I've read quite a few books from this author, but this is the first in
this series I've read. Check out my review and the giveaway below...
A Beauty Refined
this series I've read. Check out my review and the giveaway below...
A Beauty Refined
(Sapphire Brides #2)
by Tracie Peterson
by Tracie Peterson
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 320 Pages
July 5th 2016 by Bethany House Publishers
Summary
What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?
Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions---both for her and the gemstones---are not what she thinks.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie---a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.
Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.
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My Review
A BEAUTY REFINED was a story about a woman who finds her past isn't at all what she thought it was and the danger, love, and spiritual trial she faces as the truth comes to light. The characters were lovely, the setting well-done, but the story a little slow. Those who enjoy books by this author or Judith McCoy Miller may enjoy this one.
I really liked the characters, specifically Ian. He was strong but also gentle, intelligent, skilled, and honest. I also liked Phoebe for the most part and little Kenny added some fun to the story. I loved the time that Phoebe, Ian, and Kenny spent together and how the romance blossomed.
The issues I had were in that the story didn't engage me the whole way through. There were also some places where things didn't click or feel realistic (such as a woman who has just been beaten and who has just come out of unconsciousness and hardly be able to talk to then have a full religious discussion; or a man and a pastor thinking it's okay to put people in harm's way and no one getting any authorities involved). Some of the conversations also felt stilted.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a so-so read for me. Not bad, but not great. The books from this author that I have loved are the ones where I felt engaged the whole way through the story and had some great chemistry that you could literally feel off the pages. Those things were lacking in this story for me.
Content: Some innuendo including suggestive, and some violence including references to abuse.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not affect my review in any way.
I really liked the characters, specifically Ian. He was strong but also gentle, intelligent, skilled, and honest. I also liked Phoebe for the most part and little Kenny added some fun to the story. I loved the time that Phoebe, Ian, and Kenny spent together and how the romance blossomed.
The issues I had were in that the story didn't engage me the whole way through. There were also some places where things didn't click or feel realistic (such as a woman who has just been beaten and who has just come out of unconsciousness and hardly be able to talk to then have a full religious discussion; or a man and a pastor thinking it's okay to put people in harm's way and no one getting any authorities involved). Some of the conversations also felt stilted.
In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a so-so read for me. Not bad, but not great. The books from this author that I have loved are the ones where I felt engaged the whole way through the story and had some great chemistry that you could literally feel off the pages. Those things were lacking in this story for me.
Content: Some innuendo including suggestive, and some violence including references to abuse.
Source: Received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity, which did not affect my review in any way.
Other Books in the Series
About the Author
Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.
Tour-Wide Giveaway
Little does Phoebe know that her father's plans—for the sapphires and his daughter—are not what they seem. If you love historical fiction, romance, and adventure, don't miss Tracie Peterson's A Beauty Refined. When Phoebe meets Ian, everything changes. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie—a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.
Join Tracie in celebrating the release of A Beauty Refined by entering to win her Precious Gems giveaway (details below) and by attending her author chat party on August 9!
One grand prize winner will receive:
- One copy of A Beauty Refined
- A sapphire jewelry set
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