Jeanette’s Gift, by Blossom Turner is book five of her Shenandoah Bride Series. I’ve read the previous four—Katherine’s Arrangement, Amelia’s Heartsong, Lucinda’s Defender, and Gracie’s Surrender. Five sisters, five stories. But I think Jeanette’s Gift is my favorite. Maybe it’s because, like Jeanette, I felt like the ugly duckling in my family growing up.
Historical romance is probably the favorite genre among women, but Jeanette’s Gift is more than a love story between her and Theo (the man of her dreams). It’s a reminder that God has created every one of us uniquely—each with our own special gifts—and beauty is so much more than what we see when we look in the mirror.
My mom used to tell me, “Beauty is only skin deep.” According to dictionary.com, this quote means, “Physical beauty is superficial and is not as important as a person’s intellectual, emotional, and spiritual qualities.” Jeanette learns that her beauty shines brightest when she uses her God-given gifts to bless others without regard to what she might or might not receive in return.
Ms. Turner does a wonderful job of bringing this character, and that of her love interest, to life. I’ve felt for the sensitive and caring Jeanette throughout this series as she’s had to watch her sisters fall in love and marry while she steps further and further into the background. There are so many spiritual lessons we can all learn from Jeanette’s story—as with all the other books in this series.
Five out of five stars. If you love historical romance—or romance of any kind—you won’t be disappointed reading this one.
Connect with Blossom on her website, Amazon Author Page, or Goodreads.
