Blessing by Lyn Cote

An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women's rights and abolition.Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father's clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she's his equal--or challenged him to consider the lives of others.In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

My opinion: This book started out so promising just with its gorgeous cover and it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the spirited and unique heroine who is as unusual as her name, Blessing. Set in the pre-Civil War days this book has very likable characters and has a rich historical context. It felt like one was transported back into the 1840's and I got very caught up in what was happening to the two characters. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written historical fiction.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.