I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.
The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere Series: London Beginnings #2
Published by Baker Books on March 6th 2018
Genres: Christian, Clean & Wholesome, Fiction, Historical, Romance, Victorian
Pages: 384
Source: CelebrateLit, NetGalley
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Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life.
Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?
Remember ‘The Captain’s Daughter‘ that I reviewed last summer, June to be exact? Yes, it’s been more than a minute. I knew when I chose to read this book that it was a continuation of that series but it didn’t really sink in all the months later when I read the book. Suffice it to say, this book reads really well as a standalone but I strongly urge you to read the first book in the series. And then, like me, wait with baited breath for the next one. If you recall from book one there are three daughters left orphaned when their father’s ship never made it home and their mother passed away. The oldest sister, Rosalyn, has already made her way in London and she does make a visit back in this book as well. Younger sister, Cara, makes an appearance as well and I’m more than excited anticipating her story in the next book. At the end of ‘The Captain’s Daughter’ middle sister, Julia, had also made her way to London with a desire to study medicine and become a woman doctor.
By happenstance she meets Michael Stephenson, and might just save his life, which then turns both their lives on end. I loved this book. I loved that continuation of the story and I (spoiler alert) love that I get a bit more background and information that mysterious Captain father that I thought would be central to the first book. I do have to say though that Julia’s almost obsessive bossiness was frustrating. This is the second book in a row I have read with a strong female lead who is no-nonsense and comes across as dominating. Julia not as bad as the last one but let me tell ya . . . no nonsense is a good word here. She’s strong in her conviction and in her dedication to overcome obstacles that stand in her way, even if they are just as obstinate people.
I love that the author weaves faith into the story in such a way that it feels seamless and real. It adds depth and richness to the story and doesn’t detract from the overall. For some reason I find this not to be the norm in Christian Fiction. I think some authors feel the need to be heavy-handed with faith elements in order to make their point or to ensure that they are known for their Christian themes. Jennifer Delamere, however, weaves it deeply into her characters that it comes across as real and integrated and refreshing. With strong (headstrong sometimes) characters that draw you into their world and struggles and experiences, this book hits everything just perfectly. Even the secondary characters have depth and dimension and a life-like quality to them that draws you into the depth of this story and you don’t want to come back to modern day real life.
About Jennifer Delamere
A history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past…and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned her B.A. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she also gained fluency in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. An avid reader of both classic novels and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books.
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