The Making of a Gentleman

What a great story! The books are published in a rather small size making it a bit difficult to hold them, but Steeple Hill books are awesome!

Between my usual household chores and a little writing, I spent most of yesterday reading Ruth Axtell Morren's newest book, "The Making of a Gentleman." Being an avid lover of Regency fiction, I was extremely excited that the library had this book available. That way if I really liked it I could eventually buy it. And it was good. She really puts some of those famous authors to shame, especially with her characterizations. Sometimes the characters have certain quirks or behaviors that are not exactly endearing, but they're definitely realistic. Usually with most Christian fiction, the hero and heroine change midway through the story, but Morren's characters are always consistant. Ruth Axtell Morren is my second favorite author (my sister and Grandma are tied for first place) so whenever another book of hers comes out, I grab onto it and usually finish it within a day's time. Unlike most series' based in the Regency era, hers has a nice mix of romance and reality. "The Making of a Gentleman" is no different. Her "Winter is Past"/Regency Series is fantastic, but from what I understand this particular book is not part of that series. It is the beginning of a brand new series. Florence Hathaway is devoted to her prison ministry at Newgate Prison, particularly to a convict named Jonah Quinn. He is scheduled to hang but nothing she says to him affects him. On the day he hangs, there is an uprising and Jonah escapes, with Florence as his hostage. While they are hiding out from the authorities, Florence comes to believe that her captor isn't guilty of any crime but has been framed. When the coast is clear and he allows her to return to her home, she invites him to come with her, so that he may clear his name. He refuses but eventually does turn up on the Hathaway's doorstep. Florence's younger brother, Damien, welcomes Jonah with open arms and is more successful at witnessing to him. After a bout of sickness, Jonah plays along with the Hathaway's plan of transforming him into a gentleman. He doesn't believe that someone of his social class can rise above his station, begin anew... and perhaps be a man worthy of Florence. Along the way, there are troubles, there always are. Florence and Jonah constantly bump heads, with usually Florence coming out ahead. They argued throughout most of the story and yet that didn't annoy me like it usually does with other stories. And it didn't really dawn on either one of them that they loved each other until it was almost too late. There's the meddling rector who has his sights set on making Florence his second wife, which I thought was the turning point for Jonah. From then on he is more determined to make the plan work. Then there is the duke that recognizes Jonah and turns him in. Does Jonah escape or does he pay for a crime he didn't commit? Well, you'll just have to read it yourself to find out. While "The Making of a Gentleman" was hilarious (especially when Florence literally washed Jonah's mouth out with soap

I so love this author! In the three books I've read, she always delivers such a satisfying romance story! Her endings are perfect. And this book is no exception. Florence Hathaway is a twenty-eight-year-old spinster in Regency England. She spends her time helping the poor prisoners at Newgate Prison and telling them about the One who can save their souls. On the morning the hangman is set to end one prisoner's life, Florence is suddenly taken hostage during a daring escape. Her own life is at the mercy of a convict with everything to lose if he is caught. Jonah Quinn has little to live for and no one to turn to for help. If caught by the authorities, he will hang. So when the spinster offers to teach him to become a respectable gentleman, with fine clothes and proper manners, he has no other choice. But can a country bloke like him ever pass for a true gentleman? These are not your ordinary hero and heroine. At first I wondered how the author would ever pull it off! The hero wasn't terribly heroic, and the heroine was not exactly alluring. But I found myself completely invested in these characters. I could hardly tear myself away from reading about them and wondering how things were going to turn out. I thoroughly enjoyed it as Morren once again pulled off an astounding transformation in both characters, and realistically, too. I highly recommend this book!

I love all Ruth Axtell Morren's books! The Making of a Gentleman, was a surprise to me. Florence doesn't have the compassion that most of Ruth's heroines have, she seems to be running on fear for most of the book. Jonah was more real for a man in his position and background. Florence's redemption was slow in coming. I got a little impatient with her. But over all it was a good book. I wanted to give the book five stars, maybe its just me, but I was very vexed with Florence. It is a good story and well worth a read.

This book proved to be an enjoyable and UNIQUE experience for me. I almost always enjoy Morren's books-- they are well told and, if not always truly original, written in a way different from the norm. Much like this book. While the idea of turning a rough person into one of culture (ie My Fair Lady) is not a new one, this book turned into something different. Jonah Quinn, an innocent convict is rescued from the hangmans noose... Florence Hathaway is taken as his hostage while he escapes... Feeling Gods call to help this man, she offers to help him-- but can this rough farmer become gentleman enough to earn a royal pardon? Initially, neither of these characters are particulary endearing. Jonah is gruff and stubborn. Florence is unyielding and holier than thou. I found myself wondering how this romance would ever evolve in a believable way. But Morren pulls it off. In true Morren style, you are given insight into the individual characters feelings, and even though you find yourself clenching your teeth at their behavior, you eventually end up rooting for them both. This book was a great read. It wasn't quite what I was expecting. The author does a great job of taking an overused theme and making it into something unique and enjoyable. Keep them coming!!!!