As wedding bells ring, Elizabeth Decker's life is on the threshold of changing, and if long time friend Deborah Vandermark can help it, that change won't necessarily be related to matrimony. Wooing her with promises of a better life back in Texas, Deborah convinces "Lizzie" to abandon the facade of an impending happy marriage and leave on the next train to Perkinsville. Although successful in stopping an unsuitable marriage, Deborah has yet to realize that moving on is more complicated for Lizzie than changing locations. When jilted husband-to-be Stuart and Lizzie's mother, Harriet Decker, realize the marriage is not going to take place, they follow Lizzie to Perkinsville to persuade her to return to Philadelphia and begin acting in the capacity of her role as Stuart's new wife. But is she really married and why do both Stuart and Harriet insist on a loveless union?
While Lizzie learns life in Texas, Deborah quickly bores of the same. She is well educated and doesn't understand why those in her hometown do not revere literacy as much as she does. When handsome Dr. Christopher Clayton is brought in as the new town doctor, she becomes even more confused by her desire to learn medicine but the inevitable dead end in pursuing the love, and by the feelings she has when she is around Dr. Clayton. Do they merely suggest he is supportive of her desire to learn more and she recognizes his respect, or is there more?
Although many aspects of the storyline are predictable, it is still an engrossing read. With characters that are likable and memorable, Peterson weaves a believable story that captivates the reader.
The downside? Waiting until book two in the Striking a Match series is released. You will finish Embers of Love and want to reserve Hearts Aglow for it's March 2011 release.
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; 1 edition (October 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206125
ISBN-13: 978-0764206122
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
