BOOK REVIEW:  The Measure of a Lady 

 

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About Deeanne Gist

by: Vickie McDonough

Dancing Word Reviewer

 

Title: The Measure of a Lady

Author: Deeanne Gist

Publisher: Bethany House

ISBN: 0-7642-0073-9

Genre: Inspirational/Historical/Romance

 

 

When Rachel Van Buren arrives by ship in San Francisco during the height of the gold rush, she wants nothing more than to hop on the next ship going back east. Her father died on the trip to California, and she is now in charge of her younger brother and sister. The muddy mess of the city that awaits her is nothing like the glorious pictures painted back east. And the town is filled with dirty, smelly men—all who want to marry her.

When she realizes there are no hotels in the city, she regretfully accepts the offer of a saloon owner to stay in his shack, which is located behind his gambling establishment. Crammed in the rickety one room building with her rebellious sister and inquisitive brother, Rachel wonders how they will survive.

Johnnie Parker is intrigued by the feisty sunbonnet, which is what the men in town call women who are real ladies. He feels a need to watch over Rachel and protect her, though she resents his attentions. Still, he finds his feeling for her growing, but is he willing to give up the business that has made him wealthy to win Rachel’s heart?

Everything is going wrong for Rachel. Her sister is bucking everything she tells her to do, and her brother is intrigued with Johnnie. And Rachel doesn't know what to do with her growing attraction to the handsome gambler. But the Scriptures are clear, and a woman of God should have nothing to do with unbelievers, especially a man who makes his living 'stealing' from men who don't have the sense not to gamble.

Can Rachel carve a path in San Francisco and establish a place for decent folk to go? Can she maintain her principles and fight her attraction to Johnnie? Or will Rachel and Johnnie find a compromise?

As a book reviewer, I was very excited when I received Deanne Gist's second book in the mail to review. I loved her first book and couldn't wait to read the next one. The Measure of a Lady didn't disappoint. Ms. Gist does a superb job bringing to life the unique days of the California gold rush with her detailed descriptions and vivid imagery.

Right from the start, you'll be rooting for Rachel as she faces one barricade after another. Though she loses what she loves dearly, she never quits and continues in her crusade to provide a place for decent folk to go. Though at first she is rigid in her beliefs, she comes to realize that she has thumbed her nose at the very people God would have her help.

Johnnie Parker is an interesting hero. He's stubborn yet kind to Rachel and her family. He's a lost soul who doesn't want to be redeemed. But he can't seem to stay away from Rachel, and ever so slowly, we see him change.

Readers are sure to fall in love with The Measure of a Lady. It's interesting, humorous, and historically rich in detail. For a fabulous love story with a dose of history and faith, don't miss The Measure of a Lady. ($12.99, 352 pages)