Publisher:
Date of publication: January 1st, 2009
Genre: Historical Romance, Christian
Series: South Dakota Historicals
Loving Eliza—Book 1
Bid for a Bride—Book 2
Bride of Second Chances—Book 3
Goodreads Synopsis:
All Eliza wanted was a new beginning…
Eliza leaves Omaha for a new life. A chance to be something she never had the opportunity to be before: a lady–a woman with a good reputation. John Evans has never belonged in his small town. So when Eliza shows up and treats him better than anyone ever has, he’s ready to marry her before she finds someone she’d rather be with. But she harbors a secret that makes someone like her unsuitable for marriage, and she is determined that no one will ever find out. Ever. Until someone from her past shows up… Then who is going to dare love a woman like her?
When I selected this book and saw that the author was Ruth Ann Nordin, I was thrilled. I have read several of her books and loved them. This one didn’t disappoint.
I liked that Eliza had a past and that sexual abuse (by a relative and by childhood prostitution) was part of her past. I haven’t read many historical novels where it is stated, has no sly references, or said. Eliza was scarred, but you could see her healing as the story, and her romance with John progressed.
I also liked that the author made John fall in love at first sight. And that he had to chase her. The fact that John was mute was an interesting pick of the author. He had to choose to communicate with her in other ways, and he did an excellent job of making his point.
John’s family was interesting. They supported and defended him. Except for Troy. He was a dick, and let’s say he got what was coming to him in the end.
There was a Christian element to the story. It was Eliza who went to church, and she was saved. So I wouldn’t go as far as to call it a Christian historical romance. A historical romance with a Christian undertone. No hanky panky that was described in great detail, if you know what I mean.
I would tell people to read Loving Eliza if they like historical romances. There is Book 2 and 3, but they can be read separately from Book 1.
If you enjoyed reading Loving Eliza, you will enjoy reading these books:
