To Win Her Heart, by Karen Witemeyer, passed all three areas. :) Very bright, attractive cover (even the back cover is pretty!), intriguing plot (a handsome blacksmith with a dark past?), and a heroine who runs a lending library (a fellow bookworm). Plus, the book had another advantage: I recently read the author's first book, A Tailor-Made Bride, and really enjoyed it.
I loved this book! It was humorous and engaging, and at the same time, very touching. The main focus is on the relationship between Eden Spencer, the librarian, and Levi Grant, the blacksmith, and with all of the ups and downs they have, that's enough in itself. But there are also interesting subplots that don't take away from the main plot but instead add to it. Eden and Levi themselves are both very likable and realistic. I've read so many historical romances lately that sometimes the heroes tend to blur together, but Levi definitely stands out as a memorable one. There's also a good, cringe-worthy villain- Sheriff Pratt (this is the second or third book I've read lately with a slimy sheriff, but I think this one was the slimiest). I really enjoy Karen Witemeyer's writing style...it's a little different than most in this genre. I can't wait to read more of her books. :)
Until next time,
*Note: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers. I'm not required to write a positive review, only an honest one.*
Great review, glad you enjoyed this one - I have heard a ton of great things about it.
ReplyDeleteAs to your genre question, I am not a fan of labels per se - I never call out a book as Christian right off, I would rather incorporate how faith is worked into the book in my review. I go for shorter names like "historical," "romance," "mystery" etc., when labels come into play at all. That's my two cents' worth. :)