Review: Words Spoken True

Words Spoken True by Ann H. Gabhart

Publication Date: February 1, 2012
Publisher: Baker Publishing Group
Genre: Christian Fiction, Inspirational
Pages: Paperback, 356pp
ISBN-13: 978-0800720452

ISBN: 0800720458

(Received for an honest review from Revell)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, ChristianBook, IndieBound

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Excerpt from Words Not Spoken

Synopsis:


ONE WOMAN STANDS READY TO DEFEND HER NEWSPAPER... EVEN IF IT MEANS LOSING OUT ON LOVE

Adrianne Darcy was practically raised in  her father's newspaper offices. With ink in her veins, she can't imagine life without the clatter of the press and the push to be first to write the news that matters. Their Tribune is the leading paper in Louisville in 1855.

When Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over a competing newspaper, the battle for readers gets fierce. After Adrianne and Blake meet at a benefit, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adrianne is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the key to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story - and the girl.

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold you in its grip until the very last page.

Thoughts:


Christian fiction and Inspirational readers have long known that Ann H. Gabhart is a giant among the writers of this genre. Her books have always captivated and inspired in a way that many authors cannot approach. Gabhart's latest novel, Words Spoken True, will appeal to and reach a much greater audience than her previous books. There is so much more going on in this book than the genre describes. Historical fiction fans, romantic suspense readers and Christian fiction enthusiasts will all find something for them here.

There are a lot of things to like about this novel. The historical setting is 1850's Louisville, Kentucky. Being from Kentucky I am always interested to see how authors from any genre depict the people and events in Kentucky's past. Gabhart never ceases to amaze with her rich period detail and understanding of the political and emotional climate of the time. She obviously has a penchant for research and takes those tidbits of information gleaned and uses them to their utmost potential. There descriptions are both vivid and revealing. I appreciate an author who can make the history take on a life of its own in any story and Gabhart excels at that.


Gabhart's characters are both genuine and compelling. Adrianne is a woman who is independent minded and able to buck against the conventions of the time and the role of women within the constraints of society. She is unexpected and exceptional. But she isn't perfect and that makes her a very emotionally satisfying character. During this time period it would have been unusual for a young woman to be interested in or take part in the newspaper business, but Adrianne proves to be an exception to the rule in almost everything. She was refreshing and original. Her loyalty ran deep, but she knew she had to trust her heart as well as her head.


Blake was also another great example of great character development. Here is an attractive young man with a passion for reporting the truth. He is all about justice and getting the story out to the masses. He realizes that a relationship with Adrianne goes against the rules. She is the daughter of the enemy so to speak, but also feels the attraction between them. I liked the fact that doesn't back down from what he wants, even when he knew it wouldn't be easy. That's a real hero!


The historical aspect of the book was really well done, but Gabhart doesn't stop there. She gives readers who appreciate a little suspense with their romance something to whet their appetites as well. The addition of a mystery or suspense theme really sets this book apart for the genre. Most of the historical inspirationals don't come anywhere close to the drama that readers will find in this book. Words Spoken True, has a villain that will make the readers skin crawl. A serial killer who is adept at hiding his true colors. I thought Gabhart did an amazing job of incorporating this into the story. Newspapers are all about the headlines and Gabhart creates a few that are hard to put down.


I really enjoyed this book and I think it goes beyond the boundaries of genre. It will appeal to many types of readers and does not hesitate or try to hide its overall message. It's about truth and standing up for it. It's about the symbolism between light and dark and basically doing what's right despite the consequences. It's about laying it all on the line for your dreams and your hopes and not backing down when the going gets rough. Now that's a good book! If you are thinking about trying inspirational fiction this is a good place to start.

Available February 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!

Ann. H. Gabhart is the bestselling author of several novels, including Angel Sister, and the Shaker novels The Outsider, The Believer, The Seeker, and The Blessed. She lives with her husband a mile from where she was born in Kentucky.