A Fragile Design

September 1, 2003
Following Daughter of the Loom, this second entry in the authors' series about 19th-century New England focuses on young Arabella and Daughtie, who flee from their constricted life with the Shakers of New Hampshire to work in the mill town of Lowell, Massachusetts. Although they gain their independence, they are also subjected to the harsh working and living conditions of the Industrial Revolution era. Daughtie is not sure they made the right decision, but Arabella continues to encourage her to have faith that God will make things work out right in the end. Arabella's attraction to arrogant Taylor Manning also complicates her new life. When girls from the mills start disappearing, though, a frightening conspiracy is discovered that puts Arabella and Daughtie in danger. Both an enjoyable history lesson as well as a lively romance, this novel will appeal to mainstream historical romance readers as well as conservative Christians. Recommended for public libraries.

Copyright 2003 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.