Customer Reviews

Most Unsuitable Match, A

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(24)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.*

"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.

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.*

I've enjoyed almost all of Stephanie Grace Whitson's historical fiction novels simply because of her writing. She is able to draw the reader into the story and write about characters who you care for. This novel is no different as we meet two very different people who find themselves drawn together in unusual circumstances.

Samuel is an overall good guy with a good heart. I enjoyed reading about his adventures throughout the story and was a bit saddened at what happened near the end. I have to disagree a bit with the summary description of Fannie. It says that she is self-centered. I would call her highly sheltered and pampered. There's a difference. It's not that she thinks of herself and not others. It's more like she's been raised to have others fend for her instead of doing the things herself. However as it's evident throughout the book, Fannie does have a good heart and wants to help out even though she may not know how to actually do it. The mystery of her family is quite interesting and I enjoyed her search to find out the truth.

I only had one small qualm about the story. It felt like every time I turned around, Fannie had fainted. Nowhere in the story is it explained that she has an illness or a condition that causes her to faint. Therefore I can only assume that the fainting spells are being used as a romantic device because Fannie tends to wake up near a man's arms when it happens.

Call me strange but other than social class standing, I really don't understand why a match between Fannie and Sam would be an unsuitable match. He seems like a good guy and the type of man that she needs in her life. Another thing I was confused about is the epilogue. I don't understand who the first part of the epilogue is referring to and I feel like I'm slow for not catching on immediately. Perhaps someone else who has read it can explain it to me. Still, it's an enjoyable book and a nice light read.

I could not get into this book. I have a rule that when I pick up a book for review I give it at least 5 chapter or 100 pages, whichever comes first, before I decide if I like it or not. I can't even get that far with this book. I've been trying for about 2 weeks now to try to read it and I just can't. It's completely boring and as much as I don't like writing negative reviews...I have to.

There isn't anything to grab your attention and it really isn't an inventive story line either. I wish I could have gotten into it, but it's just not gonna happen, I don't think.

I received a copy of the book for the purpose of a review. No additional compensation has been received and I was only required to be honest.

A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson, which I reviewed for Bethany House, is an uneven book. It starts off really awful. I found the main character Fannie unlikeable, but fell in love with her maid Hannah right away. Throughout the book the side characters are much more interesting and likeable than the leads. About half way through, the book becomes interesting with the introduction of the Doctor, but that is all ruined by the end, which is sloppy and hurried along. The book has all the making of a great novel, but it is as if the author had the story in her head, and just forgot to tell it to the reader, down to the details. I wanted to like it, but I did not.

There was something highly unusual about this historical romance that I had not seen before, the two main leads were apart for most of the book. I guess absence does make the heart grow fonder as these characters found out. The author did a good job of keeping two separate story lines going and then bringing the stories back together again.

This book does a good job of challenging the reader in this question..... Do you go with what seems to be easy and what you like, or do you do what's difficult and end up following what you love? The path less traveled is less traveled for a reason. Too many people run into hardships and then end up running away. It takes more determination to hang in there, but ultimately you will feel fulfilled and end up happier than you ever thought possible.

Ultimately, we have to do what's hard, or we'll end up hardly living.....

Bethany House sent me the above book for review purposes. It will allow me to keep the book. I have no other connection to and have received no other compensation from Bethany House.

Not my favorite fiction book; slow to materialize the plot and why did Fannie run off to Montana for without a plan. Not a very challenging message.

Every month I choose a book to highlight in a newsletter I write for a group of ladies at my church. This is my current choice. Here is what I told my gals: A very unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers who, on the first leg of their journey, are on a steamboat traveling up the Missouri River. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness of Montana in 1869, while she is trying to find her only living relative. A series of tragedies, a family mystery, duty and obligations keep this book about God's grace so stirring. The author says that God walks with us through the darkness, redeeming every broken thing and making it new.

This book review is for the novel "A Most Unsuitable Match" by Stephanie Grace Whitson.

I requested this book because I have taken a liking lately to historical fiction. It had a cool looking cover and an adventurous sounding blurb. It started out a little bit sad with our heroin at her parents graveside so I wasn't sure if I was going to like it at first as I don't like sad things. But I am so glad I kept going and dove into the story!

I am going to try to get something by this author again asap!

Miss Fannie Rousseau if all alone in this world except for her faithful maid Hannah, who raised her from a child. And her best friend Minnette, who is blind and engaged to a gentleman of business.

After her mother's death it seems that her world is falling apart. Things that she never understood about her mother and the coldness that she felt growing up, will now never be understood as her mother is gone.

She is left with a big old house and more questions than answers. Her fathers advisor is pushing her toward an unsuitable match to try and save herself from practical destitution and she is overwhelmed with the responsibility of it all weighing down on her.

Through a series of unforeseen events, Fannie goes rifling through her late mother's dressing table and ends up uncovering a much hidden family secret. Perhaps things are not as lonely and sad as they would first seem?

What she finds, prompts her to seek passage on a steamboat with a captain famous for his quick runs up the river, as well as his temper.

She and Hannah embark on a crazy adventure for Montana where they encounter many, many interesting characters. You will just have to read this novel for yourself to find out what the secret is and what Miss Fannie is searching for. There is adventure, romance, a little sadness, people growing in their faith and lots of page turning without setting the book down!

Loved it and highly recommend this book! Thought for the author...don't know if there is one planned but I would love to see a separate book all about Minette!

*Note* I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for a review about it. I am not required to post a positive review. Any opinions expressed are my own and they are sincere.