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A Most Unsuitable Match
An unlikely attraction occurs between two passengers on a steamboat journey up the Missouri River to Montana...
She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.
She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. He is a preacher living under a sense of duty and obligation to love the unlovable people in the world. She isn't letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother's death. He is on a mission to reach the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Reverend Samuel Beck are opposites in every way... except in how they both keep wondering if their paths will ever cross again.
328 pages, Paperback
First published July 12, 2011
55 people are currently reading
1667 people want to read
About the author
Stephanie Grace Whitson
52books331followersA native of southern Illinois, Stephanie Grace Whitson has lived in Nebraska since 1975. She began what she calls "playing with imaginary friends" (writing fiction) when, as a result of teaching her four homeschooled children Nebraska history, she was personally encouraged and challenged by the lives of pioneer women in the West. Since her first book, Walks the Fire, was published in 1995, Stephanie's fiction titles have appeared on the ECPA bestseller list numerous times and been finalists for the Christy Award, the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, and ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year. Her first nonfiction work, How to Help a Grieving Friend, was released in 2005. In addition to serving in her local church and keeping up with two married children, two college students, and a high school senior, Stephanie enjoys motorcycle trips with her family and church friends. Her passionate interests in pioneer women's history, antique quilts, and French, Italian, and Hawaiian language and culture provide endless story-telling possibilities.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 22, 2022
Много ми хареса книгата! Всичко в нея! Героите, идеята, посланието и стилът й! Явно приключенските сюжети ще продължават да ме привличат и много често да ми носят удоволствие. В A Most Unsuitable Match предизвикателствата следваха едно след друго. Настроението, с което започнах да я чета преминаваше в изненада от неочаквани ситуации , докато края беше желан от мен , но до последно ми се струваше малко вероятен. Това напрежение превърна книгата в страхотно изживяване!
October 13, 2011
I really wanted to like this book. But every once an awhile there's a book and you really want to like it, you want to be swept into the story, but it just doesn't happen. And I guess this was just one of those times.
The writing was strong the whole way through, and I loved how the Biblical truths were expressed. That was all done very well.
But I must say that I had a hard time with the main characters and the plot. They just didn't engage me. Sometimes I was more interested in the side characters who made brief showings than the main characters. But keep in mind that this is only my personal opinion, and I know some other people who loved this book.
The progression of the romance throughout this book baffled me. At one end of the spectrum I didn't know why they were put together, and on the other end I didn't know what made them so 'unsuitable' to begin with.
Overall I found this book perplexing, though well-written, and Biblically sound. I've read many other books by this author, which I thoroughly adored. But I just couldn't get into this one, I tried really hard, but I just couldn't. So I guess my final thought is that I have lukewarm feelings about this book. I think some people might like it, but I just didn't. Thanks for reading :)
Final Rating: 3 out of 5
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing this review copy to me free of charge in return for an honest review.
The writing was strong the whole way through, and I loved how the Biblical truths were expressed. That was all done very well.
But I must say that I had a hard time with the main characters and the plot. They just didn't engage me. Sometimes I was more interested in the side characters who made brief showings than the main characters. But keep in mind that this is only my personal opinion, and I know some other people who loved this book.
The progression of the romance throughout this book baffled me. At one end of the spectrum I didn't know why they were put together, and on the other end I didn't know what made them so 'unsuitable' to begin with.
Overall I found this book perplexing, though well-written, and Biblically sound. I've read many other books by this author, which I thoroughly adored. But I just couldn't get into this one, I tried really hard, but I just couldn't. So I guess my final thought is that I have lukewarm feelings about this book. I think some people might like it, but I just didn't. Thanks for reading :)
Final Rating: 3 out of 5
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing this review copy to me free of charge in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2014
This was a lovely story. I don't read many stories set in this era, but when I do read them I always end up enjoying them. This was my first Stephanie Grace Whitson and I really enjoyed her style! It wasn't very fast, but was easy-going, full of plot, and had some deep themes. Very interesting and quite delightful!
This book hosts a wide variety of characters of all different social classes and situations. I found that I (and a few other people I've discussed the book with as well) related better to and was drawn more to the hero of the story, rather than the heroine; Fannie was great! but a bit more shallow than Samuel; he seemed more real somehow, if that makes sense. But, like I said, Fannie was also great and I liked her even more by the end.
