From a Distance

From A Distance is the first in the Timber Ridge series.  Out of all of Alexander’s books these are my favorites.  This book in particular is very good and extremely popular—it even won a Christy award.  As much as I like it, I have to say it unfortunately my least favorite of the three.  --Don't look at me that way, you're making me feel bad.

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

OK, yes this book does get my second highest rating, but deep in my heart I am not sure if I would go back and read it again.  Well, maybe I would…give me another second to think about it.

This book was kind of like Beyond This Moment where I just felt like people were hiding too many things.  It really bothers me when people hide stuff—in books or in real life!  (Keep that in mind, dear friends, so that you do not incur the wrath of Amber. Grrrrrrrr….)

But I do always love Alexander’s books and the messages she includes are always heart warming and very inspiring.

This book is about—you guessed it—a pretty lady (good job!) named Elizabeth who travels to Timber Ridge to, well, here’s where all the secrets come in...  She is there because she wants a job at a newspaper back east, but she doesn’t tell anyone forever—it just bugs me so bad!  So she tells them all this other stuff and they believe her--like in the other book!  AH!  I’m getting exasperated just thinking about it…  It does resolve though, in the end, so don’t get too worried.

Daniel is an extremely rugged (and did I mention swooningly handsome?) man that conjures up images of Jeremiah Johnson…only with longer hair…and I don’t think Daniel is supposed to look anything like Robert Redford…but, you get the idea.  He is dealing with a lot of guilt and heartache from his past and he just wants to be left alone.  But now that Elizabeth is around, that’s not gonna happen.  (You want details?  Go read it!)

I was honestly quite confused by this story.  I guess maybe I should read it again, cuz it might make more sense the second time around.  The things I did really enjoy about it were of course, the romance!  *sigh *  I also loved that all the charaters from the other Timber Ridge books were in this book, too.  That made it totally fun!  There’s plenty of excitement to keep ya comin’ back for more.

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Maid to Match

Masculinity, thy name is Danvers. 

Book rating:  Up All Night’er

You can’t really ever go wrong with a Gist book.  She is a masterful author.  Her stories are beautifully written and just downright fabulous.  This book is no exception.

Tillie Reece is a beautiful young girl who works at the Vanderbilt's mansion and dreams of being Lady Vanderbilt's personal maid.  (First of all, I want to warn you that Tillie is gorgeous.  So freaking gorgeous in fact that I felt like I wanted to go take some arsenic—just be prepared.)  Her brother also works at the mansion and she feels like this is what she has been born to do—until she meets…dun, dun, duuuun…Mack Danvers.  (Can you hear it?  The sound of a thousand screaming girls running in a frenzy at the mention of his name?)   Mack is another AMAZING leading man who defies all logic and reason.  (I’m not really sure what that’s really supposed to mean….)  Anyway, do you have a feeling these two good-looking people will end up together?  You would be right...

Through some fortuitous turn of events, Mack is asked to work as a footman at the mansion.  Tillie, is asked to tutor and train him.  How lucky for them both, hmmmmm?

Their relationship blossoms, but Tillie isn’t sure if she can give up her life at the mansion.  And when they discover a terrible cover-up at the orphanage, things begin to change rapidly.   Oh, oh, oh you cannot NOT like this book.

I think I will read this one again this summer.  I could use a fun read.  The only question is-- can I read about Tillie's beauty without thoughts of suicide?  I will just have to make sure I have my hair done, and plenty of make-up on.

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The Frontiersman's Daughter

After reading both of Frantz’s other books I was pretty eager to read this one.  The ratings were high so I figured that I would like it a lot too.  Unfortunately, I didn’t like it as much as I thought I would.

Book rating: Here a little, there a little

You aren't going to love every single book that you read.  And this particular book was one of those for me.  First of all I found this book to be dark.   The story is interesting, but the main character Lael Click was too independent for me—I couldn’t relate to her.  It made me feel lonely and sad, so it wasn’t something that I really enjoyed.  In my crazy-hectic life as a mom, I prefer to read things that are more uplifting and joyful.  These types of books have their place to be sure, but this one wasn't for me.  I love Frantz as an author, though, so I know I will read anything she writes!

Also, there were two love interests for Lael, if I remember right—I am feeling inadequate due to some skimming I did, since I found it tough to give it my full attention at times—(go easy on me, ladies...) and I couldn’t figure out why in the world she took forever to make up her mind about who she liked more!  I know who I would have picked right away!  Teehee...But, I'm impatient that way.  I know, I know...patience is a virtue...

