Love's First Bloom

Hearts Along the River #2

by Delia Parr

Ruth Livingstone's life changes drastically the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her to a small village in New Jersey under an assumed name. There Ruth pretends to be a widow and quietly secludes herself until her father is acquitted of a crime. But with the emergence of the penny press, the imagination of the reading public is stirred, and her father's trial stands center stage. Asher Tripp is the brash newspaperman who determines that this case is the event he can use to redeem himself as a journalist.

Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River--a place where she can find a measure of peace in the midst of the sorrow that continues to build. It is also here that Asher Tripp finds a temporary residence, all in an attempt to discover if the lovely creature known as Widow Malloy is truly Ruth Livingstone, the woman every newspaper has been looking for. Love begins to slowly bloom...but is the affection they share strong enough to withstand the secrets that separate them?

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2010

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

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're looking for heart-pounding romance, this isn't it. If you're looking for a fast, easy read, this isn't it. It's a drama with unexpected depths and some parts that just make you hurt for the heroine. It took a while to get into the story, but once I was hooked it was hard to put down, and the last half of the book is excellent. The romance is mostly on the side and Ruth tries to make a new life for herself and her adopted daughter in a small town that may or may not reject her when they hear the whispers about her supposed past.

I felt sympathy for Jake from the beginning, but I certainly can't say I liked him right away. He's been a ruthless fellow in the past and has lots of room for growth, but what lies ahead will test him to the fullest. He comes under false pretenses but soon feels pricked in his conscience.

I love seeing characters grow and blossom in stories. And Parr makes it quite clear that their growth is because of their faith.

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been on my to-be-read shelf for years now, and with spring around the corner, it was only natural to pull this book with its gorgeous cover out for a read. I have read and enjoyed a handful of Parr's books in the past, so I was expecting this one to be as wonderful as the others.

On the surface, the plot was very intriguing - lots of secrecy, alternate identities, and a sensationalized court case accusing a minister of murder. Those facts alone had me believing that I would uncover a riveting story. Unfortunately, I struggled through the first half of the book as there was too much back and forth with all the different reporters trying to snuff out Ruth's whereabouts and Ruth's constant frustration with what they were writing in the papers.

Her romantic connection with Jake came far too late in the story to be believable, and by the time they recognized their feelings for one another, the story was over. I knew that the two of them would ultimately be attracted to each other, but I wish it had occurred much sooner than it did!

This book is part of a series, and after reading reviews from several other readers, this story has no connection to the one before it.

All in all, not what I had hoped for, but the plot was engaging enough that I had to see it through to the end.

Many thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review.

[Sherri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed thoughts on this second installment from Parr leaves me giving a 2-star. It seemed drawn out and rushed at the same time. The relationship between all the characters was based on secrets and somewhat lies and yet too convenient. Even the power and politics of the newspaper in 1838 that the editors control what the people see and read.

I actually like the characters of Mr. and Mrs. Garner the most. And the Captain drops in every once in awhile with his words of wisdom. I'm not sure if it's the earlier time period in the 1800's and the logistics of New York/New Jersey that left me feeling a bit confused.

I wanted to like this more than I did, but it wasn't terrible.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

New York City 1838. Ruth Livingstone is sent away in hiding by her father, Reverend Livingstone, while he awaits acquittal from the accusation that he killed a prostitute named Rosalie Peale. Rev Livingstone has spent most of his life helping prostitutes regain their faith and relocating them where they could start anew. Rosalie also had a secret child—Lily, an 18-month old—that no one knows about and Ruth takes her away with her to protect her.

The newspapers are having a field day and news of this case spreads far. Ruth is staying with friends of her father in the small town of New Jersey under an assumed name, but she fears she will be discovered by the hungry journalists who are trying to find her whereabouts since it is believed she is hiding evidence that will incriminate her father. Jake Spencer is a journalist who made a mistake years ago and now wants to redeem himself in his brother's eyes, proving he has what it takes to be a good partner to their newspaper. He is sent on an assignment to find Ruth and get the story before the other reporters. Jake finds her immediately and gradually falls for Ruth. Ultimately, he chooses to redeem himself in God's eyes rather than his brother's.

Although this is a heartwarming and sweet story, it was slow-going for me. I wasn't too crazy about Jake and there was no spark between him and Ruth. The whole time he was there was to try to get evidence from Ruth, deceiving her into believing he had an injured back and was seeking solitude. This book is filled with characters who proclaim faith in God, yet they are liars and justify this for a good cause. For this reason I had a hard time accepting the preaching in the book (there is much about putting trust and faith in God) when it is clear in the Bible that God does not approve of lying. (Col 3:9, Rev 22:15) I don't have anything against flawed characters, actually they are more realistic, but to relay the message that God rewards lying as a means to do good was not what I expected. If the message is to trust in God, then why should one have to disobey and rely on lying and deception?

Throughout the account, I wondered about Ruth. Although she had lived in New York all her life she had been sheltered. She was in her early twenties, yet I wondered what she had done with her life prior to her life in hiding. The book does not say. Had she no friends? No prospects of marriage? She was not involved in her father's work, so what did she do? And since she went missing, were not the authorities looking for her, especially considering the serious case with her father? It was also hard to believe that the other reporters did not find her and Jake did so easily. There were a few plot holes, and I was frustrated and bored with this story at some points. It could have been more exciting, what with her father being accused of murder, and his clandestine activity to help “fallen angels”. Ruth spends a lot of time crying, which was understandable under her circumstances, but there was too much of it for me.

Although predictable, I was happy with the ending, and Jake's choice was honourable. If you like sweet Christian romances, this one fits the bill, but don't expect anything too exciting.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having loved Hearts Awakening I was so excited to read Delia's next book. I'm sorry to say that, for me, it didn't live up to my expectations despite it's beautiful cover. I really enjoy a good love story but it just wasn't there for me in this book. Sure, the characters were nice but I just did not feel the connection between Ruth and Jake. For one thing their entire relationship was based on secrets, both constantly had to hide their pasts. I did like that the characters learned to forgive one another and take it to the next level so to speak but it did all seem to come together too quickly. I almost felt like this book needed 100 more pages just to make Jake and Ruth's love more authentic. I can't say much more about that part of the story so I'll go on to the other characters in the book!

The secondary characters in Love's First Bloom were terrific! I loved little Lily, she was so precocious, always wanting to bath and in pursuit of that "bath" getting into a few scrapes. I do like stories where kids have a part in bringing couple's together and we get a little bit of that with this book. Phanaby and Elias were terrific too, they were so caring and helpful to Lily and Ruth despite what they thought they knew about Ruth's past.

I do enjoy Ms. Parr's writing style and I look forward to her next book. If you give this book a chance hopefully you will like it. With it's beautiful pink and purple themed cover it definitely reminds one of a spring day in the garden and fits very well with the setting of the book!

*I received my complimentary review copy through Bethany House's Book Review Program in exchange for posting my honest review.*

[Loretta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was definitely a roller-coaster of emotions. Grief of losing a loved one is no small matter. It is even harder when there isn't anyone to share that burden with. This tale of a good man charged with the murder of a Lady of the Evening is tragic and tugs at the heart strings. I think that Ruth was very brave to take on the burden while holding on to her faith. While the ending was wrapped up way too neatly for the flow of the rest of the book, I am very pleased with this tale of good people working towards saving those that society has turned their backs on. Definitely a story of hope. :)

[Sonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone, daughter of a minister involved in helping the soiled doves, finds herself alone, with a toddler and pursued by the press for a story, true or not, about her father's involvement in a murder. She must stay under the guise of being a soiled dove in order to keep from being found.

Her struggles with her father's ministry, his innocence and her lies to remain protect from those around her make her question her faith and her God.

Spiritual lessons are incorporated into life's events.

[Gerrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 out of 5 stars

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone's father was a minister who worked with ladies of ill repute. Her father sends her away from New York with another name and a baby and tells her to stay with some friends in New Jersey. When she arrives, she finds out that her father is accused of murdering one of the ladies he worked with. She must stay there during his trial and the only way she knows what is happening is to read about it in the newspaper. She finds that everything she reads is not true. Of course, there is a budding romance included.

[Rosila M Tressler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful ending but long trip...

The story in its self was good but I felt the conversations between the main characters to be repetitive. All the characters story and roles could have been expanded making them more involve and increasing their interest and endearing them to the reader. I just didn't feel connected to any characters or feel their connection.

[Vickie Jameson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love's First Bloom is Book 2 of Delia Parr's Hearts Along the River trilogy. Each book can be read as a standalone story. It has elements of faith, family, intrigue and suspense. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.

