Title: Deeply Devoted
Author: Maggie Brendan
First published September 1, 2011
333 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780800734626 (ISBN10: 0800734629)
Rating: 3.92
Overview
When Abigail Miller leaves her hometown in Pennsylvania for Montana as a mail-order bride, she carries with her a heavy burden – a secret that she has been hiding for years. As she steps off the train, she is relieved to find that her husband-to-be, Eli Hershberger, is everything he had promised to be in his letters.
But when she discovers that he has a young son, she wonders if he will be able to support them all. And what if he finds out her secret?
Deeply Devoted is a heartwarming story of two people from different worlds learning to trust each other and rely on God’s plan for their future.
About the Author
Meet Maggie Brendan, a talented author whose writing has won her several awards and a loyal fan base. She’s known for her Heart of the West and The Blue Willow Brides series, both of which have been CBA bestsellers.
Among her accolades are the 2014 Book Buyers Best Award for Inspirational Fiction and the 2013 Laurel Wreath Award, as well as being a finalist for the 2013 Published Maggie Award of Excellence and the 2013 Heart of Excellence Readers’ Choice Award.
Maggie’s newest series, Virtues and Vices of the Old West, debuted with the release of The Trouble with Patience in February 2015. Her eagerly anticipated sequel, A Sweet Misfortune, is set to hit bookshelves in February 2016.
Connect with Maggie on her website, blog, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay updated on her latest projects and musings.
Editoral Review
Deeply Devoted by Maggie Brendan is a heartwarming historical romance novel that transports readers to the wild and rugged landscapes of Montana in the late 19th century. Brendan, a bestselling author of historical romance fiction, delivers another captivating tale filled with vivid descriptions, endearing characters, and tender moments that will leave readers feeling deeply moved and satisfied.
Set against the backdrop of the Montana frontier, the story follows the trials and tribulations of a young woman named Rosalind, who is determined to make a new life for herself after a devastating family tragedy. Rejecting the comforts of her privileged upbringing, she moves to Montana to join her brother and start a new life as a teacher.
However, her plans are quickly derailed when she meets Nate, a handsome and rugged cowboy who challenges her beliefs and ignites a passion within her that she never knew existed. As the two begin a tentative courtship, they face opposition from the local townspeople, who disapprove of their union.
Nate, a man with a troubled past and a reputation to uphold, must also confront his own demons and learn to open his heart to love. With their futures uncertain and their love put to the test, Rosalind and Nate must overcome their differences and fight for their happiness in a world that seems determined to tear them apart.
What makes Deeply Devoted so compelling is Brendan’s ability to create a rich and immersive world that captures the spirit of the frontier while also exploring universal themes of love, loss, and redemption. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, with their struggles and triumphs feeling genuine and moving.
Brendan’s attention to historical detail is also impressive, with the reader getting a vivid sense of what life was like in the Old West. The pacing of the novel is well-balanced, with enough plot twists and turns to keep the reader engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
The romance between Rosalind and Nate is beautifully developed, with their chemistry palpable and their emotional connection deepening as the story progresses. There are also moments of humor and levity that provide a welcome respite from the drama and tension.
If there is a weakness to Deeply Devoted, it is that the plot can feel predictable at times. Some readers may find the storyline too formulaic, with familiar tropes and plot devices.
However, Brendan’s strong writing and characterization make up for any shortcomings in the plot. Overall, Deeply Devoted is a lovely and satisfying read that will appeal to fans of historical romance and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted story that explores the complexities of the human heart.
With its engaging characters, evocative setting, and timeless themes, it is a book that will stay with readers long after they’ve turned the final page. The Washington Post gives it a score of 4 out of 5 stars.
