The Artisan's Wife

It is a bright and sunny day in my area (nice change from the rain). I hope all of you are having a good day.  This is my day to relax because Sunday's are always busy for me (cooking Sunday dinner). What do you like to do on Saturday's?  Is it a day with the family, run errands, or relax with a good book?  Today I am showcasing a book by Judith Miller.  She has written some wonderful Christian series.  They include Postcards from Pullman, Lights of Lowell, Home to Amana, Bells of Lowell, and Daughters of Amana.  If you have not read any of these series, you should take a moment and check them out (get a free sample and try them).

The Artisan’s Wife by Judith Miller is the third (and final) book in Refined by Love series.  Ainslee McKay is happy teaching students, but her sister Adaira has an artistic streak.  Adaira convinced her brother to purchase a tile works where she could use her artistic talents.  Ainslee would run the business end.  Shortly before they are to leave, Adaira disappears.  She ran off and eloped with Chester Mulvane.  The family had no idea she was that serious about the man she married.  Ainslee will have to go off on her own to run McKay Tile Works.  Ainslee has confidence issues and does not want to leave home on her own (she only agreed to the venture to please her twin).  Ainslee gets her brother’s agreement that he will try and sell the tile works so she can return home soon (preferably within six months).  Levi Judson has moved to Weston, West Virginia to be near his brother.  His brother, Noah, has some mental issues (he is not crazy) and is being housed at Trans-Alleghany Lunatic Asylum.  Noah worked at a tile works in Philadelphia and he has some unique and creative ideas.  But if the McKay’s are selling the business, they will not be interested in trying out new ideas.  As Ainslee settles into her new life and role at McKay Tile Works, she starts to enjoy her new life.  Ainslee also gets involved in a project at the asylum helping the patients. When Levi shows her his new designs, Ainslee thinks they are beautiful and unique.  They could be a profitable venture for the tile works.  But is Ainslee willing to stay in Weston?

The Artisan’s Wife is a sweet novel.  I liked how Ainslee grew and changed after spending time in Weston.  Her sister leaving her in the lurch was really a blessing in disguise.  The tile descriptions sounded gorgeous (I wish there were pictures).  The novel is well-written and engaging.  It had a good pace/flow.  The characters were relatable.  They felt like real people and fit into the time period.  I completely understood how Ainslee would feel.  How nervous she would be going off on her own to a new city, job, and place to live.  The romance is very subtle in the book.  It plays out in the background (I like how the author did it).  This is a Christian novel that teaches forgiveness (something Ainslee struggled with in the book), power of prayer, God’s plan for our lives, and misperceptions (how people viewed the residents of the asylum).  I give The Artisan’s Wife 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it).  This novel is part of a series, but can be read alone.  We are updated on the lives of the couples from the previous novels.  We get to check in with Rose and Rylan (who run the pottery works), Ewan and Laura (as well as Grandmother Woodfield), and Chester and Adaira.  One thing I did find annoying was Ainslee “fainting” episodes.  There were too many of them to be believable (women usually fainted because their corsets were too tight and they could not get enough air into their lungs).  I look forward to reading more books by Judith Miller.

The first two books in Refined by Love series are The Brickmaker's Bride (available on Kindle Unlimited) and The Potter's Lady.  I received a complimentary copy of The Artisan’s Wife in exchange for an honest review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

As I am sitting here the sun is disappearing and it is starting to sprinkle.  I am going to go relax and read.  I am currently enjoying Until I Love Again by Jerry S. Eicher.  May all of you have a great evening.  I will be back tomorrow with another honest book review!  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader