To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer
Christian Historical Romance, Published 2011
Challenges: Historical Fiction Challenge
Read August 2011, 347 pages
4/5
Book Blurb:
Do they have a fighting chance at love?
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 Levi 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?
My Thoughts:
I have definitely become a fan of Karen’s work and of Bethany House’s historicals! I loved her A Tailor-Made Bride and am looking forward to reading her other published book Head in the Cloud as well as her upcoming release in June, Short-straw Bride.
In Spencer, Texas – 1887, Eden is more than surprised when the new blacksmith in town knocks on her door to visit her library. What could a brute of a man like him want with her books? Levi is looking for a new start in life after serving two years in prison for killing a man in a boxing fight. No one in town knows of his past crimes except for the Cranfords who have agreed to let him run their blacksmith. Will Levi ever be able to right his wrongs or will he always be haunted by his past?
I really enjoyed Levi’s character. Even though he might have somewhat of a shady past, he becomes one of the most outstanding members of the Spencer community. He struggles with a lisp, unable to say words with s’s very well, but he makes up for it by always searching for another word to replace it, which is why he loves to read – not to mention the pretty librarian. It takes a while for Eden to figure out why he improperly calls her Eden instead of Miss Spencer. But when the truth starts to leak of Levi’s past, will she ever be able to get past it?
Thank you to Bethany House for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
