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It’s nineteenth century Philadelphia and Widow Laina Brighton is weary for change. It’s not that she doesn’t miss her dear husband, but she’s young and so lonely. She wonders what would happen if they’d had the children her heart longed for. But, immediately she dismisses those thoughts. Then, on a spur of the moment decision she packs up and moves to her brother’s Justin home in Philadelphia. Justin and his wife Elizabeth welcome her and take good care of her. Faith-filled Elizabeth is sure God has brought Laina to them for a reason. But, Laina has little use for the God who stole her husband and kept her barren. It’s on another ‘chance’ walk that Elizabeth discovers an empty mansion that begs her to buy it. Justin sells his sister the mansion. Soon Laina’s big heart can’t keep at bay the draw of Philadelphia’s homeless children. Laina is a doer and begins plans to convert the cold massive home into an orphanage.
Not everyone is thrilled with Laina’s selfless endeavors. And, the fact that society’s lost children can now be safe, warm, healthy, and not the least of all - loved, seems to matter nothing to the snooty rich society mavens. Malicious gossip and rumors swirl through high teas and lavish parties. But, with the help of handsome bachelor doctor Thaddeous Allen, Laina is strengthened.
Tender hearted Thaddeous Allen collects homeless children and carries them to homes he hopes will take them in. He seeks ways to ease the pain of others and not just physical, but emotional, and spiritual as well. While traveling he comes across an accident and a beautiful, obviously wealthy woman hovers over a child who has been struck down in the street. The man whose carriage/horse ran into the child refuses to take responsibility for running down the child – even refusing to acknowledge the boy as a human. The spunky woman rakes him over the coals and immediately takes over. It becomes evident that the fallen child is not alone, so Laina searches for his sibling. Without trying, Laina wins the doctor’s heart with her strong compassionate character which is not a mainstay amongst the wealthy.
Together Thaddeous and Laina bring hope to the hopeless. Eventually, both show God’s love, compassion and redemption. As they care for the ‘least of the city’, the little ones others call urchins, something develops between the two. It’s a delight to watch their future unfold.
Dorothy Clark writes another delightful tale, ripe with sweet romance, heart warming characters, and a simple but genuine plot; Joy for Mourning is a wonderful read. I love her way of showing the fierce determination of how Billy takes care of his little sister Emma. And, Laina is surely one of the best heroines I’ve read in a long time. I love her spunk! Although this was released in the hot month of July 2005, it makes a wonderful cold weather, curl up on the sofa with a good read, book
Reviewed by Linda Mae Baldwin
for The Road to Romance
November 17, 2005
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