Book Review ~ To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Author Bio

Karen Witemeyer holds a master's degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and the Abilene Writers Guild. She has published fiction in Focus on the Family's children's magazine, and has written several articles for online publications and anthologies. A Tailor-Made Bride is her first novel. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her husband and three children.Visit Karen's Web site at http://www.karenwitemeyer.com/ .



Karen has lots of fun tidbits on her website and is offering a Fan Fiction Contest until June 30th. Be sure and visit her site for some great stuff and let her know how you like her new book!
 
Synopsis
 
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 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?

My Review
 
I know you can't judge a book by it's cover but this one is every bit as good inside as it is pretty outside. When this book fell out of the package into my hands I said to my husband, "Oh, it's so pretty! It's embossed!" 


Not only did I fall in love with the cover but I fell in love with Levi from the beginning. He's such a tortured soul with a heart as big as the sky! For all his largess he has a gentleness about him that is misinterpreted as a lack of intelligence. Levi is far from it! He has his reasons for taking his time when answering a question or making a remark. I'm not going to reveal what it is but it is a vulnerability that just makes you want to give him a hug. He's my favorite character of all.


Eden has such fine manners, is very respectable and has a stellar reputation. That means a lot to her! She is going to find out what it means to be stretched in her faith and her reputation. I like how Karen takes Eden from being consumed by her own uprightness to becoming wholly concerned about a misjudged young girl. The relationship that Eden builds with this girl, even though caring for her was Levi's idea and not a role that Eden wanted to take on, is a pleasure to watch unfold.

There are a host of other characters that play pretty important roles in the story. You know there is at least one (or two) who is not so likeable and will cause some serious trouble for Levi & Eden but I was surprised at who it turned out to be. I kept saying it can't be...but it was. Good job, Ms. Witemeyer!


If you enjoy historical fiction you will love this one! There is never any disconnect in this story. The writing is flawless. Flow is perfect. Karen Witemeyer has once again given us an immensely pleasurable read and characters that are thought of long after the final page is turned.

To read an excerpt and/or purchase your copy from Bethany House click here.

Also available from:
Amazon
Christianbook.com
BarnesandNoble.com

I was provided a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.