I finished the book this morning and seriously haven't rid my mind of it all day. I wish a tv series would be developed from it!! I've not read many historical romances; but of those I've read, this one is my favorite so far.
The book is based around my favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 2:10. "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He prepared in advance for us to do." The idea of being the center of God's creative masterpiece is mind-boggling; yet, the author gives a WONDERFUL example in this story. The story's main character is an artist who paints forgeries...much like we do without Christ. The symbolism and depth of this book can't be put into words in this review.
The main character in this book, Claire Laurent, is on the run from an old life filled with lies. She desperately wants a new start and is willing to work hard to keep it. She applies for a personal liason assistant to the owner of the Belmont Estate in Nashville, TN during the years after the Civil War.
As the novel progresses, she finally wraps her mind and heart around the fact that God is the master artist/sculpter/potter and she's His creation. The book demonstrates how God speaks in a still small voice and through His word. And, that He works all for the good of those who love Him.
The love interest of Claire's is Sutton Monroe, an attorney who also works at Belmont. He is a man of very high integrity who is battling the memory of the death of his father and the loss of the family property which he feels partially responsible for causing during the Civil War. Sutton is determined to provide for himself and not take hand-outs. He has his own battles which the author very wonderfully developed throughout the book. I loved his honesty and his wittiness in flirting with Claire. The two make a beautiful picture of God's love.
This is a great read and was also a longer read (at 428 pages) than what I've reviewed in the past. Each chapter is short and would be great for those short on time who need to pick a spot here and there to read a novel. I read several chapters a night for 3-4 nights, though I didn't want to put it down!
As far as teens or pre-teens reading it, I think it is fine. There is a little more suggestive sexual content than in other historical Christian romance novels I've reviewed, though still not too bad for a pre-teen or teen.
Overall, if I could give it 10 stars, I would! Get this book! You won't regret it!
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my review.
