The Cautious Maiden Book Review

About the Book

Violet Hawthorne is beyond mortified when her brother Ezra turns their deceased parents' New England country inn into a brothel to accommodate the nearby lumberjacks; but when Violet's own reputation is compromised, the inn becomes the least of her worries. In an effort to salvage her good name, Violet is forced into an engagement with a taciturn acquaintance; Vance Everstone. As she prepares for a society wedding, Violet learns that her brother had staked her hand in marriage in a heated poker game with the unsavory Rowen Steele, and Ezra had lost. Now Rowen is determined to cash in on his IOU. With danger stalking her and a new fiance who hides both his emotion and his past, Violet must decide who to trust and who to leave behind. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts

While this is the fourth book in a series, I read it as a stand alone since I haven't read the others. I have to say the first few chapters moved very slowly for me and I was starting to be disappointed. And then I kept reading, and I was completely captivated. I LOVED this book and I so want to read the rest. The setting in Boston and the surrounding area is lovely but the characters really make this book what it is. Violet is a unique woman who has fallen into unexpected circumstances. Vance is really my favorite. After a wild past and pretty scandalous dealings, he has come to know the Lord. I loved this story because it was so real. Vance is a new believer and yet he still struggles, this is real folks! I loved seeing him actually trying to be a good man not just for himself but to honor God. I loved Violet's forgiveness and understanding. There is intrigue and romance and sweet simplicity in this book. I highly recommend. 

Five stars. 

"I received this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review."