Colonial Quills: Review of WIDOW by Tina St. Clair Rice

The Restoration Trilogy: When Jennifer Rushmore accepts a brooding bachelor’s job offer to act as coordinator for the restoration of his family’s historic doctor’s house (White), apothecary (Widow) and log cabin (Witch) in a rural Georgia community, little does she know it’s her own heart that will undergo the greatest renovation. Three stories. Three centuries. Three lessons on the healing of the heart. And one buried mystery that threatens their redemption.

Widow is the second book in the Restoration Trilogy, but can be read as a stand-alone book. The story spans two eras: Civil War-era Oglethorpe County, Georgia and present day. It is interesting that many of the characters of the past parallel present day characters' in their life experiences, heartaches, struggles, joys and faith. There are events that occur in both eras that are not something I like to read about but the author has sensitively dealt with these events—I appreciate that not much detail is given about them but it is clear what those event(s) are.

I enjoyed the descriptions of the restoration process and the lifestyle of the past era. I would like to see the mural of the Dunham Plantation in the parlor that Stella painted, it sounds beautiful. One of the characters from the past era felt she was a widow even though her abusive husband was very much alive due to the events in their lives together—I could see why she felt that way.

Jennifer Rushmore’s ideas for the small community where she is restoring the house and apothecary shop of Michael Johnson’s ancestors excites most of the community. Michael and Jennifer often didn't agree on things but learned to overcome their differences and work together on the restoration. Little by little the suppressed past Jennifer has long hidden from others—and herself—is triggered, bringing fresh pain and heartache. I love the Bible verse Stella shares with Jennifer, “He will give us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 KJV) and reminds her that as a Christian she is “no broken piece of pottery”. Michael has his own heartaches and griefs from his past which he is struggling with as well. His past griefs certainly impacted his life in every way. Will he open his heart to God and finally forgive and let the past go?

I enjoyed the friendship between Jennifer and a 12-year-old girl, Montana and how they interact. The armadillo infestation was fun to watch as Michael, Jennifer and the others tried to prevent further damage to the yard and gardens and their ultimate solution. Then there is the mysterious accidents and danger that occur on the restoration site which brings anxiety, uncertainties and possible danger.

We see the characters applying the lessons learned from the past regarding many areas in their own lives: overcoming heartbreak, importance of friendships, how forgiveness frees the one doing the forgiving, love, faith and God's unfailing love and grace.

~ I received a PDF copy of this book from the author, (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~