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Title: A Heart Most Certain
Author: Melissa Jagears
Series: Teaville Moral Society #1
Genre: Historical
Audience: Adult
ABOUT THE BOOK
A Fresh Voice in Historical Romance!
Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.
~ MY REVIEW ~
**4 stars**
I've only read one other book by Melissa Jagears, and while it was really good, it was more or less the average Christian historical romance novel. Even so, I decided to review A Heart Most Certain ... and as I got into this book, I was blown away!
Book One in the TEAVILLE MORAL SOCIETY is a story about Lydia King and Nicholas Lowe. It's a tale about a moral society gone wrong, and a rich man who refuses to give to his church for interesting reasons. A story of redemption and forgiveness, of true charity - it examines the sometimes not-so-clear line between judging sin and condemning hearts. Journey to 1905 Teaville, Kansas for this eye-opening adventure!
This novel was interesting, bold, and just lovely! I really enjoyed the exchanges between Lydia and Nicholas, and the raw look at motives of the heart. The message/faith aspect of A Heart Most Certain was different than most historical romance, and very thought-provoking! One of the themes included prostitution and the like; which was heartbreaking! It's sickening to see how the issue was ignored back then by Christians ... men were excused and prostitutes (no matter age or life story) condemned. So the tale of how some of the characters pushed back against that and opened their arms to these desperate women was beautiful. I would recommend caution, because of these themes, A Heart Most Certain calls for a slightly more mature audience. (Also, in the ending, the kissing was a little much.) Otherwise, it was great!
I really, really enjoyed it. Faith, struggle, decisions - 'Should I do what's easiest? Or what's right?' Also, a dash of suspense! Issues in society, and issues of the heart are explored. Well-done, Melissa Jagears! ^_^ I look forward to reading more.
I received a copy of A Heart Most Certain from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Definitely looking forward to reading this book. It sounds like a charming historical romance, and I will admit I really enjoyed Melissa's debut. I thought it was a unique twist on the common genre (mail order bride). :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely book, Rissi! I'm sure you'll enjoy it! I haven't read Melissa's debut, but I did read the last book of her mail-ordered bride series. It was really good! :)
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