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Hickory Ridge Romance #2
Beauty for Ashes
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.
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.
336 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2012
51 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Love
24 books235 followersBefore 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
November 28, 2022
3.5 Stars
This was the first Dorothy Love book I've read, so I went in with no preconceived expectations and one hope: that the story would be as beautiful as the cover.
What I Liked
Can we take a moment for some cover love? Because that cover is extraordinary. Absolutely gorgeous.
Love does quite well with drawing the reader into time and place, meaning I felt like I was in the book itself--in the old Southern town, on the farm, melting in the infamous Southern heat, etc. Another strong point in Love's writing is how well she weaves unlikable characters (intentionally). I very much desired to take a heavy pan to the back of a certain woman's head for the majority of the book, although I will admit I softened a bit toward the end. Still. I enjoyed disliking her, if that makes sense.
I appreciated the faith element as well. The common theme was surrendering everything to God, and while it too a while to become overt, it finally reached that point in the second half. If you've read my reviews, you know how much I enjoy books with Biblical faith content.
Carrie was fine. I liked her better toward the end of the book, although she certainly garnered my sympathy within the first few pages. Joe was such a cutie. I want his story.
The author also did well keeping with the phrases of the time. Those really made me laugh.
What was also well-done was piquing my interest in one of the main characters for the next book in the series.
What I Wasn't Fond Of
I merely tolerated Griff for 75% of the book. He seemed selfish for a good portion, and while I completely understand him beginning that way so he can have some character arc improvement, that only came at about the final quarter. And it was hinted at that he was a ladies' man. I don't care if a male character is reformed. I never like guys who have been that way.
What I really disliked was how Carrie never cared that Griff only spoke about his faith of a grand total of about two times. In fact, I wasn't convinced he was a believer until the final chapter. I couldn't tell at all. And that's what really bothered me. She should have heeded the warning to not be unequally yoked. Yes, I understand that they weren't together until the end and all that, but honestly, ladies, if you like a guy, make sure he's a Christian--a true Christian--before allowing those flutters to continue.
I also disliked how drinking, smoking, and gambling were not outrightly called for what they are: evil. I know it was "the thing" in those days, but it still needs to be called what it is.
There's one instance where I can't tell if it's a prayer or the Lord's name taken in vain.
Content Warning
Drinking and smoking are mentioned; indecent intentions toward a woman are tastefully hinted at; a character is slapped; a character is punched; there are several uses of "what in the Sam Hill", something "by the saints" (I don't recall the precise terminology, but I wasn't entirely certain if all of them were appropriate)--those might bother some readers. Also it is mentioned a female character willingly worked for a madam at her bordello.
Conclusion
Beauty for Ashes has a gentle, meandering plot that takes the reader though the characters' everyday experiences. The reader will feel--on behalf of characters--rage, relief, the need to comfort, and the need to swat upside the head. There are issues that don't make me feel wholly comfortable recommending this, especially to younger readers.
With a faith element as beautiful as the cover and conveyed in a solid writing style, this book has its strong points, although there are some sticky areas as well. Readers of Southern Historical Christian Fiction may enjoy this story. I just can't recommend it for readers 19 and under due to my concerns.
This was the first Dorothy Love book I've read, so I went in with no preconceived expectations and one hope: that the story would be as beautiful as the cover.
What I Liked
Can we take a moment for some cover love? Because that cover is extraordinary. Absolutely gorgeous.
Love does quite well with drawing the reader into time and place, meaning I felt like I was in the book itself--in the old Southern town, on the farm, melting in the infamous Southern heat, etc. Another strong point in Love's writing is how well she weaves unlikable characters (intentionally). I very much desired to take a heavy pan to the back of a certain woman's head for the majority of the book, although I will admit I softened a bit toward the end. Still. I enjoyed disliking her, if that makes sense.
