Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Wonderful Start to A New Series, July 2, 2007
Mia Stanley, from one of the wealthy and influential families of Philadelphia, was a vivacious young woman convinced she was a born matchmaker after so many of her introductions bore fruit in the culmination of marriage. To her families dismay she also wrote articles for GODEY'S LADIES BOOK magazine. After uncovering a nefarious plot exploiting seaman's wives on Philadelphia's docks, she became a woman with a cause. In her journalistic zeal to discover the perpetrator of these crimes, she not only put herself in harms way but was about to lose the high regard of the one man she came to realize was the true love of her life.
*** A long time fan of Tracie Peterson's emotional, adventuresome and inspirational series, I looked forward to starting Book 1 of LADIES OF LIBERTY. While this started off a bit on the slow side, with dialogs I felt were a bit stilted, I was soon caught up in Miss Mia's machinations and the story then steam-rolled into another lovely adventure.
The author did a splendid job creating and showing the reader how Mia was convinced her matchmaking talents were a gift - designed to bring her friends and acquaintances together in a perfect union; as well as her determination to champion the causes of the oppressed using her investigative journalism talents. Garrett, Mia's best friend, who happens to be the boy-next-door grown into a man, was fashioned perfectly, first as Mia's next matchmaking target, and then as her knight in shining armor. It would be while attempting to play matchmaker that Mia would discover, almost too late, that she already knew who the perfect mate for Garrett would be.
With Garrett, the author showed him as the concerned `big brother' who thought at first only to save Mia from treading on dangerous ground - taking chances with both society ruin as well as physical bodily harm. Built up slowly, the real reason for Garrett's concern dawned upon him and evolved into a lovely romance when Garrett realized he was no longer looking at Mia as another `little sister' but a vibrant and beautiful young woman who would make him the perfect wife.
Ms. Peterson fills the story with a memorable and likeable supporting cast, as well as a most despicable villain. She effortlessly brings forth lessons of faith in giving the reader better insights in life's lessons with a dash of humor and without being overly `preachy'. This best-selling author continues to entertain with her inspiring historical romantic adventures and it looks as though this new "Ladies of Liberty" series will be another one more feather to add to her cap!
Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A highly recommended read..., July 3, 2007
Mia Stanley has been Garrett Wilson's neighbor since she was a babe. They had practically grown up together. He's been her best friend and confidante, shared her adventures and dreams, and now that they are older, she has realized that it is high time she repaid his kindnesses. Mia decides that what Garrett really needs is a wife. And, with her talent at matchmaking, she's sure to find a lady of high regard with whom he can spend his life.
Finding the perfect lady is more difficult than it seems, though. Problems abound with each and every introduction that Mia makes. Soon, it becomes apparent that the match that she's looking for might have been right under her nose the whole time.
Mia's matchmaking must take a backseat when she discovers, through her writing job at GODEY'S LADIES BOOK, the terrible plight of the wives of Philadelphia's seamen. Mia must delve deep into the seedy side of life to get the story for GODEY'S, hoping that if the tale is told, others will also offer aid to the unfortunate women. In her quest to find a solution, she unwittingly puts herself in danger, and draws Garrett into the danger as well.
A LADY OF HIGH REGARD is a wonderful read, full of realistic heart-warming characters and a strong, but not overdone, message of faith. Author Tracie Peterson has created a richly romantic tale set against one of America's most interesting periods in history. First in the Ladies of Liberty series, A LADY OF HIGH REGARD is simply refreshing, leaving readers with a feel-good outlook and a positive message of hope and love.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
an entertaining and hilarious start to a series, August 26, 2007
A Lady of High Regard is the first book in the new Ladies of Liberty series by Tracie Peterson. It is also one of the most entertaining and hilarious series that I have read by Tracie.
Born into wealth and high society, Mia Stanley works for Godey's Ladies Magazine. Although her parents and best friend Garrett Wilson do not approve. Mia uncovers a dangerous situation at the docks where woman are being charged the debts of their dead husbands at unfair prices and are sometimes having their children taken away. Mia rushes forth to help these women while putting her own life at risk.
Meanwhile, Mia has a natch for matchmaking and has been trying to find the perfect woman, a lady of high regard for Garrett Wilson to take as a wife. Little does Mia know that Garrett has other plans and wishes for her to be that woman.
I really enjoyed this book. The dialogue between Mia and Garret was hilarious when they were arguing sometimes. In one scene where Mia was talking to her parents I burst out laughing at a comment her mother made. The historical detail in this novel is evident as well. It's as though you yourself are thrown in Philadelphia in the 19th century. Throw in a bad guy (Jasper Barrill) and you have an entertaining read. I'm really looking forward to the second book whenever it is out. Whether it continues the story of Mia and Garrett or introduces other characters, I know it will be an enjoyable read. :)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|
