Helpful Score: 8
What a sweet little book this is. No really. Throughout the book I kept thinking to myself, oh, how sweet. Surprisingly enough this didnt make me roll my eyes and toss the book over my shoulder. You see, to me sweet usually means blah, or boring, or possibly a diabetic coma, but not this time. What saves it from being too good to be true is the authors attention to historical detail. She doesnt pretty it up a whole lot which makes the secondary cast of characters much more human, therefore much more interesting.
I loved the use of Mercers Girls to drive the story forward, but its only the catalyst for the meaty part of the book. This is a true love story; love of self, friends, land, career, children and spouse. The only thing that bothered me about this book is that the hero and heroine are a bit unbelievable. Both are a little too good to be true and carry enough guilt to fell a horse. Annas feelings of responsibility for her deceased family rang especially untrue and I wish the author had resolved the issue much sooner than she did.
I cant say this is the best book Ive ever read or that I want to tell all my friends to run right out and buy it, but its a solid read. I found it to be an enjoyable and comfortable book. And since my interests tend toward action, excitement and steamy love scenes, thats saying something.
I loved the use of Mercers Girls to drive the story forward, but its only the catalyst for the meaty part of the book. This is a true love story; love of self, friends, land, career, children and spouse. The only thing that bothered me about this book is that the hero and heroine are a bit unbelievable. Both are a little too good to be true and carry enough guilt to fell a horse. Annas feelings of responsibility for her deceased family rang especially untrue and I wish the author had resolved the issue much sooner than she did.
I cant say this is the best book Ive ever read or that I want to tell all my friends to run right out and buy it, but its a solid read. I found it to be an enjoyable and comfortable book. And since my interests tend toward action, excitement and steamy love scenes, thats saying something.
Helpful Score: 5
I absolutely adore this book and I think I've found a new favorite author! Lately with the books I've been reading I've had trouble getting into them... They didn't keep my interest or the words just didn't flow. This book however was the complete opposite. I found myself reading one hundred pages at a time without taking a single break and I was really drawn into the story and It's characters. I have to admit Anna made me a little annoyed at times, but that's part of what kept me reading. I wanted to know if she came to her senses.
This book is a picture of a true historical romance novel. I would even go as far as to say it's reminiscent of Gone With the Wind.
This book is a picture of a true historical romance novel. I would even go as far as to say it's reminiscent of Gone With the Wind.
I am actually surprised that this book is being criticized for discussing physical attraction... so i am writing a review myself. :)
I discovered this author by accident with a free Kindle edition of MAID TO MATCH. Before becoming a Christian, i spent nearly 2 decades reading mainstream, secular romance novels (with scences that would make most of these reviewers blush). Then i met Jesus, and those books made ME blush.
So, after 2 years of struggling to find an author i could read (and enjoy rather than yawn) and still face Christ each day, i have found a few treasures. Deeanne Gist, Denise Hunter, Francine Rivers, being among them.
Yes, the books speak of physical attraction. But it is quaint compared to our culture, and frankly, God never intended us to be prudes! He gave us physical attraction to be used in the right context, and there is no violation of that context within these books. (in my opinion) :)
Feel free to pick up a Deeanne Gist book and give her style a try without feeling 'oppressed' by your faith. As a child of sexual abuse and the wife of infidelity, i applaud anyone who can remind me that intimacy between a husband and wife is something of God. And Deeanne Gist's books give me exactly that hope/promise to hang onto, a lovely reminder of God's plan for His children.
I discovered this author by accident with a free Kindle edition of MAID TO MATCH. Before becoming a Christian, i spent nearly 2 decades reading mainstream, secular romance novels (with scences that would make most of these reviewers blush). Then i met Jesus, and those books made ME blush.
So, after 2 years of struggling to find an author i could read (and enjoy rather than yawn) and still face Christ each day, i have found a few treasures. Deeanne Gist, Denise Hunter, Francine Rivers, being among them.
Yes, the books speak of physical attraction. But it is quaint compared to our culture, and frankly, God never intended us to be prudes! He gave us physical attraction to be used in the right context, and there is no violation of that context within these books. (in my opinion) :)
Feel free to pick up a Deeanne Gist book and give her style a try without feeling 'oppressed' by your faith. As a child of sexual abuse and the wife of infidelity, i applaud anyone who can remind me that intimacy between a husband and wife is something of God. And Deeanne Gist's books give me exactly that hope/promise to hang onto, a lovely reminder of God's plan for His children.
Helpful Score: 3
In post war Seattle, women are few. The men have engaged a professor to return east and find widows to secure as brides. In the east, women are alone due to the ravages of the Civil War. Anna Ivey is alone and penniless. She convinces Professor Mercer to let her accompany him to Seattle to pursue a job cooking. But when she arrives she finds herself handed over to a lumberjack who needs to marry to save his land.
The merry mix and courtship of these two very different people make a pleasurable read. This is one of those stories you don't want to end. . .and when it does you wonder will the next book I read be as good as this book?
The merry mix and courtship of these two very different people make a pleasurable read. This is one of those stories you don't want to end. . .and when it does you wonder will the next book I read be as good as this book?
Helpful Score: 2
Very cute book, a fun and easy read.
