My Rating: ★★★★★
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Publisher: WaterBrook
Release Date: April 2, 2019
Genre: Clean Historical Fiction
Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and "take care of Mama" by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.
Brendan Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Brendan meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Brendan decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?
Brendan Rochester's parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Brendan meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents's command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Brendan decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women's Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life--even with so little to offer?
My Review ♥️
Prejudice of many kinds occur all the time, with division between races and social status being at the top of the list. I was raised to believe that all men are created equal regardless of their differences, and I know for a fact that I am not the only one.
Willie Sharp is a God-fearing man who is caring for his disabled father and has a heart of gold. Though he is dirt poor, he is thankful for every blessing that God has given him, and tries to live his life to the fullest. Though there is still racial division in the south in Willie's neighborhood it doesn't matter what color you are, everyone is poor and doing everything they can to keep their heads above water. Willie looks at his best friend Quincy and doesn't see his dark skin but instead his companion, a friend that he's grown up with, and Quincy feels the same way.
Laurel Millard has a sweet and caring spirit and is also helping care for a parent. Her and her mother are weavers, and when a major convention comes to town and needs a weaver, she jumps at the chance. Willie and Quincy are also hired, Willie as a security guard, and Quincy as a groundskeeper, all of them excited about this wonderful, and unique, opportunity.
Langdon Rochester is Willie's bosses son, a manipulating young man who only cares about his wants and gives little regard to anyone else. Langdon is a wolf in sheeps clothing and when he meets and begins courting dear, sweet Laurel you want to reach through the pages and shake her!
The book is so well written you find yourself transfixed and vested in the characters and what they're dealing with. The racial and social prejudice is so incredibly frustrating but sadly it's true to life, as well as the struggle of knowing God's will in any given situation.
Get to Know Author Kim Vogel Sawyer
Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in the library. The little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Kim's titles now exceed 1.5 million copies and are available in six different language. A former elementary school teacher, she now enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Kim's passion lies in writing stories that point the reader to a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. When Kim isn't writing, you'll find her traveling with her retired military hubby, spoiling her granddarlings, petting the cats, quilting, or--as time allows--participating in community theater. You can learn more about Kim's writing and speaking ministries at her website, KimVogelSawyer.com.
Connect with Kim Vogel Sawyer Online
*I have reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from WaterBrook through NetGalley. All opinions are completely honest, and are my own.
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