Beauty for Ashes

Author: Karen Baney
Genre: Historical Romance
Series: Desert Manna #1
Release Date: March 7, 2022

As a widow who lost her husband in Sherman’s fiery march to the sea, Rebecca Elliot struggled to provide for her son. When she hears from her brother in Prescott, Arizona, she makes the journey west to start over. An unexpected tragedy on the last leg of her travels changes the trajectory of her heart and life as she never could have imagined.

Perry Quinn finally said goodbye to his late wife when his life is turned upside down. When he loses everything that he worked hard to accomplish, he must humble himself and start over while trying to find the answers to why he lost everything. Along the way, a kind woman steals his heart and reminds him that there is beauty in the middle of the ashes of his life.

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Reviewer: Billi Varela

This is a beautiful story of God taking the ashes the devil meant for harm and turning them into something beautiful.

The story was effectively written and never had a dull moment. This book is perfect for anyone who loves history and romance. The first part of the book had a bunch of it. The author, Karen Baney, wrote everything so well that I could picture the town and the jobs being done. However, it was never a boring explanation that loses the reader. It kept me engaged in the story. The second half had more of the romance of the book. The first part did have some, but it was mainly in the second half. 

The only thing that felt a little disappointing was the romance. It felt too rushed. I would have liked to see it at a slower pace.

However, I loved the characters. Their history, which was filled with sorrow, was used to make their relationship into a beautiful masterpiece. I was sad to see it come to an end. I will miss them.

I also loved the spiritual level this book had. The scripture verses that were chosen were beautifully woven into this book. It had a good ending with the characters fully into Jesus. 

It was a clean read, which gets a big thumbs up from me.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

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Reviewer: Linda Klager

Both Perry Quinn and Rebecca Elliot have gone through much loss, death, and tragedy.  

Rebecca still missed her husband, who died in the Civil War. She had a son, but her husband never knew that he had a son. Rebecca was brought up on a hemp plantation and lived a lavish life. When her father, brother, and husband died, Rebecca found out that her father's wealth was also gone. Rebecca, her son, and her mother lived very frugally. After her mother died, she was invited to move to Arizona to live with another brother.

The stagecoach ride was very arduous, and when they reached a stop, there was a very ominous smell and danger lurking. They found a man who was almost dead and transported this man in the stagecoach to town to be attended to by the local doctor. Rebecca was very surprised because this man looked a lot like her deceased husband.  

There was a fire, and Perry Quinn lost all his belongings and his life's work, too. His ranch was gone, as were his workers and livestock.

Rebecca knew the extent of the loss that Perry was experiencing. She lived it. Rebecca was a very caring and strong woman.

Perry Quinn admired Rebecca very much, and that affection turned into love. Rebecca returned his love.  

I liked their love story except for the French kissing!  

The author tied in the book's title very well with wonderful Scripture from the book of Isaiah. There can be beauty from the ashes of a person's life with the Lord Jesus Christ!

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