I appreciated the faith element as well. The common theme was surrendering everything to God, and while it too a while to become overt, it finally reached that point in the second half. If you've read my reviews, you know how much I enjoy books with Biblical faith content.
Carrie was fine. I liked her better toward the end of the book, although she certainly garnered my sympathy within the first few pages. Joe was such a cutie. I want his story.
The author also did well keeping with the phrases of the time. Those really made me laugh.
What was also well-done was piquing my interest in one of the main characters for the next book in the series.
What I Wasn't Fond Of
I merely tolerated Griff for 75% of the book. He seemed selfish for a good portion, and while I completely understand him beginning that way so he can have some character arc improvement, that only came at about the final quarter. And it was hinted at that he was a ladies' man. I don't care if a male character is reformed. I never like guys who have been that way.
What I really disliked was how Carrie never cared that Griff only spoke about his faith of a grand total of about two times. In fact, I wasn't convinced he was a believer until the final chapter. I couldn't tell at all. And that's what really bothered me. She should have heeded the warning to not be unequally yoked. Yes, I understand that they weren't together until the end and all that, but honestly, ladies, if you like a guy, make sure he's a Christian--a true Christian--before allowing those flutters to continue.
I also disliked how drinking, smoking, and gambling were not outrightly called for what they are: evil. I know it was "the thing" in those days, but it still needs to be called what it is.
There's one instance where I can't tell if it's a prayer or the Lord's name taken in vain.
Content Warning
Drinking and smoking are mentioned; indecent intentions toward a woman are tastefully hinted at; a character is slapped; a character is punched; there are several uses of "what in the Sam Hill", something "by the saints" (I don't recall the precise terminology, but I wasn't entirely certain if all of them were appropriate)--those might bother some readers. Also it is mentioned a female character willingly worked for a madam at her bordello.
Conclusion
Beauty for Ashes has a gentle, meandering plot that takes the reader though the characters' everyday experiences. The reader will feel--on behalf of characters--rage, relief, the need to comfort, and the need to swat upside the head. There are issues that don't make me feel wholly comfortable recommending this, especially to younger readers.
With a faith element as beautiful as the cover and conveyed in a solid writing style, this book has its strong points, although there are some sticky areas as well. Readers of Southern Historical Christian Fiction may enjoy this story. I just can't recommend it for readers 19 and under due to my concerns.
August 14, 2014
The pathos in the story is pretty amazing. There are things that happen that sort of rise up and grip you by the throat and make you feel so deeply for the characters. I loved Carrie from the beginning; it seemed so plain that she and Nate weren't truly in love. I loved how the story unfolded and the influence of the small town.
The romance was perfect, exactly my taste...getting to know each other wisely, not having lustful angst or stupid misunderstandings. It didn't overpower the story, so it seemed that I could really get to know the characters and enjoy the story of the town, struggling so hard against the Reconstruction-era poverty.
I'm looking forward to reading the first book!
The romance was perfect, exactly my taste...getting to know each other wisely, not having lustful angst or stupid misunderstandings. It didn't overpower the story, so it seemed that I could really get to know the characters and enjoy the story of the town, struggling so hard against the Reconstruction-era poverty.
I'm looking forward to reading the first book!
June 4, 2012
Dorothy Love has done what so many other inspirational authors find impossible to do. She has written a romantic novel with Christian values that is not sappy or filled with unnecessary details, nor is it overly preachy. She does not fall into the trap of using clichéd characters or situations. Instead, she has given us a novel with a well-plotted storyline and believable characters who come alive as you read about them. In this second installment in the Hickory Ridge Romance series, we meet Griff Rutledge, southern gentleman of questionable background. Carrie, who has moved out of the family home after her brother marries, is immediately taken with this handsome stranger, much to the chagrin of her longtime beau, Nate. Author Dorothy Love masterfully weaves an intriguing tale of love and loss, of hope and perseverance that will capture your interest from the very start. It is evident that the author has done her research in producing a historical novel whose events ring true and whose characters bring a past era to life again. This novel is an excellent choice for book clubs and should foster lively discussions. Although part of a series, it does stand on its own. However, once you read this installment, you will certainly want to read the others, too. Highly recommended, especially for church groups.
