Heart of a Soiled Dove

So, what do you do with a book you are reading for fluff and you find that there are deep spiritual truths embedded in the plot? It's amazing to find such a book on my reading list and to spend time getting to know these characters for who they are. They are not plastic people, but very real, so let me introduce you.

Aurora--makes no bones about who she is and where she's been. She inherited an estate that allowed her to be independent and allowed her to try to rescue other women who also sold their bodies. She taught me much even in her young Christian life. She's the one who will teach you that God removes our sins from us as far as the east is from the west, that what's on the outside does not matter nearly as much as what's on the inside, and that judgment is unfair and unwarranted to get along in this life.

Donovan--has a rather menacing demeanor that hides his desire to have peace. His brother Roman was the son of his father and the housekeeper. Donovan's mother sold herself out just to embarrass his father, and Donovan can't get past the thought of being with a woman who has ever rented out her body.

John--the itinerant preacher who comes to town every six weeks or so and holds services. His gentle wisdom and earnest kindness are a balm to Aurora's battered soul.

Thatcher Poe--owns the Lady of the Evening Saloon and Brothel. He basically runs the town by telling the sheriff what he will and will not allow. He has no scruples, no morals, and the only thing he values is money.

Corbin--the sheriff who is corrupt, snakelike, and even though he's supposed to stand for the right, stands more for evil. He's not above taking bribes, or demanding payment for his "protection."

If you have ever read Francine Rivers' Redeeming Love, you know that Angel eventually opens a home for soiled doves to escape their plight, to make choices that will give them respectable work and education. Aurora does much the same thing, and goes one step further--she pays their ransom, and befriends one of the madams. Sarah Jae Foster has done an admirable job in telling Aurora's story, and the story itself will keep the reader enthralled throughout the whole book.

The conflict between Aurora and Donovan happens because she is able to purchase a piece of land in Pine City, Montana, that Donovan wants. Donovan wanted the land to be able to give it to his brother to ranch on. Aurora hires Roman to be her ranch manager and that grates on Donovan's nerves something fierce. One of the girls that Aurora rescues marries Roman and learns to grow a garden, can the produce, and lay aside food for the winter. All in all, a pretty nice set up, but still not satisfactory to Donovan. The conflict between Aurora and Donovan create a palpable tension that will bring the reader much satisfaction when the book is at an end.

Five stars, two thumbs up, and a boarding house for rescued soiled doves.