THE CORNER BOOK BLOG

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Beauty for Ashes


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 Daly 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 trade beauty for ashes.

Dorothy Love takes us back to Hickory Ridge for the second book in the series.

As the story opens, Carrie is picking up her dress for the wedding of her only brother (only family for that matter, as their parents have been long dead) Henry to Mary Stanhope. Carrie has misgivings. Mary treats Carrie more like a servant than a sister-in-law. And Mary's boys! Oh my goodness - those boys need put over someone's knee for a good paddlin'! And they will all be living together on the farm Carrie and Henry have lived on all their lives. Or will they? Carrie soon finds that she can't continue to be treated badly in her own home so she leaves.

Where will that leave Henry, Mary and her boys? And what part does handsome stranger Griff play? Very attractive, very friendly - and clearly not in the market for a relationship and, even more clearly, not planning to stay in Hickory Ridge once the race is over. Will Carrie change his mind?

Highly recommended.

Jody

My copy was provided via Kindle by BookSneeze for my honest review.

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