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The Measure of a Lady
Rachel van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city's dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won't give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady.
*Speak Politely. Even when you're the only respectable woman around, protesting the decadence of a city lost to gold fever.
*Dress Modestly. Wear your sunbonnet at all times. Ensure nobody sees your work boots muddied by the San Francisco streets.
*Remain Devoted to Family. Protect your siblings from the lures of the city, even against their wishes.
*Stand Above Reproach. Most difficult when a wonderful man turns out to be a saloon owner.
*Rise Above Temptation. No, not even just a little kiss....
When these rules become increasingly difficult to uphold, can Rachel Van Buren remain a beacon of virtue in a city of vice?
*Speak Politely. Even when you're the only respectable woman around, protesting the decadence of a city lost to gold fever.
*Dress Modestly. Wear your sunbonnet at all times. Ensure nobody sees your work boots muddied by the San Francisco streets.
*Remain Devoted to Family. Protect your siblings from the lures of the city, even against their wishes.
*Stand Above Reproach. Most difficult when a wonderful man turns out to be a saloon owner.
*Rise Above Temptation. No, not even just a little kiss....
When these rules become increasingly difficult to uphold, can Rachel Van Buren remain a beacon of virtue in a city of vice?
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
378 people are currently reading
7447 people want to read
About the author
Deeanne Gist
20 books1,956 followersWith over a million copies of her books sold, international bestselling, award-winning author Deeanne Gist has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her original, captivating historicals. Her latest release, Tiffany Girl, was touted as a “Must Year of the Year!” by USA Today, was one of the Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2015 by Huffington Post, and one of WikiEzvid's 10 Must-Read Novels That Take Place in the Past.
Not familiar with her work? Take a quiz to figure out which Deeanne Gist novel you'd like best.
Published by Simon & Schuster, Gist's awards include a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellent and Award of Excellence.
Her most recent series takes readers into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where USA Today says …
“The historical details are absorbing, never intrusive and always eye-opening ... The characterization is rich and authentic ... The narrative is a treat, the tempo impeccable.”
Gist's credits including People Magazine, Parents, and Parenting. Her entertaining and informative presentations have been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Deeanne lives in South Carolina with her husband. When not writing, she enjoys boating and keeping up with her readers via www.IWantHerBook.com and her very active online community on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and on her YouTube channel.
Not familiar with her work? Take a quiz to figure out which Deeanne Gist novel you'd like best.
Published by Simon & Schuster, Gist's awards include a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellent and Award of Excellence.
Her most recent series takes readers into the heart of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, where USA Today says …
“The historical details are absorbing, never intrusive and always eye-opening ... The characterization is rich and authentic ... The narrative is a treat, the tempo impeccable.”
Gist's credits including People Magazine, Parents, and Parenting. Her entertaining and informative presentations have been featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal. Deeanne lives in South Carolina with her husband. When not writing, she enjoys boating and keeping up with her readers via www.IWantHerBook.com and her very active online community on her blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and on her YouTube channel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 616 reviews
July 5, 2011
I was really disappointed in this book. I had heard good reviews of it...but it fell far short for me. I stayed up into the wee hours finishing this, but the only thing that spurred me onward was to see if Lissa ever repented and if Johnnie came to Christ and married Rachel.
Well, the two did marry, but I never saw any indication that he returned to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ before he did so. And after Rachel so firmly stating that she would not marry an unbeliever...it was disappointing. When I first read her determination not to marry an unbeliever OR someone who owned a gambling hall, I thought it would end up with a neat end - showing Johnnie's conversion and convictions not to own a gambling hall. He did sell his gambling hall, but I didn't see it as because he felt very convicted (besides guilt for the man who committed suicide), but because he wanted Rachel to marry him. Towards the end, all of Rachel's firm convictions blurred until she just finally seemed to give in.
All the touchy/feely stuff wasn't agreeable to me either. I felt that Johnnie was after her only to satisfy his own desires - all his actions didn't speak of love and devotion, but of fleshly desire and passion. I was really uneasy with all the steamy scenes - especially the one in the tree! I could feel my face flush as I read it! :-o If anyone tried such bold liberties with me, he'd end up in the hospital! (Well, first off I would never put myself in the situation Rachel did - riding off alone with him in the early morning when she knew he desired her.) What liberties he took and enforced on her when he knew she was so innocent and didn't know what she was getting into. If he really did care for her and love her, he would be more concerned for her purity and peace of heart that his own fleshly desires.
Another thing I didn't care for was the story with her sister, Lissa. In the end, she gets what she wants - her man dumps his wife and returns to her and she continues to live in sin. A sad ending. And it came across to me as if the author (and even Rachel, a bit) was okay with Lissa's contentment to remain in sin.
All in all, I didn't care for this book. I am sorry to give a bad review, but many things in this novel just went against my personal convictions of what I should be putting into my head...
Well, the two did marry, but I never saw any indication that he returned to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ before he did so. And after Rachel so firmly stating that she would not marry an unbeliever...it was disappointing. When I first read her determination not to marry an unbeliever OR someone who owned a gambling hall, I thought it would end up with a neat end - showing Johnnie's conversion and convictions not to own a gambling hall. He did sell his gambling hall, but I didn't see it as because he felt very convicted (besides guilt for the man who committed suicide), but because he wanted Rachel to marry him. Towards the end, all of Rachel's firm convictions blurred until she just finally seemed to give in.
All the touchy/feely stuff wasn't agreeable to me either. I felt that Johnnie was after her only to satisfy his own desires - all his actions didn't speak of love and devotion, but of fleshly desire and passion. I was really uneasy with all the steamy scenes - especially the one in the tree! I could feel my face flush as I read it! :-o If anyone tried such bold liberties with me, he'd end up in the hospital! (Well, first off I would never put myself in the situation Rachel did - riding off alone with him in the early morning when she knew he desired her.) What liberties he took and enforced on her when he knew she was so innocent and didn't know what she was getting into. If he really did care for her and love her, he would be more concerned for her purity and peace of heart that his own fleshly desires.
Another thing I didn't care for was the story with her sister, Lissa. In the end, she gets what she wants - her man dumps his wife and returns to her and she continues to live in sin. A sad ending. And it came across to me as if the author (and even Rachel, a bit) was okay with Lissa's contentment to remain in sin.
All in all, I didn't care for this book. I am sorry to give a bad review, but many things in this novel just went against my personal convictions of what I should be putting into my head...
February 18, 2020
In an attempt to review this book, I am a little bit at a loss for words. For those of you who know the other books that I read, recommend and love, I can tell you that the humor is something similar to that found in novels of my beloved favorite author Mary Connealy. The drama is amazing and the characters rip out your heart.
Easily, this novel is powerful, funny, and full of thought-provoking plot. Throughout the entire story, I felt like I was right there along with our protagonist. In so many of the situations, while she worked to finding a solution to a current dilemma, I would have just sat down and cried. Through these three hundred pages, author Deeanne Gist has really woven together a story that makes you think about what you do in your own walk with Christ and realize the bits and pieces that might need a little more tweaking and a bit more Bible Devotion.
There are people who will not appreciate this book because it may make them uncomfortable. But it does it in a way that is really attempting to show what is the purpose behind our God breathed lives and I praise this book fully for what it is capable as accomplishing as a tool for good.
I highly recommend this book to young women and older women alike. Especially those entering the romantic scene. For younger girls however, I would not say to avoid the book, but to read it and be able to discuss it with a mother, sister, or older friend.
The writing is incredible and will leaving you thirsting for more. At one point I had to put down the book while I was highly frustrated with a few particular characters and then I found myself irritated with my husband because of misplaced anger. A book that can lead on into my own life is obviously powerful enough to make me think.*grin*
Easily, this novel is powerful, funny, and full of thought-provoking plot. Throughout the entire story, I felt like I was right there along with our protagonist. In so many of the situations, while she worked to finding a solution to a current dilemma, I would have just sat down and cried. Through these three hundred pages, author Deeanne Gist has really woven together a story that makes you think about what you do in your own walk with Christ and realize the bits and pieces that might need a little more tweaking and a bit more Bible Devotion.
There are people who will not appreciate this book because it may make them uncomfortable. But it does it in a way that is really attempting to show what is the purpose behind our God breathed lives and I praise this book fully for what it is capable as accomplishing as a tool for good.
I highly recommend this book to young women and older women alike. Especially those entering the romantic scene. For younger girls however, I would not say to avoid the book, but to read it and be able to discuss it with a mother, sister, or older friend.
The writing is incredible and will leaving you thirsting for more. At one point I had to put down the book while I was highly frustrated with a few particular characters and then I found myself irritated with my husband because of misplaced anger. A book that can lead on into my own life is obviously powerful enough to make me think.*grin*
March 6, 2025
I have decided that Deeanne Gist is one of my new favorite authors. This is the third book that I have read by her, and they are all exquisite. A little like Eva Ibbotson's YA novels. I just fall in love with the characters right off the bat and want what is best for them (in this case, each other) all the way through the book. Rachel is a young woman/girl, recently orphaned with two younger siblings in tow, and stuck, literally, in the mud of frontier San Francisco. And she is trying very, very hard to remain a proper young lady in a city of vice and sin. Even though she's not at all certain what a proper lady is (though, she's fairly sure it isn't exactly related to her passion for collecting and cataloguing dead bugs). Johnnie is the remarkably wise, stubborn, and patient, runner of the most successful gambling den in town. This is, dear reader, is a match made in the mud.
