The first few chapters of Sing in the Sunlight were awkward reading, because it was pretty obvious Clarinda was being strung along even before we met him. Once we met, it was even more obvious.
And yes, he turned out to be exactly the slimy creep I expected him to be. Worse, in fact.
The story gets properly started when Clarinda leaves her boarding school in northern California and travels to her family home in San Diego, escorted by her cousin. On the way, they meet mine owner Richard Stevens, who has just inherited a shipping company.
When she arrives home, rather than telling her parents the truth—that’s she’s unmarried and pregnant—she tells them she is now the widowed Mrs Stevens, and that dear Richard died in a mining accident. It’s a convincing lie, until Richard Stevens appears on the scene … having dreamed they were married.
So starts an entertaining yet thought-provoking marriage of convenience story.
It’s easy to see why Clarinda got scammed by the slimy creep: she has facial scars that have left her believing no one will ever love her. She’s even convinced her own family can’t deal with the sight of her, so it makes perfect sense that she’d fall victim, then run away to the family ranch where no one will see her.
It’s great to watch her come out of her shell and open herself up and befriend her new husband, even if she doesn’t want to stay married to him. As such, it’s a unique marriage of convenience story, and one I will probably re-read.
Recommended for fans of Christian historical fiction.
Thanks to the author for providing a free ebook for review.
About Kathleen Denly
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny Southern California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
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About Sing in the Sunlight
Disfiguring scars stole Clarinda Humphrey’s singing career, her home, and her family, but she refuses to let her appearance steal her future. While attending The Young Ladies Seminary in 1858 Benicia, California, she finds a man who promises to love and cherish her. Instead he betrays her, leaving her with child, and Clarinda must take drastic measures to ensure her child doesn’t suffer for her foolishness.
Richard Stevens’s life hasn’t turned out as he expected, and when a shocking letter turns even his past into a mystery, he travels to San Francisco in search of guidance. On the way, he encounters a mysterious young woman hiding beneath a veil. That night he experiences a dream that sends him on a quest to find the bride God has chosen for him. He never imagines she’s already told everyone they’re married.
Unwilling to lie, nor accept a marriage of mere convenience, Richard wants the real thing. Yet Clarinda’s not interested in love, only a chance to save her child. Can he help her rise above the pain that runs deeper than her scars to accept a love worth every risk?
Thank you for such a thoughtful and well written review. I’m so glad you enjoyed the story!