So, anyway, I just found myself feeling melancholy reading it.

This book takes place in Kentucky (as do the rest of Frantz's books, which I think is pretty cool!) and has the potential to be very captivating--a pretty girl with lots of beaus, and lots of excitement.  

Again, give it the old college try if you think you are interested—there are lots of people who really like it, and that could be you too!

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A Lasting Impression

Here is another one of those books that I was reluctant to read.  I thought it was gonna be about something totally different, just because of the cover.  Lame, I know.  Don’t judge a book by it’s cover, right?  Guilty as charged.

Book rating:  Up All Night’er

Claire Elise Laurent is a beautiful, talented young artist who has been forced by the hand of her father to be an art forger.   Weird, I know, but stay with me.  She isn’t at all keen on the idea but what else can she do?  After her father’s gallery is robbed she makes a break for it, and goes to Nashville to begin a new life.  And she does just that—hoping her past will never find her.

In the aftermath of the civil war, Sutton Monroe is trying to get back his family's land.  He is a determined and successful young lawyer who works for the rich and powerful Adelicia Acklen.  Not to mention a very eligible bachelor.  Yum!

When Sutton and Claire’s paths cross the first time, neither of them thought their lives would be so deeply intertwined.  There is wonderful chemistry between these two characters, and this book was very reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. That of course, is a good thing. 

It’s a very intricate plot, and there are a lot of characters.  If it had been any more complicated than it is I think I would have had a harder time liking it—but again, I’m simple minded.  (Don’t judge.)  It’s set at the Belmont Mansion, which is a real place and even Adelicia Acklen (a prominent character in the book) was a real person.  Alexander does a great job in orchestrating a lovely story with a lovely Spiritual message.  I thoroughly enjoyed it all.

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A Bride in the Bargain

Could we even begin to count how many HCR titles have the word “bride” in them?  I don’t think so.  But doesn’t everyone get excited when they see the word “bride?  I know I do!

 

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

Oooo, hooo, hooo!!!  This is such a great book. ‘Nuf said.  OK, wait, not really.  There's a lot that needs to be said!  I have read this book three times already and I am positive that when I need another fabulous HCR to get me through a tough week of diaper blow-outs and three-year-old temper tantrums, I will be reading it again!

Anna Ivey is a woman who is very alone in the world.  All of her family has died as a result of the Civil War—and she blames herself for all of it.  So when she hears that the west is in need of women, she signs up to be a cook.  Or so she thinks….

Joe Denton is a (wait, let me take a moment here to prepare your minds for the complete and utter jaw-dropping magnetism of Joe Denton.  Are you ready?  Ok, good.) lumberjack of sorts.  Tall, muscle-bound, wavy blonde hair, perfect teeth and smile, with a fun loving (not to mention caring and totally romantic) personality.  Want more?  Oh, there’s more.  He was married many years ago when he aquired his land, but his wife has since died (also a long time ago) and if he can’t prove he was ever married he will lose his claim.  So he signs up to take a mail-order bride.  But nobody ever told Anna.

Oh, this book is totally fabulous.  You will fall in love with all the characters and you simply won’t want it to end.  Which is why you will read it three times like I did.  The message in this is very sweet and I could have been even happier with a little bit more spirituality throughout the book, but there was enough to satisfy me.  So go find out if it’s good enough for you!

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Head in the Clouds

I love Karen Witemeyer’s books.  Have I mentioned that before?  I love them so much that I have already pre-ordered her next book, Short-Straw Bride, which comes out June 1.  I have an advent calendar that I am using to help me count-down the days until it arrives at my doorstep!  Well, maybe not literally, but in my mind anyway!  Head in the Clouds is a simply marvelous novel.

Book rating: Up All Night’er

Adelaide is a sweet, adorable, petite girl who has recently made a humiliating discovery.  She is looking to escape her past by working as a governess at a remote sheep ranch in Texas.  There she finds a dashing transplant from England named Gideon. He's got it all--looks, charm and that wonderful English accent!  Swoon!!  She is hired to work for him by caring for his daughter, Isabella, who hasn’t spoken a word since her mother died.

This book has a great villain and lots of fun excitement.  The spiritual message made such a difference in my life.  I loved how easily Adelaide seemed to communicate with God and I really felt like I wanted and needed to be more like that.

Gideon is very intrigued by Adelaide’s sweetness and fun-loving nature.  She, in turn, cannot escape his charm.  As their relationship heats up, so does the danger posed by Isabella's money-hungry uncle.  

I loved this book on so many levels.  It was the perfect blend of romance, excitement, and just pure fun.  A great any-time read!

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Beyond This Moment

I love books where the leading man is in law enforcement: Texas Ranger, Sheriff, all of the above!  So hot!  And boy, does this book deliver in the romance department, let me tell ya.  This is the second book in Alexander’s Timber Ridge series, by the way…it comes right before Within My heart…just FYI.

Book rating:  Up All Night’er

First off let me say, that as much as I loved this book it was almost too difficult for me to get through!  Molly Whitcomb has a secret.  A secret that, given her circumstances, really shouldn’t be a secret at all!  And she kept it a secret for FAR too long in my opinion, and I could hardly stand it!  But, this book has so many other wonderful elements that it’s definitely a must-read, no matter how uncomfortable it may make you.

James McPherson is the Sheriff and he can tell Molly is hiding something.  Even though it may hurt his reputation, he is willing to take the risk and open his life and his heart to this lovely professor from Georgia.

There are some great “to the rescue” situations in this book.  I just love those, don’t you?!  James is a truly wonderful character—in fact I think he is my very favorite character in the whole Timber Ridge series.  He is strong, lovable, kind and forgiving.  Molly is one lucky girl!

Alexander always includes a wonderful spiritual message in her books, so you will never be disappointed there.  If you can read the books in order I recommend it, but its not necessary by any means.  

Happy Reading!

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Jewel of His Heart

High school drama.  That’s the only thing I can think of to really describe this book to you.

Book rating:  Here a little, there a little

I really had high hopes for this book.  It had all the right things for me—pretty girl on the cover (LOL) great setting and all of that, but I have to say I was unimpressed.  I felt like I was reading about a moody high school girl.  Ugh.  And the leading man did absolutely nothing for me at all.

That being said, you still may want to give it a try, and if you go into it with low expectations you may be pleasantly surprised.  It has a good Christian message in it, so it has that in it's favor.

Juliana is a young girl whose mother dies and leaves her alone in the world.  She has good friends and people to help her, thankfully, but she’s determined to take care of herself.  And she does so by working for the local newspaper.

Josh is building a sheep ranch when he makes a rare discovery on his property.  He thinks that maybe he can make it big and leave the ranch work behind him.

Their relationship is full of back and forth stuff—“I’m mad at you…no I’m not…I’m mad at you again…” etc.  I found this to be quite tedious.

If you are feeling daring, or think that this book can be your thing, give it a try.  If enough people totally love it, I may think about giving it another try myself…but…then again, I don’t know.  The reviews from readers on amazon.com were pretty high.  Maybe I am just missing something.

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The Lady of Bolton Hill

Oooo, boy.  Now, this next book may be very popular with some people, but for me it was just too, “out there”.  I have always been one to enjoy stories that feel more real—not that exciting, fun and fanciful stories are not entertaining.  (Reminds me of the time my husband said to me, “You know, someone really needs to do a story about two robots falling in love.  Has anyone ever done that?”  I responded, “No.  That’s because people don’t care about robots.  What’s fun about robots falling in love?”  Two months later WALL-E came out.  Then my husband reminded me of that conversation.  Just shows how much—or how little—I know.)

Book rating:  Here a little, there a little

The Lady of Bolton Hill was certainly a fun and entertaining story, with a great Spiritual message to be sure.  The main characters, Clara and Daniel were enjoyable for the most part, but I found them to be a bit predictable and I actually found myself getting frustrated with them at times.

Clara is a very “idealistic” journalist, and Daniel’s powerful business is threatened by her work and determination to defend the underprivileged.   There were many times when I was reading this when I kept thinking to myself “oh, brother”.  But again, please don’t let me dissuade you at all.  This is a very good, clean, Christian book.  I just thought it was over-the-top.   

So there you have it, folks.  Overall, fun clean book—just not the kind of book for me.

Happy reading!

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Within My Heart

I didn’t know when I first read Within My Heart that it was the last part of a three-part series.  Whoops.  But, thankfully, it didn’t make the story hard to follow.  In fact I totally loved it.  I loved it so much that I went back and read the first two books, then read this one again.  And, it’s still my favorite of the three.

Book rating:  Best of the Best

Rachel Boyd is a strong, determined mother of two--and widow.  Her husband was killed tragically several years before and she is struggling to make ends meat and to keep her ranch from going under.  She struggles with loneliness, but is sure she can never love anyone as much as she loved her beloved husband Thomas.  Or can she?