December 12, 2020
This is the second book by Dorothy Love in the Hickory Ridge series. The first one sat on my shelf for several years but I finally read it this year and loved Beyond All Measure so much that I bought the next in the series after reviewing it. I was very fortunate to find a large print version that had been in the North Central Kansas very several years. It is the first large print book that I have ever read. My eyes are in bad shape, so they enjoyed the restful ride through the book.
Men were scare after the Civil War, and Carrie Love had lost her husband then. When she was very young, both of her parents due to illness and her older brother had cared for her and raised. Henry married a widow with two sons and brought them to the farm to live with him and Carrie. Carrie and the widow did not get along and the two sons were unruly. Carrie had been seeing Nate in town so long that Nate and the rest of the town wondered when they would ever marry. But Carrie held off, not sure if he was the one.
Then she was crossing the road in town and almost got trampled by a horse, Griff Rutledge, rescues her and begin their on and off meetings. He offered to train the horse for the sowner and thereby begins a romance between Carrie and and Griff that seemed not hold any promise in the opinion of the towns people. With that beginning, the author spins a love story and intertwined with the stories of the depression that occured after the Panic of 1879. As I read it, I compared this book to my father's family during the Depression and my mother' family during the same time period. Like Carrie's brother went looking for work so he could send money back home for his family's survival,so did my father ride the rails looking for work and later working the CCC camps.
I highly recommend this book for being great historical fiction. I almost wish that I could persuade Dorothy Love to write my father's story.
Men were scare after the Civil War, and Carrie Love had lost her husband then. When she was very young, both of her parents due to illness and her older brother had cared for her and raised. Henry married a widow with two sons and brought them to the farm to live with him and Carrie. Carrie and the widow did not get along and the two sons were unruly. Carrie had been seeing Nate in town so long that Nate and the rest of the town wondered when they would ever marry. But Carrie held off, not sure if he was the one.
Then she was crossing the road in town and almost got trampled by a horse, Griff Rutledge, rescues her and begin their on and off meetings. He offered to train the horse for the sowner and thereby begins a romance between Carrie and and Griff that seemed not hold any promise in the opinion of the towns people. With that beginning, the author spins a love story and intertwined with the stories of the depression that occured after the Panic of 1879. As I read it, I compared this book to my father's family during the Depression and my mother' family during the same time period. Like Carrie's brother went looking for work so he could send money back home for his family's survival,so did my father ride the rails looking for work and later working the CCC camps.
I highly recommend this book for being great historical fiction. I almost wish that I could persuade Dorothy Love to write my father's story.
February 6, 2012
I loved Beyond All Measure the first book in this series. Even though this is a series the books are stand alone. The books are centered around a town, Hickory Ridge, Tennessee.
Beauty for Ashes is somewhat like Little House On the Prairie for adults. God's provision and grace are two of the key elements in this read.
Carrie is a likable person and being a widow in a Hickory Ridge where single men are scarce makes it hard for Carrie. Since women were expected to marry and to.be.honest it would have been hard to be woman and work in this town. A challenge that brings out the heart in Carrie.
There are two special men, Nate and Grif, that seem interested in Carrie. Of course, this is a great romance read... but there are twists and turns making this a grand-tastic read!
Don't miss this next great read in the Hickory Ridge Series!
*This book was provided by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing*
Beauty for Ashes is somewhat like Little House On the Prairie for adults. God's provision and grace are two of the key elements in this read.
Carrie is a likable person and being a widow in a Hickory Ridge where single men are scarce makes it hard for Carrie. Since women were expected to marry and to.be.honest it would have been hard to be woman and work in this town. A challenge that brings out the heart in Carrie.
There are two special men, Nate and Grif, that seem interested in Carrie. Of course, this is a great romance read... but there are twists and turns making this a grand-tastic read!
Don't miss this next great read in the Hickory Ridge Series!
*This book was provided by BookSneeze/Thomas Nelson Publishing*
May 7, 2015
This is the 2nd book in the series and it is just as good as the first if not better! You are swept away into the lives of those in the small town of Hickory Ridge,Tennessee. This book follows the life of Carrie a widow trying to make it on her own in the midst of the Depression and the affections shown to her by a very unlikely suitor. I love how the author intertwines the lives of those I grew to love in the first book into this book.The message is clear in this one....God can create beauty from ashes. Beautiful story! I highly recommend! Looking forward to reading the last book in this series but also sorrow that the series will come to an end!! I have fell in love with these characters. :)
April 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this visit back to the fictional Hickory Ridge, TN for the second book in the series. Carrie Daly has endured some difficult times and reading how she moves forward from them and ultimately seeks God’s help was very inspiring. Griff Rutledge has also traveled an unlikely path and it was pleasing to see how his character developed. Though Carrie and Griff met in a most unusual way, it was interesting to see if or when their acquaintance could progress to something more. I loved how several secondary characters also had life-changing stories befitting the book’s title.
This was an encouraging and uplifting sweet romance which kept me turning pages.
This was an encouraging and uplifting sweet romance which kept me turning pages.
September 6, 2019
I was practically determined to not give this a 5-star rating--I have been giving so many lately. I also was not sure that I truly liked the characters or the story. But Dorothy Love has come out with a winner in this book! I have never read any book by her, but she is definitely towards the top of my list now.
I did not realize that this book was part of a series, but I had no problem following it even though I did not read the first in the series. I was able to jump right into the action and get to know Carrie and Griff from the beginning. I was completely impressed with the wide variety of characters and realistic circumstances that the author put in this book. Nothing was sugar-coated, and some of the great tragedies truly touched me. It was nice to see an imperfect heroine and see how she dealt with it in light of her faith.
The message of the book truly struck a chord with me. It is the same message that I continue to read over and over lately. Find God's will, and then do it. Don't let the chance pass you by. God will provide for all your needs, and He cares about everything that concerns you. He will work it all for your glory--the bad things too.
I can relate a little bit to Carrie. I am quite friendless and sometimes shunned--that is the story of my life! I know how it feels to continue to ask for God's will and seemingly receive no direction. It is so tough to not give up!
The Christian themes were placed in very natural places in the book. The reader was not beaten over the head with Christianity, and yet, it was there. It was neat to see that God could change anyone. And it was amazing the way God worked through various tragedies in the book. I was pleased to see that the author is working on a sequel to this one. I hope that she will tie up the minimal loose ends that she left. The book ended in the right way, but it was rather abrupt as well. My only complaint!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
I did not realize that this book was part of a series, but I had no problem following it even though I did not read the first in the series. I was able to jump right into the action and get to know Carrie and Griff from the beginning. I was completely impressed with the wide variety of characters and realistic circumstances that the author put in this book. Nothing was sugar-coated, and some of the great tragedies truly touched me. It was nice to see an imperfect heroine and see how she dealt with it in light of her faith.
The message of the book truly struck a chord with me. It is the same message that I continue to read over and over lately. Find God's will, and then do it. Don't let the chance pass you by. God will provide for all your needs, and He cares about everything that concerns you. He will work it all for your glory--the bad things too.
I can relate a little bit to Carrie. I am quite friendless and sometimes shunned--that is the story of my life! I know how it feels to continue to ask for God's will and seemingly receive no direction. It is so tough to not give up!
