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The Gilded Legacy #2
All in Good Time (The Gilded Legacy) by Maureen Lang
Dessa Caldwell has a to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.Henry Hawkins has a though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.
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First published March 22, 2013
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About the author
Maureen Lang
38 books208 followersMaureen Lang
Maureen Lang has always had a passion for writing. She wrote her first novel longhand around the age of 10, put the pages into a notebook she had covered with soft deerskin (nothing but the best!), then passed it around the neighborhood to rave reviews. It was so much fun she's been writing ever since.
Most of her books are historical, with an emphasis on faith and romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
May 12, 2014
Someone should set up Christian Fiction and Subtlety on a blind date. I don't believe they've met.
February 19, 2024
This novel deals with a time and place I don’t often visit – Denver, Colorado of 1887. It also touches on a difficult subject – prostitution. Basically, the main character, Dessa Caldwell, is trying to found a refuge for former prostitutes (and needs the help of handsome bank manager Henry Hawkins to do it). However, I thought it was well dealt with. The content didn’t feel like too much (although I still wouldn’t recommend it to younger readers because it just isn’t good subject-matter for them).
I was a little worried that Henry’s secret past wasn’t dealt with as fully as it should have been, but maybe that’s just me. Also, the book seemed to drag in a couple places. I didn’t enjoy it a ton, but it still was interesting, and Della was endearing.
~Kellyn Roth
I was a little worried that Henry’s secret past wasn’t dealt with as fully as it should have been, but maybe that’s just me. Also, the book seemed to drag in a couple places. I didn’t enjoy it a ton, but it still was interesting, and Della was endearing.
~Kellyn Roth
July 30, 2013
It was one of those good books that I loved but didn't find a favorite. There were a few things that annoyed me about this book, but not enough for me to dock a star though enough not for it to be a favorite. I only liked Henry. Dessa was okay, but I found her a little snobbish. Otherwise, the book was a good read that kept my attention and whispered, "Come back, Cookielover," every time I put it down for essential breaks. Like snack time. Snack time is essential. Anyways, it was a good historical romance that would be best read with a snack so you don't have to put it down to get up and get one.
May 29, 2017
For dealing with prostitution, this book was pretty clean and interesting. Historically, it is a very interesting glimpse into time.
The characters were interesting, and the story kept a good pace.
The story fell a little flat to me. I felt like the stories of the side characters started to be unpacked, and then were abandoned when a new character came along.
A decent book, but not my favorite.
The characters were interesting, and the story kept a good pace.
The story fell a little flat to me. I felt like the stories of the side characters started to be unpacked, and then were abandoned when a new character came along.
A decent book, but not my favorite.
May 3, 2013
Where I got the book: won the ARC from the author's website. Maureen Lang is a friend of mine, although the win was purely coincidental!
I liked the way this novel worked within the constraints of Christian fiction yet still pushed the envelope of the usual formula. As a romance it was pretty straightforward: Dessa and Henry are pretty much aware that they've met their destiny right from the beginning. What was interesting was that they both had a Past, so instead of the usual plot-driven stumbling-blocks to romance you're confronted with the problem of how they're going to get out of the self-imposed prisons of guilt and shame. I liked the fact that Henry, in particular, ends up shouldering the consequences of his past mistakes and things don't work out perfectly for either of them from a material point of view.
I also enjoyed the Denver setting with its soiled doves and tensions between the European and Chinese settlers. The theme of forgiveness of sin was highlighted by being set against what was essentially a lawless society; where the authorities are slow to impose consequences, each individual has to deal with the consequences his or her own actions set in train.
I would have liked to have seen some of the darker sides of this story more thoroughly explored, but then I remember this is Christian romance and that for the sub-genre, we're just a shade darker than usual.
I liked the way this novel worked within the constraints of Christian fiction yet still pushed the envelope of the usual formula. As a romance it was pretty straightforward: Dessa and Henry are pretty much aware that they've met their destiny right from the beginning. What was interesting was that they both had a Past, so instead of the usual plot-driven stumbling-blocks to romance you're confronted with the problem of how they're going to get out of the self-imposed prisons of guilt and shame. I liked the fact that Henry, in particular, ends up shouldering the consequences of his past mistakes and things don't work out perfectly for either of them from a material point of view.
I also enjoyed the Denver setting with its soiled doves and tensions between the European and Chinese settlers. The theme of forgiveness of sin was highlighted by being set against what was essentially a lawless society; where the authorities are slow to impose consequences, each individual has to deal with the consequences his or her own actions set in train.
I would have liked to have seen some of the darker sides of this story more thoroughly explored, but then I remember this is Christian romance and that for the sub-genre, we're just a shade darker than usual.
