A Vision of Lucy

Summary: Lucy Bradshaw dreams of working as a photographer at the Rocky Creek newspaper. If she can earn money making photographs, then maybe her father will see that what she does is worthy, more than just a distraction. And her deepest hope is that he'll see her as an artist, the way he thought of her deceased mother, a painter. But trouble follows Lucy on every photo shoot: a mess of petticoats and ribbons, an accidental shooting, even a fire.

When Lucy meets David Wolf, a quiet, rustic man who lives on the outskirts of town, she thinks she can catch the attention of the town with his photograph. She doesn't count on her feelings stirring whenever she's near him.

Two things happen next that forever change the course of her life: Lucy meets someone who sees her as no one else has-as the compassionate, creative young woman that God made in His image. And Lucy helps David uncover a secret that forces him to change his perspective on an event that left him deeply-scarred.

My Take: This is a delightful book that has it all. There is romance, misadventure, a little bit of mystery, some fun and a healthy dose of forgiveness. I love books that have a good mix like this. It reminds me of one of those treasured recipes that's been handed down through the generations ~ it just gets better and better. :o)

Lucy is independent and knows her mind. She really wants to please and understand her father though. Family is important to her. I have a serious pet peeve. I can't tolerate lies. Lucy has trouble with secrets. This is really important to the story for many reasons. Despite how often she gets in trouble, she's a peacemaker and tries to help smooth things over between her father and brother when they don't see things from the same perspective. She has a plan for her life and it doesn't include any of the men her father wants to set her up with. In fact, it doesn't include any man at all ... that is until she meets a certain wild man.

David Wolf has plans too. He's determined to settle some old business  - quietly - and then get out of town and back to what he's good at - where he's comfortable. He didn't count on Lucy taking his picture and getting everyone riled up. He didn't count on Lucy at all come to think on it. He's handsome, stubborn, talented, and he has a past that hasn't let go.

I loved the way these two interacted with each other. They had a genuine appreciation for each other and you could feel a real relationship growing but they didn't lack chemistry either. The story had enough interesting historical details without feeling like a lesson and the characters were likable and stayed with me long after I quit reading. This will go on my list for favorites. I want to thank Thomas Nelson for providing an electronic copy for me to review.