admired her tenacity even when she was impractical, and by the end of the book she's grown so much and has really earned her happy ending.
Poor Thomas deserves everything. He tries so hard, even when it's misplaced, and he has such a good heart. In fact, all of the named inhabitants of the Hooverville are painted as realistic people who have fallen on hard times with no net to help them back up. It's infuriating to know that this is a real and documented period of history, and worrying to see some attitudes reflected today.
This isn't a fluffy and sweet story. It's a beautiful and bittersweet romance dealing with hard issues. It's not for the faint-hearted, but it is a reminder that love can be a light to see us through the difficult times.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher via Rachel's Random Resources; all opinions are my own
Author Bio
Kayla Joy is an author and artist living in the Pacific Northwest with her family and her many animals. At 20, she has already self published two books: Morbid Tales from Behind the Mirror (available on Amazon now) and Hooverville. You can follow her journey at kaylajoybooks.com.
Social Media Links
Website: kaylajoybooks.com
Instagram: @joyfulkayla
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