From DeeaneeGist.com: Rachel Van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city's dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won't give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady.
Speak Politely. Even when you're the only respectable woman around, protesting the decadence of a city lost to gold fever.
Dress Modestly. Wear your sunbonnet at all times. Ensure nobody sees your work boots muddied by the San Francisco streets.
Remain Devoted to Family. Protect your siblings from the lures of the city, even against their wishes.
Stand Above Reproach. Most difficult when a wonderful man turns out to be a saloon owner.
Rise Above Temptation. No, not even just a little kiss ...
Audience: Adult
Genre: Romance, Historical, Inspirational
Length: 314 pages
Rating: **** (Really liked it)
The Pros: Great characters and a great story. As with MAID TO MATCH the romantic tension was superb and not one iota frustrating -- two thumbs up when I come across that in a romance. I adored the historical setting: San Francisco in the middle of the gold rush. I have a special place in my heart for that setting considering I wrote my first historical novel just up the road from San Fran. I even learned a little with the main character, Rachel. I often thought as I read about her moral struggles, "Well, what should she do?" and I agreed with the answer Rachel ended up coming up with.
The Cons: Not many. There are a few instances where the historical details come off as lecture-ish instead of flowing seamlessly into the writing as it did in MAID TO MATCH. This is, however, one of Ms. Gist's earlier novels, so she's totally forgiven.
Disclaimer: Mild sensuality.
Buy THE MEASURE OF A LADY from Amazon.
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