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A Rocky Creek Romance #3
A Vision of Lucy
Trouble follows Lucy wherever she goes. So does a vision of second chances . . . and love.
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. Her deepest hope is that her father will see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hang on their walls.
But disaster follows Lucy on every photo assignment: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.
When Lucy meets David Wolfua rugged, reclusive man who lives on the outskirts of townushe thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.
Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy's life. But will these events draw her closer to God or push her further away? And how will David accept this new vision of Lucy?
Lucy Fairbanks dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. Her deepest hope is that her father will see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, whose paintings still hang on their walls.
But disaster follows Lucy on every photo assignment: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.
When Lucy meets David Wolfua rugged, reclusive man who lives on the outskirts of townushe thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.
Two things happen next that forever change the course of Lucy's life. But will these events draw her closer to God or push her further away? And how will David accept this new vision of Lucy?
336 pages, ebook
First published June 28, 2011
28 people are currently reading
761 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Brownley
67 books773 followersBEST-SELLING AUTHOR MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned nearly forty novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's was a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is currently working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
June 27, 2011
4.5 Stars
This is a darn-tootin good read! There's something for everyone- romance, family secrets, a mystery, great friends, and town gossip. The message is delivered subtly and realistically.
I loved reading about the photography of the time period. The author has a great knowledge of how photography worked back then. I also loved the advice at the start of each chapter given to both photographers and their subjects. The advice was sometimes humorous in how dated it was, and sometimes still true today!
I loved both of the leads, Lucy and David. I especially liked the growth that David experienced throughout the book regarding his reaction to the incident that changed his life. As with a lot of Christian historical romances, the point of view was skewed more heavily towards the female, but in this book, the balance worked.
There were so many characters and so much going on in this town! It reminded me a lot of the town in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." There was never a dull moment with these folks! I really liked Lucy's younger brother, Caleb, from the start. He was adorable as the teenage future town doctor, so ready to help, but with so much to learn.
I loved this book right from the start, it was un-put-downable!
book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review!
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
This is a darn-tootin good read! There's something for everyone- romance, family secrets, a mystery, great friends, and town gossip. The message is delivered subtly and realistically.
I loved reading about the photography of the time period. The author has a great knowledge of how photography worked back then. I also loved the advice at the start of each chapter given to both photographers and their subjects. The advice was sometimes humorous in how dated it was, and sometimes still true today!
I loved both of the leads, Lucy and David. I especially liked the growth that David experienced throughout the book regarding his reaction to the incident that changed his life. As with a lot of Christian historical romances, the point of view was skewed more heavily towards the female, but in this book, the balance worked.
There were so many characters and so much going on in this town! It reminded me a lot of the town in "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman." There was never a dull moment with these folks! I really liked Lucy's younger brother, Caleb, from the start. He was adorable as the teenage future town doctor, so ready to help, but with so much to learn.
I loved this book right from the start, it was un-put-downable!
book sent by publisher in exchange for an honest review!
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
July 16, 2020
OMG... I have become a reading machine!
I enjoyed "A Vision of Lucy". It was a sweet, fun, and quick read... although 330 pages in length :D
My only wish is that a little bit more was known and/or revealed about the David Wolf's background. I was hoping that box would have provided a few additional hints...
Up next will be a four book Harlequin Historical series... at this rate, I will reach my 50 book reading goal by the end of the summer, LOL.
I enjoyed "A Vision of Lucy". It was a sweet, fun, and quick read... although 330 pages in length :D
My only wish is that a little bit more was known and/or revealed about the David Wolf's background. I was hoping that box would have provided a few additional hints...
Up next will be a four book Harlequin Historical series... at this rate, I will reach my 50 book reading goal by the end of the summer, LOL.
July 19, 2011
Margaret Brownley, can we please do lunch? I know, a strange way to start out a book review, but sometimes after reading a good book, that’s how I feel and after reading A Vision for Lucy, and discovering that this author is full of humor and spunk, I just know she’d be a hoot to go to lunch with! I could ask her my plethora of questions about her Historical Christian fiction book, like “Are the cute quotes from a lady photographer of the day at the beginning of each chapter true or invented by her own imagination?” An example: “Never say “shoot” when you mean “photograph” especially when talking to a trigger –happy gunslinger”. Or,”What was your inspiration for the spunky photo-taking, jabber a mile a minute when she’s nervous heroine Lucy Fairbanks?” I’d ask her these things before the menus even came.