January 30, 2015
I did not like this book at all. Way too sensual for me. Johnnie is constantly kissing and feeling Rachel, and in one instance when she tells him to stop, that she isn't interested in marrying him, he comes back with, "I'll pressure you every day..." Some gentleman. And yet in the end she decides to marry him. It made me wonder if he really loved her or just lusted after her, because every time he was near her thoughts about her body raced through his mind.
I was also disappointed in Lissa, who doesn't seem to feel any guilt about her immoral living. All she can think about is how she "loves" Mr. Sumner, and how the prostitutes in town have all their finery.
Very disappointing read. How can this be considered Christian fiction when it is so sensual? I will never be reading a book by Ms. Gist again.
I was also disappointed in Lissa, who doesn't seem to feel any guilt about her immoral living. All she can think about is how she "loves" Mr. Sumner, and how the prostitutes in town have all their finery.
Very disappointing read. How can this be considered Christian fiction when it is so sensual? I will never be reading a book by Ms. Gist again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2020
Jacob VanBuren , a Dentist from New Jersey in 1849, had read in a newspaper that there was gold for the taking on the streets of San Francisco. He sold what he had and he and his three kids boarded a ship and set off for California hoping to strike it rich. Unfortunately he died on that trip leaving his children orphans at the mercy of the ships crew.
Upon arriving in San Francisco Rachel, Lisa and Michael found mud on those streets instead of gold. Gambling establishments, women of ill repute and drunk men were plentiful in the city, but a decent place to stay could not be found. What was Rachel to do to keep her younger siblings safe?
I found this story to be a little too sizzling to suit this reader. I read a book before by this author and don't remember it being that way. The book did have a good story plot I thought. It bought to light how a lot of woman in the 1800s ,due to no fault of their own, had to resort to prostitution out of a dire necessity. Prices were sky high during the gold rush and gold miners didn't come out ahead because they gambled their gold till they lost all it to the saloons, or spent it on prostitutes. The only reason I read the story through was that parts of it was interesting.
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Amazon Prime Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
Upon arriving in San Francisco Rachel, Lisa and Michael found mud on those streets instead of gold. Gambling establishments, women of ill repute and drunk men were plentiful in the city, but a decent place to stay could not be found. What was Rachel to do to keep her younger siblings safe?
I found this story to be a little too sizzling to suit this reader. I read a book before by this author and don't remember it being that way. The book did have a good story plot I thought. It bought to light how a lot of woman in the 1800s ,due to no fault of their own, had to resort to prostitution out of a dire necessity. Prices were sky high during the gold rush and gold miners didn't come out ahead because they gambled their gold till they lost all it to the saloons, or spent it on prostitutes. The only reason I read the story through was that parts of it was interesting.
I borrowed a Kindle ebook copy of this book from the Amazon Prime Library. A review was not requested. All opinions expressed here in this review are my own.
February 24, 2013
Most of the time, I liked Rachel, but her black-and-white view of the world drove me batty. You either were a prostitute for life, or you were lily white, nothing in between.
I could understand why Lissa saw her as a hypocrite. At every new development, Rachel seemed to be redefining the way things worked in order to suit her. If she lived purely by the standards she set for herself, there would not have been a single job she could have taken when they first arrived in San Francisco. She justified cleaning and cooking in Johnnie's saloon by defining the saloon only as a hotel during her working hours, and by saying that she refused to be around Carmelita, a former prostitute who still dressed provocatively in order to distract gamblers into losing more money. Technically, the only thing she did during those early days that truly fit her high standards was the work she did caring for Johnnie's trees. Had she really wanted to live a perfectly moral life, she would have married the naturalist.
However, that doesn't mean Lissa's behavior didn't drive me crazy, too. What Lissa didn't seem to realize was that the only thing that saved her and Rachel from being treated like common prostitutes was their status as "sunbonnet women." Being a sunbonnet woman meant that some things would be more difficult - she and Rachel would have had to work much harder to earn a living. However, by choosing not to act like a sunbonnet woman, she was opening herself up to a life where, if Sumner chose to, he could have basically acted as her pimp, sharing her with anyone willing to pay. The thing that made him despicable was the joking he did shortly after he and Lissa first slept together, telling Johnnie that he might share her with him if he wished. Gist later tries to make it seem that Sumner may actually be in love with Lissa, but I doubt it. Lissa was an idiot, a fifteen-year-old idiot who had a temper tantrum, smacking Rachel when she had the gall to remind her that Sumner hadn't kept the marriage vows he made to his wife, so how could he be expected to keep any promises to Lissa?
