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Charity House #2
Hannah's Beau
A career on the stage is deemed unseemly for any lady, let alone a preacher's daughter. But then, actress Hannah Southerland is no ordinary lady. When a foolish elopement threatens her sister Rachel's reputation, Hannah will risk everything to bring her home.
Reverend Beau O'Toole, brother of Rachel's paramour, agrees to help Hannah find the missing pair, but after that they must separate. Beau's looking for a traditional wife—which Hannah is not. But could this unconventional woman be his perfect partner—in life and in faith?
Reverend Beau O'Toole, brother of Rachel's paramour, agrees to help Hannah find the missing pair, but after that they must separate. Beau's looking for a traditional wife—which Hannah is not. But could this unconventional woman be his perfect partner—in life and in faith?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
239 people want to read
About the author
Renee Ryan
62 books710 followersRenee Ryan grew up in a small Florida beach town. Surfing didn’t work for her, but that didn’t keep her from watching others tackle the waves. To entertain herself during those countless hours of “laying-out”, she read many of the classics. It wasn’t until the summer between her sophomore and junior years at Florida State University that she read her first romance novel. Hooked from page one, she spent hours consuming one book after another while working on the best (and last!) tan of her life.
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
Two years later, armed with a degree in Economics and Religion, she explored various career opportunities, including stints at a Florida theme park, a modeling agency, and a cosmetic conglomerate. She went on to teach high school Economics, American Government and Latin in between coaching award-winning cheerleading teams. Several years later, with an eclectic cast of characters swimming around in her head, she began seriously pursuing a writing career. What better excuse to avoid housework and ignore clocks?
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 21, 2010
Renee Ryan does it again. If you don't follow this writer's work, you need to pick up one of her books and get to know her. She's a great writer!
Hannah's Beau is the second in the 'Charity House' book series. In this book, you'll get to revisit some of the beloved people who were in the first book, 'The Marshall Takes a Bride'.
I love the characters in this book. Hannah Southerland, the daughter of a prominent religious leader, is an actress, which, in itself, is an unusual profession for an historical and I love that.
Her twin sister, Rachel, gets herself into another pickle when she runs off with the actor that Hannah introduced her to, leaving her fiance in the dust.
When overly-responsible Hannah attempts to hunt down her sister, she meets preacher-to-unwashed-masses, Beau O'Toole, the brother of her sister's new love. Together, they take on the task of seeking out the unseemly couple in an attempt to turn them from their hurtful, sinful path.
The last quarter of the book is a page turner with a believable ending that shows much growth in the characters. Overall, this book is a great read.
Hannah's Beau is the second in the 'Charity House' book series. In this book, you'll get to revisit some of the beloved people who were in the first book, 'The Marshall Takes a Bride'.
I love the characters in this book. Hannah Southerland, the daughter of a prominent religious leader, is an actress, which, in itself, is an unusual profession for an historical and I love that.
Her twin sister, Rachel, gets herself into another pickle when she runs off with the actor that Hannah introduced her to, leaving her fiance in the dust.
When overly-responsible Hannah attempts to hunt down her sister, she meets preacher-to-unwashed-masses, Beau O'Toole, the brother of her sister's new love. Together, they take on the task of seeking out the unseemly couple in an attempt to turn them from their hurtful, sinful path.
The last quarter of the book is a page turner with a believable ending that shows much growth in the characters. Overall, this book is a great read.
February 7, 2021
Renee did it again!
I loved this series so far. I fell in love with Hannah and Beau, the heroine and hero of this book. Hannah, a successful actress from Chicago, travels to Denver in search of her twin sister, who has disappeared with an actor. She meets Beauregard O'Toole, Laney, Logan and Mavis. She becomes friends with all of them but feels a special bond with Beau. The transition they go through throughout the book make you want to read nonstop until you get to the end. Great use of scriptures and Godly wisdom throughout. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
I loved this series so far. I fell in love with Hannah and Beau, the heroine and hero of this book. Hannah, a successful actress from Chicago, travels to Denver in search of her twin sister, who has disappeared with an actor. She meets Beauregard O'Toole, Laney, Logan and Mavis. She becomes friends with all of them but feels a special bond with Beau. The transition they go through throughout the book make you want to read nonstop until you get to the end. Great use of scriptures and Godly wisdom throughout. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
March 11, 2020
I don't normally read the Christian inspired love tales but this one was quite good. No weak heroine here ...well she was a bit of a patsy...good storyline although the lead male was a bit preachy. Found it difficult to believe he overcame this behaviour in such short weeks. Some arrogance takes a lifetime to nag out of some men. lol.
March 28, 2023
Good premise, but I have my complaints.
I know supposedly you're too forgive and all... but I found both Rachel and Tyler to be very entitled and mean-spirited characters that got away with their deceit then rubbing it right into their respective siblings' faces.
