A Beauty Refined

Sapphire Brides #2

by Tracie Peterson

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.

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

318 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2016

About the author

Tracie Peterson is a bestselling author who writes in both historical and contemporary genres. Her novels reveal her love for research as well as her strong desire to develop emotionally meaningful characters and stories for her readers. Tracie and her family live in Montana.

pen name: Janelle Jamison

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson knows how to create a unique story line. Pheobe Von Bergen is a good character and I liked how I felt like I got to know all of the characters pretty well. Things moved fairly fast but there was a lot that went on! Past hidden dangers collide with their present day which makes for a tad bit of suspense. The romance is predictable and not my favorite part of this particular story.
While I liked this book it isn’t my favorite as it was rather predictable. Tracie Peterson is a good author and I look forward to her future books.

Four stars.

“I received this book from Litfuse for free in exchange for an honest review.”

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a wonderfully complex installment in the Sapphire Brides trilogy. The theme of reuniting a mother and daughter was lovely and enjoyable to experience. The journey might have been difficult at times, but every inch was worth the determination these ladies displayed. The romance took a back seat to the familial issues, but it was sweet and innocent and charming and everything I wanted for Phoebe and Ian.

The domestic abuse that took place was realistic. It deepened the story to a place that was raw and real, and it took my breath away as I hoped resolution would come with safety but dreaded that it would come with peril. The attention to detail was spot-on in this novel, and that was clear with the mention of bruises and swelling after a certain incident took place. This wasn’t one of those “there’s a scuffle but no residual effects” stories. Instead, it used reality as a base for the creative story spread across its pages.

I rather enjoyed this story and am glad to have a paperback copy to keep.

Triggers: domestic abuse, suicide

[Rebekah Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a few novels from Peterson, and this is by far my favorite...as a 3 star read.

This historical novel has an interesting story line and a very easy read. The story does lack details and deep character development, but is still a decent read.


I might read the next story in the series if I need a audio book.

[Lydia Howe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why I Choose this Book:

I've read a couple of other Historical Fiction books by Tracie Peterson that I enjoyed a lot. Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, as long as they aren't too romantic. Note: After I read this book and didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would, I looked back and saw I only gave two stars to the last Tracie Peterson (co-authored) book I read...

What I Thought About this Book:

Hum... This book. It had so much promise. And then it fell rather flat for me. It still (barely) squeaked 3 out of 5 stars for me though (4 out of 10), and so I figured the best thing I could do was write a pros and cons list for you.

Reasons I liked the book:

* The plot was intriguing
* I liked the main character (at least to begin with)
* The writing style felt unique to me. For a while I couldn't tell if the writing was actually a pro or con, but it drew me in and kept my interest, so I decided it was a pro
* Although I wouldn't say the main characters were unique as far as characters go, they were easy to distinguish from each other and I never got them confused
* I liked Kenny and felt as if he was well-written
* Hearing about the jewels was interesting
* I liked where it was set and reading about the lifestyle the FMC (female main character) was used to
* As someone who cooks a lot, it was pretty cool to hear all the meal descriptions

Reasons I didn't like the book:

* It felt like the author took a great story and massacred it. I'm pretty sure I would have enjoyed the story far more if it had just been told from one point of view. As it was, we saw something happen, then heard about it as the next character found out about it, and then again with a third character. It was tedious and made the book feel really slow
* The Romance. Oh help us all... It wasn't that anything necessarily inappropriate happened between the FMC and MMC (male main character), but wow. I have a huge, huge, huge problem with the romance in most books because it's like "Oh, look! A good-looking human. I've never fallen in love before even though I'm twenty-two years old, but I think I'll do so at this very moment after seeing him twice in my life." Please, no. I would consider what they had to be infatuation, or a crush. Not love.
I don't think the book would have lost anything if it would have taken out the "romance" and it probably would have garnered at least half a star more from me. (I don't recall the romance being a huge part of the story, it was just glaring.)
* A lot of the story ended up feeling trite and cliché and made me want to shake my head
* I wish we wouldn't have had so much of the MMC's backstory... I found the FMC much more interesting

Conclusion:

There was a little bit of violence near the end, but not too much detail. There were certainly good points in the book, but I wouldn't necessarily recommend it, mostly because I didn't enjoy it.

