Review: Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

Ethan and Sophie long to share a future together. But the secrets they’re not sharing could tear them apart.

Sophie Caldwell has returned to Hickory Ridge, Tennessee, after years away. Despite the heartaches of her childhood, Sophie is determined to make a home, and a name, for herself in the growing town. A gifted writer, she plans to resurrect the local newspaper that so enchanted her as a girl.

Ethan Heyward’s idyllic childhood was shattered by a tragedy he has spent years trying to forget. An accomplished businessman and architect, he has built a majestic resort in the mountains above Hickory Ridge, drawing wealthy tourists from all over the country.

When Sophie interviews Ethan for the paper, he is impressed with her intelligence and astounded by her beauty. She’s equally intrigued but fears he will reject her if he learns about her shadowed past. Just as she summons the courage to tell him, Ethan’s own past unexpectedly and violently catches up with him, threatening not only his life but their budding romance.

Find out more about Dorothy at http://dorothylovebooks.com/.

Review:

After being taken in by some very kind people, Sophie has spent a long time in Texas. However, she feels the pull to return to her home in the small town of Hickory Ridge. Sophie wants to start up the local paper again. The biggest news is the new resort opening up in the mountain above Hickory Ridge. Sophie decides to interview the supervisor in charge on things at the resort, and he turns out to be a very handsome young man named Ethan. Ethan and Sophie immediately feel drawn to each other, but they are both hiding secrets about their pasts. Ethan and Sophie will have a chance to make it if their pasts don't overrun them.

This was a very enjoyable book. I loved Sophie. She was a hardworking woman in an age where she was not entirely accepted. She knew what she wanted to do and was determined to do it. I loved her zeal for reporting. You want her to succeed because she is so determined. Ethan was equally determined to do his job, but I felt like you didn't get to know him quite as well. I think some of this is due to the fact that his secret stays hidden until much closer to the end than Sophie's. Ethan and Sophie had a host of other characters to help them through their tale, and they had equally interesting lives. I especially liked the storyline involving building an infirmary.

There were some very important topics discussed in this book. One of the most important was the idea of equality. This was touched upon in a couple ways. One was racial equality. As Sophie deal with her past, she must deal with the poor way she has been treated because of her suspected bloodline. Ethan has to deal with something similar but in a very different way. Another thing touched on was the ability we have to take care of our fellow men. There were many poor who were not able to get adequate medical care, and the building of an infirmary was meant to help with that. So many people pitched in to make this happen out of love of others. Overall this was a very enjoyable book that combined history and romance into a fun package.

Galley provided for review.