A Beauty Refined (Sapphire Brides) by Tracie Peterson [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts:  An interesting story set in Montana at a resort in an area known for mining precious gem stones - specifically sapphires. The characters are well developed and present a variety of personalities that the reader will either like or immensely dislike. The character I most disliked was Phoebe's father, the German count. He was arrogant, pompous, mean, and absent of any virtues. I believe my most favorite was Phoebe's younger brother. He was absolutely charming, sweet, and filled with boyish appeal.

While Phoebe is accustomed to immense wealth and privilege, she sees value in individuals less entitled than she and finds she can rely on them and trust them. And she finds herself in the precarious position of needing someone in whom she can completely place her trust.

I found the information sprinkled in the story about the mining of sapphires in America and the cutting of the stones to be very interesting. The story has a sweet romance that develops at the end. The Christian focus on faith in all circumstances and the strong faith of Ian Harper, the leading male figure in the story, is well placed in the story and comes across as true to life.

A book to highly recommend and one you can gladly share with any teen, adult, and even grandmother.

About the book: What does it take to reveal the true beauty of a hidden gem?

Phoebe Von Bergen, the daughter of a German count, is excited to visit America for the first time while her father purchases sapphires in Helena, Montana. Little does she know, however, that her father's intentions---both for her and the gemstones---are not what she thinks.

Ian Harper, a lapidary working in Helena, finds the dignified 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 for Phoebe, and she begins to consider staying in America, regardless of her father's plans. But she may not be prepared for the unexpected danger that results when her family's deception begins to unravel.

GIVEAWAY

Begins July 22

ENDS August 7 @ 12:02 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are solely my own. I was not compensated.