Watercolors was an engaging story, full of characters that I came to care for during the course of the novel. Amelia and Braedon were at odds for much of the story, yet they also worked well together in many ways. One example of this was that they both wanted to do whatever was necessary to help Amelia’s brother recover as best he could.
I thought the author did a great job of making me feel as if I was right back in the time just after the end of the Civil War, when tensions were still very high. The descriptions of life while on the steamboat helped me to truly feel the separation between those who could afford a cabin and those who couldn’t.
The feelings that began to slowly grow between Amelia and Braedon made sense. There was chemistry between them, but also a lot of mistrust, leading to confusion about the future. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from start to finish and would have loved even a few more chapters at the end of the book in order to see the happy ending play out longer among Amelia’s family as they became acquainted with Braedon.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Strong-willed watercolor artist Amelia York thought she could paint the scenes of her own life – that is until she finds herself responsible for getting her brother, a paralyzed war veteran, home to Iowa and must deal with the moody Army captain God has painted into her life.
Captain Braedon McCrae is ruled by honor and a strong sense of duty. Still, the deaths of two people close to him have left him angry at God and vowing to never love again.
After a steamboat incident forces Amelia and Braedon to marry, Amelia must decide if she will accept Braedon’s offer of an annulment or keep the sacred vows she made before God.
The more Amelia attempts to control her future, the more she muddies the picture, like watercolors in the hand of a child. Can she learn to love, respect, and trust a man she barely knows?
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Also available on Kindle Unlimited.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lorna Seilstad has called Iowa home her whole life. She received her B.S. in education from Lubbock Christian University. After her first child was born, she stopped teaching and became a professional wiper. “I wiped noses, tears, skinned knees, baby’s bottoms, and countertops every day. But at naptime, I wrote.” Today, she writes historical fiction with a generous dash of humor.
