A Beauty Refined Book Review

Sapphire Brides Series

Book Two

SUMMARY:  What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

     Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana.  Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions - both for her and the gemstones - are not what she thinks.

     Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing.  Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realized that her family story is based on a  lie - a lie she has no knowledge of.  And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.

     Meeting Ian has changed everything for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans.  But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

REVIEW:  This story is different from others I've read because the main "secret" is revealed to both the reader and main characters fairly early.  I like this because it helped me be less frustrated with the characters and their actions, or the lack there of.  Now, there are other problems and difficulties that Phoebe is not aware of and the eventual discovery of these helps move the story along very well.  It also makes for interesting reading as you come to understand each character better and try to figure out how everything will end.  

     Phoebe's willingness to stand up for what she believes, even though it costs her everything she knows, is awesome!!  I love how, after a very unfortunate event, she doesn't give excuses for another person's actions, even though she loves them dearly.  Even though many lies were told, the truth is revealed in the end, for the betterment of each situation and for most people.  Ian's stance on truth telling causes some potential problems but I like how he sticks to his beliefs.  Because of this, even though it looked impossible, the events worked out for the good of most everyone involved.  

     Even though this is the second book in the series, each one looks to stand well on its own. There was no time when I thought I might be missing something by not reading the first novel.  This is a remarkable book.  Check it out and see for yourself.

This book was provided by Litfuse Publicity Group and Bethany House 

for review without compensation.

 

Tracie Peterson's loves for history and research fuels the bestselling stories she writes.  She is the author of over one hundred novels and the recipient of the 201 ACFW Lifetime Achievement Award.  Tracie and her family live in Montana.