Made the Grade: A Time for Everything by Mysti Parker

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 2602 KB | Expected Release Date: July 7, 2015 | Publisher: esKape Press | Obtained: Goddess Fish Promotions

"A Time for Everything" by Mysti Parker (aka Misty Baker)

Author's Book Description : After losing her husband and only child to the ravages of the Civil War, twenty-five-year-old Portia McAllister is drowning in grief. When she sees an ad for a live-in tutor in another town, she leaves everything behind in hopes of making a fresh start. But as a Confederate widow in a Union household, she is met with resentment from her new charge and her employer, war veteran Beau Stanford.

Despite their differences, she and Beau find common ground and the stirrings of a second chance at love until his late wife’s cousin, Lydia, arrives with her sights set on him. Burdened with a farm on the brink of bankruptcy, Beau is tempted by Lydia’s hefty dowry, though Portia has captured his heart.

In another time and another place, his choice would be easy. But love seems impossible amid the simmering chaos of Reconstruction that could boil over at any moment into an all-out battle for survival. Will Beau and Portia find their way into each other’s arms, or will they be swept away by raging forces beyond their control?

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What readers are saying:
“The book truly encapsulated the situation of the time – a Confederate living in Union territory. The mere difference of opinion between Union and Confederate…the vestiges of the war…the consequences of one’s actions…the choice of who you love and how you show it.” ~Girl of 1000 Wonders Book Blog

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“If you enjoy stories from the Civil War then you will definitely enjoy this one. Don’t forget to grab the tissues before you start.” ~Heather, Goodreads Reviewer

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, Portia’s (Po) life was ravaged because of the American Civil War. With both her husband and baby daughter now dead and not wanting to suffer the ramifications of depression any longer, she has decided to move on by putting her credentials to use and becoming a tutor for a young boy. However, the boy’s father Beau (Beauregard) came home from fighting in the war to find his wife dead and his farm falling apart, and isn’t ready to move on with his life. Both start off on rocky footing but just as they soon find their way to common ground and get a nice friendship going people from Beau past interfere into his life. Everything changes. Will Beau be able to create a life that he’ll be happy with? Can Po find a way to get over her grief while helping the boy in her care get over his own grief too? When unexpected love hits will both Beau and Po, can they be able to accept it or will others interfere enough to mess up both of their lives for good?

Not the lighthearted historical romance that I expected; yet it grips the reader with its dynamic characters and an intriguing plot from the very beginning. Basically, it was darker than I anticipated but it’s based in a more realistic setting then the typical historical romances that I’ve read before for this time-period. Nevertheless, I’m so happy with how this novel turns out, even though some of the twists that happened shocked me and at times, some of the characters choices upset me.

Portia and Beau deal with a lot more than their spouses’ deaths from the start of this novel and because of that hardship; it brings them closer than either of them ever expected. Reading about their harsh banter turning into calm friendship that grows into a strong bond was quite extraordinary and beautiful. They made a great couple! In addition, I LOVED their epilogue.

I recommend this novel to those looking for an intense historical romance!

Purchase This Book and/or the ones from its Connected Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : A Time for Everything

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Blog Tour - A Time for Everything by Mysti Parker | Spreading the Word & Gift Card Giveaway

Author's Novel Extras : Let's Get Scientifical #18: From Widow to Wife | On Hiatus, and here's why...

**Brentwood, TN, 1865** On a frigid Christmas morning, a young widow decided to join the husband and daughter she had...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Friday, June 19, 2015

Coming July 7: Portia had never seen the man Beau was before the war, but one day she caught a glimpse...Pre-Order...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Tuesday, June 16, 2015

"Her ongoing duty in life was writing news of death."No matter where Portia goes, death seems to follow. Will she get...
Posted by Mysti Parker on Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Cowboy take me away! I could imagine Beau like this with his horse, Scout. Can you? Here's another song from the A Time for Everything playlist: https://youtu.be/MdkIJm65ytM
Posted by Mysti Parker on Friday, July 10, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :

COME MID-MORNING, he was trimming the newest filly’s hooves. Harry occupied the next stall, doing the same with Crazy Girl. And it wasn’t going so well, much to Beau’s amusement and satisfaction.
“Ow!” That was the third “ow” of the morning.
“What now?”
“She bit my ass!”
Beau laughed. “She’s your girl, Harry. Be a good daddy now.”
“Ha, ha, you’re hilarious.”
“Just tie her head tighter and steer clear of those teeth.”
Ezra hollered from outside, “Looks like we’ve got company!”
Beau let the horse’s foot down gently, and with one hand on his aching back, he stood up straight and hollered back, “Be right there!”
Leaving the stable, he squinted into the sunlight and peered down the drive. A coach and two large carriages full of luggage rolled along toward the house. He pulled out his handkerchief and wiped his face and hands. Probably should have taken the time to wash up before they got there, but it was too late now.
Ezra gave him a one-armed bear hug. “Excited?”
“I can hardly contain my joy.”
“Be nice, Beauregard.”
The closer their company came, the harder it became to breathe. He didn’t really know how to feel. Never once had he considered remarriage in the two years since Claire had passed, but that possibility now rolled up their drive on four expensive wheels. Worse yet, he couldn’t deny the obvious. He’d be marrying for money, if he married her at all, and knowing that made him feel like a whore. ~ within Chapter 12

A TIME FOR EVERYTHING by Mysti Parker -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Thursday, July 30, 2015

For more information on this book and/or any other books by Mysti, then please check out her website.