All in Good Time, Gilded Legacy Series #2
4.5
5
10
10
This is an enjoyable book
This story begins with a stage coach robbery. A number of years later, we find Dessa, a former maid, in 1887 Denver. She wishes to get a loan to start Pierson House. This will be a home for women who want to get off the streets. It is to be named after DessaâÂÂs late friend who got her started in street ministry.
Dessa has an uphill climb to get a loan. After all the other banks in Denver have turned her down, she walks into the bank owned by Henry Hawkins. Henry is the stiffest, most unfriendly, man in town.
Amazingly, Dessa gets the loan. This is nothing short of a miracle since Henry was antagonistic towards the Pierson House project specifically, and against giving a loan to any woman in general. However, his uncle Tobias took matters into his own hands, and granted Dessa the money.
Dessa depends on pledges from the community to start and run Pierson House. Because of that, she naively accepts the help of Turk Foster to hold a fund raiser. Unbeknownst to Dessa, Turk has a notorious reputation. If he is tied to Pierson House in anyway, her current supporters will pullback their contributions, and she wonâÂÂt get any new patrons either.
Besides Turk, Dessa has many trials with Pierson House. Instead of women flooding to her for refuge, she has hardly a trickle. The home is located in the very worst part of Denver, the Fourth Ward, and no one in that area wants to be seen getting help there. Henry Hawkins seems to criticize her every move, and makes it clear he thinks she will default on the loan, and he will be able to take possession of the house.
The Fourth Ward also has a Chinese population. Recently there had been a riot between the people of the Fourth Ward and the Chinese people. As a result, there is hostility between the races. Dessa is warned not to have anything to do with the Chinese people because it could start another riotâÂÂeven if she is only trying to help them.
As the story goes on, we find Henry has kept a secret that could destroy his life, Turk has political ambitions that make him willing to do anything to get himself elected, and although Dessa has pledged herself to a life of celibacy, she would like to change her mind. However she has a secret of her own that she believes might force her to stay in that lifestyle. Will any of these people get to have the life they want, or will one or more of them never achieve it? Dessa would also like to help a pair of Chinese sisters. She thinks she might have a plan so no one will be aware of her helpâÂÂbut will her good intentions start another riot?
The lives of Dessa, Henry and Turk along with the fate of Pierson House, all become interwoven to give us a tale of drama, action and romanceâÂÂwith twists, turns and surprises along the way. The characters are very interesting and believable. The picture the author paints of Denver at that time rings true. Christianity is a natural part of DessaâÂÂs life, as well as some of the other characters in the book. I enjoyed this story and recommend thisâÂÂI give it 5 stars.
The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book through Tyndale Blog Network (Tyndale House Publishers) 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.
April 18, 2013
Having never read any of Maureen LangâÂÂs books before, although having wanted to on countless occasions, I must say she knows how to spin together an amazing story. All in Good Time is such a deep novel with a lot of aspects to it that make the plot flow really well, despite all the elements associated with it.
Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in DenverâÂÂs roughest neighbourhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.
Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now heâÂÂs the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, heâÂÂs built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.
Though heâÂÂs certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to DessaâÂÂs passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her missionâÂÂbut he also threatens to bring HenryâÂÂs darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and GodâÂÂs, between safety and love.
IâÂÂll be honest- beginning to read this story took a long and slow process because it just seemed to drag on. This is mainly because I probably wasnâÂÂt in the mood for reading, however knew that I should probably get it read. Initially though the blurb sounded really interesting and intrigued me, which thankfully returned the more I read deeper into the plot.
I love the idea of Pierson House and its work with helping the women. The courage Dessa possessed was really humbling, despite the struggles she was faced with. Determined to tend to her calling, Dessa does everything in her power to help the lost women in this society, even if it means putting her life at risk. I donâÂÂt know about you, but I personally would have struggled in wanting to make sure I look good and am accepted by society first before helping others so desperate. Nonetheless Dessa proved that it is possible and that the people who truly care about you will be the ones whose opinion matters most.
