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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Read long into the night!, July 29, 2011
This review is from: Most Unsuitable Match, A (Paperback)
I have yet to read any of Stephanie Grace Whitson's contemporary novels, but I have always been pleasantly surprised after reading one of her historicals. A Most Unsuitable Match was no exception. I was immediately drawn to the characters, and really loved Hannah and Lamar. Even Stephanie's less important characters never feel insignificant, like Minette (and her echo) and Mrs. Tatum's compassion. Each one adds depth and purpose, as well as the Scripture she effortlessly weaves into the story. I must say that the burglary scene was unexpected. I was quite sure something more sinister was afoot... apparently not. I was also pretty sure I knew who Edie was. Although that part of the plot may sound predictable, the rest of the story was not. Combine steamboating, a young blind boy, Indians, a rich, spoiled girl learning how to sweep, a handsome French doctor, and you've got all of the right ingredients to keep me up until 1:00 am to finish A Most Unsuitable Match! *ETA: Oh yes! I loved the cover, too!* :-) *I was provided a free review copy from Bethany House, through CFBA. No other compensation was given, and all thoughts are 100% mine.*
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
sweetest story I've ever read!, November 12, 2011
This review is from: Most Unsuitable Match, A (Paperback)
"A Most Unsuitable Match" is quite possibly the sweetest story I've ever read. Stephanie Grace Whitson writes with a delicate, graceful hand that hints at perfect innocence. What's most amazing about this is that the setting is exactly the opposite. Living in the 1860s, each character walks through a life singed by disappointment and abandonment. Heiress Fannie Rousseau loses everything and leaves home to search for her estranged aunt. Samuel Beck leaves behind an abusive father to find his sister in the northern territories. Lamar Davis is a former slave with no means of learning about his kin. Through loss and brushes with death -- and with a surprisingly unexpected cast of characters surrounding them -- this unlikely trio finds the family they seek in the company of each other (and God). I'm most impressed by Whitson's ability to take very delicate matters -- death and immorality, mainly -- and treat them with elegance. For instance, she paints a clear picture of the Montana brothel scene without making the reader "feel" too worldly. Also, I appreciate Whitson's expository talent in revealing things about the characters through dialogue and other creative means. As a writer, I found much to learn in reading her perfectly crafted style. I absolutely adore "A Most Unsuitable Match." The characters, the story, Whitson's style -- it's all fantastic! A love story built around the providence of God, I recommend this book to anyone who picks it up! It's a fast, easy read that tickles your soul with joy. In exchange for my honest opinion, I received a copy of this book free of charge from Bethany House.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
2.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty Cover, Not So Great Story, September 29, 2011
This review is from: Most Unsuitable Match, A (Paperback)
This summer has been the year for great historical reads and last summer was a great time to be a reader too. I enjoyed Stephanie Grace Whitson's 2010 release, Sixteen Brides however this book left a lot to be desired. From the back cover copy and all of the reviews I had read I was expecting a lot of drama and a great plot but the first half of the story seemed like it wasn't going anywhere. The setting of the story is definitely interesting and a bit different from the usual western fare of cowboys and dusty trails with its steamboats and roustabouts but from there not much else caught my attention. Halfway through there wasn't more than a hint of romance and I kept waiting and waiting to discover who Fannie's aunt Edith really was! Samuel Reck was very intriguing but since I didn't finish the book I can't say for sure if he was a great hero or not. I'm very sad to say that other than the pretty cover I wasn't a fan of this book. Ms. Whitson is a very talented author but this story just didn't float my boat (no pun intended). *I received my complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for posting my thoughts on the book.*
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