Joy for Mourning (Exchange Series #2) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #23) [Paperback]

Dorothy Clark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2005

In a move that shocks 19th-century Philadelphia society, wealthy widow Laina Brighton turns her grand home into an orphanage. With the support of handsome doctor Thaddeous Allen, Laina is determined to give these waifs a better life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

" . . . riveting and fast-paced . . . a fabulous story." -- Romantic Times on Beauty for Ashes

"A powerful faith message . . . a wrenching tale." -- Romantic Times on Hosea's Bride

About the Author

Dorothy Clark is the author of two critically acclaimed romances, Hosea's Bride, published by Steeple Hill Love Inspired and Beauty for Ashes, published by Steeple Hill's women's fiction program. She lives in upstate New York with her husband. They have three grown children.

Product Details

• Paperback: 296 pages
• Publisher: Steeple Hill (July 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373785429
• ISBN-13: 978-0373785421
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,341,949 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars JOY FOR MOURNING by Dorothy Clark, July 30, 2005

By 

J. Toback (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joy for Mourning (Exchange Series #2) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #23) (Paperback)

BEAUTIFULLY DONE, TOUCHING historical romance. When widowed heroine Laina Brighton turns her house into an orphanage for homeless children with the help and support of local doctor Thaddeous Allen, tongues start wagging in 19th century Philadelphia. Despite all odds, this courageous duo forges on, giving these forgotten little ones medical attention, food and shelter, but more importantly, love and hope for a future. As they work side-by-side helping society's castoffs, they recongize the embers of love burning in their own hearts for one another. Dorothy Clark does an awesome job of writing deep characters with authentic emotions. Highly recommended!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Christian fiction, October 28, 2005

By 

Sherri R. Myers "book reviewer" (Upper Strasburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joy for Mourning (Exchange Series #2) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #23) (Paperback)

Using many of the main characters from her previous book, BEAUTY FOR ASHES, Dorothy Clark now brings us Laina's Story in JOY FOR MOURNING. Lonely and widowed, Laina decides to go visit her brother Justin and his wife in Philadelphia. After buying an empty mansion from Justin, Laina wonders if the empty rooms will ever be filled with children, which is her heart's desire. After learning of the town's need for an orphanage, Laina's purpose in life suddenly seems clear, but who will help her run such a huge endeavor? Could forward-thinking, ahead-of-his-time Dr. Thaddeous Allen be the partner Laina longs for, and the man God has chosen to bring her dreams to reality?

I really had a hard time putting this book down, and kept thinking about it as I was doing other things. Dorothy Clark is a fairly new author and one I will continue to read and enjoy for many years to come. Highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic stuff! A must read!, April 18, 2006

By 

Michelle Sutton (Arizona) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Joy for Mourning (Exchange Series #2) (Steeple Hill Women's Fiction #23) (Paperback)

What a wonderful historical! Joy for Mourning wasn't just a romance, but also an inspirational story about a childless woman who wants to help children in need, and a male doctor who desires to serve God by helping the truly helpless. It's God's definition of true religion...taking care of the orphans and the widows. And the author crafted the story in such a unique way. The inspirational element was truly inspirational, and so much a part of the story that it was seemless, yet powerful. I found Joy for Mourning emotionally gripping and tender. The romantic tension was compelling enough to keep me turning the pages, and the characters were very believable. Of course, the best part of all was the happy ending. This has to be one of the most enjoyable and interesting historical fiction novels I've read in years. The author has a fresh voice and wonderful writing style. I'm putting Dorothy Clark on my list of favorite authors as of today.