Sireena Doty
I adore Melissa Jaguars as an author and know that I will get a great story with wonderful characters each time I pick up one of her books. This book was no different. Evelyn is an intriguing young lady who seems to contradict her own personality at times, while David is an endearing character who seems to be insightful and yet lacking in courage in some areas despite being able to see his own abilities. They make for a wonderful pair. Evelyn is trying to distance herself from all eligible young men, she is haunted by mistakes she has made in the past and worries over her aging parents while trying to help them run the orphanage. Meanwhile David is distancing himself from an overbearing father, and finds himself quite content in Teaville due to the intriguing Evelyn, if only he could find a place to get good food! This book was a wonderful read, reminding us all to support and care for each other. I highly recommend it to any reader, and think that you'll come to love these characters as much as I did. We used this book in a book discussion for book club and it was PERFECT!!! If you are in a book club looking for your next read look no further, this one is great! There is enough complex characters to get a great dialog going as well as a few plot twists that will have to enjoying the discussion that will inevitably come from reading this book. It is not a preachy book but upholds good moral values.
1 person found this review helpful
Marilyn Johnson
This is book two (three if you count the novella, Engaging the Competition) of the Teaville Moral Society. Book one is A Heart Most Certain. I loved reconnecting with some characters from past books, however this is a stand alone novel as well. I do look forward to more in this series. Evelyn Wisely is a kind loving woman with secrets that keep her pushing men away. When David Kingsman, a handsome stranger, pushes through her defenses can he be a friend and only a friend? I enjoyed the mystery behind Evelyn, and David learning to stand on his own. Their common goal, even if David does not realize it was his goal, leads them on an exciting journey to finding joy and happiness even when all seams lost. Melissa Jagears is a great christian romance writer, I always look forward to her new books.
Heidi Reads
I appreciated the focus of this book on the importance of not only helping orphans, but also their mothers escape lives of prostitution and poverty. Evelyn is single-minded in her mission to provide safety and security for those who will reach out and accept support, even sacrificing her reputation and hopes for a future family. For much of the book I didn't understand her hang-ups about men and her fear of romance, but eventually the secret is revealed. David admires her in spite of her brusque attitude toward him, and his cheerfulness and sincerity build the foundation of their developing friendship. Lydia and Nicholas from the previous book are close friends of Evelyn's and help her when they can, despite not understanding her reasons for shunning men. They fully appreciate her help running their orphanage and her goal of starting a women's home. Various mishaps happen throughout the story that give David and Evelyn opportunities to grow closer together, and through the ultimate test they face, they learn to trust in God's timing and plans, even when it's difficult. (I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)