Disclosure: I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Opinions shared are mine.
What if everything you grew up “knowing” was a lie?
Once again, author Tracie Peterson gives us an a captivating character to follow. A Beauty Refined features a lovely heroine, Phoebe, with an unlikely Montana jeweler named Ian. The characters are as different as night and day — German aristocracy meet Western tradesmen. Those who like the contrast of social classes in Downton Abbey would enjoy this twist of culture. I took this book while on a vacation to Washington D.C. and enjoyed it while my kids were watching TV. I was thoroughly engrossed in the story, despite my misgivings about some of the characters. Without giving anything away, let me just mention that I felt frustrated with the choices made by more than one character. Additionally, the romance wasn’t convincing for me. I struggled with who I wanted the main characters to love….other people or each other. A Beauty Refined contained some troubling scenes in terms of domestic abuse, violence, and a fairly dysfunctional family.
On a related note, during our vacation I had the chance to visit the Gem Exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. We admired so many jewels including the Hope Diamond, diamonds worn by Marie Antoinette, and exquisite sapphire and emerald necklaces. Seeing this beautiful jewelry while reading this novel gave me a stronger appreciation for the deeper meanings in A Beauty Refined. Young Phoebe was trained in the ways of society, but had not been polished in her walk with Christ. Tracie Peterson’s story gave Phoebe a chance to learn about faith and its brilliance. Flaws and imperfections can be buffed away by the Master, if only we allow Him to work. By looking past the roughly cut characters, I was able to enjoy their refined beauty.
I have read many of Tracie Peterson and loved everyone of them. Tracie Peterson was on of the first authors I ever followed.
I would love to win this because it sounds like a wonderful book!
I want to read this because I love this author and this is my kind of book and I also love the cover!!!
book sounds good-very pretty cover-this is a new author to me
I love Christian fiction. I’ve never read any Tracie Peterson novels. She sounds like a great author.
I want to win, A Beauty Refined, because the cover is appealing and it looks like it will be an interesting read.
I’d like to have this because I have not read any of her books yet, and I like historical fiction.
I would like to win so that I can read Christian fiction, which is my favorite!
I’d love to read this Christian fiction book.It sounds like a good read that I’d enjoy.
How long will it take for the prize to arrive? It’s been almost 3 months…