Review: Sweet, Feel-Good Historical Romance
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 14, 2011
"Orphaned Heart"s was a very good traditional historical romance, by an author new to me. It was Christian in the sense that the hero was a pastor, it had no sexual situations, and no foul language. Any religious references fit naturally into the story, were not forced, and did not bludgeon one with a particular agenda. I am a Christian but when I want to read theology, I choose non-fiction books on theology. When I want to read fiction, I don't want some heavy-handed religious diatribe masquerading as a romance or a mystery. This book was superbly written, managing to convey the importance of religion in the lives of the hero and heroine, without politicizing the story.The hero and heroine were warm, sympathetic and likeable characters, while the orphan at the centre of the story was endearing. The author did a good job of balancing various aspects of the story---the historical elements of the depression, small town life, and orphanages, the pasts of the hero and heroine, their thoughts, motivations and insecurities, as well as their developing romance and their relationships with the orphaned boy. These all were integrated well, without sacrificing one element at the expense of another. While the topic and overall tone were serious, the author did include some humour, most noticeably in the character of the hero, who at times was the stereotypical "thickheaded" male who had to be hit over the head with something before he got it, and even then managed to miss some not so subtle hints.To me, this book is a keeper. Anyone who likes traditional historical romances will probably enjoy it. I bought it at the sale price of $0.99 and it was definitely a bargain.