Review of "Small Town Girl"

Rating: 3.5 Stars

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Review: Ann Gabhart's "Small Town Girl" is a gentle and quiet love story set in the quaint town of Rosey Corner, Kentucky.  While love is blooming, World War II is raging across the ocean and threatening the tranquil haven of the Merritt family.  Gabhart captures the fears and sentiments of Americans when the U.S. entered the war following the bombing of Pearl Harbor without actually taking readers into the war zone.  The military aspect is light, compared to some other novels that I have read set during the same era. The portrayal of emotions from the perspectives of a future soldier to the loved ones left behind, seem completely authentic and are probably similar to the feelings that veterans in our own families experienced.  Gabhart delves into the emotion of the war and integrates it into her love story between the lead characters Kate and Jay.   

There were a few times that I sensed a back story involving the Merritt family, and I just discovered that "Small Town Girl" is a follow-up to "Angel Sister."  Despite this, I connected with the primary and secondary characters early-on in the novel.  It is easy to support a union between Kate and Jay, especially when the irresistible Lorena offers her full support. Kate puts up barriers to their relationship initially which adds love-story style suspense.  Once those barriers are mostly removed midway the novel, the plot seems to slow.  There is a quaintness in the quiet Rosey Corner life, but it does not always create plot interest.  The onslaught of World War II helps the novel to pick-up speed as well as conflict between Kate and Jay.  "Small Town Girl" ends on a happy note, but the conflict and resolution could occur sooner to avoid the midway lags.  

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.”

Summary from Revell: How long can two people stand on the brink of love without plunging in headfirst?

In the autumn of 1941, rumors of war whisper through Rosey Corner. The town practically vibrates with apprehension, as if it is holding its breath. But for Kate Merritt, it seems life is letting out a prolonged sigh. As Kate watches her sister marry the man Kate has loved since she was fifteen, her heart is silently breaking. And even the attentions of Jay Tanner, the handsome best man, can't draw her interest.

Then suddenly, Pearl Harbor changes everything and Kate finds herself drawn to Jay in surprising ways. Could she truly be in love with him? And if he enlists, will she ever see him again?

In her gentle and textured style, Ann H. Gabhart tells a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and longing that will grip your heart and stir your spirit. Fans of Gabhart's Angel Sister will love seeing Kate Merritt all grown-up, as well as other characters they have come to love.

“Available July 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

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.”