Arthur Davenport has it all: looks, money, and a successful future planned by his parents. He knows that something is missing, but when he and Josie, his mother’s maid, develop a friendship that can only be based on Christian values, he realizes that his love for her is the key to his happiness. Can he convince her that he would gladly give up his life of luxury for a life of service with her?… her?
Newport, Rhode Island in the last decades of the nineteenth century was a stunningly beautiful and glamorous playground for the rich during the summer months, and a perfect setting for a romance between a rich young man from New York City and a local girl who works for his family. The two couldn’t possibly expect to have anything in common, as he is expected to follow his father in a financial career and she is merely a maid with a mother who takes care of local children while their parents work. Arthur Davenport, spoiled and bored, unsure of his place in his family and in the eyes of God, truly meets his match in Josie Warren, who is often just a bit hard on herself for not being the perfect Christian in thought as well as deed. The two meet on the famous Cliff Walk, and neither of them can imagine where or how their instant attraction will take them as he struggles to make his parents understand that his calling is the same as hers, to help those less fortunate. He has no money of his own, and if they disinherit him out of disapproval, how can he help Josie, who has spent her life working hard to help support herself and her mother? More importantly, how can he convince her that he would gladly give up his life of luxury just to be with her?
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This story is all about following the path that God has set before you, rather than following the demands of the accepted social hierarchy.
This is a love story, but the main story is the love of God for His children.
I received a review copy of this audiobook, and I am leaving a voluntary review.
This was a delightful story of love between people from different classes yet both true believers. Arthur is new in his faith, but God has set up a very evident path for him to follow. Josie is well rooted in her faith and takes each new day as a way to bring Him glory and serve Him! As they build a new life together they are also bringing change to their community and their families!
I enjoyed the narration but there were a couple of times Dana’s narrator voice was the same as the character’s voice. My favorite portrayal was of Arthur’s mother’s voice! It really showed the breeding and money this character exemplified!
Both the author and narrator are new to me and I look forward to their future works!
Beautiful story with a tender romance between two people of a different social backgrounds – a challenge in loving when it is hard. Love of God and compassion shines through the characters of Arthur and Josie even in the midst of misunderstandings and disagreements. I’ve enjoyed this book!
I enjoyed listening to this sweet tale of two people from different social classes, back in a time and place where your social standing clearly defined how you were treated and what opportunities you had.
This story took place in Newport, Rhode Island, which is a location that I have visited twice in my life and toured the grand “cottages” of the wealthy. These summer home “cottages” were in actuality grand mansions for the upper crust of society.
I liked the two main characters, Arthur and Josie, as well as the side characters of Josie’s mother and the local doctor. All four of these people valued following God’s leading for their lives.
This was a sweet novel, which was enjoyable to listen to. The narrator did not do separate voices for each of the characters, yet that was not a drawback at all. She had such a lovely voice, it was as if I was sitting in a room, listening to someone read to me. I definitely liked listening to it and would recommend it to those who enjoy clean, Christian historical novels.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
“I won’t ask for the moon just yet, but that doesn’t mean I don’t hope for it.”
I love historical romances, christian not so much. But this one, this one really undid me. I loved every single word of it.
Cecily’s writing is realistic and I could easily sympathize with the main characters.
She is a master at storytelling!
I like the story. Newport native Josie (Josette) Warren, aware of her station in life, works for the wealthy New York Davenports at their summer cottage (mansion) in Newport, Rhode Island. Hard-working, respectable Josie lives with her widowed mother, and the money she earns helps to support them. Arthur, the Davenport’s son, has just returned from three years in Europe, where he became a Christian and began to notice the poverty around him. Arthur and Josie join forces to start a ministry to reach out to the poor with food, shelter, and job training. Josie’s reputation is at stake when Arthur’s mother discovers Arthur’s romantic attraction to middle class Josie and their plans to work together. Throne of Grace reminds me of the romances written by Grace Livingston Hill, and it is also a reminder that prejudice comes in many forms. However, I’d like to see Josie interacting more with other characters rather than just thinking about them, more action and dialogue, maybe a friend she could confide in. I’d like to see the story told from the viewpoint of the main characters rather than the narrator.
Josie Warren works as a maid for the Davenports, the richest family in Newport, Rhode Island. She doesn’t have marriage prospects but desires a man with Christian values. Arthur Davenport arrives home after living for several years in Europe. He meets Josie and begins a friendship with her despite the situation she works for him. The friendship develops into love as their position in society comes between them.
I thought the book was well written. I enjoy the plot of two different classes coming together for love. The book was full of Josie and Arthur thinking about each other. It didn’t have any suspense. As a reader, I wanted them to do something. Eventually, they worked toward building a homeless shelter, but it took a long time to establish a goal. I like secondary stories so I enjoyed the potential romance between Josie’s mother and the doctor.