I know supposedly you're too forgive and all... but I found both Rachel and Tyler to be very entitled and mean-spirited characters that got away with their deceit then rubbing it right into their respective siblings' faces.
July 15, 2021
This wasn't to my liking, thankfully there were a few redeeming features such as Hannah and Mavis' friendship which was fun to read about and a HEA.
September 15, 2011
Hannah Southerland was disowned and asked to leave her legalistic father's home five years ago. Now that she was an actress, the good Reverend would have more reason to have nothing to do with her. Hannah was blessed that she had found herself in the presence of Patience and Reginald O'Toole all those years ago. They taught her acting, money management and to stay focused on the Lord. Their rogue of a son, Tyler, was a bit more rebellious. When her twin sister, Rachel, came to see her Hannah hoped they could finally resolve the past. Hannah had always covered for Rachel and took the blame for her actions, which had her disowned. Instead of reconciling her sister takes off with Tyler the second day she is there. With the O'Toole's overseas Hannah's only choice is to search out their son the Reverend Beau O'Toole to help find the rebellious couple.
Beau has been sitting with his mother's old friend, Jane Goodwin. Once a beautiful actress now dying in a brothel. When the beautiful Hannah Southerland appears he can only see her as an actress with Jane's future and treats her so, condemns her to a life like Jane's before he knows her at all.
When they see how the other acts at Charity House, a home for children of the prostitutes, they each see a different side of the other. And after searching for their errant siblings other ideas come about. Beau thought he needed a steady old fashioned wife to fit in with his perfect church. Hannah could see the ministry he already had going to the saloons, brothels and other places those deemed non-sinners should not go to. To top it off, his new church that was to be built in Greely was in the hands of her father, the Reverend Thomas Southerland.
Two people floating through life, judged by not being as people thought they should be, can their faith anchor them and can they see what they are searching for in each other?
Beau has been sitting with his mother's old friend, Jane Goodwin. Once a beautiful actress now dying in a brothel. When the beautiful Hannah Southerland appears he can only see her as an actress with Jane's future and treats her so, condemns her to a life like Jane's before he knows her at all.
When they see how the other acts at Charity House, a home for children of the prostitutes, they each see a different side of the other. And after searching for their errant siblings other ideas come about. Beau thought he needed a steady old fashioned wife to fit in with his perfect church. Hannah could see the ministry he already had going to the saloons, brothels and other places those deemed non-sinners should not go to. To top it off, his new church that was to be built in Greely was in the hands of her father, the Reverend Thomas Southerland.
Two people floating through life, judged by not being as people thought they should be, can their faith anchor them and can they see what they are searching for in each other?
October 28, 2015
In the second Charity House book, we get to visit with previous characters as well as meet some new one's. Hannah Southerland travels to Denver in search of the only man who can help her locate her wayward sister, who runs off with his brother. Her sister has pulled this before - having an affair with a married man, then blaming it on her. Hannah is tired of her sister's tricks and wants her to settle down and marry a decent man.
Reverend Beau O'Tooole has his own issues. He doesn't think Hannah can ever amount to much, her being an actress and all. Hannah loves acting on the stage, but doesn't have any worries if her career suddenly ended. After all, she was trained by the best - his parents!
This book is a bit different, but still very interesting as we travel on the journey to find the wayward couple. There are some surprised along the way, and I enjoy reading about a couple of the supporting characters - everyone needs a Mavis in their life to keep things interesting!
Reverend Beau O'Tooole has his own issues. He doesn't think Hannah can ever amount to much, her being an actress and all. Hannah loves acting on the stage, but doesn't have any worries if her career suddenly ended. After all, she was trained by the best - his parents!
This book is a bit different, but still very interesting as we travel on the journey to find the wayward couple. There are some surprised along the way, and I enjoy reading about a couple of the supporting characters - everyone needs a Mavis in their life to keep things interesting!
August 5, 2009
Good quick read...at least for me! :D Although, the relationship between the two sisters is heartbreaking, in the end Hannah realizes that she played a part in being a catalyst for her sister. Not to mention the Father never really being a Father to the girls as they grew up. Too consumed with his congregation and having a perfect family. Beau also goes through some huge changes as well. Despite the fact that his brother ran off with Hannah's sister, in the end Hannah and Beau realize that they needed a hard lesson to learn and help better themselves in their walk with Christ and not use circumstances or events in their life dictate who they are.
August 5, 2013
Hannah Southerland let lies, pride and guilt run her life for to long! When her twin sister Rachael ran away with her co-actor Tyler O' Toole, Hannah knew she had to find his brother Reverend Beau O' Toole right away. She was unprepared for the feelings she felt when she met Beau O' Toole and the series of events that God has set up for Hannah and Beau as they begin their journey to find Beau's brother and Hannah's sister. Having to fully learn to give everything to God and learn to forgive one another.
March 5, 2011
Loved the moral of this story...Don't judge someone based on their outward appearance. That we often make wrong first impressions...Loved Hannah and Beau! Fell in LOVE with Reverand Beau! And can see why Hannah's sister, Rachel fell for Beau's younger brother, Tyler... Mavis was a KICK!...Loved the apparance by Molly, Marshall Trey Scott and Katherine from Renee's previous book in the Charity House series; 'The Marshall Takes A Wife.'
August 1, 2014
Sometimes the second book in a series isn't as engaging as the first. Not so in the Charity House series. This story is vibrant and full of characters we want to see find a happy ending. Great reflection of any one's struggle with their faith and how holding true no matter what will bless you in the end.
July 9, 2013
Its a good book with a very different story line. The characters are very well developed and the the message which the author is giving out is also very good. There is a lot of quotes from the bible but its tastefully done so that people of any faith can relate to the good values.
February 18, 2014
I feel that the story are getting to be the same line. I do like the characters in this book, but I would like to see the story expanded on I love the characters. I would save if you need a short story to read this is your book. Happy Reading
October 21, 2010
The setting alone make this book worth reading. The story is worth it too! Enjoyed this one a lot!
June 1, 2011
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. ~ Romans 15:7
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ~ John 13:15
I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. ~ John 13:15
June 24, 2014
clean, reverent, and enjoyable. a little slow for me.
Read
February 19, 2019Hannah and Rachel were twin sisters. After their mother died, Hannah tried to protect Rachel. She ended up taking the blame for a lot of things that Rachel did. Rachel had an affair with a married man using Hannah's name. Her father kicked Hannah out of his life after that incident and it had been 5 years since she had seen her family. Rachel never stepped up and took blame for what she had done.
Hannah left home and went to stay with a family of actors who immediately took her in. Hannah was a pretty girl and learned fast. She became an actress with a mission to get out of the business when she could and live a life taking care of others as best she could. She purchased property with her excess earnings and would soon be in a position to leave the troupe she traveled with. One of the actors was the son of the family that had taken her in. His name was Tyler O'Toole and he was also good looking. Hannah thought of him like her brother.
They were in Chicago when her sister came to see her. Hannah was hoping to talk to her and try to make amends. Hannah was angry with her sister over what had happened. When the play she was in was finished, she went looking for her sister. Hannah found out that she had run off with Tyler. Hannah was upset and went looking through Tyler's things and found a letter from his brother. Hannah left Chicago and went to Denver to find Tyler's brother, Beau.
Beau O'Toole was a preacher trying to get his own church. Hannah's father was important in this happening because he was in charge of the association in charge of sending out and supporting new preachers. Beau wanted his own church but the association didn't let sinners into their congregations. Beau didn't let that stop him from going to see women in brothels or men drinking in bars. This caused some conflict with the Reverend Southerland. He had just come from seeing a woman named Jane who was dying in a brothel when Hannah found him. She introduced herself and Beau formed an instant opinion of her once he heard she was an actress working with his family. He wasn't too friendly after that. Hannah was surprised at his attitude.
Hannah was tired and she explained to Beau that she was trying to find his brother and her sister who had run away together. She explained that she needed his help. Beau quickly revised his opinion of Hannah after talking with her. He went to see the town sheriff to ask for help in locating his brother and Hannah's sister. The man was with his wife who ran an orphanage outside of town. The orphanage was special in that it housed the children born of mothers who were prostitutes. Hannah fell in love with the kids and the people who ran the orphanage. Hannah made a decision that she wanted to do that with her life after acting. She decided that she would return after finding her sister.
The sheriff had his deputy travel to Cheyenne to find the couple. They arrived to find them acting in a seedy bar. Beau told the couple that he would marry them and they both knew that they really didn't have a choice but seemed to be in love. Beau felt that they would face difficulties but it wasn't right for them to live together without being married. Hannah took back a letters from Rachel to both her father and her fiancee explaining her actions.
Hannah knew by then that she had fallen in love with Beau. He was also in love with her but still afraid to say anything to her. He told her that he was hoping to get his own church but a lot of the decision was out of his hands and in the hands of her father. He also explained that he had lived in Cheyenne previously and they would be going to the church where she was a member.
They arrived at church on Sunday but Beau's ex-fiancee and her husband, the preacher, refused to allow Mavis inside their church. Mavis was a former prostitute who now worked at the orphanage. The group of them were really upset about the treatment and prejudice of the preacher against Mavis. The deputy was given another assignment and they went their separate ways upon leaving Cheyenne.