Onto the storyline- the setting is the little town of Rocky Creek Texas in 1882, a town where everybody knows your name…except for the new guy in town. A man with a secret and labeled incorrectly by a boy who got caught rummaging through his stuff, as a “wild man” and has the whole town on edge. Lucy, photographer extraordinaire, captures a picture of him for the local newspaper and things get misconstrued and it just gets wilder from there. It turns out this “stranger” is named David Wolf and is tall, dark and handsome and a bit brooding as well. He has reason to be, but I’ll let you discover his secrets for yourself between the pages of this book. Of course our spunky and driven photographer Lucy and mysterious and handsome stranger David meet up and together they make quite a pair. There is a secret here and it affects more than just our mysterious David. As the story unfolds, you see the pieces fall into place.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. There were laugh out loud moments and the character of Lucy was a hoot. I became a fan of her instantly, especially with her tendency to babble on when she is nervous. The deep dark secret was revealed in just the right timing , as things came together and the clues were all there, but alas I did fall for the ‘red herring” that presented itself , so good job fooling me! Women’s suffrage is also woven into the storyline in an interesting way and I enjoyed the historical context woven through this novel. The main character throughout the novel is “searching” for what God has for her and her purpose in life- a common question to us all. The author does a good job in showing the character’s journey in that whole process.
My only little bit of criticism is that I found the description of the male character to be just a tad “mainstream romantic novelish”- “bulging thighs” for example. That is just my own little observation and it’s just my opinion, it just took me out of the story for a minute, so it caught my attention.
So, to sum up, this book was a great read, really enjoyed it and I am recommending it to those that love a Great Historical Christian fiction, romantic, mystery with some laugh out loud humor kind of books. I will definitely be reading more of Margaret Brownley in the future and Margaret, if you are ever in the Seattle area, please look me up - lunch is on me.
Disclosure- I received a Digital review copy of this book through the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Onto the storyline- the setting is the little town of Rocky Creek Texas in 1882, a town where everybody knows your name…except for the new guy in town. A man with a secret and labeled incorrectly by a boy who got caught rummaging through his stuff, as a “wild man” and has the whole town on edge. Lucy, photographer extraordinaire, captures a picture of him for the local newspaper and things get misconstrued and it just gets wilder from there. It turns out this “stranger” is named David Wolf and is tall, dark and handsome and a bit brooding as well. He has reason to be, but I’ll let you discover his secrets for yourself between the pages of this book. Of course our spunky and driven photographer Lucy and mysterious and handsome stranger David meet up and together they make quite a pair. There is a secret here and it affects more than just our mysterious David. As the story unfolds, you see the pieces fall into place.
I have to say I really enjoyed this book. There were laugh out loud moments and the character of Lucy was a hoot. I became a fan of her instantly, especially with her tendency to babble on when she is nervous. The deep dark secret was revealed in just the right timing , as things came together and the clues were all there, but alas I did fall for the ‘red herring” that presented itself , so good job fooling me! Women’s suffrage is also woven into the storyline in an interesting way and I enjoyed the historical context woven through this novel. The main character throughout the novel is “searching” for what God has for her and her purpose in life- a common question to us all. The author does a good job in showing the character’s journey in that whole process.
My only little bit of criticism is that I found the description of the male character to be just a tad “mainstream romantic novelish”- “bulging thighs” for example. That is just my own little observation and it’s just my opinion, it just took me out of the story for a minute, so it caught my attention.
So, to sum up, this book was a great read, really enjoyed it and I am recommending it to those that love a Great Historical Christian fiction, romantic, mystery with some laugh out loud humor kind of books. I will definitely be reading more of Margaret Brownley in the future and Margaret, if you are ever in the Seattle area, please look me up - lunch is on me.
Disclosure- I received a Digital review copy of this book through the Booksneeze program in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
February 23, 2022
Lucy Fairbanks is a photographer and a little clumsy. Her deceased mother was a painter. Her father owns a hardware store. Her brother wants to be a doctor. David Wolf is a lost soul, a good carpenter and a handsome halfbreed. Lucy's father and friends were not kind to David when he was a little 10 year old boy. Lucy's dad and friends kept the haunting past a secret. How will Lucy handle this news once she finds out the truth about her father? She is in love with David. Will David be able to fit in her world? Will Lucy's dad accept David as an equal? Will David find out who he is? The story starts out strong and goes milder in the middle. Once again, picks up at the end. This is a good book to read.
October 25, 2011
This book starts out slow and silly, but eventually does grab your attention in such a way that you need to find out how it ends. We meet Lucy and her brother, Caleb, right away. Lucy is minding her own business when mischief comes right to her and she literally falls out of a tree and into trouble! Soon afterwards she meets mysterious David Wolf who rescues her and immediately gets under her skin. The instant attraction between them did not impress me, but as the story progresses their interactions become more realistic and precious. However, just as soon as they meet he disappears. He’s in town on a mission and this feisty redhead is not about to distract him from attaining his purpose no matter how attractive she is. Does this story sound familiar yet? I thought it was going to be completely predictable at this point. I was wrong.
