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Lovely and wealthy Mia Stanley desires to better her world, but in the process, too often “Trouble” seems to be her middle name. Raised in a Philadelphian family of high social status, her passion for fixing the problems of others constantly worries her parents and puts her at risk. From interfering in the love life of her best friend and neighbor, Garrett Wilson, to rushing off to rescue poor women and their children who live in the seedy parts of the city, well-meaning but often impulsive Mia blithely champions those in need.

Garrett views Mia as a rambunctious little sister and strives to protect her from herself. When her actions to save the downtrodden put her in increasing danger, however, he begins to realize that she means much more to him. Concerned for her safety, he pressures her to quit her perilous activities, but she refuses. Then Garrett discovers that an evil-doer, Jasper Burrill, has threatened Mia with serious bodily harm. And tempers flair Garrett demands that she avoid the slums. She’s more determined to press on; he’s more determined to stop her. Then the plight of the poor worsens, and Mia struggles with her inability to help them. At the same time, she agonizes over her growing feelings for Garrett and the clashes that constantly rise between them. Her good works seem to have been for naught, and she’s created a wedge between herself and the only man she’s ever cared about.

A Lady of High Regard reveals the hypocrisy of rigid social mores in Philadelphia in the mid-1800s. On one hand, high society ladies follow all kinds of silly rules like wearing long gloves to hide their elbows from any and all males, but the powers that be don’t care about the tragic living and working conditions of poor women and children. Our very compassionate Mia aches to right the wrongs done to the latter, but meets with strong opposition from her family, friends, society in general and even the poor, themselves. Determined to succeed, she asks God to bless her plans instead of seeking him to learn if these plans are his to start with. Like so many of us who see a need and rush to fill it without a leading from the Lord, Mia repeatedly gets in trouble. However, her heart is right, and when she finally gives up and allows him to work, God is faithful to deliver.

I enjoyed this read. I found the caring nature of Garrett’s and Mia’s families especially tender, loved Garrett’s strength, patience and integrity and Mia’s compassion and sincere desire to help others—even when she goes about it in the wrong way. The plot twists hooked me, but at times I felt like smacking both of the main characters for not taking advantage of the opportunities that arose to communicate their feelings for each other more clearly.   

Tracie Peterson is the author of more than 70 contemporary and historical novels. I look forward to reading more of her work in the future.

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication date: July 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7642-2777-6

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