1. A Beauty So Rare #2
    Tamera Alexander
    Bethany House / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$16.99 Retail Price$22.00 Save 23% ($5.01)
    4.8 out of 5 stars for A Beauty So Rare #2. View reviews of this product. 71 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW206230
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  1. Karen Lange
    Kentucky
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Wonderful Post Civil War Story
    April 12, 2014
    Karen Lange
    Kentucky
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Due to difficult circumstances, Eleanor Braddock is forced to sell her family home and move to Belmont Mansion in Nashville where her Aunt Adelicia lives. Eleanor and her father must depend on her Aunt's generosity until she can get established and make a living. This is no easy task, especially in post Civil War Tennessee. Making matters worse, her father suffers from dementia brought on in part by his son's death during the war.

    Marcus Gottfried has a secret; his noble roots extend overseas to Austria. He is working in Nashville briefly prior to returning home to assume his expected royal duties. He is enjoying his time in the states - for the first time in his life, he's able to make his own way and work in his chosen field of architecture. His father and fiancée, however, are pressuring him to return to Austria sooner rather than later.

    Nearing her 30th birthday, Eleanor has long since given up hope of getting married. She's accepted the fact that she's plain and practical, not to mention tall, and looks ahead to what she believes God has called her to do. Marcus and Eleanor meet at Belmont; their first meeting does not go well. Eleanor thinks Marcus is arrogant and too good looking for his own good. They form an unlikely friendship, though, finding they have more in common than they thought.

    I liked Eleanor immediately. I cannot say the same for Marcus, but I hoped he would grow as the story progressed. (He did!) Ms. Alexander has a flair for creating genuine characters, ones you cannot help but care about, especially as the plot thickens. Their struggles, insecurities, and triumphs nearly leap off the page. I like that. Another thing I enjoyed - I learned much about the post Civil War days in Nashville due to Alexander's attention to detail and accurate research.

    Alexander masterfully weaves a journey that teaches Eleanor and Marcus about life, disappointment, and love. They learn much about themselves and others in the oft frustrating yet rewarding time they share together. The combination of a rich plot, setting, and characters add up to another success story to Alexander's credit. She is an author you can count on to deliver an engaging tale every time.
  2. Wman4JC
    miami, fl
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A MUST Read!!
    April 12, 2014
    Wman4JC
    miami, fl
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    My Comments

    What a DE-LIGHT-FUL book!! Goodness, this is my first time reading Alexander's work, but I sensed something SOOOOOO special about this story I couldn't pass it up.....indeed, EVERY part of this book was wonderfully written and tangibly enjoyed from the FIRST page! I am NOT a fan of pink, but I couldn't stop looking at that BEAUTIFUL cover while reading and the story never failed to keep my attention through almost 500 pages. It was such an amazing read that I even forgot to take notes! Yes, this book is FILLED with excellent food and dishes, but mostly it appeals to the reader's heart through Eleanor and the amazing character she is.

    The book begins with Eleanor being a volunteer for the wounded during war in 1864 and this entire scene resonates with her in such a way that she remembers it throughout the story. She even makes a promise to one dying soldier and she doesn't give up the unlikelihood of fulfilling this promise no matter how many years it takes to do so. Most people would've given up after a few attempts, there was no one to keep her accountable and no one would've been the wiser about such a failed attempt. However, I believe this promise is one of many instances that strengthens Eleanor's faith and even brings her much needed healing about love.

    Eleanor must move in with her aunt later in the story after leaving her father and his ailing mind in an asylum; the scene is powerfully written and my heart ached EXACTLY as Eleanor did in leaving her precious Papa to the hands of the capable medical staff. My heart broke even as I read that part.

    I do have to say regarding Aunt Adelicia that I was surprised at how welcoming her aunt is when Eleanor moves in. I really thought the aunt would be cordial, cold, and distant, but she is quite the opposite. Even with her own agenda to guide Eleanor with, this aunt really felt like a surrogate mom in so many ways. I didn't always agree with her methods/intentions, but I respected their relationship and believed that Adelicia was truly determined to see Eleanor entrusted in a solid arrangement. Though she was not my favorite character in the story, she did keep the plot interesting.

    I have no interest in Botany or plant life, but I was taken in with Marcus's passion towards flowers and his brilliant ways of creating the perfect specimens. I didn't agree with keeping his secrets so tightly hidden, but I did understand his reasons. More than once he had my sympathies and I had no trouble falling for his character as the man for Eleanor. He really was Mr. Darcy to Eleanor's Elizabeth! (I found Eleanor very similar to Elizabeth Bennett, especially in how she enjoyed walking so much) He understood everything about her heart and endeavored to give her whatever her heart desired, it became his mission throughout to make her smile. Sigh.....

    My heart melted over and over again at Eleanor's cooking for the widows and the children. Oh my, this book is so utterly touching and honoring to fallen soldiers. With the incredible descriptions, the reader feels like you're THERE with these beautiful souls that Eleanor comes to love as her own family. Mr. Stover, Naomi and Caleb, Mr. Fitch (wow to those donuts), and even Nurse Smith who takes care of Theodore.....I was amazed by the resilience of this community as they blessed Eleanor and made her dreams come true in a TOTALLY different way than she expected!

    Without a doubt, Eleanor was my hero through and through! She is compassionate, diligent, fiercely independent, giving, has an amazing heart that would rival ANY royal, faithful, trustworthy, has an adorable sense of humor, utterly intelligent, hardworking, passionate for people and cooking, and always determined to do the right thing. I never ONCE saw her as plain or unappealing, she is so very tall and completely unconventional as a Southern woman, but that only made her MORE appealing and special! Seeing the world through her eyes in this novel moved me more than once and touched me more than I would've thought possible for a fictional character. This is my first read by Alexander, but I'm convinced it won't be my last. I highly recommend this book even if historical fiction is not your typical genre, it will definitely win you over and leave you smiling. Every single part of the plot was addressed, each character got their individual conclusions, and the ending to this story leaves you feeling warm all over. I'm thrilled I got the chance to review this and I'm grateful for the love found in these pages. *also included are discussion questions and a note from the author describing historical facts in the book*

    I want to thank the author and Bethany House Publishers for the review copy provided. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
  3. LifeofLiterature
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A New Favorite!!
    April 7, 2014
    LifeofLiterature
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A Beauty So Rare is another treasure by Tamera Alexander! This author does such a wonderful job of choosing the best words to create vivid scenes and dialogues that allow the reader to be transported back into history. Once again, Ms. Alexander researches the setting of this Nashville novel and the very real history of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham incredibly thoroughly. Her characters have realistic hardships and flaws but also possess such sweet, caring hearts that cause readers to fall in love with them. Readers may even find themselves identifying with some very legitimate struggles that the characters must work though in the book. There are a few cameo appearances of favorite characters from her previous novels, although this particular book can stand alone. It is always such a joy to read Ms. Alexander's novels, and this story is no exception, its length allowing the reader to enjoy a plot with significant depth. She has excellent writing style and does not rush the story to its conclusion. A most highly recommended novel!

    I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
  4. Susan
    Clover, SC
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Tamera Alexander At Her Best!!!
    March 27, 2014
    Susan
    Clover, SC
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I own every single one of Tamera Alexander's books. She writes well and I've loved everyone. But this one....it's her absolute best! All 480 pages were just terrific.

    Eleanor Braddock is nearly 30, plain and has nothing to offer in the marriage market. Her father is ill and she accepts her Aunt Adelicia Acklin's offer to come live with her at Belmont Mansion. Eleanor has no interest in the little teas and parties her aunt has planned for her, but feels she must consent since she is living off her aunt's charity. Her heart lies elsewhere, but she is doomed to disappointment. Her dream does not ever seem it will come true.

    Marcus Geoffrey is hiding a secret, a very deep secret. He can't risk anyone knowing this secret,either. Marcus's passion is for nature and architecture and he is indeed talented in this area. Things just don't seem to cooperate for his dream, either.

    Eleanor and Marcus begin work on a widow and children's home but they can't seem to agree on everything. They begin to develop feelings for one another but Eleanor knows her aunt will never approve of this. Besides, Marcus is not free. Or is he?

    Tamera Alexander has a way of creating characters that seem so real they nearly jump off the pages. This book was so rich and full, like nothing I'd ever read. I cherished every sentence.

    This book is Christian fiction and a romance. Some Christian fiction authors push the envelope way too far to remain a clean novel. Tamera Alexander never does that. She manages to create romance just with a conversation. I loved that this book was clean but still romantic.

    Also, in the spiritual realm, the reader learns that what we want and long for and know is best for us is not always God's best for us. Instead, He gives us far richer dreams that we ever even dreamed of. (Ephesians 3:20.) It was wonderful to watch Eleanor and Marcus discover this. God blessed them with HIS plans for them far more than they wanted themselves. God's good like that.

    I ached for these two as they suffered with their plans being cast down. I ached for them as they realized they could not ever realize their hopes with each other. But I also rejoice and yes, wept, with them as God blessed them in so many little ways throughout this book.

    I wanted to read quickly to finish this book, but I tried to savor it as it should be savored. I know that when I pick up a Tamera Alexander book, I'm in for a treat. And her books always minister to me in some way. Never fails. Now I have to wait another year to read another of her good books.

    This book is worth every penny and every moment spent reading.

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  5. Jael Kenney
    Lachute,QC
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    A Rare find indeed!
    March 25, 2014
    Jael Kenney
    Lachute,QC
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Seeing war ravage her country and disease ravage her father has made Eleanor Braddock the woman she is today: straightforward, soft-hearted and yet practical. As practical as potatoes. Being (in her opinion) ill-favored and nearing the age of thirty, has severely limited her options for matrimony–the lack of eligible men due to the war make a match even more unlikely. So when her aunt upon whom she is financially dependent pushes her towards a "suitable" man, her future is all but fact.

    Botanist and architect Marcus Geoffrey has been granted a reprieve, but is not certain if he will have enough time to accomplish his dreams before the matrimonial noose tightens around his neck and his royal duties call him back home to Vienna.

    As an unlikely friendship develops between them, they find themselves facing difficult decisions and obstinate obstacles. Will seeing God in the details of their lives help them accomplish their goals? And will they trust Him still, when all their secrets are revealed?

    After having all the facts about the characters, I had to wonder if this wouldn't turn into a soap-opera-like drama. I was pleased to find that did not. This is a delightful, though heart-tugging romance that I think you will find as enjoyable as the main characters do. The dialogue and development of the story as well as the spiritual aspects were excellently done. And I had to admire an author that could bring both historical botany and romance to fruition simultaneously.

    My only criticism is that there were discussion questions at the end. If the lessons cannot be inferred from the text, then the book is poorly written (which it wasn't); and if it was well-written let us please assume that the readers are insightful enough to catch them the first time through.

    Thank you to NetGalley (https://www.netgalley.com/) and Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this enjoyable book to read and review.
Displaying items 6-10 of 71
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