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| A Beauty So Rare |
Bethany House, 2014
Reviewed by Diana Flowers
5 stars*****
Historical Fiction At Its Finest!
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The Civil War had
finally come to an end—leaving in its wake the wealthy still pursuing
their opulent lifestyles in their beauteous plantations with
lush, manicured lawns and tea parties—and on the opposite end of the
spectrum, the destitute war widows with starving families and
a city in the midst of rebuilding.
Eleanor Braddock is plain and well past the years most
women marry and resigns herself to the fact that she never will. Her
father, once one of the most revered attorneys in Tennessee has taken ill,
leaving Eleanor with no choice but to live with her wealthy Aunt Adelicia in
her exquisite estate, Belmont. Aunt Adelicia soon endeavors to introduce
Eleanor into high society and picks out a rich beau for her, neither of which
holds any interest to Eleanor. Knowing her aunt will never approve,
Eleanor's compassionate heart leans in another direction…building a home
for the destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War.
It is here where she works closely with the handsome
architect, Marcus Gottfried of Austria, who stirs her heart as no one ever has. However,
Marcus harbors a deep secret which he refrains from
telling Eleanor and the townsfolk of Nashville. Though his passionate kiss
tells her otherwise, Marcus is hopelessly unavailable to
Eleanor. Will her work with the war widows and a new man in
her life be enough to sustain her while she suffers yet another
heartbreaking loss in her life?
Tamera Alexander's books never disappoint and this one is no exception!
While reading it I kept thinking "wow" and although
not a very profound statement, this book totally "wowed"
me! Rich in historical detail, this fascinating storyline depicts
real life events and characters, and Tamera's research is impeccable.
I really enjoy intriguing historical moments, but would much rather read
about them in fiction form—thank you. J I absolutely fell
in love with the realistic, fleshed out hero (he was one class
act!) and heroine, and their humorous, playful, and
flirtatious interactions one with another. If you treasure an
awesome historical romance, A Beauty So Rare is a
definite must read for you!
GIVEAWAYS: This week we are giving away a paperback and ebook copy of A Beauty So Rare, a Starbucks $10 card, a pink surprise giveaway, AND Tamera is offering a signed copy, too!!
*Please leave a comment and don't forget your email addy!
Being a fan of Tamera's books, I'd love to win a copy. Great review, Diana! cbalmony at yahoo dot com. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteHi, CONNIE! Aren't her books just the BoMb?! So great to "see" you again! :)
DeleteGreat review Diana. I was really "wowed" by A Lasting Impressions book cover I just had to read it. That was my first book by Tamera Alexander and I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaways.
Janella
arieljo12 (at) hotmail (dot) com
I was "wowed" by that cover as well, JANELLA! lol That gown was so gorgeous!! I hope you get the chance to read your second "Tamera" book -- well, as a matter of fact, all of them are priceless!
DeleteThanks so much, Janella and Diana! Connie, you too. Your words are like cups of cool water to this writer's soul! So refreshing!
DeleteDiana, I appreciate your review and am thrilled you enjoyed Marcus and Eleanor's journey! #Grateful
You're so welcome, TAMERA! It was a thrill to read and review your wonderful book!
DeleteA beautifully written review of A Beauty So Rare, thanks DIANA! You put into words so perfectly what I wanted to say - I'm thinking you should write this review as being from both of us, lol! But seriously, this book was a JOY to read so I agree with everything you said a hundredfold! :)
ReplyDeleteNOELA, you're so funny AND a whole lotta sweet! Thank you!
DeleteTamera is one fabulous author -- and lady!
LOL, Noela! Too funny. And Diana, again, lady...thank you!!
DeleteThis is such a beautiful review, Diana! A joy to read and reread and read again. :) And that smiley looks so cute too. LOL
ReplyDeleteWonderful job! Tamera's books are great. I met her last year in the bookstore here in the Netherlands. She's a such a sweet lady--warm and friendly. :)
Thank you so much, MDH! That smiley is so cute, I agree! ;) And I also agree with you about TAMERA -- she is one more sweet lady. You are blessed to have met her...I live in the US and haven't even had that opportunity! lol Maybe I need to move to Holland!
DeleteHey Marian! Hugs to you from Nashville, friend! I'm coming to your neck of the woods in June (Germany and Switzerland) and wish I had time to scoot over to The Netherlands again. I SO enjoyed my visit with you all!
DeleteDiana, you're too kind! And tell ya what...why don't we just meet in Holland! ; )
I was so jealous of Tamera because she got to meet our Marian in person over at Kok Publishing in the Netherlands! I would love to go there. Diana--are you game? We'll see if God can bless us that way!
DeleteSounds like a plan, CARRIE and TAMERA! I wonder if MARIAN has room for all of us! ;)
DeleteIf you don't mind sharing one room and one bed together, then you are most welcome. :D
DeleteAlways love your reviews, Diana! Thanks so much! I loved this book, too!
ReplyDeleteWasn't it awesome?! Thank you for your sweet words, CARRIE! <3
DeleteThanks so much, Carrie! I truly am touched and thrilled that you gals enjoyed this story. It's always nice when others grow to love and appreciate the characters as much as the author does. ; )
DeleteI know what you mean, Tamera. I love it when someone "gets" my characters but it stings when they don't love them like you do!
DeleteI truly love Tameras books! How she weaves the story line to incorporate the message that God is indeed alive and cares and is waiting, is truly amazing. These stories and the messages contained within have helped me to see that yes God does care, and he does forgive!!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed He does, GRACIE~ She is truly an awesome writer and I so appreciate the spiritual messages in her books! Not to mention great storylines and characters, too!
DeleteGracie, bless you, bless you for your kind words. Writing is a form of worship for me. I take steps closer to Christ as I write, and it's my heartfelt desire that others take steps closer to him as they read. So...thank you for sharing, sweet friend.
DeleteThe review was amazing and does indeed help to truly show why Tamera writes as she does.....
ReplyDeleteHi, GRACIE! Thank you so much for your kind words!! :) Please come back and leave an email addy for contact purposes in case your name is drawn! I don't want you to miss out! :)
DeleteHuge fan of Tamera's books. Hope to get a copy of this one Thanks!
ReplyDeleteNancycooks4u (at) gmail (dot) com
DeleteOops forgot to add this!
NANCY, please come back and leave an email addy in case you win! Thank you so much for sharing about your love for Tamera's books! I share that same love!
DeleteA beautiful book with a beautiful cover. I would love to win it. Thank you for the opportunity.
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot com
MELANIE, it is that! Good luck in the giveaway!
DeleteIt sounds like a wonderful book God bless you
ReplyDeleteAnd I suspect I know who did a pink surprise Dont I Carrie
Have a terrific week
Chris Granville
granvilleATfrontiernetDOTnet
Hmmm...a pink surprise to match the dress on the cover. I wonder? lol Bless you, CHRIS, and thanks so much for coming by!
DeleteWonderful review, Diana! I can't wait to be "wowed" by A BEAUTY SO RARE!! Thank you for the opportunity to be a winner.
ReplyDeletetexaggs2000 at gmail dot com
WOW, BRITNEY! lol That's awesome! Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteMy daughter is a huge fan of Tamera's books. (Naturally, I like them too) When she discovered Tamera's books, she set out to find all of the older ones she hadn't read. As soon as a new one comes out, it's off to the bookstore. She adores the historicals. Great review!
ReplyDeletewriterpaulaATgmailDOTcom
PAULA, thank you! We all love Tamera's books here on OWG, too. From the oldest to the newest! ;)
DeleteThank you, Paula! And please thank your daughter for me too! With ALL the books out there from which to choose, I truly appreciate you choosing mine. Much love...
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful book and this is a new author for me! I would love to win a copy, thanks for the opportunity!
ReplyDeletekcrouse1950 at verizon dot net
KATHI, you have been missing out! Tamera has written sooo many good books and I hope you'll get the chance to read a few soon! I'm sure you will love her as much as we do! Bless you for coming by!
DeleteOhmygoodnessgracious Kathi! My friend and critique partner at the time, Kim Taylor, kept telling me to read Tamera's books as a comparable and I said no--I need to stick with colonial era authors for that. Then I read one of Tamera's books and was HOOKED. She's an amazing writer and I've listened/read all of them now. You need to do the same!
DeleteGreat review! Would love to win this book.
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Thx, BETTI! Got your name in my cyberhat! ;)
DeleteGreat job Diana. Makes me wish I could just run out and buy the book. Maybe this will be my time to win. Tamera's book covers are always beautiful. That alone makes me want to read the book. And, I loved the video. Lovely and beautiful music. One of the best I've seen. It was like WOW! :) Thanks Tamera for writing such great books and also sharing a book for the give-away. Sure hoping to win a paperback or Amazon card to buy it. Love to my OWG girls. GOD's blessings on each of you. Maxie mac262(at)me(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLove right back atcha, MAXIE! That is such a pretty video, I agree. Hoping for a win for you, MAXIE! Everyone is stealing my profound word -- WOW. LOL It's ok, you may all use it! ;)
DeleteThanks so much, Maxie, for your kind words and I hope you enjoy A Beauty So Rare, friend!
DeleteMAXIE, you always make me smile and we love you, too. Best wishes!
DeleteThis book is definitely on my wish list. thank you for the great review.
ReplyDeletewwchildren at gmail dot com
WILANI, with the beautiful name, thank YOU! I hope you get the chance to read this one asap! It was very entertaining!
DeleteThanks for this review, Diana, and thanks for the giveaway! I love Tammy's books; have read them all but this one. She is such an inspiring author!
ReplyDeleteBlessings~~~
jacsmi75 at gmail dot com
You're so very welcome, JACKIE...and I agree with you about Tamera's books! Not only are they an enjoyable read, but they are very inspiring!
DeleteThank you, Jackie, for your kind words. Appreciate you reading!
DeleteAnother great job Diana & thanks for the several opportunities to win this week. Sounds like a great book to go snuggle up with in a comfy chair somewhere--please thro my name in with the others.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Vicki
(You know my info)
Make that several nights of snuggling in that comfy chair, VICKI -- unless you're a super fast reader! ;) This is almost 500 pgs. of delightful reading. lol Gotcha entered, sweet friend!
DeleteSounds like a great book! I hope I get a chance to read it soon! Thanks for hosting a giveaway!
ReplyDeleteamyputney89 [at] gmail [dot] com
Hi, AMY! I hope so, too! Perhaps you'll win a copy here. Blessings to you!
DeleteThanks for a beautiful review, Diana!!
ReplyDeleteWould love to read "A Beauty So Rare"!! I'm already sympathizing with Eleanor and wondering what secrets Marcus holds. Sounds like a wonderful story!!
I lived in Nashville, Tn. for five years back in the '70's, but was working literally 24/7 and never had the opportunity to visit the two beautiful sites of most of Tamera's books - Belmont Mansion, and Belle Meade Plantation. Now that I'm retired - I would really love to feed my wanderlust by driving down to Nashville (3 hours away), hopefully for one of Tamera's signings, and tour both historic locations.
I've heard nothing but praise for Tamera's books and her caring, Spirit-led responses to the comments on Sunday's OWG post touched me and created a desire to meet this sweet author and learn more about her books and their settings!! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "A Beauty So Rare"!!
P.S. The behind-the-scenes glimpses of the photo shoot for the book cover and interview with the dressmaker of the dress worn by the cover model - both on Tamera's blog - are SO interesting!!
bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for sharing, BONNIE! I love reading your comments -- so interesting! It's amazing the things they can do now to make these lovely covers.
DeleteMarcus does have a secret and he can't possibly marry Eleanor....will she marry her other prospect? After all, she isn't getting any younger. ;)
Hey, Bonnie! Just wanted to say thanks again for your sweet words AND that I hope our paths cross sometime soon! I'll be doing another book signing at the Belle Meade Plantation this summer––along with a "Special Reader Tour" and we'll have lunch there at the Harding Inn, etc... It's going to be such fun!
DeleteWhen we get that finalized, I'll send a notice out on my newsletter list. You can sign up here to be notified:
http://www.tameraalexander.com/contact.html
We MIGHT try to work in a trip to Belmont Mansion that same day. Just make it a Southern Mansion weekend! :)
This looks & sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
It does and it is, MARY! :) Good luck in the drawing!
DeleteWonderful review for an outstanding book. DIANA your reviews always give me hope that one day maybe one of mine could come close to being as good as yours but I doubt it. Great Job!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, TERESA! And I happen to LOVE your reviews, so whatcha talkin' about!? lol
DeleteBeautiful and nicely done with the cover and also with review. I am a total fan.
ReplyDeleteoh.hello.hiya@gmail.com
DANIE, thank you! I am a total fan with ya, gf! ;)
DeleteI am not sure what it is but the Civil War Era and History intreges me. Great Review. I have yet to read Tamera's books sot his would be a treat to win !
ReplyDeleteLinda
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
Thanks so much, LINDA! You have been missing out bigtime, gf! She has so many wonderful books out there and I loved her first two series. Hopefully you'll get a chance to read one soon!
DeleteHope you enjoy A Beauty So Rare, Linda. You and I share a love for that era! ; )
DeleteI can't wait to read this newest book-thanks for the review and the giveaway, too! Danandlyndaedwards(at)msn(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLYNDA, I so hope you get the chance to read it! You're welcome and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteThis giveaway looks Awesome!!! I love Tamera's books!!! Thanks! Would love to win!
ReplyDeleterichmond.abigail@gmail.com
Lotsa goodies, ABIGAIL! Throwing your name in the hat, dear!
DeleteThanks, Abigail! Appreciate your kind words!
DeleteIs this a new posting with me on the winners list?If so,that would be awesome.
ReplyDeleteI like your positive thinking, BONNIE! lol Let's keep our fingers crossed, ok?
DeleteFantastic sounding book. I love her books.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful, SONJA! Thank you for coming by!
DeleteDiana, your graciously written review was like an invitation for me to look forward to this read. Thank you for this giveaway and the chance to win a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteBARBARA, I'm sooo thrilled my review made you decide to read Tamera's book...maybe you'll win it here, sweet lady!
DeleteOh how fun! I am so excited to read this book!
ReplyDeletebookwormgal2011 at yahoo dot com
MICHELLE, it's wonderful to see you here at OWG! You'll love this great book by Tamera Alexander!
DeleteI so would love to read this book. Shared on FB and tweeted.
ReplyDeletetsheroke@sbcglobal.net
TERESA, how thoughtful! Thank you and good luck in the drawing!
DeleteLoved To Whisper Her Name! Can't wait to read this one too!
ReplyDeleteYES! I did, too, TMAININI!
DeletePlease come back and leave email addy for contact purposes should you win. THX! :)
I would love to win this book - this series is just wonderful :)
ReplyDeletebettimace at gmail dot com
Indeed it is, BETTI! Hoping for a win for you!
DeleteYAY! Congrats to all 4 winners! New winners per Random.org!
ReplyDeleteSigned book from Tamera Alexander: Jackie Smith
Paperback Tamera: Wendy Shoults
Choice of format Tamera: Maxie
$10 Starbucks Gift Card: Lynda Edwards
Thanks to all who participated....I loved reading your comments!!