Rating:

I'm giving A Beauty Refined 3 stars out of 5, and 4 stars out of 10.

*I received this book free from Litfuse in exchange for an honest review*

[Lynne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that book you find excuses to keep reading? Well, this is that book, or at least one of them. I kept finding excuses to sit down and read just a "few" more pages. I can honestly say I was sorry to see the book end but really there was nothing left to say, at least in this book. Now if the author wanted to continue with this family that would be okay too! There are more stories here!

In the beginning of the book I did not like Phoebe too much. Spoiled, pampered, and oh so proper. By the end of the book she had come to life and I really enjoyed watching her transform into someone I liked very much. Now Ian, I liked him from the beginning. Down to earth, hard working. But the one who stole my heart was Kenny. You will see why. Each character in this book is well defined and explained. The author does a wonderful job of making her characters come to life. And the story! Oh boy what a story! It will keep you turning pages I promise!

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Bethany House Publishers and Tracie Peterson for a wonderful and highly recommended book.

[Kav · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another classic historical romance from Tracie Peterson. And God bless this author for the way she brings faith to life in her novels. It is so intricately woven into the plot that the entire story would collapse if it was left out. And the attention to detail! From the title to the sapphire mining and refining -- such scope for parallels in our Christian walk of faith. Uplifting and hopeful.

Phoebe is in for a real awakening when she arrives in Montana. Nothing is as it seems -- not in her past or her present. She is left reeling, searching for answers to questions she never knew she had. Ian becomes a friend she can count on and he isn't shy about sharing his faith, inviting her to consider enticing possibilities that would infuriate her father.

A villain consumed by greed threatens Phoebe and all she holds dear and the plot takes a sinister turn. Danger and evil versus light and life and all is nearly lost before a hope and a future can be secured. Definite reader satisfaction!

[Paula-O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series Sapphire Brides,Book#2 "A Beauty Refined" by Tracie Peterson

This book tells of a German Count coming to America for Sapphires...He brings his daughter Phoebe on this trip and she finds America to be quite the treat and so different from where she lives.
Ian Harper is a Lapidary that works with Sapphires to turn them into the gems they will become. When he meets Phoebe he is enthralled and wants to know more about her.
Little does Phoebe know that her father has intentions altogether different then what he shows, both for the gemstones and for his daughter.
You will enjoy reading this story and finding out the mystery and how it ends..
The true beauty of a gem and the heart of a young woman will take many turns.

I was given this book by Baker Publishing/Baker house division to read and review,thank you for the opportunity to tell others of a special story.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this installment in the sapphire brides series far more than I did the first one. The characters were much more intriguing and interesting than those in the first book. Tracie Peterson painted the perfect picture of what abusive men truly are to those who are unable to see their flaws and deceptions whenever Graf Von Bergen’s character was described. Honestly, Ian Harper was probably my least favorite character in the book. I’ve loved a great many male characters in literature, but Ian Harper won’t ever be one of them.
My heart went out to Elizabeth countless times as her own story unfolded. Women in this day and age, especially throughout Europe, must have suffered greatly at the hands of their violent husbands. How terrifying it would be to have to leave your husband quickly and discreetly without being discovered, while pregnant at the same time, all while living in fear for so many long years that your husband would kill you, all because he would want to steal your child away and raise him to be controlled and beaten, just as he had with their oldest son, Dieter.
Speaking of Dieter, I had hoped that Dieter would somehow have received word about his sister’s marriage, and then surprise his entire family by attending. I wish that Tracie Peterson had written just a few more pages, illustrating the tender reunion that most definitely should have taken place, especially for Elizabeth.
I must say how surprising it was to discover Ernst Eckhardt’s role in all of this. I always believed him to be of no threat to Elizabeth or Phoebe, and I was more than satisfied to read that his sole purpose was to destroy Von Bergen’s reputation and reveal his crimes.
Lastly, at first I hoped my suspicions were correct regarding Hubert, Von Bergen’s valet. I hoped that he would somehow intervene and betray his so-called master in some way, given the fact that Gerda was merely given to Phoebe as a watchdog for her insufferable father. When Hubert wasn’t given a bigger role in the story, I was a bit disappointed, but oh well. I hope the last book in this series is just as enjoyable.

[Aubrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was so many things about this book that I liked better than the the first book. Phoebe was a lot more likeable than Emily and more fun to read about. The plot was a lot better as well. It was suspenseful and more developed than A Treasure Concealed.

But Ian...was boring. I felt so sorry about his wife but at the same time, he had no romance with Phoebe at all. It was so subtle that I hated it. I would have preferred her to end up Ernst than with Ian.

I loved Ernst. He was witty and mysterious and Phoebe should have given him a chance and married him instead (in my opinion).

I felt so sorry for her mother. She had such a hard life. But at the same time, I felt that when Phoebe was only a couple of minutes away, she still only thought about herself and Kenny(I loved him too). When Phoebe knew about her mutter being alive she was placed in danger should her father ever find out. I think that's because Elizabeth spent years ONLY thinking about Kenny and OCCASIONALLY thinking about Phoebe and Dieter.

Speaking of Dieter...where was he?

Her father was awful. He was awful awful AWFUL! I hated him so much and suicide was much to good for him.

Gerda...don't get me started.

[Carolyn Vandine West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting twists and turns. The second in the Sapphire Brides series, I liked it so much more than the first. Starting in Phoebe’s homeland Germany the setting moves to Montana, a favorite state I was able to visit about 5 years ago. Phoebe is traveling with her father on a “buying” trip for a jewelry commission. She is unaware of her Father’s devious intent to buy sapphires at the local mines and pass them off as most costly gems from Ceylon.
This story will have you on the edge of your seat maybe up at three in the morning reading as I was. Lol. Enjoy it’s a good one

[Sara A · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson is a Christian historical romance set in 1907 in Montana. It is the second book in the Sapphire Brides series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I always love Tracie Peterson's novels. She writes good godly tales but is not afraid to tackle hard hitting subjects. Within A Beauty Refined there is the topic of domestic abuse. It does not always make for easy reading but Tracie Peterson sensitively presents it. Abuse is no respecter of age or status. It can be a 'habit' or it may have a trigger. However it occurs, it is always wrong. The victim needs to either tell someone or remove themselves from the abuser. Both require courage.
Linked in to the theme of abuse are the themes of anger, lack of self control, alcoholism and gambling. Characters with these traits, if left unchecked, will experience a downwards spiral.
In contrast the reader sees characters who practice the gifts of the spirit - love, joy, gentleness, kindness, self control. When life hits them, sometimes there is a battle between their human nature and their godly self. They try to always do what is right in God's eyes.
Tracie Peterson has the twin topic of truth and lies. No matter how bad it is, it is always better to tell the truth. Without truth there can be no trust. "Lies ruined my life and proved deadly." Big lies, little lies, they are all the same in God's eyes and must be avoided.
The theme of trust links in with the truth and lies theme. There needs to be trust not only between characters but also trust in God. "Do you trust Him? Do you trust that He wants the best for you?" God always has our best interests at heart and He will not let us down.
Trust in God is closely allied with faith in God. Sometimes situations are so bad that all one can do is trust that God will work things altogether for good. One needs a faith in God that will not waver, trusting that God Who sees all things, will never abandon us. He walks alongside us in all situations.
There is the big question of what makes us a Christian. Going to church does not make us a Christian. There are many reasons why people go to church - some out of duty; some to look good; some to have religion and not relationship. Pastor Clearwater states "Religion is a weapon used by the devil." A Christian is someone who has asked Jesus into their life and continues to develop a relationship with Him. Religion is a set of rules that one follows. All sorts of bad things have been done in the name of religion. Religion can bring death. Relationship brings life.
Prayer permeates the novel. Sometimes we do not know what to pray but we need to pray anyway. "I actually prayed... I didn't know what else to do." Words are not always necessary as God knows our hearts. "God doesn't require certain words. He hears the cries of those who would have Him save them."
There are some wonderful characters drawn by Tracie Peterson. I loved the incredibly warm Grandma Harper who practiced the gift of hospitality. She baked throughout the novel, dishing out cookies that makes the reader's mouth water at the thought of them! Nearly ten year old Kenny was a delightful young lad, with an enthusiasm for life and living. Elizabeth and Phoebe were both warm, loving women who had a wonderful inner strength. And there was Ian, a Christian man with a huge heart.
There is the theme of fathers running throughout. There are actual fathers, father figures and Father God. Only Father God will never let us down. Earthly fathers may or may not be good role models. Men who try to imitate God's characteristics are invaluable.
Within the story there are both large mansions and small cottages but "a place isn't as important as the people in it." You cannot put a price on people. They are what turn a house into a home.
Ian works with sapphires, turning them into a thing of beauty. The descriptions of the work involved are motifs for us in the hands of God, the master craftsman Who refines us. "By cutting it a certain way it allows the light to reflect." When we are refined and polished , we will reflect God to the world.
I absolutely love Tracie Peterson's novels and A Beauty Refined is a wonderful read. I just could not put it down. I cannot wait for the third book in the series. Treat yourself today and buy A Beauty Refined.

