'Beauty for Ashes', by Dorothy Love, tells the story of Carrie, a woman living in post-Civil War Tennessee. Carrie has big adjustments to make in her life when her beloved brother Henry marries. He brings his wife and her 2 sons to the home that he and Carrie had previously shared since the death of their parents. Of course, the main plot of the book revolves around the handsome stranger, Griff Ruttledge, who comes to town. Carrie somehow falls in love with Griff almost as soon as they've met, despite Carrie having a long-running 'understanding' with the local bookstore owner.
I found this book a little sweet and charming, but I have to say that I was not excited by the quality of writing. I found the character development lacking, the plot lines predictable and unbelievable, and even the mentions of Carrie's faith in God lacklustre and uninspiring. If you're someone who loves a good romance novel for the 'happily ever after' at the end, you may enjoy this book. However, for me, I appreciate exceptional writing in any genre more than the happy ending in a romance novel, so 'Beauty for Ashes' didn't really grab me.
Another comment I'd like to make is about historical fiction. Often I enjoy an historical romance novel, even just for the fact that I learn a little more of the era and get a feel for the atmosphere of the time. 'Beauty for Ashes' didn't really teach me much at all. Maybe because I'm an Aussie I don't have enough prior knowledge about the civil war in general...but it's hard to really lose yourself in a book when you can't get a feel for the time and place of the story.
I would rate 'Beauty for Ashes' 2 out of 5 stars. Despite its shortcomings, I still managed to get to the end OK, so it deserves more than 1 star.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
