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Hickory Ridge Romance #3
Every Perfect Gift
Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.
The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.
Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.
They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.
The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.
Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.
They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship.
320 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2012
33 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Love
24 books234 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 102 reviews
April 19, 2013
Upon reading other reviews, I discovered that this book is part of a trilogy. Which will probably explain why I felt very disconnected while reading it. The descriptions and details were great, but I never felt myself really falling in love with the characters. I spent much of my time, flipping thru the pages trying to find the “meat” of the book.
I believe, I am probably in the minority, but as I mentioned before, I had a truly difficult time getting into this book. The cover art drew me in, but then left me hanging. Little bits revealed in the story, I believe could have had greater suspense or reason for it being revealed (such as when Sophie learns of her heritage). Even the love story between her and Ethan was so predictable, that I became bored with it all.
I’m not really sure what I was looking for, other than wanting to fall in love with a story. It didn’t happen with this book. I put it down, and then promptly forgot about it.
I received this book in ebook format, from BookSneeze which is owned and operated by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions are my own, and I am not compensated in any form for my opinion.
I believe, I am probably in the minority, but as I mentioned before, I had a truly difficult time getting into this book. The cover art drew me in, but then left me hanging. Little bits revealed in the story, I believe could have had greater suspense or reason for it being revealed (such as when Sophie learns of her heritage). Even the love story between her and Ethan was so predictable, that I became bored with it all.
I’m not really sure what I was looking for, other than wanting to fall in love with a story. It didn’t happen with this book. I put it down, and then promptly forgot about it.
I received this book in ebook format, from BookSneeze which is owned and operated by Thomas Nelson Publishers. All opinions are my own, and I am not compensated in any form for my opinion.
June 30, 2022
The stunning cover first caught my eye with this book. I didn't realize it was the third in the series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone, I feel like I missed some character development from the previous books since the author referred to Sophie's past and her relationship with the Caldwell's quite a bit. Sophie grew up in the local orphanage and doesn't have good memories there, but has thrived and become skilled in journalism and newspaper printing. I admired her work ethic and her passion for influencing the world for good, especially by advocating for the downtrodden. Sadly I lost interest in the story when the writing style failed to keep me connected to the characters and the plot. There was some foreshadowing of future complex dynamics but the pace was just too slow for me. I think this book would appeal to readers who enjoy historical fiction and small-town settings.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
September 10, 2015
SUMMARY: Sophie has spent a lifetime guarding her heart and a long-held secret. It will take all of her courage to speak the truth and embrace the future God has planned for her.
The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.
Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.
They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship
REVIEW: This is my first read by Dorothy Love and I found it very enjoyable. My only comment is I feel that the first two cover Sophie's early life and some of the characters that are in this books, so I will definitely go back and read books 1 and 2. I would recommend reading them in order. The cover captured my attention as it is a beautiful winter cover. Both of the main characters were interesting and facing problems from their past which they both had to face through somewhat surprising circumstances before they could move ahead with their relationship. Sophie was a strong young woman who as a novice newspaper owner struggled through all sorts of problems to keep it up and running. Ethan's continuous struggles with his bosses' desires and his own kept him struggling with problems as well. I particularly liked how each of the main characters grappled with the problems of race in different ways during this period only 20 years after the civil war. A good read that combined romance and history into one good storyline.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But they say it isn't where you come from that's important; it's where you're going."
"The things that happen to us in childhood are the hardest to overcome. They mark us forever. But somehow we keep going."
"But finding the one man who wants to cherish and protect her, to love her and build a life with her, is a gift from God that can never be replaced."
The year is 1886, and Sophie Robillard returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after living in Texas for 15 years as the ward of Ada and Wyatt Caldwell. Now that the town's population has exploded, her intention is to reopen the long-defunct newspaper office that so captivated her when she was still an orphan. The rejection she experienced as a child because of her mixed parentage has left deep scars that she hopes can be healed by succeeding in this new venture.
Ethan Heyward was uprooted from his home as a boy following an unspeakable tragedy. Horace Blakely, a millionaire businessman, took Ethan under his wing and eventually put him in charge of the construction and opening of Blue Smoke resort in Hickory Ridge.
They meet when Sophie arrives at Blue Smoke to interview Ethan for her newspaper. As their attraction deepens, each hides a secret that, if revealed, could end their relationship
REVIEW: This is my first read by Dorothy Love and I found it very enjoyable. My only comment is I feel that the first two cover Sophie's early life and some of the characters that are in this books, so I will definitely go back and read books 1 and 2. I would recommend reading them in order. The cover captured my attention as it is a beautiful winter cover. Both of the main characters were interesting and facing problems from their past which they both had to face through somewhat surprising circumstances before they could move ahead with their relationship. Sophie was a strong young woman who as a novice newspaper owner struggled through all sorts of problems to keep it up and running. Ethan's continuous struggles with his bosses' desires and his own kept him struggling with problems as well. I particularly liked how each of the main characters grappled with the problems of race in different ways during this period only 20 years after the civil war. A good read that combined romance and history into one good storyline.
FAVORITE QUOTES: "But they say it isn't where you come from that's important; it's where you're going."
"The things that happen to us in childhood are the hardest to overcome. They mark us forever. But somehow we keep going."
"But finding the one man who wants to cherish and protect her, to love her and build a life with her, is a gift from God that can never be replaced."
December 10, 2012
The cover of Every Perfect Gift absolutely drew me. I could hardly wait to start reading. The scene, the gown, the lady are all absolutely stunning.
Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, is the former home of Sophie Robillard. Her former life in Hickory Ridge was rife with loneliness, discord, abandonment, mistrust as she, an orphaned child of mixed parentage (although several generations past), coped. Finally, loving guardians Ada and Wyatt Caldwell took her under their wings and they moved to Texas where she grew to adulthood. Her dream of owning a newspaper and writing for it came to fruition when the Caldwell's financed the purchase of the Hickory Ridge Gazette.
Sophie found the people more accepting of her this second time around, though her life was not without opposition. Still she struggled with the "secret" of her parentage and mixed blood.
Hickory Ridge was facing destitution until a new resort called Blue Smoke was developed. That is the impetus that brought Ethan Heyward, co-developer of Blue Smoke, into the life of Sophie.
The interactions of imported labor for the building of Blue Smoke, the poor families of the mountains, local residents, and the hard-hearted owner of Blue Smoke run head-to-head with Sophie and her quest to better the lives of people. Soon she finds herself in a cauldron of discord.
Drawn together romantically, Sophie and Ethan must come to grips with their own personal issues and problems before they can further any relationship between themselves.
This is a lovely read with subtle underlying plots. Though this is the final in a series of stories of characters in Hickory Ridge, it is a fine stand-alone novel.
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate my honest review.
Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, is the former home of Sophie Robillard. Her former life in Hickory Ridge was rife with loneliness, discord, abandonment, mistrust as she, an orphaned child of mixed parentage (although several generations past), coped. Finally, loving guardians Ada and Wyatt Caldwell took her under their wings and they moved to Texas where she grew to adulthood. Her dream of owning a newspaper and writing for it came to fruition when the Caldwell's financed the purchase of the Hickory Ridge Gazette.
Sophie found the people more accepting of her this second time around, though her life was not without opposition. Still she struggled with the "secret" of her parentage and mixed blood.
Hickory Ridge was facing destitution until a new resort called Blue Smoke was developed. That is the impetus that brought Ethan Heyward, co-developer of Blue Smoke, into the life of Sophie.
The interactions of imported labor for the building of Blue Smoke, the poor families of the mountains, local residents, and the hard-hearted owner of Blue Smoke run head-to-head with Sophie and her quest to better the lives of people. Soon she finds herself in a cauldron of discord.
Drawn together romantically, Sophie and Ethan must come to grips with their own personal issues and problems before they can further any relationship between themselves.
This is a lovely read with subtle underlying plots. Though this is the final in a series of stories of characters in Hickory Ridge, it is a fine stand-alone novel.
Disclosure: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book to facilitate my honest review.
August 18, 2013
Dorothy Love has done a great job with Every Perfect Gift, the third and final book of her hickory Ridge Romance series. When I requested this book for review, I was not aware that it was the third in the series. So, I will admit to being a little nervous at starting the story. Would I have any idea what was going on? Could I understand the background stories to adequately do justice to reading and reviewing this book? The answer to both questions is a resounding yes! Not only does this book do fine as a stand alone, it has made me very interested in going back and reading the two stories that precede it.
The two main characters in this story, Sophie and Ethan, are just so likeable. They both have secrets from their past that haunt them. These things that loom in their memories were things out of their control but that impact them and the way they interact with each other.
Sophie returns to the town that she was raised in to start up a newspaper. She faces plenty of challenges throughout the book that she much persevere through. In the course of her reporting, she meets Ethan, who has designed and is in charge of the completion on a large resort in the area. He faces many challenges of his own throughout the story as well. Ethan and Sophie are drawn to each other and their attraction and growing love are so well written. However, if they are to ever hope for happiness together, they must face the secrets of their past. A wonderful story that I would recommend to any reader of Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
The two main characters in this story, Sophie and Ethan, are just so likeable. They both have secrets from their past that haunt them. These things that loom in their memories were things out of their control but that impact them and the way they interact with each other.
Sophie returns to the town that she was raised in to start up a newspaper. She faces plenty of challenges throughout the book that she much persevere through. In the course of her reporting, she meets Ethan, who has designed and is in charge of the completion on a large resort in the area. He faces many challenges of his own throughout the story as well. Ethan and Sophie are drawn to each other and their attraction and growing love are so well written. However, if they are to ever hope for happiness together, they must face the secrets of their past. A wonderful story that I would recommend to any reader of Christian romance.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
December 13, 2012
2.5 Stars. Sophie Caldwell returns to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, with a burning desire to prove herself to the town full of painful childhood memories. Her lack of antecedents haunted her dreams while her darker complexion earned taunts and accusations of a mixed-race heritage. When longed-for guardians swept into Sophie's life and took her with them to Texas, Sophie was finally able to escape the rumors swirling around her past and developed a forward-thinking interest in newspaper industry -- a previously male-dominated world where women were just beginning to make their mark. Determined to prove herself to the town that once shunned her, Sophie risks her savings and future on re-opening the now defunct Hickory Ridge newspaper. Once there she meets Ethan Heyward, the building manager and architect behind the new and exclusive Blue Smoke Resort. While Sophie and Ethan share an immediate attraction, simmering unrest among the resort workers and Ethan's reticence to share his past and his apparently exclusive racial views leave Sophie reluctant to be forthcoming about her own checkered background. Just as she summons the courage to share her feelings, violence explodes at the resort, threatening her future with Ethan and at the newspaper. With forces insistent on maintaining the status quo arrayed against them, can two burdened souls find the courage to share their fears and claim a vibrant future free from the burden of mistakes and regret?
