All In Good Time ~ The Gilded Legacy # 2, by Maureen Lang

About Book

Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.

Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.

Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.

Binding:

Softcover

ISBN:

978-1-4143-6447-6

Release Date:

April 2013

Pages:

400

Trim Size:

5 1/2 x 8 1/4

Where to Purchase Book: Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Walmart

About Maureen Lang

Maureen Lang is the award-winning author of more than ten novels. She's always had a passion for writing, particularly stories that combine romance and history. After writing for the general market for several years, she wrote her debut inspirational novel, Pieces of Silver, which was a Christy Award finalist in the historical category. She has since written seven novels, including a recent trilogy of romances set against the dramatic backdrop of WWI—Look to the East, Whisper on the Wind, and Springtime of the Spirit. She turns to more peaceful (though no less dramatic) times in Bees in the Butterfly Garden, her upcoming release set among Fifth Avenue's finest during the Gilded Age of New York.

In addition to critical acclaim, Maureen's writing has garnered numerous industry honors. She has won the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest, and a Holt Medallion, and has been a finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita, the American Christian Fiction Writers' Carol awards, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence. Visit her online at www.maureenlang.com.

My Thoughts

Dessa Caldwell grieves for her friend Sophia Pierson, they had planned on starting a home for women who are caught up in white slavery and prostitution.  Dessa is determined to carry out this dream.  She has found a house in a not so respectable area that would be perfect in every way especially the price.  But she needs a loan from the bank.

Henry Hawkins owns the local bank and his Uncle has just approved a large loan to Dessa Caldwell without his final approval.  When she insist on thanking him, he could not take his eyes off her.  He now had no intention of cancelling the loan.  He doubted she would have any success with her venture but he had to admire her determination.   

A local businessman of questionable reputation becomes enamored with Dessa and her cause, or will she become a pawn in his own plans.  Although he is very attractive and acts the gentleman she has her doubts about his sincerity.  Henry tries to warn her to not associate herself or the Pierson House with this man.  She could loose everything she has worked so hard to build. 

In this book the author brings to light white slavery and also of Chinese women sold into slavery.  Women had few rights in 1887.  Some married women were no better than slaves being forced to marry just for financial gain for their parents.  In arranged and loveless marriages husbands abused their wives.  In reading this story it is also very apparent employment opportunities were lacking for women, which caused some to starve or turn to prostitution.

The author did her research which made for an very interesting read. I am looking forward to her next book.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network/Tyndale House for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This review is my honest opinion.

Bees in the Butterfly Garden by Maureen Lang

About Maureen

I was raised with the notion that time + work = a paycheck and sitting around having fun thinking up stories surely cannot be considered work. On some days I might actually agree with that statement. Writing really is fun, or I don’t think I’d have a passion for it. But on other days I realize it really is work, and that’s what this website is all about. This is a picture of the work of a novelist — well, of one novelist anyway. Me.


I grew up as one of the youngest in a six-kid, boisterously loud German-Irish family in the suburbs of Chicago. Eight of us in a house with only one bathroom! We didn’t really argue, although just to be heard over all the noise it might have seemed that way to an outsider.


So whom did I marry? A quiet, reserved son of a German brick layer. While our family gathering decibels would compare to the lift off of a jet from nearby O’Hare, his family gatherings would register more like the soft rustling of oak leaves.


I grew up loving to tell stories, and God has blessed me immeasurably to be able to tell them to a wider audience these days.


For the latest goings-on, check my blog! I’d love to connect on Facebook.

About Book

Book 1 in The Gilded Legacy series!

Ian Maguire is determined to stop Meg Davenport from following in her father’s footsteps. He was, after all, a thief. But considering Ian learned everything he knows from Meg’s father, he may not be able to convince her otherwise, not even when they both end up over their heads in the biggest heist of Ian’s unlawful career. In trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

Page Count: 432
Trim Size: 5 1/2 X 8 1/4
ISBN: 978-1-4143-6446-9
Published by Tyndale House Publishers
Release Date: June 2012

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Read Excerpt on Tyndale

Raised in an exclusive boarding school among Fifth Avenue’s finest, Meg Davenport has all she’s ever needed . . . but none of the things she’s wanted most, like family, or dreams of a future that includes anything other than finding a suitable match. So when her distant father dies, she seizes the chance to throw etiquette aside and do as she pleases. Especially when she learns that John Davenport wasn’t the wealthy businessman she thought, but one of the Gilded Age’s most talented thieves. Poised to lead those loyal to Meg’s father, Ian Maguire knows the last thing his mentor would have wanted is for his beloved daughter to follow in his footsteps. Yet Meg is determined, and her connections to one of New York’s wealthiest families could help Ian pull off his biggest heist yet. But are they both in over their heads? And in trying to gain everything, will they end up losing it all?

My Thoughts

Meg Davenport was very young when to started attending a prestigious boarding school for the daughters of high society. Her father, John Davenport wanted the best for his little girl or did he just want her out of his way. She felt he did not love her because he rarely came to visit her. She stayed at the boarding school year round even on holidays. She was rebellious at first not wanting to follow the rules but eventually she became the perfect role model to all the young girls at the boarding school. She has every intention on staying on after graduation to teach at the school.


Then her whole life changes when she receives a message that her father has died. Secrets, deception and lies reveal who and what her father really was. Now she feels as if she must take on a new role because she is unworthy of what she had learned and earned at the school.  As far as she was concerned not only had her father deserted her and so had God. Now she was on her own and had to prove she is worthy of her father's reputation. 


Why do we need to prove ourselves worthy to the world?  Instead we should be praying for God's will in our lives.


The author created a very head strong young woman in the character of Meg. The biggest surprise in the book was that the least likely characters were the ones God used to steer Meg in His direction onto the path He had planned for Meg all along.


John Davenport's protege, Ian Maguire, was a preacher's son. Ian had lost his whole family and John took him in and trained him well. His life also took on an unexpected turn when his mentor died. The Lord was becoming very persistent in wanting Ian to return to Him. The more Ian tried to protect Meg the closer he drew nearer to God.


What does God have planned for the many characters in this story? God has a plan for everyone.


I highly recommend this book.


I rated this book a 5 out of 5

Disclosure
I won a free copy of this book from the author. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my own opinion.