When Hannah Played Ragtime
About
Marriage to a bootlegger ain't pretty.......
It's Depression Era America when Hannah Reilly immigrates to the shores of Ellis Island. What she has left behind in Ireland has devastated her, and the promise before her soon fades to despair in this historical fiction novel of faith, friendship, and endurance.
Handsome and charming Wade Fournier talks Hannah out of becoming a nun with the promise of a sunny life. Dreading her days in a convent, Hannah doesn't hesitate to accept his proposal. Together, they have four beautiful children, but lies and deceit are imminent, and the sunny world of Jacksonville, Florida soon turns stormy when Wade's empty promises fade faster than the oncoming Depression.
Praise for this book
The reality is that life isn't always nice and things were not easy in the late 1800s into the 1900s. There is not exactly a happily ever after ending to this novel either but it does have a great storyline and well developed characters with depth that you will like, dislike, or both. If a happy ending and rainbows is your cup of tea then this novel is not for you.
I chose this one from a website of offered ARCs/free kindle downloads based on other books and genres of books that you have read. It was definately one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Hannah made a poor choice even though she knew what she wanted. While still in love with the man she thought died in the war, she traveled to America from Ireland as a noviate nun. A quick decision which was life changing occurred on a train ride. She married a fast talking, handsome man whom she came to love and eventually hate. After being saddled with children and a cheating husband who gambled and drank excessively, she found strength to endure the hardships that consumed her life.
The scoundrel of a husband asked her to agree to an annulment of their marriage so he could in turn marry his lover who wanted to be married in the catholic church. Hannah refused and eventually, he had her committed to an insane asylum where she was tortured. Hannah's friendship with Sister Vincent wasn't enough to save her. The happiness she deserved eluded her and she was consumed in despair. She was not the only one to challenge God about the fairness of life and the answer to prayers. This story drains the emotions and reminds us of life's uncertainties.