writerrhiannon 's review for:

The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee

4.0

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Orphaned at a young age, Elizabeth "Betsey" Dobson must work to support herself. At 14she falls in love with the 19 year old son of the house in which she is working. Dismissed from this job, she trains to work as a typewriter girl making just enough money to pay her share of rent on a rundown room in a rough part of town. An "inter-office romance" evolves and she is aware that she will lose this job in a matter of time. With the promise of a job as a manager at Idensea Pier & Pleasure Building Company within Betsey's grasp and the knowledge that she will soon be fired for her morals, she forges a letter of character for herself. In these opening scenes, the reader can't help but fall in love with Betsey's determination while shaking their head at the society she is up against. Betsey's supervisor at Idensea Pier & Pleasure Building Company, John Jones has made a name for himself and is a hard worker, but not a gentleman born into high society. Lilian Gilbey is looking for a husband, but thinks John beneath her. Betsey must interact with the hotel guests and give orders to men. A Duke is coming to an opening. A spurned lover shows up. At a time when a woman not being a virgin meant she was ruined, virtue was all a woman not of a certain societal standing possessed as a ticket to marriage. Unless you planned to work hard and support yourself, like Betsey. Not interested in pursuing marriage and determined not to make any more mistakes, she finds herself pushed to her limits in her new role at the hotel. So when feelings arise between her and John Jones, Betsey refuses to give in, refuses to lose another job, especially one she loves so much. If only it were so easy...

To read my full review, go here: http://www.ivoryowlreviews.blogspot.com/2013/03/the-typewriter-girl-by-alison-atlee.html