I own every single one of Tamera Alexander's books. She writes well and I've loved everyone. But this one....it's her absolute best! All 480 pages were just terrific.
Eleanor Braddock is nearly 30, plain and has nothing to offer in the marriage market. Her father is ill and she accepts her Aunt Adelicia Acklin's offer to come live with her at Belmont Mansion. Eleanor has no interest in the little teas and parties her aunt has planned for her, but feels she must consent since she is living off her aunt's charity. Her heart lies elsewhere, but she is doomed to disappointment. Her dream does not ever seem it will come true.
Marcus Geoffrey is hiding a secret, a very deep secret. He can't risk anyone knowing this secret,either. Marcus's passion is for nature and architecture and he is indeed talented in this area. Things just don't seem to cooperate for his dream, either.
Eleanor and Marcus begin work on a widow and children's home but they can't seem to agree on everything. They begin to develop feelings for one another but Eleanor knows her aunt will never approve of this. Besides, Marcus is not free. Or is he?
Tamera Alexander has a way of creating characters that seem so real they nearly jump off the pages. This book was so rich and full, like nothing I'd ever read. I cherished every sentence.
This book is Christian fiction and a romance. Some Christian fiction authors push the envelope way too far to remain a clean novel. Tamera Alexander never does that. She manages to create romance just with a conversation. I loved that this book was clean but still romantic.
Also, in the spiritual realm, the reader learns that what we want and long for and know is best for us is not always God's best for us. Instead, He gives us far richer dreams that we ever even dreamed of. (Ephesians 3:20.) It was wonderful to watch Eleanor and Marcus discover this. God blessed them with HIS plans for them far more than they wanted themselves. God's good like that.
I ached for these two as they suffered with their plans being cast down. I ached for them as they realized they could not ever realize their hopes with each other. But I also rejoice and yes, wept, with them as God blessed them in so many little ways throughout this book.
I wanted to read quickly to finish this book, but I tried to savor it as it should be savored. I know that when I pick up a Tamera Alexander book, I'm in for a treat. And her books always minister to me in some way. Never fails. Now I have to wait another year to read another of her good books.
This book is worth every penny and every moment spent reading.
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