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Kitty McKenzie is reaching the prime of her life, but instead of enjoying life to the fullest, she is faced with the daunting task of caring for her younger siblings after her parent’s sudden death. Through her parent’s irresponsible money management, the McKenzie children we left as orphans with no place to go. Kitty must now use her wits and do whatever it takes to keep her family together. Kitty must get past the embarrassment of her parents and focus on her family’s future. She moves from an elegant York home to the slums of the city. Kitty manages to set her family up in an abandoned basement and secures a job selling second hand clothes all through sheer determination. With the help of some dear friends and her family, Kitty finally establishes a tearoom for the wealthy and meets a true gentleman. Benjamin Kingsley meets Kitty during a business transaction and couldn’t seem to get her out of his mind. He starts looking for excuses to make trips to her side of town. When he discovers she will be traveling to Australia with her family, Benjamin becomes excited thinking they can be travel companions. Will Kitty’s sudden change of plans hinder their budding relationship or will their feelings span half-way around the world? Can they weather the storm of their class differences or will they prove that love is not limited by money boundaries? Although the American Civil War is raging across the ocean, this means nothing to Kitty. Instead she is being dealt the consequences of her parent’s mistakes. Author Whitfield hits on a timeless theme dating back to biblical times. Kitty’s story shows us it is not always possible to escape the mistakes of others- even with no involvement. Kitty McKenzie is the amazing story about overcoming the odds and surviving despite what is stacked against you. Whitfield utilizes incredible character development. Kitty was not shown to be super girl who suddenly had the skills and know-how to accomplish all that needed to be done. Instead, Kitty struggled through each day trying to figure it all out. You watch her mature and grow in to a young lady of courage and valor. Kitty took the chances she needed, but she didn’t risk so much it could possibly hurt her family. Equally so, Whitfield also did a wonderful job with all the supporting characters of the book. I could imagine each one in my mind and play out a movie as I read. Kitty McKenzie reminds me of a mini family saga. Although Kitty is the main character, all the characters are in-depth and have an important role to the outcome of the novel. I think bringing Benjamin into the story was perfect timing because he reminds the reader that despite her circumstances, Kitty is a very classy young woman. Benjamin provides Kitty a break from the drudgery of her daily routine. He reminds Kitty of what her life once was and gives her a glimpse of what it could be in the future. Upon their separation, Kitty is certainly staying busy, but Whitfield throws in the reality of what it is like to not have your loved one near. Although I would not recommend it, Kitty McKenzie can be read as a stand alone novel. Instead, I highly recommend that you continue with Kitty as she enters an exciting new journey with her family in Kitty McKenzie's Land. This wonderful story certainly exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to review book 2 for you.
Reviewed by Brandi |
Kitty McKenzie
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