Lucy loves taking pictures and she understands every aspect of photography in 19th century Texas before women have careers or the ability to vote. However, as talented and dedicated as she is with photography, she’s always getting into trouble. It’s a small town and Lucy seems to attract mishaps wherever she goes. Examples: she almost gets mauled while photographing a bobcat, she almost gets trampled trying to photograph a stampede, and she causes a fire while taking a picture.
What I didn’t like about Lucy: even though she loves God and wants to do the right thing she doesn’t pray until she’s in trouble (which is constant); she is deceptive to her father because she doesn’t think he’ll understand or he’ll try to stop her; she has good intentions, but she’s always putting herself and others in danger before thinking things through. And yet, despite these flaws, I found that even if I don’t relate to the character Lucy is, I did understand her motives. What I appreciated about Lucy: she has an amazing heart and is constantly going out of her way to help others, she is very protective of her brother and puts his needs as well as her father’s needs ahead of her own, she is naïve but eager to see justice carried out, her passion for photography allows her the ability to see people for who they really are.
David and Lucy work together to rebuild the town church after it accidentally gets destroyed, solve a 20 year old mystery that traumatizes four different families, face past losses (for Lucy it’s the loss of her mom and indifference of her dad; for David it’s his deprived childhood), they learn forgiveness and letting go all while figuring out their feelings for each other along the way. Despite the slow start this book has, the last 80 pages had me eager to find out the conclusion. How much trouble can one 20 year old woman get into? You won’t believe it until you read this clever Texas tale that shows us to never give up on your dreams no matter how out of reach they are and to trust God’s plan for your life.
I want to thank NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson for the free copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Lucy loves taking pictures and she understands every aspect of photography in 19th century Texas before women have careers or the ability to vote. However, as talented and dedicated as she is with photography, she’s always getting into trouble. It’s a small town and Lucy seems to attract mishaps wherever she goes. Examples: she almost gets mauled while photographing a bobcat, she almost gets trampled trying to photograph a stampede, and she causes a fire while taking a picture.
What I didn’t like about Lucy: even though she loves God and wants to do the right thing she doesn’t pray until she’s in trouble (which is constant); she is deceptive to her father because she doesn’t think he’ll understand or he’ll try to stop her; she has good intentions, but she’s always putting herself and others in danger before thinking things through. And yet, despite these flaws, I found that even if I don’t relate to the character Lucy is, I did understand her motives. What I appreciated about Lucy: she has an amazing heart and is constantly going out of her way to help others, she is very protective of her brother and puts his needs as well as her father’s needs ahead of her own, she is naïve but eager to see justice carried out, her passion for photography allows her the ability to see people for who they really are.
David and Lucy work together to rebuild the town church after it accidentally gets destroyed, solve a 20 year old mystery that traumatizes four different families, face past losses (for Lucy it’s the loss of her mom and indifference of her dad; for David it’s his deprived childhood), they learn forgiveness and letting go all while figuring out their feelings for each other along the way. Despite the slow start this book has, the last 80 pages had me eager to find out the conclusion. How much trouble can one 20 year old woman get into? You won’t believe it until you read this clever Texas tale that shows us to never give up on your dreams no matter how out of reach they are and to trust God’s plan for your life.
I want to thank NetGalley.com and Thomas Nelson for the free copy they provided for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 6, 2011
I loved A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley! Such a delightful story in the Rocky Creek Romance series! A Vision of Lucy is about Lucy Fairbanks, a young lady who has a passion for photography. Lucy strongly believes that the camera can capture more truth than the human eye and she longs to do something important with her talent as a photographer! Then there is the hero David, whom I just adored. He is a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of Rocky Creek and is struggling with what to do about the past that is haunting him. Lucy and David meet and the truths they discover will forever change their lives and the lives of others!
I couldn’t get enough of this wonderful story! Margaret Brownley does such an amazing job with connecting the reader to the plot and to the characters. The plot was very different so once I started reading I never wanted to put the book down. The characters were all noteworthy and fun; my favorite character would have to be babbling and loveable Lucy. At times, I literally laughed out loud with the hilarious predicaments that Lucy found herself in. David was also a wonderful character that I longed to embrace and help him deal with his internal battles.
I enjoyed the history on photography; I never realized how dangerous photography was until I read A Vision of Lucy. I also enjoyed all the other historical lessons throughout the book and the spiritual threads as well. The spiritual tones were mild but I felt like they were much needed to make the story more enjoyable. The romance was sweet although very passionate, the kissing scenes were delicious! This story has everything desirable; romance, mystery, spiritual lessons, and history! I highly recommend A Vision of Lucy, along with the other Rocky Creek Romances.
Thomas Nelson publishers made this ARC available for me to review with no stipulations or requirements. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I honestly read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not recommend it.
I couldn’t get enough of this wonderful story! Margaret Brownley does such an amazing job with connecting the reader to the plot and to the characters. The plot was very different so once I started reading I never wanted to put the book down. The characters were all noteworthy and fun; my favorite character would have to be babbling and loveable Lucy. At times, I literally laughed out loud with the hilarious predicaments that Lucy found herself in. David was also a wonderful character that I longed to embrace and help him deal with his internal battles.
