A Fragile Design

Bells of Lowell #2

by Tracie Peterson, Judith McCoy Miller

Fleeing the life of the Shakers, Arabella Newberry finds work in the industrial mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. But the taste of freedom she experiences only increases her longing for true equality for all the mill girls. When her ideas put her at odds with the dashing Taylor Manning, she wonders if she has made a huge mistake.

Strife between the Irish laborers and the Industrialists continues to rise, and when several girls go missing, Lowell no longer seems a safe haven. As rumors and conflict invade the industry of the mill, will Arabella's determination to prove her independence endanger more than just her heart?

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

380 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2003

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

[Jerry (Rebel With a Massive Media Library) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical novels take you back in time...and that's just what this book did. I was swept into the convoluted plot, and captivated by the setting.

[Mandy Spigle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read from Tracie Peterson. The Belles of Lowell series transports you to a different time when life was tough and finding true friends was even tougher. The chronicling of these girls lives during the industrial revolution will make you laugh, cry and thank God for your 8-5 desk job! Be ready to be sucked in to a series you won't want to put down!

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

As those who have read my reiews and posts know, I'll read anything. And I'm vocal about it as well. This book, second in a serues on the mills abd the industrial revolution in Massachusetts, are a bit preachy, but very fast reads. And this one taught me about the Shakers, which is a group I knew little about

[Kate S · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did appreciate the author's continuing the story of Lowell, Massachusetts through a blend of new characters and old. This is still not my favorite style of book. I have the last one all cued up to go and then I will be able to donate this trilogy. :)

[Mary Bronson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good book. I loved the characters and plot of the story. I like how it tied in from the first book. Some of the same characters were in this book. I can not wait to read the last book in the Bells of Lowell series.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Experience drama, romance and intrigue in one of America's early industrial settlements. In this second volume of the Bells of Lowell series, the story picks up with two Shaker girls who make a break from the life they've known for a new beginning working in the textile mills of Lowell, Massachusetts. Accustomed to a life of equality between men and women, Bella and Daughtie are shocked to discover life in the outside world not quite so lenient towards women. Eager to set things right, Bella strives to forge a place for women in a society dominated by men, while trying to fight off the advances of heartbreaker Taylor Manning and gain a foothold in her new life of independence. In the midst of all this, girls are going missing from the Irish settlement, and rumours of an uprising cause tempers to flare and rationality to cease. It'll take more than a few level heads to cool things down, especially when girls from the mills start to disappear as well... A FRAGILE DESIGN is a riveting sequel to the story started in DAUGHTER OF THE LOOM.

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

I know, I totally read the second book in this Christian series. I don't think it was terribly well researched in terms of the historical side of it, but it was an entertaining fluff book. Addresses Christianity in a very born again style, but that's fine.

[Fleurd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am done. 300 pages in 7 days. These books are captivating and a great way to be immersed in the past. I have learned so much about mill town, Lowell as well as the growth of each character. So much inside these books. I wish they would continue or become a series on TV.

[Martin Bihl · Rating 1 out of 5]

More looms. Too much god. Too much romance. Too much melodrama. And did I mention there was too damn much god?

[Evelina · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was awsome

[Bunni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun characters. A good story too.

[Pat Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

2nd of the Bells of Lowell series focusing on the lives of people working in the Textile mills in Massachusetts in the mid 1800's. Well written historical fiction.

[Cherri Vanhorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good series

Hope to read more of Tracie Peterson books. Will be sharing these with others. I thoroughly enjoyed this book series.

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bella leaves the Shaker community to work in the textile mills of Lowell, MA.

[Carolyn Tye · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent historical fiction, with intrigue and mystery added. Highly recommended.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fragile Design is one of the better Christian romance novels I've read. The story feels a bit meatier, not just about insta-love with a reformed rake. The main plot is supported by the historical backdrop, themes of prejudice, immigration, poverty, familial ties, religious fanaticism/cult escape, and early feminism. While most of the characters are pretty flat (I struggled to keep up with who's who throughout the novel), the main protagonist is fairly well-rounded, experiences personal growth throughout the story, without completely rewriting her character by the end.

My biggest gripe is that one of the most exciting and dramatic moments happened completely off the page. The authors missed a huge opportunity to expound upon what could have been an exceptionally exciting ending. However, I found the last page immensely satisfying. I may read additional novels in this series to see if we get any more snippets of Bella's story.

[Loraine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Lowell, Massachusetts where there are vast differences between the Irish who work in the mills and the industrialists of Lowell, Arabella Newberry leaves the sect of the Shakers whose Christian beliefs conflict with her Bible beliefs. She finds a job in Lowell in the mills and sets off to make a new life for herself. Will Arabella find the happiness she hopes to find in her new life?

I felt this book was rather lengthy and could have been condensed to make it more interesting. Published in 2003, Tracie Peterson's writing has grown exponentially in her more recent years, and I find her present writing much more enjoyable.

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

As I appreciate the authors research about life and how difficult it was for so many in that time period, I have to say the book just moved TOO slow. I was born in MA, so it was interesting learning some of the history of this state. I can understand how many had trouble trusting others in such difficult times. Appreciated how many worked together and stood up for one another. For me, it just moved to slowly.

[Jessica Hembree · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this historical novel. It was descriptive, with gripping action. It’s not often I come across a book mentioning the Shaker community, and I enjoyed learning a bit about them thanks to this story.

[Martic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second amazing book in the series. Well-drawn characters. Plenty of tension with lots of historical information to satisfy this history lover. Liked that several central characters from Book 1 appeared in this book.

[Lauri Gentry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the story and learning about working in the mills at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution and a woman's fight for equal rights.

[Gayle · Rating 3 out of 5]

God used it to speak to me

Although this work of fiction is average, God pointed out some needed changes in my own life through it. I'm glad I read it.

[MKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book two was exciting, it added some mystery to the stories. Now to find book 3!

[Irene Hackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have enjoyed these books so far. They transport you back in time. I am looking forward to reading the last one in this set.

[Laura Luckwaldt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow this book is awesome! I can't beleive what happens at the end! Violet must be gorgeous! :-)

[Lisa]

Very good book 2. Kept me in suspense and the story line moved beautifully.