Review: To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer
My rating: 5 of 5 genies
Genre: Inspirational/Christian, Historical, Romance,
Published: May 1, 2011
Pages: 352
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Source: Library Loan
Format: Paperback
Purchase At: TheBookDepository.com or Amazon.com

Goodreads Summary

Having completed 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. But small towns leave little room for secrets...
Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she steels herself against the attraction he provokes. His halting speech and hesitant manner leave her doubting his intelligence. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.
Levi's renewed commitment to his faith leads Eden to believe she's finally found a man of honor and integrity, a man worthy of her love. But when the truth about his prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

My Thoughts

Hallelujah!

Ha, really this book was phenomenal! I was not expecting it to be this good, don't ask me why but I just wasn't. I finished reading 'That Certain Spark' before this and was feeling more than a little sour towards Christian Fiction, especially anything historical! And yet here comes Witemeyer to plummet completely my bias. Really she outdid herself!

This read took longer for me to finish and not because of the ability of the book to keep me interested. No, It was my fault because 1/3 through the reading process, I cracked. There was just so much stuff going on that I'm not getting into that took precedence over reading. That is why I took a bajillion days to finish!

Alright, So we're clear? Excellent!

See the word I used there? It's a perfect description of this novel, perfectly EXCELLENT. I expected to hate it, and though 'A tailor made Bride' was decent I was tired of being preached at. I'm a Christian but I find that some books just make it one sermon; 'don't do this', and, 'stay away from that,' but never once do they expose you to realistic scenarios in which you will need to make tough choices. No, it's often just one dramatic sludge of fail with flimsy heroines and generic males. This book was not that.

I am in love with Levi, an ex-prize fighter turned Christian blacksmith-hunk. I loved his lisp and how intelligent this man was! He was so vulnerable and troubled that I just wanted to 'FIX HIM'! Lol that is what girls tend to do right, I'm not quite sure. Take this scenario for example:

Man who overheard to Judith: Excuse me, but are you insinuating that you are not in fact a woman, madam?

Judith: What do you think this is?! *scratches armpit* I don’t have to answer that. Pansy, get me a sandwich and talk American!

Man greatly disgruntled: I suppose I shall leave you to your...em...activities, madam.

Judith: *burps* that’s right! Ye heard me. Some people just aren’t educated. :/ *burps again*

*Ahem* So as you see I am not very normal. I come close on occasion but that is all, and yet you don't have to be mildly insane to appreciate any part of this book or its fabulous characters! It just ROCKS. I enjoyed the heroine - Eden, a kindhearted librarian, as well and found her to be something rarely seen in fiction these days: lovely. She was so very delightful and cute I adored her! That is why I forgive her for taking Levi, because they deserve each other.

The emotions were so authentic I forgot I was reading at points and just lost myself in this book. It kept me turning pages - especially at the end - and no character was unwarranted. They all served purposes... finally! I was so sick of background sheep-people that just chewed grass and made irrelevant sound, that is what characters with no real point mean to me and I was tired of them. This book held meaning because every single character had a story; not one that could be duplicated, but a tale really unique.

Witemeyer did her research and it payed off - GREATLY. In my opinion, Bethany House should do the smart thing and sign her up for more contracts, she is a gem and officially up there next to Kingsbury and Gist in terms of stellar Christian fiction authors. I want so much more from her! Pick this book up and give it a good read, I'm thinking it would be worth every penny.

5 genies: WOWZA. Yes, this is that book, the book you've been looking for! 

You need this novel in your life, take it from me.