Review: With Empty Hands
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 30, 2014
Lydia Tyrone can't seem to figure out the young man her father has hired to help around their shop.  While Rowan Hayden looks as poor as a church mouse and smells like he sleeps in a barn, he has the manners and speech of a gentleman.  What is his story?Rowan Hayden, once a rich young gentleman, has gambled away his fortune and expects to spend the rest of his life rotting away in debtor's prison.  He is excited when he is hired by a local shopkeeper.  The job means he can leave the prison to work during the day, but must return to the prison every night.Rowan quickly falls in love with Lydia, but he knows there is no way he can earn her love in return.  After all, he is a criminal, and he is convinced that even Jesus is unable to forgive him.Lydia finds herself falling in love with Rowan as well as she watches him grow as a person.  But Rowan is a gentleman- there is no way he would ever marry her, a shopkeeper's daughter, would he?This was a sweet, clean, historical romance.  I was quickly drawn to both the main characters.  Some parts of this story are very moving; at times I found myself in tears.My only complaint is that scenes would change very suddenly.  One moment Lydia  would be in Mr. Tyrone's shop, the next moment, she would be in a another shop, talking to another character.  The transitions between scenes were poorly done.  But other than that, a great story.  Would definitely recommend it to others.