In Grace Hitchcock's The Finding of Miss Fairfield, Charleston socialite Sophia Fairfield flees a disastrous engagement to a much older man. Left in his care is his charming stepson, Carver, and Sophia finds herself unexpectedly falling for him – a forbidden romance given their impending step-mother/son relationship. Their burgeoning love is threatened by Sophia's controlling fiancé, who will stop at nothing to claim her. Desperate to escape scandal and societal pressures, Sophia runs away to become a waitress in New Mexico. Carver, abandoning his own predetermined life, follows, setting the stage for a thrilling chase across the American West and a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story full of charm and delightful escapism. This clean romance is perfect for fans of historical fiction and heartwarming love stories.
Review The Finding of Miss Fairfield
Oh my goodness, The Finding of Miss Fairfield was such a delightful surprise! Going in, I knew it was a historical romance, a "runaway bride" trope, and involved the Harvey Girls – but I wasn't fully prepared for just how much I'd enjoy it. Grace Hitchcock has a real talent for crafting compelling characters, and Sophia and Carver immediately captured my heart. Sophia’s defiance in the face of a forced marriage with a much older man felt incredibly empowering, and her journey of self-discovery as she escapes to New Mexico was both thrilling and heartwarming. She's not just a damsel in distress; she's resourceful, determined, and fiercely independent, even when facing incredible odds.
Carver, on the other hand, is the perfect blend of charming and protective. He's clearly a man bound by duty and expectation, yet his love for Sophia allows him to break free from those constraints and pursue his own happiness. Their forbidden romance, fueled by forced proximity and a whirlwind of unexpected events, kept me completely hooked. The tension between them, the longing glances, the stolen moments—it was all exquisitely done without ever feeling over-the-top or cliché. Hitchcock manages to create a believable and swoon-worthy romance that feels both authentic to the time period and utterly captivating for a modern reader.
The plot itself is wonderfully engaging. The constant threat from Sophia’s manipulative fiancé kept me on the edge of my seat, adding a layer of suspense that perfectly complemented the burgeoning romance. The inclusion of the Harvey Girls added a fascinating glimpse into a little-known aspect of American history, enriching the story with a unique setting and vibrant supporting characters. I loved learning more about their lives and the challenges they faced. The pacing was excellent – there were moments of intense action and suspense, balanced with quieter, more intimate scenes that allowed the characters’ relationship to develop organically.
While the historical setting is rich and detailed, the story never felt bogged down in excessive descriptions. Hitchcock masterfully weaves the historical elements into the narrative, creating a vivid and immersive experience without sacrificing the momentum of the plot. The book's clean nature made it a truly enjoyable and refreshing read. While other books in the genre might focus heavily on explicit content, this one prioritized the strength of the characters, the complexity of their relationship, and the excitement of the plot. It’s a testament to Hitchcock's writing that I found myself completely absorbed in the story, even without the usual spice.
Finally, the faith-based aspect of the story felt natural and heartfelt, never preachy or forced. The characters’ reliance on their faith provided a comforting undercurrent to the narrative, particularly during the more intense moments. It added a layer of emotional depth and resonated with me personally. Overall, The Finding of Miss Fairfield is a fantastic read. It's a beautifully written historical romance with strong characters, a captivating plot, and a truly satisfying ending. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys clean historical romances, or even readers looking for a captivating and well-written story with a touch of adventure. I can't wait to read more from Grace Hitchcock!
Information
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.17 x 8.5 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 466
- Publication date: 2024
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