A Beauty So Rare

20140415-112155.jpgA Beauty So Rare, by Tamara Alexander, tells the story of a single woman’s struggle to find her identity and make a life for herself in the aftermath of the Civil War.  Formerly a wealthy member of society, Eleanor Braddock finds herself without funds to care for herself and her father, who suffers from dementia.  In an attempt to do both, Eleanor must lean on her Aunt Adelicia Acklen, the richest woman in America.

Aunt Adelicia makes sure that Eleanor’s father is taken care of and that Eleanor has a home, but insists that Eleanor act as a woman of wealth and leisure and find a husband.  However, Eleanor, being an independent woman, has her own dreams–like opening up a restaurant.  She wants to take care of herself and doesn’t believe that marriage is in her best interests–especially since her height and (in her eyes) lack of beauty have not helped her in this area in the past.

A former nurse in the Civil War, Eleanor finds herself on a mission to care for the war widows and orphans in Nashville when her Aunt firmly vetoes her desire to open a restaurant.  As her mission grows broader and gains notice in ‘society,’ Eleanor finds an ally in one of her Aunt’s employees.  Marcus Gottfried is actually an Archduke from Austria who is trying to find himself and become a better man before having to assume the life of royalty in Austria.

I really enjoyed the book, although at some points it seemed to drag on a little.  For a book of close to 500 pages, thought, I suppose that is to be expected.  Alexander has plenty of time to really give readers and in depth perspective on the characters.  I recommend this book if you like historical fiction.  🙂

**disclaimer:  I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.**

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