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Gresham Chronicles #2
The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter
Love is in the air. As the wedding of Julia Hollis and Vicar Andrew Phelps approaches, the quaint English village is caught up in a stir of excitement and the promise of an event to remember. Andrew's daughter Elizabeth is being courted by a handsome young curate. But the man she once loved suddenly appears at her door, wanting to prove he's now worthy of her affection. Who will win the hand of the vicar's daughter?
416 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1998
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930 people want to read
About the author
Lawana Blackwell
25 books388 followersLawana Blackwell is a full-time writer with 10 published novels, including the bestselling Gresham Chronicles series. She and her husband have three grown sons and live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
January 23, 2009
The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter is the sequel to the charming novel, The Widow of Larkspur Inn. Here you'll find the continuation of the stories and characters introduced in the first novel. Julia Hollis is engaged to Vicar Andrew Phelps. Her three children are Philip, Aleda, and Grace. His two children are Elizabeth and Laurel. Taking more of a central role in this novel are Elizabeth Phelps who is being pursued by two men: Paul Treves and Jonathan Raleigh. A slightly funnier romance involves Mrs. Octavia Kingston being courted and wooed by Squire Bartley. But the couple that thoroughly charmed me this time around involves new characters. (At least I *think* they're new because I don't remember them from the first book.) Mercy Sanders, the good daughter of a grumpy rascal, and Seth Langston, a man recently released from Newgate who has a newly adopted son, Thomas.
I enjoyed revisiting these characters. And I loved the new characters introduced in the novel. There were a few lame moments in the book--scenes where the characters found themselves to be so hilariously comic that just didn't work for me. Jokes and puns that I didn't think would be funny no matter the age or decade. But overall, I enjoyed it.
The books are set in Victorian England, 1870 to be precise.
I enjoyed revisiting these characters. And I loved the new characters introduced in the novel. There were a few lame moments in the book--scenes where the characters found themselves to be so hilariously comic that just didn't work for me. Jokes and puns that I didn't think would be funny no matter the age or decade. But overall, I enjoyed it.
The books are set in Victorian England, 1870 to be precise.
August 12, 2017
The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter reads like a classic BBC series. Think Cranford and Lark Rise to Candleford. Blackwell shares the idiosyncrasies of village life in Victorian England with such vivid descriptions that I was hard pressed to put this book down. A captivating mix of laughter and drama and no shortage of quirky. Told from multiple points of view, I was soon engrossed in all the struggles and strife of some engaging characters. In fact, the whole village is a character unto itself. Love stories both tender and funny...even a little bit tragic...add to the regular village shenanigans.
If you are a fan of Jan Karon or Julie Klassen's most recent Tales of Ivy Hill series you'll definitely want to read Blackwell's Gresham Chronicles. This is Book Two but I think it can be read fairly well as a standalone -- you just need to go with the flow in the first few chapters since there are a lot of characters (a village full!) to acquaint yourself with but it won't take long to sort them out.
If you are a fan of Jan Karon or Julie Klassen's most recent Tales of Ivy Hill series you'll definitely want to read Blackwell's Gresham Chronicles. This is Book Two but I think it can be read fairly well as a standalone -- you just need to go with the flow in the first few chapters since there are a lot of characters (a village full!) to acquaint yourself with but it won't take long to sort them out.
November 2, 2021
I am absolutely in love with the village of Gresham and her villagers.
June 4, 2012
Another delightful visit to the English village of Gresham! Lawana Blackwell has captured my attention again with wonderful villagers that I know so well from #1, and introduces some new characters that are just as intriguing and enjoyable.
Loved the story line of Seth & Thomas Langford and Mercy. And that Mrs. Kingston is a clever, inventive woman that faces no challenge she can't accomplish for herself - or any one else who needs her! From my original thought (at the VERY beginning of #1) that Mrs. Kingston certainly is "a snob", evolving to just loving her clever, pluckiness and warm heart.
I loved #2, The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter and will definitely go on to #3, The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark.
Loved the story line of Seth & Thomas Langford and Mercy. And that Mrs. Kingston is a clever, inventive woman that faces no challenge she can't accomplish for herself - or any one else who needs her! From my original thought (at the VERY beginning of #1) that Mrs. Kingston certainly is "a snob", evolving to just loving her clever, pluckiness and warm heart.
