In the Company of Secrets (Postcards from Pullman)

Judith Miller
Bethany House (2007)
ISBN 9780764202766
Reviewed by Kathleen Dowdell for Reader Views (6/07)


Author Judith Miller’s attempt to provide substantive insight about historical Pullman, Illinois, falls short in this first of three series on Postcards from Pullman. Volumes two and three are due out in the future. As a long-time researcher and writer about historical areas in Chicago, I had hoped by reading this book that I could gain more information about Pullman, but I was disappointed that most of her reference to the area is common knowledge. I don’t want to discourage other readers interested in historical fiction from buying this book. Its content is clever in the sense that the genre is about a heroine (Olivia Mott) living in the late 1890’s who becomes innocently involved in a twisted chain of events that ultimately finds her working for George M. Pullman.

Lies and deceit are the underlying theme represented in this book. The author weaves an occasional reference to religion hoping to connect the lies and deceit to forgiveness coupled with the fear of God. As an assistant chef to the chief chef of the Hotel Florence in Pullman, Olivia becomes acquainted with a number of unique characters that add excitement to her already demanding job. To make matters more complicated, Olivia must look after a friend’s baby after her friend’s unexpected exit from Pullman. In addition, two suitors vie for her affection making her free time away from her job very stressful. Ultimately, the lies and deception cause the suitor whom she most admires to become alienated and withdrawn while the other suitor becomes bolder in his attempt to gain her affection. Olivia wrestles with her desire to tell the truth and the repercussions if she does disclose the reason behind her lies.

I was not familiar with Miller’s writing therefore I was surprised how the book ended. Not wanting to disclose that information, I would urge readers to curb their expectations of how they think the book should end.
 
“In the Company of Secrets” is an easy, light reading novel that can be enjoyed in an afternoon.

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