Beth White Never Disappoints
A Reluctant Belle picks up right where A Rebel Heart left off. While those who read the first book in the Daughtry House series will have some insight into the characters that others will not, A Reluctant Belle will work as a stand-alone read. This second book is set in the Reconstruction period in Mississippi and Alabama, and deals with atrocities that were not uncommon in that time and place. White examines the hearts on both sides of the continuing social conflict as well as personal events that shaped them. Sometimes hardships bring out the best in folks, and sometimes the worst. White also draws attention to the difference between authentic faith and self-serving religion, and the difference between those who seek to be transformed by the renewing of their minds, who want to have the mind of Christ, and those who seek to create God in their own image.
Embedded within weighty themes, White writes in suspense and romance that will hold tight to the reader's interest. This story focuses on the middle Daughtry sister, Joelle, a shy but headstrong young woman, one who knows her own mind and does not see the necessity of conforming to the demands of society. One who can thoughtfully and logically put pen to paper with great success, but one who often acts on impulse. While a bit older than a typical unwed southern belle, Joelle now has two suitors, one whom she recognizes as such, the other only recognized by those closest to her, but only one to whom she is well suited and who is well suited for her.
I highly recommend A Reluctant Belle, and am grateful to have received a copy from Revell via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