I enjoyed the history on photography; I never realized how dangerous photography was until I read A Vision of Lucy. I also enjoyed all the other historical lessons throughout the book and the spiritual threads as well. The spiritual tones were mild but I felt like they were much needed to make the story more enjoyable. The romance was sweet although very passionate, the kissing scenes were delicious! This story has everything desirable; romance, mystery, spiritual lessons, and history! I highly recommend A Vision of Lucy, along with the other Rocky Creek Romances.
Thomas Nelson publishers made this ARC available for me to review with no stipulations or requirements. My review is not biased by the fact that I was given this book. I honestly read and review any book whether bought or given to me. If I did not like the book I would definitely not recommend it.
June 24, 2011
This is a delightful book that has it all. There is romance, misadventure, a little bit of mystery, some fun and a healthy dose of forgiveness. I love books that have a good mix like this. It reminds me of one of those treasured recipes that's been handed down through the generations ~ it just gets better and better. :o)
Lucy is independent and knows her mind. She really wants to please and understand her father though. Family is important to her. I have a serious pet peeve. I can't tolerate lies. Lucy has trouble with secrets. This is really important to the story for many reasons. Despite how often she gets in trouble, she's a peacemaker and tries to help smooth things over between her father and brother when they don't see things from the same perspective. She has a plan for her life and it doesn't include any of the men her father wants to set her up with. In fact, it doesn't include any man at all ... that is until she meets a certain wild man.
David Wolf has plans too. He's determined to settle some old business - quietly - and then get out of town and back to what he's good at - where he's comfortable. He didn't count on Lucy taking his picture and getting everyone riled up. He didn't count on Lucy at all come to think on it. He's handsome, stubborn, talented, and he has a past that hasn't let go.
I loved the way these two interacted with each other. They had a genuine appreciation for each other and you could feel a real relationship growing but they didn't lack chemistry either. The story had enough interesting historical details without feeling like a lesson and the characters were likable and stayed with me long after I quit reading. This will go on my list for favorites. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing an electronic copy for me to review.
Lucy is independent and knows her mind. She really wants to please and understand her father though. Family is important to her. I have a serious pet peeve. I can't tolerate lies. Lucy has trouble with secrets. This is really important to the story for many reasons. Despite how often she gets in trouble, she's a peacemaker and tries to help smooth things over between her father and brother when they don't see things from the same perspective. She has a plan for her life and it doesn't include any of the men her father wants to set her up with. In fact, it doesn't include any man at all ... that is until she meets a certain wild man.
David Wolf has plans too. He's determined to settle some old business - quietly - and then get out of town and back to what he's good at - where he's comfortable. He didn't count on Lucy taking his picture and getting everyone riled up. He didn't count on Lucy at all come to think on it. He's handsome, stubborn, talented, and he has a past that hasn't let go.
I loved the way these two interacted with each other. They had a genuine appreciation for each other and you could feel a real relationship growing but they didn't lack chemistry either. The story had enough interesting historical details without feeling like a lesson and the characters were likable and stayed with me long after I quit reading. This will go on my list for favorites. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing an electronic copy for me to review.
June 17, 2019
I rarely read a book this but yesterday afternoon, I was compelled to read to the end by the story! It is classified as a Christian fiction romance but it is much more! It straddles historical fiction because it included information on women's suffrage and the history of photography. I wanted to read it because one of my ancestors invented a camera and I have several prints that he made right about the time that that this book was set in early Texas history.
Next, the author, Margaret Brownley is a great humorist and I laughed and laughed through a lot of this. Thirdly, her philosophy of life shines strongly throughout this book. I have not often read anything that I agreed with 100% and she made me feel very at home and loved.
The story is great, it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
I received this book by being a winner of a book contest long ago but that fact has no bearing on my review. I received this book from the author herself. I will share with you, her inscription: To Carol,
Sending Love and Laughter Your Way! Blessings, Margaret Brownely".
Next, the author, Margaret Brownley is a great humorist and I laughed and laughed through a lot of this. Thirdly, her philosophy of life shines strongly throughout this book. I have not often read anything that I agreed with 100% and she made me feel very at home and loved.
The story is great, it brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
I received this book by being a winner of a book contest long ago but that fact has no bearing on my review. I received this book from the author herself. I will share with you, her inscription: To Carol,
Sending Love and Laughter Your Way! Blessings, Margaret Brownely".
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March 31, 2016I can't decide what to rate this one. Perhaps 3.5 stars? I did enjoy the comical moments and the bit of intrigue, but there was also just enough about the story to bother me. Things I thought were unnecessary/inappropriate or annoying (personally, I could only handle the suffra-quilters so many times, and Lucy's attitude toward her father was severely wanting). I was glad to see it all turn out right in the end, and I do look forward to reading more by this fun author. I think I've just enjoyed her other books better!
