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To Win Her Heart

by Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author)

4.18 of 5 stars 4.18 · rating details · 2,331 ratings · 293 reviews

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,...more

Paperback, 352 pages

Published May 1st 2011 by Bethany House Publishers (first published January 1st 2011)

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Apr 23, 2013 Amber Stokes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contentment-reading-challenge

Note: Re-read for the Contentment Reading Challenge 2013!

First reviewed on the Radiant Lit website:

The new blacksmith in Spencer, Texas knows what it’s like to win a fight with his fists, but learning how to win Eden Spencer’s heart is a greater—and more rewarding—challenge than Levi Grant has yet faced. Starting over in a new town is no easy task. Especially with a past such as his that includes time spent in prison and a lifetime of correcting a speech issue. But with the forgiveness of God, a...more Note: Re-read for the Contentment Reading Challenge 2013!

First reviewed on the Radiant Lit website:

The new blacksmith in Spencer, Texas knows what it’s like to win a fight with his fists, but learning how to win Eden Spencer’s heart is a greater—and more rewarding—challenge than Levi Grant has yet faced. Starting over in a new town is no easy task. Especially with a past such as his that includes time spent in prison and a lifetime of correcting a speech issue. But with the forgiveness of God, a gift he could never win, he finds hope and a chance for love.

Eden has a satisfying life with dear friends, her own library, and a heart for the wildflowers that grow near town. But hidden deep within her heart is also a fear of violence and a deep-rooted insecurity based on her past experiences.

When the blacksmith falls in love with the librarian, there are many obstacles to overcome—from the possessive sheriff to well-guarded secrets—in order to build a life together. But Levi has found a girl worth fighting for.

Levi’s journey to win her heart and Eden’s journey to discover the beauty of forgiveness make this an enjoyable and worthwhile read. Just like Witemeyer’s first two books, A Tailor-Made Bride and Head in the Clouds, this book has action combined with a tender and adorable romance to hold the reader’s interest, while also sharing important truths about God’s love and loving others. To Win Her Heart is made even sweeter with the thoughtful correspondence between Levi and Eden, the colorful descriptions of the flowers and 19th century clothing, and the emphasis on a wonderful topic – literature.

This book has great secondary characters, including a mangy, but lovable dog, and a love story that gently steals the reader’s heart. To Win Her Heart is yet another Witemeyer book that won my heart, and it’s sure to win the hearts of other historical romance fans, as well!

Rating: PG – Some violence, mainly regarding fist-fights, and some very mild sensuality.(less)

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May 04, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Can two people who come from very different pasts and walks of life surrender to love? This historical fiction set in 1887 Texas is about a librarian Eden Spencer and blacksmith Levi Grant. Eden is librarian in the town that her father founded. Her father’s financial success has given her a life of affluence and hardship. Stephen Hartshorn was a handsome man that Eden had been engaged to, but when tested by her father had chosen money over Eden. This left Eden resigned to live her life a spinste...more

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Mar 17, 2013 Susan M. Baganz rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’ve become a fan of Karen Witmeyer so when I had a chance to nab another free Kindle download of hers, I jumped. To Win Her Heart did not disappoint.

Now, let’s just be clear. This is fiction. FICTION. Not real, let’s pretend and have some fun doing it. Karen does a good job of pairing two unlikely souls, a wealthy but jilted young woman and a blacksmith with a violent and criminal past. They bond over their love of books, but their budding romance is not without challenges. Between their differ...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Cassie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Summary:
Eden Spencer is the librarian in the small town of Spencer, Texas in 1887. She is a self-declared spinster who has decided not to marry, and she especially detests violence. Enter Levi Grant, the new blacksmith in town. Just released from jail, Levi has turned a new leaf in his life and has turned away from his ugly past. When Levi isn’t forthcoming with his past, will he push Eden away?

My Thoughts:
PROS: What I liked most about the book was how the main characters relied on God for stren...more

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Dec 18, 2012 Jadi Cedonia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: christian, kindle, historical, romance

This book reminded me why I don't read a lot of Christian Historical romance. Preachy clean and Western.

But, it was free for Kindle one day, I'm a romance junkie and almost never meet a romance I don't like. And it had been a while since I'd read a Christian romance. And the hero was a blacksmith.

