Search - Words Spoken True

This is personally an author I am not real familiar with. I have read one of Ann's other books, The Outsider, but didn't really care for it. The plot of this one though really caught my attention. And let me tell you, Words Spoken True was a really interesting read!!

Adriane was my favorite character out of this book. She is strong and loyal, which made me love her. Blake was a little harder to like at first. He is almost cocky but you grow to love him as well. The first part of the book was a little slow for my liking and I almost put it down to try reading again at another time. But I kept on and boy am I glad I did!! The second half of the book is very good! There is something that happens about a third of the way that really speeds things up.

One thing I like about this book is the history and glimpse you get into the past. Louisville is a place I visit every year and it is fun to get a look at what it used to be and what it was like back then. Boy has it changed! But certain parts of it are still the same. Let me just say, Ann knows how to add detail and almost character into a city. Not sure I will ever look at Louisville the same way as I used to.

So, if you are looking for a fun read, I would check into this book. If you are someone who absolutely has to have a fast read, I am not sure I would pick this one up. I enjoyed it once I got further into the book but like I said, I almost put it down. But if you like a rich historical novel, then this is the one for you! Will be watching for Ann's next novel when it comes out.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.
I received a copy of this book for review purposes. I did not receive any monetary compensation. All thoughts are 100% mine.

Just a few years ago I discovered Ann Gabhart through her Shaker series set in Harmony Hill. I loved the complexities of a "simple" life that were presented throughout the series and enjoyed the sweet romance and faith elements that were presented. In Words Spoken True Ms. Gabhart has taken a completely different yet equally enthralling path.

Take a worldly newspaperman and a talented writer/typesetter who work for rival newspapers and throw them together in the midst of a growing Louisville where the influx of Irish Catholic immigrants has caused anything but peace. Throw in a serial killer and toe-curling romance and you have one awesome read that is worth stopping the presses for.

I loved every bit of it from Adriane, who just wanted to write a great story to Blake the arrogant editor who just jumps off the page, Duff the newsboy, and even the ol' flea bitten dog that hangs out on the back stoop. If you're a sucker for romance this book has it in spades. Words Spoken True ranks up there with Courting Morrow Little or A Hope Undaunted for those who love the sparks! ;-)

Louisville, Kentucky, 19th century, the newspaper business and a woman reporter in a city that wasn’t too keen on her canvassing the streets.

This story has a lot of unique going for it, which is what drew me to it in the first place. Louisville has a rich southern history and a healthy dose is shared with the reader in “Words Spoken True”. Adraine is a strong character who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to chase after it and for that I enjoyed her character. She wasn’t easily bowled over by the expectations of her day, but with that courage, brought a dose of heartache.

I thought the first third of the book moved too slowly for my reading taste. I felt it lost some of the forward motion of the story amongst the description and words, but as the plot picked up pace so did my interest. A slight twist was thrown my direction and took my attention a bit deeper.

While this novel wasn’t completely within my interests- much as I wanted it to be, I can certainly appreciate the depth of research and plot of the story. I’m glad I gave it a shot; I would say it was worth it.

This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.

**Available February 2012 from Revell, a division of Baker Publishers**