Are you creative?
If you are, you have a sort of craving in you to create. You search and go towards things and situations guided by that craving. It may not be something that you conscientiously do, but it does drive you. So you can understand what is behind the decisions that Annie Wood makes. It's neat that Annie doesn't have a very good opinion of herself, yet everything in the story happens because of her and she is gradually shown her strength and worth. If you enjoy fabric you know what a beautiful piece of silk is like. Beautiful and flowing, with many highlights and some shadows. This book is a bit like that. The stretching and self discovery of a young lady in 1911 who comes from a very negative English family, gets a position as a servant to get away and discovers her God given talent. And was discovered because of that talent.I am blessed to receive several books to read, and they often get backed up as new ones come along. That happened with this book, it got pushed back and I didn't see it. Things in life happen for a reason, and I read this just when I was supposed to. It's fascinating with God's word how He sends the message that you need to receive, and your eyes are opened to your answer. From Annie's friend Edna: "The Almighty is working all around you if you just open your eyes. He's waiting for you to notice Him" . . . From Sean, Annie's beau: ". . . I need to pray for direction, be aware of the nudges the Almighty sends me, and act on those nudges to the best of my ability. If I'm on the right path, I feel a sense of peace."
I highly recommend this book. It has a good Christian message throughout, with a plot that has everything - engaging characters, rich and poor, triumph, struggle and pain. Plus a satisfying romance and interesting historical facts about the pattern making and fashion industry. Please author Nancy Moser continue the story and tell us what becomes of Annie, Sean and her friends later in life. There are stories there that need to be told (and read)! I am a new fan. This is so well written it's like a movie. Now I will have to search out the other books that this is in tangent with!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” .
Description from the Publisher:
Born into a life of hard work, English housemaid Annie Wood arrives in New York City in 1911 with her wealthy mistress. Wide-eyed with the possibilities America has to offer, Annie wonders if there’s more for her than a life of service. Annie chooses to risk everything, taps into courage she never knew she had, and goes off on her own, finding employment in the sewing department at Macy’s. While at Macy’s Annie catches the eye of a salesman at the Butterick Pattern Company. Through determination, hard work, and God’s leading, Annie discovers a hidden gift: she is a talented fashion designer—a pattern artist of the highest degree. As she runs from ghosts of the past and focuses on the future, Annie enters a creative world that takes her to the fashion houses of Paris and into a life of adventure, purpose, and love.
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