I am super excited to be a part of this blog tour for a great friend of mine, the amazingly talented Jeanna Ellsworth! :D
Thanks so much for letting me join in. ♥
Below is my review for her newest novel: To Refine Like Silver(TRLS).
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But what if that isn't the case? What if a certain single gentleman of ten thousand a year has no thoughts of matrimony, but only to live peaceably and happily with his young and healing sister? Until one day he crosses paths with a most unusual and bright-eyed young lady who just so happens to be the witty and perfectly tolerable Elizabeth Bennet?
Thus we are reintroduced to our dear old friends of Pemberley and Longbourne - but in an entirely new and brilliant light.
Now full of life and a desire to help others, Elizabeth Bennet had dealt with much pain and sorrow in the past, struggling with pain and depression for years; however, she has learned to rejoice and grow in the trials that are brought her way- Fully Relying On God to use these situations to purify and refine her into the woman He wants her to be, and to help her view them as milestones, rather than millstones.
This concept of relying on God is a bit harder to grasp for someone who has never seen the benefits and significance of refinement; Elizabeth knows as soon as she sets eyes on Georgiana Darcy that God has called her to be the short-term neighbor to this Darcy-sibling-duo for a reason.
Both William and Georgiana are challenged and encouraged by Lizzie (and by a few others they meet along the way) in lessons of forgiveness, unconditional love, the importance of molding their wills to Gods', and, ultimately, refinement through trials.
Something I want mention in agreement with a fellow reviewer and in appreciation to Jeanna, would be her lovely way with words- particularly in her use of metaphors; written simply yet profoundly, they are thought-provoking and encouraging.
Also- on the topic of appreciation: I'd like to specifically thank the author for writing in that bookshop scene (she knows the one)- it truly did my bookish heart good, my friend. ^_^
Regency and Inspirational Romance fans do not want to miss this work of literary art!
Jeanna has a vibrant and vivid way of capturing the English countryside and sophisticated regency era, customs, and manners that would make Jane Austen proud.
A hot cup of tea and a large comfy sweater compliment this novel to perfection (and take my word for it and clear up your schedule, because you won't be able to put it down)!
"Sadness is just a feeling; it cannot consume you."
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Now for some exciting news!!!! Here is your chance to win a copy of To Refine Like Silver (ebook or paperback- winners choice) from the author- just in time for Christmas! :D
To enter, simply leave a comment below including your email address, and if you'd like to also ask Jeanna a question, feel free and she will be answering those throughout the week.
This giveaway will be ending Saturday, December 20th.
On Saturday I will be announcing the winner, along with a TRLS-themed conversation with Jeanna! You don't want to miss it!
Sincerely,
I would love to know how you came about having Darcy go to the silver smith to see how silver is refined. It was exceptional and I had never thought about it. I know the words in scripture
ReplyDeleteZechariah 13:9 and I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name,
It has always been one of my favorites. I just never thought of it the way you used it. It gives a person pause to think.
I would like to know if at some point you used a real life experience - I can't imagine writing it so well without having had the experience.
Good question! The whole book was inspired by a five minute devotional by my bishop. He shared the story of the blacksmith and how silver can only be refined in the hottest part of the fire. He shared with me the scripture of Malachi 3:3 and from there I started doing research. I studied the scriptures in the bible and found there were several with references to silver refining. I thought that was pretty cool. Then the research went online resources and I learned how to silver is actually refined. I learned so much. I knew the basics of what I needed to happen in the plot and from there is was deciding how much Darcy would figure out and at what point to reveal the bits of information I had learned. I would LOVE to actually see silver refined but I have not ever done so. Now you ask about real life experiences, I have struggled with depression before and so writing Georgiana's perspective was fairly easy. I simply closed my eyes and tried to describe that terrible abyss that depression is. I found it was far easier than I thought and I am very proud of the emotion infused in Georgiana's character. Good luck on the giveaway!
DeleteI recently read Pride and Persistence which is absolutely brilliant. Funny and serious all in one package and I love Jeanna's style of writing. Would love to read TRLS as well (it's on my rather long Wish List!).
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow health professional, I do like that she brings some of that into her writing from time to time. Makes me rather glad that I live now rather than in the 19th century, that and indoor plumbing!
Is the giveaway open internationally? Can't see whether it is or isn't on the blog post but I'm in the UK. If it isn't, then I can understand why but an ebook would be acceptable if possible and a paperback even more.
Thank you for your kind words! Pride and Persistence is the closest thing to a romantic comedy that I have written. I tend to be more closely described as romantic dramas since all the emotion and angst I infuse in the characters makes it that way. I hope you do get a chance to read To Refine Like Silver
DeleteI agree that I would love to visit the Regency period...but I do not wish to live there. I like the nostalgia and customs but I love my internet and electricity... not to mention what in the world did they do when they had their courses? YUCK! They did not even wear under where with crotches! Some things I simply could not live without.
The paperback is U.S. only, I'd be happy to send an eBook if you win!
Anji, I need your kindle information since you won the giveaway! :D If you do not have a kindle, please let me know so I can choose another winner and let Jeanna know. Thanks! Merry Christmas!
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