From Newsies To Pipers

Eleven Pipers Piping, by Angela Breidenbach, is a charming addition to the Montana Beginnings series. Although second in the series, the novella is easily a stand alone read. Mirielle, a teacher at a boys' school in 1890s Helena, has a special place in her heart and life for the eleven newsies that are now threatened with being rounded up and sent off to military school or become indentured servants. These young Orphan Train boys who sell newspapers to survive have been called rowdy hooligans and uncouth youth by the townspeople but Mirielle sees beyond the dirt of the streets and sees potential. Evan, a father looking for a lost son, asks Mirielle for help. Can they find 6-year-old Joseph or is he truly gone? Will the newsies help? How in the world is Mirielle going to save the newsies from being sent away? Will the wealthy townspeople respond to her plea for help? A little bit of Montana history, a little bit of romance and a lot of hope makes for an engaging story. The audiobook was narrated well by Tristan Leder, giving each character their own unique voice.
I was given an audio copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.

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1 person found this helpful

Honorable clean sweet read

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This was a very nice short listen of hope and making dreams come true. There is nothing more powerful than a women giving up her life to protect boys that live on the street. Her job is cut out for her when she is told you have ex number of days to turn these boys around and make them model citizens or they will be sold in indenture service or given to the military. This is one passionate lady that goes beyond the call to bring a few children happiness and a new home and the father looking for his son willing to help her.

Tristan Leder did a wonderful job of narration you could feel the pain, sorrow and power in her voice. Her voice is calm and smooth making this an enjoyable listen. Her male voices are just as nice is her females one. There are no background noises just one clean and clear listen.

It was a very enjoyable listen but since it is just a short listen there isn’t much more you can say without giving the story away. The author does give you a believable read with great characters. You heart goes out to these young boys as they deal with day to day issues of just staying alive. I feel most would enjoy this. If you are looking for a clean short read filled with love of children this is the book for you.

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2 people found this helpful

A delightful Interlude

Once again, Breiden takes us back to 19th century Montana. Who cannot be charmed by scrappy street boys, a hero in search of his son, and a heroin determined to help all of them? This novella is a treat.

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Beautiful sory of hope

I enjoyed listening to this story being read by Tristan Leder. This is the second book in the Montana Beginnings series, but can stand alone. Mirielle Sheehan has taken upon herself to train 11 rowdy boys to be model citizens after a confrontation with the school superintendent. Her concern for the newsies brings her into contact with Evan, who has been searching for his son since they were separated by unfortunate circumstances. I loved the characters in this story and felt the author very effectively developed their personalities. I found myself pulling for these boys for whom life has been so difficult. I so wanted Evan to find his son and was hoping maybe one of the newsies would be him. I thoroughly enjoyed this short story of hope renewed.

i received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review which I have given.

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The newsies & their teacher will win your heart...

I know it's silly to read book two before book one, but, I had Eleven Pipers Piping from Audible and I was in the mood for an audiobook, so.... I did it. Anyway, the book was a short adorable story, quick and easy to read, or listen to as in my case. Angela Breidenbach did a great job bringing historic Helena, Montana to life. I've been there and it was fun to recognize places and streets. And, I have to mention the newsies, I just fell in love with them!

I'm a little more mixed on the audiobook part. I didn't really click with the narrator and there were a couple of glitches in the recording. But...I still enjoyed listening to the story and I wouldn't hesitate to suggest this audiobook to others. It's a sweet historical romance and so it's easy to step over any little problems. The adorable precocious little boys, their teacher and her champion, more than make up for anything. So, if you have limited time but want to listen to something, why not check out Eleven Pipers Piping from Angela Breidenbach.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

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