I loved #2, The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter and will definitely go on to #3, The Dowry of Miss Lydia Clark.
June 2, 2018
After reading the first book, I was really excited to get this one and it did not disappoint!
At first I had a little trouble keeping up with all the perspectives, but pretty soon I got used to it and loved following everyone's story's. I loved all the new characters-especially Mercy. The romances were done very well, though I did miss Julia being the main character.
The only thing I disliked
Overall, a very good book. I look forward to the next one!
At first I had a little trouble keeping up with all the perspectives, but pretty soon I got used to it and loved following everyone's story's. I loved all the new characters-especially Mercy. The romances were done very well, though I did miss Julia being the main character.
The only thing I disliked
Overall, a very good book. I look forward to the next one!
Read
June 7, 2023Nice follow-up to book #1 The Widow of Larkspur Inn and should be read in order.
Kindle: 2017
Kindle: 2023
Kindle: 2017
Kindle: 2023
July 20, 2016
I loved reading this book! It is a sweet story with lovable characters!
October 16, 2021
Loved this!! 😍
July 3, 2017
3.5 to 4 stars
I liked this! Not as much as the first one, but still a lot. Watching Andrew and Julie's relationship and the relationships between their (almost step siblings) five children deepen and grow was really well done. I liked those moments. Also the side story of Mercy and Seth (with the addition of little Thomas!) was really well done. And Mrs. Kingston was just as great as always with her "handling" of her courtship by the Squire. I chuckled a few times over their interactions.
Okay, so typing this review showed me I liked this book more than I realize. Now just waiting for my hold of #3 to come in!
I liked this! Not as much as the first one, but still a lot. Watching Andrew and Julie's relationship and the relationships between their (almost step siblings) five children deepen and grow was really well done. I liked those moments. Also the side story of Mercy and Seth (with the addition of little Thomas!) was really well done. And Mrs. Kingston was just as great as always with her "handling" of her courtship by the Squire. I chuckled a few times over their interactions.
Okay, so typing this review showed me I liked this book more than I realize. Now just waiting for my hold of #3 to come in!
December 29, 2011
Lawana Blackwell has my utter respect. Despite the rather large cast of characters in The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter, each and every one had such a unique personality. All the characters - even minor ones - were well-rounded, believable individuals.
The book itself almost seemed to have several different ongoing plots, though all, for the most part, involving a romance in the small village of Gresham. I'm really not even sure there was a single main character, but rather many. Now, while that may scream chaos to the reader, I actually found all the characters and plots neatly interwoven into an very good book. On a slight side note, I also love Blackwell's writing style (or at least the style she uses in this book).
The only complaint I had against this book is that it didn't draw me in until I was a good chunk into the book. Actually, I didn't have any real interest in what was going on until the introduction of Seth (p. 69). Once he came onto the scene, I held out through the uninteresting parts for the sections of each chapter that spotlighted Seth. I am glad to say I eventually did become interested and drawn into the other character's lives and stories, but not nearly as soon as I would have liked.
My two favorite characters were definitely Seth and Mercy. The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter is a great read and I would most certainly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
The book itself almost seemed to have several different ongoing plots, though all, for the most part, involving a romance in the small village of Gresham. I'm really not even sure there was a single main character, but rather many. Now, while that may scream chaos to the reader, I actually found all the characters and plots neatly interwoven into an very good book. On a slight side note, I also love Blackwell's writing style (or at least the style she uses in this book).
The only complaint I had against this book is that it didn't draw me in until I was a good chunk into the book. Actually, I didn't have any real interest in what was going on until the introduction of Seth (p. 69). Once he came onto the scene, I held out through the uninteresting parts for the sections of each chapter that spotlighted Seth. I am glad to say I eventually did become interested and drawn into the other character's lives and stories, but not nearly as soon as I would have liked.
My two favorite characters were definitely Seth and Mercy. The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter is a great read and I would most certainly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.
