Completely Enthralled! To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer ~ Review

This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Allianceis introducingTo Win Her HeartBethany House (May 1, 2011)byKaren Witemeyer






ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon's wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. To that end, she combines her love of bygone eras with her passion for helping women mature in Christ to craft historical romance novels that lift the spirit and nurture the soul.


After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.


Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.






ABOUT THE BOOK

After completing his sentence for the unintentional crime that derailed his youthful plans for fame and fortune, Levi Grant looks to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas. Spencer needs a blacksmith, a trade he learned at his father’s knee, and he needs a place where no one knows his past.


Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town’s new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.


Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian’s affections?


If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.


My Review:

Karen Witemeyer has done it again!

Not since Julie Lessman have I given the first three books by an author five stars in succession. “To Win Her Heart” has definitely earned my accolades.

I could go on for a complete review on the characters alone. They are crafted and honed until they stand from the page in full three-dimension. Levi is not only an exceptional hero, but he stands as one of the most touching characters I have ever read. He is strapping in his masculinity, but his heart is what moved me.

But what I loved the most is the uniqueness of the plot. Instead of sticking with the basic romance formula, the author mixed it up and in fact the ending was a complete surprise for me. I wasn’t sure how tension would be maintained, oh but believe me, it was! The ending was a bittersweet conclusion and having seen the characters grow through the story, I nearly cried. (In a good way).

From beginning to end I was completely enthralled with the story, I wish I could go on for another 200 words, this book deserves it. It’s a complex plot that goes beyond mere heart-pounding romance and layers characters that move the heart, emotions that tug at heartstrings and a faith that inspires.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.