This book pleasantly surprised me. At first, I was a bit hesitant to pick it up after reading the first one in the Refined By Love series. It had been well-written and well-researched, but I’d missed the romantic pull somehow. This second installment, however, created that for me. The Potter’s Lady continues the story of the McKay family and focuses on Rose, in particular, and her creative aspirations in the 1800s of West Virginia.
While the historical detail is certainly there, I was captured the most by the characters and the challenges they faced. There is a sense of intrigue throughout the story as the plot thickens and problems arise. Rose finds herself torn between her attraction to Rylan and Joshua. She’s overwhelmed with the expectations to make the pottery a success. Her insecurities plague her and past wounds threaten her resolve. She’s a very relatable and likable character. Of course, I liked the hero too, but you’ll have to read it to find out which of the men she chooses. 😉
The pace was a bit slow for me, but there were some nice surprises thrown in to keep the story from feeling too predictable. I enjoyed watching the characters work through their differences to create a special design for the pottery contest. That was a unique and fun part of the story.
On the flip side, there were a few very unlikable characters as well. Their side stories were left a little unresolved, so I assume we will see more of them in the future. 😉
The book is in many ways a coming-of-age story for the heroine. The romance plays a subtle, but sweet role to the greater story of trust, hard work, and family. Historical fans will not be disappointed.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publisher for my copy.
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ABOUT THE BOOK:
When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she’s determined to assist him in making the venture a success. Having just graduated from the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. In her efforts to help the pottery flourish, Rose reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family’s pottery works in a nearby town.
Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be the decent sort. He just wishes Rose wouldn’t insist on cleaning and moving everything. But when McKay Pottery starts losing business to the Harkness company, Rylan realizes Joshua might be taking advantage of Rose.
Then Franklin Hotels announces a design contest. Winning the Franklin contract would be exactly the boost McKay Pottery needs, so Rose and Rylan work closely together to create something magnificent. With Joshua’s company as their main competition, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may be misplaced?
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Although born and reared in a small suburb of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Judy moved to Kansas at the age of seventeen and has considered the sunflower state ‘home’ ever since. She currently lives in Topeka. She enjoys reading, traveling, researching history, and Bible study.
Writing Christian fiction is Judy’s second career. For many years she worked as a legal assistant in law firms and later worked in government law offices. She has retired from legal work in order to write fulltime —a vocation she considers both a ministry and a blessing.
Judy has authored or co-authored more than twenty-five books since she began writing in 1996. She is an award-winning author whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her novels, several of which have placed in the CBA and ECPA top ten lists. It is her deep desire to point readers to the love and grace of Jesus.
Learn more at http://judithmccoymiller.com/
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