August 8, 2011
(5 copies)
My initial feeling was to give this book 2 stars. The writer fudged over a lot of action just to give the reader meaningless conversations with minor characters. Annoying. About 2/3 of the way through we finally began to concentrate on the story and I was ready to upgrade to 3 stars. The ending put me back to 2. If a central part of the plot is the finding of a mysterious box, the reader should eventually find out what was in the box.
My initial feeling was to give this book 2 stars. The writer fudged over a lot of action just to give the reader meaningless conversations with minor characters. Annoying. About 2/3 of the way through we finally began to concentrate on the story and I was ready to upgrade to 3 stars. The ending put me back to 2. If a central part of the plot is the finding of a mysterious box, the reader should eventually find out what was in the box.
August 31, 2020
Lucy, an aspiring photographer in Old West Rocky Creek Texas, is rescued by a mysterious man during a stagecoach robbery. Townspeople begin disappearing, and stereotypes lead authorities in the wrong direction. I found the book interesting, funny, and thought-provoking.
Chapters are introduced by quotes from “Miss Gertrude Hasslebrink, Woman Photographer, 1878.” The quotes are so funny and insightful that they’ve spread across the Internet independently from the book.
Themes include truth, stereotypes, identity, abandonment and forgiveness.
While not in the same class as works by James Joyce or Toni Morrison or even Charles Martin, this volume is rich with symbolism. Questions for the reader to consider:
*How does the course of Rocky Creek itself (the actual creek) reflect the lives of the people who live near it?
*How do the camera’s perspectives from high places illuminate perspectives on life?
*How does photography clarify the nature of truth? Can a camera really “illuminate the secrets that surround” someone?
*Does “every pot have a lid”?
Although part of a series, the books can be read in any order. I read this one after reading book #1 and skipping #2 for now.
Chapters are introduced by quotes from “Miss Gertrude Hasslebrink, Woman Photographer, 1878.” The quotes are so funny and insightful that they’ve spread across the Internet independently from the book.
Themes include truth, stereotypes, identity, abandonment and forgiveness.
While not in the same class as works by James Joyce or Toni Morrison or even Charles Martin, this volume is rich with symbolism. Questions for the reader to consider:
*How does the course of Rocky Creek itself (the actual creek) reflect the lives of the people who live near it?
*How do the camera’s perspectives from high places illuminate perspectives on life?
*How does photography clarify the nature of truth? Can a camera really “illuminate the secrets that surround” someone?
*Does “every pot have a lid”?
Although part of a series, the books can be read in any order. I read this one after reading book #1 and skipping #2 for now.
November 5, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the third and last book in the series. Lucy was a very interesting character. Wolf is also very interesting and it really took me a while to get into his head. I felt bad for him because as a young girl I also enjoyed my share of being bullied so I could totally understand where he was coming from. I’m also very glad though that he was able to get past that and begin to see the value in himself as a person rather than as a “half breed“. The perspective of the tormentors was very interesting as well because you really don’t think about how Belize feel as they mature into adulthood. You don’t realize how they reflect on their own actions and consider them differently. I have to admit that I wasn’t entirely sure who the fourth person in the 4 person band was and was very surprised to find out what happened. It was quite interesting. I hope to go back and read more of this authors works because I have thoroughly enjoyed them.
August 10, 2023
I wanted to finish this series and was not disappointed. Lucy does some daring things to try to get a photo of a mysterious white horse. Climbing a tree didn't seem like a problem. But when she observes the stage being chased by robbers, she decides to get a picture. Instead she ends up kidnapped by the robbers. Her rescuer happens to be a half-breed who the town claims is wild. He doesn't appear wild to her, not even when he kisses her to hush her babbling. That is just the beginning of exciting messes that Lucy gets into. Trying to uncover the truth about the "wild" man David Wolf leads to several harrowing ordeals for them both. Book includes lots of history on early photography that I found interesting, too.
May 15, 2017
2011 sentimentality in persons set in 1870 just doesn't work. Though this book isn't as bad as the second in the series, it wasn't as good as the first. In fairness, my opinion may be shaded by my having read (and thoroughly disliked) the second book right before reading this one. The plot seemed thin and unfinished in areas. The characters and relationships were weak. A little more focus on the story and main characters and a little less on the random facts about early photography would have gone a long way. The weak attempts at wordplay were painful to read. I like a good pun (a little too much), but if you have to work at it, point it out, or repeat it then it isn't a good pun.
June 10, 2025
A man abandoned as a child finds love and acceptance with a lady photographer.
Loved being back with this author again. Lucy and David story was exciting and sweet. David became Lucy hero from the start. But he was shunned by the townspeople for a time. But they grew to love him as she did. But certain ones in the town had awful secret that they had to let go of. When that happened things changed for the better. Love came in full force. Will read more by this author.
