The Hudson Collection - (On Central Park) by Jocelyn Green (Paperback)

"What an interesting, beautiful group of people Elsa had found herself among. Birds of a feather may flock together, but each one here was wonderfully distinct, and they flocked together just fine." Elsa Reisner's position as an ornithologist at the prestigious American Museum of Natural History automatically puts her in close proximity with the birds that she loves, but the tedious hours spent cataloging and preserving the remains of countless species has her enthusiasm waning and her heart wishing for more. Rather providentially, Elsa receives a rare opportunity to analyze and organize a private collection bequeathed to the museum . . . . and it is there, at the Van Tessel's Elmhurst country estate that Elsa's desires to shed her physical limitations are matched by those who dearly love her for being exactly the image-bearer that she was created to be. With layering as elegant and intricate as the characters themselves, this story ushers in history creatively and meaningfully through its diversity of plot and passion. What a blessing to be reminded that scars and disabilities are not designed to be a stigma, or a boundary line, or even an embarrassment but rather a wide-open gateway to a life filled with extraordinary possibilities. The budding romance between Elsa and a certain architectural salvage builder are tender and true in the kindest of ways, while the secrets of the old mansion add an aura of mystique which seamlessly dovetails into the overall narrative. Simply put; an excellent book. Coincidentally . . . . I've decided that chickadees are my new favorite bird!

Wow! Once again, Jocelyn Green's writing does not disappoint! This book has it all! There's a mystery, intrigue, and a romantic love story! I was fascinated with Elsa's job and her love for birds! The characters are wonderful! I truly cared about them and their lives. I was especially touched by Elsa and Birdie. Elsa did not let her physical limitations ruin her life. She learned a lot about herself and came to terms with how she perceived her family, herself, and her future. Birdie was compassionate and caring. She suffered a huge heartbreak, but it didn't stop her from being generous to others. There are lots of serious issues in the book. Polio and its effect on people, ptsd in soldiers, autism and the eugenics movement. The spiritual aspects throughout the book offer hope and the reassurance that God is with us, leading us on the right path. Side note: Jocelyn Green is my favorite author, and I buy all of her books! I've pre-ordered this one! I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Bethany House through Interviews and Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

“Eugenics is hogwash. The self-directed evolution in the quest of a ‘perfect human product’? Absolute rubbish. You were made in the image of God, and so was every other person. Once you start reducing people to measurements and heredities, you strip them of their dignity. We aren’t livestock. We have souls." 5 stars for this book! First of all, I want to say I really appreciated the author's stance on the subject of eugenics in this book, and how the so-called science clashed with what God's word says about who we are- made in His perfect image, chosen, worthy and loved. The cast of characters was excellent, the story intriguing, and the mystery woven in was the perfect finishing touch. Also, kudos to the cover designer, this book cover is gorgeous! Elsa was a character I loved, and could easily relate to. She was very interesting, and I loved her dedication to ornithology as well as her care and concern for others. She had a lot of grit despite her condition, and she tried her best not to let it get her down. Luke was a great male lead, and just the sweetest guy. I can't say a whole lot about him because of potential spoilers, but he was a fine gentleman and had a neat redemptive backstory. He was compassionate and was a good friend to both Tom and Elsa. Here's one of my favorite quotes from the book: "...I will always be your safe place to land. I can’t give you wings, but I’ll be your solid ground.” The Hudson Collection was a sweet and clean, slow burn, closed door romance that I loved and definitely recommend! Thanks to the publisher for the complimentary e-book I received to review through Interviews and Reviews. I was not required to write a positive review, and the thoughts above are solely my own.