MrsK Books: The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

Sunday, September 20, 2015

The Potter's Lady by Judith Miller

ISBN: 9780764212567

Publisher's Synopsis:

When Rose McKay convinces her brother, Ewan, to invest in a pottery business, she's determined to assist him in making the endeavor a success. A recent graduate of the Philadelphia School of Design for Women, she believes she can design pieces that will sell well. Rose also reconnects with Joshua Harkness, who oversees his own family's pottery works and promises to help her.

Rylan Campbell has never liked change, but the new owners of the pottery seem to be decent folks. He just wishes Rose wouldn't insist on changing the way they do things. Then McKay Pottery begins to lose business to the Harkness company, and Rylan suspects Joshua may be secretly taking advantage of Rose.

When Franklin Hotels announces a design contest, it could be the opportunity McKay Pottery needs to achieve recognition and clients. Rose and Rylan work together to create something magnificent. With Joshua's company as their main rival, can Rylan convince Rose her trust in Joshua may spell ruin for them all?

In the beautiful rolling hills of West Virginia, Rose McKay seeks a measure of success--in business and in love.

MrsK's Review:

In 1872, Rose McKay has just completed her studies in design at the Philadelphia School of Design for Women. Although she is very gifted, and has in fact just been honored with the "Excellence in Design Award" for her upholstering fabric design, she is anxious to leave the school. She would miss her mentor-ship with Mrs. Fisk, but not the cruelty of the other patrons. She is in fact, quite excited about returning home and beginning a life away from the ridicule of those whom considered her not of their standing.

As her brother, Ewan, escorts her home to the hills of West Virginia, Rose learns of her family's decision to purchase either a brick yard or a pottery. Of course, since Rose has been educated in the crafting of designs, she has hope that the family will choose a pottery. With the joyous visions of crafting designs for a family pottery is a most anxious concern about a "surprise" welcome home party. Rose detests social engagements, especially one designed around her.

It is on their way home in which Rose will discover the path for her future. Their side journey to the Bancock Pottery Works, will provide countless hours for Rose to consider the "needs" of others, the frustration of Mr. Rylan Campbell, her personal challenges with relationships, and her talents in creating designs that will be "exceptional" enough to win back customers and the biggest designing opportunity for any potter.

Rylan Campbell is a man who is dedicated to the owner of Bancock Pottery Works, in fact it is his loyalty to Mr. Bancock in which Rylan will discover his spiritual strength and wisdom to help the McKay's transition into the pottery business. Rylan will discover the power of prayer, the "ownership" of decisions for the pottery and its employees, his craftsmanship as a designer, and the wisdom in dealing with his frustrated relationship with Rose and her determination.

"Though a dart of fear shot through her,

Rose straightened her shoulders and avowed their pottery

would become the finest and most prosperous

in all of West Virgina."

What will determine the pottery's prosperity or failure will be determined by Rose's ability to choose truth beyond her passion. Will she continue a business and social relationship with Joshua Harkness, and all of the "assumed" benefits for the pottery? Can Rose trust Rylan's insights and suggestions? Can she trust her own instincts?

Ewan's whole future as a business man, as a family man, and as brother will be conflicted between his trust in Rose and his partnership with Rylan. Can this team discover why their contract bids are always turned down? Will it be possible for them to win the contract from the Franklin Hotel?

With a story line that is woven together by faith, honesty, and trust, The Potter's Lady will offer you an insight into a woman's determination in "seeking to know" truth.

Experience Rose's journey and a story well crafted,
MrsK

"But now, O Lord, thou art our father;
we are the clay, and thou our potter;
and we all are the work of thy hand."
Isaiah 64:8

Beautifully crafted!
A story quietly designed to bring comfort into your reading corner.

Meet the Author:

Judith Miller is an award-winning writer whose avid research and love for history are reflected in her bestselling novels. Judy and her family make their home in Topeka, Kansas.

"I received the book from Bethany House blogger for free for this review."

Baker Publishing Group

No comments:

MrsK's Reading Bio

Reading is important! No questions asked, not even a blink of the eye from any student I grew up with. On the first day of the First grade, we were given our first books. Day two we all read aloud, round robin of course. Day three we were place in our first basal, now known as a lit circle group. Books were so important, publishers designed new curriculum so that every student was reading by the end of the first week. These early readers had images that looked like what we could see in the classroom, beyond the classroom, even on the big screen. Reading is important, throughout history every generation has believed that “Reading” opens up the world for endless possibilities.

I adore the 1950’s Dick and Jane books. Actually, most reading specialists and experienced (45+) educators believe that every student learned to read with Dick and Jane. Since these books are being re-issued, I have heard many parents, grandparents, and students claim that Dick and Jane stories of repetition does teach students to read.

Early influences from my mother influenced my desire to read. I would watch her read and we would go on “secret” excursions to the library. The library became my playground. I owned every book I could carry home, of course they needed to be taken back to their home after visiting with me for a week or two. My first book that I could pull off of the library shelf and read was, Father Bear Comes Home. I only saw my dad on Sundays for a few hours. I would pull this beginning reader off of the library shelf every week. Every week I would try to read the first chapter. Every week I got further in the story. My mom would let me check it out, only if I could read it myself (She didn’t like the illustrations therefore she didn’t want to take time to read it to me). One day, I pulled the book from the shelf and when mom came to get me from the children’s corner, I realized that I had read the whole story. I ran to the check out desk and the Librarian KERCHUNKED the checkout card. My mother, brother and neighbors read. My teachers read. We all read aloud all day long in school. The Priest read aloud every day at mass, even in Latin. Everybody in the Doctor’s office read. People on the bus read. Dad’s waiting in their cars as the Mom’s and children grocery shopped, read. In fact, once you could read and write, Sunset Magazine considered you a reader and sent you mail every day.

Reading is important; I’ve spent my life reading. I’ve traveled around the world and into space through books. My favorite genre is whichever book I have open at the time. Children’s Literature is my passion. Book clubbing is one of the best past times, especially if food is involved. In fact my friends of old are in a book club and we are about to embark on a beach trip to “read” and discuss our newest selection.

My “home-run” book story has helped every student find his or her own “home-run” reads. Every year, I have shared my, Father Bear Comes Home, and every year my students have brought in their “home-run” books. That’s the “diving board” into our Lit. Studies.

In “Growing Up Digital,” Tapscott’s insights into the new generations enthusiasm for the Net reminded me of my generation’s enthusiasm for reading, movies, TV, parties and our driving permits. The Net-Generation, as Tapscott describes, “are learning, playing, communicating, working, creating communities, and enforcing a social transformation.”
N-Geners are interactive “techies” who are always looking for a way to “work it” verses the TV Generation of “Baby Boomers” who started out looking for “how it works.” Reading development is tougher today, society moves too fast to invest their “non-working” free time into a book or even “home work.” Since I stepped into my own classroom, I have seen students being told to read, being forced to read, and threatened into reading. Homework is not any longer the vehicle for students to gain their future lifestyles or careers with. Yet, the Internet does create an enthusiasm for learning. Since I have been enrolled in these courses, I have used the computers in every subject. My students are using the newest technology in the classroom because I am giving them investigative sites to use as they learn from each other and books. I agree with Tapscott, in order to bridge the gap with this up and coming generation we must “live and learn with them.”

FTC Required Disclaimer: I receive these books from the publishers. I did not receive monetary compensation for these reviews. These reviews have been posted in compliance with the FTC requirements set forth in the Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (available at ftc.gov/os/2009/10/091005revisedendorsementguides.pdf)