Privileged Marianne Lister is in love with businessman Calvin Hochstetler, but he believes the social divide between them is too great a barrier to overcome. So, Marianne takes a job at a local factory to show her devotion. But when it proves more difficult than she expects, can Marianne keep her commitment and convince Calvin their love can defy the odds?
Melissa Jagears is an author I’m familiar with, so my expectations of a sweet romance and somewhat unusual characters were entirely met in this story. This one has the unique element of being a story that is set in tandem with A Love So True, the second full book in the Teaville Moral Society series, which was fun. It’s not so in tandem that things feel repeated, it’s just a neat way to do a novella of peripheral characters in the full book. Marianne as a character is also unique in that, despite being born to privilege, she is more than willing to show Calvin that she can work hard – so willing, in fact that she takes a job considered below her station. I’m not sure how long she could have gotten away with it in real life, but it made for an interesting element of the plot. It also served as a way to highlight the idea that it’s good to be aware of the daily lives of others, even if much different than yours, and if it’s within your power to help, however small, it can still have a big impact.
Loved this novella that’s a part of Ms. Jagears’ Teaville Moral Society Series that gives a little more insight to Marianne Lister, the young woman who David was expected to marry in A Love So True. It adds so much to get to know her and see her heart. I loved her determination to prove to Calvin that she was all the way in with him and her willingness to experience what so many in her position would never even attempt to do. Once again, Ms. Jagears gives a set of imperfect, but lovable characters that draws the reader in to experience their stories with them.
Such a lovely story about the meaning of true love. Not just a flighty little attraction, but a love that withstands time and hardships and rejection.
Marianne is in love with Calvin and she just KNOWS that he’s in love with her. The problem is, he’s been hurt in the past and is afraid that her love will be unable to withstand the hard times. Determined to prove him wrong, Marianne sets about to prove her faithfulness.
Author Melissa Jagears has created a beautiful story that is filled with a sweet love that flows warmly through you and reminds you that love isn’t always two-sided and sometimes you have to work hard with nothing but the HOPE of a return on it.
Bravo, Ms. Jagears! I will be looking forward to getting my hands on the rest of this series!
This story was a ton of fun, I kind of wish it had been full length (or hope there is a book on the sisters at some point). It was one of if not my favorite of the series. I think it should be 2.5 in the series though not 3.5.
It has always baffled me that people would marry someone because of social standing. If you don’t love someone don’t marry them! I got teary eyed when I read the epilogue and saw that Marianne’s family came around (not that they had a choice) but still.
I loved this novella! Marianne is determined to prove to Calvin that she can live without the privileges she’s grown used to. I loved seeing Marianne become aware of the needs around her and how compassionate she is. I also loved seeing how tenacious she is. Calvin is sweet, but he definitely underestimates Marianne! I could understand his hesitations, though. They have a lot of hurdles in their way. It was really nice to meet up with these characters again after reading David and Evelyn’s story, and Melissa Jagears did a great job keeping it from being redundant.