A Reluctant Melody

This book will have you guessing from the beginning. What happened to Joanna? What was her encounter with Kit? My mind was guessing at something, but was it correct? That alone kept me reading more.
I really enjoyed both of the characters, they obviously had been changed by circumstances. I loved the way Kit allowed the love of Jesus to redeem his past and then make a difference in other people’s lives. He had no fear in reaching out, which is exactly how we all should be with our lives.
Joanna seemed a bit unsure of herself but as the book progressed she changed too and became stronger.
Overall, an enjoyable read.

A copy of this book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.

A Reluctant Melody gives us more than a glimpse into the public and private lives of the Victorians. Following Ardoin's last novel, The Yuletide Angel, Kit Barnes and Joanna Stewart meet in North Carolina after several years apart. But now, Joanna's a widow with a house to sell. Kit wants to buy a house, but she doesn't want to sell to him. And so begins a romance that involves alcoholism, spousal abuse, and a few other topics of conversation that weren't discussed in Victorian parlors.

Ardoin's book beautifully illustrates that there were many malignant issues plaguing the households of the Victorian era.Yet, no one spoke of things that happened behind closed doors, hidden behind the flowing skirts and dictated manners of the time. This story flows from the beginning, catching and carrying you along with it. Ardoin's rich descriptions bring the Victorian era to life. She highlights the great divide between the attitudes of those who thought they were better and those who didn't then wraps it all up into a beautiful story of redemption and love.

I've watched a couple of episodes of Downton Abbey, but stopped after the first season. I like historical fiction, but it's not my favorite genre. However, I'm re-reading A Reluctant Melody for the second time because it's so well-written. I loved this book and I think you will, too.

If you like novels set in the Victorian period, or if you like rich novels that deal with honest issues, I think you'll love this book.

My thanks to the publisher for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.

What a beautiful story Sandra Ardoin has spun! You're gonna love this one!

Joanna Stewart is a widow under suspicion by the entire town. Her husband died the day after the doctor pronounced the pneumonia under control and that Clayton Steward should be almost back to normal within a couple of days. She can't stand the looks the wealthy residents give her, so she's become somewhat of a recluse, accompanied only by Rose, her best friend, and her friend's little girl, Annie.

Her wealthy husband hadn't left her with much, one formerly elegant house, but it didn't surprise her. He hadn't had any respect for her since she had told him her shameful secret. However--her much older husband's son, just a couple years older than Joanna--makes no secret of his pursuit of her. She has warm but not ardent feelings for her stepson, Perry Stewart, but he's persistent. She has to sell the old house, and Perry agrees to handle the sale.

Christopher Barnes (better known as Kit) is part of her shameful past, and when she finds out it's Kit who wants to buy her house she attempts to block the purchase.

Meanwhile, Kit has a shameful secret of his own--he's an alcoholic, but reformed. In fact he and the man who believed in him enough to help him reform, are wanting Joanna's house in order to provide help for other men trying to escape the grip of liquor.

Meanwhile a ruthless man seeks to destroy Joanna, one way or the other, or force her into a life she doesn't want. But then, even Joanna isn't sure of the life she wants.

Suspense, romance, mystery--all mixed up in one delicious book. Grab it, folks.

I received this book free in return for an honest review.

I love anything that Sandra Ardoin writes. This is no exception. Her characters are so real and so endearing that I still think of them often. This is a wonderful story of redemption and hope. No matter what you've done, there is restoration and complete forgiveness in Jesus. This is a lovely picture of how the Lord goes over and above to give us better than the desires of our hearts!

A Reluctant Melody captivated me from start to finish! This is the first book that I have read by Sandra Ardoin, but it will definitely not be the last.

Oh, I just loved these two main characters, and the book is full of interesting secondary characters, as well. Kit and Joanna have both made bad decisions in their lives and both have paid for them in various ways. The big difference is that Kit has discovered that God can redeem anyone, no matter what they have done, while Joanna is weighed down in guilt.

The back story between Kit and Joanna is so sad and painful that it makes overcoming the past very difficult. I really enjoyed the flow of this story and the slow rebuilding of trust between them. There are also secrets that are being hidden, which complicate things. With a bit of danger and mystery, A Reluctant Melody is thoroughly enjoyable and has a powerful message.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.