Love Finds You in Maiden North Carolina

by Tamela Hancock Murray

The Roaring Twenties comes to a very small town… At a time when most American girls are dreaming of bobbed hair and flapper dresses, Hestia Myatt dreams only of becoming a doctor. On a visit to Maiden, North Carolina, to care for an ailing aunt, Hestia becomes reacquainted with a handsome former classmate, Booth Barrington.
Things are going well for Hestia until her glamorous cousin, Selene, mysteriously arrives from New
York. Selene turns the heads of every bachelor in town and she seems to have set her sights on Booth. Will Hestia become resentful of her cousin, who can talk of nothing but speakeasies and wild soirées? Or can Hestia’s maidenly influence convince Selene to change her world-weary ways?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Christian, Historical, Christian Romance, Historical Romance

303 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2009

About the author

Tamela has been interested in writing in one form or another all her life. She contributed to all of her school newspapers by writing articles and editing. During her time as a Capitol Hill intern, her duties included answering constituent correspondence. Working as a college intern for the Bureau of Public Affairs, Editorial Division of the U.S. Department of State, gave her the opportunity to write in a more journalistic style, including news briefs for the Secretary of State. She graduated with honors in Journalism from Lynchburg College in Virginia. An award-winning, bestselling author, Tamela has more than 20 fiction and nonfiction books to her credit, and has written for magazines and newspapers. She has discussed her work on radio and television.
After serving as a literary agent at Hartline Literary Agency for ten years, Tamela is now thrilled to be with The Steve Laube Agency! Her professional affiliations include American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian Authors Network.
Tamela enjoys spending wonderful times with her husband and their two daughters, as well as extended family and friends.

Reviews

[Katie (hiding in the pages)]

Hestia is a young woman in the early 1920s who goes to a small town to care for her aunt. Her cousin ends up joining them, since she's in the family way and needs to endure her confinement in secrecy. Booth, a man of Hestia's acquaintance from years past, makes an appearance and Hestia is definitely interested.

I really enjoyed learning more about the roaring 20s--phrases, expressions, fashion, etc. However, this story was a little lacking in the romance department. I definitely could have used more.

[⚜️XAR the Bookwyrm]

Once again, I'm reviewing a Love Finds You that I had previously read. The first time I read this, all I had to say about it was that it was interesting. While that is a bit true this time around as well, I have to say that I was not that impressed by the story overall as well.

I found it to be extremely preachy, even for an Inspirational title. I can understand that this was set in the 1920s and some people were like that back then, but this too things a bit too far for my tastes. I didn't care for Selene's entry into the story or her continued presence, though I did enjoy seeing her path back to the Lord and the eventual romance that blossomed because of it.

Hestia and Booth's relationship was the main focus, but I really didn't see much where a romance could bloom, just from the short moments of interaction between the two of them. I also hated that Hestia's career ideas were unfulfilled and unexplored past her deciding that she empathized too much with patients to be of use to them. There were other options back then besides homemaker!

All things considered, this is not one I wish to keep in my Kindle library, but it is worth reading at least once.

[Hanna]

When your hero is a lame pathetic dud, being the only reason that the one romantic conflict cannot resolve, and there are no spectacular aspects to the story, the otherwise interesting book gets knocked down to three stars. Sorry, that's the way it goes.

Setting: Time actually travels quickly, starting in 1922, and spanning over a year. The 1920s fast life is combined with a small town's traditions of the past decade. Maiden and Lincolnton, North Carolina, are both mentioned as primary settings, and New York is also an origin of one of the characters (so is Haw River, also a real place in North Carolina). 1920s slang is heavily sprinkled throughout, as are the big cliches of the 1920s: bobbed hair, cloche hats, illegal drinking, makeup and hair dye, straight flapper dresses, and etc. The '20s aspects didn't feel all that natural to me, though, as if the rest of the dialogue didn't really fit. Not really sure why, but those are my feelings.

Characters: The role of the different characters is actually unique and rather fresh. I did not expect Selene to have such a prominent character arc, but I enjoyed it--especially in the role of non-main character (that would have been a face-palm-worthy romance). I enjoyed Hestia as the "perfect" main character--the balance of her goodness, but having inner struggles, is done well.

Artie, also as a more minor character, is better than if he were the main hero. He's a little cliched, but also rather sweet. The main hero leaves a bit more to be desired; more specifically, he's a pathetic sap. He has dumb expectations, and has no drive. Not really much of a personality, either, at least a consistent one. In the beginning he admires Hestia for her traditional tastes, but at the end he shrugs and says, "Your bob looks great!" That was one major disappointment for me--not necessarily that Hestia bobs her hair or wears straight-line dresses, but that she does it in the name of "fashion"--and Booth wasn't supposed to like it! But he does. And now I'm asea as to exactly what tastes the main characters have.

Aunt Louisa is good, if a little wishy-washy in her personality by the end. Her treatment toward Selene is well-written.

Plot: I touched on this in the Character section, but again, the side plot with Selene is better and more interesting. The romance between Hestia and Booth is so drawn out, with no real obstacle between their romance besides Booth's silence. Really, no one deserves to win a girl when he doesn't know how to be a proper suitor. And Hestia's desire to be a doctor is not shown as a real obstacle for the majority of the plot. In fact, her supposed desire to go back to Haw River is not convincing, as the reader is never shown how much she enjoys/is needed in her hometown.

I also didn't really appreciate the portrayal of "traditional" romance (as opposed to Selene's modern way). I think this is, again, a complaint about everything Booth does (or doesn't do). From the way Olive interrupts every possible romantic moment, and then the way Booth shies away from sharing his feelings, it's like the pre-1920s way was anti-romantic. Nope, no displays of affection allowed. Believe me, there were plenty of illicit actions going on historically, even in rural areas or small towns. Young people were not dissuaded by the eagle eyes of the local Miss Olives. Certainly proper relationships would not be discouraged, but Booth doesn't even know how to court properly--so of course he fails miserably for most of the book! Traditional avenues of budding romance, with moral boundaries, are sadly ignored in this otherwise charming small-town setting.

Writing: The writing style isn't spectacular, and there are a bit too many cliche statements that are just unnecessary. The interesting parts of the plot, however, overwhelm this minor downside.

[Kate]

Because this book took place over an extended period of time (several months), the romance aspect seemed to flow naturally from the circumstances in which Hestia and Booth found themselves. I appreciated that as sometimes romances can be a little too 'insta-love'-y.
I'll be honest that I felt uncomfortable with the attitudes of many of the characters during the first 2/3-ish of the novel. They *said* they weren't judging another character, and yet their conversations and actions conveyed a judgemental attitude, rather than the Christlike love that was required. One particular character DID show that Christlike love, and their example changed the whole narrative. LOVED that!
I appreciated that there was a specific message that Christ is our salvation, and that a believer should not choose to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
3.5 stars

[Amilda K]

This author's story helped me through the hours of medical prep and waiting for the appointment the next day. She captured my interest enough for me (and my gut) to ignore the minor inconveniences and be pleased to have the time to read this ebook about others' successful faith journeys and second chances. (Audiobooks, almost never romances, generally are my preference. Perhaps I'll explore more faith based romances.)

[Heather Ratliff]

Good read but a little slow - the story picked up and sped through a lot toward the end of the book and ended kinda abruptly.

Set back in the early 1900s it follows two cousins as they live with their aunt following hard things in life and how life changes for them and they find love in Maiden, NC

[Kbarker]

Book wasn't a favorite. Kinda preachy, one niece the good girl and one in the family way who wore too much face paint and flapper clothes. Just not my kind of book.

[Rebecca]

Not very enjoyable. Very static plot, characters, and descriptions. Boring.

[Denielle]

Easy read. Good relaxing story.

[Tamra Muir]

Charming retro story. Christian fiction.

[Samantha Cornwell]

Such a beautiful story!! Showing us how God can make beauty from ashes. Sweet love stories to boot. Loved the 1920s :)

[Maddison H]

I enjoyed this read! At first I wasn’t too keen on it because it seemed the whole story line happened right at the beginning. It did give almost the whole story at the beginning and you could guess the end but I found the whole book a nice change.
If you enjoy the Love Finds You… books pick this one up!

[Maggie Boyd]

The roaring twenties are more of a whimper in Maiden NC. Hestia comes to Maiden to take care of her ailing aunt. The trip also serves to get her out of town after a broken engagement which has been accompanied by battered self-esteem. Hestia's fiance broke up with her because she kept her hair long, her dresses longer and her stockings black rather than nude. Not silky black but a clunky cotton black that made her look like an old lady. When her fashionable cousin Selene comes to Maiden too, Hestia finds proof that fashion can lead to folly when it turns out Selene is pregnant.But as the two girls get to know each other, who will influence whom?

Adding some spice to our characters lives are two local men. Neighbor Booth knows both girls as childhood playmates. But can he possibly have a future with Hestia as more than friends? Artie has a past and much like Selene, had to build a new life for himself amid some judgment. Will he be able to be more than just a friend and mentor to the lovely young woman?

The author did a great job of capturing the era but I was confused by her story and characters. Booth wanted Hestia but seemed to have no idea how to go about a courtship. Hestia couldn't seem to shut up about her ex. The aunt vacillated between being judgmental and then for no reason whatsoever giving in on the very issue that was originally condemned. It was an okay story but those problems kept me from loving it.

[Loraine]

SUMMARY: The Roaring Twenties come to a very small town…Two young women visit their ailing aunt in Maiden, North Carolina, where both seek to recover fro broken romances. But one of them harbors a scandalous secret…

REVIEW: Although fairly predictable, this delightful roaring 20's novel gives a wonderful glimpse into the changing mores of the young people of that time period and how the changes led to heartache and pain for some of them. The old-fashioned storyline reminded me of Grace Livingston Hill's writing.

The theme of second chances as displayed by both Selene and Artie after giving in to temptations brought about by changing society and the loss of focus on faith due to those temptations was well developed throughout the story. In turn, both Booth and Hestia displayed how a strong Christian foundation can cope with accepting those changes that still maintained that foundation.

I enjoyed the author's depiction through Aunt Louisa of accepting some changes while standing strong on the basics of a good moral compass whereas Miss Olive depicted those who live in judgment rather than leaving that to God.

I did feel that the story did slow down in places but overall a good read.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "I think that as long as a person seeks the Lord's guidance every day and stays in His will, life will be all it's meant to be."

"Keep God close at hand, mo matter what the style or notions of the day may be."

[Barbara]

Set in the 1920's, this book gave an interesting look at what life might have been like at that time, the choices women had to make, and the societal changes that were occurring. The romances portrayed were sweet, and the ending was satisfying. I enjoyed seeing the characters change and grow throughout the story, but there were times it seemed like a little bit more action would have made it even more interesting. There were good reasons, but several of the characters weren't able to go anywhere or do much for part of the time, which cut back on what adventures could be woven into the plot. Historical fiction lovers will enjoy experiencing the 1920's through the eyes of several characters of different backgrounds and experiences. Probably closer to a 3.5 for this reader.

[Victoria (hotcocoaandbooks)]

This is a love story about two ladies who are cousins who visit their bed ridden Aunt Louisa in Maiden, North Carolina. They each needed to get away from problems at home. It is 1922 and one of the cousins is very old fashioned for her age while the other is a bit of a flapper. The two of them start to form bonds and learn about one another while also beginning to learn more about faith in Jesus and true love. Each of them have a love story and it was wonderful to read! I think it definitely made me feel like I was there while reading it.

[Amy]

It was ok, not as good as the first in this series I read. They are written by different authors, so that has an effect (or is it affect, I can't ever remember). I got tired of them talking about the main character leaving to go back home and so nothing could happen with the boy she met. It was not resolved soon enough for me and then not enough given to it at the end. He just proposes and everything is fine in the last 2 pages of the book. Disappointing end.

[Barbi Huhn]

What a sweet, heartwarming book!
I loved Hestia, Aunt Louisa, Selene, Artie and Booth. I also enjoyed the fact that you got 2 romances for the price of one with this book.
It was neat to read about the 1920s in this book and how differently Selene and Hestia approached things such as style and language. Selene used many phrases that I had never heard of.

[Sandy Duke]

I've enjoyed all of the books I've read in this series. This one started out a bit slow, but it did continue to hold my interest. I enjoyed stepping into the 1920's and examining how society was changing during that decade.

[Lauralee Bliss]

I loved this setting and time period - it was unique and interesting. I did find the plot a bit too predictable, but that's how it goes with many books.

[Dawn]

Nice, clean story but very predictable and slow moving.

[Lena]

I loved it!

[Emma Mac]

It was a very good read

[Whitney]

I loved this book! The time period, the small town setting, and how the main characters each changed in their own ways and both found love!

[Aimee]

This book was harder for me to really get into. Once I did start reading it though, I did enjoy it.

[Liz]

Pretty good.

[Stephanie]

Novel set in the 1920s that illustrates both maidenly purity and second chances.

[Linnette]

Good story, but a lot of work to read.

[Charlene Mills]

Good read.