[ANNETTE · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was rather slow for me , I Think Delia Parr has better books.

[Angela Novak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

I couldn't put the book down! It was amazing from beginning to end. Also was clean, spiritual and had a beautiful story.

[Kathryn Pulman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Sandy A Devlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

When love finds you

This was a very fascinating book. I found it hard to put it down. The mysterious happenings kept me hooked. The characters in the story come alive and you find yourself rooting for more. There were a few twists and turns that captivate you.

[Giovanni Gelati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delia Parr writes historical romance. Her previous novel, Hearts Awakening, was a Romantic Times Top Pick. I am sure that this novel will find its way there also. I am relatively new at reading this type of novel and it was fun; a nice break from the other stuff I usually read. Let me set this up by starting with the synopsis from the back page: ”Life changes drastically for Ruth Livingstone the day her father puts a young child in her arms and sends her under an assumed name to a small village in New Jersey. There she dutifully awaits his acquittal, certain that her father, Reverend Livingstone, soon will be cleared of the outrageous accusations against him.
When tragic events transpire, Ruth finds solace tending a garden along the banks of the Toms River- a place where she can find a measure of peace amid her growing heartache. It is also here that she meets Jake Spencer, a man who both frustrates and intrigues her. Fearful of the newspapermen intent on tracking her down and unsure of whom to trust, Ruth knows she must carefully maintain her identity as widow Malloy. But as love begins to slowly bloom, can the tenuous affection growing between Ruth and Jake withstand the secrets that separate them?”
I enjoyed the plotline and the way that Parr ramped up the tension between Ruth and Jake. I was definitely a sucker for the back drop as I used to fish and crab with my father in Toms River when I was a kid. The simplicity of the actions and the characters’ emotional needs were well developed and did not come at a cost of any of the storyline. It enhanced rather than detracted from it. I have read one novel too many where this was injected into the plotline and it was sticking out like a sore thumb. Delia Parr mixed her historical information with the character development and plotline every well. I enjoyed the pacing as well as the polite manner in which the story was told, Love’s First Bloom has class and taste.
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[Yiya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth, a minister's daughter, sees her life changing when, without explanation, her father puts her in a carriage, hands her a baby and sends her to live with a family, part of the net supporting his ministry - relocating prostitutes in new areas, so that they can begin a new life after making a decision for Christ, without a tinted reputation. She has always been a good daughter and a godly woman, but now, she is just another prostitute needing a new beginning. Only after getting to hr new house, does she realize that her beloved father was just trying to keep her safe; he is thought to be involved in a woman's death, and is even blamed for her "disappearance." Ruth must go on without him and become a mother to little L; her life is not easy anymore, but she finds strength and hope in her faith.

To make things more complicated, and because of the kind of ministry her father had, journalists from all the known papers are sent out to find her. Asher is one of them. He is coming back to business after a two-year hiatus; he needs his reputation back and prove he is worthy of writing for the family paper. He is the first to find Ruth, and decides to impersonate a sick man, ready to help when needed, in order to move her to compassion and have his story.

This one of the books I personally classify as good for spending an evening with, and is very easy to read; despite an interesting twist that reveals a secret in Ruth's family, the ending is highly predictable - this is why I decided not to include more information about the book itself in this review. However, it is founded on good Christian principles, like the unconditional love that would accept any one, despite the kind of life or hardships people have gone through. Ruth and Asher learn that true love only flourishes in truth, understanding that "the path chooses for each of us to follow isn't always an easy one, but we all have to decide whether or not we're willing to trust in His wisdom and embrace His will." The way Delia Parr describes their changes is so descriptive that it becomes personal and invites the reader to see people from a different perspective and challenges to not forget that being a Christian is being a server whose life flourishes in obedience to God.

A highly recommendable book for anyone who likes romantic novels.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review. This has not influenced my opinion on the book nor on the author.

[Blue North · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone's father is a preacher. His name is Rev. Gershom Livingstone. He is a kind man with a daughter named Ruth. Rev. Livingstone's mission in life is to save the Fallen Angels in New York City. His desire is to give these young women the chance to meet the Lord and live clean, wholesome lives. Rev. Livingstone's whole life changes when he becomes convicted for murdering one of these women. Not only does his life change, his daughter, Ruth's life, changes also. Ruth will begin a new chapter of her life in New Jersey. Each day is an unknown for Ruth as she worries about her father and all of the recent circumstances in her life including the baby, Lily, the daughter of the murdered prostitute.