The Christian themes were placed in very natural places in the book. The reader was not beaten over the head with Christianity, and yet, it was there. It was neat to see that God could change anyone. And it was amazing the way God worked through various tragedies in the book. I was pleased to see that the author is working on a sequel to this one. I hope that she will tie up the minimal loose ends that she left. The book ended in the right way, but it was rather abrupt as well. My only complaint!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
March 1, 2012
Carrie Daly does not like to hear the statement " Sorry you lost your husband." She will let you know real quick that she did not loose her husband he was killed during the Civil War. She has grieved his death for many years and honored him by not remarrying in hopes of keeping his memory alive.
Carrie's friend Ada Wentworth helped Carrie realize that she wanted to have a family of her own especially children.
She has had a friendship with Nate Chastain, the town's bookstore owner but friendship is as far as her feelings for him have gone.
Then Griff Rutledge, a known gambler, comes to Hickory Ridge and saves her from being trampled by a horse drawn buggy. Every time she turns around he is there rescuing her from one thing or another. She is drawn to him and he to her. Surprisingly they do seem to have some things in common. Carrie's friends try to discourage her from associating with him fearing her reputation will be ruined. Griff has plans to start a ranch in Australia. He is not interested in being tied down by land or a woman. He prays and reads his bible but is still confused as to the direction of his life. Is he avoiding praying for God's will?
Nothing seems to be going Carrie's way since her brother got married and turned her life upside down.
It seemed like every obstacle imaginable is getting in the way of the life she so wanted for herself. She reads her bible and prays everyday yet she still feels discouraged. Is she also avoiding praying for God's will?
This story show just how difficult things were back them for man to provide for his family. It was much worse for a woman trying to run a fame and provide for a family.
I highly recomment this book!
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Thomas Nelson for review. In no way was I compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.
Carrie's friend Ada Wentworth helped Carrie realize that she wanted to have a family of her own especially children.
She has had a friendship with Nate Chastain, the town's bookstore owner but friendship is as far as her feelings for him have gone.
Then Griff Rutledge, a known gambler, comes to Hickory Ridge and saves her from being trampled by a horse drawn buggy. Every time she turns around he is there rescuing her from one thing or another. She is drawn to him and he to her. Surprisingly they do seem to have some things in common. Carrie's friends try to discourage her from associating with him fearing her reputation will be ruined. Griff has plans to start a ranch in Australia. He is not interested in being tied down by land or a woman. He prays and reads his bible but is still confused as to the direction of his life. Is he avoiding praying for God's will?
Nothing seems to be going Carrie's way since her brother got married and turned her life upside down.
It seemed like every obstacle imaginable is getting in the way of the life she so wanted for herself. She reads her bible and prays everyday yet she still feels discouraged. Is she also avoiding praying for God's will?
This story show just how difficult things were back them for man to provide for his family. It was much worse for a woman trying to run a fame and provide for a family.
I highly recomment this book!
I rate this book a 5 out of 5.
Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Thomas Nelson for review. In no way was I compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.
July 3, 2016
Carrie is a widow with an understanding between her and the local bookseller. When she's ready to marry him she'll set a date. She's been living with her brother since her husband died. The book begins with her brother getting married and a new man coming to town.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It felt like I had read it before. I could predict how the issues with her brother were going to work out, I knew which man she would choose and what would happen to the other one. I could even see what was going to happen during the horse race. It was so like some other books that I've already read that I had to check to see if it was really a new release.
It wasn't a bad book. It was just a bland story. It's the second in the series and if you haven't read the first book, it can get a little confusing. I liked Carrie, but was frustrated with other people in the plot. Both of the men in the story seemed weak and cowardly, I wanted her to get rid of her family and some of the women were annoying. My favorite character was the preacher's wife; probably not the character I was supposed to like the most.
This is the type of book I would recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and want a quick, easy read. It won't inspire you or make you run for the next book, but it will be a pleasant read.
I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
I had a hard time getting into this book. It felt like I had read it before. I could predict how the issues with her brother were going to work out, I knew which man she would choose and what would happen to the other one. I could even see what was going to happen during the horse race. It was so like some other books that I've already read that I had to check to see if it was really a new release.
