The Angel of Second Street
by Barbara Tifft Blakey
Publisher: Barbour Publishing
Series: Book 1 of Enduring Hope
Rated: 3
Obtain:Back of the Book: “How Can Compassion be Considered Wrong?
When life is weighed down by challenges, pillars of enduring hope and love are always waiting to be discovered.
Ida Dempsey has grown up in a privileged life of luxury thanks to her aunt and uncle. Although Second Street—where women of ill repute ply their wares—is off limits to respectable citizens, her heart of compassion compels her to frequent the area, hoping to make a difference in their lives. Ida has also befriended Qui Shau, a Chinese woman who keeps house for her family, but friendships between the whites and Chinese are taboo in Eureka. Ida tries to keep secret her forbidden compassion, but someone is watching and will use it against her.

When Blaine Prescott meets Ida at a church picnic, his parents warn him away from any relationship with the young lady who has been seen on Second Street in the company of a Chinese woman. But how could such a kindhearted, lovely young woman be anything but good? But when riots break out in Chinatown and Ida disappears, Blaine will do anything to find out where and why she has gone.”

Impressions: This story hosted a sweet set of characters, but the story was lacking something. I think the characters ran into some very practical and likely bumps in the road, but Ida’s family's response was confusing. They were against what she wanted to do but they forgave her allowing her to continue what she was doing behind their backs. When she would be confronted, they would shrug it off because they thought her so innocent but were harsh and somewhat passionate with their opposing views outside of their relationship with Ida. I also found her friend to be selfish. It felt like Ida was used for excitement rather than supporting of her ideas in their friendship. Although it was clean and sweet the story fell flat for me.

Quotes: “Heavenly Father, You are holy and righteous and just. You are worthy of my devotion and trust. See me through the blood of Jesus and claim me as your child.”

Thank you NetGalley and Barbour Publishing for allowing me to read this sweet romance!

This is an interesting read, based on some true events in California, but with fictional characters.
There is romance and a lot of Christianity throughout.
As a Christian myself, I say “wake up” to the church. You can have your own little groups but we must never forget to integrate ourselves into the world to share the good news.
The main characters have much to learn about reaching the lost.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My opinions are my own.

What an amassing story that gripped my heart. Such a reminder to keep asking God and following His guidance daily.

THE ANGEL OF SECOND STREET by BARBARA TIFFT BLAKEY is the beautiful story of Ida Dempsey and Blaine Prestcott who fall in love, both wanting to share their faith and live their lives to honour God……
It is 1884 in Eureka, California, and Ida’s first attempts to minister to the Chinese and the prostitutes in Second Street are disappointing. I like to see the gentle way Blaine supports her efforts…..
Blaine’s parents do everything they can to separate them, and we see how he tries to honour his parents without allowing them to control his life.
Ida also tries to honour her beloved aunt and uncle, whilst going ahead with her plans to share Jesus with the less fortunate.
There are many twists and turns, but through it all their love for the Lord and dependence upon Him shine through.
I cannot recommend this wonderful, heart warming and truly inspirational, read strongly enough. I see it is the first novel in the Enduring Hope series and I am looking forward to the next one.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Barbour Publishing. The opinions in this review are completely my own.