Lawana Blackwell
Measures of Grace (1996)
Author: Lawana Blackwell
Genre (and subgenre): Romance/Christian
Plot Summary:
Recovering from the beating that nearly killed her, Corrine Hammond has given up her life of a con artist and seducer. Assisted by her friends, she also strives to become a good Christian and strengthen her faith. She decides to leave London and return to her husband and daughter, whom she abandoned eight years ago. However, her last victim of extortion killed himself, and his son seeks revenge. To achieve this, he has hired private detective Joseph Price to find her and bring her back. While Joseph is uneasy about the man’s plans for Corrine, he manages to find her and follow her. SPOILER: Unbeknownst to Corrine, her husband has died, drinking himself to death. Her daughter Jenny, in the care of her sister, must work in the fields to earn her keep. But, the lady of the manor, driven insane by her daughter’s death, believes Jenny is her daughter; she insists upon keeping her and having her take the daughter’s place. While traveling to London, Joseph contracts scarlet fever and gradually becomes ill. Just as he has kidnapped Corrine, he becomes incapacitated. Though she is tempted to escape and leave Joseph helpless, Corrine nurses him back to health. Gradually, Joseph realizes that Corrine really has changed. He decides to let her return to her family, and her faith rekindles his as well. During their time together, the two develop feelings for each other. Though they go their separate ways after his recovery, their paths cross again.
Geographical Setting: Shropshire and London, England
Time Period: 1860s
Series: Victorian Serenade (#2)
Appeal Characteristics:
Measures of Grace features lots of drama and tension, especially with the subplot about Jenny. The themes of discovering faith and finding forgiveness are done without an excessively “preachy” tone. The writing style is approachable and simple. The historical setting makes for an engaging story, and the two main characters have flaws and faults. While the book is the second in the series, it can be read alone.
Red Flags: references to murder, suicide, seduction, and drinking; a kidnapping at gunpoint; a drowning and near-drowning; a character who is insane.
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