the setup…
It’s 1874 and Marietta (Etta) Wheeler and her husband Charles are living a quiet, comfortable life with her widowed mother in Spencerport, New York. Charles, a newspaper reporter, receives a job offer to work for the New York Daily News in New York City, which he accepts. Etta initially feels out of place in the bustling city but being a devout woman of faith, soon joins a local Methodist church, becoming a missionary volunteer. While tending to the sick and poor in the tenements of Hell’s Kitchen, she learns of a young girl named Mary Ellen who is being horribly abused by her mother. Etta makes it her mission against incredible odds to save the child who has no offer of protection from anyone, including the law.
the heart of the story…
Etta is truly a woman of faith, preferring a life of service and practices what she believes. Despite Mary Ellen’s tragic circumstances, Etta found more barriers, including the church and the police, than support, as there are no laws preventing the cruelty to children. Her perseverance kept her single minded and I couldn’t help admiring how this unassuming woman had more courage than the most powerful surrounding her.
the narration…
I’m such a fan of Kathe Mazur (including her roles in The Closer & Major Crimes series). Her voice distinctions were wonderful and she managed the storytelling elements with ease. Loved her performance.
the bottom line…
I’ve come to love Evans’ holiday stories and this was even more special as it’s based on true events. He expertly blended historical fiction and true crime in a holiday setting along with courtroom drama. I’d forgotten these characters were based on real events but eventually started Googling the facts. This isn’t a traditional holiday story but certainly represents the true meaning of the season. It’s immensely inspiring.
Book Info
- Release Day: October 20, 2026
- Narrator: Kathe Mazur
- Audio Length: 7 hours, 58 minutes
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
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I love his Christmas stories as well. Wonderful review Jonetta.
Thank you, Jodie💜 You’ll love this one.
Fab review, Jo, glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Nicki💜
Fab review Jo, this sounds like something I’d like, thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Sarah💜 It’s such a lovely story and I believe you’d enjoy it, too.