Sunday, September 7, 2008

The Measure of a Lady

The Measure of a Lady: A Novel The Measure of a Lady: A Novel by Deeanne Gist

rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first foray into Christian/historical fiction/romance, and I have to say I liked it!

The Measure of a Lady follows Rachel Van Buren and her brother and sister as they arrive in San Francisco during the Gold Rush. Rachel's father had passed away during the journey and, upon arrival, Rachel finds herself one of the few "reputable" women of the town among so many not-so-reputable men. As each of the siblings make different choices with their lives, Rachel has to learn how to let go and make some of her own adjustments to how she defines a true Christian. The romance part of it all is predictable, but still very enjoyable to read.

My only complaint is that sometimes Gist does an awkward (for me) kind of switching between third and first person. But, other than that, I just found this book pure fun to read. I can't wait to read A Bride Most Begrudging which I purchased at the used bookstore two weeks ago.

Do you have a favorite book in this genre?

Also read by: Becky's Christian Reviews

8 comments:

Emilia said...

Abram's Daughters. A series of five books by Beverly Lewis. They follow an Amish family over the course of several years. I think she needed a good edit and could have told the story in three books, but these offer a very interesting look into Amish life and were very useful to me when we first moved here to Ohio.

Anonymous said...

Yes, check out Redeeming Love (which I reviewed in April) by Francine Rivers. It was my first Christian Historical Fiction book and I LOVED it!

Tricia said...

Emilia: I think my mother-in-law has these...so I might have to mooch them off her next time I'm in town. :)

Stephanie: I've heard nothing but good stuff about Francine Rivers. Now I just have to read her! Thanks for the recommendation!

Booklogged said...

I read A Bride Most Beguiling by Deeanne Gist and enjoyed it.

I remember several years ago starting and reading about seven in the Left Behind Series.

And even further back I read some excellent books by Gerald Lund: The Alliance, One in Thine Hand, and Leverage Point. Very good stuff.

Amanda said...

There's two series of books that I just love both by Brodie Thoene called The Zion Covenant Series and the Zion Chronicles. Both are superb and take place before and after the making of Israel as a state.

Ladytink_534 said...

I don't really read this genre because some can get a little "preachy". I watched an interview with the author that said her books don't do this though.

Anna said...

I loved Abram's Daughters as well. Actually, I enjoy all of Beverly Lewis' Amish novels. You can't go wrong with those, in my opinion.

--Diary of an Eccentric

Rae said...

I grew up reading Christian Fiction. One of my favorite authors growing up was Janette Oke. She is the author of the "Love Comes Softly" series as well as many, many other books. I agree with Amanda, I loved the Zion Series and Chronicles books. It's been forever since I read those! I just might have to dig them out, dust them off and give them another read.