Ruth lives every day depending on faith. She prays constantly. "What could possibly matter to any man if he spends even a single day of his life without serving God?" Ruth also starts a small garden. The garden is the one place where she can find privacy, peace and also, fellowship with the Lord. I really thought about God's beautiful world while reading this book. No matter our economic circumstances there is always lovely trees, colorful flowers and birds flying overhead chirping sweet songs. Therefore, when I am in trouble God is only a heartbeat away using what He has created to make me feel close to Him. Like Ruth, I can come to know Him as the most perfect secret keeper in the universe. Ruth's troubles become far more complex. Mercifully He is her focus daily. He is her Everlasting Friend.

In Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr there are moments when I felt God had lost his plan for Ruth and Lily's life. While in New Jersey Ruth lives under a false identity. There are also other characters in the book who live telling untruths daily to protect the lives of other people or for some other reason. I wondered how in the world would Delia Parr unravel the tightly knotted lives of these characters. I'm sure God helped her smooth out the wrinkled lives of these characters. The novel, Love's First Bloom, is well worth reading. It was impossible for me to figure out where Delia Parr was taking me in this fine book. There was one surprise after another surprise. It remained an adventure until the last page.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 1830's, Ruth Livingstone finds herself in a position she never would have imagined. Her father, controversial minister who ministers to the prostitutes in New York City, is being tried for the murder of one of the "fallen angels" he has managed to lead to the Lord. Rosalie Peale, a young prostitute was found murdered and he has been accused of being her murderer. He is greatly concerned for his daughter Ruth, and for Rosalie's sweet baby girl Lily, he makes plans to send her away, to the network of friends who help him save the young women from the streets of New York.

Ruth, finds herself living with a couple she doesn't know, and posing as a young widow who has been rescued by the minister. Unable to share her true identity with anyone, she watches closely as the newspapers report the details of the trial of her father. Breathing a sigh of relief at his acquittal, she is sure all will be fine and she can return home soon. But that would not happen, as the public outcry against her father only grew, instead of quieting. And then the sad news of his sudden death, Ruth finds herself an orphan taking care of an orphan. What will happen to Ruth and baby Lily?

Asher Tripp, wants to prove to his brother that he is a good reporter and that he can bring a story to the paper that will make a difference. His brother knowing that the public outcry in Reverend Livingston's case is crying for his daughter to be found, sends Asher off on a search for Ruth Livingston. Will Asher be able to tell the story of where Ruth has been, and what she has been doing, without destroying the friendship and feelings that have grown between them?

A wonderful story, I truly enjoyed the story of Ruth and Lily and Asher. I particularly identified with Ruth as she would become overwhelmed, forgetting that her help and strength comes from the Lord. However she would remember and lean on Him and calm her fears. Definitely a book to read this fall!! 316 pages US $14.99 4 stars.

This book was provided for review purposes only, no payment was received for this review.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone is on a mission, but not one she's chosen. Her father, Reverend Livingstone, is accused of murdering a prostitute in New York City. He sends Ruth to Toms River, New Jersey with a small package. The package is eighteen month old Lily, the prostitute's daughter. Few people know that the child exists; the Reverend wishes to keep her out of harm's way. Ruth is the solution.

The Garners take Ruth and Lily in, assuming that Ruth is a reformed prostitute in need of shelter. Ruth hates staying with them under false pretenses, especially ones that cast a shadow on her character. Lily is an unruly child, and it takes every ounce of stamina Ruth has to keep up with her. In addition, Ruth anxiously awaits news of her father's trial, fearing the worst but hoping for the best. Even in 1838, the media has all but convicted the Reverend prior to his trial.

Ashton "Jake" Tripp returns to New York City to make amends with his brother Clifford. Prior to their separation, Jake and Clifford worked together at their father's newspaper. Ego and bad judgment placed Jake in a scandalous situation and he fled the city, leaving Clifford to pick up the pieces and salvage the business. In an effort to win his brother's trust and a position at the paper, Jake agrees to locate the daughter of Reverend Livingstone. Local papers report her disappearance and speculate that the Reverend murdered her as well.

Ruth and Jake's paths intersect in an interesting manner. Does Jake know who she really is? Ruth is wary of this reporter; can she trust him? How long will she deny her growing feelings for him? Will the good Reverend be acquitted and restore his reputation? Assorted events, interesting twists, and action provide the answers; you must read the book if you want to know what happens!

Ms. Parr's characters in previous books were real and engaging, and I expected the same with Love's First Bloom. I was not disappointed. Ms. Parr writes a lovely story that enables the reader to share Ruth's journey. If you like historical fiction of any sort, I think you might like this one.

[Christy Trever · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr is a historical romance filled with many twists. Ruth Livingstone's father is a pastor in New York, well-known for his work getting prostitutes to turn to Jesus. When he is accused of murdering one of them, he forces Ruth to take the prostitute's secret toddler daughter, Lily, and take on the identity of a woman in his program to protect the child while he is tried for the crime. Ruth moves to New Jersey and lives with a family who takes in former prostitutes trying to make a new life for themselves, but not long after she disappears, the press takes note of her absence and accuses her father of murdering her as well. The hunt is on by all of the major newspapers to find Ruth, including Jake Tripp who wants to redeem himself as a journalist after making a terrible mistake two years ago and nearly destroying the newspaper he owns with his brother, Clifford. Clifford gives Jake an assignment that will give him redemption: find Ruth Livingstone and get the real story behind the prostitute's murder. He moves to the same small New Jersey town Ruth is staying in and takes on a false identity to gain her trust but instead finds himself falling for the young woman who has been forced to live away from her father and pretend to be something she's not. I had a hard time believing that a pastor would do this to his daughter, it just seemed unbelievable to me, but when I swallowed my disbelief, other events continued to be forced by the plot: a unexpected death, a letter from beyond exposing a long-lost child, and the identity of the killer both made me go "what??" Parr's previous book, Heart's Awakening was a beautiful and poignant historical romance. This one had some great characters, but they were at the mercy of a far-fetched plot that did them no favors.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE'S FIRST BLOOM by Delia Parr is a inspirational historical fiction set in 1838 New York City. It is well written with depth, details and the characters are enchanting,and enduring. It has romance, forgiveness, hope, faith, love,heartache, secrets, tragedy,turbulent times, injustice, web of deception,false identity, and the danger of media coverage. The characters are engaging, timid, learning to trust, and moving along with their lives ever through tragedy. The hero, Jake, is a newspaperman, trying to redeem himself with his brother, knows the true identity of the Widow Malloy and finds himself falling in love with her and her child. The heroine, Ruth, is the daughter of the Rev. Livingstone, who is charged with the death of a prostitute.She is sent away by her father with the young child of the prostitute with a false identity to protect her and the child. She is accepted into a network of believers of Rev. Livingstone's work with prostitutes. There she assumes the identity of the Widow Malloy with her child, Lily. She meets Jake, who is also leading a false identity. He is calming to be a carpenter. He soon becomes attached to Ruth and Lily. He will do want he has to to protect her and her secret. But when the truth comes to light, will she truly believe he loves her or will he betray her?This is a heart felt story of how the newspaper twists things to their own use, to sale more paper. Not really caring who is hurt or why. Along the way Ruth will learn secrets of her father she never knew of him, but she keeps her faith. Will new love survive the betrayal?This is a story to read it is heartwarming to know true love can prevail. This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Bethany House Publishers and My Book Addiction and More.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone's life is turned upside down when her father is falsely accused of murdering a prostitute. Her father gives her the deceased woman's child and sends her to a small town to stay with a family he knows. That family thinks Ruth is a former prostitute, but they allow the town to believe she is a widow, with a small child. Her only solace is tending a once abandoned garden.

Because of a mistake two years ago Asher "Jake" Tripp walked away from the "Galaxy", the newspaper he and his brother owned, the mistake he made almost caused the business to fail, but his brother Clifford had worked hard and the paper was once again thriving. Jake wants to return to the paper.Hoping to redeem himself in the eyes of his brother, he offers to take an assignment out of town, trying to track down Ruth Livingstone, who disappeared right before her fathers trial began. When he tracks Ruth to the town she is staying in, he takes residence as Jake Spenser, a handyman recovering from a broken back.

Ruth and Jack both have plenty of secrets, but once they meet, and share time together, love slowly blooms, will their secrets keep the two apart, or will love be able to work everything out?

