Crown of Beauty

Cliff Walk Courtships, Book 2

By: Cecily K. Wolfe

Narrated by: Dana DiAngelo

Length: 6 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

A mysterious boy with no memory. A bookish girl with dreams beyond her sheltered life. Can love overcome the secrets that threaten to separate them?

Catherine has never wanted for anything. Raised in opulence in Manhattan and the beautiful shores of Newport, Rhode Island, she feels threatened by her parents' desire to arrange her marriage. She would much rather stay home and read than socialize or, worse, select a husband who might not approve of her reading habit. Her father insists that she spend time helping at her brother's homeless shelter to understand how privileged she is, and her wariness of love and marriage is tempered when a mysterious young man with intense blue eyes is brought, cold and wet, to the shelter doorstep one night.

Will wakes up in a strange room with vague memories of being caught in a thunderstorm as he began to search for shelter for the night after making his way to Newport from New York City. A beautiful girl sits beside him, but she leaves his care to another in what he assumes is shyness. The shelter offers assistance in ways he could only dream of, and as he searches for work and a home of his own, he finds himself enamored of the angelic girl who is beyond his reach.

The two are drawn to each other, sneaking glances in spite of her brother's disapproval, but Will's secrets will test the love that grows between them.

©2017 Cecily K. Wolfe (P)2020 Cecily K. Wolfe

Very Nice Addition to the Series

Having listened to book one in the Cliff Walk Courtships, it was such a pleasure to return to Newport, Rhode Island for the second book in the series. The narrator did a nice job and pulled me into the story with a pleasant reading voice.

Arthur’s sister, Catherine, is the main character in this novel. Events from book one have opened Catherine’s eyes a bit and has made her begin to see things in a less spoiled fashion. As the story progressed, I enjoyed seeing Catherine “awaken” to the servants around her, realizing that they were people with hopes, too. I liked reading about her time at the shelter and how she met Will.

Will had a sad backstory and he had a lot to overcome. His decision to lie was not a good one, however, it did lead to major spiritual and emotional changes that would help him grow into the man God wanted him to be. The ending felt a bit rushed to me, but it might just have been that I wasn’t ready to leave the story yet! I was really enjoying it. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Christian Historical Romance

The story of the Davenport family continues with the maturity in Christ of the family and the romantic future of the oldest daughter! I loved that her mind was always wondering! Ivan totally relate! I thought it was funny the author never gave the first name of her intended. I loved the second chance theme throughout the book!
The narration was good, but Will’s voice was far from what you’d expect for a handsome rich man. It was raspy and sounded more like a criminal or very old man to me.
Overall I thought this audiobook was very good!

Beautiful story of forgiveness and love

The story was beautifully written. It honestly reminds me of a hallmark movie, somewhat predictable, but beautiful and sweet. Worth listening to!

A struggle of trusting God and people

This is Book 2 of the Cliff Walk Courtships by Cecily Wolfe. A Historical Fiction Christian Romance set in 1893; Newport, Rhode Island.

Mild Spoilers for Book One

Book One followed Arthur and Josie as they fell in love with each other and God. Book Two follows Arthur's sister Catherine as she struggles with what it means to be such a privileged young lady and how God could allow Josie to get so sick in her pregnancy. The Davenports have arranged a marriage for Catherine but as she objects to it her father sends her to volunteer at First Steps.

Will runs away from home and winds up unconscious in a bed at First Steps where he feigns memory loss and attempts to make a new start. The Davenports try to help him back on his feet but Arthur is suspicious he is not telling the full truth and asks him to stay away from Catherine so he cannot break her heart.

This book made me cry as Catherine asked Arthur a question that so often haunts me. Why do we keep praying when Josie just keeps getting sicker. As someone of faith who has been struggling disabilities and illness for half her life and fears that any attempt at pregnancy would be a similar fight that Josie had it meant a lot that the author didn't just have her healed miraculously but allowed them to work through the pain and struggle together.

I really liked the story but I felt like Catherine and Will rushed into calling what they have "love" a little too quickly. They barely know anything about each other by the end of the book, so I'm hoping book three gives a few glimpses of them getting to know each other better rather than jumping them straight into marriage. Book three will follow the other sister Sarah. It is already out in print but not yet on audio where I have been listening to these.

I will definitely want to listen to book three. I really like how the narrator portrays each character's inflections.

great story!

great story and love listening to it.
Enjoyed it as much as the first one.

Crown of Beauty

“Kissing Catherine Davenport would be like touching an angel and … tempting the devil.”
I’ve listened with fascination how this story and characters developed with their challenges and obstacles. I couldn’t wait to finish and yet I didn’t want it to end. Eager to listen to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of the audio book; I was not required to write a favorable review. All opinions in this review are my own.

Lovely light story

The story continues. Lovely light story with a touch of belief in God.
It’s a happily ever after story. Love and kindness will prevail. Leaves you feeling good.
I enjoyed this story as much as the first. Narration was done well.
This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher free of charge for a honest, unbiased review.