Plain, practical Eleanor Braddock knows she will never marry, but with a dying soldier's last whisper, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.* Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes/ AS work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all.
Pages: 471 pages Series: Belmont Mansion #2
Setting: 1868 Nashville Tennessee
Published: April 24th 2014
Publisher: Bethany House
*
My thoughts?
"She turned then and headed straight for him.
He summoned an air of practiced nonchalance...
The woman didn't so much as blink in his direction as she passed.
Feeling aptly put in his place - and not overly fond of the feeling, Marcus watched her exit the post office. He wasn't accustomed to being ignored."
*
Reminiscent of Jane Austen's beloved Elizabeth and Darcy,
the stage is set for the iron sharpening iron between Eleanor and Marcus.
The more I read, the deeper my love grew for these two,
and for their possibilities of a relational future. Intelligent, witty, compassionate ~ Eleanor has me cheering for her
from page one. At the bedside of a dying soldier, I see her
caring heart, the rule of life that motivates her, that compels my
desire to see, to know more.
471 pages later I'm still desiring more. {tweetable}
*
Accomplished author, Tamera Alexander, introduces us to such a grounded and solid young woman
it is a pleasure to meet and follow her journey. Financial downturns
as her father's dementia prevents the provision to which they're accustomed are capably handled by Eleanor and a new life direction
embraced. Not content to burden another, albeit a relative, she
arrives on her wealthy aunt Adelicia's doorstep with plans for provision
in hand. Will her aunt support her in her dreams? She hopes...
*
The turns in situations, relational influences, dependencies and
independencies, as Eleanor makes her way to freedom through each new
circumstance, is reading that inspired me. No hysterics or drama.
She knows what she's about. A pleasure to follow her on her journey.
When the gorgeous Marcus makes his debut in her life,
the sparring has just begun!
*
He's determined to establish his own name despite the life
he's born and entitled to. Again, a character of strength and determination. They are a match whether or not they can see it or desire it.
And the reader has the joy of the ride through their discoveries.
*
Well drawn scenarios of the era, destitute single moms and children
flooding the city after the war losses, extreme wealth versus poverty
without a directed social network, marriages arranged for financial gain,
political shenanigans, and the perseverance of our main characters
in the face of resistance at each level, provides a novel of depth.
*
Highly recommended for reading enjoyment that lasts.
5*s from me. A Beauty so Rare ~ indeed!
*
Author Bio:
USA Today bestselling author Tamera Alexander is a novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose have earned her devoted readers worldwide as well as multiple industry awards. Tamera enjoys a devoted international following with her books being translated into German, Dutch, and Polish. She recently returned from a book tour in The Netherlands for the release of A Lasting Impression,the first of three Belmont Mansion novels, showcasing the larger-than-life history of Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America at the time, and the Belmont Mansion in the years following the Civil War. A Beauty So Rare is book 2 of this series.
Tamera isthe recipient of two RITA awards for Best Inspirational Romance.
Tamera and her husband have returned to their native South and reside in Nashville, Tennessee, where they enjoy spending time with their two grown children who live nearby, as well as a ten-pound silky terrier named Jack.
To play
along, just answer the following three (3) questions…
• Whatare
you currently reading?
• Whatdid you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?
For Me ?
Currently reading: Has just been moved to recently finished !
Recently finished:
Another Historical Suspense from Laurie Alice Eakes
JUSTReleased Tuesday April 22.14 Couldn't put it down ! Laurie is a master storyteller with plot surprises that
catch me every time - {tweetable} Love the intrigue and creativity!
Debut fiction from Canadian author Emily T Wierenga.
#17 of the Quilts of Love series
A moving memoir of a woman's life from coming of age
through to her current autumn years. A journey to France
for service in WWII, her return and the special quilt that impacts the lives of
so many in the world she inhabits.
My introduction to an accomplished historical author, Tamera Alexander. An April NEW RELEASE ~ Book 2 of Belmont Mansion series,
I connected so deeply with the main characters I was at a loss for them when the novel ended! {tweetable} Beautiful writing, humour that consistently increased my attachment to MCs and plot worthy of my investment of time spent in their company.
A new fav author!
*
What will I get to next ?
A couple samples - Definitely Not short on selections!
Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:• Grab your current read• Open to a random page• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away - You don’t want to ruin the book for others!• Share title & author so that others can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My teaser ?
"She turned then and headed straight for him.
He summoned an air of practiced nonchalance...
The woman didn't so much as blink in his direction as she passed.