Heroine: A little deluded, thinking education and refinement solves all brutish problems & pacifist. As much as I pride myself on my intelligence, talking doesn't always work. Those were my only thi...more

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Dec 17, 2012 Lois rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a pleasant surprise! I've been in the mood for a light, easy to read pleasure book. I downloaded To Win Her Heart free on my kindle, based on the description. I'd not heard of the author either.

Levi Grant is a blacksmith with a past to hide. He's trying to start a new life as a new Christian in a new town. Eden Spencer is a society belle from a well-to-do family. She has written off all men because she was gilted by her fiance, who only wanted to marry her for her money.

It sounds like a...more

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Sep 06, 2012 Zette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I am quickly becoming a Karen Witemeyer fan! After reading Short Straw Bride and really liking it, I immediately started To Win Her Heart and loved it! Usually, although I enjoy a book, there are a few little things about it that keep it from a 5 star rating. I have nothing negative to say about this one though. I loved both Levi and Eden and the struggles they had to overcome. I really enjoyed the fact that the author chose not to focus on Levi's past but to start the story in the present and g...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Cecelia rated it 4 of 5 stars

http://ceceliadowdy.blogspot.com/2011...

Spinster Eden Spencer runs her own library out of her home. She's wealthy and since she's been painfully jilted in the past, she doesn't have any romantic relationships. Instead, she finds solace amoung her book stacks. She also loves reading stories to children every week and she loves flowers.

However, Eden's non-romantic life changes when tall, strong, and handsome Levi Grant comes to town, hired as the new blacksmith. Levi has some ghosts in his past,...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Abigail rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: non-cliched

Two things in particular make this book stand out over a lot of Christian fiction I've read recently:

1) Since both the main characters have already given their lives to Christ before the story begins, there isn't all that pre-conversion angsty-ness that is present in so many other books in this genre.

2) Something other than the problem of evil is the spiritual problem the characters have to deal with.

I don't mean to be dismissive of either a person coming to Christ or of understanding (or tryin...more

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Sep 03, 2011 Jenna Barton rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. An impulse purchase pays off!

I was completely surprised by this book and moreso, my reaction to it. Frankly, I'm not a reader who would consider an inspirational romance for fear of the religious overtones obscuring the story. I purchased To Win Her Heart simply to have some brain candy for the evening. I was looking for something different to read, and the setting and synopsis intrigued me so much I added the story to my Kindle without realizing the story's sub-genre. And am I glad I did.

One of...more

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Aug 22, 2011 Louise rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This is Karen Witemeyer’s third novel and each one just gets better and better.

The message in this deeply moving story is that God gives us second chances. This is a historical romance that will wheedle its way into your heart and soul.

Levi Grant has spent time in jail for a crime he didn’t mean to do, it was totally unintentional. He is now looking to begin his life anew in Spencer, Texas where a blacksmith is needed and Levi fits the bill.

Eden Spencer is a librarian in Spencer who is somewhat...more

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Jun 19, 2011 Anitamaedraper rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, inspirational, romance, second-chances

Karen Witemeyer’s suburb story skills shine in this second-chances tale that caught my attention at the first paragraph and kept me enthralled until the very end. Little details on every page gripped my heart and drew me into the lives of a man seeking a new life and a woman trying to shed her old one. I agonized between writing my own story and reading To Win Her Heart which I kept close so I could snatch a peek at every chance.

I believe Karen Witemeyer reached new heights with her choice of s...more Karen Witemeyer’s suburb story skills shine in this second-chances tale that caught my attention at the first paragraph and kept me enthralled until the very end. Little details on every page gripped my heart and drew me into the lives of a man seeking a new life and a woman trying to shed her old one. I agonized between writing my own story and reading To Win Her Heart which I kept close so I could snatch a peek at every chance.

I believe Karen Witemeyer reached new heights with her choice of strong, yet vulnerable characters - social opposites who believe past errors have ruined their chance for a family of their own.

Eden Spencer is only in her late twenties, but in 1887 she’s considered a spinster. She lives with a small staff - people who’ve known her forever, and opens her personal library to the town. Church, good works for orphans and reading at her weekly children’s story hour fills her with joy, but it’s not enough to satisfy the emptiness for babies of her own. She needs a husband for that, except her mistrust in men is almost as strong as her need to keep her reputation spotless.

Levi Grant is a huge blacksmith who’s been in prison for accidently killing a man in a boxing match. Newly released, he heads to Spencer, Texas where the local preacher is the only one who knows his past, but is keeping it a secret because the town is desperate for a smithy. All Levi wants is to wrap himself in his new-found faith and do his ironwork without bringing attention to himself.

