Customer Reviews

To Win Her Heart

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This is Karen Witemeyer's third novel and each one just gets better and better.

The message in this deeply moving story is that God gives us second chances. This is a historical romance that will wheedle its way into your heart and soul.

Levi Grant has spent time in jail for a crime he didn't mean to do, it was totally unintentional. He is now looking to begin his life anew in Spencer, Texas where a blacksmith is needed and Levi fits the bill.

Eden Spencer is a librarian in Spencer who is somewhat cantankerous but she absolutely loves children but has sworn off men. But, when Levi arrives in town Eden's perfectly, orderly life is quickly turned upside down. Eden isn't big on forgiveness and must learn through God that she needs to trust that God will direct her down the right path. Meanwhile, Levi has made a promise to God which he plans to uphold and soon both Eden and Levi are growing closer to each other. However, they must reveal and reconcile the differences in their pasts. Levi doesn't know that he will soon face an evil man with evil intentions and the outcome of that will surprise you.

There are so many life affirming messages to find throughout this story which will be reminders to us all that all things are possible through God if we allow Him. I would highly recommend this beautifully written Christian novel to anyone. I'm looking forward to reading Ms. Witemeyer's next novel.

"Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group."

I was trilled when I was offered to review Karen Witemeyer's third book, To Win Her Heart. Karen is quickly rising to the top of my favorite authors list. To Win Her Heart is another masterfully told story that keeps the readers flipping pages to find out what is going to happen in this wonderful historical romance. Karen's characters come off the page with their humor, and quirky behavior. The deep message of the story is not lost when as a reader we are reminded that God is a God of second chances.

I can't recommend this book highly enough!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The third book written by Karen Witemeyer - an author possessing an extraordinary gift for storytelling - is finally available, and entitled To Win Her Heart. Published by Bethany House* in the spring of 2011, this sweet, humorous, but poignant Historical Romance will touch your heart in numerous ways. Founding her story on the well-known Biblical lesson of the prodigal son, the author brings to life the small town of Spencer, Texas, and the unforgettable citizens who reside there. With its warm style of writing and engaging setting, not to mention delightful characters, this book will capture your interest instantly, and hold it until the final pages.

One of the most outstanding features of this story is the memorable portrayal of amazingly realistic people. Our lovable but sometimes prickly heroine, Eden Spencer, is a very determined, often reserved, and slightly set-in-her-ways librarian who adores children and strives to uphold her reputation as one of the community's leading citizens. When the strong yet gentle hero of the story, Levi Grant, arrives in town searching for a place in which to make a new beginning, Eden's calm, well-ordered life is turned upside down. Every character in this story is brought to life with great dimension through special traits and redeeming flaws.

Levi yearns to build a respectable life for himself in society, one in which he can honor his promise to God, and Eden discovers that she must overcome her fears, and instead trust in God while freely giving both love and forgiveness to others. As both characters discover themselves growing closer to each other, and revealing more of their very different pasts, a threat is building and conflict is growing. When surprising truths come to light, it becomes increasingly difficult for Eden and Levi to reach out in love and trust. During the pinnacle of action, a man with evil intentions forces Levi into a final showdown with his past.

Skillfully interwoven throughout the novel are several life-impacting themes. Perhaps most importantly, the characters and reader are reminded together that God wants to forgive our past mistakes, and will if we only ask - He doesn't want us to think we are 'not good enough.' Also, the importance of trusting both in God and in the special people in our lives is shown, and sets many fears to rest. To a lesser degree, but still as an important aspect of the story, the author teaches her readers to look past outward appearances, and not to base your life and actions upon the opinions of others.

To Win Her Heart is a great story, with especially sweet characters. One significant negative point of the book, however, is an element of 'too much' - too many details of intimate actions and thoughts, and too much time focused on certain uncomfortable discussions and problems about the saloon, and the goings-on within it. It seems as though the story could have been so much better, and certainly more comfortable to read, if a few of these scenes and dialogs had been omitted. In general, however, apart from these few negative aspects, Karen Witemeyer has written a genuine, sweet, and memorable story that will, in all likelihood, win your heart.

***Note: I received this book free of charge for review purposes, courtesy of Bethany House Publishers and Graf-Martin Communications. I would like to say thank you very much for sending it to me.