A Heart Most Certain--Book Review

~Description~

While Lydia King's reasons for joining the Teaville Moral Society might be suspect to some members, her heart is in the right place. Because of her father's debts and her mother's persistent illness, her best chance at a secure future and curing her mother is to impress the politician courting her. Her first task--to ask the town's wealthiest man to donate--seems simple enough . . . until he refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas Lowe wants to help others, but prefers to keep his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, but Nicholas still intends to do things his own way. Neither predicts what they'll learn about true charity or foresee the complications their actions will bring to the town, forcing Lydia to decide where her beliefs and heart truly align.

~~My Review~~

5 out of 5 stars

Wow.

That's literally all I have to say about this book. 

I had never read any books my this author before, and I wasn't sure what to expect, as I tend to be pretty picky about what sort of books I read.

However, this sounded interesting, so I thought I'd try it. And I'm so glad I did! For the first couple chapter I felt like rolling my eyes and thinking "I knew it!" It seemed to be the same opinionated-women -and-guy-who-likes-her-but-doesn't-say-a-thing type of book.

But once I got past the beginning I relaized it was anything but.

The questions and themes that are dealt with in the book are a lot heavier then it appears on the surface. This book made me stop and question exactly what I'm doing for the Lord. It can be so easy to sit back and be comfortable in our walk with the Lord, but God has called us to action! And this book was a great reminder!

As for the romance, for the most part it was just super sweet. There seemed to be a bit of a beauty and the beast retelling, too, that only added to the story! 

The ending scene seemed a little much, and I was like "Okaaayyyy, you can stop kissing now". ;P 

Also, there are heavier themes such as drinking and prostitution that are a large part of the book. I believe it was handled well, but there was the implication that some of the more minor-main characters were involved quite a bit in these activities;  that would be my only caution. 

One thing I appreciated was the emphasis on how the church shouldn't turn their eyes away from these problems, and just simply ignore them, but that we should be willing and open to helping those from that sort of a background and work to show them the truth, not simply "preach" at the and tell them how wrong they are. Yes, they are sinning, but aren't we all sinners? We're no better then them in God's sight!

So yes. It was a delightful book that I fully enjoyed! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

~I received a copy of this book from Bethany House publishers in exchange for my honest review~