For some reason I just didn't connect with this story, it actually took several weeks for me to read. I liked the historical aspect of the book, and while the storyline was ok, it just wasn't great. I couldn't really connect with any of the characters, I kept hoping we would get more of Ruth's back story, such as whether she left friends behind, or perhaps a boyfriend, she was in her twenties so she certainly must have had a life before she went into hiding with the child. This book was my first foray into reading anything written by Delia Parr, and while it didn't sweep me away, it wont dissuade me from reading more of her work.

rating 2.5/5

[Kathryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A slower moving story line gives way to the truth revealing the love of his daughters and his sacrifices to endure those daughter safety.
Rev. Livingston does with his ministry what most would consider a lost cause...he preaches to the soiled doves of the brothels in the city of new york. His efforts to help these woman gets him accused of the murder of one such woman that he was teaching...Rosalie Peale when she turns up dead. In an attempt to spar his daughter the trial, he sends her secretly to Toms River, New Jersey to a with a trusted alliance member, Capt. Grant to another trusted Disgraced daughter and her husband the Gardners, but under an assumed name Widow Malloy along with Lily, an infant of 18months. He instructs her to stay with the Gardners till he sends her word, but to tell no one of her true identity.
The trial finds the Rev. acquitted of the crime, but the newspapers are relentless in their pursuit of scandal and think with Ruth's disappearance, she must have proof of her father's quilt.
Lily is frightened of being discovered as reporters are trying to find her ware abouts. She trust Jake, a newcomer and then finds out he is a reporter to with a purpose to find her and the story behind her and lily or give his portion of the ownership of the "galaxy" paper to his brother. Jake's principles and belief of right and wrong win when he admits his love for lily and ruth and his desire to make them a family and his last article for the paper leading the readers in another direction other and ruth and lily.
SPOILER: ruth finds out that her father's first love had a hidden child and that child was Rosalie. Rosalie's child, Lily is actually is grandchild and ruth promises to protect her blood relation to her niece.
Captain Grant is one of the people who help locate the soiled doves to new life and a new faith.

[Wendi · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a prostitute is found murdered, fingers quickly point to the widower, Reverend Livingstone, who frequented many of New York’s brothels in an attempt to return these fallen women to the faith. Fearing for his only daughter and the secret child of the slain woman, he sends them into hiding until he can clear his name and find a permanent home for the orphaned girl.

Under the guise of being recently widowed, Ruth (Livingstone) Malloy, with little Lilly in tow, reluctantly moves into the home of the Garners, a humble couple who are part of a network of Christians who support her father’s ministry. It is not long however, before disaster strikes, and Ruth is left devastated and uncertain as to what to do, or how to keep Lilly or the Garners safe from tabloid exploitation.

Jake Spencer is not who he claims to be. He is not an injured craftsman as he maintains, but a journalist seeking redemption at any cost. Or is he? With every intention of writing the biggest story to hit New York newspapers in years, effectively sealing his comeback, Jake manipulates Ruth into feeling sympathy for him. Yet every moment he spends with Ruth leads him further from his goal and closer to loosing his heart to this feisty woman forever.

Tragic and harrowing, Loves First Bloom is a story of extreme vulnerability that leads to strength, conviction and ultimately forgiveness. In my humble opinion, while Parr achieves a compelling novel that unfolds in surprising twists, I much preferred her previous novel, Hearts Awakening.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers as part of their book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ruth Livingstone, the daughter of a minister and a woman of faith, flees town and resumes a fake name when her father is accused of murdering a prostitute. Assuming the name Widow Ruth Malloy, her father has also entrusted her with the care of a young child who must be protected.

Ruth struggles with keeping her secret, but she believes she can follow through with the plan for a short while for the sake of the child because she knows her father will be soon acquitted and then send for her to return home. Although, Ruth never anticipates the tragedy that will change the plan drastically.

The book was good, although not a serious page-turner for me. I like that it had some mystery and some romance. I enjoyed the character of Ruth. She was very likable. It was touching to watch her develop her relationship with the little girl, as well as her relationship with Jake. She went back and forth between trusting and distrusting him, and I wasn't sure how the lies and secrets were going to be resolved between them.

I have not read other books by Delia Parr prior to this, but I like her style and content. I appreciate that her characters have faith in God, and that they view their life circumstances through the lens of their relationship with God. It makes this historical fiction stand out from other books in this genre, and I like that.

I wish to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I read of Delia Parr’s and I enjoy her style of writing very much. In this book Ruth Livingstone's father is accused of killing a prostitute, he is a minister, her father sends Ruth into hiding with the murdered woman's secret child. Many reporters are trying to find out all they can about Ruth and her father, so they follow here everywhere. Ruth gets herself into a new life. She makes believe she is the recently widowed, Ruth Malloy, with her child little Lilly. She moves into the home of the Garners, a retiring couple who are part of a association of Christians who support her father's ministry.
Jake Spencer says he is an injured craftsman, but is a reporter seeking liberation at any cost. He means to write the biggest story to hit New York newspapers in years, successfully sealing his comeback, Jake tricks Ruth into feeling sympathy for him.
You will read how hard it is for Ruth to raise a toddler when she isn’t use to children and Lily misses the only life she has known. Many battles are fought and many emotions are displayed.
This book is full of heartbreak, tenderness, loss, kindness, friendship and many more things.
I enjoyed reading this book, but my favorite of Delia’s is still her last book Hearts Awakening. I recommend Love’s First Bloom. It is a light kind of read with a sweet ending. I love ending like this.




I wish to thank Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a free review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

[Chickadee · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love’s First Bloom is the second book I’ve read by Delia Parr. I have to agree with my fellow reviewers who enjoyed her previous book, Hearts Awakening more than her newest title. Although this story had an unusual plot and the author included some interesting twists, this book was much harder for me to get into.


Love’s First Bloom centers around Ruth Livingstone, daughter of the controversial Reverend Gersham Livingstone, who has to leave her hometown of New York City and go into hiding when her father is falsely accused of murdering a prostitute. As her father is being put on trial for the murder of prostitute Rosalie Peale, Ruth abides by her father’s wishes and takes Rosalie’s 18 month old daughter (Lily) and travels to New Jersey where she’s taken in by the Garners, a middle aged couple who respect her father and his ministry.


While the Garners’ believe they are opening their home to a former prostitute, they have no idea that Ruth is only posing as a former “fallen angel” and unwed mother. Ruth must conceal her true identity and wait for her father’s name to be cleared, before moving back to New York City.


Although I enjoy historical romance and fiction, at times I found the book confusing and hard to follow. More than once I questioned the believability of the storyline. I truly enjoyed Delia Parr’s previous book and so maybe I was spoiled after reading Hearts Awakening. I do give the author credit for writing a clean, wholesome romance and I hope to see more titles by Delia Parr in the future.

[F. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cover: Peaceful, colors blend well together.


Love's First BloomRuth Livingstone and a toddler named Lily is sent to hiding after Ruth's father, Reverend Livingstone was charged for allegedly murdering a prostitute. Ruth becomes Widow Ruth Malloy and pretends Lily is her daughter. Ruth pretends that she was a prostitute herself, but has made amends and trying to get her life back together. Living in a rural area, Ruth and Lily live with a childless couple who are part Reverend Livingstone's network.


Ruth doesn't seem to have much an identity before her father was charged with a scandal. She seems she was living a sheltered life and doesn't really come off as an aggressive person. Ruth finds comfort in an abandon garden, until a person name Jack Spencer decides to move into the property. Jack has a secret of his own including not using his real name. Despite his conflicting interests and secrets, Jack and Ruth begin to fall in love.


Is it possible? Read the book to find out.


Love's First Bloom by Delia Parr is an enjoyable read. Parr highlights the issue of prostitutes as a societal issue.


FTC: I received a copy of this book through Bethany House. The image above is an Amazon link.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love's First Bloom tells the story of Ruth Livingstone who must leave her home in New York and relocate to a small town near New Jersey when her Father a minister is accused of the murder of one of the young prostitutes who he (her Father) helps in the ministry he runs helping the young fallen women of New York restart their lives in new places. Ruth takes on a new identity, and takes care of the young murdered women's child. As she adjusts to her new life Ruth must learn to rely on God, and the middle aged couple she is living with as she awaits the verdict in her Father's murder trial.

To cope with the stress of not seeing her Father and learning to care for a young child Ruth plants a garden, and in this pursuit meets a man named Jake who she suspects may have as many secrets as she does, and seems to be not altogether truthful. As this story unfolded it was not always easy to connect with all the characters, and the flow was not always connected. The end seemed to be almost smashed together. The toddler Lily was my favorite character and was one of the reasons I continued to read the book. If your looking for a sweet Christian historical type romance I'd recommend it, but it won't be on my top ten for the year.