Rand Brookston is a dashing young Doctor with dreams of building a good practice and bringing some much needed medical knowledge to the little town of Timber Ridge. 

In the beginning, Rand has feelings for this strong, yet delicate beauty from the South.  But, he gets the feeling there is something about him she doesn’t like, though he can’t put his finger on it.  It’s truly beautiful to watch their relationship grow.  No surprise here—I cried several times throughout this book.  I just thought the message was beautiful and some of the scenes were SO moving.  I just can’t recommend this book enough to you. 

It's not really a “light” book.  So if you need something that isn’t in the least bit sad, you might want to look in another direction.  But really, you won’t be disappointed here.

Happy Reading!

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Love on the Line

What?  What’s that you say?  Did you say that you needed a book that’s great for a summer vacation on the beach?  Well, look no further, my friends.  Let me introduce you to the one, the only: Love on the Line!

Book Rating:  Up All Night’er

This book is wonderful.  Great, totally fun story, and awesome characters.  It's impossible not to like it!  The only thing about it that makes it so I can’t rate it as Best of the Best, is the fact that there was really no message of Christ in it at all.  After being so inspired by some of Gist’s other books I have to say I was disappointed she didn’t include anything like this in this story.

Georgie Gail (gotta love that name—so cute!) is an independent switchboard operator.  She loves what she does and she’s very good at it.  So along comes the dashing Luke Palmer, undercover Texas Ranger.  (What’s not hot about that?!) who has been stationed in the area to try and locate a “famous” outlaw and his gang.  He is intrigued by this feisty beauty, but he doesn’t want anything—say like a pretty lady—to get in the way of doing his job.  Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens.

OK, so this story is totally TOTALLY fun and I loved the twists.  I can never see twists like this coming, although maybe I’m just “slow”, but that’s what makes these stories so fun for me!  Teehee  The romance is great--how could it not be?  I mean, this is a Gist book we're talking about!

I really, really wish I could rate it at my highest rating, but I just can’t.  Although, you can count on me to be reading this one again, hands down.  Most likely, this summer—sitting on the beach somewhere, watching my kids play in the sand, lazily sipping a delicious virgin pina colada.

Happy Reading!

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A Tailor-Made Bride

Mmm, mmm, mmm!  What is the best way to describe rugged manliness?  Two words: Jericho Tucker, baby!  OK, that's three words.

 

Book rating: Best of the Best

Let me tell you about my love affair with this book.  When I read it the first time I only liked it.  I read this directly after I finished To Win Her Heart.  I wasn’t sure if I liked the leading man in this one, since I had been so madly in love with Levi Grant.  But, something made me want to give it another try, and boy am I glad I did!  I love this book (and JT) just as much!

Hannah Richards, the leading gal, is completely wonderful.  She is a talented dressmaker who believes that God has lead her to this little Texas town to start a successful business.  She is confused by the good-looking livery owner who is both kind and cold to her.  When Hannah decides to play match-maker with Cordelia, JT’s sister, things begin to take shape, and unravel all at the same time.

Hannah is a truly delightful character who’s faith and kindheartedness are a joy to read.  This is one of those books that really help me when I need an uplifting escape from the hard realities of life.

Their relationship is so sweet and romantic—which is made even greater by the tension that they go through as their relationship develops.

I loved the unique spiritual message in this book.  So many books focus on forgiveness, etc—and that’s all well and good, but this was so different—just makes me wanna eat it all up!  But you'll just have to read it yourself to find out what that message is, little darlin'. 

Happy Reading!

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The Colonel's Lady

What is it about a guy with an foreign accent?  Why are they so appealing?!

 

Book rating: Best of the Best

I was immediately interested in reading this book when I learned it takes place during the Revolutionary War.  Go, America! The lovely leading lady, Roxanna goes to find her father in a remote fort in Kentucky and learns that he has been killed.  She has no other choice but to stay on at the fort, where her relationship with the Colonel, a rugged foreigner named Cassius McLinn, begins.  *Sigh *

There is a lot of mystery in this book and a whole lot of drama.  I loved the intrigue—the who-done-its and such, and it really keeps you coming back for more.

The overall story is truly wonderful.  At times I felt it was almost too dark—but that's just me.  There is some really fantastic romance though, and that always gets me to keep reading!  However I have to say that I was sad to see it end so quickly.  I really felt that I wanted more in the climax at the end….read it and tell me if you think so too.   I was left wanting.  If I hadn’t been so attached to the characters and such I don’t think I would have minded.  Although there is a nice little epilogue which soothed my drooping spirits a bit.

Overall?  A really good story!!  I would certainly read it again.

Happy Reading!

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The Measure of a Lady

Holy.  Stinking.  Cow.  This is definitely one of my favorites.  I have read it several times and I love it more and more.  I’m not even really sure where to start in my review of this book.  Let me have a brain-cleansing moment real quick, (that means I will eat some chocolate) and I’ll be right with you...

Book rating:  Best of the Best

I simply cannot tell you how much I love this story.  The unique message in this book is magnificent.  Rachel Van Buren is much like myself—brown hair, brown eyes, 5’6”, (lol) with a strong determination to do her best in the sight of the Lord.  Maybe that’s why I like it--because I see myself, and even all my faults in this character.  I can relate to her.  She cares deeply about doing the right thing, but continually finds herself wondering if she is really following God’s path of love.  Her humility and true longing for right is so dang beautiful.

Now, what can a person say about Johnnie Parker?  Johnnie, Johnnie, Johnnie.  These two characters are F.A.B.U.O.L.O.U.S!  The handsome, good hearted Johnnie has left a life of Christ (but he comes back, don't worry) and is now running a poker house/saloon of sorts, and in the San Francisco gold rush of 1849, he is doing pretty well for himself.  But when Rachel and her two younger siblings need a place to stay, he offers to help.  And that is where all the fun begins!

I have been known to read this book while holding it in one hand, folding laundry with the other and at the same time carrying on a complete (and very good I might add) conversation with my three year old.  Amazing right?  That is how captivating this story is.

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The Doctor's Lady

Do you like a good rescue?  Raise your hand and say, “Me!  I do!”  Good.  Because this book is loaded, and you won’t be disappointed.  I can’t get enough of the heroine being rescued by the leading man.  It’s great romance.

 

Book rating:  Best of the Best

The first thing you’re gonna want to know about this book is that it’s based on truth.  That fact alone makes the book worth reading.  It’s another one of those stories where the couple has to get married when they really don’t want to and eventually end up falling in love.  Hehehe!  Those are so much fun.  

The leading lady is Priscilla White, a young woman determined to be a missionary no matter what.  Eli is a doctor traveling to Oregon territory, also determined to serve God.  However, the only way for them both to do that is by becoming man and wife.  He is convinced she will not survive the treacherous journey, but she does her best to prove him wrong.  There are many dangers along the way, and that’s where the rescuing comes in.  Love it!  I have to say that one of my favorite characters is a supporting role, by the name of Mabel.  I loved her faith and strength.

This book is full of wonderful faith-promoting lessons, and the romance is first rate.  It does seem at times like the dangers just never stop and at first you may feel like, “Sheesh! This could never really happen.  This is over the top.” Cuz, that’s exactly what I thought the first time I read it.  (Yes, I have read it more than once.) But when you read about the history, it’s not far from the truth.  SPOILER ALERT:  OK, not a total spoiler, but when I read the very, very end where you learn more about what happened to these people in real life, I was completely shocked and saddened!  One thing's for sure though, when you are in the service of God; fear departs when faith endures.

Bottom line: great story, great message, great book.

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Heart of Gold

Oh, wow.  Over Christmas I was introduced to Robin Lee Hatcher’s books and I was so hooked!  Her style is fabulous.  Her stories are so real—they feel like they could really happen to people and that’s why I find that I just can’t put them down.

Book rating:  Best of the Best

I read this book in two days.  It would have been more like one day, but I had to do laundry.  I was captivated by all the characters--I had to see what was going to happen next!  It’s a beautifully simple story about a girl from the south who’s father is a preacher and moved the two of them to Idaho for him to work there.  Shannon (the girl) is not at all excited to be there and believes that all “Northerners” are essentially enemies.  The main-man, Matthew, has a predicament of his own with his sister and nephew, and he needs Shannon’s help.  (Sorry folks, that’s all the details I’m gonna give ya!)  Can she get over her prejudices and learn to love everyone as God has asked?

Their relationship is so sweet and develops with a good amount of romantic tension.  Gotta love the tension!  And I LOVE how much mention is made of Christ and the scriptures.  I felt my love of God growing as I read and I came away feeling like I really wanted to do better-- putting more of my trust in Him.  This is another one of those books where a supporting character really impacted me.  Namely, Alice.  Her trust in God in the face of death is amazing to me.  Oh!  I'm giving too much away!  Wait, I guess that much is on the back of the book.  OK, I don't feel so bad.

