How Can Compassion be Considered Wrong?
When life is weighed down by challenges, pillars of enduring hope and love are always waiting to be discovered.
Ida Dempsey has grown up in a privileged life of luxury thanks to her aunt and uncle. Although Second Street—where women of ill repute ply their wares—is off limits to respectable citizens, her heart of compassion compels her to frequent the area, hoping to make a difference in their lives. Ida has also befriended Qui Shau, a Chinese woman who keeps house for her family, but friendships between the whites and Chinese are taboo in Eureka. Ida tries to keep secret her forbidden compassion, but someone is watching and will use it against her.
When Blaine Prescott meets Ida at a church picnic, his parents warn him away from any relationship with the young lady who has been seen on Second Street in the company of a Chinese woman. But how could such a kindhearted, lovely young woman be anything but good? But when riots break out in Chinatown and Ida disappears, Blaine will do anything to find out where and why she has gone.
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Summary
Reviewed by Rebecca
3.5 stars
"God had opened the eyes of her heart, and everywhere Ida looked she saw hurting people."
It was her calling. Ida Dempsey, in spite of her privileged upbringing, wanted to share the love of Jesus with those in her community who were living on the fringes, considered by most as the "least of these". Her methodology was a little flawed at times (admittedly quite flawed according to societal standards), and marriage was not her immediate priority until . . . . one summer afternoon she caught the attention of Blaine Prescott . . . "there had been that moment, that incredible moment, when their eyes met and he felt she was the one, the only one ever, for him". . . . Rather bold, wouldn't you say?
This story progresses with a certain relaxed intensity, as one hurdle after another is thrown in front of this young couple who long to become better acquainted; joining not only their hands but also their hearts as they endeavor to serve those have been ignored and despised. Readers will love the subtle twists and turns, as well as a few monumental revelations, all while steeped in significant historical events within Eureka, California during the mid-1880's.