Refining Emma

Candlewood Trilogy #2

by Delia Parr

Laurel Wreath and Aspen Gold Award winner Delia Parr sets this inspiring historical novel in an 1840s Erie Canal village. When tragedy strikes, Emma graciously welcomes the needy to her boardinghouse. But when two of these guests prove cantankerous, Emma wonders how she and the others will manage. Compounding the turmoil are legal problems that threaten her future. And after her lawyer makes a troubling announcement, Emma must rediscover the true source of her strength.

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2007

About the author

Delia is the author of fifteen historical novels who now devotes herself to writing inspirational historical romance. The mother of three grown children, she is a full-time high school teacher in southern New Jersey who spends her summers writing on Anna Maria Island in Florida.

Reviews

[Mayda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this middle novel of the Candlewood Trilogy, much happens. Emma opens her home to those seeking temporary shelter after a tragic event strikes the town. She takes in two most unpleasant siblings when no one else would, and this act sorely tries her patience as she endeavors to please them. She is also fearful of losing her boarding house, and tries to carry that burdensome secret alone. But she soon discovers that she needs not bear all of life’s problems by herself. Some good things also occur in this novel, much to everyone’s surprise and delight. The character development as well as the plot are superior to the first book, which was itself very good. This series just keeps getting better.

[Elizabeth Meadows · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some great lessons in this book about dealing with difficult people in a Godly way. Great book and excellent trilogy so far.

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1840's near the Erie Canal in New York, Candlewood is a small town where everyone knows everyone else. Emma, a widow, owns Hill House which is a Boarding House. All of the residents are good friends and get along well. But when a fire strikes the town, Emma finds she must board many others who have lost their homes including Orralynne and Lester Burke who have antagonized almost everyone in town. Will Emma be able to make it through the recovery of the town and will she find love in the aftermath?

Well written continuance of a good series. With touches of humor, along with a smidgen of romance, some mystery, and great characters, this was an enjoyable read of the second book in this trilogy. I look forward to reading the last book to find out how this series concludes.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book. It is Book 2 of the Candlewood Trilogy. Once again, this is a book from my large "to be read" bookshelf. Emma runs a boardinghouse that becomes filled to overflowing with occupants when an explosion in town destroys many homes. Two of the residents who come are not liked in the town but Emma accepts them into the home knowing it's the right thing to do.

Emma has been a widow for years and falls in love with her lawyer who is also widowed. Many happy endings happen in the book but it's not mushy or predictable. The surprise at the end I did not expect! The artist who came to do some work ended up being the legal owner of the boardinghouse and leaves her the title after spending time there to see what Emma was like.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice 2nd book in this trilogy set in New York near the Erie Canal during the 1840s. Emma, a widow, owns and lives in a boarding house (Hill House) with her mother-in-law, other regular residents and transient guests. She strives to be the hostess that God wants her to be but when a disaster in the town brings two very unhappy and difficult guests to her door, her patience is pushed to the limit. A fun collection of characters, a mild Christian message and some life lessons, too. A very enjoyable book without any offensive elements.

[Barry · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of Bethany House books i.e. Historical Fiction Christian Romance genre. I also like all the other books written by Ms. Parr. I just found this book devoid of any real plot. It took 300 pages to find out about the fate of the boarding house. I felt the characters were pure vanilla and overall a very boring book. Sorry.

[Loraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story. Pace is slower than some, but perfect for what I need in my life right now. There was a little bit of drama, but not so much that it caused stress, which is what I'm avoiding in my life as much as possible right now, since my life is so stressful.

Nice characters, good plot, nice easy pace, good story. Pleasant and companionable.

[Dorry Lou · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a so so book about a woman that opens up her boardinghouse when tragedy strikes the village they all live in.

[Michelle Flores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redemption through relationships

Although slightly predictable, there is a lesson for us all to look past the outward appearances of others and be God's hands and feet of kindness.

[Denise Reinert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A love story

Emma is a woman with a special heart. She goes through a winter storm, the beginning .of a courtship, distress, love, loss and much more.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heart warming story! I love it when I randomly choose a book and am wonderfully surprised. I didn’t know it was a trilogy, gotta find the first and last ones.

[STEPHEN S MAPES · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lovable Candlewood characters are back and as intriguing as ever. Love the surprise ending!

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Book two of the trilogy was fast moving and covered a multitude of emotions. Again faith plays a big part of the story line.

[anne braidwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep Revisiting This Trilogy

Invokes a lovely area of the US at a remarkable period of time. Beautifully written with warm characters. Pure escapism!

[Anne Hawn Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second in this series and it is as good as the first. As I said in the first review, this is an inspirational book about ordinary people struggling to do God's will and act as God would have them act. It isn't about action or mystery. It is similar to the Mitford series or the earlier Miss Read books.

In this book, Emma again strives to bring her will in line with God's will. She tries to be a loving and gracious hostess in Hill House and to meet the needs of the people around her. A romance that began in the first book develops further in this one and there are some unpleasant guests which lend spice to the book. Emma finds it difficult to deal with the cantankerous Burke brother and sister and struggles to find something redeeming in them. She also struggles to keep the secret of her unwise investment in Hill House, which she loves and which is a haven for so many who are dependent on her.

I am inspired by the care she takes of those around her and how she finds a way to love them as God loves them. It is refreshing in this era of "me first." I have to admit I am also inspired by the amount of work she cheerfully does even when exhausted. It reminded me of the description of people, "not afraid of hard work" and caused me to think a lot more about the attitudes of earlier generations towards work in general. After reading hundreds of old family letters, I know that Emma's work is not an exaggeration and I am in awe of their strength to not falter when the work load is heavy.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've been introduced to Emma and her little community of Candlewood in book one, I really enjoyed the return visit. Since all the ground work of characterization was laid so well, more time could be devoted to the story moving forward. This installment seemed to have a bit deeper meaning, as well. From learning to love the unloveable, facing fears and finding new purpose all in the midst of tragedy, Refining Emma shared poignant moments and gentle, thought-provoking lessons. Although Jan Karon's Mitford series still holds first place in my favorite book list, Delia Parr will now join this illustrious group of favorite authors. I don't want to give away a spoiler, but it was a relief and surprise to finally learn who the legal owner of Hill House was in this book. Also look for a new twist in Widow Garrett's relationship with her lawyer, Mr. Breckenwith. All in all, Refining Emma is a sweet story.

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma opens her boardinghouse to the victims of a fire that struck their village. By doing so, she finds her faith questioned, her thoughts of loving others challenged and her strength wavering.

Although I did not read the first of the series, this book could stand alone. There was enough background incorporated into the story that allowed me to understand what had happened without reliving it.

The events seemed choppy. Not sure why...

Emma's struggles bounced back and forth from possible love for a suitor, to frustration over a demanding boarder. I felt for her problems, but seemed detached from her...don't know what made the difference.

Enjoyed the quick read, but wouldn't read it again.

[Jan Mcleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not an action-packed story. It centers around a 51 year old widow running a boarding house in the 1840's. It IS one of human conflict, forgiveness, God's grace, learning to love the unlovable, and doing God's will.
The first novel set up the plot and characters for this book, and this one continues that story, but is much more interesting-- a better telling.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn't know this was part of a trilogy. just picked it off the shelf at the library. seems to be ok on its own even though it's the 2nd book.

i would read the whole trilogy i think although i won't go back to #1 now that i read book 2. i may go get #3 though.

[Jodi · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems really odd to me that Emma is usually called Widow Garrett! Not exactly how we do things today. Its been a few years since I read the first book in the triology but this book did a good job of bringing it back to me and I really enjoyed it.

[Roxy Flanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author spins a beautiful tale.

Very good read.
Number one was great.
Number two is better
Looking forward to number three.

Reminds me in a way of the Milford series and the life in Milford.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emma is a wonderful charmer!

I love the plots of these "candlewood" stories. As a lifetime atheist, I find the religious aspects a tad overbearing at times - however, the characters and storyline outweigh religion!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful Story

Delius Parr tells a wonderful story of human conflict, forgiveness and God's grace. Her characters are real. Their lives filled with interesting events that keep you reading.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quarrelsome Lester and Orralynne and melodramatic Judith made this book a miss for me. Had the story focused more on Aunt Francis and Mother Garrett and their antics at the Hill House I think there could have been an interesting read here.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book of the Candlewood Trilogy was even
better than the first. Very well written!

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Running a boarding house at the turn of the century leads to many novel adventures for Emma.

[Brenda Wharton · Rating 5 out of 5]

2nd book in the candlewood series was better than the 1st. A beautiful story of love, forgiveness, birth, marriage and even death

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 2nd book in the Candlewood Trilogy. I liked this book better than the first. But it is definitely necessary to read the first, as it sets everything up for this book.

[Suzanne Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.