I received this book for free in exchange for a fair and honest review. No monetary compensation was received and all views expressed are my own.

[Kathleen (Kat) Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets. Intrigue. Sapphires. Romance. Suspense. Two Continents. A Family Torn apart. These all fall into the latest novel from Tracie Peterson, A Beauty Refined, the second novel in the Sapphire Brides series. From the family home in Germany, Phoebe Von Bergen and her father are in Helena, Montana in search of the treasures from the Montana Sapphire mines. Said to be of equal quality to those of Ceylon, Count Von Bergen has been hired to construct the latest in jewelry for the Duchess all bearing prize sapphires. But as honest as his intentions may be, deep down inside he holds a secret that will threaten to topple his plans not only for financial success but in marrying off Phoebe to the Duke has he already chosen.

As compliant to her fathers wishes Phoebe is, she believes she is only doing her part as a woman in keeping the family estate going smoothly. It has always been her father's plans to arrange for the same marriage that he, himself, garnered when he wed Phoebe's mother. After all, women need to understand their role and place in society especially in the titled circles they esteem from. Now he needs to tie up a few loose ends and then arrive back home in Germany in time for Phoebe's arranged wedding. Only problem is, that she is not aware that any plans have been made.

All she knows for certain, is that she has accompanied her father to America to see the famous legends she has only read or heard about. Cowboys and Indians, and the famed wild west. While her father leaves for a few weeks to search out the stones he desires from the Montana mines, Phoebe runs into more than just fate. It appears that the story her father constructed of her mother's ill-fated sinking at sea has been just that, a rumor and a lie. She only realizes it when she runs into a woman who looks eerily like her mother working as a maid in the hotel she is staying at. Now she has a few short weeks to uncover the truth before her father returns and she will have to face him and the lies he has built over these years in her young life. Can God really help her? Has God orchestrated this divine appointment just in the nick of time? What role does Ian Harper have to play as the hired lapidary for her father's sapphire purchase? Only time will tell as it all plays out.

I received A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson compliments of Bethany House Publishers and Litfuse Publicity for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation aside from a free copy of this novel in exchange for my honest and unbiased personal opinion. We all have secrets in our family at one time or another, but in this case the lies that Count Von Bergen have constructed is a like a game master choosing precisely how each piece will move in accordance to his desires. The only thing he fails to control however, is what happens when it all doesn't go according to plan? What happens when the only control you think you have is all in your own mind? I love it when the plans of evil are foiled by God as only light can truly uncover darkness. Darkness always exists, it just takes light to cause it to pull back and withdraw. Readers of historical romance and fans of Tracie Peterson's novel will love this recent addition to their own personal library much like I have. This one now squeezes in to my own library and garners a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

