Sofia's Beauty

by Brenda Gates

Despite enduring abuse at the hands of her husband, Sofia refuses to leave him. Having grown up in poverty, she vows she will never be destitute again. Leaving her husband would mean losing her “perfect” life: her affluence, her twin daughters, and a successful career in modeling for the magazine her husband owns. When she falls through time, carrying a guilt-laden secret with her, she finds herself penniless, childless, and with nothing but her beauty and wit to sustain her. While desperate to return to her children, necessity drives her to build a new life working alongside the gentle widower, Dr. Thomas Easton. In helping others, she begins to hope, to find meaning, love, and contentment despite her past. But the 1850s are not always kind and just toward women. Her worst nightmare is yet to come and will take from her everything she has left. Will she discover her true identity as a daughter of God? Will she accept forgiveness or will her desire for revenge hold her back?

328 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Ever since being the proverbial knee-high to a grasshopper, Brenda loved spinning tales. Married in college, Brenda worked as a nurse, then was able to stay home to raise and homeschool their four children--a perfect occupation for a storyteller. Every bit of history learned, every place touched by people and time, has a story begging to be told. Now a proud grandma, Brenda lives with her husband, their teenage son, a German Shepherd who thinks she is mother to a cat, and a cat who thinks he's a dog.

Reviews

[Claire Trammell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be honest.
THIS IS THE BEST SEQUEL TO ANY BOOK I'VE EVER READ!!! I thought it was amazing. It made me cry, too. I read this nonstop for 5 HOURS. I am not exaggerating, people. READ THIS BOOK!!!! Oh, it is so good! The romance, the character development, the trials, the time travel, the sacrifice Thomas's mother makes, the heart wrenching story of Sophia's son, and Christ redeeming it all.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is a deeply emotional and compelling journey that explores resilience, identity, and the transformative power of faith. Sofia is a complex and unforgettable heroine a woman trapped between fear and survival, clinging to a life that appears perfect on the surface while hiding painful realities beneath it.

When she is unexpectedly thrust back in time and stripped of everything she once relied on wealth, status, and even her children the story becomes a moving exploration of loss, humility, and personal awakening. Watching Sofia rebuild her life from nothing is both heartbreaking and inspiring, especially as she begins working alongside the kind and compassionate Dr. Thomas Easton. Their interactions bring warmth and hope to a story filled with emotional depth.

The historical setting is vividly portrayed, capturing both the beauty and harsh limitations faced by women in the 1850s. The author skillfully balances hardship with hope, weaving themes of forgiveness, healing, and spiritual growth throughout Sofia’s journey.

More than a time-travel story, this is a powerful reflection on grace, redemption, and discovering one’s true worth beyond material success. Emotional, thought-provoking, and ultimately uplifting a memorable read that stays with you long after the final page.

Highly recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction enriched with faith, romance, and meaningful character transformation.

[Kimberly Rapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I have read by Brenda Gates in her series, “Cries from the Earth.” I enjoyed her first book so much, so I was eager to accept the opportunity to be an advanced reader and begin the next one in this series. I wasn’t disappointed!

Sofia’s Beauty is a moving and inspiring story that will touch your heart and remind you of the power of love and forgiveness. The time travel plot is unusual and exciting, the characters are real and relatable, the events of the plot convey information that dramatize the story (they SHOW rather than TELL!), and the timeline is so full of twists and turns that I found it hard to put down.

Why should you read Sofia’s Beauty? It will change you and grow you if you allow it to do so. There are many authors selling books that are exciting and full of adventure, but this author combines a very unusual, creative story with effective dialogue, a redemptive theme that runs throughout, a satisfying ending, and a grip factor-you can’t put it down. An audience wants to SEE things happen. This author skillfully creates that needed tension and keeps the reader engaged until the end of the book.
I give Sofia’s Beauty five stars!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Sofia's Beauty. I received it as an ARC from a new-to-me author and was not disappointed. It is the 2nd book in the series but can be read as a standalone or in any order since each book only hints at the characters in the other book. I enjoy split time fiction, but this book was a little different in that it focused on one time first, then the other. This was great for me because I didn't have the constant need for a refresher with each chapter that I sometimes find will slow my pace. The themes of forgiveness, redemption, and faith were introduced throughout as you really start to connect with the characters and that connection only got stronger as the story builds. By the end you'll understand the true source of Sofia's Beauty. I'll be ordering these books to share with family and friends and I can't wait to read more in this series.

[Malia R · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word for this book, actually a few. Amazing, Wonderful, Magnificent. This is one of the best books I have ever read. Truly. Along with her other book Anna's Song the first in the Cries From the Earth Series. I read this book in 2 days, that is how good it is. I NEVER read books that quickly unless it is really, really good, and this one is. It is a gem. I said of Anna's Song that it is a required book for my bookshelf, and this one will be right beside it. You got to know Sophia just a little bit in Anna's Song, but I got so much delight from getting to know her more in this book. It will keep you on the edge of your seat, for the whole book and then you will want to start it over again! The easiest 5 stars ever!

[Lori Keesey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia's Beauty makes you think about the fleeting nature of things we hold sacrosanct: our beauty, our wealth, and our influence. All can be taken away in a snap. Making this novel even more compelling, at least to me, is that the author uses time travel to make her point. If you enjoy fast reads, well-developed characters, and a strong message, this book is for you.

[Cheryl Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sofia’ Beauty by Brenda Gates is the first book that I have read from this author, and it will not be the last. I enjoyed the inspiration of the story that will touch you in ways that you will not forget and remind you of forgiveness and the power of love. Highly recommend.
I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest opinion. All opinions are my own.