A Beauty So Rare

Bestseller Alexander will delight fans of gently inspirational historical romance with the second Belmont Mansion novel (after A Lasting Impression). In post–Civil War Nashville, Eleanor Braddock regretfully takes her father to an asylum because of his memory loss and outbursts, and moves in with her aunt Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, owner of Belmont, a real historical figure. Eleanor’s plan to open a restaurant is vetoed by Adelicia, so Eleanor uses her cooking skills to feed the city’s many struggling widows and children. Eleanor often runs into Marcus Geoffrey, whom she at first mistakes for an undergardener, but his activities suggest that there’s much more to his life. They become friends, but both have secrets that threaten to undermine their relationship. Alexander’s lengthy tale is full of bends and curves, as Eleanor and Marcus face down their struggles, deal with romantic entanglements, and begin to achieve their greatest dreams. Agent: Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency. (Apr.)