A Perfect Silhouette

A good, clean, easy to read story of a working class girl that meets what she thinks is a working class young man, that turns out to be the son of the mill owner. Great story! I enjoyed reading it and it has an good ending.

(4.5 stars) - a cotton mill cinderella story

Those familiar with Elizabeth Gaskell's description of England's developing cotton industry in "North and South" will find this book particularly interesting. In this book, we get to see some of the similarities and differences of the industry as compared to America. And we get to see it from the perspective of characters who are working there.

It's a little surprising to see how the workers lived then. Their lives were essentially owned & controlled by the company even on their time off to an extent. So patronizing.

Like "North and South", this story also has a swoony romance, though our hero and heroine are not conflicted towards each other, nor are they as class conscious as Gaskell's characters. However, they do each have some secrets to deal with.

I loved the idea of the heroine's being gifted at paper cutting. I have seen some of it done by a master & it's truly amazing, as well as beautiful.

I was bothered just a bit by how quickly, easily & patly their problems were solved. It's not that I want "real life" where mean girls stay mean & interfering mothers alienate their son & his intended, etc, but at times it made the story a little too much fairytale & a little less believable that things were resolved with relatively little resistance or complication.

Then again, sometimes that's exactly what we want in our escapist fare.

The happily-ever-after was quite sweet. I actually read it twice, lol.


Clean romance level: sweet kisses
Religion: overtly Christian, some will find it preachy

A PERFECT SILHOUETTE by JUDITH MILLER is a beautifully told love story that takes place in the cotton mills in Manchester, New Hampshire in 1850. There is some intrigue, as things are not always as they seem, a good Christian message, mostly about trust, forgiveness and treating people right, and some really delightful characters.
Mellie Blanchard has come to work at the mill in order to be able to help her sister, who is having a hard time providing for herself and her children due to a scandal involving her late husband. She makes really good friends at the boarding house where the mill workers live, and works really hard in unpleasant conditions. She is well educated, and also has an unusual gift, that of cutting paper to make silhouettes.
Morgan Stark is the son of the mill owner who goes "undercover" to work as a mechanic at the mill in order to learn first hand how working conditions can be improved. He has studied engineering and is soon involved in a top secret invention that will greatly benefit the mill.
His parents are an interesting couple, and I like the way his mother is led to change her ways and make right with the Lord and her family.
The author has described what life was like for the cotton mill workers during that time of history, with the long hours, strict rules and sometimes suffocating heat.
It is an historical romance with good Christian content, and a really good read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Bethany House Publishers. The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Why does there have to be a mean person in our everyday lives? Do some do it for attention? Olive in this story sure does it the wrong way. But she is ok after awhile
Some of us can't help our positions in life. There things that draw us into whatever life throws at us. Things that are out if our control and some things we can. Life is all about the choices we make and how we make them. Sometimes when others make a wrong choice it's up to us to help them bail out or bail ourselves out.
Love can also find us in the most unusal places or circumstances.
The one thing that bothers me is when people lie to get what they want or steal want they want.
Most often people get into messes they don't want to.
I did learn some things from reading this novel. This is why I love reading Historical fiction.
Sometimes these bools can teach you things that you won't learn in the classroom
I loved Mellie and Morgan. I loved reading through their ups and downs that life threw at them.
I guess that is where you learn to have Faith in the ones you love and trust God for the rest.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley all opinions are my own!!

This interesting book has its historical roots in the U.S. industrial revolution and the integral part the "mill girls" played, at the expense of their health, unfair wages, long hours, no benefits, overmanaged and under constant scrutiny. The reader follows the life of Mellie, who has left a steady but low-paid job to seek higher wages by working in the mills, to help her family. I believe Miller's description of mill life is, sadly, accurate. Yet romance blooms there, and Mellie finds herself drawn to another mill worker...one who has a secret. Mellie's hobby of portrait silhouette cutting was another interesting thread that was woven throughout the book. This is also historically accurate as photography eclipsed silhouette portraits, but was too expensive for the budgets of many in its beginning. Themes in this book include family, trust, honor, and the inequity between hard work and prosperity. The book is wholesome and concludes as expected, although I felt some of the plot was a bit contrived. For example, it was hard for me to accept that one character who had caused such a ruckus, and who seemed to have little or no relationship with God, would immediately change and become a model mother after a prayer session with her pastor. I would like to have seen some "becoming" in her transformation. Likewise, the misunderstanding between Mellie and the millworker she grows to care about was drawn out over such a long time that I wanted to shake both characters. And that leads to my final observation about A Perfect Silhouette — as with all of Miller's writing, the reader becomes involved and invested and that's a hallmark of fine writing indeed. Four well-deserved stars from me.

This is a story that I would qualify as a very sweet, wholesome story. It reminded me of the essence of Grace Livingston Hill books in which everyone is just good. There are characters who aren’t so perfect, but once Mellie shows them where they have gone wrong, they are quick to find their true path.

Mellie has moved to town to become a mill girl for one of three mills in this town. She finds herself in a boarding house sharing the attic room with several girls. One of the girls on the first day discovered Mellie’s secrets in her journal and threatened to tell all, unless Mellie met her demands.

For me, the book was just too sweet. I used to read Grace Livingston books religiously, owning quite a few from her collection. There were some books I have held on to over the years, but they all held the same wholesome theme. I enjoyed learning about the silhouette’s, although the way she would describe them to Morgan and anyone else, it just felt like it was a bit of prissyness. So while the story and plot overall was good, there just wasn’t enough to keep me interested. The story just seemed too pat. Easily solved and finished.

Would I read this book again? Probably not. I know many will love it, but I just felt it lacked some depth of character and issues. I do appreciate the end of the story, but just felt like it ended just a bit too soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

JUST OK – DID NOT ENJOY
Manchester, New Hampshire 1850
This book was not my cup of tea. I generally read a book in 1 or 2 days. I read this one over 5 days because I was not into it. The story is told in third person. It took 9 or 10 chapters before I could even begin to somewhat enjoy the story. I read A LOT of historical fiction and this author’s writing style feels unpolished to me in comparison. She uses the word bucolic often, so it stands out. Her antagonists do a 180 turn very quickly. Simply point out their flaws and WHAM they are new people, apologizing and ready to behave. That seemed unrealistic. We are told repeatedly how Mellie’s sister is doing worse and worse through her letters, yet in the end there is no resolution to that problem. That was disappointing to me. It’s a nice love story between the 2 main characters, centered around the hardships of a cotton mill factory and the mandatory boarding houses (with strict rules) that the workers must live in; sharing quarters (beds) with other workers. Sadly, I was actually glad when it was over and I had met my obligation to finish the book.

Thank you to Bethany House and NetGalley for a digital edition. My opinion is my own and given freely.
3 Stars

Judith Miller is one of my favorite authors and I will grab her books to read, especially when I need some down-time. But when I read A Perfect Silhouette, I was thoroughly disappointed. There was so much Judith left unfinished. Maybe she was leaving room for a sequel to this book, or to make a series, but there were unresolved issues in the plot and I cannot give this book more than three stars.

Mellie has moved to Manchester, NH, to work in the textile mills so that she can help support her sister. As part of her job at the mill, she has to live in a boarding house run by someone employed by the mill to offer a bed to sleep in and three or four meals a day. There are a strict curfew and rules about church attendance and general conduct. That much doesn't bother Mellie so much, but she knows she needs to make more money than just her wages at the mill.

Shopping with the girls one night, Mellie sees a photography studio and goes into the store to see if the owner would like to have her do scherenschnitte silhouettes for customers who cannot afford photographic portraits. As a demonstration of her skill, she does a silhouette of the owner in just a few moments. They come to an agreement where she pays him two cents out of every silhouette she sells. It is absolutely a great boon for his business.

While working one night, she meets Morgan Stark, the son of the owner of the mill where Mellie works. He is working under an assumed name at the mill so that he can get a feel for the conditions the employees are working under. Because he is an engineer, he is included on a project for a circular loom that makes seamless fabric for feed bags.

Even though Morgan is falling in love with Mellie, he still has to keep his identity protected but his guilt over not telling Mellie the whole truth is eating him inside out. When she does find out, it is in the most awkward way possible and Morgan has a long row to hoe to win her back.

Like I said before, the book has an abrupt ending. Throughout the book, I got the feeling that something was wrong with Mellie's sister, but there is no resolution there. There are several other girls who have some unresolved issues as well, and the reuniting of Mellie and Morgan isn't as satisfying as it could have been. It is almost as if the author got to the point where she had enough pages and just tied a bow on it. I am hoping that there will be more novels to come out to make this a series and fill in some of the gaps.

My thanks go to Bethany House and NetGalley.com for allowing me to read and review this book. Three stars

The Perfect Silhouette
By Judith Miller
Have you read or watched North and South? As I read about the cotton mills and owners verses the workers, I could not help but relate and compare stories. I will say as many similarities as there may seem to be this story was different and quite enjoyable.
Mellies life circumstances have changed and rather then feel stuck in the past she dutifully joins the working class to provide for herself and sisters family. Her soft hands and leisure life did not prepare her for the long hard days of the weaver’s room where she now works. Mellie is positive and has put Gods Word in her heart and lives it. Although things started off difficult the relationships, she makes with her fellow workers encourages and changes her. As Mellie adjusts to her changing life, she discovers she can use a skill from her past to make some added income. While working Mellie attracts the attention of a fellow mill worker. Soon Mellie finds herself walking home with Morgan Stark and forging a friendship. Relationships are never simple however and there is more to both Mellie and Morgan’s life that could change everything. Mellie and Morgan learn that God uses regular people to carry out his will. If we are only willing to step forward and live out Gods Word.
I really enjoyed this book and found it easy to devour on my recent vacation. Family vacations are not always relaxing but being able to open a good book and be swept away in someone else’s stories made my trip a bit less crazy.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion which I’ve shared here. For more book reviews check out: https://simplyannehere.wordpress.com

Judith Miller's A Perfect Silhouette hooked me from the first page. I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it comes alive with believable characters. When I read this book I could see the shoddy boarding house, hear the looms in the factory and see how lives are changed. The simpler times we long for were built on hard work and determination. Life wasn't all work and the author has woven a wonderful story.


Our heroine, Mellie, was just one of hundreds of workers recruited for the booming textile industry. The promise of steady wages to send home to her struggling family enticed her to leave everything behind and work at the mill. Once she arrived, she learned that her housing was little more than a shared bed and the promise of a long day working in a loud textile mill. Her determination, like that of so many, developed an industry that played an integral role in our country's future. I heartily recommend this book for the story line, the well developed characters and impeccable research.

I enjoyed A Perfect Silhouette. I could not help to think about my grandparents while reading this. The conditions they had to endure to live and to even make a living to live. I loved Mellie in this book. I give her story four stars.

A sweet, lovely little story about a working class girl. It showcases the history and hardships that people living through this time would have gone through. Great attention to the historic details. Plus a sweet little romance on the side. There were a few time the character's seemed a little too sweet and kind almost to the point of becoming unrealistic, but overall a good story.

It's been a while since I picked up a title by Judith Miller. I have always enjoyed her writing and I was not disappointed with A Perfect Silhouette!







One of the things I enjoy about Judith Miller's storytelling is the constant theme of redemption. No one is ever beyond forgiveness or repentance and this is beautifully represented in her novels.



The main character, Mellie, is a sweetly innocent girl thrown into the necessity of working in a mill town. She's used to living a comfortable life, but she finds must help her sister meet financial needs because of her brother-in-laws misdeeds. Morgan, the hero, is not who he presents himself to be. Things become quite complicated faster than Morgan is able to deal with them, especially as the two begin to realize their feelings for one another.



I love how their innocence and honorable behavior is portrayed. We need more pure love stories that stir the emotions without leaving the reader blushing. Judith Miller does a wonderful job of this in a way I would be completely comfortable allowing my daughters to read her writing when in middle or high school.



I also admire the progression of her characters. Even though both begin with high moral standards even in the beginning, they grow in their faith and maturity throughout the chapters.



*Slight spoiler...but not too much!*

My favorite part of this books is as I mentioned before, no one is beyond forgiveness or repentance. Two characters in particular show this played out. One is Mellie's roommate. I love how forgiveness leads to a repentant heart. I know it doesn't always work out this way, but seeing this gives hope for a real-life answer to prayer such as is given in the story.



The second character who shows this example is Morgan's mother. I honestly was surprised at the turn of events at the end of the novel and it was nice to be surprised in a pleasant way! It is lovely to read a story where there not true villains in the sense of most literature, merely souls who need to be reminded of the love of the God most high.



This is again and excellent read and I highly recommend it for anyone looking for something to capture your heart and give a happy ending. This is one I would love to see created into a television series or movie!

The hardships of working in a mill in the 1850s are portrayed in this heartwarming story. Mellie in such a sweet and kind character that readers will fall in love with her. I loved that Morgan had a heart for improving conditions in the mill. Redemption from wrongdoing was a strong point throughout. I loved learning about the art of papercutting (scherenscnitte) and creating silhouettes. I hope there will be more books to follow about the mill town and Mellie's sister. Very sweet story! Highly recommended!

I really enjoyed this book, and although I thought I figured out the ending early on. While there is a bit of romance here, there are so many subplots going on, like real life, you will never get bored, and it will keep you page turning.
We get an up-close look at the mills that were an important part of the economy on the East Coast, and also see how unpleasant it was to work there. Wonder anyone had hearing left, or lungs, and the humidity and heat!
We get a glimpse of life as the workers living in a boarding house, gulping their meals and trudging back to work to do it again.
This is a story to get lost in, a great clean summer read!

I received this book through Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers, and was not required to give a positive review

While quite predictable, A Perfect Silhouette is a sweet romance with a dash of intrigue. Most of the characters are likable, at least by the end of the story. Multiple problems are presented, but are fairly easily solved. Nevertheless, the story is a pleasant read and you won't regret the time spent with it.

I am grateful to have received a copy of A Perfect Silhouette from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.

A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller takes place in Manchester, New Hampshire, a mill town in the 1850s. Mellicent "Mellie" Blanchard seeks work at a mill to provide for her family who have fallen unexpectedly on financial difficulties. Meanwhile, Morgan Stark, the mill owner's son, seeks to stand on his own by working undercover as a mechanic in the mill and help develop a new technology. Drawn together, can Mellie and Morgan find love and keep it as the world conspires to keep them apart? Miller returns to mill towns (see her Bells of Lowell series with Tracie Peterson) to create a tender love story while depicting what life was life in a mill town.

Thank you to Bethany House for the free review copy. All opinions are my own.

This was a sweet historical romance, but it also had a main character that had a lot of grit and grace. Mellie has a lot of hardship throughout this novel, but it was great to see a character persevere in the way that she did.

I also think that the setting was perfect. I liked getting a glimpse into the female mill worker's life in this book. I also think that the paper cutting was super unique, and it was something that I enjoyed reading about. 

This book deals a lot with issues of trust, forgiveness, and living in the way of God. I think that the topics handled were broad, but they all worked together in the novel to create a complex plot.

I do think some of the conflicts were resolved rather quickly. I also would've liked to have more on Mellie's sister included in the ending.

I remember seeing the shop on Main Street in Disneyland. The shop that had a lady cutting silhouettes for other tourists. I have always thought that it looked like such a fun thing to buy for a souvenir but also to learn to do myself. It looks like such a neat craft! And then, I saw a book about a silhouette cutter, so of course I had to read it! But there was so much more to this book than just silhouette cutting, so here you go. The five things I loved most about A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller.

The historical details. If you’ve read any other reviews I’ve done for other books, you know that I love history and get super excited when I find a book that has so many historical details. This book is packed with them. I read it in ebook form, but I’m pretty sure if I had a paperback copy, the cover would be bulging from the historical details it’s containing inside! Details about mills, looms, inventions, and
Scherenschnitte. You’re given a history lesson without even realizing it!
The sermons. There are sermons given in the book that are given in such a way that you don’t even realize it’s a sermon. Yet, you leave reflecting on what was said, and feeling convicted or encouraged. Lessons are given on forgiveness and pride, and trusting in God. Lessons that we should all hear and learn from.
The romance. The romance is sweet and fun and leaves you feeling happy and content.
The descriptions. Whether it’s descriptions about the cold weather, the humidity in the weaving room, or the smells of the tea shop, you can feel, taste, smell, see, and hear what is happening because the descriptions are so clear. And yet, the descriptions are not so overdone that you’re bogged down with them.
The Scherenschnitte. Yes, I had to mention this again. Because, you see, I think that it is a really cool word for a really cool art. And words that are that cool need to be mentioned as many times as possible.
So there you go, five reasons that made this book very enjoyable for me. I’m sure you can find even more reasons to love this book.

I would recommend this book for those who enjoy historical fiction and romance.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

With nods to North and South, Judith Miller’s A Perfect Silhouette is a sweet historical romance. Being a fan of Gaskell’s classic novel, I loved reading about a factory worker who falls in love with the mill owner. I liked both our hero, Morgan, and our heroine, Mellie, and enjoyed reading about their romance as it gently unfolded. Mellie’s riches-to-rags story and the secret of Morgan’s identity gave a deft nod to the Cinderella story, which I appreciated, while adding more depth to the plot and kept the reader guessing as to how things would unfold. A well rounded cast of supporting characters as well as a quaint New England setting provided a cozy backdrop for this endearing story. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

Fans of sweet, inspirational historical romance will love A Perfect Silhouette.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller tells the story of Mellie Blanchard as she begins a new life in Manchester, New Hampshire working in a cloth mill. Her family has fallen upon hard times and she must send money back to her widowed sister and her children. The work is long and difficult, but she’s determined to do right by her sister and provide for her as best she can. To make a few extra cents, she also starts working at a local photography shop making sillhouettes. And it’s there that a chance meeting will change her world.

Morgan Stark is the only heir of the Stark Mills fortune. But he will not be content to simply sit behind a desk. He wants to investigate what changes could be made to the mill to improve production and conditions for all the workers. The best way he can do that is by not coming in as the bosses son, but undercover as a regular mill worker named William Morgan. When he meets a sweet young woman in a photography shop who does the most beautiful sillhouettes, he can’t help but lose his heart. But what will she think of him when he reveals his true?

I enjoyed this book. The characters are sweet and the plot uncomplicated so it’s the perfect read for a lazy afternoon where you simply want a good story to fill your time. I enjoyed the twin sisters at the boardinghouse immensely, and Mr. Harrison was a delight. Things came a little too easily for Mellie, and she didn’t have to work through much conflict, but it was an enjoyable story nonetheless.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

I've always enjoyed books by Judith Miller! I really liked the storyline and loved the characters. Mellie was very resourceful and strong. Of course there has to be a few "mean girls"... I loved how one in particular was dealt with. This story will make you consider some things in your own life. I would love to read a sequel to this book...

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

A unique story set in the mill factories where women worked in horrible conditions for not enough money. It was interesting imagining women setting out on their own to work in a town far away, in order to send money to their family so they can have a better life. Mellie received an offer from a traveling man, and decided it was the best way to help those she loves. When things seem to good to be true they often are. Sleeping in a room with 4 or 5 complete strangers would be a huge wake up call, and that wasn’t all Mellie had to adjust to. The viciousness of some of the female characters was tough to read. I couldn’t imagine being in that type of situation where blackmail was the norm. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into what life was like for those women who worked so hard for those they love. I loved how Millie wasn’t afraid to ask the photography shop owner if he might be interested in using her talents to help boost his business. This book touches on several different areas where people can be caused to stumble, and even Mellie was far from perfect. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Romance. I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers and was in no way forced to post a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I received an ARC of this book from Bethany House Publishers; via NetGalley, this review is my personal opinion.



What I like about this story is easy to read, faith center, there is no unnecessary drama, the characters are likable, the progression in the relationship between Mellie and Morgan is not force, but swiftly and I believe that Judith Mille wanted to give a message through her story on how important is, to be honest, and also forgive. If you like historical fiction and want to enjoy a lovely story filled with faith and beautiful end, this book is a great choice.

Starting with a side-note here: I'm a huge Avengers fan. I'm not going to lie, every time I read the surname Stark in this book, I thought of Tony Stark and I kept picturing his (Tony's) dad as in place of the character in the book.

Aside from that odd little side note, I enjoyed this story, although I wish the conflicts weren't quite so easily resolved. I like happy ever after stories and enjoy seeing issues resolved, but it seemed to happen a little too effortlessly in this book. I need a little bit of struggle to make it seem more realistic.

Reading about what life was like as a mill worker was fascinating. I knew that people worked really long hours in difficult conditions, but this story made it more real to me. I also wasn't aware that they had so many rules in their (very limited) off hours.

I was intrigued by Mellie's talent at Scherenschnitte (paper cutting), enough so that I had to google it to find out just what it was all about. Definitely a lot more labor intensive than what I was originally picturing. What a fun talent that would be to have.

This was an enjoyable, clean book to read.

Mellie Blanchard, a gently bred young woman who has benefitted from private school education and the finer things in life, find herself in need of a job. In 1850, the only respectable career for a young woman was in a fabric mill. Mellie makes her way to Manchester, New Hampshire and commits to working a full year at a mill. Along the way, she faces a host of unknowns—long hours of work, blackmail, and having three roommates. When she realizes that her mill pay won’t help her sister get out of debt soon enough, Mellie takes on a second job cutting silhouettes at a local photographer’s studio.

Morgan Stark, fresh out of college with an engineering degree, wants to make a difference in his father’s mills. He decides to enter the workforce incognito in order to learn the business from the ground up. He bumps into Mellie when he first arrives in town, and sees her again at the photographer’s studio. They strike up a friendship, but he isn’t honest with her about his background, which causes problems later on in the book.

This was a pleasant read, but the characters resolved their problems in such a tidy manner that the book seemed flat and predictable.

A Perfect Silhouette was written by Judith Miller, and is set in the mid-1800s.
Summary: With a major scandal in her family’s recent past, Mellie Blanchard leaves her home behind, and takes a job at a mill in New Hampshire.
Not accustomed to manual labor, and shunned by the workers who disapprove of her fancy belongings, Mellie makes the best of her situation-if only for the money it will bring for her family back home.
Will Mellie be able to support her family? And what of the handsome stranger that quickly becomes more than a friend? Will she be able to handle more secrets when the truth is finally revealed?
My Thoughts: This book was a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed the unique storyline, and could really feel for the characters as they dealt with some very tricky situations in their lives. It was also extremely interesting to read about the techniques the mills employed back then.
The story is well-written, interesting, and was a very quick read for me. I really liked it, and it is definitely worth the read.
I would like to thank Bethany House for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for my review. Thank you!

I enjoyed this Christian historical novel written by Judith Miller. I immediately felt drawn into Mellie’s story line and appreciated her righteous character and compassionate heart. The author did a great job incorporating details about the time period to help the reader understand the difficult circumstances faced by the ladies who worked in the mills. I had a little bit harder time connecting with Morgan and his parents, but warmed up to them as the story progressed. I’ve always loved Grace Livingston Hill novels and this story reminded me somewhat of those books with a sweet heroine who has an almost impossible financial situation to overcome; and an upstanding guy who looks past her circumstances and sees her true value as a person. I appreciated Mellie’s strong faith and her willingness to sacrifice for others.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I requested and received this book through NetGalley and Baker Publishing. I am not forced to leave a review either positive or negative. This review is freely given and my own opinion.

I enjoy reading books by Judith Miller and I enjoyed this book also. When I started the book, I thought I had previously read it but knew that couldn't be true. I had read a book that involved the millworkers in that region and time period in a different book years ago. The only similarity was the description, a very accurate description, of the mills and working/living conditions.

The main characters in this book were well thought out and well-executed.individuals. The storyline was pretty believable also. It is, of course, a fiction book but well done. It is also a Christian fiction and that aspect is also well done. It shows God and a Christian life without being preachy.

