The Secrets of the Isles The Nature of a Lady, Book 1, (Paperback)

This absolutely perfect story had so many elements that I loved. The setting was so picturesque that it made me want to summer in the Scilly Islands. The prose was so poetic: Shed left the windows open so she could hear the shushing of the waves, as familiar as a mothers heartbeat. The wind whispered in, kissed her brow. The moon sang a lullaby, It has a very solid faith thread. And the cover is gorgeous! Lady Libby Sinclair does not feel she fit within societys constraints. She loves cataloging and sketching nature. She travels to the Scilly Islands and a curious thing happens. She is mistaken for another Elizabeth. This one happens to be Beth, sister to the local vicar, Oliver Tremayne, who is interested in botany. Libby starts to question the dichotomy of faith and science. Libby connects with the island, its people and especially Olivers grandmother and thereby to God. Libbys heart added a plea: I ask that you show yourself to me, God. And Mamm-wynn imparts wisdom: We see only in part. But there is more. More to this physical world that your magnifying lens can show you. And more still beyond it that we need a spiritual lens to see. A mystery is discovered, friendships are forged, and more than one romance to savor. The ending brought tears to my eyes and a yearning to return to the Scilly Islands for more delightful romances. * I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*

Delicious. That word (in its truest sense) comes to mind when I think of how to describe this book. From the sea-breezes that whisper out from between the pages, to the intrigue always lurking around the next paragraph, to the romance unfolding like one of Libby's favorite blooms...this story is highly pleasant and delightful (both definitions of Delicious) ;) I absolutely loved this introduction to the the Isles of Scilly, and can't wait to go back for more. The characters were so well defined - I appreciated being able to tell the difference in their upbringing and social status simply by observing their behavior and reactions to the settings they found themselves in. Libby was precious, and I loved the way she upended others' expectations of her without even trying. The theme of the story was so beautifully woven throughout, like a pretty (well-tended) vine that flowers here and there until you have the whole picture. It was so simple, so common for our day, and yet so challenging in how easy it is to say but not put into practice. "How lovely to just be who you were meant to be. Who God made you to be." If you're looking for the book that needs to top off your Summer TBR stack...look no further. This is it! [I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.]