With a love triangle at the forefront and the Chicago fire not as prominent in the story as some may have expected (though it does play a role), the low ratings for this one aren’t all that surprising, however happily for me this was the right book at the right time, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really, really needed an escape into another era, an escape into someone else’s melodrama, and Anna Godbersen’s books are perfect for that.

While plenty of readers aren’t fans of love triangles, having watched soap operas most of my life I don’t really mind it as long as the triangle is as emotionally complicated on all sides as it is here, with Emmeline torn between two vastly different futures, with Fiona torn between friendship and following her heart, and then there’s Anders who might come off as a jerk who loves whichever girl who happens to be standing in front of him, but the author gives a valid explanation for how his feelings for both girls became so very muddled, how his devotion to one of them inadvertently pushed him in the direction of the other, which not only makes his behavior more understandable, it makes one of the female characters that much more interesting as you discover that the big hurdle in her life is somewhat of her own making and a villain in this triangle really isn’t as easy to pinpoint as it seemed early on, they’ve all three made mistakes that have led them into this situation.

As for the fire, if you come to this book with the idea of getting a detailed portrait of that epic historical event you will be disappointed to some degree, but there’s still a great deal of urgency when the fire scenes do occur and it ties in extremely well to the story, testing the bonds between the three main characters and leaving you with satisfying answers particularly where Emmeline and Fiona are concerned. ( )

Literary Merit: Good
Characterization: Good
Recommended: Yes
Level: High School

This is a story that makes you care for the underdog in the story, which is Fiona. Emmeline is the main character and is trying to fit into high society, after coming from the other side of town. Her family has come into money and is now living the life of the rich and famous. Her father, makes her learn all she needs to fit into the new life and provides her a servant, her best friend, Fiona. Emmeline forgets all about her past and quickly moves on. Fiona does not forget the past, as she continues to see her family and friends that live in the old neighborhood, including Anders the boy both are in love with.

The love triangle is the main plot of the story, but you also have friendship, responsibility and obligations that dictate the actions of the characters. In the midst of all this is the Chicago fires. Very exciting story line Characterization is good, as you feel for the people and what happens to them. Mild adult content. ( )

A love triangle, the great Chicago fire, and high society. Emmeline's wedding is set to be a big Chicago social event. Her ladies maid and best friend, Fiona, has helped her transition to her high society life. Anders, the boy Emmeline was promised to before she moved across town, is the third of their partnership. 1871 Chicago plays a big part of the loves, loss, and trials of this group of friends and their families. ( )