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Blessings of Love #1
Brushstrokes and Blessings
A painful past can't hold her back, but she won't let herself fall in love…
Darcy Malone is not the person she was in high school. She's earned an art degree and is determined to make a respectable name for herself teaching at the elementary school. When she runs headlong into a visiting stranger, she's fascinated by his confident, upbeat smile and love of art and history, but the thought of him learning her past makes it easy to keep him at arms-length.
History professor, Wade Spears, is researching a book, and his next stop is the quaint town of Blessings. He has a big decision to make, but it's impossible to choose when it feels like something's missing from his life. He's mesmerized by the beautiful art teacher's kindness and creative energy, but there's something mysterious about the way she deflects all of his efforts to get to know her.
Can the artist with a past brush over ancient history, or will she send away the man she loves to achieve his dreams without her?
Darcy Malone is not the person she was in high school. She's earned an art degree and is determined to make a respectable name for herself teaching at the elementary school. When she runs headlong into a visiting stranger, she's fascinated by his confident, upbeat smile and love of art and history, but the thought of him learning her past makes it easy to keep him at arms-length.
History professor, Wade Spears, is researching a book, and his next stop is the quaint town of Blessings. He has a big decision to make, but it's impossible to choose when it feels like something's missing from his life. He's mesmerized by the beautiful art teacher's kindness and creative energy, but there's something mysterious about the way she deflects all of his efforts to get to know her.
Can the artist with a past brush over ancient history, or will she send away the man she loves to achieve his dreams without her?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2019
40 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Thorne
54 books507 followersDanielle Thorne is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author of inspirational small town romance. She also writes historical romance and YA non-fiction. A graduate of BYU-Idaho and Ricks College, she has over twenty-five years of experience in her wordcraft. Danielle lives south of Atlanta, Georgia, with family, friends and felines. Find out more about her and her books at daniellethorne.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 7, 2019
Beautifully written book about new beginnings. That our past doesn’t define us. That we can rise above it and be the very best of ourselves. That what we originally mapped out for ourselves doesn’t need to be set in stone, but can change accordingly to be our hearts desire.
Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, clean romance.
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
Thoroughly enjoyed this sweet, clean romance.
I received this as an arc and I am giving my honest review voluntarily
September 7, 2019
Darcy Malone is now the local elementary school art teacher. But, her past is nothing to be proud of and she's trying to prove to those in town that she's changed from the girl she used to be. When a stranger shows up in town and doesn't seem to care about her past, can she believe him? Can she actually move on and not let her past define her future?
Wade Spears is on sabbatical to finish a book he's writing about the Santa Fe Trail. He also has major life decisions to make about his future career. So, when his heart starts responding to the local art teacher, he starts to think about other aspects of his future. But, she keeps pushing him away. Can he get past her defenses and convince her to join him in his plans?
This is a tender story wrapped around the theme of not allowing your past to define your future - that although personal history cannot be rewritten, you can change and have a different future.
Character development is realistic. I can visualize Darcy desperately trying to move on from her childhood reputation and the humiliation when those who used to know her won't let her forget. Then, I can visualize the struggle Wade is going through - trying to make such monumental decisions.
The romance is also realistic. Yes, there's the initial attraction, but there's enough time built into the storyline to allow for real emotions to develop. The timeline works.
All in all, a feel good story that's encouraging at the same time.
Romance - PG / kissing only
Language - clean
My rating - 5 stars
Wade Spears is on sabbatical to finish a book he's writing about the Santa Fe Trail. He also has major life decisions to make about his future career. So, when his heart starts responding to the local art teacher, he starts to think about other aspects of his future. But, she keeps pushing him away. Can he get past her defenses and convince her to join him in his plans?
This is a tender story wrapped around the theme of not allowing your past to define your future - that although personal history cannot be rewritten, you can change and have a different future.
Character development is realistic. I can visualize Darcy desperately trying to move on from her childhood reputation and the humiliation when those who used to know her won't let her forget. Then, I can visualize the struggle Wade is going through - trying to make such monumental decisions.
The romance is also realistic. Yes, there's the initial attraction, but there's enough time built into the storyline to allow for real emotions to develop. The timeline works.
All in all, a feel good story that's encouraging at the same time.
