Gift Of Daisies [Paperback]

I'm a fan of Mary Balogh as anyone who has read my reviews will know. She's a real treasure although she has once or twice disappointed me. I try to be as honest as I can with my reviews and take note of what other reviewers say before I purchase expensive out-of-print books. Therefore, this was the most recent of my MB purchases as I felt it probably wasn't worth tracking down based on what others have said here. I was wrong and I think the other reviewers have been unfair to this book and I don't think they have considered the historical context thus missing the point. I think this is one of the author's most interesting books and, if I may be so bold, shows clearly her Welsh background!

For a start, the Victorian reformers like William and Catherine Booth (founders of the Salvation Army) and Sidney and Beatrice Webb (and the Fabians) were working in that time period spanning the rise of Methodism and the origins of the modern British welfare state in the early 20th century. And it is also true to say that they, and many, many others, were reacting to the excesses of the Regency period and, indeed, the whole of the 18th century. Some define the 18th century as that period from the Restoration in 1660 to the coronation of Victoria in 1838. By the time Victoria came to the throne, there was a widespread reaction to the mindset of the Regency and reform started in earnest. There was the end to slavery, the repeal of the Corn Laws, the extension of the franchise with the Reform Act of 1832, the Married Woman's Property Act, Gladstone's work with prostitutes, etc, etc. People like John Wesley and William Wilberforce led the way.

Sorry about the history lesson but I think the characters of David Gower and Lady Rachel Palmer epitomise this sea-change that was taking place at the end of the Regency. David Gower is wholly admirable in his desire to work with the poor and Rachel is very much characteristic of the lady reformers that came in the Victorian era. They embody the urge felt to reform a jaded and unjust society, led (of course) from the upper echelons of society (like Beatrice Webb in particular). These were the people who had influence, impact, education, friends in Parliament and the ability to bring about change. Rachel's unfocused but very convincing need for a cause, and her faltering but true steps to find one, are indicative of all of this.

This book is not Regency Lite. Read carefully, it is introspective and analytical. It portrays some of the real issues of the day and the beginnings of reform in Britain so very much inspired by the church, especially the Methodists. I liked the hero and heroine and their spiritual journey is wholly credible to me. They do not take life lightly and yet both recognise the value of a deeply physical and spiritual love for each other in a life of service both to God and to others. They are most certainly not silly, superficial, condescending or overly pious as WRM-UK has said.

I am sorry some reviewers did not like this book but I value it highly and think it is truly one of the author's most memorable. Certainly worth the money spent!

This book has a poor vicar for the hero.I loved this book
for its undercurrent of faith&spirituality,without it being hea-
vy handed.David Gower is a complete anathema to the best known
literary vicar,Jane Austen's Mr.Collins.He actually lives his
faith,and will not faulter,or let himself be tempted from his
values.Ms.Balogh has said that she caught a lot of fire from her
fans for this book,but I myself loved it.

Even with so many books in print, Mary Balogh still comes up with a new twist to the delicious formula we all know and love. In this case, we have beautiful Lady Rachel Palmer, sought after by all the men. She has never known love until she meets the one man who resists her charms. The man is Reverand David Gower. Here is the reversal; often it is the woman who is a governess or some other gently born lady of little means, who is pursued by the wealthy high born lord. This is a classic story of love at first sight (even if he doesn't know it yet). The characters of Rachel Palmer and David Gower are two imperfect people who help each other to grow and change. If you like your romance with a heroine who knows what--or rather who--she wants and pursues him, then this book is for you. A fun read!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 6 reviews  3.2 out of 5 stars