Wednesday, July 13, 2011

On My Nightstand - Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

In 1831, divorce meant your life was ruined. Through no fault of her own, Annabelle Tyler discovers her husband of one week has abandoned and divorced her.

She leaves town, hoping to make a new life for herself when the unthinkable occurs. Her life goes from bad to worse when she and Harrison Graymoor, a fellow rider, are forced to marry at gunpoint to "defend her honor."

They make their way back to Philadelphia, vowing to get an annulment. Since Harrison is wealthy, he doesn't expect it to be a problem. Alas, nothing about this situation is easy, and their "marriage" lasts longer than either of them anticipated. Is it long enough for them to fall in love?

First of all, I'd like to thank my writing buddy and friend, Karen Lange, of Write Now, for blessing me with this book. The lady has good taste in reading material.

I loved this story from start to finish and couldn't imagine how the author would ever get these two characters out of trouble. When I thought everything was about to work out, she'd create another crisis.

This must be the year of great cover art. You don't get the full impact from this picture, but it's stunning. In my opinion, real people on covers create a more lifelike effect.

Be prepared with tissues for a good cry at the end. Delia Parr's storytelling will send me on a search for more of her work.

When was the last time a book elicited a strong emotional reaction from you? Has anyone ever told you one of your books, articles, poems, or devotionals touched them on that level? What about cover art? Real people or a drawing?

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher provided this book. The opinions expressed are mine, which holds true with all my recommendations.


12 comments:

Jan Cline said...

What an interesting cover! And isn't it nice to read a book that keeps you guessing?

Blessings
Jan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jan -

I couldn't keep my nose out of this book. Delia kept the tension going throughout.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jessica Nelson said...

I saw an excerpt to this book and I LOVED it. I'll def. be looking for it.

Kristen said...

OH, I'm in love with this book already!

Definitely real people on the cover.

As for a strong emotional reaction, I'm reading the classic "The Good Earth," by Pearl Buck, and there's a part where the husband starts berating his wife. I wanted to punch him! Not sure if that's what you're going for, but that's my most recent emotional reaction:):)

Chatty Crone said...

That does look like a good book - thanks.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jess -

Love your new pic!

The first page hooked me and never let go. I think you'll be happy you picked up this book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

LOL! You may recall in my interview over at Marja's blog I said I wanted to smack one of the characters in the book. I'd classify that as a strong emotional reaction.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Chatty -

Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Did you get a chance to see the interview on Monday?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Karen Lange said...

I am so glad that you enjoyed this book! It was excellent, wasn't it? About the time I thought things were settling down, they would pick back up again - it had a great plot. And yes, I agree, tissues at the end are necessary. :) Great review!
Blessings,
Karen

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan ... sounds an interesting story - those times must have been so troublesome.

Crying - I do it too often! I'm reading a book on cancer by a young sports presenter who died in the late 90s .. the book has some interesting aspects - sad though leaving a 16 year old daughter.

Delia's book looks a good one .. and Karen was clever to pass it over .. thanks - Hilary

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Karen -

She's quite a storyteller! Thank you for the book. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Hilary -

Oh, but this was a good kind of crying. Please don't be put off by the tears. :)

Yes, the more I read about the good ol' days, I'm happy to be living today.

Blessings,
Susan