Eye of the Beholder

Ruth Ann Nordin

Book 4 in the series:Nebraska

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In "Eye of the Beholder" by Ruth Ann Nordin, the story follows Mary Peters, a young woman who faces harsh judgments and rejection due to her appearance. Despite societal pressures and cruel remarks, Mary remains strong-willed and independent, seeking a chance at love and acceptance. When she answers a mail-order bride ad and is rejected by Neil Craftsman, a man who deems her unattractive, she finds unexpected love and support from Dave Larson, a kind-hearted farmer who values her inner beauty. As Mary and Dave navigate the challenges of their new marriage, the book highlights themes of inner strength, resilience, and the transformative power of love.

The writing style in "Eye of the Beholder" intricately weaves together themes of self-worth, forgiveness, and the complexities of relationships. Through the characters of Mary and Dave, the author explores the impact of societal beauty standards and the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to discover true beauty and love. The plot unfolds with emotional depth, depicting Mary's journey towards self-acceptance and the blossoming romance between her and Dave, creating a heartwarming and poignant narrative.

Characters:

Characters are well-rounded, with the heroine displaying resilience and strength, while the hero embodies kindness and integrity.

Writing/Prose:

The writing features a gentle and emotional style, focusing on character growth and relationships rather than superficial attributes.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a plain woman who faces rejection by her intended suitor. A chance encounter leads her to a compassionate man who values her inner beauty, ultimately resulting in a tender romance that grows against societal norms.

Setting:

The setting provides a historical context that shapes the characters' experiences, focusing on societal norms of the 1870s.

Pacing:

The pacing is steady and gentle, emphasizing everyday life and relationships over high-stakes drama.

Mary Peters reread the ad in the newspaper.Ads asking for a wife were fairly common, but this particular adcaught her eye for a variety of reasons. One, the man who wrote itseemed straightforward, a q...

Notes:

The protagonist, Mary, is described as plain and unattractive, with insecurities about her looks.

Mary responds to a mail order bride ad but is rejected by her intended groom, Neil, due to her appearance.

Dave Larson, a farmer, overhears Neil's cruel rejection of Mary and decides to marry her instead.

Dave admires Mary for her strength and kindness, seeing beauty beyond her looks.

The story promotes the idea that inner beauty is more important than physical appearance in a romantic relationship.

The book includes a positive portrayal of a supportive marriage where both characters grow together.

Mary's character challenges societal norms that prioritize beauty over character in women.

The romance is set against a historical Western backdrop, contrasting the harshness of life with the warmth of domestic life.

The story touches on themes of self-worth, acceptance, and resilience in the face of societal judgment.

The characters face and ultimately overcome obstacles related to Mary’s low self-esteem and past experiences.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of self-esteem issues related to appearance, societal judgment, and a miscarriage experienced by the heroine.

Has Romance?

The romance in Eye of the Beholder is central to the plot, with a strong focus on the emotional and romantic relationship between the main characters, Mary and Dave.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

Mary Peters despairs that she will never marry. At nineteen, she has no prospects of finding a husband, so she takes matters into her own hands and becomes a mail-order bride. When she arrives to Omaha, Nebraska to meet the man she's due to marry, he takes one look at her homely appearance and rejects her.

But fate has other plans for Mary. Dave Larson happens to be nearby and thinks she will make a good wife. Though she is stunned that someone as handsome and as kind as Dave would ask her to marry him, she accepts. She knows that this marriage will not bear the fruits of love. Love, after all, is for beautiful women. Isn't it? more

Ratings (3)

Loved It (1)
Did Not Like (2)

Reader Stats (14):

Read It (4)
Want To Read (8)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (1)

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