There were lots of twists and turns in this story and a few times I caught myself wondering "is this going to end up how I'm thinking? Or is it all going to change on me?!" (I will say, I was very satisfied with the ending - even if it was slightly rushed.)
Rich, clean, and inspiring, A Most Unsuitable Match is actually quite a catch for all historical fiction lovers. I highly recommend it, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
This book hosts a wide variety of characters of all different social classes and situations. I found that I (and a few other people I've discussed the book with as well) related better to and was drawn more to the hero of the story, rather than the heroine; Fannie was great! but a bit more shallow than Samuel; he seemed more real somehow, if that makes sense. But, like I said, Fannie was also great and I liked her even more by the end.
There were lots of twists and turns in this story and a few times I caught myself wondering "is this going to end up how I'm thinking? Or is it all going to change on me?!" (I will say, I was very satisfied with the ending - even if it was slightly rushed.)
Rich, clean, and inspiring, A Most Unsuitable Match is actually quite a catch for all historical fiction lovers. I highly recommend it, and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
December 26, 2011
I was going to give this 2 stars, as it was just "okay" in my book, but I felt bad about it... So I'm giving it 3, on account of the great message...
But mostly? Meh. The characters were meh. The relationship was meh. To me, it read more like a random string of events than a well-thought-out story. The hero and heroine fall in love, but I didn't sense any chemistry between them, so it was almost like, "Oh.. they should probably fall in love since the back cover suggests it! I'll just throw that right in here..." I dunno. It had a great message of redemption and that we all need to rely on Jesus Christ.... but the writing and plot were just so-so.
But mostly? Meh. The characters were meh. The relationship was meh. To me, it read more like a random string of events than a well-thought-out story. The hero and heroine fall in love, but I didn't sense any chemistry between them, so it was almost like, "Oh.. they should probably fall in love since the back cover suggests it! I'll just throw that right in here..." I dunno. It had a great message of redemption and that we all need to rely on Jesus Christ.... but the writing and plot were just so-so.
August 25, 2011
I started enjoying the creative writing of Stephanie Grace Whitson through her contemporary novels and this is the first of her Christian Historical Fiction novels that I have read in full. I loved almost every bit of it. The characters brought me in from the very beginning and kept me interested through out. I was startled by the ending as it seemed rather abrupt and the beginning of the epilogue seems to be missing something. Yet otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
While the social class and assumptions made by Samuel and Fannie might appear as an unsuitable match, it is there private and personal decisions of direction for their lives that is more the questionable match in truly trusting where God is leading without question. There is romance and mystery as well as tragedy and adveture. All in all, it is a page turner.
*Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.*
While the social class and assumptions made by Samuel and Fannie might appear as an unsuitable match, it is there private and personal decisions of direction for their lives that is more the questionable match in truly trusting where God is leading without question. There is romance and mystery as well as tragedy and adveture. All in all, it is a page turner.
*Thanks to Bethany House for providing a copy for review through the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance.*
September 5, 2011
This book was a little slow to start off, but once it really started it keept a good pace and held my interest. The woman trying to figure out who she is and her adventures where the main theme of this book. There was a sweet romance and love triangle that was focused on more towards the end of the book. There was nothing really spectacular about this book, but it was a well written sweet Christian story. I liked the characters and connected with her and her grief. There is so little we really understand about people and why they do the things they do. i loved that the main theme of this story is not to judge.
June 19, 2019
2.5 stars rounded up. I felt like there were a lot of holes in this story and the heroine Fannie drove me nuts with her stupid decisions. The romance was weak though the spiritual message was strong. The epilogue was pretty pointless and confusing.
June 5, 2023
This was an enjoyable read, a bit of adventure and mystery, mixed in with romance. I didn't think it quite rated four stars, but thought it deserved more than three. Somehow, although I enjoyed it, it never really grabbed me, but it's difficult to put my finger on why.
(If you're going to give this to a teen, be aware that some of the women characters are prostitutes, primarily former prostitutes. Nothing explicit, though, but you might want to read it yourself first, before making a determination.)
