This is one of those books you don't want to end. Not that you don't want to know how everyone's lives will turn out, but they're such good company you don't want them to leave. Honestly, this is a book that you wrap around and snuggle into. It's a continuing story of the Ballantynes, a talented family from humble roots that works hard and smart, and becomes very successful. They are all beautiful, vulnerable in some way, have strong Christian faith and love deeply. And there is always someone in the community who is trying to take them down.
In this book Wren and her father are living in rural Kentucky; her mother has died. Her father's family, the Ballantynes, call him back home, believing that the danger that sent them away is over. They have been a talented musical family, making and playing unique violins and other stringed instruments. They go back to the Ballantyne family businesses and high society in Pittsburgh PA - a drastically different environment than Wren is used to. But she has loving (and unloving) family all around her even though her father is almost immediately sent away on business.
James is a steamship pilot for the Ballantynes, and has been raised as part of the family after being rescued from an orphan home. He is the utmost gentleman, trusted by her father and acts as Wren's escort for her debutant season.
Their story is filled with the trials of high society in the mid 1800's and what is expected of them, as well as the dangers of being abolitionists secretly helping the underground railroad. Mix in several types of personalities of those with wealth and plenty, adding pride of workmanship, family legacy and the choices they make. This and the others in the series are some that you will remember for a long time - the kind of book that you keep.
I received this book from Revell publishers, https://www.netgalley.com/ and http://www.bookfun.org in return for my honest review.
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