To Win Her Heart by: Karen Witemeyer

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?



About The Author:

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers' guild. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children.

I am really in love with Karen's books!

I liked Levis character. Yes, he was a prizefighter, but he's given that up and gave his life to Christ. He's looking to start over in a town that doesn't know him and his reputation. He found Spencer, Texas. Spencer needed a blacksmith and he learned all the tricks when he was young, watching his father. He wasn't looking to hide his past, he was just waiting till the right moment to tell.

Eden was hurt by a man years ago, when he wanted money more than her. Her father had tempted the guy with money to see where his heart lay and he took the money and ran. So Eden decided she was going to shy away from men and stay a spinster. She also abhors any type of violence. I have to agree with her there. I hate any type of violence. I shy away from it. I can't stand to hear or see anyone being hurt. But I also forgive people IF they have repented and vowed to never hurt anyone intentionally again.

I do have a hard time forgiving people who intentionally hurt people for fun, or to gain more appreciation with other people. Doing that is sick and I don't much like people who do. Just because you have such low self esteem doesn't mean you should put others down to help you. I'm sorry about that rant, but I feel very strongly about this topic.

Back to the book. Eden has a hard time forgiving people, and at times she was a bit of a hypocrite. She was all set against raising money to send Bibles to the prisoners in a jail close by. She thought just because they ruined their life doesn't mean she had to send them her precious money so they can have a change of heart. Then all of a sudden, because she started having feelings for Levi, (This was after she found out about his past.) she was so mad at people for discriminating Levi because of his past. Um? Hello? That's EXACTLY what she was doing for like half of the book!

I did like Duncan McPherson though! But, I'm biased I like any Scottish guys in books. :P I also liked Chloe. She had a I-don't-care-what-other-people-think attitude. She told you what she thought and you never had to wonder what was on her mind!

All in all it was a good book. There were parts I didn't particularly like, but that's in any book.

Emily's Rating:


My next book will be Blue Heart Blessed by Susan Meissner.