Romance - PG / kissing only
Language - clean
My rating - 5 stars
September 26, 2019
A sweet small town romance that was fun to read. I really connected with Darcy and how she was trying to overcome her past. Wade is really sweet and is just what Darcy needs while he is trying to figure out what he wants in life. Can they work past everything to be together?
I received a free digital copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own.
I received a free digital copy of this book. All thoughts above are my own.
November 2, 2020
Darcy is an art teacher, who is haunted by her past. Known as a free spirit and coming from the wrong side of the tracks, the residents of her hometown won't let her forget who she is.
Meanwhile, Wade is a history professor passing through town to do research for an upcoming book. He loves his job, but craves something more.
When Darcy and Wade meet, sparks fly, yet she worries her past will keep him from living his true dreams.
This is a cute, small town romance story.
I loved Darcy's character and how's she's creative. Although, she tries to act tough, the snarky attitudes from the residents often gets to her. I loved the relationship with her mother, who was a hoot as she offered advice about Wade.
Speaking of Wade, he's got the makings of a strong and confident guy, but as he explains about his past, he's been burnt by love. I liked how he had a sensitive side too, which is how I like my heroes.
Darcy and Wade's relationship was cute as they shared a love for creativity and family. I loved how he came to Darcy's defense, and cheered her when she was down in the dumps. You can't help but root for them, as a couple and as individuals.
The author did a great job of developing their characters and their romance. I also loved how she made the antagonists someone you detest, and it was great to see them put into place.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and it'll remind you of a feel good Hallmark movie.
Meanwhile, Wade is a history professor passing through town to do research for an upcoming book. He loves his job, but craves something more.
When Darcy and Wade meet, sparks fly, yet she worries her past will keep him from living his true dreams.
This is a cute, small town romance story.
I loved Darcy's character and how's she's creative. Although, she tries to act tough, the snarky attitudes from the residents often gets to her. I loved the relationship with her mother, who was a hoot as she offered advice about Wade.
Speaking of Wade, he's got the makings of a strong and confident guy, but as he explains about his past, he's been burnt by love. I liked how he had a sensitive side too, which is how I like my heroes.
Darcy and Wade's relationship was cute as they shared a love for creativity and family. I loved how he came to Darcy's defense, and cheered her when she was down in the dumps. You can't help but root for them, as a couple and as individuals.
The author did a great job of developing their characters and their romance. I also loved how she made the antagonists someone you detest, and it was great to see them put into place.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and it'll remind you of a feel good Hallmark movie.
July 10, 2022
This is a clean, wholesome and enjoyable read. I felt for Darcy, as she was bullied while growing up and some people are still giving her a hard time just because they can. But she keeps on going despite all of it. Her mom is great, and so is Wade. Wade is just passing through at first, traveling the Santa Fe Trail to learn its history and write a book about it. I loved how he and Darcy interacted, and how they both grew and figured out that what they were doing wasn't making them happy so both wanted to change things up. It is great how Wade is not judgmental about Darcy at all and stands up for her. Great descriptions and the ending was great.
May 9, 2020
The small town of Blessings Kansas is such a sweet setting for this tale. The author's descriptive writing transported me there. The characters are so likable and the townspeople are wonderful with a sprinkling of awful! I loved Darcy and Wade's story. I look forward to more in the series.
August 3, 2020
Great, clean romance
I love these stories about changing lives for the better and having to help the rest of the community get on board. This is the first story I've read by Danielle Thorne and it looks like I'll be reading more.
I love these stories about changing lives for the better and having to help the rest of the community get on board. This is the first story I've read by Danielle Thorne and it looks like I'll be reading more.
April 18, 2020
This book was fine. I really didn’t feel like the two MCs had a great connection especially since Darcy refused to open up about her past. Kisses only
June 18, 2020
Not so great
But I really like her other books so I was surprised. the whole thing kinda dragged through. Maybe skip this and try a different book first.
But I really like her other books so I was surprised. the whole thing kinda dragged through. Maybe skip this and try a different book first.
September 23, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
I will not summarize this story because it was already given in the description of this book and I do not want to give any of the plot away. The purpose of this review is to give potential readers information to make an informed decision about reading this book.
What I enjoyed:
• I liked that the story took place in a small town called Blessings, Kansas.
• The story made me ask myself, should all of life have a plan set in stone?
• The story caught my interest right from the beginning. I sympathized with Darcy overhearing two of her fellow teachers talking about her behind her back.
• Wade was a wonderful man trying to define and discover the course his life should take.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This story took place in the fall. The mood of the story was warm, and calm just like the holidays surrounding this time of the year.
• The love between Wade and Darcy developed at a reasonable rate and was built on more than just attraction. It was built on long lasting building blocks for live.
• There were no major editing problems and the story was coherent and flowed smoothly.
• The pacing of this story was neither too fast nor too slow.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that.
I was given an ARC of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I recommend this book to those who like small town romances.
I will not summarize this story because it was already given in the description of this book and I do not want to give any of the plot away. The purpose of this review is to give potential readers information to make an informed decision about reading this book.
What I enjoyed:
• I liked that the story took place in a small town called Blessings, Kansas.
• The story made me ask myself, should all of life have a plan set in stone?
• The story caught my interest right from the beginning. I sympathized with Darcy overhearing two of her fellow teachers talking about her behind her back.
• Wade was a wonderful man trying to define and discover the course his life should take.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done, easy to visualize, and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• This story took place in the fall. The mood of the story was warm, and calm just like the holidays surrounding this time of the year.
• The love between Wade and Darcy developed at a reasonable rate and was built on more than just attraction. It was built on long lasting building blocks for live.
• There were no major editing problems and the story was coherent and flowed smoothly.
• The pacing of this story was neither too fast nor too slow.
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This was a clean read and I appreciate that.
I was given an ARC of this book. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own. I recommend this book to those who like small town romances.
October 12, 2019
Darcy Malone had been born and raised in Blessings and after traveling and getting her art degree, she has returned to her hometown. Unfortunately, there are some in town who can't forget her past and they don't want to let her forget it either. She has a short-term contract as an art teacher in the local school but what she really wants to do is create her art. She teaches because she feels she needs to to be safe.
Wade Spears is a history professor writing a book and he is traveling the Sante Fe Trail to learn its history and record it in his book. He has been offered a job as a professor at a university in Missouri. He stops in Blessings on his route to spend some time writing and decompressing. Then he meets Darcy and his world begins to change. He doesn't know if what he always thought he wanted is still what he really wants. Can one's dreams change and be better than you ever imagined?
This book told a sweet, romantic story and new love and self-discovery. It is a clean romance without descriptive sex scenes or foul language.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
Wade Spears is a history professor writing a book and he is traveling the Sante Fe Trail to learn its history and record it in his book. He has been offered a job as a professor at a university in Missouri. He stops in Blessings on his route to spend some time writing and decompressing. Then he meets Darcy and his world begins to change. He doesn't know if what he always thought he wanted is still what he really wants. Can one's dreams change and be better than you ever imagined?
This book told a sweet, romantic story and new love and self-discovery. It is a clean romance without descriptive sex scenes or foul language.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
October 12, 2019
This was a really enjoyable, clean, wholesome read. It took me a lot longer than normal to get through it due to travel & frequent interruptions, so it probably felt a bit longer than it actually is. I enjoyed the pace that the book was set at. It covers a span of a few weeks without making it feel too long or jumping ahead too fast.
I enjoyed the character development & interactions between the two key characters & how they both come to learn that the past doesn’t have to control the future.
All in all a happy read with a feel good ending. There is also a brief teaser for the next book in the series that has me intrigued so now I’m off to read that one haha
I enjoyed the character development & interactions between the two key characters & how they both come to learn that the past doesn’t have to control the future.
All in all a happy read with a feel good ending. There is also a brief teaser for the next book in the series that has me intrigued so now I’m off to read that one haha
October 12, 2019
Sweet story
Darcy had a rough time growing up in a small town, and people don’t let her forget it! Along comes Wade and they are great together. I really like how together they could overcome bullies! I really enjoyed the end!
Darcy had a rough time growing up in a small town, and people don’t let her forget it! Along comes Wade and they are great together. I really like how together they could overcome bullies! I really enjoyed the end!
November 23, 2022
This was a lovely clean story and a good start in the Blessings of Love series. I enjoyed reading about Blessings, Kansas and the wonderful people there that the author created so well. This was definitely a hard to put down book for me and can't wait to read more on this series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews