My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby's Prospects by Janice Thompson

My thoughts:  Having read two contemporary novels by the author Janice Thompson, I didn't know what to expect from her historical novel of San Francisco California during the Gold Rush years. I found that in this book as with her contemporary books, she has a sense of humor and writes a light and easy-to-read story  that satisfies the need for relaxed reading.

When aristocratic Abigail Effingham and her butler journey by train and stage coach from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania toward the Oregon Territory in search for her wandering and adventurous mother, they find themselves, however, landed in lawless, boisterous San Francisco and soon discover that it isn't what they expected.

Abby (Abigail) isn't what I would expect, either. A refined young lady who is escorted by lifelong servant, the family butler, soon virtually sheds her cultured bearing and fits right in taking on chores and work definitely unbecoming a lady of culture and class. She and the butler accept jobs as cook, waiter/waitress, dishwasher, etc. in exchange for a bed in which to sleep and not pay a fortune.

Their benefactor is "Cookie" who is a Scripture quoting woman that cooks in the restaurant and inn and who is diligently watchful of these newcomers. While the character "Cookie" was a bit heavy handed with the Scriptures, the story did present the need for lives to be changed and for the city of San Francisco to be cleaned up.

The story is a light read that has plenty of comedic moments. The historical element basically states the already well known that gambling, drinking, price gouging, loose women, rioting, and other vices were rampant in California during the Gold Rush.

Predictable romance but sweet none-the-less. A comfortable read.

About the Book: Journey now to San Francisco, California, of 1853 where... An English socialite finds more treasure than expected on her trip to the American West.

When Abby Effingham becomes stranded in the middle of the California gold rush, her money depletes quickly even while her prospects for marriage increase daily. But Abby is on a mission to find her mother—not romance. Will a ridiculous scandal keep her from traveling on, or will it wake up an aloof innkeeper to the treasure right under his roof?

Samuel Harris runs a moderately priced hotel where Abby and her family’s elderly butler find shelter. He is looking forward to when she—and her parade of suitors—move on, though he concedes to let her work in his restaurant. When the sassy socialite is in trouble, will Samuel come to her rescue or find himself alone?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.