Reviewer: Connie Payne
Title: Family of the Heart - Sequel to Beauty for Ashes and Joy for Mourning
Author: Dorothy Clark
Publisher: Steeple Hill
ISBN-13: 9780373827954
Release Date: September 2008
Genre/Sub-genre: Historical Inspirational Romance
Year/Setting: 1838 - Cincinnati
Overall Rating: 3.75
Sexual Content Rating: None
Language (Profanity/Slang) Content Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: None
Dorothy's Website: None found
Little Nora Blessing Bainbridge is at the heart of this story…
Her father, Clayton Bainbridge, refuses to acknowledge her existence beyond "the child" or "it" as her birth, her life is nothing more than a reminder of his weakness and guilt. He’ll feed, clothe, and shelter her, but that will be the extent of his "care". A nanny by the name of Miss Sarah Randolph is the answer. If she’ll keep "the child" out of his sight and hearing then he can get on with business, but that’s not proving to be the case. Miss Randolph is somewhat of a distraction.
Sarah is delighted by Nora and doesn’t understand why Mr. Bainbridge refuses to allow his daughter in his presence. It’s something she hopes to change, but at the moment, while caring for Nora, she’s fighting her own fears and guilt. She fled Philadelphia to free herself of the painful reminders of her fiancé’s death. Soon, however, it’s Mr. Bainbridge’s face she sees and arms she feels comforting her in her nightmares.
While Sarah and Clayton slowly become attracted to one another, neither are at peace. They’re guilt-ridden and angry at God; He took her fiancé away and left Nora motherless and in the care of a father who wants nothing to do with her.
When circumstances and tragedy demands they each face their fears and guilt, will they see that even through pain and sorrow God has a plan, or will they keep a hold on their anger and despair only to miss out on the best He has planned for them as well as Nora?
This story and its characters are created with empathy and a sense of realism. Sarah and Clayton’s hurt and anger and dispassion toward God are something many can identify with. Their internal struggles and subsequently coming to terms with their past endears them to the reader.
Ms. Clark’s writing has several facets; somewhat formal, slightly poetic, visually descriptive, churning with emotion, all of which gives the story an old-fashioned feel. A feel that transports the reader into the era and setting.
Family of the Heart will touch the heartstrings and provide much food for thought.
Connie
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