Ever Perfect Gift is the third entry in Love's Hickory Ridge Romance series, but my first experience with her work. My impression of the series is that each novel stands alone, only loosely connected through setting and recurring characters -- and on that score this third installment only partially succeeds. It assumes a certain measure of knowledge regarding Sophie's past rather than firmly establishing her history and motivations within the pages of this novel. While Sophie's insecurities regarding her unknown parentage are certainly legitimate and compelling reasons for angst, nothing she encounters in this novel seems to warrant the near-constant replay of her childhood hurts. The townspeople are extraordinarily welcoming and arguably open-minded concerning the advent of a professional newspaperwoman in their midst. I love Sophie's atypical profession and her passion for the written word. The narrative is strongest when Sophie confronts and overcomes objections to her role or opinion, rather than the repetition of her childhood insecurities, which, given the lack of prejudice she encounters seem petulant and positively unwarranted.
Plot-wise Love is clearly capable of penning a tension-filled scene as shortly after Sophie's arrival in town she is able to witness and report on a workers' riot at the resort. Unfortunately after this rather spark-filled opening the novel's pace slows to a glacial crawl, with Sophie and Ethan alternately musing on their respective secrets and their attraction to each other. When the action resumes nearly two-thirds into the novel, with a fairly stunning confrontation with a stranger from Ethan's past (followed by a sketchily-explained and rather random blow against Sophie's paper), the rush to pack so much action and information about the previously mysterious Ethan lends the concluding third of the novel a somewhat disjointed feel -- instead of raising the stakes for our characters, the action feels forced. Ethan's history was actually pretty fascinating, but information-dump necessary to fit his entire backstory into the novel's final chapters drastically lessens the impact of his own compelling history.
While overall Every Perfect Gift didn't "click" with me as I'd hoped, Love has a flair for bringing small-towns to life on the page, as indeed the well-realized setting is one of the novel's greatest assets. There is also a great deal of potential within the backstories Love has penned for Ethan and Sophie -- and with greater development and tension, Love's ability to craft characters with compelling histories holds great promise for future work. I loved her supporting cast, especially Sophie's friend Gillie who seeks to establish an infirmary in Hickory Ridge, and the promise of a romance with a younger man (a refreshing plot twist!). Sure to appeal to fans of sweet romances (i.e., Janette Oke and Lori Wick), Every Perfect Gift showcases Love's affinity for crafting sparkling settings against which characters with great potential strive to realize their dreams.
Ever Perfect Gift is the third entry in Love's Hickory Ridge Romance series, but my first experience with her work. My impression of the series is that each novel stands alone, only loosely connected through setting and recurring characters -- and on that score this third installment only partially succeeds. It assumes a certain measure of knowledge regarding Sophie's past rather than firmly establishing her history and motivations within the pages of this novel. While Sophie's insecurities regarding her unknown parentage are certainly legitimate and compelling reasons for angst, nothing she encounters in this novel seems to warrant the near-constant replay of her childhood hurts. The townspeople are extraordinarily welcoming and arguably open-minded concerning the advent of a professional newspaperwoman in their midst. I love Sophie's atypical profession and her passion for the written word. The narrative is strongest when Sophie confronts and overcomes objections to her role or opinion, rather than the repetition of her childhood insecurities, which, given the lack of prejudice she encounters seem petulant and positively unwarranted.
Plot-wise Love is clearly capable of penning a tension-filled scene as shortly after Sophie's arrival in town she is able to witness and report on a workers' riot at the resort. Unfortunately after this rather spark-filled opening the novel's pace slows to a glacial crawl, with Sophie and Ethan alternately musing on their respective secrets and their attraction to each other. When the action resumes nearly two-thirds into the novel, with a fairly stunning confrontation with a stranger from Ethan's past (followed by a sketchily-explained and rather random blow against Sophie's paper), the rush to pack so much action and information about the previously mysterious Ethan lends the concluding third of the novel a somewhat disjointed feel -- instead of raising the stakes for our characters, the action feels forced. Ethan's history was actually pretty fascinating, but information-dump necessary to fit his entire backstory into the novel's final chapters drastically lessens the impact of his own compelling history.
While overall Every Perfect Gift didn't "click" with me as I'd hoped, Love has a flair for bringing small-towns to life on the page, as indeed the well-realized setting is one of the novel's greatest assets. There is also a great deal of potential within the backstories Love has penned for Ethan and Sophie -- and with greater development and tension, Love's ability to craft characters with compelling histories holds great promise for future work. I loved her supporting cast, especially Sophie's friend Gillie who seeks to establish an infirmary in Hickory Ridge, and the promise of a romance with a younger man (a refreshing plot twist!). Sure to appeal to fans of sweet romances (i.e., Janette Oke and Lori Wick), Every Perfect Gift showcases Love's affinity for crafting sparkling settings against which characters with great potential strive to realize their dreams.
December 13, 2012
Review on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/RVWV1LOQ...
Review on my blog: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Every Perfect Gift was a great addition to the Hickory Ridge series! I'm a little sad that this is the final book, but except for wishing some things had ended differently, it was a good conclusion.
I loved both of the main characters (Ethan and Sophie) and how previous characters (including Ada and Carrie) appeared in Every Perfect Gift - it was great to get updates on their lives.
The story was very good and I liked it from the beginning on! There were a couple surprises and some romance - overall a great read that I really enjoyed! If you like historical romances, then I think you'd like Every Perfect Gift. While I don't think it's entirely necessary to read Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes first, you'd probably want to because then you'd know the history of Hickory Ridge, Tennessee. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book 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: http://christianbookshelfreviews.blog...
