4 out of 5 stars
Synopsis
After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.
Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.
Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.
Review
Beauty For Ashes, the second installment in the Hickory Ridge series, is a charming novel for the southern heart! Dorothy Love's writing is pure southern, through and through.
I loved the characters in this novel. Dorothy Love has such a talent in creating characters who are likable, yet very flawed. In this novel, no one is considered flawless. It's amazing how she exposes vulnerabilities inside characters that adds another dimension to them, yet at the same time it never once justifies their flaws. Pure genius, if you ask me.
Something I really appreciate in this novel is how the main female character has it out with God. She is honest with Him when it comes to her hurts, her doubts, her pain, and her questions. Too many Christian novels surround us with fluffy conversations with God. Not this one!
The elements in this novel brought be back to my own ashes and reminded me of the beauty God has made from them. Any novel that causes us to reflect on our own life, is probably doing exactly what the author set out to do--touch the reader.
One of the things I sincerely appreciate is Griff Rutledge. As a Charleston native, Dorothy Love's character is a pure and true Charleston gentlemen (yes, to us there is Charleston, then the rest of the world). I love how she even used a prominent Charleston last name--and many more were mentioned in the novel. Her knowledge of the Charleston area astounded and impressed me immensely. For someone who doesn't live in the area, but visited it many times, she has done an awesome job in absorbing and understanding our historical culture.
I love how she has skillfully meshed together Tennessee and Charleston in this novel. Bravo!
I highly recommend Beauty For Ashes to anyone who loves southern, historical, and romance!
I loved the characters in this novel. Dorothy Love has such a talent in creating characters who are likable, yet very flawed. In this novel, no one is considered flawless. It's amazing how she exposes vulnerabilities inside characters that adds another dimension to them, yet at the same time it never once justifies their flaws. Pure genius, if you ask me.
Something I really appreciate in this novel is how the main female character has it out with God. She is honest with Him when it comes to her hurts, her doubts, her pain, and her questions. Too many Christian novels surround us with fluffy conversations with God. Not this one!
The elements in this novel brought be back to my own ashes and reminded me of the beauty God has made from them. Any novel that causes us to reflect on our own life, is probably doing exactly what the author set out to do--touch the reader.
One of the things I sincerely appreciate is Griff Rutledge. As a Charleston native, Dorothy Love's character is a pure and true Charleston gentlemen (yes, to us there is Charleston, then the rest of the world). I love how she even used a prominent Charleston last name--and many more were mentioned in the novel. Her knowledge of the Charleston area astounded and impressed me immensely. For someone who doesn't live in the area, but visited it many times, she has done an awesome job in absorbing and understanding our historical culture.
I love how she has skillfully meshed together Tennessee and Charleston in this novel. Bravo!
I highly recommend Beauty For Ashes to anyone who loves southern, historical, and romance!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.
I've selected this book for the next blog discussion on the 21st. If you've read the book, or you're reading it, be sure to join us for some fun discussion on it!
Facebook Party and Giveaway!
First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.
One beautiful winner will receive:
So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.
First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.
One beautiful winner will receive:
- A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi
- Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
- Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love
| Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring! |  |
So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.
 |  |  |
Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!
About the Author
Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.
Purchase
Available from Thomas Nelson Publishing in eBook and print formats
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