Book Review: A Beauty So Rare by Tamera Alexander

A Beauty So Rare Review by Serving Joyfully

I recently had the opportunity to be on the launch team for Tamera Alexander’s book, A Beauty so Rare. I have read and enjoyed many of her books, so I jumped at the chance to be involved with this launch! I did receive an ARC of the eBook to preview, and this post contains affiliate links.

I was excited to read this book because I knew it wouldn’t disappoint, and I was so blessed to get to know Tamera a little better through this launch team–she is such a sweet person!

About the Book

Considering herself plain and knowing she’s not beauty, Eleanor Braddock has resigned herself to a life of spinsterhood. Yet with a simple promise to a dying soldier, her life takes on new meaning as she seeks to build a home for destitute widows and children left fatherless from the Civil War.

However, when her father’s health continues to decline, Eleanor agrees to live with her wealthy aunt at Belmont Mansion. She knows her aunt would not approve of her dream of helping war widows and orphans. In fact, Aunt Adelicia is determined to find her niece a suitable husband.

Archduke Marcus Gottfried has his own ambitions–to live the life he desires instead of one chosen for him. But what will happen when his ideas of incorporating natural beauty into the architecture of the building run contrary to Eleanor’s own plans. And what will happen when his royal heritage is revealed?

You can watch the trailer here:

My thoughts

Tamera Alexander expertly weaves together the characters and their stories in this book. The main characters have depth that we would expect–being flawed, yet faithful. And the supporting characters add a charming personality to the book as well.

I loved reading about Eleanor Braddock’s journey. I know a lot of us women aren’t “great beauties” and in a culture that promotes an impossible standard of air-brushed beauty, that can be difficult sometimes. I loved reading about Eleanor’s attitude about such things, and seeing the hero fall in love with her inner beauty, despite the fact that she saw herself as being plain.

This is a great story and one that I would recommend to readers of inspirational fiction and/or historical fiction. The history in this book is well-researched and detailed without being cumbersome. Mrs. Alexander knows how to weave the historical accuracies into her story in a way that adds to it rather than detracting from it.

And, since I love all things baking, I loved that little fact about Eleanor as well. I hope you will enjoy this book!

Extras

Tamera Alexander has offered a ton of great resources for readers who want just a little more about this book!

You can get these great recipes from Eleanor Braddock’s collection:

  • Southern Buttermilk Pie
  • Savory Custard/Quiche
  • Shortbread
  • Pound Cake (Scroll Down)

You can also go here to watch a video of Tamera talking about the real life history inspiration for the book. And an interview about the design and sewing of the cover dress. Behind the scenes photos from the cover shoot.

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