Annelle K. (Psalm150) reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 275 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
During New York City's Gilded Age, Clara Carter is given her orders: secure a marriage proposal or your family is doomed. But she cannot just marry anyone. No, she must marry Franklin De Vries, The Heir. The dizzying plot of a young girl learning endless lists of etiquette rules, dance steps, proper attire, cinching of corsets (to the determent of her health), and the art of being able to carry on a conversation with someone who doesn't speak is intriguing. A story I enjoyed, thankful every page that I did not have to experience this scenario, and realizing that many young women in the not-to-distant past, did.
Janet G. (jess777) - , reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 12 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this story!! It was so interesting to learn what women really had to go through to get a husband so many years ago. Things were so strict and women had no choice but to do what their parents ordered them to do. Most did not marry for love but married for wealth and good standing in the community. It took great courage to go against tradition and against your family.Very good read, I feel all women will love this story as much as I did.
Keri (TXGrobanite) reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 270 more book reviews
What a great book. I love stuff about debut's, coming outs, etc from the 19th century. I can't believe all that a girl had to do back then to catch a husband. This book really goes into details about corsets, how a lot of women back then suffered from anorexia BECAUSE of the corsets and lots of other things.
The story-line itself I absoutely loved. I found myself really liking Clara's character although I was a bit disappointed towards the middle of the book when she succumbed to some of the pressures of being told what to do.
It ended on a good note though and so I was happy. :) Looking forward to reading more from Siri Mitchell.
The story-line itself I absoutely loved. I found myself really liking Clara's character although I was a bit disappointed towards the middle of the book when she succumbed to some of the pressures of being told what to do.
It ended on a good note though and so I was happy. :) Looking forward to reading more from Siri Mitchell.
Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 180 more book reviews
I have always fancifully wished myself in some other era other than my own - preferably one with gorgeous fashion, busy social events, and an enviable last name - but after reading Siri Mitchell's tale of Guilded Era New York with it's tight corsets and marrow shovels, I think my wishing days are over. Siri's portrayal of a young 17-year-old debutante hoping to catch the hand of uber-rich Franklin de Vries was both entertaining as well as heartbreaking. Truly, this novel overflowed with opulence and finery, but the cost such beauty exacted was far too high. Sadly, our culture has not changed over the years in spite of the fact that women no longer wear lacing corsets, but we are still surrounded by the noise and imagery of whether we are "pretty enough." I applaud Siri for tackling such a difficult subject matter amidst the backdrop of the Guilded Era, but I shouldn't be surprised. She has become one of the best authors in Christian historical fiction, and I always appreciate that I gain a bit of history paired with an exciting tale in every one of her novels.
Mary N. (maggysue) reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 811 more book reviews
I enjoyed this novel about the stuck up and ultra rich society of New York City in the late 1800's. What ridiculous rules Clara the sweet debutante had to abide by. It was interesting to find out about the corset she was forced to wear day and night in order to achieve a 17 inch waist! How she suffered! She was under great pressure from her aunt and father to marry the heir of a banking family. This is a book I would highly recommend.
Excellent treatment of the time period through the main character's eyes. The characters were very realistic and the interaction between family members and society "friends" was well portrayed. The word pictures were visible as I read. A very, very good book.
Ronda B. (jazziegirl) reviewed She Walks in Beauty (Against All Expectations, Bk 3) on + 5 more book reviews
Another great book by Siri Mitchell. Historical details were right on for the era. I was kept guessing right up until the ending on the outcome for the main characters.