March 30, 2013
Following the death of her dear friend, Dessa Caldwell longs to continue the philanthropic work that Sophia Pierson was so passionate about—namely, opening a house to help women leave prostitution and enter a more respectable mode of life. But raising funds for such a venture takes longer than Dessa had hoped, particularly when the perfect house goes up for sale in a neighbourhood where Dessa thinks she can best support the women Sophie cared so much about. Taking a chance, Dessa approaches Henry Hawkins’s bank in the hope of obtaining a loan to purchase the property. Henry is not a risk-taker, but his uncle, Tobias, takes a shine to Dessa and encourages Henry to grant her the loan. Henry is certain that Dessa won’t be able to make even the first month’s payment, and is determined to see her fail. But after several visits to the property—now named Pierson House—he can’t help but admit that Dessa’s hopes for her work are admirable.
Unfortunately for Dessa, finding women to live in Pierson House is nearly as difficult as finding the funds to support her work. After nearly all of her flyers go unanswered, Dessa can’t help but wonder if she’s moved too fast, and been impatient in her efforts to do good work. Dessa has her own motivations for wanting to help these women—knowing that she could well have been one of them, if it weren’t for Sophie’s kindness—but has she ignored God’s timing? This blot on Dessa’s past holds her back from getting too close to the one man who could truly help her—Henry. But Henry has his own mistakes that he’s hiding, and until recently, he’s had no intention to own up to them. Just recently, however, he’s been feeling God nudging him to admit the truth of how he came about the money to found his bank—but will those close to him still care for him once he tells the truth?
I picked up Maureen Lang’s last novel, Bees in the Butterfly Garden, rather on a whim, and mostly based on the gorgeous cover art. I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this occasion was worth the risk as I absolutely loved Maureen’s tale of the Gilded Age in New York. While the sequel, All in Good Time, is set in the same time period, it can be read entirely as a standalone novel. As far as I could tell, there weren’t any crossovers from the previous book, and the story takes place in a completely different location. The main similarities between the first two novels in the Gilded Legacy series are that the hero and heroine in both novels have slightly shady pasts and mistakes they want to keep hidden, and the controversial nature of the heroine’s work—thievery for Bees in the Butterfly Garden, and helping reformed prostitutes in All in Good Time.
As with the first in the series, All in Good Time was a compelling read. This isn’t the sort of book you can put down and pick up very easily; in fact, I think I read the first 250 pages in one sitting, and only stopped reading in order to eat. The unusual subject matter, combined with Dessa’s passion for her philanthropic work, made it hard not to care about the success of Pierson house. Equally compelling was the blossoming relationship between Dessa and Henry, and I found myself shaking my head and cringing alongside Dessa as she attempted to prove to him how worthy her cause was. I have to say that it took me a while to warm up to Henry, and he felt rather distant at the beginning of the novel. Although we’re informed of Henry’s past transgressions in the prologue to the novel, I was honestly more intrigued by Dessa’s past, perhaps simply because we don’t initially know exactly what has inspired her to help these women living on the fringes of society.
I had this novel on my wishlist long before I knew anything about the plot, but I was definitely intrigued when I discovered that the story would revolve around a refuge for former prostitutes. I think I can count on one hand the number of Christian historical novel I’ve read that deal with the topic of prostitution—and probably less when it comes to contemporary novels, for that matter. Thanks to the proliferation of “Call Girl” memoirs in recent years, prostitution has become highly sexualised in our society. Despite what human trafficking statistics reveal about the number of women forced into prostitution, I imagine that there are still a lot of Christians who believe that women voluntarily enter the sex trade and see these women as a threat to their marriage and a temptation to their husbands. I’m not saying that this is how all women view prostitutes, but it certainly is a common belief, and one that I’m sure I was guilty of at some point in my life. All in Good Time presented a very sympathetic image of the women who find themselves working in the sex trade. Without preaching to the reader, Maureen showed how women can be tempted into such a lifestyle by promises of high earnings and attractive clothing and trinkets, and the control exerted over these women by bordello owners and pimps who don’t want to let go of their women. The details about the illegal Chinese immigrants who were sold into sex slavery were both shocking and enlightening, even more so if you’re aware that this still occurs today, and often with women from countries closer to home than we’d like to believe.
Dessa’s desire to help these women definitely endeared her to me, and I’m sure that many readers will be able to relate to her fear of not acting upon God’s timing. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard a loud, booming voice from the sky telling me exactly when I should do something. There are times when it can be hard to discern God’s will or timing for a situation, and Dessa is so over-eager to help former prostitutes find new lives that she jumps on every potential opportunity, often not thinking before she acts. Her spiritual struggle might not have been a terribly dramatic one, but it was definitely one I could relate to. Henry’s spiritual storyline also seemed very realistic, and his gradual realisation of God’s grace was a great reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such a forgiving God. Henry might not have had the typical “Moment of Conversion” scene that can be so popular in Christian fiction, but I know personally that sometimes the realisation of God and his glory can take time. I’m glad that Maureen decided to present Henry’s faith in this manner.
