Kate M. (gwenelle) reviewed The Courtship of the Vicar's Daughter (Gresham Chronicles, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I have to say, the book didn't engage me at first. This is the second in the series, and not having read the first (The Widow of Larkspur Inn (The Gresham Chronicles, Book 1)), I had trouble keeping track of all the characters. That's actually my one complaint about the book: I really wish there was a list of the characters at the beginning to help the reader know who's related to whom and that sort of thing.
Despite the number of characters, I found it easy to connect with them and all but the most minor characters were well-developed. The plot follows the development of three romances: the courtship of the vicar's daughter Elizabeth, as mentioned in the title, is perhaps the main one. Then there's the efforts of Squire Bartley to win over Mrs. Kingston. But my favorite is the relationship between Mercy Sanders and newcomer Seth Langford! The subplots, such as Philip Hollis's boarding school experiences, are enjoyable, too.
I especially liked how the author sprinkled in biblical references and often used Mrs. Kingston in particular to point out various situations mirrored stories from the Bible, or how such lessons could be applied in daily life. The spiritual themes of the book are clear and inspiring, and woven into the plot quite smoothly.
Despite the number of characters, I found it easy to connect with them and all but the most minor characters were well-developed. The plot follows the development of three romances: the courtship of the vicar's daughter Elizabeth, as mentioned in the title, is perhaps the main one. Then there's the efforts of Squire Bartley to win over Mrs. Kingston. But my favorite is the relationship between Mercy Sanders and newcomer Seth Langford! The subplots, such as Philip Hollis's boarding school experiences, are enjoyable, too.
I especially liked how the author sprinkled in biblical references and often used Mrs. Kingston in particular to point out various situations mirrored stories from the Bible, or how such lessons could be applied in daily life. The spiritual themes of the book are clear and inspiring, and woven into the plot quite smoothly.
