Litfuse Tour: Beauty for Ashes (A Hickory Ridge Romance #2) by Dorothy Love

About the book:


She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.


After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.


Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.


Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes.

About Dorothy:

Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.

For more about Dorothy visit her website, www.dorothylovebooks.com or friend her on facebook.com/DorothyLoveBooks.




Link to buy the book:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/consumer/product_detail.aspsku=1595549013&title=A_Hickory_Ridge_Romance:_Beauty_for_Ashes

About the giveaway and party:

We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.

One beautiful winner will receive:

A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi      
Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love
Beyond All Measure by Dorothy Love

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring!

So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!


Blog tour schedule: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/text/13456520/dorothylove


My Thoughts:


Carrie Daly does not like to hear the statement " Sorry you lost your husband."  She will let you know real quick that she did not loose her husband he was killed during the Civil War.  She has grieved his death for many years and honored him by not remarrying in hopes of keeping his memory alive.


Carrie's friend Ada Wentworth helped Carrie realize that she wanted to have a family of her own especially children. 


 She has had a friendship with Nate Chastain, the town's bookstore owner but friendship is as far as her feelings for him have gone.


Then Griff Rutledge, a known gambler, comes to Hickory Ridge and saves her from being trampled by a horse drawn buggy. Every time she turns around he is there rescuing her from one thing or another. She is drawn to him and he to her.  Surprisingly they do seem to have some things in common. Carrie's friends try to discourage her from associating with him fearing her reputation will be ruined. Griff has plans to start a ranch in Australia. He is not interested in being tied down by land or a woman.  He prays and reads his bible but is still confused as to the direction of his life.  Is he avoiding praying for God's will?


Nothing seems to be going Carrie's way since her brother got married and turned her life upside down.
It seemed like every obstacle imaginable is getting in the way of the life she so wanted for herself. She reads her bible and prays everyday yet she still feels discouraged.  Is she also avoiding praying for God's will?


This story show just how difficult things were back them for man to provide for his family. It was much worse for a woman trying to run a fame and provide for a family.


I highly recomment this book!


I rate this book a 5 out of 5.


Disclosure:
I received a copy of this book from Litfuse/Thomas Nelson for review. In no way was I compensated for this review. This is my own opinion.