Book Review of Tamera Alexander's "A Beauty So Rare"

A Review of "A Beauty So Rare"

 by Tamera Alexander

Brief Summary: 

This story takes place after the civil war has taken place in the United States. Eleanor Braddock leaves the only home she has ever known to go to Nashville in hopes of helping her father get better. Having no job, money and very few family members left after placing her father in the Asylum she goes to live with her last living relative Adelicia Acklen in hopes she will loan her money to start her own cafe. However, things don't go as planned for her and and after a simple act of kindness for a widowed woman she is put in charge of building and creating a safe haven for widowed women and children. Surprising herself although it wasn't what she envisioned herself doing she feels like she is following god's direction. 

Gerhard Marcus Gottfried has only ever wanted to do something for himself rather than what is expected of him so he moves to America from Austria in hopes of finding out who he really is. However, life doesn't go as planned for Marcus as well and instead of building an opera house he is put in charge of helping build the Widows & Children home with Eleanor. Both Eleanor and  Marcus in the beginning feel that they are very much different because of what their background is and seem to but heads on how things should be done. However, as the story continues they find out they are more a like then they ever thought and have the same goal in mind.

My Review:

I received this book free courtesy of Netgalley to provide a honest and non biased opinion. This was the first book that I have read of Tamera Alexander's so I do not have any of her previous books to compare it to. I thought the book started out kind of slow and took me a little bit to get into. However, once I got 30%  into the book Tamera had me hooked with the story and characters and if I didn't have full-time job I wouldn't have been able to put the book down. It was interesting how Tamera showed the development of Eleanor's character from the start of the book to the end. She really showed how a person's life changing events could change who a person is but how their faith never waivers. In addition I also liked how she developed the romance between the two main characters Eleanor and Marcus. It was very nice to actually see a man court  woman and treat her like a true lady. 

Another aspect of this book that I liked was how detailed Tamera was on key parts of history in regards to the Civil War. She didn't sugar coat things but rather showed what the war really did to not just american's but also to other nationalities who tried to move to the united states during that time. She did her research to really make you feel that as a reader you were actually in that time period wearing the same clothes as the ladies of that generation. In addition, she did a good job of depicting how the different types of classes would interacted in that time. 

I very much liked this book by Tamera Alexander and will be interested to see how the next book carries on the people of Nashville. In addition, I am very interested to read the first book in the series. If you are interested in reading this book because of how it sounds but are worried because it is the second part in the series don't, I read this book having never read a book of hers and I had no problem understanding the story and characters. Lastly, this would be a great book for those that like romance, history and intrigue. She will have you smiling, laughing, crying and at times wishing you could go back in time to experience things that the characters were experiencing. 

A Beauty So Rare Recipe: Eleanor Braddock’s Savory Custard (or Ham and Cheddar Quiche)

                                 Eleanor Braddock’s Savory Custard

(or Ham and Cheddar Quiche)

Most people think quiche originated in France. Not so. It’s originally a German dish and people referred to them as "savory custards" in the 19th century. Which is accurate since the egg-based mixture forms a luscious-like custard as it bakes. 


I hope you enjoy this recipe (or "receipt" as recipes were called in the 1800s) from A Beauty So Rare. For more about A Beauty So Rare and for recipes from all my novels, visit www.TameraAlexander.com.

Ingredients

1 old-fashioned unbaked pie crust (recipe below)

1 large onion, diced (or sliced if you like larger pieces of onion in your savory)

2 tablespoons butter

1 pound cooked ham diced into cubes (if using bacon, use 8 slices, fried chewy, not too crisp)

8 large eggs

1-1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half

1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper, or to taste (I always go heavier on the pepper, personal preference)

1 3/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Sauté onion in the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden brown. Set aside to cool.

Chop the ham into bite-sized pieces (or fry your bacon until chewy, then chop). Set aside to cool. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Roll out pie crust and press into a deep dish pie plate. A medium-sized iron skillet works wonderfully for making a savory custard (and is what Eleanor used). The crust comes out divine. I just happened to use a pie plate this time.

Whip the eggs, cream, salt and pepper in a large bowl, then mix in the onions, ham (or bacon), and cheese. Pour the mixture into the pie crust. Cover the pie plate (or skillet) lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the quiche is set and the crust is golden brown. QUICK BAKING TIPS: The quiche may still seem a little loose when you first remove it from the oven, but it will firm up nicely once removed from the heat. Also, watch that lovely crust so the edges don’t get overly brown. I use a silicone pie crust shield if that starts to happen. Those are a fabulous invention (but foil crimped around the edges works just as well).

Remove from the oven and allow the savory custard to rest for 10 to 15 minutes before diving in. It’s so good, and just like Eleanor Braddock would make. It’s also delicious left over and warmed up the next day.

Great New Book Trailer from Tamera Alexander!

Not sure what book to read next check out Tamera Alexander's new book "A Beauty so Rare." Great mix of Christian Fiction and romance! 

Come Home to Me by Brenda Novak

Presley Christensen has never lived an easy life. Raised by a hooker mother and forced with her sister to live in poverty until she was old enough to live on her own. Drugs, Alcohol and Aaron Amos were the only way for her to feel part of something. However, things changed for her when she suddenly becomes pregnant and leaves town. Luckily, motherhood changed her for the better and now she is back in Whiskey Creek hoping to put the past in the past and start fresh. However, things don’t go always as planned. Take for instance Presley running into Aaron at the local bookstore.

Aaron Amos may have not had the most best life growing up but he always knew that his family was there for him. Having struggled with drugs and alcohol when he was younger he now feels like things are finally going in the right direction. However, things through a wrench into his future when he runs into Presley and old feelings start to resurface. 

