Isle of Books: Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love: Review & Giveaway!

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.

I GIVE THE BOOK:

MY THOUGHTS:
Beauty for Ashes is a very moving story and I very much enjoyed reading it. I felt an immediate connection with Carrie - something that I didn't feel with Ada in Beyond All Measure. I love the covers of both of Dorothy's books - they are both so beautiful and the texture on them feels so nice!

The story begins with Carrie getting a dress for her brother's upcoming wedding to Mary, a woman she doesn't like very much - that is putting it mildly. Mary has two sons, Caleb and Joe, who are in desperate need of a firm hand - Mary has coddled them way too much - but, she won't allow anyone to discipline them. Henry seems like such a weakling, so afraid to step on toes or to have his own opinion.

Mary treats Carrie as a servant, as though she is there to do her bidding. When Carrie decides to do something else and tells Mary that she should take a part in caring for her family, Mary tells Carrie not to be so lazy! I kept waiting for the time in the book when Mary would see the error in how she was treating Carrie and was slightly disappointed that it didn't happen the way I wanted it to.

I am looking forward to Sophie's story, which is coming out sometime next year. I recommend that if you want to read this book, you should read Beyond All Measure first - otherwise if you decide that you want to read that book after reading this one, it may be spoiled for you.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

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Link to buy the book: http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.asp?sku=1595549013&title=A_Hickory_Ridge_Romance:_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 visit her website, www.dorothylovebooks.com or friend her on Facebook, facebook.com/DorothyLoveBooks.

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!