It wasn't a bad book. It was just a bland story. It's the second in the series and if you haven't read the first book, it can get a little confusing. I liked Carrie, but was frustrated with other people in the plot. Both of the men in the story seemed weak and cowardly, I wanted her to get rid of her family and some of the women were annoying. My favorite character was the preacher's wife; probably not the character I was supposed to like the most.
This is the type of book I would recommend if you enjoy historical fiction and want a quick, easy read. It won't inspire you or make you run for the next book, but it will be a pleasant read.
I received this book free of charge from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
March 22, 2012
Last year's inspirational debut by author Dorothy Love was a good edition to my romance library but Beyond All Measure doesn't compare to Beauty for Ashes, book two in the Hickory Ridge Romance series. From the very beginning I was hooked! Carrie Daly had my sympathies dealing with a bossy sister-in-law and her two bratty boys. I have to say this is the first book of the year that made me want to throw it across the room. Very rarely do I get angry with characters but Mary...well Mary was quite contrary, hence the book hurling. As the story progressed I really didn't think things could get much worse for Carrie but it seemed one tragedy or trial after another came her way. This isn't a perfect happily ever after type story for Carrie but thankfully Mary and her sons evolve to become a bit more likable. I will say that I didn't like that we don't learn what happens to Nate, one of Carrie's beaus but I suspect that he is going to be a key character in Every Perfect Gift. Beauty for Ashes is definitely a keeper and has earned Dorothy the title of "Must Read Author" from me!
*I received my complimentary review copy through Litfuse in exchange for posting my honest opinion of the book for this tour.*
*I received my complimentary review copy through Litfuse in exchange for posting my honest opinion of the book for this tour.*
December 28, 2012
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3FUQV97...
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/3/2013): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Beauty for Ashes was a wonderful read! I really enjoyed reading Carrie's story and was a little surprised (but happy!) by the way things turned out. Having read the first book, Beyond All Measure, before this one, I had assumed Carrie would end up marrying a certain guy, but reading the book's description made me think I might have assumed incorrectly.
I really liked the characters in Beauty for Ashes and especially liked getting an update on Ada and Wyatt's life. Carrie seemed like a strong woman and I felt bad for how she got treated by her brother's wife and stepsons. There were some surprises in Beauty for Ashes, too.
Overall, Beauty for Ashes was a great read and I really liked it! If you like historical romances, then I think you'll enjoy Beauty for Ashes.
*I received this book (ARC copy) for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
Review on my blog (to be posted 1/3/2013): http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Beauty for Ashes was a wonderful read! I really enjoyed reading Carrie's story and was a little surprised (but happy!) by the way things turned out. Having read the first book, Beyond All Measure, before this one, I had assumed Carrie would end up marrying a certain guy, but reading the book's description made me think I might have assumed incorrectly.
I really liked the characters in Beauty for Ashes and especially liked getting an update on Ada and Wyatt's life. Carrie seemed like a strong woman and I felt bad for how she got treated by her brother's wife and stepsons. There were some surprises in Beauty for Ashes, too.
Overall, Beauty for Ashes was a great read and I really liked it! If you like historical romances, then I think you'll enjoy Beauty for Ashes.
*I received this book (ARC copy) for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*
April 2, 2012
Beauty for Ashes was a charming historical. It wasn't as romantic as I would have liked, but I enjoyed the mystery regarding Griff's past and the issue of Carrie feeling stuck taking care of people she never asked to be responsible for. She was a great heroine and I could see how Griff fell in love with her.
I love stories where the adventurous hero is tamed into desiring a domestic life because of the sweetness of a good woman. Carrie was definitely that. Griff was a great hero, too. He probably helped her keep her sanity after all of the mini-messes that needed fixing. I wish Carrie and Griff had shared a bit more affection, though. Carrie sure did get a lot of hard knocks from those kids she ended up responsible for during Mary's confinement. She was a strong and good-hearted lady. All in all it was a good story.
