Book Review: The Potter’s Lady by Judith Miller

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The Potter’s Lady is the second novel in the Refined by Love series by Judith Miller.  However, the story can be read on its own.  There is enough background information provided to catch the reader up on the first novel in the series, The Brickmaker’s Bride.

In The Potter’s Lady, Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to buy a pottery business.  Having just graduated from design school she has huge dreams for the pottery.  In her eagerness to succeed, she reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his family’s pottery in a neighboring town.

Rylan Campbell isn’t keen on the changes brought to the pottery where he works.  When McKay Pottery begins losing business to the Harkness Company, Rylan realizes Joshua may be taking advantage of Rose.

When Franklin Hotel announces a design contest and winning is just the boost McKay Pottery needs.  Rylan and Rose begin to work closely together to create something magnificent and win the contest.  However, Rose and her family’s trust have been misplaced in more than one person.

Judith McCoy Miller

Judith McCoy Miller

 

Rose is an artists and a bit of an idealists, while Ryland is more practical and down to earth.  They were very relatable and enjoyable characters and by the end of the novel I was sad to say goodbye.

I greatly enjoyed this book and by the second half of the book, I was unable to put the story down until I’d finished.  The characters are well developed and I felt that Rose, Ryland, Ewan and their family had all become dear friends.  I was buoyed to see those out to ruin McKay Pottery receive their comeuppance.

Mrs. Miller has greatly researched the historical aspect of this novel, which is set in 1870s West Virginia.  Not just the area, but also the pottery and brick making aspects are greatly researched and detailed.  However, the information is incorporated as needed without bogging the story down.   {Click here for an article by the author about researching this novel.}

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The author not only weaves a seamless story, but also leaves the reader with food for thought.  Primarily the example of seeking and trusting God with your life vs. filling the hole in one’s life with worldly pursuits such as money, people and things are woven into the characters in the book.

This was the first novel I’ve read by Judith Miller, but it will definitely not be the last.  I look forward to going back and reading The Brickmaker’s Bride and I also am looking forward to the remainder of the book{s} in this delightful series.

If you enjoy historical romances, you’ll definitely enjoy The Potter’s Lady.

 

 

*I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for this review; all opinions are my own.

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