The Heart's Appeal (London Beginnings, #2)

by Jennifer Delamere

Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson.

Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life.

Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?

• ISBN10: 1493413635
• ISBN13: 9781493413638
• Publish Date: 6 March 2018
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Bethany House Publishers
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[phyllish]

The Heart’s Appeal had such a wealth of history contained within its pages. I loved that Julia spent part of her childhood in one of the orphanages run by George Müller. Adding to the story the probable impact of being raised in this manner by such a man of faith was a great touch.

This story is a great mix of faith, history, and romance. The love the author has for the Lord and for history shines through bright and clear.

I really appreciate that the author didn’t attempt to take the easy road in the conflict of interest Michael experienced because of his attraction to Julia and the fact that he was obligated to assist the man who was trying to shut down the only medical school open to women. Additionally, during this conflict, more details about what was involved in being a barrister were shared.

Reading this book gave me a much greater appreciation for Women’s Suffrage than I had before. I have known of the inequalities between men and women but didn’t really understand the implications in the way that I do now.

While I hesitate in describing this book as “gritty”, that adjective comes to mind. Julia and Edith go to the slums of London to help and to gain medical experience in a clinic there and the circumstances and events that take place reveal deplorable conditions. With this book being about aspiring doctors, there is also quite a bit of discussion about diseases and the treatment of conditions that has the potential to affect people with weak stomachs (which would be me!) The entire story is not this way, but I felt this was worthy of mention so you would perhaps carefully pick the time when you read this. :)


This review was originally posted on Among the Reads

You can read Jennifer's guest post at AmongTheReads.net


I would like to thank Celebrate Lit for giving me this item. My opinion and review were not influenced by this gift.

[Molly J(Cover To Cover Cafe)]

A delightful read! I loved this story from start to finish. Ms. Delamere hooked me instantly and kept me turning the pages long into the night. The Heart's Appeal is a story that will make you smile, make you think, make you want more of this fabulous author's work.

Julia and Michael are complex and wonderfully chiseled. The interactions between the two were beautifully done, and the story line was rich in historicaly detail. The way that Ms. Delamere pieced Julia and Michael's story together, was captivating and delicately done.

These characters, this story line, the history, the inspirational messages woven throughout, all made this story one that I will turn to again and again. It played out like a movie, and the characters all came to life, bringing me into the heart of the story right along side them all.

This is a 4 star novel that I recommend to all! If you want a book that will suck you in, and keep you hooked until you're reading the last page, then look no further than the talent of Ms. Delamere and The Heart's Appeal. It's sure to leave you wanting more!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*