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Little Souls
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
23 posts | 7 read | 12 to read
Sandra Dallas's Little Souls is a gripping tale of sisterhood, loyalty, and secrets set in Denver amid Americas last deadly flu pandemic Colorado, 1918. World War I is raging overseas, but its the home front battling for survival. With the Spanish Flu rampant, Denvers schools are converted into hospitals, churches and funeral homes are closed, and nightly horse-drawn wagons collect corpses left in the street. Sisters Helen and Lutie have moved to Denver from Ohio after their parents death. Helen, a nurse, and Lutie, a carefree advertising designer at Neusteters department store, share a small, neat house and each finds a local beau for Helen a doctor, for Lutie a young student who soon enlists. They make a modest income from a rental apartment in the basement. When their tenant dies from the flu, the sisters are thrust into caring the womans small daughter, Dorothy. Soon after, Lutie comes home from work and discovers a dead man on their kitchen floor and Helen standing above the body, an icepick in hand. She has no doubt Helen killed the manDorothys fatherin self-defense, but she knows that will be hard to prove. They decide to leave the body in the street, hoping to disguise it as a victim of the flu. Meanwhile Lutie also worries about her fiance over there. As it happens, his wealthy mother harbors a secret of her own and helps the sisters as the danger deepens, from the murder investigation and the flu. Set against the backdrop of an epidemic that feels all too familiar, Little Souls is a compelling tale of sisterhood and of the sacrifices people make to protect those they love most.
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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#12BooksOf2022 #12DaysOfChristmas @Andrew65
#Historicalfiction
In 1918, two sisters are dealing with an outbreak of the Spanish Flu, and then their boyfriends are sent to fight in World War I. When their downstairs tenant dies, they take in a small child to care for her. Little do they know how dangerous that decision was. This is a fantastic story!

Andrew65 Sounds brilliant. 1y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I‘m glad this book was picked! 2y
megnews Me too! I‘ve read Dallas in the past. Sometimes her books start off a little slow for me but this one really sucked me in quickly. Glad we read it! 2y
sblbooks @julieclair @Chrissyreadit megnews Thank you for joining in on the discussion this month. I enjoyed this one, there were lots of things to discuss. 2y
julieclair This was a very thought provoking book. Although it was sad in so many ways, I‘m glad we read it. Good discussion, everyone. Thanks, @sblbooks , for hosting. Good questions. 2y
8 likes4 comments
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I do appreciate that it was a slower simpler time but I have no desire to live in that time period. 2y
megnews Agree with @Chrissyreadit again. I love history and I like life‘s slower pace then but I am spoiled by modern conveniences. Could not do it. So thankful I was born when I was. 😂 2y
sblbooks @megnews @Chrissyreadit So true. I would like to have the ability to visit for short time, but then I want to come home. 2y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I adored the sisters and their fiancés. I also loved Luties almost in-laws so much. 2y
megnews Agree with @Chrissyreadit. I was happy they continued to treat her like family after he died. 2y
sblbooks Yes, and of course Dorothy is a favorite. I think we all know the three people that were the unlikable characters.( not worth mentioning their names) 2y
6 likes3 comments
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit There is always pressure to be patriotic in different ways. 2y
megnews I was so ticked off at that episode. These people had nothing. An employee should never be able to do that. 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit @megnews I know the war bonds before a good cause. but I feel like that kind of thing should be voluntary. It still happens even today. I was pressured to give to the United Way when I worked medical records at a local hospital. 2y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I always think we are given the skills- that we are supposed to use to do the work. 2y
megnews I definitely agree that God gives us free will. 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit @megnews Right! That's for courage and faith come in. Once you know what to do, it's up to you to actually step out and do it. 2y
5 likes3 comments
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit She would have had a very bleak life, most likely with abuse and lack of basic needs. 2y
megnews @Chrissyreadit agree. Probably being trafficked as well. Glad she had them in her life. 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit @megnews Absolutely! I'm so glad her "Aunt" didn't get a hold of her. Even an orphanage would have been horrible. 2y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I think they should have left him somewhere he wouldn‘t be found. 2y
julieclair I agree, @Chrissyreadit . If they could have hidden the body, it would have been better. But calling the authorities would definitely have been the wrong decision. 2y
megnews I don‘t have enough trust in the justice system to believe they wouldn‘t have suffered undue consequences. I honestly thought the combo of the pandemic and the lack of scientific criminal investigation at the time would work in their favor but obviously not. 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit @julieclair @megnews I agree. I had a feeling they'd be caught, due to the trauma on the body. If they call the authorities I feel sure Dorothy would have been taken to a orphanage. 2y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I think the reason I‘m so angry about COVID is because the Spanish Flu showed us what could happen. I think NYC experienced a lot of the same things when COVID first broke out. 2y
julieclair I was struck by how similar the experiences were. I didn't realize that they knew, during Spanish flu, to cover their nose & mouth. And the fact that the doctors/nurses didn't really know how to treat it was so similar to covid when it first broke out. During both pandemics, there was so much grief. Everyone was touched by it, either in their own family or through friends and neighbors. 2y
megnews I agree with others who see so many similarities. It is amazing how little we‘ve advanced in medical terms since the early 1900s. 2y
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sblbooks @Chrissyreadit we never seem to learn from our past do we? 2y
sblbooks @megnews @julieclair I too was struck by how similar both pandemics were. My grandmother was born in 1905. I remember her telling me about the flu, when I was a child. She lost several family members. 2y
julieclair @sblbooks My grandmother lost her brother to the Spanish flu, in 1917. He was in the Navy as a medic, came home on leave, and died while at home. I don‘t know if he came home because he already had it, or if he caught it while at home. So sad. And there were so many families like yours and mine, who lost loved ones. (edited) 2y
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit It was something the father said I think? About people in need? 2y
sblbooks @Chrissyreadit Judge Howell talked about Little Souls referring to the marginalized and forgotten people of the city. 2y
Chrissyreadit Oh yes!!! I will answer questions - just drove to NYC 2y
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julieclair I had never heard that term before, but I like it. I think referring to people as 'souls' rather than 'the poor, the sick' etc. helps to remind everyone that these are people worthy of compassion and care. 2y
megnews @julieclair I had never heard it either. I hadn‘t thought of it the way you did but that makes a lot of sense. Anything we can do to recognize the similarities in human experience instead of the division is an important change of language to me. 2y
julieclair @megnews Absolutely. Connecting, not dividing. Whenever it is in our power to do so. 2y
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LitsyEvents
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Reposting for @sblbooks and #overbookedClub

