Wednesday, June 16, 2010

She Walks in Beauty Book Review

She Walks in Beauty
by Siri Mitchell                               
Bethany House Publishers

Clara Carter is dreading her debut into New York society. When she discovers she's to debut a year earlier than she'd expected, she is not happy. In 1891 the traditional age for young women to make an appearance as a debutante is 18. Despite the fact that Clara is only 17, her aunt and father think it necessary to enter society now in order to secure a marriage to Franklin De Vries, the heir to the coveted De Vries fortune.

Although well educated, Clara is far behind in the social skills necessary to debut, and a crash course ensues for everything from identifying which fork to use when to ballroom dancing. Clara begins a journey into society, one she is barely prepared for, yet one she realizes that she must embark on in order to preserve her family's honor. Her father and aunt care little for her true happiness, or that she find love in marriage. If she is well married, they believe, money will solve anything.

Clara is relieved to hear that her best friend Lizzie will debut as well. Lizzie has been looking forward to this ritual and promises to stand by Clara throughout the process. Clara learns that there are certain rules she must abide by to play the game right and win Franklin's favor. These rules include stepping on toes and potentially alienating Lizzie. Harold De Vries, Franklin's younger brother, becomes a key player in the game, too. Will he help Clara get what she's pursuing? Will Clara learn all the rules of the game or will she follow her heart's desire and marry for love?

Ms. Mitchell writes an intricate tale that entertains and warms the heart. I knew that society debutantes of the day were often their parents' puppets, marrying for wealth and prestige rather than love. I had no idea, however, of how extensive their training was with customs that sometimes endangered their health. My heart went out to Clara, and to those who had to endure what she did. I chafed, as she did, at the expectations and silly rituals undertaken to play this ridiculous game. I won't give the ending away, but I enjoyed this book thoroughly from beginning to end.

So tell me, what's on your summer reading list?

Happy reading!

Karen










14 comments :

  1. This one looked like a good one and interested me. Thanks for your review. :O)

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  2. I'm working through two books right now--one from my friend Kat M--don't ask me how to spell her name:)

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  3. Oh, there are just too many good-sounding books out there to read! I want to read this one, too :) Beyond that, I want to read as many MG historical fictions that I can find, being that that is the genre I'm writing in...

    Thanks for the review on this one, Karen.

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  4. I love the title of this book-She Walks in Beauty is the title of a Lord Byron poem I adore.
    I have a long reading list this summer. I'm starting with fun with a novel by Sophie Kinsella and then continuing to more literary novels such as Water for Elephants by Sara Gren, and The Golden Mean by Annabelle Lyon.
    Great review!

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  5. Diane,
    You are welcome. It was a good read! :)

    Terri,
    I often have more than one book going at once. Several, in fact, in various genres. Guess it keeps us on our toes? :)

    Kenda,
    I know, so many books, so little time! :) Hope you accomplish a lot of reading this summer.

    Lynn,
    Yes, the poem is quoted in the book. Your reading list sounds about as long as mine!

    Thanks and blessings to all of you for stopping by,
    Karen

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  6. I love the how much marriage is a maneuvering business, to quote Austen. This looks like a great book.
    I have so many things on my summer reading list. Right now I'm trying to do some revisions first, arrgh.

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  7. Hi Karen -

    Thanks for the review. I love the cover, which speaks of high society and romance.

    I completed Sarah Sundin's book, "A Distant Melody," this evening. I have another historical waiting in the wings.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  8. Lydia,
    That is an interesting way to put it, isn't it? Wish you all the best with your revisions!

    Susan,
    Sarah's book is a good one, isn't it? I have nearly a dozen on my fiction tbr pile, not to mention the non fiction ones waiting too:)

    Thanks and blessings to both of you,
    Karen

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  9. So Long Insecurity (Beth Moore), Love and War (John and Stasi Eldredge), and some good mysteries. I feel half dressed without a book in my hand.

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  10. Rhonda,
    Sounds like a good list! I know what you mean about the book; I often feel that way:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  11. I'm at a temporary standstill on reading. My sister-in-law died this past Thursday. Funeral is Monday. The good news is she's in Heaven.

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  12. Cecelia,
    So sorry for your loss. Will be praying for you and your family.
    Blessings,
    Karen

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  13. Hey Karen,
    Just finished this one as well:) I really enjoyed learning about some of the same things you were. I never realized that there was that much authority held over children(young adults) back then. How different it is today.
    Thanks for the review!

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  14. Charity,
    I enjoyed this one too! Thanks for coming by:)
    Blessings,
    Karen

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Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!