To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer ~ review

Product Details
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Paperback: 347 pages
Publisher: Bethany House (May 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764207571
ISBN-13: 978-0764207570

Product Description from Amazon.com:


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?

My take on this book:

Karen Witemeyer is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read, but boy was a pleasantly surprised to find a story that I just couldn't put down. I am now Ms. Witemeyer's newest fan!

Imagine accidentally killing someone then spending two years in prison for it. That's just how it was for Levi,but while he was in prison he gave his life to Jesus and now he is hoping for a fresh start in the town of Spencer TX. as a blacksmith. The only people in town that actually know the truth is the preacher and his wife, but as we well know secrets have a way of finding you out!

Eden Spencer figures she will never marry.She was hurt pretty badly by her former fiance and has sort of sworn off men, even though the local sheriff has proposed she isn't interested in him. Instead she devotes her time to the lending library that she runs out of her home. Levi started reading to find words to replace the ones he couldn't say, so he heads toward the lending library hoping to borrow a book, but Eden has already prejudged Levi and decides to put him off two weeks telling him he hasn't lived in town long enough to borrow books. When Levi starts visiting the library every day during his lunch break they slowly get to know each other, and she soon learns what a gentle person Levi is, and soon feelings develop. But what will happen when the town and Eden learns of Levi's past?

Levi's character was wonderful. It was easy to see how fighting became a way of life for Levi. I like that he wasn't rich or perfect. So many novels have the lead man as someone who is wealthy with no problems, not so with Levi. He was just a common man, who had a speech problem and a prison record. Eden's character was a bit hard to like in the beginning, but as her character grew she became someone I liked. The secondary character of Chloe brought humor to the story, and while Ornery was well ornery, I really liked him, and cheered when he tried to save Levi. I thought the ending was quite satisfying, my only complaint is that the book ended! I hope that perhaps the author will give us another story based in Spencer because I would love to visit the town again.
I really enjoyed this book and I think if you enjoy historical romance fiction then your going to enjoy it too. Highly recommended!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.