July 31, 2016

A Beauty Refined | Book Review


Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.  

summary via Amazon
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Wow...where to start!  I must admit, I'm not all that hard to please when it comes to novels.  As long as they're clean and entertaining, I'm happy.  But I feel that this particular story is an exceptionally well cut gem (pun totally intended - I'm not sorry).  I really enjoyed Tracie's first book in the Sapphire Brides series (review here), but this one completely and utterly surpassed it!  The plot was fabulous.  Kept me on the edge of my seat and turning pages as fast as I could.

Phoebe is not only the main character, but ended up being my favorite character, which doesn't always happen.  Very sweet, proper, very in control of her emotions, willing to experience new adventures. I found much to admire about her.  I appreciated her loyalty to her father, refusing to believe the worst about him until she was forced to.  We know from the beginning that he is a hard man, willing to do anything to keep is business (and secrets) safe, but it takes a lot for her to believe it.  I will say no more because spoilers.

Ian is very nice.  Not very exciting, but nice.  And I don't mean that in a negative way at all.  He's the type that girls would actually want to marry.  Maybe he doesn't lead a super exciting life, but he's steady, has a good job, and loves the Lord.  And, of course, good looking, so how could you go wrong?

I appreciate the strong Christian characters in this story.  When they live and talk their faith, it feels real and believable.  Not forced at all.  Which is rare in Christian fiction, unfortunately.  I also really, really appreciated the fact that Ian and Phoebe saved their first kiss for after they were married.  So many "Christian" novels are packed full of steamy, border-line inappropriate romantic scenes.  I would gladly hand this book to my daughter when she's in her later teens with an easy mind.

Well done Tracie Peterson!  I can't wait to read your next book!

: : I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review. : :

1 comment:

  1. It's encouraging to know there are Christian authors out there who can successfully weave the Truth into their fiction. It's a tricky business, and yes, often feels forced and "preachy."

    QUOTE: "I also really, really appreciated the fact that Ian and Phoebe saved their first kiss for after they were married. So many "Christian" novels are packed full of steamy, border-line inappropriate romantic scenes."

    AMEN!!! Why do even Christians think it's OK for people to (practically) act like husband and wife before they actually are?? Mind you, in most Christian romances I've read *coughcoughMarkOfTheLionSeriesCough* the hero isn't saved yet, so of course he acts like a jerk sometimes. But to be fair, even some of Jeanette Oke's Christian couples share a kiss even before they're engaged. Ugh.
    It's good to know there are some Christian authors who don't cross that line. :-) Well done, indeed, Tracie Peterson! Keep up the good work!

    Thanks for sharing.
    God bless,
    ~R~

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