[Mackenzie Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Beauty Refined is the second book in Tracie Peterson’s Sapphire Brides series, coming after A Treasure Concealed. Though I didn’t get a chance to read the first book in this series, I had heard both good and not-so-good things about it, so I was a little nervous when I picked up this novel. Especially since the last book I read by Tracie—A Steadfast Heart—definitely was not one of my favorites. However, I have liked some of Tracie’s other past novels, so I decided to give this one a chance, and I was only somewhat disappointed. It was definitely better than A Steadfast Heart, but I can’t say that I really enjoyed this one all that much either, as I skimmed quite a bit of it.
My first issue was with many of the scenes, especially at the beginning. While the story had much potential—in fact I really liked the plotline—so many of the scenes were slow, and I found myself bored and skimming them before I even realized it. There were quite a few fluffy parts that in my opinion could have been left out and would have made for a more enjoyable story. However, many of the other scenes were wonderful and I quickly read through them, although I absolutely hated to read the scenes written in Count Von Bergren’s perspective. He was far too slimy for me to enjoy reading anything he was thinking.
The next issue I had was with a few of the characters. While they were each wonderful in their own way, except Von Bergren of course, I had just a few issues with them, Ian and Phoebe’s mother in particular. At the beginning of the book, Ian comes off to me as a little bit of a baby. When everything begins to unravel and he is forced to play a part, his reluctance based on the grounds of his own painful past is just a little too much to be believable. While I understand his struggles were real and probably caused him a lot of hurt, I can’t imagine a strong, compassionate man such as himself would really have that much of an issue with lying for the safety of someone he cares about.
All in all however, I did like the ending, although some aspects were extremely unexpected. I suppose that’s a good thing though, since that means Tracie handled the element of surprise really well in that case. When it all boils down, I enjoyed the plotline, but I just wasn’t exactly fond of the way the story was told. Because of that, and the fact that I really skimmed my way through most of this novel, I unfortunately cannot give A Beauty Refined any more than three out of five bookshelves. But, I have read many other reviews of this novel, and not everyone is of the same opinion as me, so don’t let me keep you from giving this novel a try if you really want to, I just wouldn’t necessarily recommend it.
I received a copy of this book through the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for only my honest review.
(This review is from my blog, spreadinghisgrace.blogspot.com)

[Inderpreet Uppal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The moment I had read the book blurb of A Beauty Refined, I was hooked. A book that promised love, beauty, mystery and intrigue along with a historical romance begged to be read. I was not disappointed; the book is well written, full of surprises and twists that keep me awake. The times, culture, mannerisms, parties and times of a bygone era are depicted so perfectly by the author.

Phoebe is beautiful, sweet and a delight to be around, her gentle nature and calm demeanor was so endearing. She invoked admiration and ruffled many a hearts with her exquisite beauty but it was the gentle, handsome Ian who she fell in love with.

The book has the sweet, slow romance between the two and it was so refreshing to read the nothing urgent, getting to know each other kind of love. Where holding hands was a big thing and stealing looks the ultimate rush.
The suspense in the book is from Elizabeth, and Frederick Graf Von Bergen, Phoebe’s father. His search for the sapphires and his underhanded ways. The cheating, lying and trickery would put any modern day movie to shame. A lie that changed lives and deprived children, a man so selfish and evil that he would not hesitate to harm his own. Above all this, the case of domestic violence – a cruel truth that age, money or culture has no impact on the nature of a person inclined to abuse.

The book handled the sensitive subject of marital abuse, lies and infidelity with a gentle touch. The author has done full justice to the topic. She highlighted the fear and helplessness of the victim and how one must stand up against abuse. How difficult it was for a woman to survive and escape the violence in that era.

The book draws heavily from god, asking us to keep faith and that even though we might feel slighted or forgotten by god, it is never so. Just like the stones and sapphires are faceted and polished to make them shine, god tests us to make us stronger. It is all about the intangible faith and love. The author, Tracie Peterson has intertwined faith and prayer with the challenges faced by the characters making them stronger effortlessly.

Ian and Phoebe find themselves after almost losing each other, the dramatic twist, the intrigue and the quest to procure and sapphires all lead to the climax which quite a cliff-hanger. I was more worried about Ian than anyone else, I am biased towards him. A leisurely read that was a good romantic read as well as full of drama – a historical romance with all the grandeur of yesteryears.

[Carole Jarvis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at The Power of Words: http://bit.ly/2aCLNnV

A Beauty Refined is an intriguing blend of history, romance, and relational drama, with spiritual depth throughout. Don’t expect this to be a “fluffy” romance, for Tracie has infused it with a richness of characterization and themes dealing with difficult life issues. The characters and setting captivated me from the first page and I never wanted to put it down. A Beauty Refined is book #2 in the Sapphire Bride series, continuing the story of the Montana’s Yogo sapphire mines, but stands alone.

Tracie Peterson always impresses me with her gift for blending captivating storylines with not-so-familiar historical detail, and A Beauty Refined continues that trend. Even more impressive to me is that, in all the years she’s been writing, Tracie never veers from clearly presenting the gospel message of hope and grace. The bottom line is that, along with the characters, you will see Jesus in this book.

Ian and Phoebe are two characters that I loved. I admired Phoebe’s way of accepting that reality was completely different from all that she had known. Ian has a strong, trusting faith in God, and it was fascinating to learn about sapphires through his vocation as a lapidary – the cutting, polishing, and removal of flaws. There’s a beautiful analogy to the refining process we go through as Christians in order to better reflect the beauty of Jesus.

There’s also a reality to this story, brought through themes of domestic abuse, greed, anger, and lying. Something that really spoke to me was Tracie’s confronting the perceived need to lie vs. total trust in God. My mind went back to the phrase that was so popular many years ago, situation ethics, which basically said that a sinful action can be okay if there’s no other way out of a bad situation. I thought the way Tracie dealt with this issue was compelling. I appreciate what she said in an interview, that “we are all works in progress, but we have to yield to the Master’s hand in order to fulfill all that He wants us to be.”

These words from Psalms, quoted by Pastor Clearwater to Phoebe’s mom, convey the essence of A Beauty Refined:

“In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.”
- Psalm 56:11

Recommended.

Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

With just the first page, I was swept into the story. I really liked Phoebe - her attitude, her demeanor, her awe of new places. Each of the characters' past lives had stories -- and they were all very interesting and connected. They all had a purpose in the story.

As with Tracie Peterson's other books, there was a clear salvation message, which I appreciated. But there wasn't a very clear point of when the character repented and turned to Christ -- it left me guessing, "Oh, so did they accept Christ here or here? Cause I'm assuming by how they're acting that they did."

I liked that they upheld truth and didn't run from problems, but I'm still not sure about the attitude of the wife who was wronged. It wasn't clear that she forgave, but instead, she was willing to overturn her powers of revealing secrets. I realize this was for the protection of her son, but it still left me a little unsettled as to, "Is this how a true believe ought to act?" (with threats)

I really liked Ian and his stand for truth -- his point of not rushing, but praying and seeking the Lord before making rash decisions based on emotions.

The way the theme with the Sapphire Duchess was interwoven through the story and how it ended up resolving was great. However, I think in some ways, there could have been more of a mysterious air to the story as a whole, instead of me as a reader figuring things out so quickly (it was stated rather than gradually shown).

I was really surprised when a couple decided to save their first kiss for their wedding day! Pleasant surprise!

There were a few drawbacks to this:
- The count had a mistress. It was quite implied, but not explicit.
- Another instance of one character falling in love with an unsaved-at-point-of-meeting and unsaved-when-falling-in-love-with-them character (this just may be one of my great pet peeves).

I wouldn't recommend this to readers under eighteen because of the mistress as well as abuse, beatings, and bloodshed.

*I received this book in exchange of my honest review from LitFuse Publicity Group.*

[Just Commonly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson has done it again. She has given us another captivating novel with A Beauty Refined, filled with intrigue, romance and an integral message woven throughout. Tracie's level of research are manifested in the genre and the story's setting, giving us more than a glimpse of the sapphire business in early 20th century Montana. It's informative to say the least. What strikes me the most with A Beauty Refined is not necessarily the romance, but the different relationships that takes center stage to the story. The relationship between Phoebe and her father, Phoebe with her mother, and the relationship between Phoebe's parents with each other, are complicated with secrets and lies, eliciting emotions within the characters as well as the readers. And that's what makes Tracie's stories so enticing.

The message of hate, of love and strength between the characters and their journey in faith will have you seeking more. One sees the groundwork of an inspirational message from the very first page, paving way to the revelation of not only Phoebe and Ian's acceptance, but other character's redemption. As a reader, I appreciate when the message is gradual with a confirmation, and not something thrown at you the last 5 pages.

In all, A Beauty Refined is fast-paced, filled with multiple dynamics that will have you turning the page. We then, walk away gaining a little more knowledge, while being entertained and enlightened. Plus, who can turn away a book with that cover?


This review first appeared on Just Commonly blog.

NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through Litfuse Publicity Tours for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story set in Montana at a resort in an area known for mining precious gem stones - specifically sapphires. The characters are well developed and present a variety of personalities that the reader will either like or immensely dislike. The character I most disliked was Phoebe's father, the German count. He was arrogant, pompous, mean, and absent of any virtues. I believe my most favorite was Phoebe's younger brother. He was absolutely charming, sweet, and filled with boyish appeal.

While Phoebe is accustomed to immense wealth and privilege, she sees value in individuals less entitled than she and finds she can rely on them and trust them. And she finds herself in the precarious position of needing someone in whom she can completely place her trust.

I found the information sprinkled in the story about the mining of sapphires in America and the cutting of the stones to be very interesting. The story has a sweet romance that develops at the end. The Christian focus on faith in all circumstances and the strong faith of Ian Harper, the leading male figure in the story, is well placed in the story and comes across as true to life.

A book to highly recommend and one you can gladly share with any teen, adult, and even grandmother.

I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. I was not compensated. Opinions are my own.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Beauty Refined was a very interesting, enjoyable, and easy to read novel. I thought the author did a great job at creating a very complex backstory to weave these characters together. And my, oh my! What a cast of characters they were!

I really liked Phoebe right from the start. She had been very sheltered, however, when her eyes were opened to the truth and many terrible things were revealed to her, she showed her strength of character. I also liked the spiritual journey that the author took her on. Although Ian frustrated me a little bit at the beginning of the book, I soon warmed to him and enjoyed watching him grow closer to Phoebe.

A Beauty Refined contained a sweet romance, past hurts that were revealed, danger, and a villain so deceitful and mean that it was hard to watch as he took his vengeance out on all who opposed him!

A Beauty Refined is a good addition to the Sapphire Brides series, yet is also able to be read as a complete stand alone novel.

I received a compimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phoebe Von Bergen, is following her father, the German Count, on a world tour looking for sapphires. They are now in Helena, Montana, and while her father is on a buying trip, she stays at the hotel and while on a walk literally runs into her dead mother.
Obviously all that she knew was a lie perpetrated by her father, and what she learns will change the course of her life. She has always done everything her father asked and he has spoiled her, but she is compliant for him, until…well you need to read this book.
I had the feeling that the Frederick was the personification of pure Evil, and everyone around him had better take care. He really doesn’t have a conscience and only loves one person, himself.
Don’t let this story get away, it reads like your in the room with them, and you want to do something about what is happening, even to unlocking the door.
I received this book through Bethany House Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 of a trilogy and again I could not put it down. That is after a little bit of a slow start in the beginning. But once I got into it just a little bit, the pages were flipping. Phoebe comes to Montana with her father who is buying sapphires, only not the kind he is supposed to be. Little does Phoebe know a person from her past is also in Montana. Phoebe learns of her father's dubious ways and his sordid past. But the love story that forms between Phoebe and Ian Harper is so touching, I could not wait to get to the end to make sure they got together, like they wouldn't. I liked this book, it was a little bit of a slow start, but definitely made up for itself in the end.

[Cheryl Baranski]

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson is absolutely amazing. A Beauty Refined is book two in the Sapphire Brides series. This book is full of surprises and unexpected happenings. Tracie does such a wonderful job with the characters and the settings. She makes you feel as though you are part of this most wonderful story. You will be cheering your favorite characters on in this story while you want to slap others. This is a must read book. Be sure to get your copy today. I received a copy of this book for my honest review. 5 stars!

[Christine Reeves · Rating 1 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson has been an inspiration to me, however as I read the description of this book on the back cover there is no indication of the violent descriptions of domestic violence that is core to the storyline. I believe any women who has lived through it, at least deserves to first know when it is in a Christian book before she starts to read it!

[Krissy · Rating 2 out of 5]

eh - I would not read again
the book didn't capture my interest. It just felt forced to me, and I skimmed a lot of it.

[Miracle Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good story line, but there were super cheesy moments towards the end. I haven't read fiction in a while but some moments seemed painstakingly fairytale

[Laura Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts:

What if everything you believed to be true was built on a lie or rather a series of lies? What if dark danger lurks in your past and your future but you are completely oblivious?

