This was simply the best inspirational romance novel I have ever read. I read quite a lot of books which cross many genres. However many of my favorites through the years have been inspirational romance, stories which show that love does not have to be torrid or unpleasing to God, that it can start and be centered on each partner’s relationship with God and putting Him first in their lives and in their relationship.
The characters in this story were so real to me. Betty Ruth reminded me quite a lot of my own mother who sadly began suffering from age-related dementia about eight years ago. She passed away on April 2nd of this year and I miss her dearly. This book reminded me to treasure every moment with those you love, especially your elders, because you don’t know from one moment to the next if someone suffering from a neural impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease will remember you or when it is their time to be called home to the Lord. So, remember to treasure your loved ones and say I love you as much as you can.
Lily Margolis, the title character as it were, came from a very difficult upbringing and reminded extraordinarily of my childhood best friend who was raised in a similar home that seemed to lack any love or warmth. Her mom was very religious and treated Dana harshly at times, as well as blaming her for Dana’s father leaving since he didn’t want to be responsible for any children. Lily’s background is nearly identical to my friend Dana’s in that her father left her mother before she was born, a circumstance for which Lily’s mom solely blames Lily. She also resents Lily for the hard life she herself has led, being a single mother in a time when such circumstances were not accepted at all by society. As soon as Lily was able she fled her mother’s home trying to land her feet. She becomes a cosmetics saleswoman, similar to the well-known Avon Lady, and that is how she meets Betty Ruth. Betty Ruth is delighted with Lily and buys all of her products. Lily is a flapper during the “Roaring ‘20’s” period of our American history and the evening after selling her entire inventory to Mrs. Burnside, she accompanies a friend to a very high-class party. After imbibing a bit too much alcohol and wandering off, Lily passes out in the Burnside’s rear garden. She is found the next morning by the housekeeper who thinks she is dead…and calls on the dashing Cullen Burnside to help. To see what ensues you’ll have to read this terrific book for yourself!
This was one of those books that the reader finds themselves thoroughly engaged in and does not want the story to end. I sincerely hope there are sequels to this novel because I didn’t like saying farewell, however fond, to Betty Ruth, Cullen, and Lily most of all.
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