Araminta is barely nineteen when she agrees to elope with Barney. But she doesn't really love him; she just wants to get away from her stepsisters at home. Araminta is also trying to forget about Jan, the gentleman who broke her heart two years before. But when she unexpectedly sees Jan on the night before the wedding, Araminta calls off the elopement and decides to take up a career as an actress in New York. The critics think she has some talent and Araminta throws herself into her acting career, working herself to death trying to forget both Barney and Jan. Through the course of a year, she tries to make sense of her own heart and find her way back to the man she truly loves.

I loved this sweet clean romance! Araminta discovers that you can't base a lasting relationship on glittering words and sweet gestures. Love requires a deeper connection and a steadfast affection that will weather the storms of life. Both of the men who Araminta loves have very different philosophies and dreams about what they want out of life, and Araminta has to decide which of them most closely aligns with her own values. I really liked that, although she gets swept away in the romance at first, she later takes time to analyze each man's moral character and choose the man who will truly make her happy.

The writing is delightful and I loved all the snappy dialogue. The supporting characters are memorable and complex, especially Araminta's stepsister Leontine. The plot really keeps you wondering, because their plans are always changing and new circumstances arise that seem to tear the characters apart even more.

I especially enjoyed the Christian themes in the background of this story! Araminta's grandfather is a Bishop, and she turns to him for advice and wisdom when she is confused. She takes time to pray for God to guide her in her decisions, and tries to live up to her spiritual ideals with courage and honesty. It was really inspiring to see how her faith in God was the deciding factor in her character development as she matures.

I can't wait to read more books from this author!