sblbooks Thanks 2y
42 likes1 comment
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Chrissyreadit I want to! 2y
rubyslippersreads I actually read this as an ARC so won‘t be re-reading, but I‘ll be very interested in everyone‘s comments. 😊 2y
TheBookHippie Just got it from the library!! 2y
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sblbooks @rubyslippersreads you can still join in the discussion😊 2y
CoverToCoverGirl Thanks for the reminder. I hope to start this weekend. 2y
julieclair I am listening to it on audio and enjoying it so far. 2y
Readswithcoffee I‘m not able to join in this time, but thanks for keeping me in the loop. 2y
BarbaraJean Too much going on for me this month, but hopefully I can jump back in another month! 2y
Roary47 I won‘t be joining this time, but will try next month. 2y
CoverToCoverGirl My apologies, I didn‘t get to this. Life events diverted me. I became a newly minted grandmama. I‘m star struck. I still intend to read it. I‘ll check out the questions and comments in the very near future. 🙂 2y
sblbooks @CoverToCoverGirl Congratulations! That's exciting news. Comment anytime. 2y
36 likes11 comments
review
megnews
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Pickpick

I‘ve read a few by Sandra Dallas and I have to say this is my favorite so far. It was more than I was expecting. I‘m looking forward to discussion with #overbookedclub at the end of the month.

review
Chrissyreadit
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Pickpick

I thought this was a fast moving, character driven book. WW1, Spanish Influenza and Denver Co. This story has some significant heartbreak. Trigger warnings - for sexual violence and domestic violence. I am glad this was picked for the #overbookedclub

Avanders Got a couple days behind, but I got it in the mail yesterday morning - #cbbc is on its way to you! ♥️ 2y
Chrissyreadit @Avanders yay! I will not be home until Thursday. 2y
Avanders Perfect timing! 😄 2y
Chrissyreadit @Avanders 😘😘😘 2y
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megnews
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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I was getting worried that the #OverBookedClub book wasn‘t going to come in in time so I put both on hold. They both came in today. Am I the only one who starts reading and finishes on audio? I feel like that helps me read a lot more.

