Every Perfect Gift by Dorothy Love

MY REVIEW

In the 1880s, women were discovering their talents outside the home. The very first woman millionaire emerged in the 1880s and she was a Negro selling beauty care products to Negro women. In this story, Sophie comes home to face some demons fighting an uphill battle against prejudice. She is a journalist (man's world), owns the newspaper in her home town which for some reason isn't running. Also for some reason, she decides that she must go home where the people did not accept her because she was an orphan and her parentage was suspected to include Negro blood. Her reason for facing these demons isn't clear so I suppose those were discussed in the previous books.

Although the story stands alone just fine, there are a lot of questions that arose in my mind that were not answered.

In our more tolerant times, I do not believe authors understand the sheer pervasive and tenacious hold prejudice had on society after the Civil War. This story is a much more lighthearted look at a distinctly dark situation and frankly, if you are a stickler for historical accuracy, then do not read this book... it isn't even close for so much of the situation described.

One other thing that did not strike an authentic tone was the journalism. Most people would not notice, but someone who has been an editor would. I wish authors who write about journalists and about running newspapers would at least step foot into a newsroom, and would at least spend a couple of days with an editor so the reader could hear authenticity.

On the other hand, this story is written in such a way that you care very much for the characters. Even though this is the 3rd in a series, you get an excellent character development and the struggle against their particular demons is well developed. You get a good feel for small town living.

ABOUT THE BOOK


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 with him 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.