I love stories where the adventurous hero is tamed into desiring a domestic life because of the sweetness of a good woman. Carrie was definitely that. Griff was a great hero, too. He probably helped her keep her sanity after all of the mini-messes that needed fixing. I wish Carrie and Griff had shared a bit more affection, though. Carrie sure did get a lot of hard knocks from those kids she ended up responsible for during Mary's confinement. She was a strong and good-hearted lady. All in all it was a good story.
October 15, 2022
Set during a very depressed time shortly after the Civil War, the characters in this book grow, change, and show their true colors during a period of meager food supplies and few jobs. The tough times help some to come to, or increase, their faith, and others begin to show the evil side they kept hidden. You can tell this is the second book of a trilogy; it can be read alone, but the futures of some characters remain undetermined at the end because their story will be the emphasis of book three. It was a very satisfying story and demonstrated how misunderstandings, if never dealt with, can linger for decades and impact others.
March 27, 2013
Second in the series and just as enjoyable as the first. It can be a stand alone but a far nicer series when read in order.
November 1, 2020
MY THOUGHTS:
I always enjoy historical fiction. No page skipping required. It's a nice clean love story. Falling in love wasn't what either Carrie or Griff had in mind. They each had hopes and plans that went totally to the wayside every time they saw each other. It was very romantic. It's a love story; BUT, it's a safe love story. No worries about unchaste behavior. I really enjoyed reading as they worked through their contradictory feelings and emotions. There is plenty of drama happening in the background, too, that makes the outcome just a little bit tricky and uncertain. Learning to live with step-families, making hard decisions, horse training, child training, seeking God, it's all in there. I think you'd enjoy this one, especially if you don't want to have to skip pages with a blush.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I always enjoy historical fiction. No page skipping required. It's a nice clean love story. Falling in love wasn't what either Carrie or Griff had in mind. They each had hopes and plans that went totally to the wayside every time they saw each other. It was very romantic. It's a love story; BUT, it's a safe love story. No worries about unchaste behavior. I really enjoyed reading as they worked through their contradictory feelings and emotions. There is plenty of drama happening in the background, too, that makes the outcome just a little bit tricky and uncertain. Learning to live with step-families, making hard decisions, horse training, child training, seeking God, it's all in there. I think you'd enjoy this one, especially if you don't want to have to skip pages with a blush.
"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
November 7, 2018
This wasn't awful, but it wasn't all that good, either. There was very little to make me buy the romance storyline; it was instalove with only a few brief interactions to give it any hint of depth. The townspeople don't seem to behave rationally in their treatment of her ("We're your bosom friends--until you do something we question; then we won't bother to find out the truth, we'll just judge you and shun you.") or their treatment of Griff (whom they dislike for no particular reason--while Rosaleen is accepted despite many shady behavior examples that have basis in fact). The Griff/Rosaleen narrative really doesn't make sense (it's built up to be a big deal, but it's a letdown and seems irrational for him to spend all the money on Pinkerton for the purpose of finding her. And the ending doesn't seem to make any sense at all. If Carrie was thinking she needed help on the farm before, how does the resolution leave Mary happy and provided for?
For the story alone, I'd give it 1-star. Since the actual writing style wasn't bad, I guess it can have a second star.
For the story alone, I'd give it 1-star. Since the actual writing style wasn't bad, I guess it can have a second star.
November 21, 2018
Hickory Ridge is a place to call in love
I absolutely love this series! These books capture you and make you feel like you see this place, smell the air and earth as its seasons change, hear the singing of the birds and the sound of horse hooves in the dirt, and feel the love and sorrow of the people who live there. Your heart rejoices and cries along with the people as this little towns stories continue. Book 3 here i come!!