The characters grow and change and, simply put, it’s beautiful.  Again, I cried.  Am I the only one who cries in books like this?  Am I weird?  (Don’t answer that.)

Happy reading!

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A Bride Most Begrudging

Let’s face the facts, shall we?  I’m not a writer. *Gasp*  I’m an even worse speller. *Double gasp*   Hopefully that part will remain hidden from your notice thanks to spell-check.  (Spell-check, I bless your name.)  So why then, you ask, do I want to have a blog?  I will remind you, dear reader, that I am doing this merely for my own enjoyment and having you along with me is an added benefit.  So please be kind in your reviews of my reviews.

Book Rating:  Best of the Best

What can be said about such a book?   If you read only a few HCRs in your lifetime this really has to be one of them. A Bride Most Begrudging is truly fabulous!  Let me just say—hello, romance!!! It won a Christy Award so you know it’s gotta be good.  Here you will find the perfect blend of everything—character, storyline, Christian message—it’s got it all!  For some reason I was reluctant to read it.  That happens to me sometimes when a book is so highly rated or so popular with a particular group that I get nervous that maybe for some reason I won’t like it as much.  This did not happen at all!  It was love at first read. 

The time-period in which the story takes place is original, and truly magnificent—you’ve heard of the pilgrims? It’s pretty much that. Early (very, very early) America. Love it! I am, as you know, extremely partial to the Wild West, but this book made me forget my need for Stetsons and calico.  Gist is gifted at bringing the story together quickly, instead of taking forever to get things going, so within a matter of a few chapters you simply don’t want to put it down!

Constance is a beautiful, red-haired, freckled-covered girl taken against her will to the Americas.  (Want to know why?  Read the book.  Teehee) She is sold as a wife to a man named Drew O’Connor.  Swoon!!!  Give me a second to compose myself….  OK.  I’m OK.  Now, neither of them are keen on the idea of having to be married, but it must be done.  The course of the book takes you through the journey of their relationship as a couple, but also through their individual relationships with God as they deal with the trials of life.  There is A LOT of excitement, and if you don’t shed some tears, I have some serious concerns about you as a human being.

All the characters are enjoyable and learning a bit about that time in America's history was also very enlightening.  This book really delivers on all levels!!

Happy reading!

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To Win Her Heart

Well, ladies (and maybe gentlemen too, you never know who may be secretly reading these books.... *wink*…)

Book rating: Best of the Best

This is the first HCR (short for historical Christian romance…just makes my typing-life easier) I ever read, and let’s just say the author had me at Levi Grant!  Levi, in To Win Her Heart is most likely my favorite male protagonist in any of the books I have read so far—and that’s saying a lot because I have read a good many books, and there are many amazing leading men out there! (Namely, Drew O'Conner--look for my review of A Bride Most Begrudging coming soon!)

I don’t want to give away too much plot in my reviews, but one of the things I like most in this story, is how their relationship begins quite quickly so you can enjoy it the majority of the book.  Unlike some books which take nearly half or more of the book before things start to get going.  Levi's character is wonderful--totally dreamy! (I must interject quickly here to say that I am madly in love with my romantic and completely muscle-bound hubby, and that he does know about my little Levi crush and he is ok with it since it’s fiction. LOL  Love you Robby!  Xoxo)  The supporting charcaters are also very enjoyable and add a great deal to the main plot.

Levi has made some decisions in his life that were not in step with what God had in mind for him—ok, so who hasn’t!  He finds Christ and looks to start a new life as a blacksmith in a small town in Texas.  Eden the lovely “librarian” (she hardly meets the typical stereotype of a stuffy librarian) catches his eye and she, likewise is interested in him.  I was SO impressed with the authors ability to include –and stick with!—an unusual character trait for Levi.  Beautiful!  OK, so Levi falls for Eden and she him—even though it’s tough for her to trust again because of a heartbreaking incident from her past…(Are we surprised?!  No.  Do we care?  Absolutely not!) Levi is terrified that she will no longer care for him once she learns about his past.  Can they get over these obstacles and trust that God will teach them the lessons they both need to learn?!  You know you're curious!  Karen Witemeyer is an amazing author.  I frequently  re-read her books because I love them so much.  Her style is captivating and the message of Christ in her books will touch your heart.

Happy Reading!

Buy it!