Two people from different social circles, neither needing a hint of scandal, yet they share a love of books. Never mind that Levi looks out-of-place in Eden’s library. It’s what’s inside him that counts. And here's where it gets interesting because Karen Witemeyer has given Levi a character trait he’s ashamed to show in public. As a child faced with ridicule, Levi fought back the only way he knew how - with his fists. And now that he’s out of prison, he’s sworn off fighting and has found a way to overcome his ‘defect’. Or has he? Perhaps it’s just hidden and waiting for an inopportune moment to make itself known. How I empathized with Levi because every day was a struggle of suppression, especially when he met Eden and his guarded emotions slipped away and revealed the real Levi Grant.

By that time I’d accepted him as a strong, yet vulnerable hero. I knew him. I knew his regrets. I knew he was an honorable man intent only on following God’s path. I knew his heart. And I was ready to do battle for him if he wasn’t going to defend himself.

Eden thinks she’s falling in love with a peaceful, reputable man. A pacifist who won’t allow herself to be linked with anyone with a hint of dishonesty or violence to their name, she’d rather live alone than let another man make a fool of her. If she isn’t careful, she’ll be the fool for not seeing Levi as God’s gift to her.

I hope you can tell home much I loved this book. The morning after I finished reading it, I awoke with Levi and Eden on my mind – and they stayed with me throughout the day and week. Truly a wonderful, heart-touching story with tears and laughter and finally, relief that yes, there is a happy ending after all. But oh, what a beautiful romantic tale of God’s hand on their lives.

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Jun 04, 2011 Virginia Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, inspirational

A brainy blacksmith whose halting speech makes him seem slow-minded. A prim and proper librarian with a warm heart hemmed in by societal conventions. Two seemingly mismatched characters with a shared love of reading find themselves head-over-heels in love and not sure of how it all happened. Levi Grant's imposing size and prison record are intimidating, and his awkward speech is a cover for his hidden stuttering problem. Instead of speaking at a natural pace and exposing his stutter, he searches...more

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Jun 03, 2011 Wanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read a lot of Christian fiction. A lot. I love a good story that is wholesome and satisfying while glorifying God. In the course of my reading I have come across many books that meet the definition of good. They have a good story line, the characters are well rounded and the plot is interesting. But if something happens to take me away from my book for a few days, it is no big deal. Then there is the occasional book that captures my attention so completely that I cannot stand to put it aside f...more

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Jun 01, 2011 Brenda Casto rated it 5 of 5 stars

Karen Witemeyer is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read, but boy was a pleasantly surprised to find a story that I just couldn't put down. I am now Ms. Witemeyer's newest fan!

Imagine accidentally killing someone then spending two years in prison for it. That's just how it was for Levi,but while he was in prison he gave his life to Jesus and now he is hoping for a fresh start in the town of Spencer TX. as a blacksmith. The only people in town that...more Karen Witemeyer is a new to me author so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up this book to read, but boy was a pleasantly surprised to find a story that I just couldn't put down. I am now Ms. Witemeyer's newest fan!

Imagine accidentally killing someone then spending two years in prison for it. That's just how it was for Levi,but while he was in prison he gave his life to Jesus and now he is hoping for a fresh start in the town of Spencer TX. as a blacksmith. The only people in town that actually know the truth is the preacher and his wife, but as we well know secrets have a way of finding you out!

Eden Spencer figures she will never marry.She was hurt pretty badly by her former fiance and has sort of sworn off men, even though the local sheriff has proposed she isn't interested in him. Instead she devotes her time to the lending library that she runs out of her home. Levi started reading to find words to replace the ones he couldn't say, so he heads toward the lending library hoping to borrow a book, but Eden has already prejudged Levi and decides to put him off two weeks telling him he hasn't lived in town long enough to borrow books. When Levi starts visiting the library every day during his lunch break they slowly get to know each other, and she soon learns what a gentle person Levi is, and soon feelings develop. But what will happen when the town and Eden learns of Levi's past?

