All In Good Time by Maureen Lang

 

Read a Q & A with the author about this novel here

Read a first chapter excerpt here

 

Dessa Caldwell has a dream: to open Pierson House, a refuge for former prostitutes in Denver’s roughest neighborhood. But after exhausting all charitable donations, Dessa still needs a loan, and nearly every bank in town has turned her down. Her last hope hinges on the owner of Hawkins National Bank.

Henry Hawkins has a secret: though he owns the most successful bank in town, his initial capital came from three successful raids on Wells Fargo coaches. Now he’s the most eligible bachelor in Denver, but to protect his criminal past, he’s built a fortress around his heart. Not even the boldest matchmaking mother can tempt him . . . until the day Dessa Caldwell ventures into his bank requesting a loan.

Though he’s certain her proposal is a bad investment, Henry is drawn to Dessa’s passion. But that same passion drives her to make rash decisions about Pierson House . . . and about whom she can trust. One man might hold the key to the future of her mission—but he also threatens to bring Henry’s darkest secrets to light. As the walls around their hearts begin to crumble, Henry and Dessa must choose between their plans and God’s, between safety and love.

All in Good Time by Maureen Lang was a heartwarming and enlightening novel that touched on important themes and issues still relevant today. This is the second novel in the Gilded Legacy series, but I did not see any connection to the first book, so All in Good Time can be read as a standalone novel. The story line was well developed and was a wonderful concoction of mystery, danger, romance, heart-wrenching choices, and the revelations of true character. The themes addressed by the author included the importance of being patient and trusting God and His timing, choosing to be honest over 'safe', both confessing and forgiving one's sins, and embracing God's love. Other topics this novel examined were the selling of young girls into sexual slavery and the redemption of those involved in prostitution. The author did a great job clearly illustrating the existence of both of these situations.

The narration of All in Good Time was from the perspective of both Dessa and Henry. Both of these characters were wonderfully developed with realistic strengths, flaws, and secrets. Dessa was a sweet character who was filled with a passion to help other women and an impatience to wait for God's timing. Henry started as a cold, closed off man, but as the novel progressed, his internal walls were torn down in a convincing way as he experienced a love for another and as he confessed his sins and returned to a faith in God. I was really inspired by Henry's transformation throughout the novel, and I found his character growth to be one of the best and most realistic character development that I have read in awhile. Dessa and Henry had a very slow and believable romance that I enjoyed seeing change and growth throughout the novel.

Overall, I highly enjoyed All in Good Time, and I look forward to reading more of Maureen Lang's novels. I would highly recommend this novel to any reader looking for an inspiring novel with a wonderful Western romance and relatable characters.

I received this novel for free from NetGalley.com and Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.