December 14, 2009
I come away from reading this book with the same sense of total satisfaction I experience after devouring a great meal. There is much to be treasured in the stories of the good people who populate the village of Gresham. We start with Vicar Phelps and his lovely fiance, Julia Hollis. You will have met these two good people if you read the first book in the series, "The Widow of Larkspur Inn". As Julia and Andrew prepare for their marriage they see around them loving couples,many with paths not quite as smooth to the matrimonial altar as theirs. This is a very rich and satisfying reading experience for me. I much appreciate the way in which the characters in this novel strive to live their Christian faith with a prayer in their hearts almost hourly. The "Vicar's Daughter" referred to in the title is Elizabeth who is Andrew's eldest daughter. She is in the throes of surviving a broken heart that was inflicted upon her by Jonathan Raleigh and his faithlessness. But who turns up in Gresham as the new school teacher but the very much changed Mr. Raleigh. The one thing that hasn't changed about him is his love for Elizabeth. But he has much to prove to her and her good father before he can claim his prize. This is a story that concerns itself with repentance and forgiveness as well as a practical lesson in daily and even hourly communication with the Lord.
March 19, 2014
I continue to love all the residents of Gresham... but my favorite in this book is the relationship between Mercy Sanders and Seth Langford! I did enjoy the growth of Elizabeth and her courtship - but Mercy and Seth (and Thomas) stole the show :)
May 9, 2016
I loved this story almost as much as the first book!
August 24, 2020
Elizabeth Phelps thought she would never love again when her first love Jonathan proved unfaithful. Just when she begins to recover from her broken heart and think of being courted by another man, Jonathan returns. He protests that he has changed and is ready to show himself worthy of her affections again. Should Elizabeth trust him? Even if she does, will Elizabeth's father allow Jonathan to even enter his house again?
Mercy Sanders never thought she would find love at all. The only woman in a house full of rough men, Mercy can see no future for herself besides cooking and cleaning for her father and brothers. Her only solace has been her friendship with an aging neighbor woman -- but before the old woman dies, she tells Mercy that God has told her that he will send Mercy a husband. Mercy is doubtful, but when a mysterious, close-lipped man and a young boy move into the house left vacant at the neighbor's death, Mercy finds her heart softening toward the pair. Her family will never allow for a normal courtship . . . will Mercy find a way into her new neighbor's heart?
This inspirational novel picks up right where The Widow of Larkspur Inn left off, so though this book does basically stand alone, readers interested in the series should start with the first. The romances are sweet and the setting is wholesome -- a nice comfort read for me, though readers who don't enjoy inspirational fiction may find it a bit simple.
Mercy Sanders never thought she would find love at all. The only woman in a house full of rough men, Mercy can see no future for herself besides cooking and cleaning for her father and brothers. Her only solace has been her friendship with an aging neighbor woman -- but before the old woman dies, she tells Mercy that God has told her that he will send Mercy a husband. Mercy is doubtful, but when a mysterious, close-lipped man and a young boy move into the house left vacant at the neighbor's death, Mercy finds her heart softening toward the pair. Her family will never allow for a normal courtship . . . will Mercy find a way into her new neighbor's heart?
This inspirational novel picks up right where The Widow of Larkspur Inn left off, so though this book does basically stand alone, readers interested in the series should start with the first. The romances are sweet and the setting is wholesome -- a nice comfort read for me, though readers who don't enjoy inspirational fiction may find it a bit simple.
October 17, 2018
Lawana Blackwell is one of my favorite authors. When I read her stories, I come away feeling more like I have watched a show, or a whole season of a show. Sequels sometimes don’t measure up but the books set in the little village of Gresham keep unfolding with interesting characters and moments that make me literally laugh out loud. This book continues a story line that was started in the first. The author takes her time but weaves back in characters that I thought were gone for good. The Vicar in this series is a favorite of mine. Funny, wise, sincere, and but sometimes stumbling over himself like the rest of us. I finished book one and devoured book 2. This is the series for all who need a break from a stressful world.
April 25, 2024
I just really enjoy “living” in the village of Gresham for the time it takes to read (or listen to) Blackwell’s books.
She intricately weaves four or more stories at a time through the whole of the book and somehow connects them all and wraps them up nicely enough for each ending to ready you for the next in the series.
She intricately weaves four or more stories at a time through the whole of the book and somehow connects them all and wraps them up nicely enough for each ending to ready you for the next in the series.
September 25, 2022
I am really loving this series!
