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.
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This book sounds like such a good one. I would love to read it. Please enter me, and thanks!
I’d love to win , I enjoy reading historical fiction
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I’d love to win this! Just the cover alone would be enough to get me to pick it up.
Pick me! (Please)
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Thanks for the giveaway
It’s not my first choice either but I have opened myself up to the genre lately and I’ve been surprised by some wonderful books. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds like a good book.
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The title reminds me of the song Deep in the Heart of Texas.
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This sounds like a really great book! Would love to read it
I have always liked historical fiction, especially ones set in the south, so I think I might really enjoy this book.
I love almost all types of fiction. I would love this
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the contest
Count me in.
Would love to win. It sounds great. 🙂
Sounds like a book I’d love!
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I love historical fiction but sometimes the characters are hard to relate to. This sounds like a wonderful book and I would really like to win a copy.
PLEASE COUNT ME IN ON THIS AWESOME GIVEAWAY 🙂
I LOVE THESE TYPE OF BOOKS! THANKS FOR THE CONTEST!
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Love historical romances…the only way I can read a romance book 😉
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What a great end-of-summer read!
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I would love to be entered. Thanks!
This sounds like a good read! Thank you for the contest!
Commenting for entry :0
[email protected]
i would love to read this book. thanks in advance if if win and i hope all of your days are blessed.
I sure could use a good romantic read to take me away.
Sweet niblets!
I would love to win and read this book!