Saturday, August 6, 2016

Review + GIVEAWAY: A Beauty Refined


A Beauty Refined
By Tracie Peterson
Sapphire Brides #2
Bethany House, 2016


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 realizes 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.

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/29Sh70o


My thoughts

Helena, Montana - 1907

A Beauty Refined by Tracie Peterson is an intriguing blend of history, romance, and relational drama, with spiritual depth throughout. Don’t expect this to be a “fluffy” romance, for Tracie has infused it with a richness of characterization and themes dealing with difficult life issues. The characters and setting captivated me from the first page and I never wanted to put it down. A Beauty Refined is book #2 in the Sapphire Bride series, continuing the story of the Montana’s Yogo sapphire mines, but stands alone.


Tracie Peterson always impresses me with her gift for blending captivating storylines with not-so-familiar historical detail, and A Beauty Refined continues that trend. Even more impressive to me is that, in all the years she’s been writing, Tracie never veers from clearly presenting the gospel message of hope and grace.  The bottom line is that, along with the characters, you will see Jesus in this book.

Ian and Phoebe are two characters that I loved. I admired Phoebe’s way of accepting that reality was completely different from all that she had known. Ian has a strong, trusting faith in God, and it was fascinating to learn about sapphires through his vocation as a lapidary – the cutting, polishing, and removal of flaws. There’s a beautiful analogy to the refining process we go through as Christians in order to better reflect the beauty of Jesus.

There’s also a reality to this story, brought through themes of domestic abuse, greed, anger, and lying. Something that really spoke to me was Tracie’s confronting the perceived need to lie vs. total trust in God. My mind went back to the phrase that was so popular many years ago, situation ethics, which basically said that a sinful action can be okay if there’s no other way out of a bad situation. I thought the way Tracie dealt with this issue was compelling. I appreciate what she said in an interview, that “we are all works in progress, but we have to yield to the Master’s hand in order to fulfill all that He wants us to be.”

These words from Psalms, quoted by Pastor Clearwater to Phoebe’s mom, convey the essence of A Beauty Refined:


In God have I put my trust: I will not
be afraid what man can do unto me.
- Psalm 56:11

Recommended.


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Tracie Peterson is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than one hundred books. Tracie also teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences on subjects such as inspirational romance and historical research. She and her family live in Montana.



Thank you to Litfuse Publicity and Bethany House for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.


Litfuse landing page:

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GIVEAWAY

To enter the drawing, please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here. Do you have a favorite Tracie Peterson book or series that you would recommend?

BE SURE to leave your name and your email address in a safe format - [at] and [dot] - for the drawing. E-mail required for entry. Contest ends at midnight PST on Friday, August 12. Winner will be chosen by random.org and contacted by e-mail.

Eligibility: US residents

Congratulations to our winner, Anne Rightler! Thanks to all of you who entered. Be sure to watch for more reviews and giveaways that are coming soon.

32 comments:

  1. Thanks, Carole, for your excellent review and an opportunity to win Tracie's latest novel. I don't have a favorite by her, but I've really enjoyed the stories set in Alaska. I've been to Alaska a few times, so have a special appreciation for that setting. Blessings...may_dayzee(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Alaska is so beautiful, Kay! I'm a little envious of you actually getting to visit there, and I'm sure that makes Tracie's Alaska stories even more special. Always good to see you here, Miss Kay!

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  2. This author is new to me,but the book sounds really good! Thanks for the chance. Dianne
    jademoss17(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Tracie has written a ton of books, all popular, so you've got a lot to choose from, Dianne. Thanks so much for visiting.

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  3. I've liked everything by Tracie! The ones set in Alaska hae been my favorites. I shared contest on FB. jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm not even close to having read all that Tracie has written, but have enjoyed everything so far. Thank you so much for sharing, Miss Joan.

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  4. I love all of her books! Everyone I read becomes my new favorite! You can't go wrong in my book! Thanks for the chance to win-have a Blessed day!

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    1. I haven't read one yet that I didn't enjoy, Wenona. Thanks for the encouragement. Always good to see you here.

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  5. Forgot to include my email:
    swanphillips4(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  6. Tracie is a new author to me. "A Beauty Refined" sounds like a good read and I look forward to reading it.
    diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. I'm surprised at how many haven't discovered Tracie's writing yet! You've got a lot of series to choose from. I especially enjoy the spirituality in her books. Thanks for entering, Dianne.

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  7. No Favorite I have not read any of Tracie's Books Yet Thanks for the chance to win a copy iamabho (at) gmail (dot) com

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    1. Tracie has written tons of books, Linda, so you've got some good reading to look forward to. Thanks for visiting and entering - and also for sharing.