I do not like reading books that need a lot of editing. Even though this was an advanced reader copy, the editing was well done. Not perfect but almost so. The story was well thought out and flowed smoothly. I was sorry when it ended. I would have liked it to go on a bit more to show what happened to Mellie and her sister.

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars and would recommend it to anyone wanting to read historical fiction.

A Perfect Silhouette by Judith Miller is the second Christian Historical I’ve read recently involving working in the mills. Set in 1850 New Hampshire, we view the mill town, boarding house, and mill itself through the eyes of one young woman, Mellie Blanchard. We see the deplorable conditions within the mill walls, sweating to near-fainting with Mellie and breathing in stifling lint-laden air. The undeniable monotony of watching the loom shuttles whiz back and forth may have threatened to put me to sleep!
I thought William Morgan was very brave to take on a role beneath his social class in order to discover more about the true workings of his family’s mills.
There were some details about the looms that were hard for me to follow, or I wanted to leave for business people like Morgan and his father.
Trust and forgiveness are themes that are addressed as are loving one’s enemies, plus standing for one’s convictions.
One part of the story I am still puzzling over- could it really have happened like that? I’m not quite convinced.
I have enjoyed reading Miller’s books as she has lately taken us through several different professions in America’s history.
Quotes:
« He’d stepped into this new identity thinking he could do good, yet each lie had required another. He was beginning to have trouble sifting the lies from the truth. »
« “Prayer is our best hope—in all circumstances... »
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not affect my opinions for which I am solely responsible.

Mellie Blanchard leaves her sister and sister’s children to try and bring in income to support them. Mellie moves to a boardinghouse in Manchester, NH to be part of the mill-working girls. To supplement that income, she also creates silhouette portraits at a photography studio in town. Mellie makes some friends, of course, from among the many women at the mill and boardinghouse. Mellie’s prior employment as a tutor/governess was upset when her brother-in-law had secrets come to light. These secrets, Mellie wishes to continue to hide.

William Morgan, son of a mill owner, asks his father to place him undercover in the mill in a technical role so that he can learn the ins and outs of the system, for the betterment of the workers. He knows that is privileged role would mean that workers would not be forthright with him. He, too, has secrets.

Fate brings Mellie and William together.

I enjoyed the history of this story and appreciated the details that Judith Miller is so good as building into her stories.

Mellie left her home in Concord to help supplement her families income. Gambling debts and embezzlement have ruined her family leaving her sister a widow with young children. Mellie has such a strong sense of family and responsibility that she knows she must help them even if it means working in a mill.

Morgan is the son of the owner of the mill. He wants to work as a laborer to see what he can do to help out the workers and help the business run more efficiently. He knows he has a better chance of succeeding if he is seen as a fellow employee. He also has a strong sense of responsibility and family.

It only makes sense that the two would be attracted to each other and find things in common. I loved the simple part of their romance. The conflict comes when they realize that they haven't been completely honest with each other.

I found this story to be very sweet. I enjoyed reading their story. I was particularly interested in the art of paper cutting. I had to go and look up the technique. It is truly fascinating that someone could create delicate works art with a pair of scissors.

I wish that I could have know what happens to Mellie's sister and her children. I would have loved if the story could have taken them on a visit to her sister's home. This is a sweet story with a happily-ever-after.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Sweet Christian Historical Romance. Mellie is from a well to do family whose reputation and finances suffered thanks to her brother in law. So that she could make more money, she gave up her job as a tutor to work in the mills to help support her sister and her family. While in school, she had learned a talent for Scherenschnitte, paper silhouette cutting. Since additional income was needed, she found a shop in town where she earned extra money doing Scherenschnitte.
Morgan is the mill owners son. Returning home from being away at school, he wants to learn ways to improve the mills and put his engineering degree to work. To be more efficient, he went to work there under an assumed name. This is an intricate story involving likable characters, and you'll find yourself rooting for them. Lessons of forgiveness and God's love throughout the story. As is typical for Judith Miller, this is well researched and she brings to life what it must have been like to work in the mills at that time. It was an important business for our country, but working conditions were terrible. Such a good story I didn't want it to end. I'm hoping for a sequel!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AperfectSilhouette #NetGalley