N R. (Moonpie) reviewed on 10/27/2017 + 1172 more book reviews

Clara DeLancey is part of the wealthy elite of the mid-1800, or rather she was. Wrong choices and actions of her and her brother has cost her family their wealth and position, even Clara an excellent match in marriage. Spurned by her future fiancée, friends, and the entire family by the influential and privileged, she has hit rock bottom. Her family continues on pretending as if all were the same as before despite the ridicule and rejection of their peers. Considered an old maid at 25, and unmarriageable due the family scandal her parents only care about getting her married off to anyone with even the least amount of status.
The disastrous events and her parent's persistent pushing her into the limelight, and constant criticism, Clara becomes severely depressed even to the point of attempting to take her life. This is compounded by a deep resentment taking over her heart.
She finds herself befriended by his two sisters, one a minister's wife. Being beneath her station, her mother does not approve. She is drawn to them not only by their warmth but love and true acceptance as she has never experienced. Their handsome, naval hero brother also captures her attention. Through these friendships, she finds Christ as her Savior.
The characters are entertaining and realistic, and the story will definitely keep you turning pages, but there was much more for me in this book. Although the setting was in another era, 100's of years ago, many attitudes and mindsets still exist today.
Just as the people in Clara's social group looked at money, position, and material possessions as the way to happiness and fulfillment, so does the world today. Their emptiness and lack of fulfillment is echoed through the centuries, it has never changed. The Kemsley's show the love and joy of Christians no matter that is displayed by true followers of Christ today. They did not look at Clara as above them but someone who needed the Lord.
I really liked the way the author made the Christ the center of the book and the answer to whatever problems the characters faced. This is the third book in the Regency Brides series. I have read all of them! They are all stand-alone reads and outstanding books!
I received this book from Kregel publications in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

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