MY REVIEW:
In the final book of Ann Shorey’s Sisters At Heart series, Cassie Haddon takes center stage. In the aftermath of the Civil War, Cassie and her mother find themselves without a home or the means to take care of themselves. Cassie’s mother seems to be in denial and somehow expects that relatives will take care of them – only her brother-in-law has had enough of her and finding her brother turns out to be not the easy task she expected. Despite her mother’s disapproval, Cassie takes the bull by the horns and decides that she must find work and a home for them even if her background has left her ill prepared to earn a living.
Love’s Sweet Beginning has an excellent cast of characters. Cassie and Jacob, the hero and heroine grew on me as I got to know them better. A couple of the characters, one of which was Carrie’s mother, are the kind most readers love to hate. It was also fun to revisit Cassie’s friends from the two earlier books of the series. The plot moves along at a steady pace with drama, a bit of humor, family secrets, a hidden past and of course the requisite romance.
I loved Cassie’s determination and spirit and found it rewarding to watch her confidence grow as she learned new skills. Jacob was a bit more difficult to get to know but I enjoyed seeing him finally let go of his fear over his past. And even Cassie’s mother with all her airs was eventually an overcomer.
Love’s Sweet Beginning is a wonderful story about putting the past behind and moving on with life as God leads. It was a welcome ending to an enjoyable series.
This book was provided for review by
Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
What will it take for a once-privileged young woman to make her way in the world?
It isn’t Cassie Haddon’s fault that she has reached the age of twenty-five without possessing any useful skills. Until the War Between the States, she always had servants. Since then, she and her mother have been forced to rely on family to care for them. But now the well of human kindness has run dry–and Cassie must find work to support them.
Unfortunately, leaving the past behind is easier said than done, and Cassie must summon all of her courage and wits to convince local restaurateur and grocer Jacob West that she’s exactly what his business needs.
With her signature sweet romance, Ann Shorey weaves a tale of two people from different backgrounds finding common ground and the hope of a bright future together.
Read an excerpt from Love’s Sweet Beginning HERE.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, Where Wildflowers Bloom, and When the Heart Heals. She has also published selections in the Cup of Comfort series and in Chicken Soup for the Grandma’s Soul. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Learn more at www.annshorey.com.
