Publisher’s Description:
“For readers who love a heartwarming romance and a rich historical setting comes a tale of a young woman with a heavy burden, the International Cotton Exposition, and the pursuit of true love.
Eighteen-year-old Laurel Millard, youngest of seven children, is expected to stay home and “take care of Mama” by her older siblings, but Laurel has dreams of starting her own family. Operating a silk loom at the Atlanta Exposition will give her the chance to capture the heart of a man wealthy enough to take care of Laurel and any children she might bear, as well as her mother.
Langdon Rochester’s parents have given him an ultimatum: settle down with a wife or lose his family inheritance. At the Exposition, Langdon meets Laurel. Marrying her would satisfy his parents’s command, she would look lovely on his arm for social events, and in her besotted state, he believes she would overlook him continuing pursuing rowdy adventures with his unmarried buddies. Langdon decides to woo Laurel. Willie Sharp is not well-off and must take on an extra job at the Atlanta Exposition as a security guard. When mischief-makers cause trouble in the Women’s Building, Willie is put in charge of keeping the building secure. He enjoys visiting with Laurel, who seems like the little sister he never had, but his feelings for Laurel change to something much deeper. Can Willie convince Laurel that he can give her better life–even with so little to offer?”
My Review:
Kim Vogel Sawyer has done a remarkable job of setting her story in Atlanta in the year 1895 and making it relevant to our world today. She’s tackled the difficult subject of racism during that period of time and kept the story both readable and relatable. Through the characters of Quincy, Willie, and Laurel, we see the problems of being viewed through the prejudices of race, economic status, or family. This book is very well written and the storyline is quite interesting. All three of the main characters face decisions and difficulties that make them take a close look at what they believe about race, social standing, and friendship.
I found the story of Willie and Quincy’s friendship to be compelling. They must decide if their being of different races will affect their life-long friendship as they are now young adults.
Willie turns to the Bible for some answers, but Quincy is not quite sure he can put bitterness aside and turn to God. Laurel is experiencing prejudice through the lens of social/economic standing. I found myself wondering how I would handle some of the situations they face, and to me, that’s one of the marks of a great author: Writing a story that’s both compelling and convicting.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.