Reminiscent of Beauty and the Beast, a recluse and a young woman discover that the scars of life are no match against an act of love. Iowa, 1903. All of Monticello believes Otis Taylor has been away fostering his musical genius. But the truth is that his father exiled him long ago, rejecting Otis's appearance and the scars that came with it. Now that he is the last living Taylor, Otis has covertly returned to settle his family's affairs and rid himself of his past for good. However, he soon discovers that he may not have been the only abandoned Taylor and begins a tireless search for his missing toddler niece. At twenty-three years old, Sadie West left her family farm and found employment at the Hoag feather duster factory. It isn't a romantic job, but she's hardly had a glimmer of romance since her beau went off to college, leaving her with no promise of a future together. Desperate to save money and help her family make ends meet, she trespasses and finds shelter in an abandoned building--and is thrown in the path of the town's mysterious bachelor. Otis's wounds are deep, but as Sadie's friendship with him grows, she begins to fall for the man beneath the mask. Locating his long-lost niece, however, is more difficult than either could have imagined, and Sadie West may be the key to Otis Taylor finally finding his way home.
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This delightful vintage-style story really captured the essence of small-town life in early 1900s Iowa. Social spheres are much more casual than in swanky coastal towns and well-educated women might easily find themselves having to work in a local factory for a spell after a bad season of crops. Sadie is one of these, the eldest girl leaving home to work and keep up the mortgage payments in order for her family to not lose their farm after her father's tragic accident.
I loved the interesting characters (except for Alta!) and definitely wanted to see Sadie and Otis get a happy ending. It was a delight to watch him slowly let down his guard and learn to let others show love for him.
The style and setting reminded me of a good Bess Streeter Aldrich or Willa Cather prairie novel.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free reading copy. A favorable review was not required.