Beauty for Ashes by Dorothy Love

Book Description

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 Daly 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 trade beauty for ashes.

My Thoughts
Living in the depression after the Civil War must have been so terrible.  This book shows how it affected the people of the small town of Hickory Ridge.  They had almost nothing, but still found ways to be happy and they were always there to help each other.  That's probably some of my favorite parts of this book.  The heroine, Carrie Daly, was a woman with dreams, but no money.  However, she did the best she could with what she had.  She also learned that sometimes you have to lay down your pride and accept help from others.  Griff Rutledge, the male lead, reminds me a little of Rhett Butler.  This is a really good book about a tough time in our country's history.  Hope if you read it, you enjoy it as much as I did.

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