To Win Her Heart

By: Karen Witemeyer

Narrated by: Therese Plummer

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

RITA Award nominee Karen Witemeyer is acclaimed for her winning blend of history, humor, and romance. In this heartstirring tale, repentant exconvict Levi Grant comes to Spencer, Texas, in 1887 - hoping to put his past behind him and start out fresh as the town’s new blacksmith. To promote civility, Eden Spencer runs her own lending library, where she discovers Levi’s love of literature. But just as romance begins to bloom, Eden learns of Levi’s prodigal past.

©2011 Karen Witemeyer (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

a nice story

First time author, this book's genre is classified as historical Christian romance novel. It won an award for best inspirational novel last year and since I like to give new author's a shot, I decided to get this book. It was pretty good, made you smile, even brought a tear to my eye but since the genre is what it is I was pretty sure it would all come out OK in the end, which it did. It was set in Texas in the 1880's. It did make me think about current day comparisons as a key part of this story is a man, Levi, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, a felony, and part of what he had to do to overcome that stigma. In current times it seems many felons don't get a second chance, it's a tough road to hoe to wipe the slate clean and lead a good, productive life.

Good, But...

While I think both the story and the narrator were good, there were some things that really made this unpleasant for me to listen to. I get tired of authors whose characters have a good amount of esophageal reflux! I mean, seriously, do most people have acid or bile come up in their throat when they get upset? And how many people when they get angry actually dig their nails into their palms or squeeze something so hard it hurts them? These trite and redundant descriptions annoy me.

This was a good story, but I really dislike when author's characters are so uncertain about everything and, "surely this couldn’t happen, and "how come this" and "why that?" It’s just filler and it gets tiresome.

The frequent romantic gushing seemed melodramatic and ridiculous. Just tell the story! Obviously, we want some romance, but most of us are not middle school kids.

Though the narrator did an amazing job with several accents and acting, I found many of her men’s voices silly and unrealistic. When they are painting a picture for you using their voices, it’s really important to be accurate. Some of the southern accents were over the top. When she was speaking in character, I thought her voice quality was good, but I found the slight groan her narration bothersome.

If not for these things, I would’ve given it a five.

Second Chances

I always love stories that involve second chances and fresh starts. God is happy to provide both to the humble and penitent. I loved Levi and his commitment to become a new man. I enjoyed the sweet love story between Levi and Eden. Engaging story.

Beautiful story!

Such a beautiful story, a must read or listen! Hurt, forgiveness, love and faith in the mountains our God can move.

I am truly breathless

Where does To Win Her Heart rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

it is one of the best audiobooks I've ever heard I felt every word of it and it touched my heart so deeply that I could cry

What was one of the most memorable moments of To Win Her Heart?

when Levi asked for more books recommendations from Eden :D

Have you listened to any of Therese Plummer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no but I think this was one of the best performances I've heard

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Come .. free your heart and trust the lord for the rest

Any additional comments?

I really recommend this book it is so pure and romantic .. LOVE LEVI :D

To Win Her Heart

I love this book, it is not only a good love story but a touching story on second chances. We are often harsh in our judgement of others .. never stopping to question our conscious or unconscious bias against other less fortunate souls. A great book and outstanding narrator

enjoyed this story and narrator

The story is about overcoming barriers in your life and how honesty pays off. The narrator was really captivating and talented. Hated the bad guy! Hiiiisssss... loved the blacksmith and librarian.

True Romance

Loved it! Karen Witemeyer never fails to capture the reader's heart from beginning to end. There's never a dull moment...which means it's almost impossible to stop reading! Other more well known and widely read authors have yet to compare to Karen's God given talent. Romance is more than physical, it is emotional and Spiritual. Karen understands the excitement and adrenaline of attraction without muddling it with unadulterated lust. She makes the reader feel every emotion and tingle her characters feel. God is honored and true love is uplifted.
The narrarator did a good job diversifying the characters voices, but the accent sounded more like Georgia than Texas.

<3 Levi!

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
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?

MY TAKE
I really enjoyed this story. Eden and Levi are adorable, and I totally fell in love with him. They each have their vulnerabilities. Eden probably struggles the most with her internal conflicts, but she's got a great heart and I love how Cloe helps Eden to see that she's being a "rock thrower." It was a wonderful moment.

I knew early on who the man was who attempted to assault Cloe, so that was no surprise. Seriously creepy man. *shudders* This book is kind of violent toward the end. I had to skip forward. I didn't need that much detail to know what was going on.

4 1/2 stars

Excellent book

I absolutely loved it. The narration was wonderful, and the story delightful. I will listen to it again--which is rare for me.