CFBA – Embers of Love by Tracie Peterson

 

The logging industry in eastern Texas is booming, and Deborah Vandermark plans to assist her family's business now that she's completed college. Unexpectedly, her best friend, Lizzie Decker, accompanies her back home--fleeing a wedding and groom she has no interest in.

Deborah, the determined matchmaker, puts her sights on uniting her brother and dear friend in a true love match. Deborah soon meets Dr. Christopher Clayton, a much-needed addition to the town. As their lives intersect, Deborah realizes that she has a much greater interest in medicine and science than the bookkeeping she was trained in.

But when typhoid begins to spread and Lizzie's jilted fiancé returns, Deborah wonders if true love can overcome such obstacles...for those dearest to her, and for herself.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Embers of Love, go HERE.

MY REVIEW:

Historical novels seem to go one of two ways – either the heroine is a simpering pansy or so headstrong that you want to roll your eyes.  Fortunately Deborah VAndermark, the focus character in Embers of Love, is neither of these. 

The story opens with Deborah and her best friend Lizzie, fresh out of college, in the church preparing for Lizzie’s wedding to a man she doesn’t love.  Deborah does a fine job convincing her friend to not marry and to come home to Texas with her, which is when the story takes off.

Deborah’s internal struggles with whether to continue doing the bookkeeping for the family business or pursue her interest in medicine is done well.  She’s a woman with a mind of her own without being overbearing.  The book also covers the fears and dangers of typhoid during this time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it.

 

** Thank you to CFBA and Bethany House for providing my review copy.