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Love's Gift
In 1903, Amaranth Beach is burdened by her ethnicity due to the Chinese Exclusion Acts. Abandoned on a beach as a newborn and raised in an orphanage, she is a skilled secretary, but the threat of deportation looms constantly and all employers turn her away... until Mrs. Tildon of Sea Haven, New Jersey, hires her.
Soon after Amaranth' s arrival, she discovers that the Tildon family secrets run deep— a reprobate father, a long-lost brother, an obnoxious maid who is never fired for her behavior, and William the son who worries too much about what people will think.
When a series of alarming events occur, it' s up to Amaranth and William to unravel the secrets that threaten to destroy the Tildon family.
Can Amaranth heal the family' s divisions with her faith? Or will a greater danger threaten them all.
Soon after Amaranth' s arrival, she discovers that the Tildon family secrets run deep— a reprobate father, a long-lost brother, an obnoxious maid who is never fired for her behavior, and William the son who worries too much about what people will think.
When a series of alarming events occur, it' s up to Amaranth and William to unravel the secrets that threaten to destroy the Tildon family.
Can Amaranth heal the family' s divisions with her faith? Or will a greater danger threaten them all.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2025
About the author
Penelope Marzec
28 books182 followersPenelope Marzec grew up along the Jersey shore, heard stories about Captain Kidd, and dug for his buried treasure. Her adventure resulted in a bad case of poison ivy. Deciding books were better than buried treasure, she discovered romance novels and was soon hooked on happy endings. She became an early childhood educator and found her own hero in an electrical engineer who grew up in Brooklyn, played the accordion, and was immune to poison ivy. Together they raised three daughters. Now retired, Penelope either writes her stories or paints seascapes in oils. Sometimes she sings while her husband plays the accordion.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 18, 2025
I love Christian historical novels, and this one piqued my interest. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough; the story had my attention from the beginning- an interesting read. I wondered what would happen next.
The array of characters contributed to the charm of this book. My favorite was Amaranth, who had to adapt to many new things and continue to endure prejudice because of her race. As a secretary to Mrs. Tildon, she was drawn into many unusual events, mysteries, and Tildon family dramas.
I loved the ocean setting of 1903, Sea Haven, and the historical aspects of the suffragists movement that touched Amaranth's life. I enjoyed her deep faith and how she affected those around her. The ending was surprising but wrapped everything up nicely.
I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
The array of characters contributed to the charm of this book. My favorite was Amaranth, who had to adapt to many new things and continue to endure prejudice because of her race. As a secretary to Mrs. Tildon, she was drawn into many unusual events, mysteries, and Tildon family dramas.
I loved the ocean setting of 1903, Sea Haven, and the historical aspects of the suffragists movement that touched Amaranth's life. I enjoyed her deep faith and how she affected those around her. The ending was surprising but wrapped everything up nicely.
I received an ARC from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
May 4, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Amaranth's story drew me in. Amaranth has had a difficult life. She's an orphan, and many people judge her for being of Chinese heritage. By God's grace, she finds herself employed by Mrs. Tildon. Mrs. Tildon is someone that I'd like to emulate. She's kind, gracious, forgiving, and determined. I love her enthusiasm for the suffrage movement. I liked that Amaranth's faith in God is strong! She often quotes scriptures and sings hymns to calm herself.
I won a copy of this book from LibraryThing! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I won a copy of this book from LibraryThing! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 3, 2025
In Love’s Gift, Marzec crafts a compelling narrative that marries history and faith. Amaranth and William’s love story highlights the power of forgiveness and the importance of equality.
March 26, 2025
Love’s Gift is an exceptionally heartwarming, Christian romance. Holding more depth than I expected, this story completely immersed me into the early twentieth-century as well as the legal prejudices against the Chinese.
The meet-cute is precious. Amaranth Beach, our young Chinese heroine raised in an orphanage, is searching for the Tilden cottage. But she’s broken her glasses, and to add insult to injury, a dog has just snatched the hat off her head and eaten the flower. That’s when a young man approaches. Dressed in googles and a leather jacket, he’s just stepped out of, well, it’s a car. Imagine it, in 1903. He’s William Tilden, the son of the woman she’ll be typing for.
