Joan thinks she has found her true love when she meets Drew, and she readily agrees to an engagement. But Drew is selfish and jealous, and he laughs at what he calls her "prudish morality." Joan is so unhappy that she turns for advice to a new acquaintance, Giles, a young man who owns a bookshop in town. Giles quickly recognizes Joan's innocence and sweetness, and vows that he will help her get away from greedy high-society people like Drew. But Joan finds herself fascinated with Drew, despite his faults, and she can't make up her mind to leave him. At the same time, she trusts Giles' wisdom, and wishes that Drew could be so steady and faithful.

I loved all the ups and downs of this romance! Poor Joan is tossed about and lied to and fooled, because she is so innocent and trusting. She mingles in high society where they are all lying to each other and flirting and gambling, but she longs for a simple life. I loved seeing her character development as she realizes the truth about her own soul, and finds the courage to demand the truth from others.

Giles is absolutely delicious! He's strong and steady and honest. He's everything a hero should be! I fell in love with him immediately because he loves books, but then I fell in love with him again over and over in every chapter as he consistently shows courage and kindness and generosity to everyone around him. You can really feel his struggle as he agonizes over how to advise Joan without pushing forward his own dreams of love on her. He is the soul of honor, and he genuinely cares for her, even if it means she might be happier with another man.

The writing really grips your emotions and I was crying through half the book, and not just about the whole emotional romance, but also the many supporting characters who have struggles of their own. Giles has a friend who is suffering after his injuries in the war. Joan brings comfort to a lonely old housekeeper at the hotel. Joan befriends a widow lady with two children. Even Drew's sister is weary of society facades and longs for some real connection. So many lonely and grieving people who have given up on their dreams, but in the end they all find peace and happiness.

I really enjoyed the many Christian themes in this book. Joan and Giles both spend time on their knees in prayer, asking God for guidance and strength. This brought so much depth to the story, and gave more meaning to their character arcs as they grow and find courage.

It was really refreshing to see a romance heroine falling in love, but then reconsidering and really thinking it through to discern what type of character and personality her fiancé has. She really analyzes whether or not she would be happy with Drew, and she has to face that question with courage, which is so hard to find when you are lonely and frightened and lost and that other person seems to have all the answers. I was inspired by her courage and discernment!