Feeling aptly put in his place - and not overly fond of the feeling, Marcus watched her exit the post office. He wasn't accustomed to being ignored."
From A BEAUTY SO RARE by Tamera Alexander
Impoverished and struggling to care for her ailing father, Eleanor arrives at Belmont Mansion, home of her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America--and possibly the most demanding, as well. Adelicia insists on finding her niece a husband, but a simple act of kindness leads Eleanor down a far different path--building a home for destitute widows and fatherless children from the Civil War. While Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve of this endeavor.
Archduke Marcus Gottfried has come to Nashville from Austria in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Hiding his royal heritage, Marcus longs to combine his passion for nature with his expertise in architecture, but his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the widows' and children's home run contrary to Eleanor's wishes. As work on the home draws them closer together, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expects. But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor, and even if he were, someone who knows his secrets is about to reveal them all...
*
I have grown attached to these two characters in the reading of this excellent novel. Every reading opportunity reveals further brilliant plot and relationship developments.
Tamera has a wonderful way of creating deep reader-character connections along with humourous situations that keep me pursuing more.
5*s and highly recommended !
*
Here's a three chapter excerpt to whet your appetite !
Sharing this video exploring the inspiration behind
A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the
Belmont Mansion series by Tamera Alexander.
*
In anticipation, author, Tamera Alexander, has offered us some tempting tidbits...
Grab your favourite cup of tea in a fav spot to relax
and enjoy this tasty recipe
of our main character, Eleanor ~
Eleanor Braddock’s Savory Custard
{or Ham and Cheddar Quiche}
This seriously creates some cravings !
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 custard as it bakes.
In my novel, A Beauty So Rare, the second standalone novel in the Belmont
Mansionseries, the heroine, Eleanor Braddock, is "a cook with a
dream." But her dreams don’t quite turn out like she thinks they will.
However, her savories always do!
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 TameraAlexander.
Ingredients
1 old-fashioned unbaked pie crust (see 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)
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. { If you happen to have any leftover ! }
Eleanor Braddock’s Old-Fashioned Pie Crust
(makes two large crusts)
From the novel A Beauty So Rare
This is a wonderful
crust that I’ve been using for years. Eleanor would likely
have used lard in place of Crisco (since lard was cheaper than butter in her
day), and you may too, if you prefer. Yes, lard is still available on most
grocery shelves, although I’m pretty sure I just felt you shudder!
This pie crust
"freezes beautifully " as they say in Steel Magnolias (instructions on
freezing below), so even though I may need only one pie crust at the moment, I
always use this recipe and make a second, and freeze it for later. Makes that
next pie (or savory custard) go twice as fast!
1 ½cups Crisco (or lard)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
5 tablespoons ice water
1 tablespoon white
vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
In a large bowl, using
a pastry cutter (or two knives will do the job), gradually work the Crisco into
the flour for 3 to 4 minutes until it resembles coarse meal. In a smaller bowl,
whip the egg and then pour it into the flour/shortening mixture. Add 5
tablespoons of ice-cold water, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar and 1 teaspoon of
salt. Stir gently until all ingredients are blended well.
Halve the dough. Form 2
evenly-sized balls of dough and place each into large sealable plastic bags. Using a rolling pin, slightly flatten each
to about 1/2 inch thickness to make rolling easier later. Seal the bags and
place them in the freezer until you need them. (If you’re using the crusts immediately, it’s still a good idea to let them chill in the freezer for about
15- 20 minutes. They’ll be much easier to work with.)
When you’re ready to roll the dough for your crust, remove from the
freezer and allow to thaw for 15 minutes (if it’s frozen). On a well-floured surface, roll the dough, starting
at the center and working your way out. Sprinkle flour over the top of the
dough if it’s too moist. If the dough starts to stick to
the countertop, use a metal spatula and gently scrape it up and flip it over
and continue rolling until it’s about ½inch larger in diameter
than your pie plate (or iron skillet).
Using a spatula,
carefully lift the dough from the surface of the counter into the pie pan. (I
sometimes fold my well-floured dough in half and then "unfold" it
onto iron skillet. Or you can lop it over your rolling pin. That works well,
too.) Gently press the dough against the sides of the pan or skillet, getting
it all tucked in. Then crimp the edges in whatever way you prefer. And now, you’re ready for that yummy savory custard filling above, or maybe
for a fruit pie.
A final word from the lovely Tamera Alexander ~ If you make this recipe (or
if you’ve read A Beauty So Rare), I’d love to hear from you. You can write me through my website at Tamera Alexander