This novel touches on all aspects of the nineteen-hundreds, from prejudice against the Chinese, to suffrage movement, to the technology of the day. (One person asked at a dinner party, “What will we do with all that electricity?”)
But without a doubt, the greatest parts of this story are the characters. We get to see William’s dry humor with an occasional well-spoken line of dialogue, followed by a smile or just a wink. I felt like I knew him, and wanted to spend time over the heavenly biscuits at the Tilden home talking to him about his latest inventions.
And Amaranth’s personality shined just as well. As an orphan, she had limited experiences, and the author showed us how she handled it. I felt her trepidation, and her daring to dream.
The secondary characters are equally vibrant and alive.
The chemistry between William and Amaranth was sweet and charming. I was rooting for them all the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Filled with humor, love, loyalty and faith, Love’s Gift by Penelope Marzec is truly magic.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The meet-cute is precious. Amaranth Beach, our young Chinese heroine raised in an orphanage, is searching for the Tilden cottage. But she’s broken her glasses, and to add insult to injury, a dog has just snatched the hat off her head and eaten the flower. That’s when a young man approaches. Dressed in googles and a leather jacket, he’s just stepped out of, well, it’s a car. Imagine it, in 1903. He’s William Tilden, the son of the woman she’ll be typing for.
This novel touches on all aspects of the nineteen-hundreds, from prejudice against the Chinese, to suffrage movement, to the technology of the day. (One person asked at a dinner party, “What will we do with all that electricity?”)
But without a doubt, the greatest parts of this story are the characters. We get to see William’s dry humor with an occasional well-spoken line of dialogue, followed by a smile or just a wink. I felt like I knew him, and wanted to spend time over the heavenly biscuits at the Tilden home talking to him about his latest inventions.
And Amaranth’s personality shined just as well. As an orphan, she had limited experiences, and the author showed us how she handled it. I felt her trepidation, and her daring to dream.
The secondary characters are equally vibrant and alive.
The chemistry between William and Amaranth was sweet and charming. I was rooting for them all the way.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Filled with humor, love, loyalty and faith, Love’s Gift by Penelope Marzec is truly magic.
My Rating: 5+ stars
Reviewed by: Terry
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
March 31, 2025
Love’s Gift may not have the most unique title, but don’t let that stop you from reading this historical romance, because there is plenty that is unique! The heroine is Chinese but American born. American born but unable to claim citizenship. A non-citizen, abandoned orphan who embraces the hurting people around her. This naive, gentle, shy heroine is thrown into the world of protest marches, suffragettes, family wounds and an unknown foe.
Ms Marzec has done wonderful research to bring the early days of 20th century New Jersey to life. She doesn’t fall into the trap of over-embellishing the plot, setting, and characters with period details. She flavors the story with enough color and description to make it realistic without detracting from the plot.
Other unique and completely enjoyable aspects to Love’s Gift: the heroine’s name— Amaranth Beach, the sweets-loving dog Tulip (sweets being cookies and flowers) the courageous woman who fights for women’s right to vote in spite of ill health, the conflicted and multi-dimensional man who captures Amaranth’s heart in spite of what she considers insurmountable obstacles. The faith aspect is lovely and encouraging and leaves the reader wishing they knew Amaranth in real life, and inspired by her childlike (but never childish) belief in a loving God.
Ms Marzec has done wonderful research to bring the early days of 20th century New Jersey to life. She doesn’t fall into the trap of over-embellishing the plot, setting, and characters with period details. She flavors the story with enough color and description to make it realistic without detracting from the plot.
Other unique and completely enjoyable aspects to Love’s Gift: the heroine’s name— Amaranth Beach, the sweets-loving dog Tulip (sweets being cookies and flowers) the courageous woman who fights for women’s right to vote in spite of ill health, the conflicted and multi-dimensional man who captures Amaranth’s heart in spite of what she considers insurmountable obstacles. The faith aspect is lovely and encouraging and leaves the reader wishing they knew Amaranth in real life, and inspired by her childlike (but never childish) belief in a loving God.
February 1, 2025
Love's Gift is a beautiful historical romance with a hint of mystery and the underlying themes of forgiveness and acceptance.