Levi's character was wonderful. It was easy to see how fighting became a way of life for Levi. I like that he wasn't rich or perfect. So many novels have the lead man as someone who is wealthy with no problems, not so with Levi. He was just a common man, who had a speech problem and a prison record. Eden's character was a bit hard to like in the beginning, but as her character grew she became someone I liked. The secondary character of Chloe brought humor to the story, and while Ornery was well ornery, I really liked him, and cheered when he tried to save Levi. I thought the ending was quite satisfying, my only complaint is that the book ended! I hope that perhaps the author will give us another story based in Spencer because I would love to visit the town again.
I really enjoyed this book and I think if you enjoy historical romance fiction then your going to enjoy it too. Highly recommended!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.(less)

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May 15, 2011 Keli Gwyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Karen Witemeyer can write. And how! I thought her first two books were great and knew To Win Her Heart would be, too, but I was wrong. This story is awesome! I didn’t think she could top A Tailor-made Bride or Head in the Clouds, but she did. Her two main characters in To Win Her Heart are so well crafted that I was in love with them by the end of the first chapter. Levi Grant is one of the most sympathetic heroes I’ve read in a long time: a man of faith, integrity, and honor who stole my heart....more

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Apr 23, 2011 Kym McNabney rated it 5 of 5 stars

Karen Witemeyer has done it again. TO WIN HER HEART is the third book I’ve read by her. If I hadn’t been convinced by her first two books, A TAILOR-MADE BRIDE and HEAD IN THE CLOUDS, that she’s amazing writer and story teller, TO WIN HER HEART sealed the deal.

The prison ministry is a passion and calling from God that I’ve been blessed to serve in since 2004. Levi Grant’s story immediately drew me in. When I think of Levi, a gentle giant comes to mind. A man with a past, one who earned his livin...more

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Apr 29, 2011 Carly rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-favorites

If ever there was an author who I could always count on for good, historical Christian fiction, Karen Witemeyer is it. To Win Her Heart is her third book. I have read all three of her books now and she has continued that wonderful writing style, touching romance that make her books so special to me.

To Win Her Heart has two things that I really love to see in my favorite stories. First is a really cool dog. I love dogs and anytime there is a story with a dog in it, it gets extra credit in my min...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Kathy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: western, read-2012

4.5

Well, another great book by Karen Witemeyer. I really enjoyed this one, right from the start. While I’m not a huge believer of the whole reformed criminal, I definitely believed in Levi and fell for his charming character. He is this oversized giant, but a teddy bear on the inside. The story starts with him leaving prison behind and him trying to start a new life for himself as a blacksmith. As soon as he arrives in town he meets Eden Spencer, the town librarian. She judges him at first and i...more

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Jun 18, 2012 Amelia Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

I don’t normally jump at reading Christian Fiction; most times I end up reading them by accident. The blurb sounded really interesting so I thought I would give it a chance. I was really surprised with how much I liked it and it was all thanks to Levi, our blacksmith and it didn’t hurt that Eden is a librarian.
Levi is big, quite, and had a criminal past, but he’s got a pure heart and wants horribly to redeem himself. Starting over in a new town he just wants to return to the trade his father ta...more

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Jun 10, 2012 Lauren rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-spiritual, romance

Out of 5
Style of Writing: 3
Originality/Creativity: 3
Character development: 3
Plot development & flow: 3
Enjoyment Factor: 4
Overall Rating: 3

Such a cute story <3. Nothing ground-breaking about this book but a great heart-flutter inducing read non-the-less.
This story follows a man (Levi ::awesome name!::) and his attempt to reinvent his life after a brutal past landed him in jail for two years. The Lord leads him to the town of Spencer to work as a blacksmith were he meets Eden Spencer.
Ed...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Nidah (Sleep Dream Write) rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Aug 15, 2012 Darla rated it 4 of 5 stars

(Genre:Christian fiction/romance) This was a quick and enjoyable read despite it's heavy religious tones. When I read some Christian fiction I get to feel like I am being preached to, which distracts and distances me from the story. But Witemeyer has done a good job of blending the Christian content into her story line and into the characters themselves, so I really enjoyed the story and didn't find it overly preachy, although it does have a definite message that it is sending. Here is the gist...more

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Jun 27, 2011 Holly Renee rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, fiction-historical, fiction-romance

Ex-prizefighter Levi Grant has turned over a new life. Upon his release from prison, he finds himself eager to earn an honest living in blacksmithing. The town of Spencer could use a blacksmith, and he could use a place where no one will learn too quickly about his past transgressions.
The town librarian, Eden Spencer, has resigned herself to a contented life of singleness. She doesn't give second thought to the idea of marriage . . . until the new blacksmith starts paying regular visits to her...more Ex-prizefighter Levi Grant has turned over a new life. Upon his release from prison, he finds himself eager to earn an honest living in blacksmithing. The town of Spencer could use a blacksmith, and he could use a place where no one will learn too quickly about his past transgressions.
The town librarian, Eden Spencer, has resigned herself to a contented life of singleness. She doesn't give second thought to the idea of marriage . . . until the new blacksmith starts paying regular visits to her library. As her heart blossoms toward him, her pre-conceived notions of the blacksmith begin to wither.
Once the genteel librarian discovers Levi's previous crimes, however, he finds himself thrust into his toughest fight yet. . .winning Eden's heart.

When I pick up a Karen Witemeyer novel I've come to expect an entertaining story entwined with various lessons that will deepen my understanding of Scripture and God. While not unusual for Christian fiction to contain a spiritual message, it is a rare author who can use several verses of Scripture and write individual mini-lessons while using each to contribute to the overall message conveyed in the novel. Even rarer yet is the author who manages to pull such off and somehow still leave her readers feeling as if they haven't been bashed over the head with preaching. And Karen Witemeyer seems to do all of it with ease as she pens a delightful story.

As always, Karen Witemeyer introduces readers to compelling and dynamic characters. Having read all her novels, I've come to admire her work. While I enjoyed Eden Spencer as a heroine, I found her to be the least likable of Mrs. Witemeyer's female protagonists. It seemed she lacked any validation for her moral dilemma. Realizing, of course, that this novel takes place during an era where the heroine's reaction is quite normal and even deemed as righteous, it's important for the reader to understand Mrs. Witemeyer remains true to the time period she writes about. Modern day readers, such as myself, may find themselves irked by this unfortunate attitude that once existed in ages past, but it is nevertheless a dilemma a young woman may have found herself in .

The writing in this story is both vivid and clever. While Mrs. Witemeyer proves to be a skilled word-smith, the consistent over-use of the"simile" throughout the story became rather taxing and at times seemed like purple prose. One will stumble upon a well written phrase, but by the time you reach it, the over-use of the device makes the cleverly written simile seem a bit clichéd.

Regardless of how one feels about the heroine or the similes used in the story, it's impossible to dispute the fact that this novel is definitely a great read. (less)

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May 05, 2011 Beverly Frisby rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

“To Win Her Heart” is set during 1887 in Spencer, Texas. The story revolves around Eden Spencer, daughter of Calvin Spencer who founded the town, and Levi Grant, the new blacksmith. Both Eden and Levi are burdened with painful pasts: Eden was jilted by a fiancé who took her father’s money instead of marrying Eden and Levi, who was just released from serving two years in prison and has a speech problem he hides.

Eden, the librarian, refuses to loan Levi a book on his first trip to the library. So...more

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Jul 20, 2011 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: TO WIN HER HEART
Author: Karen Witemeyer
Publisher: Bethany House
May 2011
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0757-0
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Levi Grant has just finished serving his sentence for crimes committed when he was looking for fame and fortune. Now Levi wants to start over in the town of Spencer, Texas, as the town blacksmith. Levi learned the trade from his father, and he needs to start over where no one knows his past.

Eden Spencer is the town librarian, and she’s determined to have nothing t...more

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Jun 10, 2011 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-read

This is a really great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I've read Head In The Clouds and wanted to read another of Karen's books, and I sure wasn't disappointed!
It is hard to picture a refined, educated, wealthy woman, Eden Spenser, falling in love with a brawny, fighting, ex-con, Levi Grant! Oh how wrong the mind pictures things! They both have to let go of previous hurts and accept what God has ordained for them.
Ms Witemeyer does such a fantastic job of describing life in the 1880's in Texas...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Becky Moe rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

This is by far my favorite of all the Christian fiction/ historical fiction books I've read this year. Though it's characters definitely have Christian values, they're not in-your-face preachy about it like in some books, and don't spend pages in internal "WWJD" monologue like in others. This one was definitely more realisticly done; the characters didn't even beat themselves up (literally or figuratively) about having a physical response to one another, which was a nice change. If all Christian...more

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Feb 04, 2013 ♥Caro♥ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: christian-fiction, historical-fiction

Borderline I LOVED IT AND THIS IS ON MY ALL TIME FAVORITES LIST!!!!!!! I definitely loved it, this book hit a little higher than I LOVED IT (it deserves about a million more exclamation marks) but i usually dont put this type of book on my all time favorites list, it lacks the extra push factor. karen Witemeyer: I LOVE YOUR PLOTS. uncliche and wonderfully brought together!! A few pages in i was hooked, i could see the secrets and different sides of the story starting to emerge and i was rubbing...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Ann Keller rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, christian, romance

Levi Grant had a less than stellar past, but suddenly he had the chance at a better life. He interviewed for the position of blacksmith for the town of Spencer, Texas and unbelievably was hired, despite Eden Spencer’s reservations. However, pretty Miss Spencer put a caveat on his contract. Levi had just a month to prove himself. So, he immediately set his hands to the task.