In the end, what it came down to was Rachel remembering that Jesus consorted with and forgave lots of prostitutes, and her realization that it's not her job to set the moral standards for everyone - all of that's between individuals and God. All that mortals like her can do is try to give people who want to turn their lives around a place they can go to and people who will help and support them. I can accept that.
The historical aspects of this book were very interesting - this is not a period of time I've read a lot about. I knew a bit about the gold rush, but I didn't know about the specifics or what life was like - Gist made that seem very real.
As far as the humor goes, that starts at the very beginning, with the first line: "This street is impassable, not even jackassable," which was apparently a real street sign. I'm sure Gist's research was fascinating. There was less and less humor as the book went on and people's lives started to fall apart, but I did like those early humorous bits.
Overall, I liked this book enough that I'd read something else by Gist, and I certainly plan on reading Maid to Match.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I could understand why Lissa saw her as a hypocrite. At every new development, Rachel seemed to be redefining the way things worked in order to suit her. If she lived purely by the standards she set for herself, there would not have been a single job she could have taken when they first arrived in San Francisco. She justified cleaning and cooking in Johnnie's saloon by defining the saloon only as a hotel during her working hours, and by saying that she refused to be around Carmelita, a former prostitute who still dressed provocatively in order to distract gamblers into losing more money. Technically, the only thing she did during those early days that truly fit her high standards was the work she did caring for Johnnie's trees. Had she really wanted to live a perfectly moral life, she would have married the naturalist.
However, that doesn't mean Lissa's behavior didn't drive me crazy, too. What Lissa didn't seem to realize was that the only thing that saved her and Rachel from being treated like common prostitutes was their status as "sunbonnet women." Being a sunbonnet woman meant that some things would be more difficult - she and Rachel would have had to work much harder to earn a living. However, by choosing not to act like a sunbonnet woman, she was opening herself up to a life where, if Sumner chose to, he could have basically acted as her pimp, sharing her with anyone willing to pay. The thing that made him despicable was the joking he did shortly after he and Lissa first slept together, telling Johnnie that he might share her with him if he wished. Gist later tries to make it seem that Sumner may actually be in love with Lissa, but I doubt it. Lissa was an idiot, a fifteen-year-old idiot who had a temper tantrum, smacking Rachel when she had the gall to remind her that Sumner hadn't kept the marriage vows he made to his wife, so how could he be expected to keep any promises to Lissa?
In the end, what it came down to was Rachel remembering that Jesus consorted with and forgave lots of prostitutes, and her realization that it's not her job to set the moral standards for everyone - all of that's between individuals and God. All that mortals like her can do is try to give people who want to turn their lives around a place they can go to and people who will help and support them. I can accept that.
The historical aspects of this book were very interesting - this is not a period of time I've read a lot about. I knew a bit about the gold rush, but I didn't know about the specifics or what life was like - Gist made that seem very real.
As far as the humor goes, that starts at the very beginning, with the first line: "This street is impassable, not even jackassable," which was apparently a real street sign. I'm sure Gist's research was fascinating. There was less and less humor as the book went on and people's lives started to fall apart, but I did like those early humorous bits.
Overall, I liked this book enough that I'd read something else by Gist, and I certainly plan on reading Maid to Match.
(Original review, with read-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
June 15, 2016
I have to say that this book left me feeling yucky. It sort of took a magnifying glass to the bad in life, and made you look at it so close that you felt sick. There was a lot in it (like maybe the statue in the saloon?) that I felt was inappropriate. I do enjoy this author, but have to say I didn't really like this book. Wouldn't recommend, especially to young ages.
There were scenes that I really enjoyed, and the cover is so desperately beautiful. I love the dress. :)
There were scenes that I really enjoyed, and the cover is so desperately beautiful. I love the dress. :)
May 18, 2016
This is far and away the most OBNOXIOUS book I have ever read. The girl is the worst! THE WORST!
Like, EVER!!
Like, EVER!!
October 21, 2025
Quite fast paced, I got into it right away! Love the character growth and just the characters in general.
August 11, 2023
Rachel genuinely is the worst person ever and has no redemption arc in the end (well, it's wayy too rushed). The end.
(Johnnie was amazing tho, we stan Johnnie).
(Johnnie was amazing tho, we stan Johnnie).
August 20, 2008
First off, I have to admit when I bought this book at the big warehouse store I wasn't aware that it was Christian fiction, as there was nothing on the book jacket noting that fact. I didn't realize until I was well into the book that it was not only about the love between Rachel and Johnny but about their faith in God and the conflicts with trying to adhere to that and live in lawless San Francisco in the 1840's.
That being said, it was a very enjoyable tale as Rachel comes to terms with her faith and her love for Johnny. I give the author kudos for having the courage to write some sexual tension into the book, along with the "downfall" of the younger sister Lissa.
