About the book:
Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents’ New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet’s own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance;Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust; and who to leave behind.
My Review:
I was privileged to read “The Cautious Maiden” before publication and since I am a big fan of the previous three books, I was excited to see where this story went.
It is not often that an author can truly bring about the reformation of a villain in a believable way. I will say, if you have not read the previous three books, don’t read this one yet. Read the other three and then you will have to get this one.
This is Vance Everstone’s story. We have had all the other family member’s get their spotlights in the sun, and this one you will delve deep into his heart and mind.
Once again, Dawn Crandall has set aside the norms when it comes to romantic historical fiction, to wow us with this beautifully written novel. I find I am never disappointed to pick up a copy of one of her books. What appears on the cover as another romantic novel, the depth of the work is so much more.
What makes this title unique, as with her others, is the first person format, that doesn’t feel like first person. I thoroughly savored each page, hoping that it would not come to an end too soon.
I found myself stopping to reflect on the true beauty of repentance and how even those that are redeemed, struggle at times throughout. Ms. Crandall gives us, without being overdone, a beautiful lesson in the value of Christ’s love and forgiveness.
I was provided this book for review by the publisher. The opinions contained herein are my own.
You can purchase a copy here as well as the rest of the Everstone Series.
If you would like to enter for a giveaway of a copy of the Cautious Maiden, which I highly recommend you do, please comment here on the blog page with an answer to this question and an email address to reach you by.
“Do you like to see villains from previous books redeemed? Or would you rather they stay “bad”?”
If you skip answering the question, you will not be entered for the drawing! Thank you!
I think I like to see villains stay villains. This looks really good.
Thereadmaster@me.com
O definitely!! The redemption quality is what makes it hopeful. Love it, especially when it’s a surprising twist that we don’t expect. Thanks!
Annie
justcommonlyATgmailDOTcom
Redemption of a rogue always makes for a fascinating story…and so much true life faith and hope themes can be explored. Really enjoyed the review!
Ewe_r_merritt at yahoo dot com
In most cases, I like to see a villain redeemed. There is nothing more hopeful and satisfying than a villain turning from his ways and seeking forgiveness and earning trust among those he has wronged. He or she. I’m aware there are female villains too.
Now if said villain is a murderer or rapist then no, they should rot in jail or be hanged.
andreastephens (at) yahoo (dot) com
I love to see heroes redeemed! I think it is encouraging and hopeful.
It depends on the villain, I think. I love how Elizabeth Camden handled this in The Lady of Bolton Hill and Against the Tide.
I absolutely like to see a “bad boy” redeemed… as long as there isn’t a sense of minimizing the sin so that “grace may more abound”! 🙂 Looking forward to Vance’s story!
love to see them redeemed for good
I don’t know why but I like my villains to stay villains
I like to see the villains redeemed, but then there’s a “need” for a new villain! 🙂
This is a series I’m interested in, but haven’t read yet. It depends for me. Sometimes I like villians redeemed, other times I don’t. It really depends on where the story is going.
I like a villain turning from their wicked ways most of the time. It always amazes me that an author can make me not like someone then turn around and change my mind about them before the end of a book or in the next book. grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com
I do enjoy seeing a villain redeemed if it’s done well. I don’t often read a book or series where that happens though, so when it does I find it refreshing!
colorvibrant at gmail dot com