Will Presley be able to live close to her first love, but still be able to open her business and date other men? Will Aaron find out Presley’s secret that could change his life forever?

My Review:

This was my third Brenda Novak book and I was still as impressed with these books as I was with the last Whiskey Creek book. What I really like about Brenda’s books is that you really feel like you are getting to know the full backstory on the main characters. I really felt like I knew who Presley and Aaron was and that they could be someone that I could know. Another great thing about this story is that I felt different emotions. At times you were laughing, then crying and back to smiling. It really felt like I was living in the small town of Whiskey Creek and these characters could be my neighbors. She also did a great job of incorporating previous characters from other books into the story. It allows you to catch up on them and to have them still be part of the book.

The only thing that I did not like about the book was the second story that was going on in the book with her sister and how she was trying to get pregnant. I think that it was a good story but maybe not something I necessarily would have added to Presley and Aaron’s story. I am, however, interested where she takes this story in future books. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!!

The Sweetest Thing

The Sweetest Thing by Lillian Darcy:


Tully Morgen thought that she had left her small town of Marietta. However, that all changes when her "mother" Sugar (Suzanne) falls very ill and she has to go back to help take care of her. When she returns all she can remember is that horrible night 18 years ago when her sister/mother ruined her prom night and sent her packing to go live with her brother in California. Back in Marietta Tully knows that there is a chance that she might run into old high school classmates but she never thought she would run into her prom date Ren Fletcher who she left standing on her porch so many years ago. Ren Fletcher never thought that he would see Tully the girl who broke his heart so many years ago in their local Candy store or that her sister Sugar would be his new client. Will Ren and Tully become friends again or will they not be able to get past prom night? Can Tully forgiver her mother/sister for the lie that they kept from her 18 years ago and that Sugar ruined her prom night. You will just have to read "The Sweetest Thing" by Lilian Darcy to find out.


I received this book as a gift from author Jane Porter. I have never read Lilian Darcy before so I went into this book not really sure what to expect and not having an expectations. After starting slow by the time I got to the 5th chapter I found that I really liked this book. The book had a really good story and very well developed characters. If I didn't have a full-time job I would have probably finished this book in one seating because the story kept me intrigued and wanting to know what happens to the characters. This book had romance, sadness, forgiveness and family. I am very happy that it is part of a series and can't wait to read the next book in the series. I would recommend this book to people who like romance and stories that have a gripping heartfelt story.

Walking On Air

Walking on Air by Catherine Anderson

Gabriel Vance has always been the type of man to live and do the things he wants. Not having anyone or anything holding him back. However, things change for him when he is shot on Christmas eve by a gunslinger and he comes face to face with a life that was not all that fulfilling. As he lays there dying he realizes what sad life he has truly lived and how no one will truly miss him. When he awakes and finds himself face to face with heaven's angels he is unsure what to think and believe but deciders to keep his mind open. In exchange for the opportunity to go back to earth to make something more of his life for two months he goes back to help Nancy Hoffman and her sister. It is his duty to help Nan forgive and move forward from the past that is holding her back from a happy and loving life. Through the story Gabe helps Nan feel and share her love and in return Gabe learns what it is like to be part of a family. What will become of Gabriel Vance and Nan Hoffman after Christmas eve? You will just have to read the book to find out.

Having loved Catherine Anderson's contemporary work I knew that most likely i would like this book. What i didn't think was that I would love this book. I am very picky when it comes to historical books and authors that right them as I love history. I think Catherine did an excellent job of describing the time and how the characters would have truly lived back then. In addition I really liked how she incorporated faith and the believe of the after life. I wasn't sure how she was going to go at the end of the book and i defiantly wasn't let down. This booked proved once again that Catherine is not only a great author but also a great storyteller! Can't way to read the next book in this story! Thanks Catherine for letting me have a chance to read this book before it hit the shelves!

I would recommend this book to the following groups: historical romance and romance.

Do Miracles Really Happen?

Lucca Romano lived for two things basketball and coaching. Coaching at a top division school and having a supportive family Lucca couldn't ask for more. However, things all change when his basketball team get in a car accident on the way to a game. Not able to bounce back from the tragic accident he lands himself in Eternity Springs where his mom and siblings live.

Hope Montgomery a kindergarten teacher in Eternity Springs from the outside looking in seems to have everything, great friends, a good job and a roof over her head. However, things aren't always as they seem and for Hope that means living with out her daughter who went missing 5 years ago.

Lucca and Hope two unlikely friends become close after Hope's dog has puppies in Lucca's closet. Will Lucca and Hope become more then friends or just stay star gazing neighbors.

Review: I received this advance reader copy courtesy of Netgalley and the publisher. This is the first book of Emily March's that  I have read and did not realize that it was part of a series. I liked that the book was able to bring you up to speed on the main characters in the book as well as other characters who you new had a part in the previous series. I felt that even though I have not read a book in this series before Miracle Road I really felt like I lived in this town and was friends with these characters after a couple of chapters in the book.

I thought the author did a great job of building the back story on the two characters so that you knew what got them where they were. I also liked that the book included romance, mystery and even sadness. It really kept you as the reader wanting to find out what happened to Hope's daughter and how Lucca really feels about the accident.

In addition to the main characters story Emily did a good job of introducing the next books character. I am very interested in the reading the next story in the series with Gabrielle as one of the main characters! It will also be interesting to see how she incorporates the past characters into the book. I recommend this book to readers who love book series and romance. If you like Susan Mallery or Robyn Carr's books about a little town you will love Emily March's. Can't wait to go back and read the first 6 books!