CBA best-selling author Tracie Peterson-acclaimed for more than six dozen gripping novels, including the Alaskan Quest finale Whispers of Winter-launches the first installment in a series that stars winsome, independent heroines. Featuring non-stop adventure, endearing characters, and surprising twists, this compelling tale of wholesome love transports listeners to the opulence and privation of 1852 Philadelphia. Charming young socialite Mia Stanley has a knack for matchmaking-and for sticking her affluent little nose into trouble. Much to the dismay of her proper parents and their highfalutin friends, she also writes for Goodey's Lady Book magazine. When her writing draws Mia into the seamy world of the downtrodden, she uncovers shocking secrets that threaten her safety. But as Cupid's arrow tugs her heart in an unexpected direction, she fears her reckless independence may have dashed all hope for true love. Barbara Caruso's exhilarating narration helps charm listeners with the excitement, fun, and romance of Peterson's captivating gem. "4.5 stars . 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!"-Romantic Times
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"Loved the plot of the story and how the author brought everything together in one final sweep. Both the main characters played a vital roll to build the story to a believable and enjoyable read. The word was practically demonstrated. To serve and help your fellow man and honor your parents and He will do the rest. Thanks for sharing the story."
— Lynelle (5 out of 5 stars)
4.5 stars … 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!
— Romantic Times" This story was basically a retelling of Jane Austen's Emma. The characters were somewhat flat and one dimensional and the storyline got largely predictable and repetitive after a while. The ending also seemed rushed and unsatisfying leaving some, albeit trivial, loose ends. Definitely nowhere near Peterson's best. "
— Sheila, 2/13/2014" Lovely little story. I enjoyed it. "
— Shelly, 2/11/2014" It started out too slow for me - but picked up in the end. Enjoyed it. "
— Kaye, 1/31/2014" 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, 1/20/2014" 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, 1/13/2014" Great period piece romance with Christian themes, moral dilemmas, choices and their dramatic consequences. "
— Stacy, 1/11/2014" I like the era in which this is written, and it was a good story, but it dragged and didn't keep my attention like other authors do. It was very predictable, and although that's not a bad thing by itself, this one was too much so. I'm not sure what it was, and it was a good book, but not great. "
— Loraine, 1/1/2014" Very sweet book and a must read for those that like Christian Fictuon with a touch of romance. "
— Tammy, 12/15/2013" Tracie Paterson takes the plot from Emma and gives it some suspense. A fun read. "
— Debbie, 12/13/2013" OK..hero a bit too artiocratic but who can help themselves with a damsel in distress. "
— Sherri, 12/7/2013" If you like sermons and interrupted confessions of love, then you'll love this. The story would have made a great short if you cut out all the repetitiveness. It's more focused on how we should reach out to the poor than on being an actual story. "
— Anna, 11/23/2013" "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, 11/13/2013" I really like books that are love between long-time "just friends"..and this book didn't disappoint but instead was a great fun story about a woman who wanted to right the world and the man who wanted to right her!! "
— Larik, 10/27/2013" This was a good book that held my attention. It was easy to get into and read. The plot reminded me a lot of Jane Austens book Emma. I wouldn't mind reading more from this author. "
— Justina, 9/23/2013" 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, 9/21/2013" Really good plot, funny, romantic, and fairly realistic. "
— Elise, 6/24/2013" 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, 1/29/2013" I liked the book but it was a little boring, up until the end. "
— Kyami, 2/19/2012" Mia was kind of annoying in some parts but overall, this was a good read "
— Candace, 2/7/2012" I like Tracie Peterson. She writes about interesting periods of time and issues that I've never really thought about. This is about a woman being an advocate for the poor families of a seaport. I've liked the whole series, but this one was my favorite. (Firsts usually are in a series!) "
— Kim, 12/19/2011" I bought this book at a used book sale but I still want my $1 and my two days back. "
— Robin, 9/11/2011" 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, 7/4/2011" I really enjoyed reading this book a lot! Some of it was a little racy, but other parts were totally intense. I would have given it 5 stars, if the author had spared some of the racy details. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I cannot wait to read the next. "
— Hannah, 6/25/2011" This was a sweet quick read. I enjoyed it, you need a bit of formula fiction every once and a while. "
— Tamera, 6/15/2011" 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.
Barbara Caruso, winner of numerous Earphones Awards for narration, is an accomplished actress. A graduate of London’s prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, she was a featured player in the Royal Shakespeare Company. She has played starring roles on Broadway and in theaters across the country. She won the Alexander Scourby Reader of the Year Award for her performances of young adult fiction and has more than one hundred audiobook narrations to her credit.