Tracie Peterson has written a story that is different than others I've read in this genre. It is at once mysterious, beautiful, frustrating, happy, tragic, uplifting, dismal, and hopeful. I did not read the first Sapphire Bride book, A Treasure Concealed, but this book stands alone well. It is complete in itself. That's always a concern when one begins a series in the middle. I really encourage you to read the first chapter at the link above. I was not really interested in this book until I read it.

The pace of the book is steady, and the resolution did surprise me. You will find characters to love and hate... and some may surprise you in the end. There were a few references to one of the characters, how shall I say it delicately, providing extra service? There is nothing explicit, but there is no doubt what happens. I will not be handing this to my teenager to read. It is not central to the story, but it does play a part. I just want you to be forewarned.

All in all, I think that for an adult woman, this is an interesting tale of intrigue which will teach you a bit about the sapphire mining and lapidary business of the time period. Tracie has a talent for setting up impossible to resolve situations, then resolving them in surprising ways.

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be still my heart. I just finished A Beauty Refined and I loved it. The right mixture of love, intrigue, and suspense was in this book. The main thing that struck me and made me really think, was the subject of lies. The H, Ian Harper, had been lied to by his wife repeatedly and when she died in childbirth, Ian swore to never trust anyone again and never to marry again.

Enter the h, Pheobe Von Bergen, who is in Helena, Montana on a sapphire buying trip with her father, Graf Frederick Von Bergen. Little does she know her Vater (father) has been buying sapphires for the Sapphire Duchess for years and cheating her out of money by buying cheaper sapphires and selling them to the Duchess for a higher price. Von Bergen has also "sold" Pheobe to an old Duke back home in Germany to be his young bride. The lies abound between Pheobe and her father until she finds out about everything.

The biggest lie is that her mother is dead, when she is not. Pheobe and her father are staying at the Broadwater Hotel just outside Helena, when she literally runs into her mother who is working at the hotel. The reunion of mother and daughter is bittersweet, and all heck breaks out when her father finds out Elizabeth is in the hotel and that Pheobe knew and did not tell him.

This story has a beauty, a dragon, and a knight in shinning armor. Who will win out in the end? Just pick up your copy and find out. You will not be disappointed. This is a clean, historical romance and appropriate for all. Enjoy!

[Julie Morales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Treasure brings out the worst in people, as we saw in the first book in this series, and now we meet Frederick, a German count on a mission to purchase sapphires for a duchess. However, she wants sapphires from a specific place, and Frederick has decided to get them from Montana instead, where they can be had at a cheaper price, enabling him to keep the difference. He's been cheating the duchess for years, and things are about to come to a head.
Phoebe is Frederick's daughter. She wanted to travel with her father to America to see the sights. She doesn't know the extent of her father's deceptive behavior in more than just cheating the duchess, however. She leaves Germany the pampered daughter of a wealthy count, only for her life to be turned upside down in Montana.
Ian is a lapidary, faceting gemstones. He meets Phoebe at the hotel where her father is staying while there on business and is attracted by her beauty and her personality. He quickly learns that there's more to Phoebe than meets the eye, though, and has to decide if he's going to believe Phoebe knows nothing of her father's deception, or if she might actually be part of it.
This book explores the importance of honesty in relationships, as well as how something like the seeking of wealth and treasures can become all-consuming and can blind a person to everything else but the gaining of more wealth. Tracie Peterson sets the stage for her books in such a way that you can picture yourself there. The books are authentically written and this one drew me in from the beginning.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracie Peterson Delivers Bestselling Historical Fiction with Romance and Adventure

Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father's plans--for the gemstones and his daughter--are not what they seem.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie--a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.
This is the second book in the series Sapphire Brides, but these novels stand alone. I enjoyed the characters and the plot. Tracie always has such interesting characters and this novel was no exception. "A Beauty Refined" included some interesting history. You won't be disappointed! This book deals with serious issues including honesty, betrayal, deceit, love and faith. This is a fast moving story with enough twists, turns and surprises to hold the reader's attention to the end. If you enjoy historical fiction, you will love this book!

I received a complimentary book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.