All The Blue of Heaven

Colors of Faith #1

by Virginia Carmichael

Eight years ago, Allie Hathaway scandalized the wealthy elite of Chicago when she ran away to San Francisco. Now a world-renowned portrait painter, her life is filled with laughter and friendship, including being a mother to her orphaned niece. Life is perfect, so why can’t she forget her first love?
Thomas Bradford has come a long way from being the Hathaway family’s carriage boy. A veterinary degree, ambition and hard work have made him one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. If only he could forget those stolen moments with Allie, Thomas might be able to enjoy his success.
The Great Quake of 1906 stuns the nation and Allie’s art studio burns to the ground, destroying years of valuable work. She’s forced to return to Chicago with little Janey, the only spark of hope in a life reduced to ashes. Her faith is crushed by her tragic reversal of fortune.
Thomas knows better than to fall for the beautiful young painter again, but he’s never been very wise around Allie Hathaway.
The carriage man’s son is all grown up and Allie doesn’t expect a second chance at a love that was refused eight years ago. Her life is in shambles and she has a child to support, so why won’t her heart accept the truth?
Once their love was torn apart by circumstance, but Thomas and Allie must decide whether to forge a future of hope together.


This is the first book in the Colors of Faith, a Christian historical romance series by Virginia Carmichael. The next, Pockets Full of Gold, will be released in August 2013.

Virginia was born near the Rocky Mountains and although she has traveled around the world, the wilds of Colorado run in her veins. A big fan of the wide open sky and all four seasons, she believes in embracing the small moments of everyday life. A home schooling mom of six young children who rarely wear shoes, those moments usually involve a lot of noise, a lot of mess, or a whole bunch of warm cookies. Virginia holds degrees in Linguistics and Religious Studies from the University of Oregon. She lives with her habanero-eating husband, Crusberto, who is her polar opposite in all things except faith. They've learned to speak in short-hand code and look forward to the day they can actually finish a sentence. In the meantime, Virginia thanks God for the laughter and abundance of hugs that fill her day as she plots her next book.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Fiction, Historical, Ebooks

302 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 8, 2013

About the author

Virginia was born near the Rocky Mountains and although she has traveled around the world, the wilds of Colorado run in her veins. A big fan of the wide open sky and all four seasons, she believes in embracing the small moments of everyday life. A home schooling mom of six young children who rarely wear shoes, those moments usually involve a lot of noise, a lot of mess, or a whole bunch of warm cookies. Virginia holds degrees in Linguistics and Religious Studies from the University of Oregon. She lives with her habanero-eating husband, Crusberto, who is her polar opposite in all things except faith. They've learned to speak in short-hand code and look forward to the day they can actually finish a sentence. In the meantime, Virginia thanks God for the laughter and abundance of hugs that fill her day as she plots her next book.

Fair warning: I read everything! Well, maybe not erotica and horror, but I do read widely and often. I don't usually review every book I read (more often, I don't review) but my reviews cover everything from children's lit to Christian romance to YA to women's fiction to crime procedurals to mysteries to... you get the idea!

Reviews

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very poor editing in the Kindle version!! Decent storyline.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and easy read. Love story that has a happy ending!

[Sheila Majczan · Rating 3 out of 5]

226 reviews - almost all are 4 or 5 stars! That says a lot. I am rating it at 3.5 stars. I usually like to read all but only when they number under 100 or so. With this book I only read the longer ones AND many of those pointed out the numerous errors. I shook my head in seeing that the Editor replied to one review criticizing the editing, etc. Sadly, I agree that the number of errors was very distracting and I wished for a paperback copy in which I could pencil in the corrections. But with my kindle that is impossible and even if I wanted to keep a list the page numbers are not listed.

On the positive side: this was a very enjoyable Christian romance story with the use of the well known San Francisco earthquake and following destruction as a starting point. The heroine is surprisingly strong and talented for one of that era. The bond with her niece was gratifying to read about and came into play in Allie's relationships with both her mother and her long-lost love, Thomas Bradford. It was also a consideration in judging any other suitors, when Allie's mother showed her determination to marry Allie off.

This book portrays people who have a very strong faith in GOD without being preachy. I found that to speak to me in my journey of faith. But it also showed the struggles one may experience "when bad things happen to good people". Allie, unfortunately (at first), took those bad things personally as reprimands from GOD about her choices in her life.

