Della’s giving up all the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in a rural coal mining camp. Little does she know, she may soon be giving up her heart as well. But when tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della’s life will be changed forever. Based on true events, this thrilling new romance from award-winning and bestselling author Carla Kelly is a must-read!
My Thoughts:
Della had a rough life growing up. She grew up without a mother, as a coal miner's daughter. After her own father died, she was mistreated by relatives. In a way, her upbringing made her an even stronger person than she would have been otherwise. She has a different point-of-view on life than many other women in her situation would have. She can appreciate life on opposite ends of the spectrum, having experienced a taste of both. This endears her to everyone she meets.
Della is quirky and funny, sharing a love of life despite troubled times. Her admiration and love for her students and their families is inspiring to me as a fellow teacher. As she grows in her faith, her love of others and her love for herself, she is able to help those around her grow just as much. I think many readers can identify with her struggle at trusting God to make the right decisions when at times it doesn't feel completely right. There is also that amazing wonder at how unexpected joys pop up in the simplest ways.
Her relationship with Owen Davis is sweet. Though some aspects of their story are quite predictable, you enjoy watching them grow together.
All of the characters are likeable, even Miss Clayson, the cranky leader of the small school. Everyone has a story that explains their personality and life outlook. Characters are all very well-developed and continue to do so.
The story is somewhat based on fact. The end of the book includes an afterword that explains all of it. For me to tell you anything about the true story would be to give away important plot points and the ending of the story. You need to read it to find out what happens.
Meet the Author:
I’m a writer and a historian, author of a few novels and short stories, and mother of five children. My husband recently (last year) retired, and we moved from North Dakota to Utah, where we have relatives. You can learn more about Carla’s writing at carlakellyauthor.blogspot.com. And don’t forget to check out her other books:
Reforming Lord Ragsdale
Enduring Light
Borrowed Light
In Love and War: A Collection of Love Stories
Thanks for the nice review, Andrea. I'm a choir director and chorister in our little ward in Wellington, Utah, and wish I had a choir like the one in the Pleasant Valley Ward. The members were fun to create, and I'd like to have heard them sing, too! Wishful thinking, and maybe wishful writing.
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