I loved each book of the trilogy of Annie Parker and a set of idyllic cabins in Lake Arrowhead, California. At the end of Book 3, it was so exciting to learn that the author planned a prequel, an earlier history of the cabins, a history that is Ruth Ann Landry’s story to tell. Her tale, a heart-wrenching narrative that spans from 1918 to 1959, is a testament to the indomitable spirit and resilience of a woman navigating circumstances beyond her control.

It is easily read as a stand-alone but all the more meaningful as the trilogy has evolved into a series. The cabins in Lake Arrowhead are not merely a setting but are integral to the storytelling. At the end of the well-written novel, I encourage readers to enjoy “Interesting Notes, or in other words, going down the proverbial rabbit hole when I’m (Chrysteen Braun) doing research!” It shares historical notes of locations in the novel, the creative license used for the timing of some events, and inspiration from the history of other events that take place during the span of the storyline. This blend of history and creativity immerses the reader in the period and with the reader hopeful for the best possible outcome for all who find their way to the cabins.

Reviewer’s Note: Originally, the author planned a trilogy, and it became a series with this novel as the prequel. "Dear Noah" will continue Annie Parker's story.

Thank you to Chrysteen Braun, #BooksGoSocial, and #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.

I haven't read this author before, this is a prequel to her series. I really enjoyed it. Ruth is the main character in the story. We go from her young teens to her midlife years. Though her life takes unexpected turns, she learns to push through hard times to get to better times. I liked the mountain setting, and the community she becomes part of. I thank Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I will be reading more of this series. Definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. I throughly enjoyed this book, I have never read any other books by this author, but I am certainly going to read her other books. This story revolves around Ruth Ann a young girl in 1923 who lives with her mother who is a servant for a local wealthy family, and her abusive, alcoholic father who ultimately loses his job and dies in a work related accident. The mother gets Ruth Ann a job with the wealthy family, starting as a maid and ultimately becoming a nanny to the family’s three children. Ruth Ann runs away at age 17 from this family due to unfortunate circumstances., she relocates to Los Angeles, and ends up working as a maid at a hotel in the mountains.Ruth Ann meets an older man, Jack who becomes the love of her life, the story progresses to describe their life together with many joys and challenges. I highly recommend this book, it is well written, it has good character development, it has a story that progresses at a good pace, it was just a joy to read and enjoy.

This book is set in 1923, Ruth Ann moves with her mother to be a maidservant at age 10, when her father dies. at seventeen, on a vacation with the family she escapes to California and starts a new life. very good read.