For me a good romance will have misunderstandings and the relationship between our two main characters had many, going back to their teen years, about women mentioned at college, about talents being used to their fullest, about stations in life, one's wealth and family background, and even about opinions concerning beauty in that Allie is scarred from the fire in San Francisco. Then there is the situation with one's reputation as living among the artists' community and a slip of the tongue by Janey about a woman taking off "her clothes" seem to paint Allie as a fallen woman. A further threat is due to Allie's continued recuperation from the fire: the burns, the smoke inhalation and her weight loss and weakened condition. Fainting upon returning to her mother's home only sets the mother's opinion that Allie cannot care for Janey any longer.

I was disappointed with the ending. I thought there could have been more follow-up with how important people in this couple's life reacted, with events or even that there might be an epilogue about the wedding, children and even the railroad going through parts of Chicago. Maybe the next book will have that or maybe it won't. In looking at the railway situation, I would have liked more history there - how did the decision come about? Was there a council vote or did the mayor, alone, make that decision. Also what happened to the roof of Mrs. Leeds' home? Was it repaired? Was a tarp put over it? Did Allie's new clothes become soaked with the rain pouring in? How did art lessons for the niece get resolved? Did that wait until the couple was married and living separate from the mother? And just how did those threats from Louise Lloyd pan out? There is also the situation with the first young girl, Maggie, who was helping out in the home. Just where did she go and how could she afford to run off or did she end up as a prostitute upon arriving in San Francisco (if that is where she ran off to) as hinted at in discussion about such events?

Mrs. Morton was an endearing character and provided a lot of support (As well as regular freshly baked treats from the kitchen.) to Allie, which she didn't get from her mother. Although the mother's wealth did make it easier to replace all the clothes lost and provide Janey with piano lessons, etc. The author must like the name "Ransom" as this is the second book (and I have only read 2) in which she uses this name.

I found this book to hold my interest but would have paid more to have parts, especially the ending, fleshed out. I do recommend it as an interesting Christian romance story.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fine read

The story was a little watered down, drama was just okay.

Liked the characters a lot. Was hoping for more resolution between mother and daughter

[Shauna Stewart Hougham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the period book of 1906. Allie left Chicago for San Francisco to become the painter she always wanted to be. This was a scandalous move for that era. She was there for 6 to 8 yrs until the great earth quake which left the town in burnt ruins. She also who caring for her orphaned niece for several yrs prior to this. She left her money stashed in a brick bldg rather than a bank so she was basically left penniless. What paintings she had were basically destroyed. They had no choice but to pack her and move back to her home city. This would be hard, as she was left with a few scares, Janey her niece was spared as she was across the street as that didnt get burned like her bldg did. They lived one place and her painting studio was across. She had people babysitting her while she painted thru the nite.. Back in Chicago her childhood sweetheart, Thomas Bradford has come a long way from being the Hathaway family’s carriage boy, with a veterinary degree, ambition and hard worker have made him one of Chicago’s most sought-after bachelors. If only he could forget those stolen moments with Allie, Thomas might be able to enjoy his success. Allie struggles with her faith, she loves Thomas but thinks he doesn't love her, Thomas lover her, but doesn't think she loves him. Allie's mother tries to set her up on dates with men that she feels will accept little Janey or for the matter that matter the grandmother will raise her. But little Janey has only known Allie as a care giver since she was one. This a a good book of faith. I strongly recommend and I really like period books to read..

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the Blue of Heaven was an introduction to a both a new series and a new author for me. It started slowly and at one point in the early pages, I considered setting it aside. I'm glad I didn't. Around the 30% mark, I finally settled in to the story of a young woman who wrestles with her wounded past and an uncertain future. After becoming a wildly successful painter in San Francisco, despite the objections of her family, the disastrous fire and earthquake of 1906 seems to take everything away from her: fame, freedom, and even her face. Could this be God's judgment for her disobeying her family and pursuing her art? She wrestles with the adage, "You can't go home again," but she has no other choice. Can she face the home and love of her youth knowing that they might have all moved on without her? She learns the truth of Joel 2:25. It ended up being a decent story.

