A Beauty So Rare

Belmont Mansion, Book 2

By: Tamera Alexander

Narrated by: Linda Stephens

Length: 21 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Pink was not what Eleanor Braddock ordered, but maybe it would soften the tempered steel of a woman who came through a war--and still had one to fight.

Eleanor Braddock, a spinster at 30, has long since dismissed any hope of marriage. But when a dying soldier whispers his final words, she believes her life can still have meaning and determines to find his widow. But this compassionate deed takes a harsh turn, and Eleanor finds herself dependent upon the richest woman in America and the most despised woman in Nashville--her aunt, Adelicia Acklen, mistress of Belmont Mansion. A clandestine act of kindness leads Eleanor to an unlikely path for her life--building an orphanage, a place that will house widows and orphans from the Civil War. And while Eleanor knows her own heart, she also knows her aunt will never approve.

Marcus von Quint, Archduke of the House of Habsburg and second in line to the Austrian throne, arrives in Nashville in search of a life he determines, instead of one determined for him. Collaborating with botanist Luther Burbank, Marcus seeks to combine his own passion for nature with his expertise in architecture. But his plans to incorporate natural beauty into the design of the orphanage run contrary to the wishes of practical, frugal Eleanor, who sees his ideas as costly nonsense. Yet as the construction project continues, Marcus and Eleanor find common ground--and a love neither of them expected.

But Marcus is not the man Adelicia has chosen for Eleanor to marry, and even if he were, someone who knows Marcus's secrets is about to reveal them all.

©2014 Tamera Alexander (P)2014 Recorded Books

Another winner!

If you could sum up A Beauty So Rare in three words, what would they be?

Humility, Patience and Romanticism !

Which character – as performed by Linda Stephens – was your favorite?

Elenore was a beautiful young lady that really impressed me with her passion for helping women and children.

a good tear jurker

Although you know where the book is going you are not sure how it is going to get there. Good beach book for women or the female gay man.

Not bad

I I usually read British historical novels but thoroughly enjoyed this one. The subject matter reminds us of the widow's war. heartbreaking to read about the hungry kids.

Enjoyable!

Tamera Alexander brought this Christian romance to the readers in a wonderful way. It's refreshing to find a Christian romance novel in the audio books.
Linda Stephens has a clear voice and is easy to follow along with.
I highly recommend this book.

A sweet story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, it had a nice story line, and was a wonderful feel good tale.

Beautifully written faith based historical romance

This is a well wrtten and entertaining book that includes both history romance, and faith. it was a delight and I couldn't put it down.

Beautiful story about defining beauty & life

I've read all the Belmont Mansion books. While each story involves Belmont Mansion this one has the least direct involvement with Adelicia. Given that she's usually haughty and controlling, that's a good thing. In books 1 & 3 her advice to the H & H is often given with consideration of others. But in this one Adelicia is entirely too controlling towards Eleanor which for me makes her unlikeable.

Both Eleanor and Marcus are anxious to live the life they want rather than the societal roles they were born into. They both journey to find their place and question whether or not to meet others expectations or forge their own path.

Something I liked in the story was describing how mental illness was treated in the 1860's. The institution is a private one so conditions of the time were likely better than public ones.

I enjoyed the story and would recommend it. The narration is excellent. She performs women's and men's as well as children's voices.

Really good book, especially the second half.

The book starts a little slow, but it’s definitely worth hanging in there. It ties together well. I enjoyed the characters and storyline.

Enjoyable

I enjoyed the story very much and it was well read. Unfortunately I listened to the first book in the series but missed the second before listening to this on the third book. Glad I had at least done the first so that I new some of the back story of some of the characters.

story w/history & fiction intermingled perfectly

History and fiction are intertwined so perfect that you both enjoy the historic story and the beauty of the romance unfold in the pages.