One last detail that I must touch on is that of Dessa’s past. I’ll try not to spoil this part of the story for potential readers, but I was incredibly pleased to see an author tackling a heroine who had made a sexual mistake in her past. So many Christian romance novels feature heroes with chequered pasts and heroine who are as pure as snow, and I know that this must make some female readers feel less than worthy of achieving their own happy ending. The relationship between Dessa and Henry demonstrated how it is possible to let go of the past and forge a new life, because God forgives all sin. Henry and Dessa might have made very different mistakes, but in the end they were both able to tell each other the truth and not let past transgressions get in the way of making a future together.
Perhaps the best message to take out of All in Good Time is that we are all sinners in God’s eyes, no matter what sin we are guilty of, but we can all gain forgiveness and redemption if we come to Him and ask.
Review title provided by Tyndale.
Unfortunately for Dessa, finding women to live in Pierson House is nearly as difficult as finding the funds to support her work. After nearly all of her flyers go unanswered, Dessa can’t help but wonder if she’s moved too fast, and been impatient in her efforts to do good work. Dessa has her own motivations for wanting to help these women—knowing that she could well have been one of them, if it weren’t for Sophie’s kindness—but has she ignored God’s timing? This blot on Dessa’s past holds her back from getting too close to the one man who could truly help her—Henry. But Henry has his own mistakes that he’s hiding, and until recently, he’s had no intention to own up to them. Just recently, however, he’s been feeling God nudging him to admit the truth of how he came about the money to found his bank—but will those close to him still care for him once he tells the truth?
I picked up Maureen Lang’s last novel, Bees in the Butterfly Garden, rather on a whim, and mostly based on the gorgeous cover art. I know I shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but this occasion was worth the risk as I absolutely loved Maureen’s tale of the Gilded Age in New York. While the sequel, All in Good Time, is set in the same time period, it can be read entirely as a standalone novel. As far as I could tell, there weren’t any crossovers from the previous book, and the story takes place in a completely different location. The main similarities between the first two novels in the Gilded Legacy series are that the hero and heroine in both novels have slightly shady pasts and mistakes they want to keep hidden, and the controversial nature of the heroine’s work—thievery for Bees in the Butterfly Garden, and helping reformed prostitutes in All in Good Time.
As with the first in the series, All in Good Time was a compelling read. This isn’t the sort of book you can put down and pick up very easily; in fact, I think I read the first 250 pages in one sitting, and only stopped reading in order to eat. The unusual subject matter, combined with Dessa’s passion for her philanthropic work, made it hard not to care about the success of Pierson house. Equally compelling was the blossoming relationship between Dessa and Henry, and I found myself shaking my head and cringing alongside Dessa as she attempted to prove to him how worthy her cause was. I have to say that it took me a while to warm up to Henry, and he felt rather distant at the beginning of the novel. Although we’re informed of Henry’s past transgressions in the prologue to the novel, I was honestly more intrigued by Dessa’s past, perhaps simply because we don’t initially know exactly what has inspired her to help these women living on the fringes of society.
I had this novel on my wishlist long before I knew anything about the plot, but I was definitely intrigued when I discovered that the story would revolve around a refuge for former prostitutes. I think I can count on one hand the number of Christian historical novel I’ve read that deal with the topic of prostitution—and probably less when it comes to contemporary novels, for that matter. Thanks to the proliferation of “Call Girl” memoirs in recent years, prostitution has become highly sexualised in our society. Despite what human trafficking statistics reveal about the number of women forced into prostitution, I imagine that there are still a lot of Christians who believe that women voluntarily enter the sex trade and see these women as a threat to their marriage and a temptation to their husbands. I’m not saying that this is how all women view prostitutes, but it certainly is a common belief, and one that I’m sure I was guilty of at some point in my life. All in Good Time presented a very sympathetic image of the women who find themselves working in the sex trade. Without preaching to the reader, Maureen showed how women can be tempted into such a lifestyle by promises of high earnings and attractive clothing and trinkets, and the control exerted over these women by bordello owners and pimps who don’t want to let go of their women. The details about the illegal Chinese immigrants who were sold into sex slavery were both shocking and enlightening, even more so if you’re aware that this still occurs today, and often with women from countries closer to home than we’d like to believe.
