My Review:
Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love is the second book in the Hickory Ridge Romance series and the first book that I have read by Dorothy Love, although, it will not be the last. As I am already looking forward to the next book in this series, as well as, others from this author.
At first I was a little lost in the story because I hadn't read the first book in the series--Beyond All Measure--but I soon became familiar enough with the characters, and became engrossed in the story.
It had been Carrie and her brother, Henry, since their parents deaths. After her husband's death, Carrie had lived with her brother and helped with taking care of their farm. Things are changing though and Henry has married Mary, a women who can be mean-spirited and selfish, and she also has two young, undisciplined boys.
Carrie decides to move into town to make a new life for herself because she and Mary can't seem to get along. Carrie likes living in town, and the job that she has been given by Nate, the book-seller and the man she is courting. When she meets Griff Rutledge, after he saves her from being trampled by a runaway horse, she finds herself thinking about him, and enjoying the times they meet on the street.
Griff Rutledge is from North Carolina, and is in Hickory Ridge on personal business. He is also a horse trainer. After he saves Carrie from being trampled by Majestic, a spirited young Thoroughbred, he is asked by the towns banker to train Majestic, for the upcoming Race Week. Griff agrees, but he doesn't plan on staying in Hickory Ridge for long, as he has a wanderlust and wants to visit Australia, and maybe buy a horse farm there. Although Carrie has had warnings from her friends about spending time with Griff, she enjoys his company, and continues to see him.
When Mary has been put on bed rest, Carrie must return to the farm in order to help run the farm and to care for Mary and her boys while Henry is away working in Chicago for the railroad. It is hard for Carrie to return, but she does. During the time of Mary's confinement, Carrie begins to see Mary differently, and grows to love her boys, as well.
The story shows how people can grow and change when God is placed first in their lives. I found that some of the lessons Carrie was learning are some of the same that God is teaching me. Touching my heart even more.
I enjoyed Beauty of Ashes very much, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
About the book:
She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.
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.
About Dorothy:
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.
For more about Dorothy you may visit her website, or friend her on Facebook.
Link to buy the book:
Would you like to read Beauty for Ashes? You can find it here.
If you would like to read more reviews of Beauty for Ashes, please go here.
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Dorothy Love's Beauty for Ashes Kindle Fire and a Sapphire Ring Giveaway! Enter Today & RSVP for 3/20 Facebook Author Chat Party! We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! 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.
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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!
**Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love was provided for me free by Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest review.
Blessings,
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