February 27, 2020
2.5/5
I didn't enjoy this one as well as the other two I've read of Lawana Blackwell's. The middle really slowed down for me and I found it hard to motivate myself to read it. I think the problem may just be that I've read enough of this Christian romance series for now. After this I shall take a break and read other things. I don't mean it was terrible by any means, but I do have to admit this novel was indeed less stimulating than the previous ones. My favorite characters--Mercy and Mr. Langford and Thomas--weren't given enough screen time, and it was a little disappointing. If given more of a chance to develop, I would have enjoyed seeing their relationship progress a little more than what was given. At least the mother-son bond between Julia and Philip was included. I do so want a son of my own.
I didn't enjoy this one as well as the other two I've read of Lawana Blackwell's. The middle really slowed down for me and I found it hard to motivate myself to read it. I think the problem may just be that I've read enough of this Christian romance series for now. After this I shall take a break and read other things. I don't mean it was terrible by any means, but I do have to admit this novel was indeed less stimulating than the previous ones. My favorite characters--Mercy and Mr. Langford and Thomas--weren't given enough screen time, and it was a little disappointing. If given more of a chance to develop, I would have enjoyed seeing their relationship progress a little more than what was given. At least the mother-son bond between Julia and Philip was included. I do so want a son of my own.
December 2, 2011
I just finished this book and found myself wishing it wasn't over! Such a beautifully written book, and a large but well-developed cast of characters.
I have to say, the book didn't engage me at first. This is the second in the series, and not having read the first, I had trouble keeping track of all the characters. Along with that comes my one complaint about the book: I really wish there was a list of the characters at the beginning to help the reader know who's related to whom and that sort of thing. But this would almost certainly be solved by reading the first book (The Widow of Larkspur Inn) first, which I intend to do as soon as possible! :)
As I said, there's a large cast of characters, all well-developed and relatable, if not necessarily likable ;) The plot follows the development of three romances: the courtship of the vicar's daughter Elizabeth, as mentioned in the title, is perhaps the main one. Then there's the efforts of Squire Bartley to win over Mrs. Kingston. But my favorite is the relationship between Mercy Sanders and newcomer Seth Langford!
Many other subplots are also enjoyable: the experiences of Philip Hollis at boarding school, the upcoming wedding of the vicar and the innkeeper (continued from the first book), and countless other minor threads that all pull together to round out the story beautifully.
I also loved how the author sprinkled in biblical references and often used Mrs. Kingston in particular to point out various situations mirrored stories from the Bible, or how such lessons could be applied in daily life. The spiritual themes of the book are clear and inspiring, and woven into the plot quite smoothly.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of inspirational romances, historical fiction, or just plain delightful books :)
I have to say, the book didn't engage me at first. This is the second in the series, and not having read the first, I had trouble keeping track of all the characters. Along with that comes my one complaint about the book: I really wish there was a list of the characters at the beginning to help the reader know who's related to whom and that sort of thing. But this would almost certainly be solved by reading the first book (The Widow of Larkspur Inn) first, which I intend to do as soon as possible! :)
As I said, there's a large cast of characters, all well-developed and relatable, if not necessarily likable ;) The plot follows the development of three romances: the courtship of the vicar's daughter Elizabeth, as mentioned in the title, is perhaps the main one. Then there's the efforts of Squire Bartley to win over Mrs. Kingston. But my favorite is the relationship between Mercy Sanders and newcomer Seth Langford!
Many other subplots are also enjoyable: the experiences of Philip Hollis at boarding school, the upcoming wedding of the vicar and the innkeeper (continued from the first book), and countless other minor threads that all pull together to round out the story beautifully.
I also loved how the author sprinkled in biblical references and often used Mrs. Kingston in particular to point out various situations mirrored stories from the Bible, or how such lessons could be applied in daily life. The spiritual themes of the book are clear and inspiring, and woven into the plot quite smoothly.
I would definitely recommend this book to fans of inspirational romances, historical fiction, or just plain delightful books :)
June 15, 2015
I loved reading this sequal story, following the characters along through all the budding romances and their daily struggles. The additional characters introduced were fun and entertaining! My small complaint was that the title didn't really suit the book, as the Vicar's daughter, Elizabeth was rarely in the story, nor was any part from her own perspective – the story follows many other secondary characters and mainly focuses on Julia and the Vicar's engagement, Mrs. Kingston and the Squire's courtship, and the courtship of Mercy Sanders (daughter and sister of the town bullies) with the new man in town, Seth Langford.
