'A Grand Race' by Ellen O'Connell is a historical romance set in 1905, following the story of Caroline and Jamie, who were in love at a young age but were separated due to their different backgrounds. The plot revolves around their reunion during a road trip for a great car race, where they rekindle their romance amidst personal and societal challenges. The writing style is described as engaging, focusing on the transition from traditional modes of transportation to the rise of automobiles, highlighting themes of love, change, and societal evolution.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Caroline as a strong female lead and Jamie as a typical romantic hero, facing challenges together.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is descriptive and engaging, effectively combining historical elements with personal narratives.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a 1905 automobile race and the romantic and personal struggles of its main characters, set against the backdrop of familial tensions.

Setting:

The setting is a 1905 road trip, illustrating the cultural shift toward automobiles in America.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady, although some readers find it less compelling compared to the author's other works.

Notes:

The book is set in 1905 and revolves around an automobile race from St. Louis to Denver.

The main characters, Caroline and Jamie, have a complex romantic history that spans six years.

Caroline comes from a wealthy Protestant family, while Jamie is an Irish Catholic.

Caroline's family disapproved of her relationship with Jamie and sent her to Europe to break up with him.

The story includes elements of personal and social struggles, including family tensions and differing religious backgrounds.

The author, Ellen O'Connell, is known for her historical Western romances with strong character development.

Readers have praised the descriptive writing of challenges during the race, including crossing rivers and plains.

This is the third book about the Sutton family, but it can be read as a standalone story.

The novel lacks a traditional villain; the conflict mainly arises from the characters' history and misunderstandings.

The book is relatively short, at 176 pages, and has mild language and a couple of sex scenes.

The overall tone of the story is sweet and authentic, focusing on the characters' growth and relationship.

Ellen O'Connell designs her own unique book covers, setting her apart from many romance authors.

Has Romance?

Romance is a major element of the book, with a significant focus on the relationship between the main characters, Caroline and Jamie.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Caroline Tindell arrives in St. Louis for the thousand-mile 1905 Great Plains Automobile Race expecting a comfortable ride in her cousin's Pierce Great Arrow.

Instead, she endures an unsettling encounter with the rogue who broke her heart six years ago, a seat in the back of the automobile with the luggage, and long moments of terror when the speeding Arrow plunges off the road.

Jamie Lenahan's brief conversation with Caroline before the start of the race evokes regret and painful memories.

The way she left him years ago didn't surprise him. The effect she still has on him does. At least since her cousin roared off among the pacesetters, Caroline will be safely out of sight, if not out of mind, for the rest of the race.

Caroline is not out of sight, however.

There she is, sitting stranded by the side of the road. What can a man do except stop and offer her a ride?

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A Grand Race

Ellen O'Connell

Book 3 in the series:Sutton Family

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