The Virtuous Woman

Gilbert Morris (and I assume the other writer) excells at characters. The characters: they're real, they're deep, they cry, and they're not afraid to cry. The story starts out with a tragedy and shows how family love can heal some pretty deep wounds. Kevin Winslow and Grace Winslow have every reason to withdraw from the world, but they must learn to face people to realize their dreams.

In 1935, a dying convict Bertha Zale confesses to the chaplain of New York State Women's Prison Father Anthony Mazzoni that she committed a terrible sin. In 1916 at the City Hospital, Bertha's baby died and she switched her infant for another. The Father does some research and realizes that a Grace Winslow, daughter of fifty something renowned artist Phil and his wife Cara died that day. He believes Bertha's s dying confession substantiated by information and informs the Winslows of what he heard and learned. The Winslows hire Francis Key who locates Grace known as Ruby. He has a hard time persuading her, but to escape her brute of a boyfriend she agrees to take the train across the country to Long Island to meet the Winslows. In New York, her three siblings react differently, Brian and Paige have doubts that this street kid belongs in their upper class lifestyle and besides that makes one more person to split the inheritance with. The other brother Brian, who suffered a scarring facial injury as a teen welcomes her into the family. How will the family members adapt to this rough newcomer? This is a terrific inspirational House of Winslow historical tale. The interrelationships between the various members of the Winslow family with each other and with three beaus including Francis, but especially with Grace are realistic, honest and exciting to follow as each will need to turn to Jesus for their personal solace. Fans will appreciate Gilbert Morris' latest winner that brings alive the 1930s Long island lifestyle in a warm upbeat way. Harriet Klausner