(If you're going to give this to a teen, be aware that some of the women characters are prostitutes, primarily former prostitutes. Nothing explicit, though, but you might want to read it yourself first, before making a determination.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2011
A Most Unsuitable Match
Stephanie Grace Whitson
Published by Bethany House
Source: Review Copy
Miss Fannie Rousseau, wealthy and privileged, has just buried her mother, just three years after her father. All that remains is faithful Nanny and friend Hannah and the letters that Fannie uncovers in her mother’s bureau indicating that her mother had a twin sister named Edith. Fannie had never heard of Aunt Edith, and only from the letters gets a sense of what she may have been like.
Mr. Vandekamp had always taken care of Fannie’s father’s assets and Fannie learns that much of the business was lost; including the planned inheritance. Mr. Vandekamp urges Fannie to quickly marry an unsuspecting suitor before wind of her financial loss surfaces.
Fannie having no interest in marrying other than for love, decides to travel via a river steamboat in search of her Aunt Edith who last wrote from Montana a year prior.
Fannie meets and befriends Samuel and Lamar on the barge and they become vital to her survival after her dear Hannah dies in a boating accident.
Set along the river and enroute to Montana in the late 1800’s, Fannie must learn much to make it through the rugged and rough country. Samuel looking for his sister Emma, joins Fannie in her search for Aunt Edith.
God provides people along the way to guide Fannie and she quickly learns that people are not what they may appear on the outside.
Late in the writing of the book Stephanie Grace Whitson says � I learned late in this book that ‘the most unsuitable match� I was really writing about was the fact that we often don’t see ourselves as suitable to do or be what God seems to want us to do and be. I ‘ve been reminded that as we offer ourselves up to him, he can make us suitable ‘for every good work� 2 Timothy 3:17�
Always one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Stephanie brings alive the late 1800’s, rich in detail and overflowing with Grace. Her characters are vibrant and not always what they appear on the outside. Depth of character and interwoven relationships makes this another fantastic novel by Stephanie Grace Whitson.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
Stephanie Grace Whitson
Published by Bethany House
Source: Review Copy
Miss Fannie Rousseau, wealthy and privileged, has just buried her mother, just three years after her father. All that remains is faithful Nanny and friend Hannah and the letters that Fannie uncovers in her mother’s bureau indicating that her mother had a twin sister named Edith. Fannie had never heard of Aunt Edith, and only from the letters gets a sense of what she may have been like.
Mr. Vandekamp had always taken care of Fannie’s father’s assets and Fannie learns that much of the business was lost; including the planned inheritance. Mr. Vandekamp urges Fannie to quickly marry an unsuspecting suitor before wind of her financial loss surfaces.
Fannie having no interest in marrying other than for love, decides to travel via a river steamboat in search of her Aunt Edith who last wrote from Montana a year prior.
Fannie meets and befriends Samuel and Lamar on the barge and they become vital to her survival after her dear Hannah dies in a boating accident.
Set along the river and enroute to Montana in the late 1800’s, Fannie must learn much to make it through the rugged and rough country. Samuel looking for his sister Emma, joins Fannie in her search for Aunt Edith.
God provides people along the way to guide Fannie and she quickly learns that people are not what they may appear on the outside.
Late in the writing of the book Stephanie Grace Whitson says � I learned late in this book that ‘the most unsuitable match� I was really writing about was the fact that we often don’t see ourselves as suitable to do or be what God seems to want us to do and be. I ‘ve been reminded that as we offer ourselves up to him, he can make us suitable ‘for every good work� 2 Timothy 3:17�
Always one of my favorite historical fiction authors, Stephanie brings alive the late 1800’s, rich in detail and overflowing with Grace. Her characters are vibrant and not always what they appear on the outside. Depth of character and interwoven relationships makes this another fantastic novel by Stephanie Grace Whitson.
I received a copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review.
October 1, 2011
A Most Unsuitable Match was a most delightful story. I enjoyed this book so much, while sweet Miss Fannie often made me want to shake some sense into her sometimes, other times she shone with courage. A daughter of a well to do family, that seemed a bit short on love Fannie was grieved when her mother and father passed away within three years of each other. After a burglar breaks in, trying to steal jewels, upon the advise of others, Fannie goes through her mother's room to find all the valuable jewelry to take to the safe at the bank. What she finds though is more than jewelry, she finds letters from her mother's twin sister. Letters that are filled with love and warmth, which makes Fannie determined to find her aunt. What Fannie finds however is more than bargained for, first she finds herself on a sinking barge, and loosing the closest person in her life, her faithful servant Hannah. Next she finds herself faced with the decision of whether to abandon her search or to go on, after a chance encounter where a man calls Fannie by her aunt's name, she knows she must go on. Traveling on with Samuel Beck and Lamar, workers from the barge that sank, Fannie arrives in Fort Benton only to be very discouraged. Samuel and Lamar travel on deeper into the Montana wilderness looking for her aunt and Samuel's sister, and Fannie learns the fine art of how to do things for herself, such as cooking and cleaning.
