Book Review - A Heart Most Worthy

A Heart Most Worthy       

by Siri Mitchell
Bethany House Publishers


Anyone who's anybody in 1918's Boston goes to Madame Fortier's gown shop. After all, elite society must be attired correctly. Everyone knows that. Madame Fortier does not do all the work herself, of course. In addition to seamstresses, she employs three Italian immigrants, Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana.

A marvel at embroidery, Julietta is dedicated, yet a bit on the rebellious side. No, more than a bit. She's downright reckless and defiant at times. Yes, you guessed it, she's a recipe for trouble.

Annamaria brings expert smocking skills to the shop. In contrast to Julietta, Annamaria is shy and quiet, and wouldn't think of being defiant. Her lot in life, as the oldest daughter in an Italian family, is to remain single, and to live to care for her parents and siblings.

Beadwork is Luciana's ticket to the third floor workroom. A tragic event haunts her past, and she struggles to survive while supporting her grandmother. They recently immigrated to America in hopes of escaping horrific memories. Surely in a country as large as America they can find refuge. Can't they?

Not surprisingly, their lives become intertwined not just because of their Italian heritage, but due to unsettling events in their lives and at the shop. Madame Fortier is forced to sort out some of these entanglements, while struggling to maintain her own balance.

Meanwhile, Julietta finds herself torn between two suitors, one stable and secure, and the other, well, not so much. Annamaria begins to question her position in her family, and sets a daring (or daring for her, anyway) plan into motion. Luciana just tries to keep her head above water, but finds it necessary to keep looking over her shoulder.

I enjoyed this book. At first, the point of view threw me a little, but once I got my bearings and figured out which character belonged to what family, job, and neighborhood, it was fine. Ms. Mitchell includes a helpful list of characters in the beginning, which made things easier, and was handy when I needed to check back and see who was who. Engaging characters and abundant twists and turns give this story personality. I look forward to new releases by this talented author.


I received this copy from Bethany House for review purposes only. No compensation was received.


Happy Reading!

Karen

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

A Contest!

I am celebrating Labor Day with my first book giveaway!

The prize is Love's Pursuit by Siri Mitchell. Click on the title if you would like to read my review of this book. To enter, leave a comment with your email address on this post. The drawing will be held at noon on Labor Day, September 7.

The winner will be posted here after the drawing, and notified via email.

Happy Monday and Happy Writing!

Book Review - Love's Pursuit

Love's Pursuit
Author - Siri Mitchell
Publisher - Bethany House

When I first spotted Love's Pursuit, I made a mental note that I wanted to read it. Judging from that first glance, I thought it might be an interesting read. I know, I was judging a book by its cover initially, but as I read the description I knew it was something I'd be interested in. I love good Christian historical fiction.


Love's Pursuit is set in Stoneybrooke, MA in 1640. Mitchell's story introduces us to Susannah Phillips, a member of a small Puritan colony. By all appearances, Susannah is a good girl, a model Puritan, an example to her peers and fellow citizens. Looks can be deceiving, however, and Susannah struggles with right and wrong, truly knowing God, and figuring out what she is all about. Her inner struggles escalate with the arrival of Captain Daniel Holcombe, who is sent to train a local militia in the event of an Indian attack.

Captain Holcombe is a puzzle to the townspeople, who appreciate his help but not his heathen ways. Susannah tries to avoid the Captain, a task difficult to do since he is staying in the Phillips' home. Susannah soon finds herself with an unexpected affection for the Captain, and the feeling seems to be mutual. But what of John Prescotte, the young man Susannah thought she'd marry? Or Simeon Wright, the owner of the sawmill who might be interested in Susannah too?

At first, Susannah does what she thinks is right, and follows her good girl Puritan heart. Circumstances cause her self-assurance to falter. I won't give anything away - you'll just have to read Susannah's story. But I will tell you that love, jealousy, and intrigue are intertwined into this tale that Ms. Mitchell artfully weaves. You'll find many surprises, happy and sad, as you travel down the path that Susannah has chosen. Ms. Mitchell is a great story teller, and I look forward to reading her other books.

Happy reading!