Better Than Gold by Laurie Alice Eakes
Publisher: Heartsong Presents
ISBN: 9781602600485
Binding: Mass Market
Lily is tired of her one-horse town. Lily Reese can’t wait to escape Browning City, Iowa. She’s sure she’ll be happier in the big city, if only she can save enough money to get there. But then Ben Purcell rides into town, threatening not only Lily’s place of residence and growing sense of family, but her safety and peace of mind, as well. And Ben has every intention of sticking around and becoming a small-town guy. How can Lily even consider the feelings he evokes in her? Rumors of a long-lost cache of gold bring danger swirling around them, but Lily and Ben find themselves on a quest for something more. Will releasing their plans and desires bring heartache or a reward they had never imagined?
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This was a charming book. I think the reason I liked it so much is because I could kind of relate to Lily’s dilemma. The story reminded me of when I was eighteen, about to graduate from high school, and I was eager to see the world! The reason I felt this way was because I had never traveled much, and I felt that my small town was boring and if only I could move away to someplace exciting I would find a world of happiness and adventure! As I finished this novel, the words from the movie, The Wizard of Oz came to mind: There’s no place like home!
The attraction between Lily and Ben is strong, and Ben is determined to court Lily, in spite of her vow to move away from their small town. However, since Ben has arrived to Browning, a strange series of events occur, placing his life, as well as Lily’s, in danger. When Lily gets a job offer that’ll take her away from the small town, she hesitates, wondering if she should accept the position. Lily’s faith in God is strengthened as she struggles to make her final decision about Ben, and about her future plans.