Loved being back with this author again. Lucy and David story was exciting and sweet. David became Lucy hero from the start. But he was shunned by the townspeople for a time. But they grew to love him as she did. But certain ones in the town had awful secret that they had to let go of. When that happened things changed for the better. Love came in full force. Will read more by this author.
July 31, 2011
GENRE: HISTORICAL ROMANCE
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 28, 2011
RATING: 9 OUT OF 10
Photography may not seem like a popular career choice in 1882, particularly for a woman, but Lucy Bradshaw is determined to make a living with her camera. However, all of her attempts to impress the owner of the local paper fail drastically, the final one culminating in her falling from a tree on to a stage-coach, which happened to be in the process of being robbed. Following her disastrous shenanigans, no one in Rocky Creek, including Lucy’s own father, is convinced that photography is an aid to journalism or a fitting pursuit for a woman. Her father would much rather that Lucy cultivate the hobbies and interests more appropriate for a young lady and stop getting herself into scrapes that bring embarrassment on him and the other residents of the town.
Lucy’s last failed attempt at taking a photograph for the newspaper brings her into contact with David Wolf, an aptly named supposedly “wild” man living on the outskirts of Rocky Creek who has been shunned throughout his life because of his mixed race. In the confusion between Lucy witnessing a robbery and running into David, her new friend ends up arrested and badly harmed, but not capable of receiving medical aid in a town that believes him to be a half-breed criminal. Carefully, Lucy and her younger brother hide David in the storeroom of the church and nurse him back to health. Lucy has no idea what brought David to Rocky Creek in the first place, but she is determined to help him, even if it endangers her reputation further. But will David accept her help?
I expected this book to be a standard historical romance, but was pleasantly surprised to discover how much action and mystery it contained. Not to mention a colourful array of secondary characters and a vividly described town. I came into this book completely fresh, not having even heard of this series before, but managed to catch up with the characters from the previous books very easily. In fact, although the protagonists from the first two Rocky Creek novels did feature briefly in A Vision of Lucy, very little was revealed about the events in the earlier books, meaning that I can still go back and read the previous novels without having the outcomes spoiled. So if, like me, the beautiful cover of this book catches your eye but you’ve not read the others in the series, it is entirely possible to jump in and be swept away by the wonderful characters of Rocky Creek with little confusion.
When I initially started reading A Vision of Lucy, I only intended to read the first chapter before going to bed. This plan proved to be entirely impossible once Lucy fell out of a tree on to the stagecoach below that was in the process of being robbed, frightening the horses and causing them to gallop off, dragging the stagecoach behind them – with Lucy still hanging on. Like the horses, this book sped along at a fair sped with never a dull moment, making it very difficult to even put down for a moment. Margaret inserted an appropriate amount of mystery and adventure into the book, which kept it from being a standard romance. There was also a fair amount of mischief and trouble on Lucy’s part – from falling out of trees to burning down buildings –and her antics kept me very amused and I found myself giggling all the way through this book.
Lucy has to be one of the most original female protagonists I’ve had in a while, and provided plenty of humour without her escapades seeming at all forced. Sometimes it can seem as if accident-prone characters are being pushed to provide amusement for the readers, but I never felt this about Lucy. Her endeavours to improve her town, help David and achieve something through her photography were always well-meant, even if the outcomes were less than successful. I loved her relationship with David and the chemistry they had together, starting with him kissing her to make her stop talking. He was a bit of a distant character, due to the problems he’d encountered throughout his life which he allowed to affect his present situations and relationships. But ultimately I think their very different personalities ended up working well together. Their romance was made more unusual by the fact that Lucy and David had to stand against those who disapproved of interracial relationships. Both of them faced adversity from some members of the town, which hindered their relationship from progressing as both of them would have liked. I don’t think I’ve read many romances that address issues of interracial relationships in the nineteenth century, so this was a particularly interesting aspect of the novel.
The third Rocky Creek Romance is an absolute delight, even for someone who hasn’t read the rest of the series. The relationship between an accident-prone photographer and a “wild”, mixed-race carpenter unfolds to a background of intrigue and mystery. Readers of historical romances won’t be disappointed by A Vision of Lucy, and those who are looking for something a bit more unconventional should definitely be on the lookout for more from Margaret Brownley.
Review title provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson.
PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON
PUBLICATION DATE: JUNE 28, 2011
RATING: 9 OUT OF 10
Photography may not seem like a popular career choice in 1882, particularly for a woman, but Lucy Bradshaw is determined to make a living with her camera. However, all of her attempts to impress the owner of the local paper fail drastically, the final one culminating in her falling from a tree on to a stage-coach, which happened to be in the process of being robbed. Following her disastrous shenanigans, no one in Rocky Creek, including Lucy’s own father, is convinced that photography is an aid to journalism or a fitting pursuit for a woman. Her father would much rather that Lucy cultivate the hobbies and interests more appropriate for a young lady and stop getting herself into scrapes that bring embarrassment on him and the other residents of the town.
