Born into affluence, Mia Stanley is a winsome socialite with a knack for matchmaking. She’s also a writer for Godey’s Lady’s Book magazine, much to the dismay of her family—and their society friends. A proper young lady of her social standing isn’t meant to labor in such a way, but Mia has always had a way with words. When her writing draws her into the world of downtrodden seamen’s wives on Philadelphia’s docks, Mia uncovers an alarming scheme that puts her in harm’s way. But her heart ends up on the line as well. Has her determination to always make a match driven away the one man whose esteem she covets?
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"What a refreshing change from the dark and overly-intense books I've recently finished! This was a fast and pleasant read. I enjoyed the setting of Philadelphia, 1852. The concerns of social status and marriage and factory workers, indentured servants, child labor and justice, as well as Christian duty were interesting enough. The main character, Mia Stanley and her best friend Garrett Wilson were also likeable enough. This was a nice diversion and a gentle enough mix of tension, purpose, romance, adventure and principle. I think I'll enjoy trying another Tracie Peterson book soon."
— Chrystal (4 out of 5 stars)
“In this first book of a new series by bestselling author Peterson, the romance, humor, and adventure are nonstop. Peterson does her research, and it shows in each book she writes. Fans of historical romance will rejoice! 4.5 stars”
— RT Book Reviews“Tracie Peterson sets a fine example of everything Historical fiction should be.”
— RomanceDesigns.com“I thoroughly enjoyed Mia and Garrett’s story which strikes many emotions.”
— Trudy Smith" A nice love, slight thriller based in victorian times. "
— Cathy, 2/20/2014" I liked it, but then it got l.o.n.g... and a bit preachy. By the end I was bored. "
— Adair, 2/7/2014" Mia was kind of annoying in some parts but overall, this was a good read "
— Candace, 1/29/2014" This was a sweet quick read. I enjoyed it, you need a bit of formula fiction every once and a while. "
— Tamera, 1/22/2014" The timing of the book is in the "Jane Austen" time, but the language was a lot easier to follow. A fun read. "
— Shellie, 1/20/2014" I liked it ok. The romance was very Emma/Mr. Knightly-esque: girl and guy have known each other forever, he's 8 years older and friends with her father, he's super successful and acts as her moral soundboard, he's very handsome and is finally looking to take a wife, she's young and beautiful, adored by her family, loves playing matchmaker amongst her friends - I mean seriously, is any of this sounding familiar? Set in Philadelphia during the 1850s, it really was a nice setting for a novel. My only beef is that I found it far too preachy. Paragraphs upon paragraphs devoted to the discussion of God's will and why He allows suffering among innocent people and how can the rich help the downtrodden. It got real preachy, real fast. And while I'm not opposed to talk of God, I typically read it in a religious-type book. This is touted as fiction. It simply rubbed me the wrong way. I found myself skipping over pages at a time just to get to the "plot". I guess I'm more of a heathen than I thought! "
— Natalie, 1/19/2014" I enjoyed this book and like her writing. I enjoyed the mix of romance and suspense. I also enjoy books that have a strong heroine character. "
— Kim, 1/5/2014" I've enjoyed all of the books in the Ladies of liberty series- This one especially. Wonderful full, characters with faults and goodness. Admirable writing and interesting plot. I loved how she brought a very real issue into fiction. "
— Natalya, 12/19/2013" I didn't manage to finish it. I just don't feel connected to the heroine. Or the story. I find her to be too careless about her causes sometimes to feel that she really cares. "
— Suzi, 11/30/2013" I like this author. This book ended a little abrupt and sappy for me, but was still a fun and quick read. "
— Dawn, 11/29/2013" Simple and easy love story. Guessed the ending and skipped some but it was very clean and fluffy. Has a time and a place. Not for people who ready heavier books. "
— Nicola, 11/28/2013" A good book for sure, but not one of my most favorites. I am, however, still excited to read more of the books in this series/by the author! "
— Jennifer, 9/28/2013" "It was a good book for one that loves a book of beauty, wonder, and a little mistary....to finish off with a interesting, lovely ending." "
— Emily, 9/18/2013" A really good book!Kind of slow in the beginning because of the dialouge... But besides that a great book!! "
— Lexi, 3/28/2013" I don't think I'll be reading anything else from this series. The main character has good moral fiber, but is a lot blind to common sense and had to keep being rescued from her own impulses. "
— Jen, 1/1/2013" A fun, sweet read. I enjoyed the romance between the main characters. It reminded me of Jane Austen's Emma. "
— Laura, 12/28/2012" A silly, uninteresting book. I picked this up because the covers for Tracie Peterson's books are simply gorgeous - I just wish the stories were as well. I should have known better. "
— Lydia, 12/18/2012" Really like this book... Reminded me very of Emma by Jane Austen and the romance between Emma and Mr. Knightly. "
— Natalee, 6/16/2012" Enjoyable fast read christian romance. "
— Lisa, 6/1/2012" I LOVED the main characters of this story, Mia & Garrett. I stayed up WAY too late last night finishing the last 1/3 of the book because I couldn't put it down. It's a wonderful love story w/ some action and suspense at the end. Garrett can be my knight in shining armor anyday. "
— Teresa, 2/20/2012" I liked the book but it was a little boring, up until the end. "
— Kyami, 1/19/2012" I bought this book at a used book sale but I still want my $1 and my two days back. "
— Robin, 11/19/2011" Tracie Paterson takes the plot from Emma and gives it some suspense. A fun read. "
— Debbie, 6/5/2011" I've enjoyed all of the books in the Ladies of liberty series- This one especially. Wonderful full, characters with faults and goodness. Admirable writing and interesting plot. I loved how she brought a very real issue into fiction. "
— Natalya, 4/3/2011" Great period piece romance with Christian themes, moral dilemmas, choices and their dramatic consequences. "
— Stacy, 3/8/2011" I couldn't really get into this book. Not a lot to the plot. I ended up just skimming the second half. "
— Michelle, 2/8/2011" Cute story. I think it was a little like Emma where she falls for the best friend. <br/>The frustrating part of the book was that she couldn't take advice from anyone. Especially when she was putting herself in dangerous situations. I was ready to throttle her is she was real. "
— Tierra, 1/5/2011" Lovely little story. I enjoyed it. "
— Shelly, 12/29/2010" I enjoyed the story and the writing...the ending could have been more developed and longer, though. "
— Alyssa, 12/14/2010" Way too cheesy for me. I don't think I'll read the rest of the series. "
— Katie, 10/28/2010" Didn't know what to expect when I started this and was pleasantly surprised to find it a christian romance....a historical christian romance. Even better! Enjoyed it! "
— Karina, 10/19/2010" I bought this book at a used book sale but I still want my $1 and my two days back. "
— Robin, 8/15/2010" Historical fiction about a young woman who wants to help end injustices in her city. Better thoughts on poverty and faith than usually present in a Christian romance. "
— Stephanie, 7/2/2010" "It was a good book for one that loves a book of beauty, wonder, and a little mistary....to finish off with a interesting, lovely ending." "
— Emily, 6/4/2010Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over one hundred books. She was awarded a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 2007 for inspirational fiction and has won a number of other prestigious awards. She previously managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line and teaches writing workshops at a variety of conferences every year.
Gilbert Morris was a pastor before becoming an English professor and earning a PhD at the University of Arkansas. Gilbert has been a consistent bestselling author in the Christian market for many years. He and his wife live in Gulf Shores, Alabama.