Litfuse Blog Tour: Beauty For Ashes

About The Book:

"She’s a beautiful young widow. He’s a Southern gentleman with a thirst for adventure. Both need a place to call home.

After losing her husband in the Civil War, Carrie Daly is scared she will never have the family she longs for. Eligible bachelors are scarce in Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, but Carrie has found love. Not the weak-in-the-knees kind, but something practical. Still, she isn't quite ready to set a wedding date with Nate Chastain.

Griff Rutledge is a former member of Charleston society, but has been estranged from his family for years. He’s determined to remain unattached, never settling in one place for too long. But when asked to train a Thoroughbred for an upcoming race in Hickory Ridge, he decides to stay awhile.

Despite objections from the townsfolk, and her fear that true happiness has eluded her, Carrie is drawn to Griff's kindness and charm. It will take a leap of faith for them to open their hearts and claim God's promise to give beauty for ashes."

My Review:

Beauty For Ashes was a beautifully and well crafted story. Not being accustomed to reading books during the post Civil War era, I was intrigued from the onset.   Dorothy painted a very descriptive picture of Hickory Ridge, you could easily picture the town, old inn, and farms in this book. The author did a wonderful job in describing the scenarios and emotions in each passing scene.

The author's intimate portrayal of the characters made them real. You journeyed with Carrie and Griff as they fought to live under the shadow of their past and start afresh in the present. This story really captured the heart of man without God.

The plot was an emotional roller coaster. Many times you rejoiced with the characters and other times you understood their anger and sadness. The story line was seasoned with the right amount of romance, suspense, emotion, and humor to keep you guessing while making it an all together worthwhile story.

Despite its well-written plot and clean romance, there was one part I could have done without.  Carrie's attraction to Griff was sometimes  a little too much. There were times when the world could be going upside down, but with one glance at Griff she would just melt and everything was fine. However, this observation is not enough to make the reading any less enjoyable.     This story was great. I would give a 4.5 out of 5. You an purchase this book at CBD or Amazon.

I received this book for free from Litfuse, in exchange for my honest opinion.

About the Author:

Before returning to her writing roots in historical fiction, Dorothy Love published twelve novels for young adults. Her work has garnered numerous honors from the American Library Association, the Friends of American Writers, the International Reading Association, the New York Public Library, and many others. The Hickory Ridge Novels mark her Christian fiction debut.

For more about Dorothy visit her website,www.dorothylovebooks.com or friend her onFacebook.com/DorothyLoveBooks.

We're thrilled to announce the fun giveaway Dorothy is hosting! First, she'll be giving away a Kindle Fire (3/1-3/20), then on the evening of the 20th she's inviting everyone to her Facebook Author Page for a fun Author Chat party! Don't miss a minute of the fun ... sigh.One beautiful winner will receive:

• A Brand new Kindle Fire with Wi-Fi

• Beauty for Ashes
 by Dorothy Love

• Beyond All Measure
 by Dorothy Love

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/20/12. Winner will be announced at Dorothy's Facebook Author Chat Party on 3/20. Come for an evening of chat, trivia, and a sneak peek at the next book in Dorothy's Hickory Ridge series - bring your friends! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books and a stunning sapphire ring!

 So grab your copy of Beauty for Ashes and join Dorothy and friends on the evening of March 20th for an evening of fun.Don't miss Dorothy's delightful giveaway and party. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK orTWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!