This is a lighthearted book about Felicia Murdock set in New York City in 1881. Felicia, 24, is from a privileged household. She has spent the last four years attempting to shape herself into the perfect wife for her Pastor, Michael Fraser. Unfortunately, Reverend Fraser wasn’t aware of Felicia in a romantic way, and when the book opens, Felicia has just returned from the Reverend’s wedding–to someone else.
Four years earlier, Reverend Fraser complimented Felicia about a hideous dress she was wearing. From then on, in an attempt to attract the Reverend, she had exclusively worn dresses just like that: billowing fabric that gave no sense of her figure, a plethora of ribbons, and other gaudy decorations to the excess. Most of society thought she was either eccentric or had a terrible fashion sense, or both.
After the shock of the wedding, Felicia decides to change the direction of her life. One of the first things she does is to see her dresses for the monstrosities that they are, and get an up-to-date wardrobe. Felicia’s mother, Ruth, has decided to attempt some match making by having Grayson Sumner accompany Felicia to a tea. Grayson is an English aristocrat with a mysterious past.
From that moment forward, everything in Felicia’s life changes. Society, as well as, Grayson, are quick to notice that Felicia is quite a beauty once she gives up her baggy clothing. She also gets a lot of undue attention while continuing her mission work in the seedier sections of the city. That attention gets Felicia into some predicaments she had never faced before.
Felicia finds herself in some dangerous situations when she innocently attempts to help people. In addition, she also sets off on an adventure when, in disguise, she goes with a reporter friend to an opium den. Also, during this time, Felicia attempts to deflect the overly aggressive attention of a widowed pastor who wants to marry her to be a mother to his four children.
In the midst of all this, Grayson Sumner and Felicia often cross paths. Each time Felicia is around Grayson, her heart grows a little fonder, but Grayson also exasperates her, too. Before the story ends, there are kidnappings, body guards and private investigators–along with romance.
After I read this, I found it was part of a series. However, this book definitely stood alone, and I did not feel “lost” in this story. It is not necessary to read the first books to enjoy this one. That being said, I liked this one so much, I do want to go back and read the first two. This was an exciting and fun book. I didn’t want to put it down. I enjoyed the tale, and liked the Christian message that was a natural part of the story. This is a five star book, and comes with my recommendation.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Bethany House Publishing for the purpose of review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I have not been compensated in any other manner. Despite my receiving the book free, it has not influenced my judgment, and I have given an honest opinion.
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