Book Review: To Win Her Heart

About the Book: To Win Her Heart

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?

About the Author

Karen Witemeyer is a deacon’s wife and mother of three who believes the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She holds a master’s degree in psychology from Abilene Christian University and is a member of ACFW, RWA, and her local writers guild. Karen lives in Abilene, Texas, with her family.

My Thoughts

Above all else I love stories of redemption.  Finding forgiveness and a second, third, one thousandth chance to pick myself up and start again, knowing that I am loved, that’s something I never get tired of celebrating.  There is no greater story than the reality of how Christ’s love offers new life and new beginnings.  Besides being a sweet tale of falling in love, To Win Her Heart is a beautiful portrayal of the struggles and joys that accompany a life redeemed.

Levi is one of the main characters. I get Levi.  I mean I really, deeply relate to his struggles.  I’m not a prodigal like he is, having lived a life of outward rebellion.  Yet, I am a prodigal just like he is, having lived a life of blatant rebellion choosing my own way over God’s.  No matter how large or how small, how open or hidden our sin; we all have gone astray.  And we have an accuser who never ceases to throw our state of unworthiness back into our faces: mocking, challenging, condemning.  So when Levi struggles to believe in forgiveness, when he wrestles with feelings of condemnation, I feel his fight way down in the core of my soul.

Eden is the other main character of the novel and I relate to her as well.  I’ve been there, standing in her shoes, appalled and hurt and uncomprehending.  I’ve made snap evaluations about people.  I’ve been blind and judgmental, allowing lies and my past to blind me to truth.

Yet, isn’t that the beauty of redemption.  We all stand before God unworthy.  We all receive from his hand grace upon grace.  And if we allow Him, that grace will change us.  His salvation allows us to choose to live according to God’s ways instead of our own.  His grace teachs us to walk in humility.  Redemption challenges us to set aside worldly evaluations and reach out in love to others; no matter who they are, no matter what they have done.

Christ’s grace changes us and that’s why I love this story.  More than the excellent writing, more than the tale of true love, more than the believable and engaging characters, I love how to Win Her Heart is a tale of redemption.

And I think you will love it too.

THANK YOU to Karen Witemeyer for sending me a copy of the book for review!