Abandoned on a beach as an infant, Amaranth grows up in an orphanage and spends her childhood feeling unwanted because of her race. Though her deep faith gives her the assurance that she is a child of God and a citizen of heaven, she longs for acceptance and a family of her own. When she accepts a job as a secretary for kind, influential Mrs. Tilden, Amaranth begins to think she may have found a place where she can fit in. She soon discovers that even prominent families have their problems.
I loved the cast of interesting characters and the gently unfolding romance between Amaranth and William. The hints of mystery woven through the story kept the pages turning! One scene near the end in which Amaranth receives a "gift of love" from the ocean was so touching it brought tears. I love this author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her wonderful books.
I received an ARC from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are mine alone.
Abandoned on a beach as an infant, Amaranth grows up in an orphanage and spends her childhood feeling unwanted because of her race. Though her deep faith gives her the assurance that she is a child of God and a citizen of heaven, she longs for acceptance and a family of her own. When she accepts a job as a secretary for kind, influential Mrs. Tilden, Amaranth begins to think she may have found a place where she can fit in. She soon discovers that even prominent families have their problems.
I loved the cast of interesting characters and the gently unfolding romance between Amaranth and William. The hints of mystery woven through the story kept the pages turning! One scene near the end in which Amaranth receives a "gift of love" from the ocean was so touching it brought tears. I love this author's writing style and look forward to reading more of her wonderful books.
I received an ARC from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are mine alone.
June 6, 2025
I won this title from Library Thing and was very pleased with the story by a new-to-me author.
Amaranth is an orphan with the stigma of being Chinese in the time when her ethnicity was frowned upon. She is a ver skilled secretary and finds employment with Mrs. Tildon who is adamant about furthering the cause for women to get the vote. Her son is a big help to her and starts to be interested in Amaranth.
There are strange goings on in the Tildon household and Amaranth endears herself to Will and Mrs. Tildon.
This was a sweet love story and the faith thread was strong. A theme was looking at the character of a person rather than outward appearance.
This was an excellent story with a different perspective on the bias towards Chinese in 1903 as well as the struggles in suffragette movement. It was very well written and informative.
*I received a complimentary copy from Pelican Group through Library Thing. All opinions are mine alone.*
Amaranth is an orphan with the stigma of being Chinese in the time when her ethnicity was frowned upon. She is a ver skilled secretary and finds employment with Mrs. Tildon who is adamant about furthering the cause for women to get the vote. Her son is a big help to her and starts to be interested in Amaranth.
There are strange goings on in the Tildon household and Amaranth endears herself to Will and Mrs. Tildon.
This was a sweet love story and the faith thread was strong. A theme was looking at the character of a person rather than outward appearance.
This was an excellent story with a different perspective on the bias towards Chinese in 1903 as well as the struggles in suffragette movement. It was very well written and informative.
*I received a complimentary copy from Pelican Group through Library Thing. All opinions are mine alone.*
March 10, 2025
When Amaranth was abandoned on a beach as a baby at the high-tide line and given her name by the nuns at the orphanage, she didn't believe her life would amount to much. Being Chinese was another strike against her.
After taking the job as an assistant to a well-to-do suffragist, her life improves as she uses her skill as a typist. Mrs. Tildon encourages Amaranth and treats her with kindness. Her son, William Tildon, is struck by the faith and strength of Amaranth. When loves blossoms for Amaranth, William isn't sure what to do with his feelings.
Enter some mishaps and rowdy suffragist marches and the author ramps up the tension for Amaranth and the Tildons.
Marzec brings out a strong message of forgiveness and acceptance in her story. This is an interesting slice of history with a sweet romance interwoven into the novel. What an enjoyable read.
After taking the job as an assistant to a well-to-do suffragist, her life improves as she uses her skill as a typist. Mrs. Tildon encourages Amaranth and treats her with kindness. Her son, William Tildon, is struck by the faith and strength of Amaranth. When loves blossoms for Amaranth, William isn't sure what to do with his feelings.
Enter some mishaps and rowdy suffragist marches and the author ramps up the tension for Amaranth and the Tildons.
Marzec brings out a strong message of forgiveness and acceptance in her story. This is an interesting slice of history with a sweet romance interwoven into the novel. What an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews