I’ll admit, all things being equal, historical fiction is not my first choice among genres. Lyn Austin’s Refiner’s Fire series and Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion series (both favorites of mine) notwithstanding, it seems that most historical romances either contain too much history rendering the characters flat and uninteresting, or too much romance making the history nothing more than an implausible backdrop.
Not so with Deanne Gist’s Deep in the Heart of Trouble, the story of Essie Spreckelmeyer, the independent, outspoken spinster of Corsicana, Texas more concerned with bicycles and bloomers than men and romance. Tony Morgan is the disinherited son of a rival oilman who finds a job with Essie’s father’s oil company, a company Essie herself manages. While Essie is a free spirit determined to do things her way, Tom finds himself intrigued, bewildered, and even angered by Essie’s fierce independence.
I don’t have to tell you that Essie and Tom fall in love–such is the nature of romantic fiction! However, their story lacks the usual predictability and tells an engaging and delightful tale. Essie is a quirky, refreshing and extremely likeable heroine who struggles with an unsavory past. Though this is certainly a love story set in Texas at the turn of the twentieth century, it is also a story of forgiveness and redemption. Through Essie and Tom, Gist reminds us of the true nature of grace and the faithfulness of God’s provision. I completely enjoyed this novel!
Interested in reading Essie’s story for yourself? Check out an excerpt here.
Wife and mother, Bible teacher and blogger, Lisa loves Jesus, coffee, dark chocolate and, of course, books. Read more of her reflections at Lisa writes….
Would you like to win a copy of Deep in the Heart of Trouble? Please leave a comment, and we’ll announce the winner on September 3.
I would like to win this. Please enter me
I would love to win this one.
I want to win this one !
I’d like to read this book.
I agree with you, I generally don’t care for historical romances either and I usually don’t like romances in general. HOwever, this one does sound interesting and probably worth a look. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.
wow, this sounds like a great book. Have strayed away from reading romances but this book sounds like a good covet.
include me, please. 🙂
I would love to win this prize.
good read thanks
Historical fiction is very good reading, and is especially good for my daughter to have around.
I haven’t read a historical romance since I was a teenager, it would be fun to read one again.
Your review makes this book a must read for me…
Oh, I love a good romance story! This sounds like a great book!
sounds like my daughter… lol
Unlike you, historical fiction is my first choice, although I can empathize with your statements about the appropriate mix of history and romance!
Sounds refreshing.
want to win this
I would love to win this – I’m such a bookworm. I’ll tell you – they always say “Never judge a book by its cover” but I always do. I would have picked this one up because of the cover alone – it’s so cute! It sounds really interesting too! Thanks for the chance to win!
I need some good books to read since the kids are back in school.
Looks like a great book! Thanks for the giveway 🙂
I would love to win a copy of this! 🙂 Thanks for the chance to win it!
hope i win as i love to read
Looks like a fun book to read.
I would love to read this.
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
I’ve read some historical fiction that I’ve really enjoyed. This book looks like a good one.
thanks for the contest
enter me!
I’m interested.
Looks great…would love to win…THANKS!!!!!!!!
I’d LOVE to win! I’m on bedrest for pregnancy and read a lot! So it would be great!
Romances usually bore me, but this sounds so fun! I would love to win it!
i;m ready for a good one
Essie sounds like a great heroine. Enter me please!
I’ve gotten this out to read from the library cause it looked so good but NEVER got to read it!!! Count me in, THANKS!!!
Oh, me! I want to win 🙂 If I don’t, I’m checking the library for sure!!!
I’m always looking for books to add to my reading list and this sounds interesting. Please add my name. Thank you for the contest!
This sounds like a book that I would enjoy. Please enter my name.
Sounds great !
Wooo Hooo Make me a winner!
i love to read.
This book sounds so good, I enjoy romance novels, thank you.
Sound like a great book! I would love to win it!
Please enter me as I would love to read this book.
I love a good read. Thanks!
I’d love to read this book. thanks for the chance.
please enter me thanks
The book sounds great. Please enter me. Thanks
thank you for all the great books you show me
I enjoy historical romances as a break from anything heavier I may be reading. I’d love to try this book.