Every Perfect Gift was a great addition to the Hickory Ridge series! I'm a little sad that this is the final book, but except for wishing some things had ended differently, it was a good conclusion.
I loved both of the main characters (Ethan and Sophie) and how previous characters (including Ada and Carrie) appeared in Every Perfect Gift - it was great to get updates on their lives.
The story was very good and I liked it from the beginning on! There were a couple surprises and some romance - overall a great read that I really enjoyed! If you like historical romances, then I think you'd like Every Perfect Gift. While I don't think it's entirely necessary to read Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes first, you'd probably want to because then you'd know the history of Hickory Ridge, Tennessee. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book 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 25, 2013
After being taken in by some very kind people, Sophie has spent a long time in Texas. However, she feels the pull to return to her home in the small town of Hickory Ridge. Sophie wants to start up the local paper again. The biggest news is the new resort opening up in the mountain above Hickory Ridge. Sophie decides to interview the supervisor in charge on things at the resort, and he turns out to be a very handsome young man named Ethan. Ethan and Sophie immediately feel drawn to each other, but they are both hiding secrets about their pasts. Ethan and Sophie will have a chance to make it if their pasts don't overrun them.
This was a very enjoyable book. I loved Sophie. She was a hardworking woman in an age where she was not entirely accepted. She knew what she wanted to do and was determined to do it. I loved her zeal for reporting. You want her to succeed because she is so determined. Ethan was equally determined to do his job, but I felt like you didn't get to know him quite as well. I think some of this is due to the fact that his secret stays hidden until much closer to the end than Sophie's. Ethan and Sophie had a host of other characters to help them through their tale, and they had equally interesting lives. I especially liked the storyline involving building an infirmary.
There were some very important topics discussed in this book. One of the most important was the idea of equality. This was touched upon in a couple ways. One was racial equality. As Sophie deal with her past, she must deal with the poor way she has been treated because of her suspected bloodline. Ethan has to deal with something similar but in a very different way. Another thing touched on was the ability we have to take care of our fellow men. There were many poor who were not able to get adequate medical care, and the building of an infirmary was meant to help with that. So many people pitched in to make this happen out of love of others. Overall this was a very enjoyable book that combined history and romance into a fun package.
Galley provided for review.
This was a very enjoyable book. I loved Sophie. She was a hardworking woman in an age where she was not entirely accepted. She knew what she wanted to do and was determined to do it. I loved her zeal for reporting. You want her to succeed because she is so determined. Ethan was equally determined to do his job, but I felt like you didn't get to know him quite as well. I think some of this is due to the fact that his secret stays hidden until much closer to the end than Sophie's. Ethan and Sophie had a host of other characters to help them through their tale, and they had equally interesting lives. I especially liked the storyline involving building an infirmary.
There were some very important topics discussed in this book. One of the most important was the idea of equality. This was touched upon in a couple ways. One was racial equality. As Sophie deal with her past, she must deal with the poor way she has been treated because of her suspected bloodline. Ethan has to deal with something similar but in a very different way. Another thing touched on was the ability we have to take care of our fellow men. There were many poor who were not able to get adequate medical care, and the building of an infirmary was meant to help with that. So many people pitched in to make this happen out of love of others. Overall this was a very enjoyable book that combined history and romance into a fun package.
Galley provided for review.
January 21, 2013
My Review
Sophie Caldwell knew she was in for a rough start when she found the newpaper office she was going to reopen a huge mess! The equipment was old and worn, and it was the 18th century and women didn’t own businesses. But that’s not all because when Sophie lived in Hickory Ridge, she lived in the orphanage there, and had a very difficult life because of the way she was treated. But despite all of this, Sophie was determined to make a go of it in her new adventure.
I really love this book!. It is just plain beautiful and inviting, and is my reason for choosing Every Perfect Gift to read and review. And I really grew to love Sophie and her determination. She didn’t let anyone get in her way or discourage her from doing what she wanted to do. I also enjoyed the way she treated the people she came in contact with. The other characters were realistic and believable and they really grew on you as the story unfolded. Author Dorothy Love did a great job of describing the historical setting in vivid details to give readers a really good feel of Hickory Ridge, and I also learned a lot about newspapers and the printing process and how the running of a newspaper office was back in the 1800’s, which was very interesting.
Overall, this is a wonderful book to read during the Christmas Holiday Season. Since the setting is in a small town, readers will get that homey feeling and enjoy close neighbors, for the most part. I highly recommend Every Perfect Gift to you if you enjoy historical fiction! And don’t forget to check out the first two books in this series to read as well, though they can be read as stand alones if you want!
I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher Thomas Nelson through their blogging program, Booksneeze. I was not required or expected to write a positive review. The opinions in this review are mine only.
April 11, 2014
In the 1880s, women were discovering their talents outside the home. The very first woman millionaire emerged in the 1880s and she was a Negro selling beauty care products to Negro women. In this story, Sophie comes home to face some demons fighting an uphill battle against prejudice. She is a journalist (man's world), owns the newspaper in her home town which for some reason isn't running. Also for some reason, she decides that she must go home where the people did not accept her because she was an orphan and her parentage was suspected to include Negro blood. Her reason for facing these demons isn't clear so I suppose those were discussed in the previous books.
Although the story stands alone just fine, there are a lot of questions that arose in my mind that were not answered.
In our more tolerant times, I do not believe authors understand the sheer pervasive and tenacious hold prejudice had on society after the Civil War. This story is a much more lighthearted look at a distinctly dark situation and frankly, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy, then do not read this book... it isn't even close for so much of the situation described.
One other thing that did not strike an authentic tone was the journalism. Most people would not notice, but someone who has been an editor would. I wish authors who write about journalists and about running newspapers would at least step foot into a newsroom, and would at least spend a couple of days with an editor so the reader could hear authenticity.
On the other hand, this story is written in such a way that you care very much for the characters. Even though this is the 3rd in a series, you get an excellent character development and the struggle against their particular demons is well developed. You get a good feel for small town living.
Although the story stands alone just fine, there are a lot of questions that arose in my mind that were not answered.
In our more tolerant times, I do not believe authors understand the sheer pervasive and tenacious hold prejudice had on society after the Civil War. This story is a much more lighthearted look at a distinctly dark situation and frankly, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy, then do not read this book... it isn't even close for so much of the situation described.
One other thing that did not strike an authentic tone was the journalism. Most people would not notice, but someone who has been an editor would. I wish authors who write about journalists and about running newspapers would at least step foot into a newsroom, and would at least spend a couple of days with an editor so the reader could hear authenticity.
On the other hand, this story is written in such a way that you care very much for the characters. Even though this is the 3rd in a series, you get an excellent character development and the struggle against their particular demons is well developed. You get a good feel for small town living.
December 12, 2012
Title: EVERY PERFECT GIFT
Author: Dorothy Love
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
December 2012
ISBN: 978-1595549020
Genre: Historical romance
Sophie Caldwell owns and operates The Gazette, an odd job for a woman to try and do alone in the late 1800’s. She’s an orphan, but managed to get education in excess of what the orphanage provided, and so she is schooled as a young lady of means. However, she still feels inadequate due to her orphan status.
Ethan Heyward had an idyllic childhood that was shattered by a tragedy. Now he’s struggling to open an upper class resort. He will need the newspaper on his side if he is to succeed, but he is shocked by a beautiful female reporter showing up for a tour….one who also claims to own the paper.
Things change quickly between them as they are forced together by a series of events, but the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
EVERY PERFECT GIFT does start out slowly, but by the third chapter things begin to pick up. It does have several slow spots after that though. I cared for Ethan, he was a very caring individual, even when he was stressed or busy.
Sophie is a very strong individual, the type of woman I am not. She isn’t afraid to take the bull by the horn and go where no woman has every gone before, and I had to admire her courage.
If you enjoy historical romances about strong heroines and sweethearts of men, then you’ll want to check out EVERY PERFECT GIFT. The book is very well written and a sweet romance.
EVERY PERFECT GIFT is the last of the 'Hickory Ridge Romance' series. Readers will want to read the first two books in the series first as this book alludes back. The first two books are Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes. $15.99. 320 pages. 3.5 stars.
Author: Dorothy Love
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
December 2012
ISBN: 978-1595549020
Genre: Historical romance
Sophie Caldwell owns and operates The Gazette, an odd job for a woman to try and do alone in the late 1800’s. She’s an orphan, but managed to get education in excess of what the orphanage provided, and so she is schooled as a young lady of means. However, she still feels inadequate due to her orphan status.
Ethan Heyward had an idyllic childhood that was shattered by a tragedy. Now he’s struggling to open an upper class resort. He will need the newspaper on his side if he is to succeed, but he is shocked by a beautiful female reporter showing up for a tour….one who also claims to own the paper.
Things change quickly between them as they are forced together by a series of events, but the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.
EVERY PERFECT GIFT does start out slowly, but by the third chapter things begin to pick up. It does have several slow spots after that though. I cared for Ethan, he was a very caring individual, even when he was stressed or busy.
Sophie is a very strong individual, the type of woman I am not. She isn’t afraid to take the bull by the horn and go where no woman has every gone before, and I had to admire her courage.
If you enjoy historical romances about strong heroines and sweethearts of men, then you’ll want to check out EVERY PERFECT GIFT. The book is very well written and a sweet romance.
EVERY PERFECT GIFT is the last of the 'Hickory Ridge Romance' series. Readers will want to read the first two books in the series first as this book alludes back. The first two books are Beyond All Measure and Beauty for Ashes. $15.99. 320 pages. 3.5 stars.
March 1, 2013
I have to admit, I didn’t read the first two books in this Hickory Ridge Romance Series by Dorothy Love, but that didn’t stop me from understanding the story Every Perfect Gift. True, I might have known more about Sophie, Ada, Wyatt, Carrie and Griff—but it was perfectly just knowing that they were the main characters in the first two books. However, the number of other characters in the book (in general) was a bit distracting at times.
For any average reader of historicals looking for a good story to spend an afternoon or two with, this ‘sweet’ romance would definitely do the trick. It is well-written and the story is interesting—even if is uncannily similar to the book I started writing in November. Fortunately, the style, POV (third person point of view from both the hero and heroine) and over-all ‘sweetness’ of the book are completely different than how my own historical romantic suspense from first person point of view with this sort of ‘old-fashioned resort’ setting will turn out. But boy, I hope I can score a cover as beautiful as this one someday!
My favorite thing about this book in general was the fact that it took me to the fictional Smoky Mountain resort called Blue Smoke and showed me new angles into the life of a hotel manager/owner during that era. I can’t help it. I always read as a writer. I have to. I did like the main characters, Ethan and Sophie, though there wasn’t nearly enough keeping them apart for my taste. And they did love each other entirely too easily. Personally, I like to see characters awkwardly squirm with discomfort and suffer through sorrowful broken-heartedness before getting to their happy endings.
