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36 of 39 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Enchanting Heroine and Another Winner for GIST!, June 2, 2007
This review is from: Courting Trouble (Paperback)
It's not unusual when reading a novel for the author to create characters you'll fall in love with that you hate to see it end. In this case I am thrilled because not only has Ms. Gist written just that, but she is planning a sequel and one can only hope she writes fast!
Essie Spreckelmeyer has got to be one of the more intriguing and lovable characters I've met this year. In 1894 and reaching the age of 30 years old Essie has made up her mind that the Lord has more important things to do than bring her a husband. So Essie must go out and capture one herself. After studying the pros and cons of all the eligible bachelors in Corsicana, Texas, she's ready to begin her campaign; unfortunately Essie is an original who marches to the beat of a different drummer. Essie rides her bike Peg (short for Pegasus), slides down banisters, and catches snakes. It's not just anybody who is going to appreciate Essie's joy and zest for life but someone very special!
Form the very first pages the reader will find this one hard to set down. Essie is -- in a word - spectacular! She is funny, compassionate, caring, and the more you read of her miss-adventures, the more you will love her! In deciding to find a husband she forges full speed ahead. Essie doesn't let anything slow her down once she's got her target in sight and though she may stumble once or twice her faith is unshakable especially when after making a huge error in judgment she learns not only the true meaning of forgiveness but that the Lord just might have a better future in store for her if she just places her trust in Him. Peppering this story with a plethora of endearing secondary characters, from Essie's Uncle Melvin and the young orphan Harley, to name a few, you'll be totally charmed with some laugh out loud scenarios, and shed tears of compassion as well when life's journey hits a few bumps in the road. I was most impressed with this newer author's previous novels A BRIDE MOST BEGRUDGING and THE MEASURE OF A LADY. But with this latest book positively sparkling with vitality and uplifting entertainment, I can emphatically state Gist has won me over completely. Write fast lady, I can't wait for the promised sequel!
Marilyn Rondeau - Reviewers International Organization (RIO)
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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed... 3.5 stars, June 19, 2007
This review is from: Courting Trouble (Paperback)
Deeanne Gists' first two stand-alone novels were wonderful, and made me regard Gist as one of my favorite authors. I had been anticipating her latest book, "Courting Trouble" for a year, and began reading it the day it hit shelves.
I knew before I began reading this novel that Gist was already writing the sequel, so I understood from the start that it might not end the way I expected. Yet, I was still disappointed with the book as a whole. My problem with the book isn't the ending, and it isn't even the "disgracing" that Essie goes through - those parts of the book are actually authentic and heart-felt, and I applaud Gist for once again writing reality rather than a sugared-up version of it. My issue with the novel... is less tangible than that. I just feel that this character and the world she lives in is less endearing, less intriguing than in Gist's past novels. I didn't feel the hook, the desire to never put the book down. My thoughts didn't wander to the story when I wasn't reading it. It is a good book, it just simply isn't exceptional. And given Gist's track record of writing exceptional Historical Christian Romance, I was thoroughly disappointed with "Courting Trouble" being simply a "good" book.
However, that does not mean that I will not be reading her future works, I still think that Gist is a wonderful author; this novel just isn't my favorite of hers.
Grade: B-
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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
To Catch a Husband, June 1, 2007
This review is from: Courting Trouble (Paperback)
Essie is determined not to become the town spinster. She's made a list of all the eligible men in her town and is set on becoming the Mrs. of one of them. But Essie is not your normal stay at home woman, she's a tomboy who loves riding her bike, picking up snakes, and wearing outlandish hats. The town doesn't know what to do with her. With each prospective husband that Essie meets, she gets into all sorts of adventures. Will Essie get her man or is there something more important than marriage for her?
This was my first Deeanne Gist book that I have read. I have A Bride Most Begrudging sitting on my shelf but I haven't gotten around to it. But now I definitely will have to make room for it in my TBR pile. First things first, this was one of the edgiest Christian fiction books I have ever read. Most other stories just hint about sex but never really talk about it. Wow this one nearly made me blush while reading certain scenes! Of course they are still very tame, but quite risqué compared to other CBA books that are out there. I did like Essie very much. I felt her pain and frustration about not being able to find a husband. She sounds like though that she would be a really great friend to have. She'd be a perfect chick-lit character if placed in a modern setting. I love reading about independent women and Essie definitely was one, with her bike riding and snake handling. I like the characters from the town as they made the story more lively. But oh, how I hate gossipy, jealous, bitter women. They seem to want to make everyone's life miserable. When I got to the ending, I was happy with it because of the way the rest of the story lead up to it. But I do hope very much to read the sequel to this book for more Essie adventures. I cannot wait but until then I'm going back to read Deeanne's other two books. Excellent, unusual romantic story with a spunky heroine.
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