In 1904, Hope Andrews, an aspiring fashion designer, struggles with leaving New York City. But with no job, her parents leaving the country, and an abusive ex-fiancé refusing to accept their broken engagement, Hope doesn?t have much choice but to give in to her parents? wishes that she move far away and live with her cousin indefinitely.Talented Benjamin Greene can?t deny his passion for … painting, but guilt over a painful incident in his past keeps him from sharing his gift. Instead, he devotes much of his days to helping his younger sibling rebuild a farm inherited from a great-uncle. Only his brother is aware that Ben spends his spare time in a studio on their property.In the small rural town of Riverton, Wisconsin, Hope and Ben can?t help but be thrown together. But as feelings for each other deepen, tension thickens over how talent should be used. Their mutual passion for art brings them together, but will it also drive them apart?
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A story of freedom
My rating is 4.5 stars
As with Sarah’s Smile, while there is romance and a great plot in Hope’s Design, there is a large focus on the spiritual growth of the characters and the lessons they learn about themselves and the Lord.
Ben carried tremendous guilt from something that happened when he was a teenager and he couldn’t allow himself to believe that he shouldn’t be bearing dire consequences. Despite his belief that Jesus had paid the price for his sins, he somehow still felt that he bore the guilt and shame. Praise God that Jesus took all that away when he died on the cross!
I enjoyed the tidbits shared about the Butterick pattern company as Hope spoke of them and tried to get them to accept her designs. Having used patterns by that very company (and others), this was another point that drew me in. Things I took for granted about using sewing patterns were shown as novel and new.
Hope’s cousin, Annie, had dreamed of creating a library in their town, and the process of doing exactly that took place. Again, it was fascinating to see what goes into an institution that I have taken for granted. In addition to that, Annie and Ben’s brother Jake presented a secondary story-line that enhanced the main one.
I may seem to be fixated on Rebecca (if you read my review for Sarah’s Smile, you’ll know I’m really looking forward to her story, which comes next!) I was able to see the beginning of her transformation here and the struggles she went through having people accept that she was changing. I have great hopes for her!
As a caution (because calling it a warning would be stronger than necessary) Hope had to leave New York to get away from a man who was abusive and controlling. This is handled in a very tactful manner, yet there is a portion of the plot dealing with abuse. If this is a sensitive subject for you, just be aware it is here so you are prepared.
Read with a Preview at AmongTheReads.net
I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Hope’s Design (The Daughters of Riverton, #2) by Dawn Kinzer
Riverton, WI 1904
What I like from the very start is that Hope is a talented fashion designer and Ben, a secret has some hidden talents as well.
They are thrown together as his brother Jake likes Annie-Hope’s cousin who she will be staying with for an extended time.
Like hearing of the Panama construction and the descriptions of what goes on there.
What I also like is connecting with others from the previous book, but you are brought up to date, not left in the dark about them.
I also am a fashion designer so this book is fascinating for me.
Hope has a huge secret that she doesn’t want others to learn about-Annie knows and will keep her confidence.
Love how color strikes Hope and Ben also and it’s a large part of the things they see in daily life.
Daisies-I also grow them myself and with my blue ktichen they fit perfect.
They find many of the same interests but she has to keep her distance because of her past secrets-she doesn’t want to go through them again.
Hope becomes upset when Ben didn’t stick up for others fighting…Jake informs her it is up to Ben to tell her….
Love all the discussions of the library and the fashion industry (Butterick and tatting, even memories of playing pinochle) and how Ben knows combinations of colors that go well together…through her tears (happy ones) she finds what he was hiding.
Like how they bring Rebecca into their circle.
Hope takes it upon herself to promote Ben’s work……then her ex fiancée shows up….
Love hearing how the youngest are kept busy along with everyone up to the elders in the community.
Thanksgiving holds special memories for those gathered around the table…
Discussions q&a at the end. Author bio included. Other works by the author are highlighted.
Free offer: Maggie’s Miracle.
I received this review copy by the author via Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and this is my honest opinion