Dessa’s desire to help these women definitely endeared her to me, and I’m sure that many readers will be able to relate to her fear of not acting upon God’s timing. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard a loud, booming voice from the sky telling me exactly when I should do something. There are times when it can be hard to discern God’s will or timing for a situation, and Dessa is so over-eager to help former prostitutes find new lives that she jumps on every potential opportunity, often not thinking before she acts. Her spiritual struggle might not have been a terribly dramatic one, but it was definitely one I could relate to. Henry’s spiritual storyline also seemed very realistic, and his gradual realisation of God’s grace was a great reminder of just how fortunate we are to have such a forgiving God. Henry might not have had the typical “Moment of Conversion” scene that can be so popular in Christian fiction, but I know personally that sometimes the realisation of God and his glory can take time. I’m glad that Maureen decided to present Henry’s faith in this manner.
One last detail that I must touch on is that of Dessa’s past. I’ll try not to spoil this part of the story for potential readers, but I was incredibly pleased to see an author tackling a heroine who had made a sexual mistake in her past. So many Christian romance novels feature heroes with chequered pasts and heroine who are as pure as snow, and I know that this must make some female readers feel less than worthy of achieving their own happy ending. The relationship between Dessa and Henry demonstrated how it is possible to let go of the past and forge a new life, because God forgives all sin. Henry and Dessa might have made very different mistakes, but in the end they were both able to tell each other the truth and not let past transgressions get in the way of making a future together.
Perhaps the best message to take out of All in Good Time is that we are all sinners in God’s eyes, no matter what sin we are guilty of, but we can all gain forgiveness and redemption if we come to Him and ask.
Review title provided by Tyndale.
June 11, 2022
3.5*
I enjoyed a glimpse into Denver in the late 1800s, and especially dealing with the more unseemly aspects of society at that time. The grace-filled way the main character viewed and handled those around her, who were the very dregs of society, was a challenge to me. God's grace can truly change a life, no matter how low and dirty it is.
I enjoyed a glimpse into Denver in the late 1800s, and especially dealing with the more unseemly aspects of society at that time. The grace-filled way the main character viewed and handled those around her, who were the very dregs of society, was a challenge to me. God's grace can truly change a life, no matter how low and dirty it is.
March 9, 2016
RATING: 4.5
I would have given this book a 5 but found the first third to be rather slow. Once it got started it was really good.
This is the second book in The Gilded Legacy series. I absolutely loved the first book, Bees in the Butterfly Garden; and with the exception of the slow beginning, loved this one just as much.
Dessa's friend and savior, Sophie Pearson, has passed away. It is her extreme desire to continue on Sophie's work of founding a home for former prostitutes. This in itself makes this book quite different focusing on subject matter that isn't very often seen in novels. In her attempts to develop this home, Dessa connects with hard core, very introverted, banker, Henry Hawkins. In another attempt to get the home up and running, she makes a deal for funding with Turk Foster who is involved in the very dealings - gambling, alcohol, and encouraging prostitution - that Dessa is fighting. Both men find Dessa intriguing which leads to changes in both of them.
I loved Dessa's strength and that she didn't give up when obstacles occurred. With none of the prostitutes in the nearby area willing to accept her invitation to move toward a new life when she opened the home and with opposition from others, she still kept pursuing her and Sophie's dream. Sometimes though she was typical of most people when she forged ahead on her own without asking for God's wisdom first. She was also willing to fight against cultural prejudices such as second chances for prostitutes and those from other races.
Henry Hawkins was another favorite as he changed from an isolated, imposed asylum due to his past to a caring, more hopeful person. His restored relationship with his mother and his developing relationship with Dessa both caused him to take a second look at what he wanted his life to be.
Lang develops this story with a great variety of major and minor characters who contribute to the varying aspects of the storyline. The focus on forgiveness for things that took place in the past and the emphasis on second chances resonates throughout the story. Both Henry and Dessa had made mistakes in their past, but they found that honesty and forgiveness could change the future.
I recommend this book to all readers who like historical romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"God tells us outright that some behavior is sin, and other behavior seems to be punishment enough without having it named a sin. But no matter what people do, have done, or will do, God's seen it before. He went to the cross so we don't have to be punished."
"But if Reverend Sempkins was right, forgiveness was as undeserved as Henry's success had been. He was just beginning to realize that was what made it a gift."
"We may question the circumstances God allows to draw us to Him or to teach us, but we must never questions His love. His will is know to those who seek it, all in good time."
I would have given this book a 5 but found the first third to be rather slow. Once it got started it was really good.
This is the second book in The Gilded Legacy series. I absolutely loved the first book, Bees in the Butterfly Garden; and with the exception of the slow beginning, loved this one just as much.
Dessa's friend and savior, Sophie Pearson, has passed away. It is her extreme desire to continue on Sophie's work of founding a home for former prostitutes. This in itself makes this book quite different focusing on subject matter that isn't very often seen in novels. In her attempts to develop this home, Dessa connects with hard core, very introverted, banker, Henry Hawkins. In another attempt to get the home up and running, she makes a deal for funding with Turk Foster who is involved in the very dealings - gambling, alcohol, and encouraging prostitution - that Dessa is fighting. Both men find Dessa intriguing which leads to changes in both of them.
I loved Dessa's strength and that she didn't give up when obstacles occurred. With none of the prostitutes in the nearby area willing to accept her invitation to move toward a new life when she opened the home and with opposition from others, she still kept pursuing her and Sophie's dream. Sometimes though she was typical of most people when she forged ahead on her own without asking for God's wisdom first. She was also willing to fight against cultural prejudices such as second chances for prostitutes and those from other races.
Henry Hawkins was another favorite as he changed from an isolated, imposed asylum due to his past to a caring, more hopeful person. His restored relationship with his mother and his developing relationship with Dessa both caused him to take a second look at what he wanted his life to be.
Lang develops this story with a great variety of major and minor characters who contribute to the varying aspects of the storyline. The focus on forgiveness for things that took place in the past and the emphasis on second chances resonates throughout the story. Both Henry and Dessa had made mistakes in their past, but they found that honesty and forgiveness could change the future.
I recommend this book to all readers who like historical romance.
FAVORITE QUOTES:
"God tells us outright that some behavior is sin, and other behavior seems to be punishment enough without having it named a sin. But no matter what people do, have done, or will do, God's seen it before. He went to the cross so we don't have to be punished."
"But if Reverend Sempkins was right, forgiveness was as undeserved as Henry's success had been. He was just beginning to realize that was what made it a gift."
"We may question the circumstances God allows to draw us to Him or to teach us, but we must never questions His love. His will is know to those who seek it, all in good time."
January 6, 2014
Sigh, I had high hopes for this book, even though it was a Christian romance (admittedly not my favorite genre). In 1887 a young woman opens a safe house for former prostitutes in Denver, sounds promising right!?! Wrong, it fell just short of the mark. It took a lot of will power for me to finish this bad boy.
The whole theme of "all in good time" is POUNDED into your skull throughout the novel. We get it! God works in His own time and you need to be patient! For example:
* Dessa is eager to open up "Pierson House" a safe place for former prostitutes and women who want to turn their lives around. Instead of waiting for enough donations to buy a house, Dessa rushes ahead to get a loan so she can buy a house she's had her eye on. She quickly realizes that she should have waited, what if she can't make the loan payments?
* Dessa rushes into an agreement with Turk Foster, a slick businessman who owns the theater (i.e. illegal gambling hall and saloon) in the bad part of town to tost a benefit for Pierson House. She realizes to late that her donors will be upset by this collaboration and will stop donating to her cause.
* Dessa is quick to judge Henry Hawkins, the bank manager. She quickly writes him off as a mean ol' Scrooge who cares only for money. She and Henry are surprised when they both start to fall for each other.
*Dessa offers to help two young Chinese immigrants who are going to be sold into prostitution without asking anyone for help and without thinking about the consequences. As a result there is rioting and Pierson House is at stake.
Basically, Dessa is far too hopeful about everything and always gets into trouble. After a while, you just stop caring. The only characters I really enjoyed in this novel were the women and girls that stayed at Pierson House, Remee (the older haughty former prostitute), Jane (the sixteen year old that attempted to hold up a bank to get money), Nadette (a ragamuffin who keeps bringing people for Dessa to save, but won't stay herself), and the Chinese sisters Liling and Mei Mei.
It's a decent story line but I was more invested in the minor characters than I was in Dessa or Henry. Not to say it was badly written, it was just a bit repetitive in the problems.
For fans of historical and inspirational fiction.
I received this book for free from Tyndale Press in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
The whole theme of "all in good time" is POUNDED into your skull throughout the novel. We get it! God works in His own time and you need to be patient! For example:
* Dessa is eager to open up "Pierson House" a safe place for former prostitutes and women who want to turn their lives around. Instead of waiting for enough donations to buy a house, Dessa rushes ahead to get a loan so she can buy a house she's had her eye on. She quickly realizes that she should have waited, what if she can't make the loan payments?
* Dessa rushes into an agreement with Turk Foster, a slick businessman who owns the theater (i.e. illegal gambling hall and saloon) in the bad part of town to tost a benefit for Pierson House. She realizes to late that her donors will be upset by this collaboration and will stop donating to her cause.
* Dessa is quick to judge Henry Hawkins, the bank manager. She quickly writes him off as a mean ol' Scrooge who cares only for money. She and Henry are surprised when they both start to fall for each other.
*Dessa offers to help two young Chinese immigrants who are going to be sold into prostitution without asking anyone for help and without thinking about the consequences. As a result there is rioting and Pierson House is at stake.
Basically, Dessa is far too hopeful about everything and always gets into trouble. After a while, you just stop caring. The only characters I really enjoyed in this novel were the women and girls that stayed at Pierson House, Remee (the older haughty former prostitute), Jane (the sixteen year old that attempted to hold up a bank to get money), Nadette (a ragamuffin who keeps bringing people for Dessa to save, but won't stay herself), and the Chinese sisters Liling and Mei Mei.
It's a decent story line but I was more invested in the minor characters than I was in Dessa or Henry. Not to say it was badly written, it was just a bit repetitive in the problems.
For fans of historical and inspirational fiction.
I received this book for free from Tyndale Press in return for my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 12, 2013
Henry Hawkins is the sort of guy we might nominate for Young Achiever or Young Businessman of the Year, if he lived in modern times. Only 30 years old, he is a wealthy and successful bank founder and handsome as well. Clients have never guessed the secret about his past, which keeps him always on edge. Twelve years earlier, he'd committed a couple of stage coach robberies to give him a head start in business. Even though he has long since anonymously donated it all back, guilt and fear of discovery drive him to live like a recluse, watch his back and trust nobody.
Dessa Caldwell is anxious to finance her dream to open a refuge house for working girls who long to start over with a clean slate. So far, all the banks she's approached have failed to give her a loan, and now she's about to try Hawkins National. She also wants to make up for a grievous mistake she committed years ago, with the brother of her mentor.
I liked the structure of this book. Although brimming with secrets, it is not a mystery novel. The reader is well aware of what both Henry and Dessa conceal. The intrigue is in watching them skirt around each other, each assuming that the other has always been a pillar of society. That was enough to keep me turning the pages to find out how all would be revealed. Dessa is a beautiful character, inside and out. Her impatience to change lives for the better, along with her warm heart and self-doubt made me want things to turn out well for her. The romantic element was very satisfying.
It was interesting to share her puzzlement and disappointment when young women didn't flock in droves to her refuge house, as she expected. Although set in the 1800s, there is a lot we can learn about advertising and promotion skills, motivation and patience. There were other good characters to support the main two. Henry's uncle and employee, the kindly Tobias Ridgeway is great. Then there is Turk Foster, the likeable rake who runs a shady business and plans to worm his way into politics, and Jane, the poor girl desperate enough to attempt something very foolish. I'd be happy to read more about all of them.
Dessa Caldwell is anxious to finance her dream to open a refuge house for working girls who long to start over with a clean slate. So far, all the banks she's approached have failed to give her a loan, and now she's about to try Hawkins National. She also wants to make up for a grievous mistake she committed years ago, with the brother of her mentor.
I liked the structure of this book. Although brimming with secrets, it is not a mystery novel. The reader is well aware of what both Henry and Dessa conceal. The intrigue is in watching them skirt around each other, each assuming that the other has always been a pillar of society. That was enough to keep me turning the pages to find out how all would be revealed. Dessa is a beautiful character, inside and out. Her impatience to change lives for the better, along with her warm heart and self-doubt made me want things to turn out well for her. The romantic element was very satisfying.
It was interesting to share her puzzlement and disappointment when young women didn't flock in droves to her refuge house, as she expected. Although set in the 1800s, there is a lot we can learn about advertising and promotion skills, motivation and patience. There were other good characters to support the main two. Henry's uncle and employee, the kindly Tobias Ridgeway is great. Then there is Turk Foster, the likeable rake who runs a shady business and plans to worm his way into politics, and Jane, the poor girl desperate enough to attempt something very foolish. I'd be happy to read more about all of them.
June 1, 2013
I can’t resist a historical romance set in the Old West, and Maureen Lang’s latest, All in Good Time, set in 1880s Denver, Colorado, doesn’t disappoint. (Also I really love the cover. She means business!)
Dessa Caldwell is on a mission to open a home for women who want to leave a life of prostitution behind. To fulfill her dream, she needs a bank to approve her loan application, and so far, no bank will take a chance on a charitable organization’s success. Hawkins National Bank is her final hope for a loan. An initial meeting with bank clerk Tobias Ridgeway gives Dessa hope that her loan might be approved, but it’s the bank’s owner Henry Hawkins who must give final approval.
Hawkins is skeptical about Dessa’s potential for success but he’s drawn to her passion to live and work in the city’s roughest neighborhood. As their paths continue to cross, both Dessa and Henry must decide if the secrets they are keeping about their respective pasts will keep them from their futures.
This was my first read from Lang, and I was most interested in the main character’s ministry to women leaving prostitution. The story developed a little more slowly than I usually like, and I had almost no interest in Henry Hawkins at the beginning. He’s a recluse because of the secret he keeps and comes off older than he is. I couldn’t picture him as the hero or love interest in this story, especially since I liked Dessa so much. She’s a strong woman with drive and determination, as well as a compassionate spirit.
