Search - Courting Trouble (Essie Spreckelmeyer, Bk 1)

I just finished reading this book, and have to disagree with some of the other reviewers. This book is not explicit at all - it is a somewhat religious based novel with a romance theme, but not a traditional arch plot.

The families in the book are very rich, all the secondary characters are lush and well drawn. You feel you know the orphan kid, the frowning matron, the jealous young lady, the uncle - a whole small town. You want to root for the heroine in her search for a husband, even when it looks futile in such a closed community with her list of candidates.

I'd recommend this book to teens or older readers, although it may appeal more to older readers with the eye on history and the multiple viewpoints of the older folks in the book observing Essie and her actions/outcomes.

Looking forward to more books from this author!

I just finished “COURTING TROUBLE” by Deeanne Gist. I really liked it. Her is the review.

In this book we meet Essie the main character. She is a girl that is thrilled with an adventure and having fun. She enjoys the little things in life like sliding down the banister in their house, riding her bike through town (which always raised eyebrows), and trying something completely new “wheels” that you tie on your feet (roller skates).

In 1894 the biggest dream of a woman was to find a husband and have children; lots of them. When that dream realized you were complete and fulfilled as a woman.
Well this was the year Essie turned 30; she had “waited” on God long enough. She had to take matters into her own hands (just like Sarah had done for Abraham in the bible).

She had a few ideas on how to get a man. She had waited a man to notice her long enough too. She just had to show a man how much he needed her skills, her smarts. Essie knew that she would also have to make it look like it was the man's idea to court her. This could and would work. She just knew it.

But just like when Sarah tried with all her might to make God's will happen it wasn't smooth sailing. Essie starts to run into "courting trouble" to say the least.
What will Essie do? Will she continue to demand her own way? Will she spend much of her energy to make people like her and be respectable? Or would she commit all her hopes and dreams to her Heavenly Father - put things back into His hands where they belong?

I love how Deeanne Gist weaves "real" facts from history into everyone of her books. I'm so thrilled to learn what was actually real in the author notes at the end of the story. The stories she tells have a way of allowing God to squeeze my heart and touch me with His spirit. It doesn't get any better than that. I loved this book and I look forward to the sequel to come summer 2008. It's called "Deep in the Heart of Trouble". The story of Essie picks up on her next escapade deep in the heart of trouble. I can't wait.

Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
Finding Hope Through Fiction
www.psalm516.blogspot.com

Deanne Gist is a good writer. However, her books are far too sexually descriptive. I would not suggest these books, especially for single women and teen girls. They remind me of the Harlequin Romances I, unfortunately, read 25 years ago. If you are looking for something spiritually uplifting I suggest going elsewhere.

This is a great read! Deeanne Gist is a wonderful author! I have read a number of her books and have never been disappointed. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone...but be forewarned! You will want the sequel to it as soon as you are done with Courting Trouble.

Love Deanne Gist's early American writing. Humor balances the love story and intrigue as her heroine's literally "stumble" into love and reveal much of early America in the process.

I love this author!