Amazon: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into human relationships, October 30, 2011 W. Horner This review is from: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) Diane Tatum's characters are realistic and complex, not simple heroes and villains, as are their interactions and conflicts. Angelina's mother, for instance, is quite protective of "her girls" on the one hand while prostituting them for her comfortable living on the other. Tatum in similar fashion illustrates in these pages the tension between forgiveness and judgment, mercy and high moral standards. Life is full of such seeming contradictions, but as this book demonstrates, a God-pleasing love story can arise out of the midst of them. You'll enjoy this book.
5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable book to read. A great Author!, October 22, 2011 Jay A. Miller "Apple Critter"(Victorville CA USA) This review is from: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) Okay... I'm just a guy, but this book is a great read. I hope you find the same enjoyment that I did reading it. Its a good one! Jay
5.0 out of 5 stars Cozy weekend read, October 2, 2011 Witzn This review is from: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) Inspiring story; strong characters; great descriptive writing places the reader in the story along side the characters. Great book to read over a rainy weekend.
5 out of 5 Yvonne Pat Wright, October 2, 2011 Diane Tatum’s novel, Gold Earrings has got to be rated as a beautifully written historical classic. My sense as I read the book was that the author had done careful research and so the descriptions of the locations and the situations came across as very authentic. The result was a cast of colourful characters, vividly described and so real, I felt that I had been transported back to that period and was a spectator on the sidelines watching the scenes unfold. A story meant to be distinctly Christian, has its principal character Angelina being cast as the illegitimate daughter of a bordello madame and an Italian sea captain, born into conservative Boston society. Our heroine becomes increasingly aware that her heritage and habitation are liabilities, when compared with the values she learnt from her godfather/guardian, an eminent pastor. Yearning to be free of her tainted past, one filled with memories of a near rape by one of her mother’s patrons, Angelina is more than delighted to become the charge of a small town minister, in the conservative town of St Joseph, with the offer of accommodation and work, albeit on a very probationary basis. There is instant attraction between Jonathan, the minister of the church in St Joseph and Angelina, but as the story enfolds, it becomes clear that this is not going to be a short, ‘they lived happily ever after tale’. Jonathan has to convince the wild and loose daughter of his patron that he is serious that he no longer wants to make a life with her, overcome hurts of the past that holds him back from a full surrender to the growing love her feels for Angelina, and more importantly, come to grips with Angelina’s heritage, which has become public knowledge and seems to make her an unsuitable match for a minister of religion. This touching love story gives credence to the fact that true love never runs smoothly, while pointing the reader to the powerful reality of forgiveness and its healing power. I got so caught up in the story I was unable to put it down and read it in almost one sitting. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as appropriate family reading.
5.0 out of 5 stars Easy read, great story, September 16, 2011 By RELEE This review is for: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) This was a great story and a quick read. I read the whole thing in one night because I just couldn't put it down.
5.0 out of 5 stars Frontier town love story., September 21, 2011 By Alice J. Piech (Hopkinsville, KY United States) This review is for: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) This is a good love story about trust and faith, set in a small frontier town. Recognizable characters interact to make the plot move right along. Very enjoyable and also uplifting.
5.0 out of 5 stars A blend of commitment tugged by love, September 27, 2011 By Inspirational Books (Orlando Fl) - This review is from: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) A blend of commitment tugged by love, a past interfering with romance and a longing for happiness In Gold Earrings serves the reader a flavor of God's power. His plans that prevail. His divine power to strengthen. To offer forgiveness and to triumph over human scorn.A delightful story of the tarnished past that turns to shining gold for the future.--Janet Perez Eckles, #1 bestselling author of Simply Salsa: Dancing Without Fear At God's Fiesta. It was ever so sweet, deep yet profound in its message! You have great insight, Diane. So honored to be your friend. Janet Perez Eckles
On Barnes & Noble: September 15, 2011 Anonymous Wow... Mrs.Tatum used to be a teacher at my school.....She has been at my school for two weeks signing books and starting a book club. I think she is nice....I havent read the book yet. Bet its good!
August 30, 2011 KMFugate Beautiful historical romance! "Gold Earrings" tells the story of Angelina Mercy, the young, virtuous daughter of a Boston bordello madame, and Jonathan Thomson, the young pastor of a church in post-Civil War St. Joseph, Missouri. Jonathan must choose between a frivolous, but wealthy, young woman whose gossipy, immature ways he hopes to change, and the lovely Angelina, whose family background blinds him to her true worth. Author Diane E. Tatum is a natural storyteller, and her novel is an engaging, moving, historical romance that I devoured in one sitting. The story is wholesome, charming and well-researched, and full of colorful, well-rounded characters. I highly recommend it!
August 26, 2011 Nonnie22 Highly Recommended!! What a wonderful read! The descriptions of the territory, the people and the town brought vivid images to mind as I read this novel! From cover to cover at some point I laughed, was upset and tense. Mrs. Tatum has done a wonderful job of bringing everything and everyone to life! Can't wait for the next one!!
August 25, 2011 Anonymous This is a great afternoon read! This is a sweet romance set in one of my favorite places. I enjoyed the characters and the historical period references.
August 24, 2011 WeetieJH Highly Recommeded This book was a really good read.. Kinda of reminded me of a good Hallmark movie... Diane leads you into the past with this book and I really enjoy it.
In Person: Martha Simmons told Ken how much she enjoyed Gold Earrings. She was particularly delighted at Diane's descriptions. She said she could easily see everything Diane described. On Facebook: Carly Rae Wells OMG i absolutely love your book Mrs. Tatum! I haven't really been able to read it as much as I'd like to, but I'm about halfway through and I am loving every sentence! Juanita Petty Holmes Diane, your book is so good I truly believe that Hallmark should use it for one of there movies... Thanks so much for sharing your story with us and can not wait for you next book to come out.... Marie Henderson I highly recommend Diane Tatum's book "Gold Earrings", I could not put it down until I finished it and I don't read a lot. We are honored to have a great author in our midst. Pat Daniel Gaddis I loved your book, I read it in 2 days! Ready for another one, I love the civil war old south! hint, hint Keely Sue Long Beale Great story, Diane! Read most of it last night. I hope to make the book signing.
Kristy Gaddis I really enjoyed this book! The characters are all real and struggle in their walk with God and his will for their lives! Plus, I really liked that the main character in this book overcame her family background. This book teaches tolerance and every person is responsible for their own walk with God!!
Carrie Baxter!, December 13, 2011 read Mrs. Diane Elaine Tatum's book "Gold Earrings" today. It is a sweet story set in St. Joseph, MISSOURI. I recommend you all check it out! Carrie Baxterposted toDiane Elaine Tatum Your book is wonderful! I would like to get a second copy to send to my step-mother in Missouri.
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful historical romance K. Fugate "voracious reader" (O'Fallon, MO) - See all my reviews(REAL NAME) This review is from: Gold Earrings (Perfect Paperback) "Gold Earrings" tells the story of Angelina Mercy, the young, virtuous daughter of a Boston bordello madame, and Jonathan Thomson, the young pastor of a church in post-Civil War St. Joseph, Missouri. Jonathan must choose between a frivolous, but wealthy, young woman whose gossipy, immature ways he hopes to change, and the lovely Angelina, whose family background blinds him to her true worth. Author Diane E. Tatum is a natural storyteller, and her novel is an engaging, moving, historical romance that I devoured in one sitting. The story is wholesome, charming and well-researched, and full of colorful, well-rounded characters. I highly recommend it!
Kathy Boozer Fugate · I received the book and LOVED it! I've posted a review . ... Nice work! I cried when the Taylor baby died! Personally, I'd have married Jedadiah, but that's just me. ;-)