But as the story progressed, I grew to like the direction it was heading, although the pace never did accelerate. But that doesn’t mean it was a boring book. Far from it. I’ve heard good things about Lang, and I have another of her books awaiting me in my to-read pile. I wouldn’t say this was the best book I’ve ever read, but I liked it enough to read more from this author in the future.
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In exchange for my review, I received a copy of All in Good Time from Tyndale House Publishers.
Dessa Caldwell is on a mission to open a home for women who want to leave a life of prostitution behind. To fulfill her dream, she needs a bank to approve her loan application, and so far, no bank will take a chance on a charitable organization’s success. Hawkins National Bank is her final hope for a loan. An initial meeting with bank clerk Tobias Ridgeway gives Dessa hope that her loan might be approved, but it’s the bank’s owner Henry Hawkins who must give final approval.
Hawkins is skeptical about Dessa’s potential for success but he’s drawn to her passion to live and work in the city’s roughest neighborhood. As their paths continue to cross, both Dessa and Henry must decide if the secrets they are keeping about their respective pasts will keep them from their futures.
This was my first read from Lang, and I was most interested in the main character’s ministry to women leaving prostitution. The story developed a little more slowly than I usually like, and I had almost no interest in Henry Hawkins at the beginning. He’s a recluse because of the secret he keeps and comes off older than he is. I couldn’t picture him as the hero or love interest in this story, especially since I liked Dessa so much. She’s a strong woman with drive and determination, as well as a compassionate spirit.
But as the story progressed, I grew to like the direction it was heading, although the pace never did accelerate. But that doesn’t mean it was a boring book. Far from it. I’ve heard good things about Lang, and I have another of her books awaiting me in my to-read pile. I wouldn’t say this was the best book I’ve ever read, but I liked it enough to read more from this author in the future.
————–
In exchange for my review, I received a copy of All in Good Time from Tyndale House Publishers.
September 1, 2014
Summary: Dessa Caldwell has a heart for helping at-risk women and girls in 1880's Denver. So she takes her impulsive nature and gets a loan from a local bank to open a safe house. Little does she know that the loan was given without the blessing of the bank owner, a young man with a dark past. Sparks fly, and both Dessa and her beaux are compelled to decide what they really want from life.
The main problem with this story is that we don't spend enough time with any one character to really understand who they are. Between the problems at the bank, the problems at Dessa's safe house, the problems in the bordellos, the problems back home, all the characters are rushing around trying to do something and we are left guessing at their intentions–a poor substitute for suspense.
While I appreciate the author's efforts to deal with topics like child-rape, prostitution, gambling, and drug addiction tactfully in a way that will not steal the innocence of her readers, the truth is that her approach also lacks compassion. Dessa's violation at a young age by her employer is treated as foolish first love. The reason that Dessa has a low response from the women she wants to help is because they are happy in the brothels. In fact, one character blatantly announces her goal to become a prostitute, and when she changes her mind, it is due less to an understanding of the pain accompanying that lifestyle than to immediate fear she will be punished for helping others. An ending explanation says that just providing a door out gives these women all the hope they need to keep living, even if they never walk through it.
My greatest fear is that a naif reader might construe the light treatment as grounds for superiority. After all, if these women all chose this life willingly then they deserve what comes to them. The truth is far more complex.
For a better treatment of this subject, I suggest Francine River's Redeeming Love.
The main problem with this story is that we don't spend enough time with any one character to really understand who they are. Between the problems at the bank, the problems at Dessa's safe house, the problems in the bordellos, the problems back home, all the characters are rushing around trying to do something and we are left guessing at their intentions–a poor substitute for suspense.
While I appreciate the author's efforts to deal with topics like child-rape, prostitution, gambling, and drug addiction tactfully in a way that will not steal the innocence of her readers, the truth is that her approach also lacks compassion. Dessa's violation at a young age by her employer is treated as foolish first love. The reason that Dessa has a low response from the women she wants to help is because they are happy in the brothels. In fact, one character blatantly announces her goal to become a prostitute, and when she changes her mind, it is due less to an understanding of the pain accompanying that lifestyle than to immediate fear she will be punished for helping others. An ending explanation says that just providing a door out gives these women all the hope they need to keep living, even if they never walk through it.
My greatest fear is that a naif reader might construe the light treatment as grounds for superiority. After all, if these women all chose this life willingly then they deserve what comes to them. The truth is far more complex.
For a better treatment of this subject, I suggest Francine River's Redeeming Love.
July 14, 2016
ALL IN GOOD TIME is a book with a good premise, but predictable and very slow. The faith message revolves around the need to wait on God to make your way clear, not rush into things head on like a fool. I hesitate to call Dessa a fool, because she is called by God and is passionate, but she fails to listen to advice and she acts without thinking getting herself into all kinds of trouble.
Henry--I'm not sure what I think of him. I didn't like him at all at first. By the halfway mark he was beginning to grow on me.
All said the book is very well written, has promise, but falls flat with the execution of the writing. It is hard to maintain interest in the story when it's slow and easily put down. I have read some of Ms. Lang's books in the past and absolutely loved them, so I had high hopes for ALL IN GOOD TIME. However, if you like historical fiction, settling Denver type fiction, ministering to prostitutes and other downtrodden and want a strong faith message, consider reading ALL IN GOOD TIME.
Henry--I'm not sure what I think of him. I didn't like him at all at first. By the halfway mark he was beginning to grow on me.
All said the book is very well written, has promise, but falls flat with the execution of the writing. It is hard to maintain interest in the story when it's slow and easily put down. I have read some of Ms. Lang's books in the past and absolutely loved them, so I had high hopes for ALL IN GOOD TIME. However, if you like historical fiction, settling Denver type fiction, ministering to prostitutes and other downtrodden and want a strong faith message, consider reading ALL IN GOOD TIME.
June 12, 2018
This book certainly had it's heart pounding, wide-eyed, page turning moments. Yet, it also had a couple "get a move on" "maybe I'll skim this section" parts too. Overall it was an enjoyable read. I guess my only hang-ups were there fact I wanted justice to be served... in this life.
September 26, 2013
This was my second Maureen Lang book; very enjoyable read. Clever plot, wonderful characters and a great reminder of forgiveness from the past!
June 10, 2013
I didn't read the first book, but I wasn't lost. Very good story enjoyed.
July 9, 2013
Enjoyed this story of hope and grace. Sometimes found it a bit wordy and detailed which slowed the story a bit
April 21, 2021
I loved this book it was a very emotional book for me . I loved that this woman had very strong faith at the start of the book and lost her faith then was invited to a missionary trip that had regained her faith and had a very happy ending . I loved how this book touched on real feeling on certain events of everyday life and the real feelings people have . I recommend this book to all that love happy endings .
April 9, 2024
This was a fantastic stand alone novel in the series. Christian Regency fiction... loving it all: believable story and heartwarming characters. Parent Guide: due to some situations, I would encourage you to preread this book before sharing with your older teens and above. I was able to read a physical copy of this book by borrowing it from my local library. All opinions are my own, and I was not influenced by anyone or anything.
July 10, 2017
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1... is a clean wholesome historical romance. I loved that the author used the theme of God's forgiveness to help the main characters rise above their past sins and feelings of being unworthy. Great life lessons are taught through an interesting and engaging story. Add it to your TBR pile.
July 28, 2017
I was thinking this would be a sequel to Bees In The Butterfly Garden, but actually it's a completely new story with no ties to the first book. This story is equally as engaging as the first. A woman determined to found a home for unwanted women of the streets, a banker with a secret, and a Love that can heal and free them both.
April 3, 2018
Earned 5 stars
Dessa has a heart of gold and wants to help everyone in need. But she’s not as perfect as she seems. Henry is an upstanding bank manager and respected in the community but the community doesn’t know his past mistakes. I quickly came to care for both of them and their supporting characters. It was an interesting plot and kept me reading till the final page.
Dessa has a heart of gold and wants to help everyone in need. But she’s not as perfect as she seems. Henry is an upstanding bank manager and respected in the community but the community doesn’t know his past mistakes. I quickly came to care for both of them and their supporting characters. It was an interesting plot and kept me reading till the final page.
August 14, 2019
I bought this book thinking it was a fantastic old world read. No where on the book did it state it was religious literature. I’m a Christian but I hate God being shoved down my throat. But the storyline was so cute and the book so well written that I had to finish it! If you don’t mind a little bit of God thrown into the story I highly suggest this.
February 13, 2018
Great Book!
Very interesting story with lots of Twista and turns. A lovely picture of God's grace in how He deals with us no matter the situation or how far we think we have fallen. Also a beautiful love story.
Very interesting story with lots of Twista and turns. A lovely picture of God's grace in how He deals with us no matter the situation or how far we think we have fallen. Also a beautiful love story.
May 6, 2023
Excellent story!
The story was easy to follow and the characte are ers were easy to follow. In some stories, a person sometimes loses track of the relationships and where the people are going
I appreciated the love story without vulgar language.
Well done! 👍
The story was easy to follow and the characte are ers were easy to follow. In some stories, a person sometimes loses track of the relationships and where the people are going
I appreciated the love story without vulgar language.
Well done! 👍
January 6, 2018
Whoops, apparently I read book two first--I didn't have any trouble reading this story without having read the first book, though. It was a nice read!
September 21, 2019
Good read. I liked how there was restitution.
June 1, 2020
Great story!
August 31, 2020
Good book.
October 11, 2020
The story was very slow. I kept reading hoping it would pick up and it never did. Squeaky clean and interesting characters, just boring overall.
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