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  8. I Shared on FB also https://www.facebook.com/linda.buzardmoffitt/posts/1206596116037676

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  9. I first read Tracie stories when my daughter received Hearts on books through the mail. Alaskan Quest was a particular favorite, couldn't put it down. There are so many more I want to read.... Shared on Facebook!

    missionwife AT hotmail DOT com

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    1. Oh, for more reading time, Melody! There's just something about Alaska that makes that series special. Thanks for sharing, and good luck in the drawing.

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  10. I love the way she writes her books - she has a gift of being able to pull you into the story as if you were there. I have not read a lot of her books, but the ones I have read have made me a fan - "House of Secrets" and "A Sensible Arrangement" were two of my faves! I hope to read all of her books some day. I shared on Facebook (Lorlyn Loch). Please enter me in your giveaway and thank you for offering great Christian authors! Email address is: lorlyn63@gmail.com. Blessings!

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    1. I've also enjoyed all that I've read so far, Lorlyn. I think City of Angels from the Kit Shannon series was one of my favorites. You're entered - and best wishes, Lorlyn!

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  11. I have enjoyed any Tracie Peterson books that I've read so I would recommend to pick a series and start at book one.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. Good suggestion, Wendy. From what I've read so far, I suspect they're all good. Good luck in the drawing!

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  12. What a wonderful review, Carole! You totally captured me with your review and I am so looking forward to reading 'A Beauty Refined'! The quote of 'We are all works in progress...' and the verse Psalm 56:11, were very encouraging and inspiring. I have read Tracie Peterson's series: The Trials of Kit Shannon, that she co-wrote with James Scott Bell. The series is AWESOME, full of suspense, intrigue and romance! I would highly recommend it!!! Thanks for the opportunity of this giveaway! I have liked and shared your giveaway link on my Facebook page.

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Alison, writing doesn't come easily for me, so I appreciate your sweet comments. And thank you for recommending the Trials of Kit Shannon series. I read the first one a good while ago, loved it - and you just reminded me to go back and read more of the series. Best wishes in the giveaway, Alison!

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  13. I've enjoyed all of Tracie's books that I have read. Hard to pick a favorite. Attended Tracie's Facebook party last night in hopes of winning a copy. Not my turn I guess. Maybe here...one can only hope. Thank you for sharing about a wonderful author! anne at rightler dot com

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    1. Maybe this is your time, Anne! I wasn't able to attend Tracie's FB party; bet I missed a good one. Also noticed that we're on Connilyn Cossette's team together, so I'll see you there. Best wishes, Anne.

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  14. Carole, I enjoyed your wonderful review. Tracie is a new-to-me author. This series sounds like a great place to begin reading her stories.

    I shared your Facebook post and tagged you. Thank you for the chance.

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. From all the comments, I'm surprised at how many haven't discovered Tracie's books yet. She's written a ton of them, so you've got a lot to choose from - both series and stand alones. But I think even series books can stand alone, as they mainly have setting in common. That's the case with this one, because the previous book takes place about 50 years earlier. Always great to see you here, Caryl!

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  15. Thank you for your great review. I love all of Tracie's book. Each one is a treasure and an adventure. She writes with such depth and holds reader's attention with her historical knowledge. I have liked and shared.
    Jhdwayne@peoplepc.com

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  16. I read City of Angels that Tracie wrote with James Scott Bell who is a favorite author of mine. It's part of her Shannon Saga series. I highly recommend it. It's the story of a young woman attorney in Los Angeles when women were not accepted in a man's position.
    I want to read more of Tracie's books because my grandfather grew up in Montana and met my grandmother after she moved to Hamilton, Montana as a school teacher. I have photos of them with their friends camping out having ridden on their horses to the hills back in the early 1900s. How fascinating it would be to read more about what it was like in those times.
    Thank you for this book giveaway opportunity!

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  17. Oh, here's my email - sh2rose(at)cox(dot)net
    Thanks!

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  18. I have read and re-read a number of Tracie's books, and I always enjoy her series, in particular. Her first one I read was about the Harvey Girls in AZ, and I was hooked! The book was part of the Westward Chronicles. Very much enjoyed the review! Thanks, Cathy. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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  19. I love all of Tracie's books! I especially love the Alaskan Quest and Yukon quest series as well as the Lone Star Brides and the Land of the Lone Star series.

    kleehar[at]gmail[dot]com

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  20. Such a pretty cover! Tracie's book that stands out in my memory is What She Left For Me.
    tlw131 [at] gmail [dot] com

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