Book Review

Hidden Affections

by Delia Parr                                                                

Bethany House Publishers

Handcuffs? Seriously? How archaic! This is 1831 after all. Annabelle Tyler was dismayed when forced to wear handcuffs during her wedding ceremony. The sheriff, however, had his own way of doing things. He doesn't take too kindly to men like Harrison Graymoor, the groom linked to Annabelle by those pesky handcuffs.

Graymoor's days as Philadelphia's most eligible bachelor are over. Or are they? Neither Annabelle nor Harrison want this union, so they make  plans for an annulment. But what seems so simple and obvious quickly turns into something complicated.

Annabelle holds a secret from her past, and Harrison wrestles with his own tragic memories. Sprinkle in a liberal helping of Philadelphia's society's expectations and a legal conundrum, and you have an interesting and tangled mix of events. Meanwhile, Annabelle and Harrison find themselves forming an unexpected friendship. As if they didn't have enough to deal with!

I've read a few books by Ms. Parr and enjoyed them, so naturally, I was curious about this one. I was hooked immediately. The characters and the unusual circumstances held my attention, and I read it in record time. Delia Parr mixes up a great recipe with action, emotion, and an intriguing plot. If you are a fan of historical fiction, I highly recommend this book.

What have you been reading lately? Anything worth recommending?

Blessings,

Karen

This book was provided by Bethany House for review purposes. No compensation was received.

Book Review - Love's First Bloom

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr

Bethany House Publishers      

Ruth Livingstone is on a mission, but not one she's chosen. Her father, Reverend Gersham Livingstone, is accused of murdering a prostitute in New York City. He sends Ruth to Toms River, New Jersey with a small package. The package is eighteen month old Lily, the prostitute's daughter. Few people know that the child exists; the Reverend wishes to keep her out of harm's way. Ruth is the solution.                              

Phanaby and Elias Garner take Ruth and Lily in, assuming that Ruth is a reformed prostitute in need of shelter. Ruth hates staying with them under false pretenses, especially ones that cast a shadow on her character. Lily is an unruly child, and it takes every ounce of stamina Ruth has to keep up with her. In addition, Ruth anxiously awaits news of her father's trial, fearing the worst but hoping for the best. Even in 1838, the media has all but convicted the Reverend prior to his trial.

Ashton "Jake" Tripp returns to New York City to make amends with his brother Clifford. Prior to their separation, Jake and Clifford worked together at their father's newspaper. Ego and bad judgement placed Jake in a scandalous situation and he fled the city, leaving Clifford to pick up the pieces and salvage the business. In an effort to win Clifford's trust and a position at the paper, Jake agrees to locate the daughter of Reverend Livingstone. Local papers report her disappearance and speculate that the Reverend murdered her as well.

Ruth and Jake's paths intersect in an interesting manner. Does Jake know who she really is? Ruth is wary of this reporter; can she trust him? How long will she deny her growing feelings for him? Will the good Reverend be acquitted and restore his reputation? Assorted events, interesting twists, and action provide the answers; you must read the book if you want to know what happens!

I wanted to read this book because I enjoyed Ms. Parr's Hearts Awakening. (To read my review of that book, click here.) It struck a chord with me, partly because the setting was near my birthplace in Pennsylvania. Beyond that though, her characters were real and engaging, and I expected the same with Love's First Bloom. I was not disappointed. Ms. Parr writes a lovely story that enables the reader to share Ruth's journey. If you like historical fiction of any sort, I think you might like this one.                                      


*This book was provided for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers. No compensation was received.


What intriguing characters have you read about lately?


Thanks for joining me, and have a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,

Karen

Hearts Awakening Book Review

Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr
Bethany House Publishers

Jackson Smith owns and operates an apple orchard on Dillon's Island, located on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Elvira Kilmer literally stumbles her way to his doorstep seeking a position as a housekeeper. Smith, a widower with two sons, desperately needs assistance. Elvira hopes to meet his approval and secure the position. As a spinster at the ripe old age of 31, she has no money, and no real place to call home. Sadly, genteel 1840's society has little use for someone like Elvira.

Jackson hires Elvira on the spot; her aim is to eventually secure a reference from Jackson and move on. She's taken off guard by how young and handsome he is, and he is taken off guard by how plain she is. Elvira's learning curve includes using Jackson's new fangled cookstove, and Daniel and Ethan, Jackson's sons. To say they present another problem is an understatement. Daniel, who is five years old, criticizes Elvira's every move, comparing her to his deceased mother. Ethan, age three, has not spoken a word since his mother died six months ago.

Elvira's hopes of a family and children have long been extinguished. Her meager belongings include a family secret or two that she wishes to chase away. Jackson's mysterious past includes a few puzzles and even a scandal. He decides to offer a deal, of sorts, to Elvira as a means of solving his problems.

At first, Elvira refuses his proposition, but then reconsiders. Is it worth the risk? Their tenuous relationship is put to the test through this agreement, and both experience spiritual challenges as they make this journey together. Will their agreement remain practical or will they open their hearts to see what God has for them?

I loved this book! I was drawn to Elvira immediately. I could feel her pain and disappointment with each stumbling step as she made her way to Jackson's doorstep. My sympathies were less engaged with Jackson, but I came to understand him as the plot thickened. I was born in the same region where this book was set, so perhaps I was also drawn to the setting, which Ms. Parr described in an accurate and wonderful way. I enjoyed the surprises that kept popping up, and the unexpected friends Elvira made along the way.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book. Ms. Parr succeeds in telling a heart rending and heart warming tale, all in the same package.

*This book was provided for review purposes from Bethany House Publishers. No compensation was received.

Happy Reading!

Karen