Tracie Peterson brings 1917 history to life in Book 3 of the Sapphire Brides Series A Love Transformed. World War I has begun in Europe and the Germans are sinking British and American ships along the Atlantic Coast. Clara is living comfortable in New York City with her husband and children. It was an arranged marriage and therefore no love between Clara and Adolph, but she is making the best of her situation, even assisting her husband with his business by designing unique jewelry sets with Yoho sapphires only found in mines in Montana. Clara has fond memories of spending summers at her Aunt Madeline and Uncle Paul's sheep ranch in Montana. She also met her first love Curtis there, but was forced to leave him because her mother wanted her to marry for wealth. So when her husband dies, Clara goes back to Montana to live the life she has always wanted. However, Curtis doesn't feel worthy of Clara's love and he is wounded on the outside too. Clara's mother and brother-in-law will stop at nothing to have her back in New York City for their financial gain.
This is the first novel in the Sapphire Brides Series I have read, but I truly enjoyed it, so I may need to find the first two in the series. I love the history that Tracie Peterson writes about. I didn't know much about the Americans that would spy and aid the Germans. I have read other series by her, but that was over 15 years ago. She didn't disappoint! She also writes more about the spiritual struggles of the main characters than other Christian authors. Curtis was struggling with forgiveness of himself, and the sins he had committed. The Biblical wisdom from Clara's aunt and uncle reminded me of my grandparents. Peterson outlines the whole plan of salvation for readers too, so it can be a witnessing tool for non-Christian readers. I would recommend this novel to any reader, especially those interested in World War I history. Thank you Bethany House Publishers for sending me a free copy to review.