For any average reader of historicals looking for a good story to spend an afternoon or two with, this ‘sweet’ romance would definitely do the trick. It is well-written and the story is interesting—even if is uncannily similar to the book I started writing in November. Fortunately, the style, POV (third person point of view from both the hero and heroine) and over-all ‘sweetness’ of the book are completely different than how my own historical romantic suspense from first person point of view with this sort of ‘old-fashioned resort’ setting will turn out. But boy, I hope I can score a cover as beautiful as this one someday!
My favorite thing about this book in general was the fact that it took me to the fictional Smoky Mountain resort called Blue Smoke and showed me new angles into the life of a hotel manager/owner during that era. I can’t help it. I always read as a writer. I have to. I did like the main characters, Ethan and Sophie, though there wasn’t nearly enough keeping them apart for my taste. And they did love each other entirely too easily. Personally, I like to see characters awkwardly squirm with discomfort and suffer through sorrowful broken-heartedness before getting to their happy endings.
December 4, 2012
Sophie Caldwell is a child of the orphanage of Hickory Ridge and while she was taken away from the taunts and bullying by a wonderful, loving set of adoptive parents she feels compelled to come back to town. A new luxury resort is being built and she has purchased the old town newspaper and plans to revise it. This is the third and last book in the Hickory Ridge series and many of the characters will be familiar to readers of the first two books. I did not read them but I did not feel as I was at a loss.
Sophie meets Ethan Heyward when she interviews him for an article in the paper. For him it's love at first site but Sophie is embarrassed about her lack of family - she does not know that Ethan has painful secrets in his past as well.
The story is a Christmas treat. The relationship between Sophie and Ethan is a classic will she/won't she and the reader doesn't know until the very end. Sophie is a very complex and forward thinking woman for her time and Ms. Love gives her a perfect foil in Ethan - a man who is willing to look past social mores and believe in love. I found myself smiling as I read the passages where these two appeared. Sophie does finally learn her history and the hard lesson in life that we don't always get what we want but we can make what we have the best it can be.
A very inspirational and satisfying holiday read.
Sophie meets Ethan Heyward when she interviews him for an article in the paper. For him it's love at first site but Sophie is embarrassed about her lack of family - she does not know that Ethan has painful secrets in his past as well.
The story is a Christmas treat. The relationship between Sophie and Ethan is a classic will she/won't she and the reader doesn't know until the very end. Sophie is a very complex and forward thinking woman for her time and Ms. Love gives her a perfect foil in Ethan - a man who is willing to look past social mores and believe in love. I found myself smiling as I read the passages where these two appeared. Sophie does finally learn her history and the hard lesson in life that we don't always get what we want but we can make what we have the best it can be.
A very inspirational and satisfying holiday read.
February 20, 2013
This warrants a 3 1/2 stars. I loved the way this book tied into the past and characters we're familiar with. There is a lot of explanation about those relationships but they are side plots that don't interfere with the main story.
Sophie is a bit of a puzzle to me. In some regards she seems a strong and determined woman. She moves away from home to own and run a newspaper. That was a brave and atypical move for a woman in that era. She has constant doubts though. She doesn't think people will accept her because of her biracial status - but there aren't any incidents in the present to indicate that. She actually receives a lot of support (other than those who believe her work is unacceptable). She doubts Ethan's love and forgiveness despite his visits, gifts, kisses, smiles . . . After a while I wanted to yell at her that it was obvious he loved her and had moved past it. I admired the way she stood up for her friends and for what she believed was right.
Ethan is a good man who is very talented at his work - but finds his boss (and the boss' methods) frustrating and unacceptable. He also has a past that haunts him.
This was a satisfying and enjoyable end to a wonderful series.
I was offered an e-book of this title for review by BookSneeze - but I had already purchased it for myself. Their offer has in no way influenced my review.
Sophie is a bit of a puzzle to me. In some regards she seems a strong and determined woman. She moves away from home to own and run a newspaper. That was a brave and atypical move for a woman in that era. She has constant doubts though. She doesn't think people will accept her because of her biracial status - but there aren't any incidents in the present to indicate that. She actually receives a lot of support (other than those who believe her work is unacceptable). She doubts Ethan's love and forgiveness despite his visits, gifts, kisses, smiles . . . After a while I wanted to yell at her that it was obvious he loved her and had moved past it. I admired the way she stood up for her friends and for what she believed was right.
Ethan is a good man who is very talented at his work - but finds his boss (and the boss' methods) frustrating and unacceptable. He also has a past that haunts him.
This was a satisfying and enjoyable end to a wonderful series.
I was offered an e-book of this title for review by BookSneeze - but I had already purchased it for myself. Their offer has in no way influenced my review.
Read
April 2, 2021The discovery of a new author makes me excited. A newcomer to the Christian fiction market, Dorothy Love taps into her southern roots for this first series. Those of you who have read the other books will be delighted that a character from Beyond all Measure rises to meet the expectations in this as a worthy heroine.
STORY: Sophie Caldwell is desperate to find her place. An orphan who was taken in by Wyatt and Ada Caldwell, Sophie feels a tug to return to Hickory Ridge from Texas to follow her dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. She re-opens the local office and sets about running a successful business hoping that time has changed citizens prejudices. Her first interviewee is Ethan Heyward, a man with scars of his own. Hired to oversee and design a new, high-class resort in Hickory Ridge, Ethan becomes intrigued with Sophie’s determination, but as the two learn more about each other, being honest may be the one thing that tears them apart. Read this review in its entirety on Finding Wonderland.
STORY: Sophie Caldwell is desperate to find her place. An orphan who was taken in by Wyatt and Ada Caldwell, Sophie feels a tug to return to Hickory Ridge from Texas to follow her dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. She re-opens the local office and sets about running a successful business hoping that time has changed citizens prejudices. Her first interviewee is Ethan Heyward, a man with scars of his own. Hired to oversee and design a new, high-class resort in Hickory Ridge, Ethan becomes intrigued with Sophie’s determination, but as the two learn more about each other, being honest may be the one thing that tears them apart. Read this review in its entirety on Finding Wonderland.
July 3, 2016
Sophie returns to Hickory Ridge to resurrect the old newspaper. But her previous stay in Hickory Ridge was spent in the local orphanage. Unsure of her parentage and her reception from the citizens is cause for stress in this historical novel.
I somehow completely missed that this book was part of a trilogy until I was almost finished reading. Earlier this year I read the second book and didn't care for it. So I'm thankful that I didn't remember that or might have gone into this book with a bit of a bias. Other than some confusion at times with feeling like I was missing pieces of the story, I enjoyed this book. The characters were fun and this book seemed to wrap everyone's stories up well. The history that was brought into the story helped too. Since I didn't read the first book and it has been almost a year since reading the second I might have missed a few things, but as a stand alone book I still enjoyed it.
I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.
I somehow completely missed that this book was part of a trilogy until I was almost finished reading. Earlier this year I read the second book and didn't care for it. So I'm thankful that I didn't remember that or might have gone into this book with a bit of a bias. Other than some confusion at times with feeling like I was missing pieces of the story, I enjoyed this book. The characters were fun and this book seemed to wrap everyone's stories up well. The history that was brought into the story helped too. Since I didn't read the first book and it has been almost a year since reading the second I might have missed a few things, but as a stand alone book I still enjoyed it.
I received this book free of charge from Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.
November 30, 2012
This is the third and final book in this series, I have read them all and enjoyed! We have met Sophie before, and love that now we have her story. We are reunited with some of the friends we had come to love, and meet some new and many endearing ones.
Sophie Robillard Caldwell is now all grown up and is facing her fears. Having grown up in Hickory Ridge, TN in their orphanage, she wants to now reopen the local newspaper. Her life in this town was not a very happy one, but she is holding her head high, and has finished her educations.
Ethan Heyward has been hired to build and oversee Blue Smoke Resort. He has done a splendid job, and it has been acclaimed. When Sophie appears for an interview...sparks fly. Yes Ethan is taken with Sophie, but they are both fighting their past demons, and we read along hoping that each will make the right decisions.
Loved the view into 1880's living, and rebuilding after the Civil War. Don't miss this conclusion to this sweet series.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
Sophie Robillard Caldwell is now all grown up and is facing her fears. Having grown up in Hickory Ridge, TN in their orphanage, she wants to now reopen the local newspaper. Her life in this town was not a very happy one, but she is holding her head high, and has finished her educations.
Ethan Heyward has been hired to build and oversee Blue Smoke Resort. He has done a splendid job, and it has been acclaimed. When Sophie appears for an interview...sparks fly. Yes Ethan is taken with Sophie, but they are both fighting their past demons, and we read along hoping that each will make the right decisions.
Loved the view into 1880's living, and rebuilding after the Civil War. Don't miss this conclusion to this sweet series.
I received this book through Litfuse Publicity Book Tours, and was not required to give a positive review.
January 10, 2013
Every Perfect Gift is the third entry in Dorothy Love's Hickory Ridge Romance series, but my first experience with her work. Although third in a series, the novel seems to work well standing on its own. However, it was quite a predictable read and I had hoped for something a bit different. While overall Every Perfect Gift didn't capture my heart as much as I had hoped when I initially picked it up, the author has a knack for getting small town life to leap off the pages. Her setting is one of the assets of her book. Her supporting characters, especially Sophie’s best friend, Gillie seemed to be more well-developed than the main heroine and hero.
Despite those quibbles, the story is still worth reading. Every Perfect Gift is a sweet, predictable romance whose setting and secondary characters help it to shine. The two main characters learn God is a God of second chances and a God of truth. God is honored when His followers see people in need and help without thought of recompense.
Despite those quibbles, the story is still worth reading. Every Perfect Gift is a sweet, predictable romance whose setting and secondary characters help it to shine. The two main characters learn God is a God of second chances and a God of truth. God is honored when His followers see people in need and help without thought of recompense.
July 31, 2017
This is a satisfying inspirational romance...although there's not a whole lot of emphasis on the inspirational part of it, beyond attending church.
Even though this is number three in a series, you don't have to read the other two books first to follow the story line.
Even though this is number three in a series, you don't have to read the other two books first to follow the story line.
May 8, 2013
Of the three Hickory Ridge novels, this one was my favorite!
May 15, 2015
I absolutely adored my time in Hickory Ridge!!! This whole series was just phenomenal...I'm sad to see it come to an end. Definitely a favorite of mine forever. Highly recommended!!!
November 1, 2021
I have read the entire Hickory Ridge Series by Dorothy Love. The main character of Every Perfect Gift is Sophie Caldwell. I enjoyed the first twp books of this series more because I did not like the ending of this book as much.
Sophie had her doubts whether returning to Hickory Ridge was a good idea or not. When she was growing up in the orphanage, she only had ragged clothes to wear, and she was teased that she might be a mulatto. No knowledge of how or why she was put in the orphanage, she felt inferior to the other children. But she was adopted and raised by a loving couple. Sophie had always been a good storyteller, and she had a plan to revive the old newspaper in town. She interviewed Ethan Heyward who hired to build Blue Smoke, a resort, and over time fell in love with him.
Ethan had a secret about a horrible thing that happened when he was and a falling with his step-brother. He, like Sophie, did not know what really happened in his past and this came between the young couple until later in the book.
What I most liked about the book was the wonderful friendship that developed between Sophie and Gillie, who was determined to set up an infirmary with the local doctor to help the town people and beyond. They had a mutual admiration for their determination and their desire to help others.
Besides that, I enjoyed reading about Sophie dealing with the old printing press, how hard labor was required to keep it running and the mess of the ink that went with it. It really showed how much she wanted to be a journalist.
I did enjoy the story very much but I would have written a different ending!
Sophie had her doubts whether returning to Hickory Ridge was a good idea or not. When she was growing up in the orphanage, she only had ragged clothes to wear, and she was teased that she might be a mulatto. No knowledge of how or why she was put in the orphanage, she felt inferior to the other children. But she was adopted and raised by a loving couple. Sophie had always been a good storyteller, and she had a plan to revive the old newspaper in town. She interviewed Ethan Heyward who hired to build Blue Smoke, a resort, and over time fell in love with him.
Ethan had a secret about a horrible thing that happened when he was and a falling with his step-brother. He, like Sophie, did not know what really happened in his past and this came between the young couple until later in the book.
What I most liked about the book was the wonderful friendship that developed between Sophie and Gillie, who was determined to set up an infirmary with the local doctor to help the town people and beyond. They had a mutual admiration for their determination and their desire to help others.
Besides that, I enjoyed reading about Sophie dealing with the old printing press, how hard labor was required to keep it running and the mess of the ink that went with it. It really showed how much she wanted to be a journalist.
I did enjoy the story very much but I would have written a different ending!
December 29, 2025
Decent, but felt kinda shallow? Read as a standalone, but a lot of the side characters are mentioned/emphasized from previous books, which does not leave much room for the main characters to be fleshed out. (I think I read the first one once upon a time… but cannot remember.) They lack depth, and their problems are instantly solved… not leaving much room for a satisfying payoff. Granted, it’s a romance, and it’s supposed to have a happy ending… but the circumstances getting there are so happily resolved, it gets boring. Like, the FL is an orphan with little idea about her heritage except for old memories and rumors… but this seemingly gets “brushed away” after a brief encounter. Even the FL admits… it was a letdown. I’d rather the FL struggle with the past throughout the story in a deeper/more frustrating fashion, even after this encounter, and eventually learn to not let it define her/hold her back.
If you like cozy small-town vibes, this is a cute story. I liked several of the side characters, which helped push me along. Again, I felt like the MC’s lacked chemistry and depth. Pretty cover—wish it somehow tied into the story more.
If you like cozy small-town vibes, this is a cute story. I liked several of the side characters, which helped push me along. Again, I felt like the MC’s lacked chemistry and depth. Pretty cover—wish it somehow tied into the story more.
January 22, 2025
Sophie longs to establish a newspaper in her hometown. She returns after years away to find that much has changed, including the loss of the orphanage where she lived before leaving. She struggles to reconcile her memories with the memories of the town while creating the newspaper and uncovering some unsavory happenings around town.
This book doesn't rely so heavily on the series and is easier to read as a stand alone story.
If you want a story about growth, belief in yourself, with some history and a bit of danger woven in, this book might be for you.
This book doesn't rely so heavily on the series and is easier to read as a stand alone story.
If you want a story about growth, belief in yourself, with some history and a bit of danger woven in, this book might be for you.
January 31, 2025
Book 3 in the series did not disappoint.
I loved the tie in of Sophie discovering her mother. Would have loved a little more to that part. Would love to read an update on what became of her and Ethan. Did they move to Georgia and was the south accepting of her?
I wish there were two more books in the series to cover Gillie and Lucy's stories as well. Or maybe even introduce Mr. Blakely's daughters and their story.
I loved the addition of Blue Smoke resort and all that entailed. Plenty of twists and turns in the book. Highly recommend.
I loved the tie in of Sophie discovering her mother. Would have loved a little more to that part. Would love to read an update on what became of her and Ethan. Did they move to Georgia and was the south accepting of her?
I wish there were two more books in the series to cover Gillie and Lucy's stories as well. Or maybe even introduce Mr. Blakely's daughters and their story.
I loved the addition of Blue Smoke resort and all that entailed. Plenty of twists and turns in the book. Highly recommend.
June 18, 2017
Nooo! I don't want this series to be finished! I really want the series to be made into movies or a series, as long as it remains true to the books. Very easy to picture the story as you are reading it. Loved the characters, or for some loathed the characters. They touch you and feel very familiar. Thank you Dorothy Love.
September 27, 2019
EVERY PERFECT GIFT, is bk 3 in the Hickory Ridge series and much to my sadness it's the end of this wonderful series ... surly hope the author will reconsider and continue on .... there's so much more for the characters .... absolutely loved making friends and so want to continue the friendship!!
February 3, 2017
Good book and good series. Nothing really to brag it up about, but nothing I was left disappointed in either. Just a solid thumbs up from me.
September 16, 2017
A little predicacble but a great Read
February 11, 2018
Enjoyable easy read
Storyline was fairly predictable. Some plots weren't resolved. I personally enjoy plots that hold a lot of suspense and this failed to do that.
Storyline was fairly predictable. Some plots weren't resolved. I personally enjoy plots that hold a lot of suspense and this failed to do that.
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