Title: Courting Trouble
Author: Deeanne Gist
First published June 1, 2007
332 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780764202254 (ISBN10: 0764202251)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
Looking for love in all the wrong places, Essie Spreckelmeyer is tired of waiting for her perfect match. She knows her mother and the town of Corsicana, Texas have certain expectations of her, but Essie is not your typical woman.
With her thirtieth birthday quickly approaching, she decides to take matters into her own hands and make a list of all the eligible bachelors in town. After carefully weighing the pros and cons of each man, she picks one at random and sets out to convince him to be her husband.
But with her unconventional approach, Essie soon finds herself Courting Trouble. Join Deeanne Gist on this unforgettable journey as Essie learns that sometimes love comes from unexpected places.
About the Author
Deeanne Gist is an internationally acclaimed author, known for her captivating historical fiction novels that have sold over a million copies worldwide. Her latest release, Tiffany Girl, has received rave reviews and was named one of the Top 10 Most Anticipated Books of 2015 by Huffington Post.
WikiEzvid also included it on their list of 10 Must-Read Novels That Take Place in the Past. If you haven’t read any of her books yet, you’re missing out!
Gist’s books are published by Simon & Schuster and have won numerous awards, including a RITA for Best Long Historical of the Year, National Readers’ Choice Award, Best Historical of the Year (RT Reviewers), Librarians’ Choice, Book Buyers’ Best, Golden Quill, Books*A*Million Pick of the Month, Seal of Excellence, and Award of Excellence.
Her most recent series is set in the heart of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, and according to USA Today, it is a must-read for historical fiction fans.
Editoral Review
Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist is a delightful historical fiction novel that transports readers back in time to the Victorian period. Gist, the author of several award-winning historical romances, delivers an engaging story set in 1894 Texas, filled with romance, suspense, and humor.
The novel is centered around Essie Spreckelmeyer, a headstrong young woman who dreams of becoming a lawyer in a world where female lawyers are unheard of. Her plans to attend law school are put on hold when she is coerced into helping her aunt’s new matchmaking business.
Essie’s first match is the handsome and belligerent Tony Morgan, who she quickly learns is not at all interested in finding a wife. However, as Essie and Tony get to know each other better, they find themselves drawn to one another, even as they navigate the dangers and corruption that surrounds the matchmaking business.
Throughout the novel, Gist imbues her characters with a depth that is seldom found in romance novels. Essie is a heroine who is passionate about justice, and readers will find no shortage of admiration for her.
Tony, on the other hand, is a rebel with a fierce sense of loyalty, and one cant help but root for him despite his rough edges. Gist paints a vivid picture of Victorian-era Texas and includes some of the social and political realities of the time, making the novel all the more engaging.
The historical context is interesting, but it never takes away from the romance and drama that are at the heart of Courting Trouble. At times, the novel falls prey to familiar romance novel clichs, but Gist’s skillful writing and character development more than make up for it.
She showcases great talent in building chemistry between characters, making every romantic moment feel genuine and emotionally charged. Furthermore, the pacing is right on the mark, and the plot structure often leaves the reader on the edge of their seat.
In conclusion, Courting Trouble is an excellent read for readers who love historical romance novels. Deeanne Gist has expertly crafted a memorable story that captivates readers from the first page to the last.
There are light-hearted moments as well as action-packed scenes that religiously follow the traditional structure of romance novels. Gist accurately portrays the societal situations that women face in the late 1800s without overburdening the story.
The novel is highly recommended for those seeking an absorbing and fun historical romance. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would give it an 8.
