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Montana Beginnings #1
The Debutante Queen
The Debutante Queen, by Angela Breidenbach
1889 (Helena, MT): Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana statehood to expose the plight of street urchins. But hiding an indentured orphan could unravel Calista’s reputation, and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, if her secret is revealed. Will love or law prevail?
This book is the first in the Montana Beginnings series. The sequel is Eleven Pipers Piping. Each book can be read as a single story, but if you love historicals and series set in the same locale then Helena, MT is your place to live in a story world among the pages of the Montana Beginnings series by Angela Breidenbach.
1889 (Helena, MT): Calista Blythe enters the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana statehood to expose the plight of street urchins. But hiding an indentured orphan could unravel Calista’s reputation, and her budding romance with pageant organizer, Albert Shanahan, if her secret is revealed. Will love or law prevail?
This book is the first in the Montana Beginnings series. The sequel is Eleven Pipers Piping. Each book can be read as a single story, but if you love historicals and series set in the same locale then Helena, MT is your place to live in a story world among the pages of the Montana Beginnings series by Angela Breidenbach.
- GenresHistorical
137 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 11, 2015
About the author
Angela Breidenbach
24 books178 followersAngela Breidenbach is a bestselling author, screenwriter, broadcaster, professional genealogist, and the executive director for the International Institute of Genealogical Studies. Angela lives in Missoula, MT with her hubby and Muse, a trained fe-lion, who can shake hands, lay down and roll over, and jump through a hoop. Surprisingly, Angela can, also. Muse and Writer entertain on social media and Angela's website.
http://AngelaBreidenbach.com
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach
If you'd like to know more about becoming a professional genealogist, visit https://GenealogicalStudies.com
Other works by Angela include Gems of Wisdom: The treasure of experience, compilation books and devotionals from David C. Cook (The Quiet Hour), Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, e-zines, greeting cards, and newspapers.
http://AngelaBreidenbach.com
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest: @AngBreidenbach
If you'd like to know more about becoming a professional genealogist, visit https://GenealogicalStudies.com
Other works by Angela include Gems of Wisdom: The treasure of experience, compilation books and devotionals from David C. Cook (The Quiet Hour), Guidepost, Group, and articles in magazines, e-zines, greeting cards, and newspapers.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 1, 2016
Angela Breidenbach has written a sweet and inspirational western historical in her novel The Debutante Queen. This novel discusses themes such as friendship, service, and love. With characters readers will fall in love with from page one, as well as a delightful story of a young women determined to make a difference in the world and save her young friend, this is a story that will touch your heart. I would recommend this novel to readers that enjoy historical and western novels.
Series: Montana Beginnings
Genre: historical, western
Publisher: Gems of Wisdom
Publication date: November 11, 2015
Number of pages: 153
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
Other books in the series:
2-Eleven Pipers Piping
An audible review copy of this novel was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
Series: Montana Beginnings
Genre: historical, western
Publisher: Gems of Wisdom
Publication date: November 11, 2015
Number of pages: 153
Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 4 stars
Other books in the series:
2-Eleven Pipers Piping
An audible review copy of this novel was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
October 11, 2016
The Debutante Queen is a charming story set at the end of mining days in Helena as they struggle to keep the town from becoming a ghost town. The end of the Orphan Train also caused Helena to become overrun with orphans. It was great getting acquainted with Montana history and getting to know Calista and Albert. A very sweet historical romance.
October 20, 2016
What a lovely novella written by Ms. Breidenbach. I immediately fell in love with Calista and her sweet spirit. Knowing there were probably many orphaned children on the streets in 1889, I loved seeing this brought to life in a way that I could not only imagine it, but feel for them as well. As I was reading this I could just picture myself in Calista's shoes and felt every emotion she did. Lea was such a darling little child and did not deserve the awful life she ran away from.
Intertwined within this was a cute romance budding between Calista and Albert. The author presented this storyline very subtly in the background and that was exactly how I wanted it to be. I did not want it to take away from Lea and Calista as I felt their storyline needed to be front and center. There was the right balance of emotion, love, fun, wit and charm throughout the entire story.
