Phoebe Von Bergen is excited to accompany her father when he travels from Germany to purchase sapphires in Montana. Little does she know that her father’s plans–for the gemstones and his daughter–are not what they seem.
Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the young woman staying at the Broadwater Hotel more than a little intriguing. Yet the more he gets to know her, the more he realizes that her family story is based on a lie–a lie she has no knowledge of. And Ian believes he knows the only path that will lead her to freedom.
Meeting Ian has changed everything. Phoebe is determined to stay in America, regardless of her father’s plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger as the deception begins to unravel.
Tracie Peterson has penned another winner, although, really; does she write any other kind? What stands out about A Beauty Refined is the setting. The idea of German royalty visiting a resort in the Wild West is unlike any other book that I’ve read, and the mystery and intrigue definitely added another layer of suspense to the story. I read the entire book in one sitting – I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to Phoebe and if she would find the happy ending she desired.
The characters weren’t all my favorites – Ian was a bit stuffy at times, but there were others who more than made up for that, and his flaws were explained throughout the story. I especially enjoyed the mystery character who appeared partway through the story. Her bravery was admirable, and while I don’t know that I would’ve made the same decisions that she did, her actions were certainly food for thought.
The issues that Phoebe faces are really too serious to call this a ‘fun’ story, but it is definitely an intriguing one. I enjoyed the read, from the setting to (most) of the characters to thinking about how some of these problems are handled in our society today. A Beauty Refined is definitely worth the read.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
