‘EVERY PERFECT GIFT,’ by Dorothy Love
The discovery of a new author makes me excited. A newcomer to the Christian fiction market, Dorothy Love taps into her southern roots for this first series. Those of you who have read the other books will be delighted that a character from Beyond all Measure rises to meet the expectations in this as a worthy heroine.
STORY: Sophie Caldwell is desperate to find her place. An orphan taken in by Wyatt and Ada Caldwell, Sophie feels a tug to leave Texas and return to Hickory Ridge to follow her dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. She re-opens the local office and sets about running a successful business hoping that time has changed citizens prejudices. Her first interviewee is Ethan Heyward, a man with scars of his own. Hired to oversee and design a new, high-class resort in Hickory Ridge, Ethan becomes intrigued with Sophie’s determination, but as the two learn more about each other, being honest may be the one thing that tears them apart.
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‘EVERY PERFECT GIFT,’ by Dorothy Love. #BookReviews #Reader #FWarchives Share on XGood old-fashioned southern fiction may not come more polished or better than Love’s story of heartbreak and mutual forgiveness. The story is well written and compels us to hope Sophie discovers the truth even in the slower passages. Detailing adds to the style, especially the scenes at the new resort which is described as “awash in gold” and lit by “crystal chandeliers.” Characters are fun even though my pet peeve trope is what the story (in part) revolves around. Sophie and Ethan aren’t bad together but their relationship isn’t all that interesting in comparison. One of the sweetest quirks of the novel is Sophie’s exclamations!
Revolving around finding ones identity is a universal plot that is easy to write – and read about. Who among us hasn’t struggled with that? We’ve all wondered who we are at times, whether small or big. Every Perfect Gift tells that story beautifully. It’s poignant and ends happily.
IN CONCLUSION: Not a ‘bad’ story, Every Perfect Gift isn’t something I see myself reading a second time through; the cover tells a prettier story than the novel itself. The characters are endearing but the style didn’t suit my reading preferences.
About the Book:
Author: Dorothy Love
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: 2012
Series: Hickory Ridge, book 3
Genre: Christian Fiction, Historical
Shop the Book: Bookshop.org | Goodreads
Rating: 3 ½ out of 5
With thanks to Litfuse and the publisher, Thomas Nelson for providing a copy of this book for reviewing purposes
This book has such a beautiful cover! I haven't read any of Dorothy Love's books, but its interesting to note she's coming from the ABA side. Thanks for the review, Rissi, I've been looking for some good Christmas books. :-)
Oh, forgot to say: I love your header and tribute to the Ponds. Great couple. ;-)
Doesn't it though, Gwen!? For me, the "concept" was prettier than the story but I cannot argue that the novel was well written. Everything ends at Christmas, so you would probably enjoy this one!
Glad you like the header – one of these days I am going to watch 'Doctor' and have been steered towards Matt Smith's version. Curious to try it. :)
PS: I have another Christmas novel review coming this week. :)
First off, I am in love with your header photo (the Doctor is my fave) and secondly I am in love with the cover for this book! I'm sorry that the story didn't quite match up with the cover but I'm glad to know it's worth reading. Thanks so much for your thoughts on this one!
xoxo,
Renee C.
Thank you, Renee – that is part of the fun in blogger. I've been told that Matt Smith's doctor is the one to start with, so… maybe that is where I'd start the series.
The cover is LOVELY! It's so pure and Christmas-y. If you liked the first two novels, you'd probably enjoy this one. I've become more critical since I started reviewing because I am trying to discover which genres/authors are my faves because I just cannot read ALL THE BOOKS that come in my email for review so my goal is to find the ones that will be easiest for me to read – because the writing is THAT good. :)
Hope you enjoy!!!
I want to read this book! =)
Well… I certainly hope you enjoy then, Chasity! :)
I want to read this book sometime too…it's been on my to-read list for a while! The cover is great. :)
The cover is certainly lovely! I remember thinking that the first time seeing it. Hope you enjoy, Charity. :)