Lucy’s last failed attempt at taking a photograph for the newspaper brings her into contact with David Wolf, an aptly named supposedly “wild” man living on the outskirts of Rocky Creek who has been shunned throughout his life because of his mixed race. In the confusion between Lucy witnessing a robbery and running into David, her new friend ends up arrested and badly harmed, but not capable of receiving medical aid in a town that believes him to be a half-breed criminal. Carefully, Lucy and her younger brother hide David in the storeroom of the church and nurse him back to health. Lucy has no idea what brought David to Rocky Creek in the first place, but she is determined to help him, even if it endangers her reputation further. But will David accept her help?
I expected this book to be a standard historical romance, but was pleasantly surprised to discover how much action and mystery it contained. Not to mention a colourful array of secondary characters and a vividly described town. I came into this book completely fresh, not having even heard of this series before, but managed to catch up with the characters from the previous books very easily. In fact, although the protagonists from the first two Rocky Creek novels did feature briefly in A Vision of Lucy, very little was revealed about the events in the earlier books, meaning that I can still go back and read the previous novels without having the outcomes spoiled. So if, like me, the beautiful cover of this book catches your eye but you’ve not read the others in the series, it is entirely possible to jump in and be swept away by the wonderful characters of Rocky Creek with little confusion.
When I initially started reading A Vision of Lucy, I only intended to read the first chapter before going to bed. This plan proved to be entirely impossible once Lucy fell out of a tree on to the stagecoach below that was in the process of being robbed, frightening the horses and causing them to gallop off, dragging the stagecoach behind them – with Lucy still hanging on. Like the horses, this book sped along at a fair sped with never a dull moment, making it very difficult to even put down for a moment. Margaret inserted an appropriate amount of mystery and adventure into the book, which kept it from being a standard romance. There was also a fair amount of mischief and trouble on Lucy’s part – from falling out of trees to burning down buildings –and her antics kept me very amused and I found myself giggling all the way through this book.
Lucy has to be one of the most original female protagonists I’ve had in a while, and provided plenty of humour without her escapades seeming at all forced. Sometimes it can seem as if accident-prone characters are being pushed to provide amusement for the readers, but I never felt this about Lucy. Her endeavours to improve her town, help David and achieve something through her photography were always well-meant, even if the outcomes were less than successful. I loved her relationship with David and the chemistry they had together, starting with him kissing her to make her stop talking. He was a bit of a distant character, due to the problems he’d encountered throughout his life which he allowed to affect his present situations and relationships. But ultimately I think their very different personalities ended up working well together. Their romance was made more unusual by the fact that Lucy and David had to stand against those who disapproved of interracial relationships. Both of them faced adversity from some members of the town, which hindered their relationship from progressing as both of them would have liked. I don’t think I’ve read many romances that address issues of interracial relationships in the nineteenth century, so this was a particularly interesting aspect of the novel.
The third Rocky Creek Romance is an absolute delight, even for someone who hasn’t read the rest of the series. The relationship between an accident-prone photographer and a “wild”, mixed-race carpenter unfolds to a background of intrigue and mystery. Readers of historical romances won’t be disappointed by A Vision of Lucy, and those who are looking for something a bit more unconventional should definitely be on the lookout for more from Margaret Brownley.
Review title provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson.
November 10, 2019
Great book, great series!
Really enjoyed all three books and hated this series coming to an end! Read these in order. Margaret Brownley does a fantastic job drawing you into the stories!
Really enjoyed all three books and hated this series coming to an end! Read these in order. Margaret Brownley does a fantastic job drawing you into the stories!
August 10, 2021
This one was by far my favorite of the series. Maybe because Lucy and David were my favorite characters. Or I really enjoyed the aspect of people being equal in this book. It was done well without being bossy. This was a great book.
September 6, 2023
Christian fiction
This is a great series. Historical Christian fiction where the characters renew their faith is my favorite books to read. I loved each book and could not put them down.
This is a great series. Historical Christian fiction where the characters renew their faith is my favorite books to read. I loved each book and could not put them down.
July 12, 2017
Couldn't finish this. :/ It just ended up disappointing me from the start and it wasn't my style. The plot overall intrigued me, but I couldn't get past the first few chapters.
July 9, 2018
Not my favorite of her books but it's still a light,enjoyable read.
November 5, 2018
Not a fan of books that woman do what they want to do against the advice of others and the outcome causes harm to someone.
April 23, 2020
Chick lit. Historical romance. A young woman wants to be a photographer in 19th century Texas. She falls in love with a "half Indian".
May 26, 2020
It was hard to put down.
April 14, 2022
A sweet love story with interesting twists from the history of various characters.
August 2, 2024
Sweet, easy read.
September 19, 2024
Listened on Audible (Included).
Not as humorous as the two previous books in the series, but still a good story.
Not as humorous as the two previous books in the series, but still a good story.
October 27, 2024
It’s good, exciting, and funny!
February 13, 2025
Really enjoyed it, trouble seems to follow unconventional Lucy in the end she listened to her heart
July 21, 2011
A Vision of Lucy by Margaret Brownley
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
A Vision of Lucy was the first book I’ve read in Christian Fiction. I received a review request from the publisher and quickly accepted the book. It first caught my eye because Lucy wants to be a photographer and it takes place in the 1800’s.
Lucy is a young woman that has been raising her father and brother since her mother died. She has aspirations to be a photographer but no one will take her seriously. She is convinced that if she can get that one great shot, the local newspaper will hire her to work there. She never dreamed that her passion would almost cost a man his life.
David Wolf is a man on a mission. He is angry with the world because he doesn’t fit in with the white man or the Indians. He has been shunned all his life due to his Indian blood. When he was younger he was almost killed by four teenage boys out causing trouble. He has never forgiven them and wants them to suffer as he has all these years.
I love Lucy’s character. She is continually getting into trouble and it seems like David is always there to rescue her. She reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s main character, Stephanie Plum. It seems like anything that can go wrong for Lucy does, even when she is trying to help someone. She has a good heart and believes that people are inherently good but she is also a little naive about the world around her since she has never left her small town.
David is a complex character that is jaded and feels like everyone holds his Indian blood against him. He was put in a boat and left to die when he was a little boy, an incident that has fueled his hatred all these years. He just wants people to see him for who he is, a smart and talented man, but he has to start seeing himself differently before anyone else will.
I really like David and Lucy together. He is truly the yin to her yang and they complement each other well. Lucy will be able to help him overcome his anger and resentment while learning forgiveness. At the same time, David is there to show her the ways of the world. He encourages her to continue with her photography. He loves her just the way she is and she doesn’t care about his mixed blood.
The town is a typical town in the old west and full of interesting characters, including the typical nosy neighbors and budding politician. The secondary characters are so much fun and add that additional level of depth to the story. The tidbits at the beginning of each chapter are also fun to read. I enjoyed learning about how old school photography was processed; it makes me appreciate my digital camera that much more.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book because I really wasn’t sure what to expect from a Christian fiction book. The author’s message of love and forgiveness is intricately woven into the story without the reader felling like they are attending a worship service.
Overall I really enjoyed A Vision of Lucy and give it 4 Flaming Hearts.
*I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
A Vision of Lucy was the first book I’ve read in Christian Fiction. I received a review request from the publisher and quickly accepted the book. It first caught my eye because Lucy wants to be a photographer and it takes place in the 1800’s.
Lucy is a young woman that has been raising her father and brother since her mother died. She has aspirations to be a photographer but no one will take her seriously. She is convinced that if she can get that one great shot, the local newspaper will hire her to work there. She never dreamed that her passion would almost cost a man his life.
David Wolf is a man on a mission. He is angry with the world because he doesn’t fit in with the white man or the Indians. He has been shunned all his life due to his Indian blood. When he was younger he was almost killed by four teenage boys out causing trouble. He has never forgiven them and wants them to suffer as he has all these years.
I love Lucy’s character. She is continually getting into trouble and it seems like David is always there to rescue her. She reminds me of Janet Evanovich’s main character, Stephanie Plum. It seems like anything that can go wrong for Lucy does, even when she is trying to help someone. She has a good heart and believes that people are inherently good but she is also a little naive about the world around her since she has never left her small town.
David is a complex character that is jaded and feels like everyone holds his Indian blood against him. He was put in a boat and left to die when he was a little boy, an incident that has fueled his hatred all these years. He just wants people to see him for who he is, a smart and talented man, but he has to start seeing himself differently before anyone else will.
I really like David and Lucy together. He is truly the yin to her yang and they complement each other well. Lucy will be able to help him overcome his anger and resentment while learning forgiveness. At the same time, David is there to show her the ways of the world. He encourages her to continue with her photography. He loves her just the way she is and she doesn’t care about his mixed blood.
The town is a typical town in the old west and full of interesting characters, including the typical nosy neighbors and budding politician. The secondary characters are so much fun and add that additional level of depth to the story. The tidbits at the beginning of each chapter are also fun to read. I enjoyed learning about how old school photography was processed; it makes me appreciate my digital camera that much more.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book because I really wasn’t sure what to expect from a Christian fiction book. The author’s message of love and forgiveness is intricately woven into the story without the reader felling like they are attending a worship service.
Overall I really enjoyed A Vision of Lucy and give it 4 Flaming Hearts.
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