The Potter's Lady - Judith Miller

Having successfully graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design, Rose McKay convinces her brother Ewan, to buy a pottery business.

Taking over from the respected owner will be a daunting prospect for Ewan as his expertise is with bricks. So when Mr. Bancock, the ill and aging proprietor requested that his loyal assistant Rylan Campbell be kept on, Ewan is happy to abide by the suggestion.

With a good business head, Ewan keeps all the staff, not just Rylan, Rose begins to make changes - cleaning work areas, schooling for the child workers - most agree but Rylan, uncomfortable with change tries to make everyone see it's best for the pottery.

When they start to lose business, Rose receives a letter from her Alma Mater's principle about a contest that she thinks the McKay pottery should consider entering. The Franklin Hotels will grant a commission where the winning entrant will create an urn and plate ware for all the Franklin Hotels. It's a chance/opportunity to get the McKay Pottery name on the map.

However, Rose's beau - Joshua Harkness, owner of Harkness Potteries - seems to be a sticking point with her design partner, Rylan. The young Irishman suspects that there is something amiss between Harkness and Beatrice, the McKay's nanny. Should he disclose his suspicions?

Will Rose and Rylan be able to set aside their differences and create an amazing work of art as well as a cost-effective design for every day? Or will Joshua succeed in claiming Rose for his own and be the downfall of McKay Pottery?

Set in the 1870s, Miller's novel is a well written, engaging drama. The story of Rose's burning ambition and desire to make her mark in the world is tempered by the slow romance building between her and Rylan. Nicely descriptive, the characters met are appealing and sometimes provocative.

I really enjoyed reading this book. There was a hint of predictability with the plot, but with appealing family members it wasn't a hard slog to read. With such a story, I knew and expected some altercation to take place, but it's handled well (and in keeping with the era). The story is a yarn gently woven with moments of intricacy. It's about trust, family loyalty, hard work and ultimately faith in God and the path that He has chosen. A recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House as part of their blogging program to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.

Defiant Heart - Marty Steer

Set during the second world war, a few months before Pearl Harbor is bombed, Jon Meyer arrives in Jackson, Indiana. Losing his parents and brother in a tragic automobile accident, Jon finds himself on the doorstep of his grandmother. It is not a warm welcome.

Nevertheless, the mature highly intelligent sixteen years old starts at the local high school. There he sees the young woman he saw at the 4th July parade - Mary Dahlgren. A beautiful blue-eyed blonde whose intellect has her studying a year above her peers. The attraction is mutual. But Vernon King, the handsome popular (and also a bully) basketball player has other ideas. Mary will be his girl. Adding to the mix is Mary's father, who is also against Jon and his daughter starting anything. He's campaigning to become a US Congressman and their burgeoning relationship is likely to cause an upset to his political career.

Despite these objections, they date - secretly - until one fateful night when Jon is arrested for apparently attacking Mary. He is sent off to war (instead of jail) whilst Mary is sent to the hospital leaving those around her wondering if she'll recover from a coma. As the war intensifies, Jon doesn't forget Mary. He keeps in touch with a friend, Ben Walker, who not only taught Jon how to fly but whose son is also in the army. Ben has the difficult task of telling Jon that Mary has moved on and no longer wants anything to do with him.

Yet not all is as it seems. Mary discovers the truth about the attack and sets out to find Jon overseas. She loves him, he loves her. Will the separation caused by a politically consumed father and war keep these two apart?

Beautifully written, Steere's novel is a love story to define an era. The trials and tribulations that this young couple have to face is tough yet it's their deep affection that motivates them to pursue a relationship. The characters met - Walt, Ben, Grandma Wilson - are well thought out, distinctive and add a completeness to the overall story and both Jon and Mary are extremely likable. Expressive and descriptive, the novel evokes a perfect example of how a love story should be told.

An amazing story that had me going through a range of emotions. Unsure as to whether I would enjoy a historical drama, I nonetheless dove in to find Steere's writing, language and characters created a compelling read. The final few chapters are dramatic with the entire novel completely engaging. A highly recommended read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author to review. The opinions expressed are my own and I am not required to give a positive critique.