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Calista, Lea, Albert, and the newsies as they are called. Onward to Book Two!! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
Intertwined within this was a cute romance budding between Calista and Albert. The author presented this storyline very subtly in the background and that was exactly how I wanted it to be. I did not want it to take away from Lea and Calista as I felt their storyline needed to be front and center. There was the right balance of emotion, love, fun, wit and charm throughout the entire story.
I cannot wait to see what lies ahead for Calista, Lea, Albert, and the newsies as they are called. Onward to Book Two!! I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
October 12, 2016
The Debutante Queen ( Montana Beginnings book 1 )
By: Angela Breidenbach
The Debutante Queen is book one in Montana Beginnings series by Angela Breidenbach. This was my first to read by his new author , but hopefully it will not be my last. She did an excellent job on the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. I caught myself with tears in my eyes several times. I cannot think about a six year old little girl on the streets by herself. Celesta is a very caring person and she would take in all the homeless children if she could. I fell in love with little Lea , she broke my heart . This is a very heartwarming story. Celesta is talked into entering the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana Statehood,Will Debutante Celesta have a chance at being Miss Snowflake?
I was given a copy of this book , but was not required to give a review.
By: Angela Breidenbach
The Debutante Queen is book one in Montana Beginnings series by Angela Breidenbach. This was my first to read by his new author , but hopefully it will not be my last. She did an excellent job on the story and the characters, both were easy to follow. I caught myself with tears in my eyes several times. I cannot think about a six year old little girl on the streets by herself. Celesta is a very caring person and she would take in all the homeless children if she could. I fell in love with little Lea , she broke my heart . This is a very heartwarming story. Celesta is talked into entering the first Miss Snowflake Pageant celebrating Montana Statehood,Will Debutante Celesta have a chance at being Miss Snowflake?
I was given a copy of this book , but was not required to give a review.
October 16, 2016
When Calista finds young Lea being mistreated and made to be a slave, she takes matters into her own hands to try to find a home for this child. Lea wants Calista to be her Mommy, but, that can't happen since Calista is not married. The only way to earn money to buy Lea's freedom is for Calista to enter the Miss Snowflake Pageant. With the money earned from winning the pageant, Lea can be free. The world of the homeless touches Calista's heart. She wants to help homeless people. Will she win the contest? Will she find love? This is a good story that shows how we can take our worries to God and He will provide a way for us to care for others. I received a copy of this story from the author and this is my honest, personal opinion of the story.
October 26, 2016
"The Debutante Queen" by Angela Breidenbach is a Christmas story as well as a love story. This book is the first in the (Montana Beginnings series). I really enjoyed this story about the first Miss Snowflake Pageant. The heroine of this story enters this pageant under false pretenses and when she is found out the town understands.
This story shows what love can do. If you want to make your heart feel good I encourage you to read this book.
There is one character that isn't so nice at first but when she is shown how love acts she has a change of heart.
This story will also make your heart hurt for the children in the story.
I am giving "The Debutante Queen" by Angela Breidenbach five stars.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
This story shows what love can do. If you want to make your heart feel good I encourage you to read this book.
There is one character that isn't so nice at first but when she is shown how love acts she has a change of heart.
This story will also make your heart hurt for the children in the story.
I am giving "The Debutante Queen" by Angela Breidenbach five stars.
I cannot wait to read the rest of the series.
October 28, 2016
I adore the chemistry and dialogue between Calista and Albert. Calista has a heart for those who cannot help themselves and Albert has a heart for the town and those in it. I loved the story line of the pageant and what the contestants had to do. Who wouldn’t fall in love with Lea? You will want to help her and the others just as much as Calista does! The characters are all real and lovable. The sweet romance that blooms is just the perfect Christmas time read! The ending is just what you want in a Christmas love story – I loved the newsies and their excitement for the story. I highly recommend this for an easy and beautiful love story.
October 10, 2016
This was my first book by this author, and I'm so glad I read it! Angela Breidenbach did an excellent job creating her setting in Helena, Montana at the time when Montana became a state. She made me want to visit so many places by introducing me to their history! And her characters are also delightful! I fell completely in love with little Lea and cheered every effort Calista made to help her! I'm delighted to hear there is a sequel already out for this book! I will definitely be reading it asap!
November 4, 2016
This was the first book that I have read by Angela Breidenbach. It will not be my last. I loved the story and the characters. I loved Albert and Calista. They both learned some great lessons. This is a wonderful western romance. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series. I received a copy of this ebook for a fair and honest opinion.
