REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Be gentle with her but don't give up. She's a hard one to get to know, but I think it's because she fears being known. She had a harrowing childhood."
Nora Davis had experienced quite a harrowing childhood, to the extent that her parents relocated, changed their names, and kept Nora as far away from the music performance world as possible. In some ways they were successful, with her mother tucked away in an asylum and her father working as an accountant, they never imagined that a besotted man would unknowingly turn the clock back towards danger.
Visiting his mother once a week at Longview Asylum, stage manager Ezekiel Beaumont had the unique pleasure of listening to Nora Davis sing under her mother's careful tutelage. When he was finally able to gain her attention (albeit with the help of a maniacal cat!) she expressed no interest in friendly conversation, much less his flirtatious antics. To his credit, Ezekiel could demonstrate unadulterated persistence and quickly realized that the lovely young woman carried the sort of heavy burdens that she was never meant to bear.
This story wields a worthy sword; cutting through pleasantries with deft precision, exposing raw wounds and deep fears, manuevering steadily through the darkness of hopelessness and into the brilliant arena of truth. Nora and Ezekiel painstakingly learn how to transfer their burdens to the only One who promises rest for their souls, but in the interim . . . there is an amazing story to be told!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars
"Be gentle with her but don't give up. She's a hard one to get to know, but I think it's because she fears being known. She had a harrowing childhood."
Nora Davis had experienced quite a harrowing childhood, to the extent that her parents relocated, changed their names, and kept Nora as far away from the music performance world as possible. In some ways they were successful, with her mother tucked away in an asylum and her father working as an accountant, they never imagined that a besotted man would unknowingly turn the clock back towards danger.
Visiting his mother once a week at Longview Asylum, stage manager Ezekiel Beaumont had the unique pleasure of listening to Nora Davis sing under her mother's careful tutelage. When he was finally able to gain her attention (albeit with the help of a maniacal cat!) she expressed no interest in friendly conversation, much less his flirtatious antics. To his credit, Ezekiel could demonstrate unadulterated persistence and quickly realized that the lovely young woman carried the sort of heavy burdens that she was never meant to bear.
This story wields a worthy sword; cutting through pleasantries with deft precision, exposing raw wounds and deep fears, manuevering steadily through the darkness of hopelessness and into the brilliant arena of truth. Nora and Ezekiel painstakingly learn how to transfer their burdens to the only One who promises rest for their souls, but in the interim . . . there is an amazing story to be told!
*I purchased this book and was under no obligation to provide a positive review. 4.5 stars
PAULA'S REVIEW
"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."
"We can do everything right and it still not be enough. Only God is enough, even though sometimes it doesn't feel like He is."
A meet cute in an insane asylum? All thanks to a cantankerous cat who brings comic relief to a dark subject.
This well-written book gives hope among despair. It is infused with intrigue, mystery, danger and romance in an unlikely situation.
In this second in the series, The Art of Love and Danger, Nora sees her past catch up to her. Fellow Guardians from book one are there to help her as well as hero Ezekiel. Ezekiel and Nora meet at Longview Asylum where each of their mothers is a ward of the state. Ezekiel proves his integrity as he shows his faith in God and loyalty to Nora. Nora battles seen and unseen enemies and questions her own sanity but takes comfort in scripture and her faith.
This was an interesting look into not only asylums of 1869 but of the opera world too.
Lovers of Christian Historical Fiction will want to put this one on their list.
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread
*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Kregel on behalf of the author via NetGalley. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread
When past darkness prowls, will stepping into the light lead to a brighter future?
In nineteenth-century Cincinnati, fear keeps Nora Davis caged with secrets and lies. Her true identity as the daughter of a famous opera singer is too dangerous to reveal with her former captors still on the loose. But weekly singing lessons at Longview Asylum—her paranoid mother's permanent residence—light a flame in Nora, and it's one she can avoid fanning for only so long.
With his suicidal ma in the asylum, Ezekiel Beaumont's soul is weary, but Nora's presence at the asylum intrigues him. As a Pike's Opera House employee, Ezekiel thinks Nora might be cut out for the stage. He also begins to wonder if Nora's ma is really the famed Constanza Brisbane, who went missing mid-performance. He's determined to find out.
Though Ezekiel brings the performance world a little too close for comfort, Nora is drawn to his warm personality all the same. The two of them steadily grow closer, but then Nora begins to fear she's being watched, and her own paranoia blooms.
Kregel Publications, March, 2026
Available in digital ebook, paperback,
Thank you, ladies, for such beautiful reviews!
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