The Measure of a Lady, by Deeanne Gist

Setting

1849

San Francisco, California

Synopsis

Rachel's father caught the gold fever, but never made it to his destination, leaving her to care for her two younger teenage siblings. When the ship docks at San Francisco, Rachel discovers that the place is not at all what she expect.  Yet, since she cannot book passage any time soon to go back East, she is forced to find a home for herself and her siblings for the time being.  Housing is scarce and she negotiates with a shocking yet charming and handsome gambling establishment owner, Johnnie Parker, and he reluctantly agrees that she may work for him in exchange for room and board.  Rachel struggles to maintain proper decorum in a place that is anything but proper.  Her siblings soon run wild and get into a mess of trouble in this rough mining town.  As romance builds, Rachel must search her heart and learn to put aside her prejudices, and Johnnie must decide if there is any way that a woman can fit into his well laid plans.

Review

This book is utterly priceless.  It is witty and fascinating, with plenty of romantic tension. I love the humorous elements.  Right from the start she had me chuckling, from the moment they arrive in San Francisco and discover mucky streets and a comically disturbing sign that reads "This Street Is Impassable, Not Even Jackassable"!!  How can you not love that?  Deeanne Gist is a gutsy author who is not afraid to stretch past the limits of conventional Christian fiction, and that is one of the reasons I love reading her books.  Johnnie's character is charming and shocking, not at all the type of person Rachel would have expected to fall in love with, yet the sparks between them cannot be ignored.  This story is lovable from start to finish.  I highly recommend it.

Edgy Content

1) Steamier romantic scenes.  The author doesn't tip-toe around physical attractions and such.  Breathtakingly moving!

2) Immoral activities involving some background characters, although implied rather than explicitly described.

3) Gambling and the inclusion of a nude statue.  Johnnie is a bit rough and has a less than upstanding occupation, as well as one particular possession which he treasures.  This actually made for some rather comical scenes.