The Courtship of Miss Loretta Larson (The Covington Chronicles) (Volume 2)

By Mary Lou Cheatham

Description:

Loretta Larson, a southern lady in the early 1900’s, has everything she needs except a man. Ensnared by memories of lost romance, limited by codes of etiquette, and unimpressed by the eligible suitors in her town, she pursues an escape from her solitary life. Where can she find a man who will accept her quirks? He also must appreciate the refinements of culture. Not only must her man love her. He must nurture her efforts to fix what she sees wrong in her world—inadequate education, denied voting rights, and animosity toward impoverished Italian immigrants. One more requirement—he must be excited about giving her his time and affection. In return she will give him her heart. In a time and place when men dominate society, how can any man possibly court Miss Loretta Larson? She is taking a look at her life . . . her long-cherished values are, frankly, becoming a burden . . . her prospects of meeting an eligible man chilled by her self-imposed confinement . . . yes, confinement. . . . What can she do? She has everything she ought to need, but she wants more of what life has to offer.

Book Takeaway:

Laugh, love, live but keep your cards close to your chest.

Awards:

Why the author wrote this book:

To my surprise, Loretta Larson, a single schoolmarm in her thirties, appears in Secret Promise. Attractive, mysterious, accomplished, compassionate, and mysterious, she emerged from my mind, where I stored the characteristics of many such women I’ve known. Her sense of humor helps her survive the trials of her life. She tells her story. While researching the period, I increased my awareness of the brutality bestowed upon Italian immigrants in the South.