Spinster Eden Spencer’s holier-than-thou attitude might serve her well at the Ladies Aid Society meetings, but few realized...more Levi Grant had a less than stellar past, but suddenly he had the chance at a better life. He interviewed for the position of blacksmith for the town of Spencer, Texas and unbelievably was hired, despite Eden Spencer’s reservations. However, pretty Miss Spencer put a caveat on his contract. Levi had just a month to prove himself. So, he immediately set his hands to the task.

Spinster Eden Spencer’s holier-than-thou attitude might serve her well at the Ladies Aid Society meetings, but few realized how hurt she’d been by her fiance’s defection. Only a year ago, her rich father had offered Stephen money or the opportunity of leaving Eden alone. Unbelievably, Stephen had chosen the money and left town without a backward glance! For months, Eden had endured the pitying eyes and furtive whispers of the townspeople and the depressing shame of being so horribly rejected. It had taken her a while, but she’d finally found the strength to hold her head up again. If she was wrong about agreeing to hire Levi Grant, too, Eden wouldn’t be able to endure it.

Nevertheless, every moment Eden spent around Levi unsettled her. The man was as big as a mountain, but incredibly gentle, too. He spoke with broken speech, apparently choosing his words carefully, but Eden discovered Levi was really very intelligent and well read. The face Levi presented to the town was so different from what she’d assumed that Eden was afraid to trust her instincts. Could she trust him with her heart, too?

All too soon, Levi’s past begins to catch up with him and he writes a letter to Eden explaining about his speech impediment, becoming a prize fighter, the man he inadvertently killed in the ring and the time in prison he endured for the crime. Their relationship was so fragile, but nothing could have prepared Levi for Eden’s shock and dismay. Levi is miserable. Eden doesn’t want to speak to him or even look at him ever again.

Meanwhile, Sheriff Pratt keeps up the pressure on Eden, hoping to force her into marrying him. After all, such an alliance with the daughter of one of the town’s founding fathers would certainly help his career. Rejected by Eden yet again, Sheriff Pratt vows to get even. There’s something about Levi Grant that looks strangely familiar. Levi reminds him of a prize fighter he saw once, an incredibly strong and powerful man called the Anvil, who killed another fighter in the ring.

As the crisis comes to a head, Levi has his chance to show the town who he really is. When there’s an accident at the local quarry, Levi hurries to the hated location to free some of the trapped men. While he was in prison, Levi used to be part of a prison gang detail at the local quarry, often taking a severe beating from the guards. Yet, to free his new friends, Levi is willing to face this horror once more.

Sheriff Pratt corners Levi later and stages a rematch of the old fight that cast him into prison. Although Levi’s opponent lands blow after blow, Levi refuses to fight back. Levi promised God that he would never fight for money again and he resolves to keep that vow - even if it kills him.

This is a good Christian romance and a nice historical piece, as well. Realistic descriptions of the smithy and saloon contrasted nicely with the pristine simplicity of Eden’s little library. I also adored the vision the author created of Eden’s Garden. The masses of wildflowers in bloom out West really do look like that and I can almost smell their sweet perfume from here. Nicely done.
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by Jody Hedlund

About Karen Witemeyer

CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes historical romance fiction for Bethany House, believing that the world needs more happily-ever-afters. In 2011, her debut novel, A Tailor-Made Bride, was a finalist in the Best First Book categories for both the prestigious RITA® award and the National Reader's Choice Award. Karen holds a master's degree in Psychology from Abilene Christian Universit...more

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Books by Karen Witemeyer

A Match Made in Texas: A Novella Collection

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Quotes from To Win Her Heart

“. . . if you can't see the good man he is, you need to unscrew them eyeballs of yours and try on a different pair.” — 22 people liked it

“It was like skimming through a novel without fully engaging with the story until a well-turned phrase or powerful bit of imagery snagged her attention, hinting at depths previously unnoticed.” — 14 people liked it

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To Win Her Heart

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