Ida Dempsey is a tough character for me - she lacks the polish and tact that she would have definitely been raised with and makes HORRIBLE decisions. She lacks sense, and that makes this a difficult book for me to read.
The Christian message of the book is good, and it is an easy read. I really enjoy reading Christian books, but the ending of this book is abrupt with nothing really to keep reading for. I won't be looking for the sequel.
Thank you to Net Galley for the advanced copy of this book.

Loved this passionate, moving story!!

Ida lives with her aunt and uncle and had a wealthy upbringing. Her passion to spread the gospel is fierce, but lands her into trouble at times, as crossing cultures isn't done. She meets and develops a friendship with wealthy young man, Blake, whose parents want him to have nothing to do with her and her scandalous ways. I love how Ida continues to follow God's call on her life, and to see how the Lord brings people into her life to help equip and guide her to obedience. It's also pretty sweet how things turn out for their relationship.

You'll find some suspense along the way in this novel, it was a very satisfying Sunday afternoon read. Highly recommend!

*A big thanks to the publisher for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

The Angel of Second Street tells the story of the two main characters, 17-year-old innocent Ida, who lives with her aunt and uncle and doesn't seem to fit in with the other young women in their town of Eureka, California, and Blaine, the son of wealthy parents who has just graduated college and dreams of working for his father's company while at the same time, dodging his mother's desire to fix him up with what she sees as a suitable wife candidate. When Blaine and Ida meet, serious sparks fly between them. Both are faithful Christians and Blaine is on board with Ida's desire to help the prostitutes who live on Second Street and the Chinese who live in the local Chinatown to know the teachings of Jesus. This is not the type of book I would usually read but I enjoyed it, especially learning about the historical aspects behind the shameful expulsion from the town of the local Chinese in the 1880s. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting story of what to do when The Lord gives you a calling to witness to immigrants whom you and society would not normally engage with, especially during the late nineteenth century in California. Blaine Prescott is hoping and praying The Lord will guide him in his quest to find and get married to a godly woman. When he meets Ida Dempsey, she is exactly what he was praying for. The young couple have various challenges to face and decisions to make that will affect their lives. All in a good story that kept me interested and engaged. I received an ARC from the publishers and NetGalley and submit my honest review voluntarily.

Barbara Tifft Blakey transports readers to 1880s Eureka, California, when anti-Chinese racism was rampant. Ida Dempsey makes it her mission to teach the soiled doves of the town about Jesus.

Seventeen-year-old Ida, with boundless enthusiasm, little tact, and even less sense, visits the notorious Second Street to deliver the Good Word to the fallen women. With that approach, what could possibly go wrong? Perhaps my amusement at Ida's first misguided attempt is unfair, yet I found the scandalously-clad heroine and her genuine confusion to be diverting. Eventually she turns her attention to meaningful service, with fulfilling results.

Love interest Blaine Prescott is devout, as well. His mother is a condescending snob and his father a domineering businessman, and neither displays any faith, so it's a wonder Blaine is religious at all. Compatibility of faith is essential to a couple, but Blaine determines that is the only criteria needed for a successful union; therefore, he chooses Ida after a brief encounter. While most of the characters are appealing, they're not finely developed.

Blakey imparts many interesting facts of the time, and several historical characters are featured. The author's prose is pleasing and easy to read. However, there's a side plot that doesn't get the attention it deserves. There are some references to the health concerns of the prostitutes. Other than that, this novel has a YA feel.

Thanks to NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for an ARC of this tale.

What a great easy read! The story was great and kept me interested throughout the book. It took me just a few days to finish, I did not want to put it down.

Watching Ida Dempsey serve God in her hometown was inspirational. Proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone; didn't the Bible command it? Before Ida began to do this, her family and those around her thought it sounded great. The first person Ida shared with was Qui Shau, a Chinese cook and housekeeper. Little did Ida know how dangerous sharing in her home would be.

Next, Ida felt led to share with the ladies on Second Street. She knew serving these ladies would be risky because of their profession. Ida would have to find a way to be safe while sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ on Second Street.

Upon meeting Ida, Blaine Prescott feels something he’s never felt before. To him, she is unlike any woman he has ever met. He had asked God to bless him with a wife who loved Jesus and would be willing to change the world with him, one step at a time. As Blaine's understanding of Ida deepens, his appreciation for God's hand in their meeting increases. When he tells Ida he loves her, their lives drastically change in unexpected ways.

Hadn't God spoken to them both? Why was this turmoil happening?
Their unwavering commitment to fulfilling God's will for their lives is an inspiration. Although they couldn't coerce someone into accepting Jesus into their lives, they would stay the course and sow the seeds of faith. This is the first book I’ve read by this author; it won’t be the last.

