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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?

I enjoyed this mystery/romance. Miller can weave a story like no other. I give it 4 ****

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. ( )

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. ( )