[Betty Ost-Everley · Rating 4 out of 5]

James 1:17 says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." I believe that is the theme of this novel. Allie Hathaway struggles with the gifts she has been given, both her natural talent of drawing and painting and the love of Thomas and Janey. Thankfully, she accepts both, even through hurt, physical and emotional pain, and a meddling and judgmental mother. I very much enjoyed this, although the poor editing in the Kindle version did mar the experience.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story, frustrated with the number of missing or incorrect words

Nicely developed characters that drew me in. The plot was good and kept my attention, though slow in a few spots. I was able to get the author’s meaning and keep plugging along even with what to me was a distracting number of missing or incorrect words in this Kindle version {i.e. word typed as imaging instead of imagining]. A wonderful Christian message wrapped well into the story, but would have liked a final chapter to round out the ending.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. It was a very quick read. I loved the love story between the two main characters. The author did a wonderful job of making the reader feel like they were part of the audience. I look forward to reading more books by this author

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I'm currently finding my way with God so this was just the uplift I needed. It had me cry twice. It was a wonderful read! I'm definitely reading the other books in the series.

[Paula Bothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise this book was! It reminded me so much of Elizabeth Gaskell's *North and South* - it's a very clean read, but there was definite attraction between the H and h. Super romantic.

[Sarah Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this. The characters were likeable and the heroine is strong.

[Barbara Conn]

I enjoyed the book. I left a review of it on Amazon.

[Barbara Beach · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good book. It was well written and easy to read. I didn't want to put it down.

[Anne-Marie Webster · Rating 4 out of 5]

To every season

A young woman returns to her childhood home after a tragic event. Trying to make sense of the accident that destroyed her independence and determined to provide for her orphaned niece, she struggles with her faith and her confidence in her own past decisions. Added to these challenges is a mother who would like to control all aspects of her life, her old childhood friend who desires more than friendship, and a town of catty women who are jealous and determined to besmirch her character. Allie must decide whether she can take charge of her life again and move beyond the pain and confusion of her fall from success, or if life would safer lived as the “obedient daughter”.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I LOVED this story. I really appreciated the goodness of the main characters' hearts, and I also enjoyed the presentation of the theme of God's faithfulness in a personal and not pushy way. Sadly, the editing of mechanics in the kindle version was very disappointing. I also would have liked to see more rounding out of some of the events, as well as more resolution with the family relationships at the end. And incidentally, I'm not a fan of some of the editions' cover art...but I prefer subtler cover art.

[Hollis Jamison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had read this before!

I caught on that I had remembered this book about the third chapter. I wish I had enjoyed reading when I was in school, the characters living the life of Christians would have been a much better boredom relief then hanging on the phone forgetting my homework. I consider this light reading with realistic Christian characters that should be in any jr./sr. high school, church library, Sunday school or youth group.

[Ashley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh, it was a good idea, but confusingly executed. Many times when I thought something was an insult, it was actually a compliment. I got confused like that in many arguments. Alli was also wishy washy. She huffed about Thomas holding her tight (clear signal to him that she didn't want to be touched) yet at that same time she says she could have been in his arms forever.

[Kathy P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early 20th century romance,

I loved the story and the only reason I gave it 4 stars was because there were many errors missed by editorial correction. The story was good and there were twists and turns in Allie's coming to terms with the tragedies in her life and the love which was denied her for eight years. She proves to be a strong woman who is up for the challenge.

[Josephine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice things.

The best part of the book were statements about trusting God. I didn’t like that the girl kept choosing to believe it was too late, nor the extreme lack of values in the mother, and also didn’t understand what made the mother start having a change of heart that was hinted at in the end. Renewing faith is always fun to read about.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love is what we need

A Good story of remembered love that can be renewed and strengthened with God. It is always good to be reminded of how God takes care of our needs, if we let Him.

[Sheila Siler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant and easy read

This is a nice, pleasant love story of Allie, Janet, and Thomas. The characters are well defined and it reads easily. This kindle edition could have used better proofreading, but the mistakes did not detract from the reading. A pleasant read.

[Eileen Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book

A good christian novel that has a sweet romance. Takes place in the early 1900s in Chicago. Allie was an artist who suffered a great loss but thanks to the grace of God good came from it.

[Cathy Bickerstaff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Color blue

I enjoyed reading this well written book. The idea that she, the rich girl who had lost everything, was no longer worthy of the successful veterinarian,former carriage man's son, was a new twist

[Gretchen Fatouros · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would haven’t given a higher rating if they had proof-read this book before publishing. It needs a lot of work on that area, but otherwise enjoyable read.

When the author used desert instead of dessert I was about done with the errors 🤦‍♀️

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was better done than I expected for a free book on my Kindle. I enjoyed it.

[Linda Gildner · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the editing of grammar and spelling could have been much improve, Carmichael has spun a delightful tale that would enthrall anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.

[larry brashear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

This is a really inspirational story. It really tugged at my heart strings. It could stand for better editing but was interesting and exciting.