However for me, the growing attraction between Dessa and Henry seemed to take all too long. Although their feelings for each other was made known early on, I feel that it was still in the early stages all throughout the novel. Although it did grow so that each trusted and was comfortable around the other, I believe that HenryâÂÂs shyness got in the way. Yes, it is adorable when the guy feels vulnerable. But I also believe that it is important he possess confidence and self-belief. But I believe it is this attribute Dessa had. Although she didnâÂÂt quite believe in herself, she posed as a tough, determined and really self-assured woman. This is largely due to her strong belief in Christ. Still, I loved watching their relationship grow from friendship to marriage. The Epilogue was probably my favourite chapter because Henry and DessaâÂÂs true personalities were portrayed- the kind I love reading about.
However the last couple chapters also communicated the kind of attraction I was hoping for. The hurdle and jealousy of Mr Turk Foster proved to catalyse their relationship needed for them to merge out of their comfort zones.
Most of the characters are also enjoyable to get to know, especially Jane, Remee and Mr Dunne who will definitely find a place in your heart.
What I loved about this story was how complex the plot was. All of the twists, as well as Henry and DessaâÂÂs past, combined really nicely to make an interesting story. The challenges Dessa faced- Mr FosterâÂÂs kindness, HenryâÂÂs stubbornness, her determination and impatience of rushing to set up Pierson House all turned the story into something special.
IâÂÂm sorry if my review makes All in good time sound bad and uninteresting for it is quite the contrary. Maureen Lang is a talented author who definitely knows a good story. All in good Time is a story that should definitely be read.
*PLEASE NOTE: In exchange for an honest review, I received a free e-book copy of All in Good Time from Tyndale House Publishers. All opinions are strictly my own. *
April 7, 2013
The Gilded Legacy
Dessa Caldwell grieves for her friend Sophia Pierson, they had planned on starting a home for women who are caught up in white slavery and prostitution. Dessa is determined to carry out this dream. She has found a house in a not so respectable area that would be perfect in every way especially the price. But she needs a loan from the bank.
Henry Hawkins owns the local bank and his Uncle has just approved a large loan to Dessa Caldwell without his final approval. When she insist on thanking him, he could not take his eyes off her. He now had no intention of cancelling the loan. He doubted she would have any success with her venture but he had to admire her determination.
A local businessman of questionable reputation becomes enamored with Dessa and her cause, or will she become a pawn in his own plans. Although he is very attractive and acts the gentleman she has her doubts about his sincerity. Henry tries to warn her to not associate herself or the Pierson House with this man. She could loose everything she has worked so hard to build.
In this book the author brings to light white slavery and also of Chinese women sold into slavery. Women had few rights in 1887. Some married women were no better than slaves being forced to marry just for financial gain for their parents. In arranged and loveless marriages husbands abused their wives. In reading this story it is also very apparent employment opportunities were lacking for women, which caused some to starve or turn to prostitution.
The author did her research which made for an very interesting read. I am looking forward to her next book.
I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network/Tyndale House for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
April 4, 2013
All in Good Time, by Maureen Lang, is the second book in the Gilded Legacy Series. Having not read the first book in this series, Bees in the Butterfly Garden, I was reluctant to begin this one. This book, however, stands alone well, drawing the reader into the story quickly and holding his attention to the very end.
In the story, Dessa Caldwell dreams of opening a home to offer shelter and rehabilitation for former prostitutes on the edge of one of DenverâÂÂs roughest neighborhoods. She is thrilled to find herself approved for the loan to do so, even though bank owner Henry Hawkins is obviously reluctant to help her. But Henry finds himself impressed with Dessa in spite of himself, and both of them hope to keep their past secrets from the other.
I very much enjoyed this book. Lang develops her characters well, giving them realistic personalities that one can easily relate to. She included those that Dessa could help as well as those that would obviously refuse her help. She also addressed the issue that sometimes people are called to help those whom society does not approve of assisting, a fact that remains even today.
I recommend this book to all who enjoy historical fiction.
Kara
I received this book free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review.
March 30, 2013
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