After two years, they'd finally cut him loose. Gave him a new suit of clothes and everything. Funny, though. The shame of the convict stripes still clung to him, as if tattooed horizontally across his skin. Levi Grant rolled his shoulders under the slightly-too-tight coat he'd been issued and wondered how long it would take to get accustomed to ordinary clothes.
His future hinges on making a good impression. The Bible and recommendation letter in his knapsack fueled his hope, but his past dragged behind him like the lead ball that used to be shackled to his leg. The Father might have forgiven his prodigal ways, but the world was full of parabolic older brothers who would either resent the second chance he'd been given or condemn him outright. Not that he would blame them. Christian charity could only be expected to stretch so far.
Eden Spencer wanted to waste no time in closing up her library for the day. The town council was waiting for her before they hired the new town's blacksmith, but since these men didn't truly respect her opinion since being appointed to such a position by her father, she feared they had already begun without her being present.
Upon entering the room amid hushed words about not needing to wait for her before signing the lease to the new blacksmith, Eden was about to make sure that her presence was known. What she didn't expect to find, was a handsome, rugged, towering man who stood before her, hoping for a chance to begin his life in the town of Spencer. The man who stood before her was Levi Grant.
In the latest novel, To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer, we find Levi Grant and Eden Spencer about to meet for the first time. Each of them has a past that they believe God has forgiven them for and now hope to live a new life with faith in God. What neither of them expect to find, is love amid the silent stares and hushed whispers of the people in the town of Spencer. Some will stop at nothing to make sure that the secrets each of them hides is brought in full view of the town who hides behind their faith, yet is willing to casts judgments against them both.
I received this book compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and can proudly say, I've read all of Karen Witemeyer's books, and this one is exceptional. It shows the story of a prodigal son returning in hopes of a better life with a second chance from God. It also shows how quick people are to walk in a life of faith but will be the first to cast stones as though they remain righteous. This book rates a 5 out of 5 stars and has taught me once more what the real meaning of forgiveness is and how our actions can speak louder than our words. This book is available in paperback and eBook formats.
Here is even more great information on this book, the amazing, talented author and even a sneak peak into the first chapter.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
After growing up in California, Karen moved to Texas to attend Abilene Christian University where she earned bachelor and master's degrees in Psychology. It was also there that she met and married her own Texas hero. He roped her in good, for she has lived in Texas ever since. In fact, she fell so in love with this rugged land of sweeping sunsets and enduring pioneer spirit, that she incorporates it into the pages of her novels, setting her stories in the small towns of a state that burgeoned into greatness in the mid- to late1800s.
Karen is living her dream by writing Christian historical romance novels for Bethany House. When she visited her publisher back in January of 2010, she was interviewed by the staff. If you'd like a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how she develops her story ideas and a description of her bumpy journey to publication, click here to listen to a podcast of that interview.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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?
If you would like to read the first chapter of To Win Her Heart, go HERE.
This sounds like a really good book. I'm going to have to go to the library and check out some of her books.
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