And a tiny comment too, I didn't realize until this book that the young man the Vicar's dauther was courting previously (book #1) hadn't been a Christian before hand, yet the Vicar blames the man continuously for a lack of character and hurting his daughter, Elizabeth. Seriously, what did he expect? He had no one to blame but himself for allowing his daughter to see the young man in the first place, in my opinion. If the father and daughter had shown a greater interest in a spiritually equal marriage for her in the first place, her heart would not have been broken at all.
However, since I enjoyed every minute of the story, I only found it “slightly” less engaging than the first book for the above reasons. ;) It's definitly worth the read!
And a tiny comment too, I didn't realize until this book that the young man the Vicar's dauther was courting previously (book #1) hadn't been a Christian before hand, yet the Vicar blames the man continuously for a lack of character and hurting his daughter, Elizabeth. Seriously, what did he expect? He had no one to blame but himself for allowing his daughter to see the young man in the first place, in my opinion. If the father and daughter had shown a greater interest in a spiritually equal marriage for her in the first place, her heart would not have been broken at all.
However, since I enjoyed every minute of the story, I only found it “slightly” less engaging than the first book for the above reasons. ;) It's definitly worth the read!
October 18, 2012
I am enjoying this series much more than I expected. These books have been around for years and Blackwell's writing reminds me a bit of another favorite author, Michael Phillips, because she does more than tell a story. She disciples her reader in their Christian faith. The plot is good though unsurprising, the English setting and time period are interesting, but the characters thoughts as Christians are what I like the best because they call me to a deeper walk with Christ and force me to reflect on my own character.
March 25, 2010
The second book in the series. The story continues in the small town of Gresham, where the widow continues to run the bordering house, sees one of her borders go off to be married, sees her eldest son go off to boarding school, where he will deal with the older boys bullying. A couple new characters are introduced and their journey into each others lives is quite funny.
Another endearing book.
Another endearing book.
April 17, 2017
Just wonderful.
Woven together so lovely. My favorite of this series. I would recommend it to anyone. The characters in this book draw you in,especially the thread of Mercy Sanders.
Woven together so lovely. My favorite of this series. I would recommend it to anyone. The characters in this book draw you in,especially the thread of Mercy Sanders.
March 12, 2016
I enjoyed this one so much more than the first one - a rarity for me. The additions of Seth and Thomas really just made the book for me; loved them!
June 8, 2016
Excellent, interesting series. Looking forward to reading next book in this series.
January 18, 2025
5 stars
April 27, 2022
A nice enough entry into this series about life in a small English village in the 1800s. It had been a while since I had read book #1 in this series and, so, it took me a bit to get into the book. In book #1, Julia is a widow made penniless by a gambling husband. She moves to Gresham to start a new life running the inn, The Larkspur. This book picks up after she has made the inn successful and is now engaged to Andrew, the vicar. He has two daughters, one (Elizabeth) of whom is the "vicar's daughter" referenced in the title. However, this story is just one in the book.
We do follow Elizabeth as she is trying to decide if her current beau is really whom she wants to marry when an old beau enters the scene. He broke her heart with terrible behavior but now claims he is a changed man. We also get the story of Mercy, the only daughter in a poor family who is being taken advantage of by her father and brothers. She yearns for a family of her own but doesn't see how that will ever happen. Into her life comes Seth, a young man recently released from prison and his adopted son. It is far from smooth sailing, though. The third story is about Julia's son, Philip, who is off to a private school to prepare him for a career in medicine but he is mercilessly bullied and mistreated while there. Finally, there is wonderful Mrs Kingston who is being pursued by a squire in town and she is not sure she wants his attention.
There was a nice Christian theme but it also showed how Christians struggle with the same feelings as others -- anger, resentment, lack of faith -- and how they deal with it. We watch some wonderful characters as they go through life in this small village. It was a nice book and I will probably keep reading the series although I did not enjoy this book as much as #1. No sex or profanity.
We do follow Elizabeth as she is trying to decide if her current beau is really whom she wants to marry when an old beau enters the scene. He broke her heart with terrible behavior but now claims he is a changed man. We also get the story of Mercy, the only daughter in a poor family who is being taken advantage of by her father and brothers. She yearns for a family of her own but doesn't see how that will ever happen. Into her life comes Seth, a young man recently released from prison and his adopted son. It is far from smooth sailing, though. The third story is about Julia's son, Philip, who is off to a private school to prepare him for a career in medicine but he is mercilessly bullied and mistreated while there. Finally, there is wonderful Mrs Kingston who is being pursued by a squire in town and she is not sure she wants his attention.
