He shuffled in reverse. "If I had this to do over again, if I knew what succulence occupied my bed, I would not have wed. I wanted a companion. You painted yourself plain and dull, able to care for the house, tend to my things. I wanted ... not decadence, ribbons, and bows, not cake coated in frosted perfection, not a feast for my senses, a light in my eyes, but instead a colorless, flavorless existence."
Dovie's heart squeezed in her chest.
"You are everything I thought to avoid," he said. With that, he revolved on his heel and left.
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Augustus Boulanger advertised for a bride of plain countenance, able to cook and clean. But though he wanted companionship and an ease to his loneliness, he had no plans to become a true husband or father. The sin in his past, which tears at him day and night, is too great to overcome.
Dovie Monroe is not her real name, but by taking the place of the woman who passed on the ferry, she can have a better life than what her parents planned. Augustus is young and healthy and pleasing to the eye. She'll start a new life with him.
Yet her lie combined with his horrible secret could prove too strong for their fragile marriage and their memories too much to set aside. Unless they place their trust in the undeserved forgiveness of a loving, gracious God.
A few words about His Love in Return from author Josephine McCutcheon:
God's forgiveness includes the worst things we've done. Though Augustus had committed a grave sin and though Dovie was living a lie, He could make of their imperfections, something beautiful. God's redemption through Christ is all-inclusive and complete, with joy and peace in believing.
Josephine McCutcheon is a pen name for a line of historical romance short stories and novellas. Connect with her http://josephineauthor.blogspot.com/
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