To Win Her Heart [Paperback]

Karen Witemeyer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2011

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?

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Do They Have a Fighting Chance at Love?

After completing 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.

Eden Spencer has sworn off men, choosing instead to devote her time to the lending library she runs in the town her father founded. When a mountain-sized stranger walks through her door and asks to borrow a book, she's reluctant to trust him. Yet as the mysteries of the town's new blacksmith unfold, Eden discovers hidden depths in him that tempt her heart.

Eden believes she's finally found a man of honor and integrity. But when the truth about Levi's prodigal past comes to light, can this tarnished hero find a way to win back the librarian's affections?

" Witemeyer's hard-hitting Christian historical romance skillfully incorporates Jesus' parables of the prodigal son and the adulteress' rock-toting accusers into her characters' struggles with redemption, worthiness, and new beginnings. A commendable addition to the genre."
-- Booklist

"In 1887, after serving three horrific years in the stone quarries for killing a man in a boxing match, Levi Grant is trying to start a new life as a blacksmith in the small town of Spencer, Texas. Although Levi became a Christian and a pacifist while in prison, he fears that people will still see him as a dangerous murderer. Levi's discouragement increases when he learns that his position depends on the approval of Eden Spencer, a beautiful and compassionate woman who is so vigorously opposed to all violence that she will surely reject him when she learns the truth about his past.

"Witemeyer is a talented author who plumbs the heart and soul of her characters while keeping a smile on the lips of the reader. Gentle humor pervades the story, never mocking, never crude, yet consistently illuminating the conundrums of life... To Win Her Heart is charming inspirational fiction that will certainly win the hearts of those who enjoy this genre."
-- Historical Novels Review

"Seamless writing with an unexpectedly complex plot... This novel has everything that I love about Christian historical fiction."--Christian Manifesto

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers; Reprinted edition (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764207571
• ISBN-13: 978-0764207570
• Product Dimensions: 5.3 x 0.9 x 8.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (172 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #226,710 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Two-time RITA® Finalist and winner of the coveted HOLT Medallion and ACFW Carol Award, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, shower singer, and bakes a mean apple cobbler. Karen makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 32 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful read with memorable characters April 28, 2011

By Nicole M. Miller

Format:Paperback

From page one, this book hooks with unique characters and delightful prose. Author Karen Witemeyer tactfully addresses several deep issues including redemption and going beyond first impressions with her tale of the reformed convict and spinster librarian.

Aside from the main romance between Levi and Eden, there are beautiful side stories involving a quarry man and former saloon dishwasher. I found these characters as equally stirring, which is part of Witemeyer's brilliance. There isn't a scene or charcter that doesn't play an important role.

Both Levi and Eden faced different struggles: from past hurts to physical impairments that made the characters come to life. I especially sympathized with Eden and her not-so-green thumb. We share that trait.

The ending was the most delightful of any book I've read in ages. It was slight unexpected and yet true to the story and characters. I. just. loved. it!

Pick up this for a quick summer read and characters that you'll be thinking of for days after!

Disclosure: I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Honestly, I loved it. :-)

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart-Melting Romance! April 18, 2011

By Renee Chaw

Format:Paperback

What do a stubborn livery owner, a handsome rancher and a burley blacksmith have in common? Well they are all heroes created by Karen Witemeyer and they are incredible! As with every other novel by Ms. Witemeyer, I have utterly fallen in love with the characters of To Win Her Heart or feel as if they are old friends.

As I read more novels it is becoming increasingly difficult to find characters that are original and interesting by I have found one in Levi Grant. Sure he's a blacksmith and definitely has that romance hero physique (hubba hubba) but there is one trait that made him stand out and made him endearing and refreshing, his way with words. We have all read the tortured hero spiel and after they face their demons they are nigh onto perfect at the end of the story, right? Not so with Levi which makes him just so...lovable!

Eden Spencer, our heroine, has been burned once so she is twice shy of any man. She's a bit snobbish at first and I wanted to smack her but she grows on you. Eden even discovers that she's a "rock-toter" with the help of one of her new friend, Chloe. This little life lesson, although quite serious and something Christians can learn from, made me smile. I must admit when characters like Chloe, who seemingly know the least about faith, can teach those who think they know the most a lesson, I love it.

Karen Witemeyer definitely has a way for making a story come to life and for teaching relevant life lessons for today through her historical fiction. There are love and faith messages that shine through in each of her stories and Levi and Eden's tale is no exception. To Win Her Heart has definitely won my heart and a spot on my keeper shelf.

*I received my complimentary influencer copy from the publisher in exchange for posting an early review of this book.*

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Enjoyable Book April 30, 2011

By Novel Junkie

Format:Paperback

A lumbering blacksmith and a dainty librarian. Could a couple be more mismatched?

Probably not.

Jilted by a money-loving fiance, Eden Spencer has resigned herself to spinsterhood--until Levi Grant walks into town. Putting his tarnished past behind him, Levi arrives in Spencer, Texas to work as the town blacksmith. He's instantly intrigued by Eden, the proper librarian and daughter of a prominent businessman. As Levi spends time inside Eden's library, and the couple develops an unexpected relationship through books and letters.

But the day comes when Levi must reveal his past to Eden. Is Eden strong enough to stand up for Levi? And what will happen when the rest of the town learns of Levi's youthful mistake?

Through witty prose and romantic little moments, Karen Witemeyer brings late nineteenth century Texas to life. One can feel the anguish in Levi's memories of the granite quarry and the uncertainty inside Eden as she learns to judge people by their hearts rather than past mistakes.

To Win Her Heart is a sweet novel, filled with humorous moments, character growth, and biblical love. I instantly liked the lumbering character of Levi, and the flower-loving Eden soon wiggled into my heart as well. The author perfectly blended together the funny and the serious, the trivial and the heavy to create a well rounded, memorable, and inspiring story.