I have enjoyed many books from Barbour Publishing and when I saw they were coming out with a new series, I knew I wanted to check it out. The Angel of Second Street is the first book in Barbour’s new Enduring Hope series and focuses on a young woman, Ida Dempsey, and her zeal to share the Gospel with the less fortunate and those who would not otherwise have a chance to hear its message. While her beau in the story, Blaine Prescott, had been praying for such a godly woman, their relationship is fraught with many challenges. It was very interesting to read about historical events not as well-known to me in a California town I had never heard of. The author brought to light the prejudice against Chinese immigrants, combining her fictional tale with real-life events as mentioned in the author’s notes at the end of the book. This book also examined how we treat others who are different from ourselves whether in social classes, economic levels or other walks of life. While the novel seemed to end abruptly, I found this to be an informative and fascinating read and would definitely recommend it for individual reading or book clubs. Looking forward to reading more in this series!

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and these are my own and honest opinions.

The Angel of Second Street wasn't what I expected; it was much more, with its secrets, historical events, and forbidden love. The vivid descriptions of Eureka and San Francisco, CA, in 1884, had quite a diverse group of characters. The author does a wonderful job describing the darker side of Chinese Immigration and Second Street's "working women" while showing the Christian aspects of faith, love, grace, and forgiveness.

I enjoyed Ida and Blaine's love for each other despite all the challenges they faced. Their holding on to their faith and their desire to help the less fortunate were encouraging and inspiring. The story had me drawn in not long after I started reading and held my interest until the end. There were lots of surprises and twists, but everything wrapped up nicely in the end.

I received a complimentary copy from the author through Net Galley; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

A story of following God's calling despite what others try to tell you, The Angel of Second Street by Barbara Tifft Blakey has strong messages of faith, seeking God's directives, and reliance on God. Blakey developed strong characters in Ida and Blaine who each sought God's plan in their lives. Book #1 in the Enduring Hope series.

Releases May 1st. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really wanted to like this book, but it just fell a little flat. I have seen other positive reviews; I guess this just wasn't for me. The cover art is lovely though. I did finish it so I could write a complete review.

The story centers around Ida Dempsey and Blaine Prescott. Both are from well-to-do families, but each wants to serve God beyond lip service. When Blaine first sees Ida, he knows deep down that God created them for each other. Ida has a heart to share about Jesus to anyone who listen. This includes the outcast Chinese in her community, as well as the fallen women on Second Street. Ida's family oppose her efforts and forbid her, but she continues in secret. Blaine's family is completely against his choice of wife and parades other rich women in front of him to change his mind. When he refuses to give up Ida, they cut him out of the family. So, he is welcomed by Ida's family and goes to work for her uncle.

There are other side plots that I don't want to spoil if you want to read it. The Pros: This novel has much more Scripture and serving the Lord than other Christian novels I have read lately. The author is not shy in her passion for serving God and evangelism. The Cons: I felt that some parts were slow and others lacked emotion. I didn't connect well with Ida and Blaine.

This is a sweet, clean romance, and there is definitely a religious theme running throughout the story. However, it is not overwhelming. The characters were well-crafted, but the story didn't pull me in as much as I had hoped. Ida's family was a bit unrealistic in some of their actions. Characters clearly showed their dependence on the Lord. "The Angel of Second Street" has a key reminder to look to the Lord for guidance. This is the first book in a new series, Enduring Hope.

Disclaimer: This is my own opinion and review.

This book has an interesting concept that was beautiful. I did struggle with this book as it seemed to fall flat. There was a strong story but seemed to lack a bit of emotion. I liked the story line and the strong themes of Christianity but feel like there could have been more to add feeling to the book.

This is a new to me author. It shows how someone can come from a wealthy lifestyle can befriend those considered beneath her status or different from her. Such a heartwarming story and I look forward to other books in this series.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and the author. All words are my own.

Loved reading the inspirational and engaging story. When Blaine meets Ada, he wants to get to know her better, and Ada has a calling from God to witness to the women on Second Street. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting story.

I enjoyed this story of a young woman who befriends a Chinese woman and frequents the streets of prostitutes. I look forward to reading the next book. This is a new author for me,

I almost gave up on this one, but continued to read and am glad I did.
This is the story of young love, and the love of the Lord, doing what you can to bring lost people into the fold.
I loved the author's notes at the end, they are extensive and give answers to some questions that I had.
This is a story that takes place in Eureka CA, and is about a group of people, that actually do a lot of work, but those in charge seem to want gone, and no matter, whom they are? Like cutting of the arm that feeds you, and some actually did that.
There are some facts that come to light, some quite a shock, and although one was answered and opened up new relationships, I have wondered how the father and son relationship went?
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I was not sure if I would enjoy this book - and I was pleasantly surprised! It’s a sweet story about a couple who just wants to do the right thing as they start their adult lives- and their parents disagree.

There are some social conflict situations between the parents and the couple. I appreciated Ida’s desire to reach people and Blaine’s desire to heal her. He also had to come to terms with a dream he thought hen had maybe was not his future.

The book does start a little slow then it gets more interesting. I definitely want to read the second of the Enduring Hope series. I will also read any more novels by Ms. Blakey

Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. I rooted for Ida and Blaine the whole way through the book. Ida's compassion for the Chinese population and Blaine's love and support for her were so touching. All the characters were well written and I can recommend reading this.

This was a very clean, sweet romance. The characters were very nice if a little idealistic. The characters did not feel authentic to me however the story idea was quite intriguing. I give this book 3 stars.