Hannah and Beau went together to see Hannah's father. Beau and the reverend spoke first and he told the reverend some of the traits that made Hannah special to him. He then almost asked Hannah to marry him but stopped before he did and told her that he needed to speak to her father about something first. She didn't know that he was going to ask for her hand in marriage.
Beau and the reverend agreed that Beau would marry Hannah and Beau then went to Hannah. Beau made a mistake in telling Hannah that they would be married by her father. He didn't ask. Hannah told Beau that she wouldn't marry him. She didn't want anyone to treat her in the manner that Beau was. He quickly realized that he made a mistake in not asking for her hand.
Hannah and her father talked and she explained her actions along with Rachel's to him. The reverend apologized to Hannah for mistaking her actions and blaming her for Rachel's transgressions.
Six weeks later, Hanna was again acting with the troupe in Chicago. She had decided that it was time to leave. This would be her last performance. She was happily surprised to see Beau in the audience. He told her that he missed her and wanted to marry her. She told him that she missed him too. They were soon married in Colorado by her father.
Hannah left home and went to stay with a family of actors who immediately took her in. Hannah was a pretty girl and learned fast. She became an actress with a mission to get out of the business when she could and live a life taking care of others as best she could. She purchased property with her excess earnings and would soon be in a position to leave the troupe she traveled with. One of the actors was the son of the family that had taken her in. His name was Tyler O'Toole and he was also good looking. Hannah thought of him like her brother.
They were in Chicago when her sister came to see her. Hannah was hoping to talk to her and try to make amends. Hannah was angry with her sister over what had happened. When the play she was in was finished, she went looking for her sister. Hannah found out that she had run off with Tyler. Hannah was upset and went looking through Tyler's things and found a letter from his brother. Hannah left Chicago and went to Denver to find Tyler's brother, Beau.
Beau O'Toole was a preacher trying to get his own church. Hannah's father was important in this happening because he was in charge of the association in charge of sending out and supporting new preachers. Beau wanted his own church but the association didn't let sinners into their congregations. Beau didn't let that stop him from going to see women in brothels or men drinking in bars. This caused some conflict with the Reverend Southerland. He had just come from seeing a woman named Jane who was dying in a brothel when Hannah found him. She introduced herself and Beau formed an instant opinion of her once he heard she was an actress working with his family. He wasn't too friendly after that. Hannah was surprised at his attitude.
Hannah was tired and she explained to Beau that she was trying to find his brother and her sister who had run away together. She explained that she needed his help. Beau quickly revised his opinion of Hannah after talking with her. He went to see the town sheriff to ask for help in locating his brother and Hannah's sister. The man was with his wife who ran an orphanage outside of town. The orphanage was special in that it housed the children born of mothers who were prostitutes. Hannah fell in love with the kids and the people who ran the orphanage. Hannah made a decision that she wanted to do that with her life after acting. She decided that she would return after finding her sister.
The sheriff had his deputy travel to Cheyenne to find the couple. They arrived to find them acting in a seedy bar. Beau told the couple that he would marry them and they both knew that they really didn't have a choice but seemed to be in love. Beau felt that they would face difficulties but it wasn't right for them to live together without being married. Hannah took back a letters from Rachel to both her father and her fiancee explaining her actions.
Hannah knew by then that she had fallen in love with Beau. He was also in love with her but still afraid to say anything to her. He told her that he was hoping to get his own church but a lot of the decision was out of his hands and in the hands of her father. He also explained that he had lived in Cheyenne previously and they would be going to the church where she was a member.
They arrived at church on Sunday but Beau's ex-fiancee and her husband, the preacher, refused to allow Mavis inside their church. Mavis was a former prostitute who now worked at the orphanage. The group of them were really upset about the treatment and prejudice of the preacher against Mavis. The deputy was given another assignment and they went their separate ways upon leaving Cheyenne.
Hannah and Beau went together to see Hannah's father. Beau and the reverend spoke first and he told the reverend some of the traits that made Hannah special to him. He then almost asked Hannah to marry him but stopped before he did and told her that he needed to speak to her father about something first. She didn't know that he was going to ask for her hand in marriage.
Beau and the reverend agreed that Beau would marry Hannah and Beau then went to Hannah. Beau made a mistake in telling Hannah that they would be married by her father. He didn't ask. Hannah told Beau that she wouldn't marry him. She didn't want anyone to treat her in the manner that Beau was. He quickly realized that he made a mistake in not asking for her hand.
Hannah and her father talked and she explained her actions along with Rachel's to him. The reverend apologized to Hannah for mistaking her actions and blaming her for Rachel's transgressions.
Six weeks later, Hanna was again acting with the troupe in Chicago. She had decided that it was time to leave. This would be her last performance. She was happily surprised to see Beau in the audience. He told her that he missed her and wanted to marry her. She told him that she missed him too. They were soon married in Colorado by her father.
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