I really enjoyed the intricacies of this plot. While it was predictable enough to be a nice, relaxing read, it also was different enough to keep me guessing and to make me really care about the characters and what happened to them. I liked that it dealt with some heavy stuff without getting bogged down, and that it showed Christians praying and really digging into the Word for how God would have them handle difficult and complex situations rather than just finding the easiest, most comfortable ways to handle them. I even learned a few things about sapphires that I didn't know before!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley.

This story was a wonderfully complex installment in the Sapphire Brides trilogy. The theme of reuniting a mother and daughter was lovely and enjoyable to experience. The journey might have been difficult at times, but every inch was worth the determination these ladies displayed. The romance took a back seat to the familial issues, but it was sweet and innocent and charming and everything I wanted for Phoebe and Ian.

The domestic abuse that took place was realistic. It deepened the story to a place that was raw and real, and it took my breath away as I hoped resolution would come with safety but dreaded that it would come with peril. The attention to detail was spot-on in this novel, and that was clear with the mention of bruises and swelling after a certain incident took place. This wasn’t one of those “there’s a scuffle but no residual effects” stories. Instead, it used reality as a base for the creative story spread across its pages.

I rather enjoyed this story and am glad to have a paperback copy to keep.

Triggers: domestic abuse, suicide

A Beauty Refined was a great book. Really enjoyed the storyline and writing style.