Book Review: Courting Miss Adelaide
Courting Miss Adelaide by Janet Dean Love Inspired Historical #16 - Sep 08
Please excuse me while I wipe the tears off my laptop and clear all the used tissues away. There, that's better. This book certainly was a surprise. For all you ‘peekers' out there on eharl - yes, I read the blog posts where you say you read the end of the book first - well, you'll want to jump on this one b/c the last few pages pack a punch.
That's not to say the rest of the book is boring - far from it. In this debut novel, Janet Dean gently lures us into her story, dropping crumbs that we eagerly snatch b/c although we know how it's going to end, we want to enjoy the awakening attraction, the kisses, the bickerings, and the distrust the two main characters must endure before they realize nothing else matters except their faith in each other and in God.
It's 1897 and milliner Adelaide Crum is a 31 yr old spinster. She could've married years ago but refused to settle. It seems like she's been lonely - wanting to be loved - her whole life. When news of an orphan train reaches her, Adelaide believes this is the answer to her prayer. With all those children needing parents, surely there's one for her.
Charles Graves is going through the motions of living but fear keeps him from getting involved. A product of a dysfunctional home, he worries that he'll turn out like his father so he stays clear of relationships. He turned the dismal future of the town newspaper around since taking over not too long ago and the town elders seem to consider him a role model citizen. He's not about to do anything to change their opinion of him.
Until he meets Adelaide Crum. For one thing, she threatens his equanimity with her glimpses of what might be if he would only grasp it. But what really irks him is her demand that he run articles on women's suffrage in the newspaper. Why, he'd lose customers if he did that!
Adelaide is a strong woman living in a man's world without a say in anything important. She's tired of playing by their rules, but if she persists in making trouble, will the town elders - the ones who decide which orphan goes where - believe she's a good role model to raise a child?
I am eagerly awaiting Janet Dean's next adventure.
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Heat level: Affectionate
My Rating: Great! 4 ½ stars (a keeper)
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2008 Harlequin 100,000 Book Challenge:
Total books Read: 95 Harlequin Imprint: 90 Others: 5
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Anita Mae, I've been holding my breath, hoping you'd like Courting Miss Adelaide. Your review has me grinning from ear to ear! Thanks so much for taking the time to read and review my book.
ReplyDeleteYou've got an impressive number of books read for the 100,000 book challenge. When did you start?
Janet
Hey Janet,
ReplyDeletePhew (Anita wipes her brow). I'm glad you like it. But honestly, it was very easy to write.
I started on Jan 1st, 2008 for the 100,000 book challenge. I read a book every 2 or 3 days. That's why I like the size of the category books. They're perfect to tuck into my purse or back pocket. I read while waiting for the kids, in drive-through lines, and even in grocery lines.
Also, it's very easy to get through a book when it's as interesting as Courting Miss Adelaide.
Have a God day!