Beauty For Ashes by Dorothy Love
Reviewer: Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012

Carrie Daly is a Civil War widow who is somewhat content with her rather ordinary life. She and her brother are happily living together on their childhood farm and her soon to be fiance is a steady, likeable fellow. Things change drastically when her brother takes a peckish wife with two rambunctious and rude boys and her fiance runs off and marries another. Then, mysterious horseman Griff Rutledge comes into town and catches Carrie’s eye. Unable to endure her mean-spirited sister-in-law, Carrie sets out on her own to pave her own way. However, there is a depression going on and when her brother has to leave to find work and her sister-in-law discovers she is pregnant, Carrie moves back in to take over the home. Meanwhile, Griff keeps showing up and causing her to rethink what she has always known.

Neither Griff nor Carrie are perfect and it’s always refreshing to see real characters portrayed in a book. I particularly found the historical aspects of the book to be quite interesting. The depression of that time was severe and it was intriguing to watch the characters struggle through. Griff himself deals with forgiveness and misunderstanding that add depth to his character.

In my opinion, the author had a number of good ideas, but for some reason the book did not completely mesh and come together. The characters could have used a good deal more developing, and at times the storyline was a bit confusing and downright dull. There were moments of interest and laughter, but for the most part this book did not hold my attention for long. I do think the author has great potential and I look forward to reading more from her. If you’re looking for an easy read that looks at a time of history in a different perspective than you might enjoy this read.

Rated PG
Book provided by Thomas Nelson

Beauty For Ashes
Author: Dorothy Love
Reviewed by: Melissa J. MacDonald
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012

Carrie Daly is a Civil War widow who is somewhat content with her rather ordinary life. She and her brother are happily living together on their childhood farm and her soon to be fiance is a steady, likeable fellow. Things change drastically when her brother takes a peckish wife with two rambunctious and rude boys and her fiance runs off and marries another. Then, mysterious horseman Griff Rutledge comes into town and catches Carrie’s eye. Unable to endure her mean-spirited sister-in-law, Carrie sets out on her own to pave her own way. However, there is a depression going on and when her brother has to leave to find work and her sister-in-law discovers she is pregnant, Carrie moves back in to take over the home. Meanwhile, Griff keeps showing up and causing her to rethink what she has always known.  

Neither Griff nor Carrie are perfect and it’s always refreshing to see real characters portrayed in a book. I particularly found the historical aspects of the book to be quite interesting. The depression of that time was severe and it was intriguing to watch the characters struggle through. Griff himself deals with forgiveness and misunderstanding that add depth to his character.

In my opinion, the author had a number of good ideas, but for some reason the book did not completely mesh and come together. The characters could have used a good deal more developing, and at times the storyline was a bit confusing and downright dull. There were moments of interest and laughter, but for the most part this book did not hold my attention for long. I do think the author has great potential and I look forward to reading more from her. If you’re looking for an easy read that looks at a time of history in a different perspective than you might enjoy this read.

Rated: PG
Book provided by Thomas Nelson