Life hasn't been easy for Jeanne Bettencourt, a widow approaching thirty and struggling to provide for her eight-year-old daughter. But hope arrives in the form of the Helena Rose, a steamboat she unexpectedly inherits from a distant, departed relative. Jeanne's father had captained a similar vessel and taught her how to pilot a steamer along the banks of Memphis. She's looking forward to a renewed livelihood on the mighty Mississippi.
However, as plans are made, news comes of another heir to the Helena Rose - a tough man named Clint Hardin - and a clause in the will that says claimants of the estate must live aboard the boat. Jeanne, a Christian woman, makes it clear she won't stay with a man who is not her husband. But both are desperate for work, so they agree to keep their distance as Clint occupies the lower deck and Jeanne takes the captain's quarters.
As they restore the Helena Rose, the slowly softening Clint becomes attracted to Jeanne - who is now being courted by a wealthy plantation owner. With her family and future at stake, the desires of Jeanne's heart are duly complex. Only her simple faith can navigate her through what's about to happen.
My thoughts...
Memphis, Tennessee 1854 two people inherit a riverboat. Jeanne is a widow with a young child. Her husband is assumed dead in the war. She is working in a hotel barely making ends meet.
Clint has several jobs which include boxing and singing. They inherit the Helena Rose from a very distant relative.
Jeanne's parents had owned a riverboat so she has plenty of experience. She and Clint begin their business and it becomes very successful. Their story is full of happenings and not all good. Things have a way of working out or so it seems.
The book keeps you drawn into it, you just never know what is going to happen next. The characters are fun and realistic. A great read!
I received a ecopy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment