Better than Gold

Title: BETTER THAN GOLD
Author: Laurie Alice Eakes
Publisher: Heartsong Presents
May 2008
ISBN: 978-1-60260-048-5
Genre: Inspirational/historical romance

Lily Reese doesn’t plan to settle in Browning City, Iowa. She’s only there long enough to save enough money to escape to a big city. Someplace that is all hustle and bustle, with something to do and someplace to go every minute. She has her heart set on Matt—he travels with the railroad and is in line for a promotion in the near future.

Ben Purcell is looking for family—and he’s thrilled to have found an elderly great-aunt. His arrival in town isn’t quite what he expects though as soon as he gets off the train he’s shot.

Lily is upset by Ben’s arrival. She’s displaced from her home when he needs to be nursed back to health, and not only that, but he’s working havoc on her heart. Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold adds danger—but also puts them on a quest. Will they be able to release their plans—or will they end up with heartbreak?

BETTER THAN GOLD is the first Heartsong Presents published by this talented author, but I expect to see more from her. Lily is a wonderful heroine, loveable and outgoing, reaching out to everyone else. Ben likewise goes above and beyond the call of duty, reaching out for others.

The writing is impeccable and the setting is brought to life. The faith message is strong, but isn’t preachy. I thoroughly enjoyed reading BETTER THAN GOLD, which is the third story in the Iowa historical collection. The first two books in this collection were written by Lena Nelson Dooley and Lisa Harris. Readers will want to read all three in the collection. Laurie Alice does a stellar job of tying up all the loose strings in the series and brings it to a satisfactory close. $4.95. 170 pages.