There was a nice Christian theme but it also showed how Christians struggle with the same feelings as others -- anger, resentment, lack of faith -- and how they deal with it. We watch some wonderful characters as they go through life in this small village. It was a nice book and I will probably keep reading the series although I did not enjoy this book as much as #1. No sex or profanity.
December 21, 2022
This actually deserves 4 and a half stars, but that’s not a thing on Goodreads apparently.
I actually really enjoyed this book. Of course, there were some problems:
Everyone get married. This is not at all a problem, but it’s kinda funny. Like I kid you not, EVERYONE.
I really liked Seth Langford and Thomas. But do you really think a guy would be falsely accused and in jail for 10 YEARS and just accept it? Meanwhile the love of his life just marries another guy? And Mercy was so mistreated. I get it, she’s had rough times so half she’s not going to be flighty but falling in love with a guy just after seeing him maybe once? And I’m too romantic at heart to not hate when people get married for pRaCtIcAl reasons. I could see Seth likes her at the end though.
Also it really bothered me when Philip was at the school and bullies were literally making his life a little more then just miserable and they were all like, “iTs pArT oF bEcOmInG a MaN.” He was being ABUSED.
after all that you’d think I really hated the book. I didn’t. At all. I really enjoyed it. I also understand that in literal fiction you don’t have to be totally real to what would actually happen in life. Kudos to the author, great work.
I actually really enjoyed this book. Of course, there were some problems:
Everyone get married. This is not at all a problem, but it’s kinda funny. Like I kid you not, EVERYONE.
I really liked Seth Langford and Thomas. But do you really think a guy would be falsely accused and in jail for 10 YEARS and just accept it? Meanwhile the love of his life just marries another guy? And Mercy was so mistreated. I get it, she’s had rough times so half she’s not going to be flighty but falling in love with a guy just after seeing him maybe once? And I’m too romantic at heart to not hate when people get married for pRaCtIcAl reasons. I could see Seth likes her at the end though.
Also it really bothered me when Philip was at the school and bullies were literally making his life a little more then just miserable and they were all like, “iTs pArT oF bEcOmInG a MaN.” He was being ABUSED.
after all that you’d think I really hated the book. I didn’t. At all. I really enjoyed it. I also understand that in literal fiction you don’t have to be totally real to what would actually happen in life. Kudos to the author, great work.
April 13, 2020
I think having waited so long between reading the first book in the series, and this one, it took me a lot longer to find my 'jive' with this story. That said, once Seth entered the picture, things really picked up for me, and I found myself reading the last dozen or so chapters as quickly as I could, just so I could find out what happened next.
I enjoyed the different viewpoints that we got to see in this book, and how each of those characters had their own journey to take towards doing what God had planned for them. I liked how each was portrayed as an imperfect person, but not so flawed that you didn't want what was best for them. My heart broke for one character in particular when everything seemed to combine against them, and no way forward to happiness seemed possible.
I am looking forward to my next 'visit' to Gresham.
I enjoyed the different viewpoints that we got to see in this book, and how each of those characters had their own journey to take towards doing what God had planned for them. I liked how each was portrayed as an imperfect person, but not so flawed that you didn't want what was best for them. My heart broke for one character in particular when everything seemed to combine against them, and no way forward to happiness seemed possible.
I am looking forward to my next 'visit' to Gresham.
May 9, 2025
This novel picks up from where the first left off. Forgiveness is a big theme in the story but there is a waiting period to see if the person will change their ways. Jonathan really stepped out on Elizabeth in the first novel, but he since became a Christian, he knows what he did was wrong and wants to win back her heart. Thankfully Elizabeth needs the advice of Julia to learn from someone older and wiser. And she waits patiently for her father to come around too. I love this because she knew they were just looking out for her, and by the end sees Jonathan has learned many things too.
Mercy's story paralleled Ruth. I had to constantly remind myself these are different times they lived in. She's a strong woman with grounded faith.
Mercy's story paralleled Ruth. I had to constantly remind myself these are different times they lived in. She's a strong woman with grounded faith.
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