Revell Blog Tour: "Words Spoken True" by Ann H. Gabhart

Rating: 4 Stars

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Synopsis from Revell: Adriane Darcy was practically raised in her father's newspaper offices. 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. Then Blake Garrett, a brash young editor from the North with a controversial new style of reporting, takes over failing competitor the Herald, and the battle for readers gets fierce.

When Adriane and Blake meet at a benefit tea, their surprising mutual attraction is hard to ignore. Still, Blake is the enemy, and Adriane is engaged to the son of a powerful businessman who holds the keys to the Tribune's future. Blake will stop at almost nothing to get the story--and the girl. Can he do both before it's too late?

Set against the volatile backdrop of political and civil unrest in 1850s Louisville, this exciting story of love and loyalty will hold readers in its grip until the very last page. Bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart once again delivers an enthralling and enduring tale for her loyal and ever-expanding fan base.

Review: Ann Gabhart takes readers to Louisville, Kentucky during the tumultuous 1850s in Words Spoken True.  From the first page, she sets the tone of the novel with mystery, adventure, and page-turning suspense.  The fast pace continues throughout the story as it moves through high-society homes, to newspaper offices, to the dangerous riverside. Adriane Darcy is a determined and unconventional young woman striving to please her father, make a success of their newspaper, and overcome her fears.  Blake Garrett is as determined and opinionated as Adriane, and the editor of the competing newspaper.  Their competitive natures and mutual attraction set the stage for engaging battles of words and suppressed feelings.  

Romance is accompanied by murder, looming danger, and political unrest. Gabhart paints a vivid picture of a very specific time in Louisville's history when political and societal change fueled violence, hatred, and fear.  Newspapers were the source for news in the 1850s, and by showcasing two publications in Words Spoken True, Gabhart illustrates the power of the written and spoken words and the motives behind them.  Tension is present on several fronts in the novel: Adriane's reluctance to marry the distasteful Stanley Jimson, Blake Garrett's outright opposition to the powerful Know-Nothing Party, and the unsolved murders of young Irish women.  To some degree, the outcome of each of these issues becomes predictable early on in the plot. There are a few surprising turn of events along the way, but even with the element of predictability, the plot is engaging and exciting.  Words Spoken True is rich in historical details with messages of faith, truth, and trust.


I definitely recommend this novel. It not only is a worthwhile read, but the eye-catching cover is an appealing addition to any reader's bookshelf.  The cover designers expertly captured the overall setting and tone of Words Spoken True. 


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

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”