Lucinda's Defender (Shenandoah Brides 3)

Lucinda's Defender 

(Shenandoah Brides) 

September 3, 2021

by Blossom Turner  (Author)

Life hasn’t turned out at all like Lucinda expected, but neither is the depth of love one man has for her.

The young and impetuous Lucinda Williams, through a series of bad decisions, is now in a situation she never dreamed conceivable—an unplanned baby and marriage to a man who proves to be far darker than she ever imagined. Pain is a cruel teacher but brings instant maturity.

Joseph Manning, a childhood friend who watched the love of his life leave, is heartbroken to find the bruised waif of a girl he rescues less than a year later. What atrocities did she experience to change the vivacious, bubbly soul into this shell of hopelessness? Broken. Bruised. Beaten. Does love really have the power to heal all wounds?

Lucinda marvels at how Joseph effortlessly whittles his way back into her heart and that of her child with kindness and respect. But she has a secret far too dark to allow the kind Joseph into her life. He deserves so much better than the likes of her. Is love strong enough to break down the barriers of bad choices? Can a second chance at happiness really be possible?

Marilyn's thoughts:    Wow, oh wow! Blossom Turner created a superb, heartfelt and emotional story for Lucinda’s and Joseph’s story. Their story is an emotional read filled with an underlying message of grace, mercy, forgiveness, romance and God’s love that kept me captivated till the end. This is the third book in Turner’s Shenandoah Brides series which can be read as a standalone but I highly recommend reading Katherine’s Arrangement and Amelia’s Heartsong.

 

Lucinda is a head strong teenager and was warned about spending time with Nat a new comer in the valley. She just knew he loved her until the unexpected happened. She was advised not to marry him with her long time friend Joseph disclosing his love for her but she didn’t listen to anyone. Lucinda soon found her in an abusive relationship and away from her family except her aunt and uncle. There were multiple unpleasant scenes that were not graphic in words but broke my heart for Lucinda. Joseph’s love for her and her sister Jeanette’s concern brought them to see Lucinda. Joseph’s love and concern along with being her defender gave way to unforeseen happenings. How will Lucinda find herself once she’s back home?

 

Joseph was a favorite character with his strong Christian faith, work ethic, and relying on God even when he questioned what he thought God was telling him. The story continues with ups and downs for Lucinda and Joseph with difficult conversations, hurts, and seeing no way they could be together with Lucinda’s tainted past. How is God going to intervene in her life for her to see His amazing grace, mercy, forgiveness and new beginnings?  Drama continues to the end with a lovely ending. I cannot wait to read Gracie’s story to catch up on Lucinda and Joseph, Katherine and Colby, Amelia and Bryon along with rest of the cast of characters thus far. It’s great to see new characters even though Nat was a very troubled and flawed character in this book.

 

I received a complimentary e-book from the author without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own opinion and look forward to reading more book by Blossom Turner.