December 30, 2015
A delightful and enjoyable read. It was well written. I will want to read more from this author.
November 2, 2021
Queen of the Rockies, Book One in a series of the same name, highlighted the problems facing orphans who were not adopted by the final train stop on the Orphan Train. Set against the beautiful backdrop of wintertime in Helena, Montana, this story shed light on searching one’s heart to do the right thing rather than simply following popular opinion or prevailing attitudes. Calista Blythe was such an admirable heroine, seeking justice and solutions for orphans while doling out acts of kindness and compassion on a daily, yet secretive basis. Andrew Shanahan, an up-and-coming entrepreneur, arranged a pageant to garner tourism interest in the new state of Montana. How Calista balanced her passion for helping children with her involvement in Andrew’s pageant and their budding relationship, made for an engrossing read. I loved the historical details woven into the story as well as the vivid and scenic descriptions that made me feel as if I were window shopping on Helena’s Main Street with snowflakes falling down. I look forward to reading the other books in this series!
Note: This story was previously published in 2015 as The Debutante Queen, Book One in the Montana Beginnings series.
I received an advanced reader copy via the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Note: This story was previously published in 2015 as The Debutante Queen, Book One in the Montana Beginnings series.
I received an advanced reader copy via the publisher through Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
March 25, 2016
The Debutante Queen, first in the Montana Beginnings, series by Angela Breidenbach, is historical romance at its finest. Set during the time of Montana's entry into statehood, readers meet Calista, a big-hearted young woman and Albert, a young businessman who is anxious to see Helena become a booming town of the West. Each of them has plans for the future but will those plans include each other. The characters are realistic, likable and developed well. With good descriptions and historical information, the story line moves quickly and keeps the reader engaged. The author brings out the societal issue of orphans. With Helena being one of the last stops for the Orphan Trains on the late 1800s, there were a number children fending for themselves on the streets with no one to care. Can Calista make a difference in their lives? Can she influence others to help? The Debutante Queen is a charming story with just enough action and romance to make for a good historical fiction read. The audiobook was narrated well by Forest Leder and Tristan Leder, giving a great perspective to each of the male and female characters.
I was given an audio copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an audio copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 30, 2015
I picked up The Debutante Queen because I was looking for a light, enjoyable story to lose myself in over the holidays--and I found just that in this book! Calista's story piqued my interest right away, and I got caught up wondering what would happen and how the story would unfold. In addition to being a wonderful story for Christmas (or any time of the year), The Debutante Queen raises questions about how to know if right is actually right and wrong is actually wrong in the "gray areas" of life's choices. I enjoyed reading this book, and I can hardly wait to start the next book in the series.
October 19, 2016
This was a great easy read where the story moves at a good pace and keeps you engaged. This book is first in the Montana Beginnings Series and Breidenbach once again does an excellent job weaving history and fiction together. You are introduced to Calista, Albert, and loveable Lea. Calista has a heart as big as Montana and is determined to make a difference. She must enter and win the Miss Snowflake Pageant. Can she do it?
The characters were well written and the time period was well researched. Taking your worries to God and relying on Him to help provide you with ways to care for others is always the best way to go. A great read and I look forward to more books in the series!
The characters were well written and the time period was well researched. Taking your worries to God and relying on Him to help provide you with ways to care for others is always the best way to go. A great read and I look forward to more books in the series!
March 2, 2016
A delightful read even when it isn't Christmas
This was a great book. I cannot imagine children as young as six, living off the streets without anyone to love them. This story really tugged at my heart. I know there's always someone with a loving heart to take in a small child, or the child melting a heart. Looking to forward to the rest of this series.
This was a great book. I cannot imagine children as young as six, living off the streets without anyone to love them. This story really tugged at my heart. I know there's always someone with a loving heart to take in a small child, or the child melting a heart. Looking to forward to the rest of this series.
October 18, 2017
I listened to the audiobook, and in this case I think it is definitely the way to go. I am not typically a fan of audiobooks, but this one is read exceptionally well - I know because this is NOT my typical genre of book, but the reading of it was so good it made me enjoy it.
August 11, 2016
It's ok, very short
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews