- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 346; Kindle Edition - File Size: 4142 KB | Expected Release Date: September 30, 2014 | Publisher: Baker Publishing Group : Bethany House Publishers | Obtained: Litfuse Publicity Group"The Brickmaker’s Bride" [Refined by Love Series, Book 1] by Judith Miller (aka Judith McCoy Miller)
Author's Book Description : Yearning for a fresh start, Ewan McKay travels with his aunt and uncle from northern Scotland to West Virginia, promising to trade his skills in the clay business for financial assistance from his uncle Hugh. Hugh purchases a brickmaking operation from a Civil War widow and her daughter, but it’s Ewan who gets the business up and running again. Ewan seeks help from Laura, the former owner’s daughter, and he feels a connection with her, but she’s being courted by another man–a lawyer with far more social clout and money than Ewan. Besides, Ewan has resolved he’ll focus on making the brickmaking operation enough of a success that he can become a partner in the business and be able to afford to bring his sisters over from Scotland.
But when Hugh signs a bad business deal, all Ewan’s hard work may come to naught. As his plans begin to crumble, Laura reveals something surprising. She and her mother may have a way to save the brickworks, and in turn Ewan may have another shot at winning Laura’s heart.
My Book Review : 2.5 out of 5 stars, a man sets out to America to create a better life for himself and his three younger sisters has to deal with deceiving relatives and powerful men hoping to see him fail while praying that God will see him through.
I had high hopes for this novel, and while I liked Ewan, Laura, and their relationship, it still didn't meet my expectations. I mostly feel that way because it was hard for me to take Ewan's Uncle Hugh & Aunt Margaret's constant scathing comments. If Ewan was real instead of fictional, I wouldn't know how he could've put up with the remarks as long as he did. In truth, the actions of Aunt Margaret, Uncle Hugh, and Winston (Laura's suitor) really made it difficult for me to get through this novel because animosity seemed never ending at times.
However, as I said before I liked Ewan & Laura. Them being together and seeing how their relationship played out was the only reason I stuck with this novel. Ewan has a great head on his shoulders and with Laura's sweet ways; together they make a good couple. I did like how their personal story wrapped up it was very endearing.
Since this is the first novel in Ms. Miller's Refined by Love Series, I am very curious to see where this will go next.
Even though I had a hard time reading this novel I did like its plot, because of that I do recommend it to those who like Christian historical romances.
Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :
Author's Novel Extras : The Brickmaker’s Bride - Overview
Author's Series Extras : Refined by Love Series - Overview
Book Teaser(s) :
"I will have you know that a brick is not a brick, Winston, and Ewan did not wave a white flag." Laura's eyes flashed with anger. "Do you also believe that all shoes are alike?"
"There's nothing similar about shoes and bricks, Laura." There was a hint of disdain in Winston's voice.
Laura stopped short. "There is a similarity between shoes and bricks. A good shoe depends upon how the leather is tanned and on the talent of the cobbler. A good brick depends upon the quality of the clay and the talent of the brickmaker. If a brick isn't dried long enough before entering the kiln or if the burner doesn't know how to maintain a proper fire, the brick may look good on the outside, but crack under pressure." She tipped her head to one side and lifted an eyebrow. "I believe politicians sometimes crack under pressure, as well. Don't you agree?" ~ within Chapter 9
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Judith, then please check out her website.