I absolutely love this series! These books capture you and make you feel like you see this place, smell the air and earth as its seasons change, hear the singing of the birds and the sound of horse hooves in the dirt, and feel the love and sorrow of the people who live there. Your heart rejoices and cries along with the people as this little towns stories continue. Book 3 here i come!!
May 24, 2021
The story line was ok, but overused. Character development was pretty poor - I felt like I knew Carrie, but not Griff. Possibly the author was trying to make him mysterious (?) but there wasn't much about him to endear him to me. It was one of those books where I had to be told that they were falling in love; I didn't fall in love myself. It was a little slow-moving for my tastes, as well. Probably somewhere around a 2.75-star.
June 13, 2017
Ah, don't you love a good, predictable, silly, clean romance novel? This was a sweet story - a bit bittersweet at the end - some of the characters got less than stellar endings, in my opinion. You really have to be in the mood for one of these books, or you might find yourself giving your eye-rolling a work-out.
February 28, 2018
Carrie and Griff
I liked the book that came before this, but it had been a while since I read it. It was a little confusing at first because I couldn’t remember all the characters. The romance didn’t give me tingles for some reason, but it was intriguing and I wanted to know what happened with the characters.
I liked the book that came before this, but it had been a while since I read it. It was a little confusing at first because I couldn’t remember all the characters. The romance didn’t give me tingles for some reason, but it was intriguing and I wanted to know what happened with the characters.
March 21, 2023
Live At First Sight
Carrie Daly and Griffin Rutledge fell in love the first time they set eyes on each other. Hickory Ridge had always been her home. She and her brother, Henry had made their family farm a good place to live, until Henry married Mary. How was it going to work out with another woman and two boys in the hose. What an adventure.
Carrie Daly and Griffin Rutledge fell in love the first time they set eyes on each other. Hickory Ridge had always been her home. She and her brother, Henry had made their family farm a good place to live, until Henry married Mary. How was it going to work out with another woman and two boys in the hose. What an adventure.
July 25, 2024
Carrie Daly is now a widow and living in her old home with her brother. He is getting married to a lady with two boys. So, now there is Carrie, her brother, Mary (the new bride), and her two sons. Carrie is treated as a slave by Mary and the two boys hit and throw snakes at her. She decides to leave and move into town. Things do not go well for any of them.
January 22, 2025
Love weaves a believable tale in historic Tennessee.
Characters struggle and have relatable issues, even for modern couples.
The horse aspect pulled me in and made it worthwhile without being overwhelming for non horse people.
This book is good, but it is the 2nd in the series. It helps to have read the first story as it mentions characters from there and can be confusing otherwise.
Characters struggle and have relatable issues, even for modern couples.
The horse aspect pulled me in and made it worthwhile without being overwhelming for non horse people.
This book is good, but it is the 2nd in the series. It helps to have read the first story as it mentions characters from there and can be confusing otherwise.
May 27, 2019
Grif and Carrie's story. Hagar's biblical story for Carrie and prodigal son for Grif. There were times I wanted to know the ending (cheat but I didn't) because the end could have a different finish.
September 25, 2019
Bk 2 continues on beautifully ..... the story continues and you embrace the friendships you found in bk 1 and find even more in bk 2 .... I've just begun bk 3 and am loving the continuing story all the more ....
May 8, 2024
This series of books is the first I've read by this author. Once I began reading the first book I had to order the other two in the series. Now that I've finished this one I'm eager to begin the third. They only get better.
July 12, 2024
Great book! I’m a young widow myself and reading this book Dorothy did a great job of writing on what a widow feels, there were several instances where I cried and related to Carrie! Recommend this, book, but don’t read if you recently lost someone!
January 22, 2025
I'd have read this book quicker if I didn't have to stop for life's responsibilities. Lol it's just as amazing as book one in the series. My heart aches for Carrie and all her struggles. Highly recommend!
June 15, 2017
Sometimes the second book in a series is not as good as the first. Not the class in this series. This series is very believably in both plot and characters. Would love to see this as a movie!
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