To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

Historical/Christian Romance. 352 Pages. 5 Stars

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?

“Witemeyer’s hard-hitting Christian historical romance skillfully incorporates Jesus’ parables of the prodigal son and the adulteress’ rock-toting accusers into her characters’ struggles with redemption, worthiness, and new beginnings. A commendable addition to the genre.”–Booklist

“Witemeyer is a talented author who plumbs the heart and soul of her characters while keeping a smile on the lips of the reader. Gentle humor pervades the story, never mocking, never crude, yet consistently illuminating the conundrums of life… To Win Her Heart is charming inspirational fiction that will certainly win the hearts of those who enjoy this genre.”— Historical Novels Review

“Seamless writing with an unexpectedly complex plot… This novel has everything that I love about Christian historical fiction.”–Christian Manifesto 

My Review: 

Maybe I was just in the mood for a sweet, clean, fluffy romance, but I really enjoyed this much more than I thought I might. First of all, I love that green dress on the cover!! Second of all, the premise was heartwarming. The book is about redemption and changing one’s life and that speaks to me on more than just a literary level.

The plot is engaging. I wasn’t bored at any point. Witemeyer knows how to balance the intriguing past with the tension, both romantic and otherwise, of the present. I liked how it wasn’t all about the romance between the two, though it was primarily, but also a little about the town and the people around them. The plot was driven by characters, their arcs, and by big questions about the worth of people, about how people should be treated, and about how God can transform people if they accept Him. I didn’t find any of it tacky and I don’t recall finding much of it cliche or predictable, though I go into these kinds of books with that alarm turned off in my head. I know the Christian romance and historical fiction genre is riddled with cliches and predictable plots, but, truthfully, I’m not here for originality and surprises. I’m here because I know this genre will deliver the fluff and the warm and fuzzies and sometimes, a gal just needs her warm and fuzzies. 

The characters, as always, are my favorite in the story. Witemeyer created a heartwarming cast for this one. I liked the big, strong, noble blacksmith with physical insecurities and blemishes in his past. It wasn’t overkill, but it was beautiful. It was beautiful to see him transform under God’s hand, to struggle even after his commitment to a better life, and to showcase important values, values many heroes and MCs miss in modern literature. Eden, aside from sharing a name, shared a love of books and children that I could completely relate to! She was such a fun and beautiful character! I loved watching her eyes open to something deeper, a more meaningful life–not that she was shallow to begin with, but she learned and grew to an even more meaningful level of life, the life God intended. She faced challenges and prejudices and had to work in her heart, something few people want to do. It’s hard and it hurts. But I loved watching her struggle through this because it was encouraging and refreshing. I liked seeing someone go through what I strive to go through, change and obedience. Chloe! I loved Chloe!! I wish there’d been more of her. She was a sassy, hungry soul and perfect for her job in the story! 

The setting is typical of Mrs. Witemeyer: Texas, 1800s ish. I think this was more toward the early 1900s if I had to guess, but either way, it was a realistic, historical setting that complimented the purposes of the story well. Another reason I subject myself to this fluffy genre is that I miss the simplicity of earlier times. I miss the tangible chivalry, the hard, earnest work, and the quippy, witty dialogue. I miss the social etiquette and boundaries. I think the setting works well and Witemeyer wrote it well.

The book is full of clean, sweet romance, if a few lines of rippling muscles and round figures. There is very surface level dealings with a saloon and prostitution. It’s all very cleanly handled, but it is a small string in the larger story. There is no foul language, but does involve a little violence. Nothing horribly graphic, though it is a theme the MCs struggle with.