She Walks in Beauty

By: Siri Mitchell

Narrated by: Suzy Jackson

Length: 11 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

Multiple Christy Award finalist Siri Mitchell is acclaimed as one of Christian fiction’s clearest and most original voices. Set in 1890s New York City, She Walks in Beauty follows a young debutante struggling to reconcile the conflicting demands of culture, family, and love.

Tasked with reeling in the city’s most eligible bachelor, Clara Carter must quickly learn to endure a corset, master the latest dances, and perfect her manners before making her social debut. Yet as the spotlight transforms her into a society-pagedarling, she wonders if this is the life she really wants. Then into Clara’s world strides a man whose selfless love touches her soul—and she’s torn between the marriage her family demands and the one her heart desires. As Suzy Jackson’s evocative narration whisks listeners away to a bygone era, they won’t soon forget the vibrant detail and timeless truth in this compelling tale of romance, integrity, and hope.

©2010 Siri L. Mitchell (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Bad is bad, Good is Good.

I liked in this novel that the bad actions of the father were not excused or condoned, which some Christian writers do. He made bad choices, therefore no one wanted to go to his funeral. Reality check! Also liked that the daughter didn't hate him, just his actions. And even though his actions affected her and others life, she didn't dwell on that, just trusted in God & figured out how to move on.

And Still?

This was a fantastic, very moving story about the way society dictated and interpreted women's beauty in the late 1800's. The same sentiment dictated a woman's place as well. I am so glad that women are finding their own place these days. I love this author's style because she isn't afraid of exposing very real flaws in her characters, and her stories always seem to come to wonderful, thought-provoking conclusions. The story has a little mystery, a little humor, a little sorrow, a little shock, and was delightful to listen to.

SPOILER ALERT:
I have to say that the story took me back to the mid-1960's when I was in nursing school. It was not uncommon to have patients with the same problem described in the story. It was also common for magazines to advertise gimmicks for cinching ones figure by various means. People still do some pretty crazy (sometimes extreme) things to compete for good looks. Sometimes the outcome isn't so great. i.e. falling off ones shoes and breaking a bone. I somehow doubt that things will change for the better.

Nuggets of Truth and Knowledge

In the first few pages, this books seems to be a typical, shallow Regency Romance. However in Siri Mitchell’s books, I’ve learned to wait for the nugget of historical truth, followed by God’s intervention in the lives of Siri Mitchell’s characters. Then I’m reminded to wait for God’s truths to be revealed in my day to day life. It grows my faith every time.

Mitchell takes the well-known historical facts and uncovers the traps satan sets in every generation. In the middle of her story of social changes the reader is swept up in the lives of unforgettable characters.

Swept away by the NYC life of the Rich & Famous

My daughter and I are part of the Ft. Vancouver reinactments. This story really brought to life the hardships and challenges of character and virtue. Loved it... would love a Series! So good! Will recommend!

Has depth

I pleasantly discovered that this book has a lot more depth than its initial impression gives. The end was quite moving.

Captivating, Courageous, Charming

I love a book that changes my opinion of it from the beginning line to the last page.
The performance was one of the best I've had the pleasure of listening to.
I'll confess that I initially thought this book might be too focused on the clothing and happenings in society and not Clara and her story...yet because of those very things we are given an informative and engaging tale. I truly loved this!
On a steaminess level I would rate this a pleasant PG overall. There was one instance that had me nervous regarding the outcome, but things turned out okay.

Courting in Corsets

This was an enjoyable book about the sacrifices and struggles made by young girls in order to fit in to proper society. They became a prisoner to the social class to which they belonged. The main character in the story fights for her independence while learning of her families dark secrets. There were many interesting twists and turns. I highly recommend She Walks in Beauty.

Great book, AMAZING performance!!

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

Oh yes. This was my first audio book on audible, and I did NOT have high hopes. I've tried listening to audio books before (albeit only samples, but still) and with the exception of dramaticized ones, I always thought they were awful. This book proved me wrong. (I've come to realize since that I usually like the first person narratives best!) If I had any friends interested in this genre, I would practically demand that they get this audio book.

What did you like best about this story?

Everything. I love how it starts simple and frilly and spirals into depth and truth, with an amazing ending.

What does Suzy Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Suzy Jackson, at least for the duration of this audio book, IS Clara Carter! Her voice, her attitude, the way she said certain things and certain parts of the book... I had a vague voice in my head when I read this book, and when I heard this audio book, it was like taking the voice out of my imagination-- only better. The way she switched from Clara to Lizzie just by making her voice sound more optimistic and lighter.... Or the old cranky aunt.... Every voice was exactly as I imagined it... Even the guys!!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, and I've read it before!

Any additional comments?

This book is one of my favorites. When I read it in print, I knew I wouldn't forget it. It's well written, heartwarming and breaking, and the main character is so like myself... but it truly became a top favorite when I heard it, and I will always cherish this book.