In Beyond All Measure, author Dorothy Love welcomes readers to the “peaceful and close-knit town” of Hickory Ridge. Now that the Civil War has ended, townsfolk eagerly participate in pastimes like ladies’ quilting circles, church pageants and holiday picnics. The novel’s rich, vivid and detailed imagery will leave readers wanting to pack up and move to a small Southern town! Yet Hickory Ridge has its share of dark secrets. Tensions have escalated between the town’s blacks and whites, all while the Ku Klux Klan terrify and carry out grisly deeds.
In the midst of the turmoil, Wyatt, the town’s golden boy, finds himself falling for beautiful newcomer, Ada. Scenes involving Wyatt were some of the best — he is the epitome of a true Southern gentleman. Ada’s complicated actions and mysterious past made this book a page-turner. The couple’s sweet, budding romance also helped lighten the story’s heavier themes. Beyond All Measure was noticeably well-researched and I loved catching a glimpse of life and love in the postbellum South.
This book was sent to Compass Book Ratings for review by Thomas Nelson
Content Analysis:
Beyond All Measure is Christian historical fiction, so it is fairly conservative. There is frequent discussion about God and His role in the characters’ lives. There was no profanity. The word ‘negro’ is spoken by characters; it was commonly used during this time period.
Attacks conducted by the Ku Klux Klan are briefly stated and include
hanging, shooting and burning crosses in lawns. Moderate violence occurs when a main character is threatened, beaten by the Klansmen, and tied up. The character subsequently soils herself. There is mention of a Civil War battle but this is not graphically detailed. A character dies of old age.
Kissing occurs between the main characters. There is a slight reference to being unfaithful and having a child out of wedlock.
Mature Subject Matter:
Mature themes include the racial tension of postbellum Tennessee and the motives behind the Ku Klux Klan.
Alcohol / Drug Use:
***
