WV Stitcher: A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander~ TLC Blog Tour

About A Beauty So Rare

Series: A Belmont Mansion Novel
Paperback: 480 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (March 25, 2014)

Plain, practical Eleanor Braddock knows she will never marry, but with a dying soldier’s last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America–and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path–building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows’ and children’s home run contrary to Eleanor’s wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground–and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.

Praise for A Lasting Impression (the first in the series):

“A Lasting Impression is a wonderful start to a new series. With writing that is rich and textured, Ms. Alexander paints a portrait of Belmont and Nashville after the Civil War that will pull you in and almost make you believe that you are living there yourself.”–Robin Lee Hatcher, best-selling author of Belonging

“Alexander crafts a pleasing and well-written romance that is filled with adventure and intrigue. Subtly weaving in the main character’s steadfast faith in God, the book is full of faith and full of life. Readers who enjoy romantic novels but also want to feel inspired will definitely enjoy this satisfying read.”–Publishers Weekly on Within My Heart

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

My take on this book:

As a fan of civil war era fiction this book was a great read for me, because the author's words easily bring the time period to life. The beautiful cover caught my eye immediately but it was the story inside that held my attention and had me missing the characters when the story was finished. The characters in this story were so easy to like, I could totally connect with Eleanor, she loves to cook and her dream is to open a restraunt. But when she finds herself going to live with her wealthy aunt, she is told her dreams aren't appropriate. She also feels as if she is pretty plain and the last thing she is really looking for is love. I loved watching her grow and change as the story progressed, and it was great to see God work. While there are christian themes woven in to the story they aren't overwhelming, instead they enhance the story. The author knows how to blend fact and fiction together to provide for a richly detailed story that jumps from the pages. Even though this is the second book in the Belmont Mansion series it can really be read as a stand alone work. Anyone who enjoys historical christian romance will find A Beauty So Rare a wonderful, page turning read.

About Tamera Alexander

Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose works have been awarded or nominated for numerous honors, including the Christy Award, the RITA Award, and the Carol Award. After seventeen years in Colorado, Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and live in Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children.

Author’s Website | Author’s Facebook Page