RebL 🖐🏻 I do that too. 2y
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megnews
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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I definitely think I‘m going to enjoy this but I thought this was funny. I think she meant “embellishing.” Surprised editors didn‘t catch it. #overbookedclub

LiteraryinLawrence I see what you mean, but I think I‘ve heard embroidered in this context before. 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
sblbooks @LiteraryinLawrence is this a scenario of words changing meanings through the years? I was looking at old math book my grandfather had from back in the 1800s. They had a whole section of " promiscuous questions." 2y
megnews @LiteraryinLawrence @sblbooks I hadn‘t thought of the historical context. Off to do some research 2y
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BkClubCare Embroidering is a creative synonym for embellish, no? Words are so fun 2y
Susanita I‘ve heard of embroidering the truth, so this makes sense. 2y
ravenlee I‘ve seen embroidering used in this context before. I think it‘s like set foot/step foot - very similar terms with the same usage. 2y
28 likes6 comments
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LitsyEvents
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Repost
@sblbooks

https://litsy.com/p/NjdRUnBBdk16

The #Overbookedclub vote is in. Starting with Little Souls next month. The Lost book of Eleanor Dare in August, and The Saints of Swallow Hill in September. Everyone welcome.

SilversReviews Really enjoyed THE SAINTS OF SWALLOW HILL and LITTLE SOULS. I haven‘t read THE LOST BOOK OF ELEANOR. 2y
35 likes1 comment
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sblbooks
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Crazeedi I'll look for these! Thanks!! 2y
Chrissyreadit Great! 2y
Readswithcoffee Thanks for keeping me in the loop. 2y
40 likes3 comments
review
Reecaspieces
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Pickpick
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Librarybelle
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Mehso-so

Set in 1918 during the influenza outbreak, this novel follows Lutie and her sister Helen as they navigate a changing world, filled with war, murder, heartbreak, and child trauma. There are so many dark layers to this novel, so definitely not a light read. Lutie‘s naivety was at times very distracting to me, and as I listened (the narration is great!), I would roll my eyes.

Thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher for this ALC!

Aims42 Thank you for the honest review! Sounds like one I can hold off until Mt. TBR dwindles down lol 2y
Librarybelle @Aims42 You‘re welcome! 😂 I‘ve seen a ton of very positive reviews for this, so maybe I‘m not the best judge for this one. 2y
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KristiAhlers Sounds like they tried to cram too much turmoil to do much justice to any of it. 2y
Cinfhen The cover definitely draws me in. But like @Aims42 said…. 2y
Librarybelle @KristiAhlers Admittedly, every time one of these elements was added to the end plot, I thought “okay…so the characters are tackling that too.” 🤷🏻‍♀️ 2y
Librarybelle @Cinfhen I really like the cover too! 2y
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Follow.my.read
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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My evening is BOOKED! #LittleSouls#SandraDallas#SpanishFlu

Aims42 Can‘t wait to see your thoughts on this, it sounds very interesting 2y
HeathHof Ohh, I'm interested to see what you think about it as well. I really like her other stuff but haven't read ynos one yet. 2y
53 likes2 comments
review
SilversReviews
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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Pickpick

How many little souls are there?

There are quite a few little souls who became orphans once their parents were killed in the war or perished with the Spanish Flu.

FULL REVIEW: https://tinyurl.com/2p8vzf6v

#sandradallas
@stmartinspress
@netgalley

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rubyslippersreads
Little Souls: A Novel | Sandra Dallas
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This novel about the influenza epidemic in 1918 Colorado is fascinating so far, but there‘s one line I just can‘t relate to.

The two sisters often tell each other “Dream of clowns,” the way most of us would say “Pleasant dreams.” It‘s because they have fond memories of a childhood trip to the circus, but clowns are the last thing I want to dream of! 😳 #coulrophobia #ARC #HappyHalloween

LeahBergen Umm… no. 😬 2y
Gissy True!😧 2y
LeahBergen A very lovely parcel from you arrived today! 😍 Thank you, thank you! It‘s stashed away in the cupboard until next week. 😘😘😘 2y
rubyslippersreads @LeahBergen I‘m glad it arrived safely. 🙂 2y
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