She Walks in Beauty by Siri Mitchell

This book was a very interesting read if you like well researched historical fiction. I haven't read much Christian fiction set in this specific period with so many little details about it's era. I enjoyed learning along with Clara about all the certain etiquette, dances, dresses, corsettes, silverware, etc. that was expected of those in society. I felt included in Clara's world of balls, fancy dinners, operas and many such social gatherings of the elite. It made me tired just thinking about all that she endured, especially wearing those awful corsettes!

It's unbelievable what people will go through for beauty and social acceptance but, in a way, the parallel to today's world is not so far fetched. Now there is a cream or surgery or pill to cover up or alter just about anything we find displeasing about ourselves. But where does it end? Is it ever enough? When will we learn to accept ourselves "just the way we are" as Clara herself wonders?

She walks in beauty is a beautifully written story, made more so by the truth it reveals throughout. It challenges us to look at ourselves, not as others might, but through the eyes of our creator who loves us unconditionally.