That being said, it was a very enjoyable tale as Rachel comes to terms with her faith and her love for Johnny. I give the author kudos for having the courage to write some sexual tension into the book, along with the "downfall" of the younger sister Lissa.
October 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this book. Its a wonderful story...but I'm a sucker for Christian romance. It reminded me a lot of "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. The beginning of the book made the main character, Rachel, seem overbearing and self-righteous. As the story unfolds, however, you really start to see her character change and then it becomes easier to understand her. Its a story of how God's love can change us for the better, if we let Him. This is now my second favorite book and I think I might just read it again!
November 9, 2015
This was something really new for me and I absolutely enjoyed reading it. There was something about it that I couldn't keep it down.
I liked the old era stuff and Rachel's struggle against the vices around her.
The hero being above 30 disturbed me(I am not used to of adult fic)but I pointedly ignored that part.
Being 14 and 15, I think Lissa and Michael should be sensible enough to understand their sister's protectiveness. I found them both really selfish at times.
Overall, it was indeed a great, pleasant read.
November 15, 2007
A good story, but it didn't keep my attention like I had hoped. I ended up skimming the last half just to get it finished.
May 15, 2013
Another slightly cheesy Christian romance. But hey - I'll take cheesy over smutty any day! :)
October 11, 2015
Really good. I couldn't put it down!!
April 18, 2020
Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 stars!!)
Review:
This was my first time reading a book by Deeanne so i was unsure if i'd like it set in San Francisco 1849 but i LOVED this story.
The Plot, Settings and Characters were so easy to get into!! I loved how the author did research before writing this book and put true facts into this book!!
Can't wait to read more by Deeanne in the future!!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a book by Deeanne so i was unsure if i'd like it set in San Francisco 1849 but i LOVED this story.
The Plot, Settings and Characters were so easy to get into!! I loved how the author did research before writing this book and put true facts into this book!!
Can't wait to read more by Deeanne in the future!!!
October 7, 2025
Frustrating and probs wouldn’t recommend. For as much as the FMC is a Bible thumper, homegirl really forgets about repentance, the Atonement, Jesus’s ministers to sinners—all conveniently remembered at the very end. Not even traces of “hey, ya know what Jesus did” throughout earlier sections.
I will note that the setting was really interesting and intriguing
I will note that the setting was really interesting and intriguing
Read
August 8, 2023This was a book club read, so I’m gonna let myself not feel like I have to review it :)
June 28, 2015
I really had mixed feelings about this one. I guess by the end it all just felt a little too preachy for me. I think I could easily go off on a little tangent, so I’ll skip that and just get to the review. Rachel, Lissa and Michael find themselves in a desperate situation when they arrive in San Francisco. Their father had died on the trip over leaving them alone in the world. While Rachel tries to keep everyone together, her siblings turn their backs on her (repeatedly) and decide to go wild. At one point I really wanted Rachel to just pack up and leave, let them realize how much they’d hurt her and maybe realize how much they actually needed her. I guess I felt like they were so mad at Rachel for judging people that they didn’t stop to notice they were judging her just has harshly.
At times I really liked Rachel’s character, even though she was kind of a nerd. What was with her fascination with bugs…oh, I mean insects? Sometimes I liked her, other times not as much. I guess she had a hard time finding a balance between living your standards and allowing others to do their own thing, and not trying to convert everyone to her way of thinking. I actually liked her morals, even if some were a little extreme, I guess it was the way she went about stuff that drove me bonkers. I liked Johnnie probably the most out of everyone. He seemed consistent and the changes he made within himself seemed more sincere and realistic. The relationship and banter between Rachel and Johnnie was fun and probably my favorite parts of the book (except when they were being nerds talking about bugs and trees…).
I was really disappointed with Michael and Lissa, I was hoping by the end of the novel both would have learned something, and maybe Michael did a little, but Lissa sure didn’t learn a thing. She was annoying from the first, totally spoiled, self-centered, lazy and judgmental. The truth is the way she was living would never really bring her any happiness and it saddened me that she again didn’t learn any lessons and was still cold (in my opinion) to her sister.
This was the second book I read by Gist, and I enjoyed it a lot more than the first. The setting was fun and enlightening, Johnnie was a great leading man and overall I enjoyed the story, even if I didn’t agree with how certain things played out.
At times I really liked Rachel’s character, even though she was kind of a nerd. What was with her fascination with bugs…oh, I mean insects? Sometimes I liked her, other times not as much. I guess she had a hard time finding a balance between living your standards and allowing others to do their own thing, and not trying to convert everyone to her way of thinking. I actually liked her morals, even if some were a little extreme, I guess it was the way she went about stuff that drove me bonkers. I liked Johnnie probably the most out of everyone. He seemed consistent and the changes he made within himself seemed more sincere and realistic. The relationship and banter between Rachel and Johnnie was fun and probably my favorite parts of the book (except when they were being nerds talking about bugs and trees…).
I was really disappointed with Michael and Lissa, I was hoping by the end of the novel both would have learned something, and maybe Michael did a little, but Lissa sure didn’t learn a thing. She was annoying from the first, totally spoiled, self-centered, lazy and judgmental. The truth is the way she was living would never really bring her any happiness and it saddened me that she again didn’t learn any lessons and was still cold (in my opinion) to her sister.
This was the second book I read by Gist, and I enjoyed it a lot more than the first. The setting was fun and enlightening, Johnnie was a great leading man and overall I enjoyed the story, even if I didn’t agree with how certain things played out.
July 12, 2016
Rachel's father dies on their voyage and she is in charge of her brother and sister, each on the cusp of growing up and both too willing to do things differently and change their standards. This is set in San Francisco during the gold rush, which was fascinating and horrific because of how worldly it was. It really is a depressing setting. Rachel fights for her brother and sister and against them (the ungrateful punks), wearing herself out in a battle against the sins and dangers surrounding them. Johnnie is a decent guy, though he hides it at first. He lends a hand again and again.
I think Gist took on some heavy themes in this book, ones that she raised good questions about, but still hard topics to tackle. One is personal convictions vs. holding others to the same standards. Where's the line between setting a standard and having mercy and compassion? Rachel gets accused of being self-righteousness and judging others - and it's kind of annoying and irritating, because she sometimes IS and sometimes is simply trying to figure out the balance. Her heart is in the right place. Another heavy theme is sexuality vs. sexualization. There's a big difference between the two because one is good and the other is making an object out of women. Rachel feels very guilty over how drawn she is to Johnnie and thinks she's no better than the loose women she's trying to keep her sister from. That's a heavy topic and not easy to navigate. It made me uncomfortable reading about it (especially because sometimes it read like I picked up a book off the wrong aisle!).
The heavy topics and setting made this a more serious read and hard to keep reading. I'm finding I don't always connect with characters or storylines by Ms. Gist. I liked Johnnie, but it irritated me that he says he has a say in her life because he's going to marry her - WHEN SHE HASN'T AGREED. Anyone else see a problem with a man overstepping major boundaries here?? I didn't love this story but I did like "Love on the Line" and "A Bride in the Bargain" by Gist so I gave it a try.
I think Gist took on some heavy themes in this book, ones that she raised good questions about, but still hard topics to tackle. One is personal convictions vs. holding others to the same standards. Where's the line between setting a standard and having mercy and compassion? Rachel gets accused of being self-righteousness and judging others - and it's kind of annoying and irritating, because she sometimes IS and sometimes is simply trying to figure out the balance. Her heart is in the right place. Another heavy theme is sexuality vs. sexualization. There's a big difference between the two because one is good and the other is making an object out of women. Rachel feels very guilty over how drawn she is to Johnnie and thinks she's no better than the loose women she's trying to keep her sister from. That's a heavy topic and not easy to navigate. It made me uncomfortable reading about it (especially because sometimes it read like I picked up a book off the wrong aisle!).
The heavy topics and setting made this a more serious read and hard to keep reading. I'm finding I don't always connect with characters or storylines by Ms. Gist. I liked Johnnie, but it irritated me that he says he has a say in her life because he's going to marry her - WHEN SHE HASN'T AGREED. Anyone else see a problem with a man overstepping major boundaries here?? I didn't love this story but I did like "Love on the Line" and "A Bride in the Bargain" by Gist so I gave it a try.
October 30, 2017
I had no idea that I thought so highly of this book the first time I read it. Some predictable parts appealed to me - predictable appeal, not in narrative. Other things rubbed me completely the wrong way. I found Rachel a difficult character to empathize with since her character leapt from one extreme to another. Gist left Lissa's character woefully flat. The only character I liked and understood was Johnnie.
This book did not survive round two of the purge from my personal collection.
A review from my old blog...
I don't know why I added this book to my list because before seeing her name on my list I had never heard of her. I am wary of reading books by authors I have heard nothing about or read nothing by them... simply because of past experience.
Unfortunately I am even more wary when I dive into a book by a new Christian author because many times the writing is so pedestrian and trite... especially when the book is historical/western fiction.
I say all of that to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Gist. As I read the book and became more familiar with the characters. I started to become frustrated with Rachel's behavior because she was so stubbornly holier than thou. Yet at the same time I couldn't help but be drawn to her and her struggle to mesh her beliefs with a land that runs contrary to almost all of them. Every time it looked like Rachel could resolve her difficulties something else would crop up and make things all that more complicated.
When the book ended I found myself wanting more. I wanted a resolution to Lissa's story and perhaps Ms. Gist will write about that in the future. I don't know. I appreciate though Ms. Gist's lack of deus ex machina. Stories simply flow a whole lot better and are much more enjoyable without that particular hackneyed technique.
I can't wait to read more of her works.
This book did not survive round two of the purge from my personal collection.
A review from my old blog...
I don't know why I added this book to my list because before seeing her name on my list I had never heard of her. I am wary of reading books by authors I have heard nothing about or read nothing by them... simply because of past experience.
Unfortunately I am even more wary when I dive into a book by a new Christian author because many times the writing is so pedestrian and trite... especially when the book is historical/western fiction.
I say all of that to say that I was pleasantly surprised by Ms. Gist. As I read the book and became more familiar with the characters. I started to become frustrated with Rachel's behavior because she was so stubbornly holier than thou. Yet at the same time I couldn't help but be drawn to her and her struggle to mesh her beliefs with a land that runs contrary to almost all of them. Every time it looked like Rachel could resolve her difficulties something else would crop up and make things all that more complicated.
When the book ended I found myself wanting more. I wanted a resolution to Lissa's story and perhaps Ms. Gist will write about that in the future. I don't know. I appreciate though Ms. Gist's lack of deus ex machina. Stories simply flow a whole lot better and are much more enjoyable without that particular hackneyed technique.
I can't wait to read more of her works.
January 25, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It was so much fun to read. I was expecting a frivolous love story. I felt like I got so much more. I loved the time period that the story was placed in, I found it interesting that a lot of the stories that she used were true stories from her research. It was interesting going on to goodreads and reading everyones reviews.
Some of the comments that I thought were a little strange were readers who felt it was to preachy or that Rachel was Snooty. I loved her little spunky personality. I think that it is really hard for many of us to relate to what it must have been like to live in a time period when propriety and etiquette were so prevalent. Can you even imagine the youth of today having a chaperone when they went out on dates. (The whole scene where he was her chaperone was so engaging. I loved it)
A few readers commented that they thought Johnny was to good to be a fallen man. Oh, how I loved his character. I saw a man of God, who had been badly hurt by his first wife. I think he sought after worldly things to make him forget. I loved it when we got to read what he was thinking about. I love how he didn't change just for her but struggled on his own journey to discover what would be best for them both.
Lisa what a painful story. The ending also painful. Although, it is so true to life "we just can't fix other people" As much as we despise what others are doing with their lives all we can offer is love and friendship. I think that the quote from the Bible says it best, "Love the sinner, but not the sin." Of course it is easier said then done. What a great book with lots to discuss. I would definitely consider reading this with my daughters, I think that it would open up some great discussion topics.
Some of the comments that I thought were a little strange were readers who felt it was to preachy or that Rachel was Snooty. I loved her little spunky personality. I think that it is really hard for many of us to relate to what it must have been like to live in a time period when propriety and etiquette were so prevalent. Can you even imagine the youth of today having a chaperone when they went out on dates. (The whole scene where he was her chaperone was so engaging. I loved it)
A few readers commented that they thought Johnny was to good to be a fallen man. Oh, how I loved his character. I saw a man of God, who had been badly hurt by his first wife. I think he sought after worldly things to make him forget. I loved it when we got to read what he was thinking about. I love how he didn't change just for her but struggled on his own journey to discover what would be best for them both.
Lisa what a painful story. The ending also painful. Although, it is so true to life "we just can't fix other people" As much as we despise what others are doing with their lives all we can offer is love and friendship. I think that the quote from the Bible says it best, "Love the sinner, but not the sin." Of course it is easier said then done. What a great book with lots to discuss. I would definitely consider reading this with my daughters, I think that it would open up some great discussion topics.
November 7, 2015
Rating 3.5 stars
The only reason I'm not giving this book 4 stars, is because of some kissing scenes that felt a bit too steamy for me.
I loved the theme in this book. Rachel, the main female character, struggled with an issue most of us I would think also struggles with. How do you show people right from wrong, how do you show you are against what is wrong - prostitution, gambling etc - without writing off the person. How do you show God's love but hate the sin. Rachel, very set in her ways struggled with this and I loved to see how she grew, how she turned to God with questions and how He was gentle in showing her the answers.
Johnnie, also represented a lot of people today. People who was hurt by the actions of Christians and turned his back on God. I enjoyed seeing how God also worked in his heart and slowly revealing His truths to Johnnie.
Having visited San Francisco a few years back and remember the green parks and beautiful trees, it was fun to read how this city looked in the beginning, no trees at all.
The characters were fun to get to know, enjoyable and I enjoyed the interaction between Rachel and Johnnie. It was fun to watch them grow and get to know each other. Micheal also grew into a like-able young man. My heart broke for Lissa and would have liked to see a more happy ending for her as well.
This is the third book I've read by Deeanne Gist and enjoyed all her characters. If you like historical fiction with fun, feisty head strong female characters you should give one of her books a try.
The only reason I'm not giving this book 4 stars, is because of some kissing scenes that felt a bit too steamy for me.
I loved the theme in this book. Rachel, the main female character, struggled with an issue most of us I would think also struggles with. How do you show people right from wrong, how do you show you are against what is wrong - prostitution, gambling etc - without writing off the person. How do you show God's love but hate the sin. Rachel, very set in her ways struggled with this and I loved to see how she grew, how she turned to God with questions and how He was gentle in showing her the answers.
Johnnie, also represented a lot of people today. People who was hurt by the actions of Christians and turned his back on God. I enjoyed seeing how God also worked in his heart and slowly revealing His truths to Johnnie.
Having visited San Francisco a few years back and remember the green parks and beautiful trees, it was fun to read how this city looked in the beginning, no trees at all.
The characters were fun to get to know, enjoyable and I enjoyed the interaction between Rachel and Johnnie. It was fun to watch them grow and get to know each other. Micheal also grew into a like-able young man. My heart broke for Lissa and would have liked to see a more happy ending for her as well.
This is the third book I've read by Deeanne Gist and enjoyed all her characters. If you like historical fiction with fun, feisty head strong female characters you should give one of her books a try.
April 4, 2012
I read one of the author's later books, Maid to Match. Even though it's Christian historical fiction, it wasn't preachy. The Measure of a Lady, though, has much more Christianity and a main character that is kind of preachy and inflexible and at times has a "holier than thou" attitude. And yet, through the course of the book, she is made to grow as a person. I don't want to get specific- that would be a spoiler. But the author has a lot more character development in this novel than in Maid to match- the character goes through situations that test her faith and force her to confront those character flaws. The main weakness in this book is in the "historical" part. Now, I'm used to Michener, Penman, McCullough, etc. in my historical fiction. This author isn't anywhere near the caliber of these historical fiction authors- it's as if she read a few books, took a few tidbits- and plopped her characters down in a "modern" Gold Rush San Francisco. A 3 star read.
May 6, 2013
The hypocritical nature of this book is astounding. The main character, Rachel, is a rather high-handed Christian. As a character who was raised primarily by a set of staunchly religious biddies in the 1840s, this little lady struggles with the breadth of sin and the morality of forgiveness.
For people who don't like Christian romances, I would actually recommend this book. As a good glimpse into both personal constructs and differing social stratus; this book is powerful in its awareness of how human behavior can be dictated by what we are reared into--and how socially oblatory we can become.
For those people who like Christian romances; gung-ho ahead! A new perspective can be had, or an old one can be shaped into a new way.
The form, writing & vocabulary is pretty basic. The worth is definitely in the plot, situational awareness and the depth of the individual characters.
I fully recommend this book~
For people who don't like Christian romances, I would actually recommend this book. As a good glimpse into both personal constructs and differing social stratus; this book is powerful in its awareness of how human behavior can be dictated by what we are reared into--and how socially oblatory we can become.
For those people who like Christian romances; gung-ho ahead! A new perspective can be had, or an old one can be shaped into a new way.
The form, writing & vocabulary is pretty basic. The worth is definitely in the plot, situational awareness and the depth of the individual characters.
I fully recommend this book~
August 13, 2010
Historical romance writers frequently give their heroines contemporary ideas and values to make them more sympathetic to the reader and I'm kind of glad Deanne Gist didn't do that with Rachel in this case. As irritating as she is, women of a certain class were absolutely held to a rigid set of standards and deviating from them resulted in horrible consequences.
The book overall is well written and entertaining, and I enjoyed all the details about life in early SF (though it annoyed me no end when she talked about the bay as if it were the ocean; the fog does not come in from the bay side of the city). I guess I'm too cynical for romances novels, which is why I stopped reading them many years ago.
The book overall is well written and entertaining, and I enjoyed all the details about life in early SF (though it annoyed me no end when she talked about the bay as if it were the ocean; the fog does not come in from the bay side of the city). I guess I'm too cynical for romances novels, which is why I stopped reading them many years ago.
July 23, 2016
I love Deeanne's books. I found the relationship between Rachel and Johnnie realistic in their struggles, but Rachel did annoy me frequently. Her condescending holier-than-thou attitude in everything was too much. I enjoyed her quirks- like a lady who collects bugs- but felt it should have lent her a bit more understanding to her sister and others who didn't behave "as they should". I appreciated all the history Deeanne wove into the story. Overall, 3.5 stars. Kept me reading way past bedtime :)
May 5, 2022
Loved the aspect of historical fiction with a love story and internal conflict about judging others. A strong woman trying to do what she thinks is best for herself and her family in a tough situation. It made me think about what I might have done in her place.
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