Friday, November 29, 2013

Book Review: The Homesteader's Sweetheart

Book Title: The Homesteader's Sweetheart ( Wyoming Legacy 1)
Author: Lacy Williams |WebsiteTwitterFacebook|
Publisher: Harlequin Love Inspired
Genre: Romance
Series/Standalone: Series
Format: Paperback
Cost: $5.75
Pages: 280
How I got it: BEA 2012
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
Published: May 2012
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Synopsis:
To escape a dreaded arranged marriage, Penny Castlerock will face anything—even life on her grandfather's farm. But it isn't the rustic lifestyle that's got the Philadelphia socialite tied in knots. It's the handsome homesteader and his eight adopted children next door...…. With seven boys and a girl to raise, transplanted farmer Jonas White could sure use some help. He just didn't expect it to come from the high-spirited, copper-haired beauty he's always admired from afar. But surely working the land is no life for a woman like Penny. Yet a threat to Jonas's farm just might show him how perfect Penny is for him after all.
This was a first-time genre read for me.  I can't remember ever reading this kind of romance and I like it. I was pleasantly surprised by it.  I really loved the characters, they were down to earth, and both so sweet that you couldn't help but want things to be good for them.

Jonas wanted to be more than just the help but no one would give him the chance, after being accused of a crime he takes off and creates a life worth being proud of.  He also happens to be a great neighbor and a good friend, and an even better Father, who was struggling now that his broad was getting bigger and needed things he wasn't equipped to provide.  He made the decision to start looking for a bride, one who would be able to help on the farm and would have no problems with raising seven children.  Penny is looking for a way out, her father is hell-bent on selling her off to a local businessman who makes Penny's skin crawl.  She can't prove it, but something about this man is off. When given the chance to help out her Grandfather who is ill.  In the process, she reconnects with Jonas who worked at a local business when she was going to school.

Before long the two are fighting, working, and without realizing it at first making a family.  I loved how they challenged each other, on faith, on beliefs, they had about themselves and others and just all around pushed each other to grow.  The children were a great addition to the story, helping to make points and clarify things for the adults in only a way children can.  I loved that Penny first fell in love with the children then with Jonas, once she knew him and why he had so many kids.

A very good story that I flew through pretty quickly.  I haven't read anything by Lacy before, but I will continue this series as soon as I have space on the TBR Pile. A definite read for those looking for a great religious romance, that doesn't really preach at you but shares the message in a beautiful way.
 ★★★★☆
Happy Reading