This book kept my interest, and I read it one setting, I did get frustrated with Fannie for her indecisiveness but then she would shine when push came to shove. A great book, beautifully told! 4 stars, 328 pages, $14.99 US discussion guide at the end of the book.
This book was provided for review purposes only by Bethany House, no payment was received for this review.
This book kept my interest, and I read it one setting, I did get frustrated with Fannie for her indecisiveness but then she would shine when push came to shove. A great book, beautifully told! 4 stars, 328 pages, $14.99 US discussion guide at the end of the book.
This book was provided for review purposes only by Bethany House, no payment was received for this review.
August 24, 2011
A Most Unsuitable Match by author Stephanie Grace Whitson, captured my attention from the very first line. It was hard to put down after that.
Miss Fannie Rousseau is young, impulsive, spoiled, and unfortunately all alone in the world, save for her maid, Hannah. After the death of her mother, she finds some mysterious letters from an aunt she never knew existed. Determined to find her only living relative, she sets off for the wilds of Montana.
Mr. Samuel Beck is also on a mission, to find his missing sister. Together Fannie and Samuel meet aboard a steamboat, never realizing how much they will need each other.
I am a sucker for historical romances and this one met all my expectations. The characters were well defined and the author described the settings so well, I felt like I was there. Only one thing left me feeling slightly unfulfilled and that was in regards to the villain of the piece. I can't tell you who that was, or I'll spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, his character could have made a lot of trouble for Fannie and the threat always seemed to be lurking, but it never really materialized. In the end, Fannie was able to be rid of him with a letter. However, there was enough going on in the novel to overlook this small part of it and it really doesn't detract from the novel, it just makes you wonder what "could have been".
Despite that, I give this novel a rousing 5 out of 5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Miss Fannie Rousseau is young, impulsive, spoiled, and unfortunately all alone in the world, save for her maid, Hannah. After the death of her mother, she finds some mysterious letters from an aunt she never knew existed. Determined to find her only living relative, she sets off for the wilds of Montana.
Mr. Samuel Beck is also on a mission, to find his missing sister. Together Fannie and Samuel meet aboard a steamboat, never realizing how much they will need each other.
I am a sucker for historical romances and this one met all my expectations. The characters were well defined and the author described the settings so well, I felt like I was there. Only one thing left me feeling slightly unfulfilled and that was in regards to the villain of the piece. I can't tell you who that was, or I'll spoil it for you, but suffice it to say, his character could have made a lot of trouble for Fannie and the threat always seemed to be lurking, but it never really materialized. In the end, Fannie was able to be rid of him with a letter. However, there was enough going on in the novel to overlook this small part of it and it really doesn't detract from the novel, it just makes you wonder what "could have been".
Despite that, I give this novel a rousing 5 out of 5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
January 31, 2013
A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Whitson was a good read. I liked the characters and I thought the situations they were in were very realistic for the time period and the setting of the book. The character Samuel Beck’s faith and love for God is so encouraging and optimistic. Sometimes I realize that I don't just have to be at church to learn new things or to hear a good message. I can get them at home just by taking some time out of my day to sit and read.
The only thing I didn't like about this book wasthe end. I felt like their should have been more to the story and that Stephanie just kind of ended it. Their wasn’t really anytime to tie up loose strings but all the sudden BAM everything was fixed and then it was five years later.
I have just started a blog. To check it out go to:
The only thing I didn't like about this book wasthe end. I felt like their should have been more to the story and that Stephanie just kind of ended it. Their wasn’t really anytime to tie up loose strings but all the sudden BAM everything was fixed and then it was five years later.
I have just started a blog. To check it out go to:
September 13, 2011
I think one of the strengths of a Stephanie Grace Whitson novel is the authenticity of her characters' emotions without them dripping in melodrama. By the end of the book, the reader feels like she's participated in whatever events have transpired. While Fannie struggles to grow from a young girl dependent on others into an independent woman prepared to handle hardship and tragedy, Samuel is called for a special purpose. I liked Fannie. I liked Samuel. I also liked Dr. LaMotte and wondered if a portion of the epilogue was a teaser for her next book.
If you enjoy 19th century historicals with a love story you want to root for, I'd recommend you add A Most Unsuitable Match to your TBR pile.
September 24, 2014
A most unsuitable read. Don't judge this book buy its beautiful cover, this is a long drawn out melodramatic read. Too much tragedy, very little comic relief. If you are looking for a pick me up skip this one.
To those who think this is a romance, very litte of this book is romantic, which is not necessary a bad thing. The inkling of romance between the main characters feels forced. They have no chemistry at all. I liked Dr. Lamotte much more than Sam. The secondary characters are so much more real than the main characters. I consider myself a fast reader and it took me one week to get through this. Another disappointment.
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To those who think this is a romance, very litte of this book is romantic, which is not necessary a bad thing. The inkling of romance between the main characters feels forced. They have no chemistry at all. I liked Dr. Lamotte much more than Sam. The secondary characters are so much more real than the main characters. I consider myself a fast reader and it took me one week to get through this. Another disappointment.
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July 30, 2011
It was really awesome! Stephanie Grace Whitson is one of my favorite authors. I loved this book and highly recommend it! And I love the cover too.
April 6, 2012
I've love for their to be a book 2 - this was great!
August 28, 2016
This book wasn't anything like I expected and the more I read it, the more I loved it. It's a love story about grace. Actually, it's many love stories about grace. Clean and real.
October 29, 2021
This story has been on my TBR forever, when I stumbled across the audio version from my library, I decided it was time to finally read it. I honestly would give this story 3.5 stars(I really wish ŷ would allow 1/2 star ratings!). I enjoyed the storyline and liked the characters. It is a little sadder overall than I anticipated, which dropped the rating a bit for me, but it held my attention throughout wondering what would happen next and how the story would end. Good read.
February 3, 2024
The back of the book description does not do the story justice!! I started reading this book and got past the first 2 chapters and put the book away bc it was “boring�. Well I finally decided to finish it and am I glad I did!i absolutely loved this book and it is probably one of my favorites! I was expecting a “ship-type� romance, but it is SO much more than that! Read it for yourself and find out!
May 7, 2019
A beautiful, sad, frightening at times, encouraging in the Lord always story of love, friendship, loss, and scripture that helps the characters grow into who God would want them to be, very positive reaction to this author. Her belief and sense of God's love shine through her story of struggle.
June 7, 2013
First off, it’s been several weeks since I actually read this, so I am sorry that I can’t remember everyone’s names�
This book beautifully illustrates everything I hate about pseudo-Christian chick lit. The entire book was a slow-motion train wreck. The characters were stiff and wooden and made completely unrealistic decisions. The heroine was self-centered, stupid, and soulless. The heroes (because yes, there were two, involving the dreaded and pointless love-interest triangle) were overly stereotyped and thus unrelateable. The plot was full of drama and random deaths and accidents and Indian attacks and shipwrecks and robberies and betrayal all in an attempt to cover the fact that there was no storyline worth pursuing.
***mild spoilers***
But the worst part was the attempt to make this a “Christian� story. While the heroine wanders about bemoaning her lack of faith, and the heroes spout Bible verses (and one of them decides to become a missionary), there is no depth. No real issues are addressed, and there is no resolution-–the heroine begins the book confused by the things that are happening in her life and wondering why God is allowing these things to happen. In the end, not only have none of her questions been answered, she has basically decided that she doesn’t care about those questions any more, and decides to marry the missionary dude despite the fact that she isn’t sure that her faith is strong enough to make him a good wife.
Instead of taking an opportunity to have some real discussions about how God uses events in our lives to shape us, grow us, and teach us, the author seems content to brush all of the heroine’s concerns aside in favor of a “happy ending.� I was left feeling like the marriage that was the book’s climax would be a long and difficult struggle, rather than a strong partnership.
***more spoilers***
The love triangle was also pointless and frustrating, because I actually liked the other fellow far better, and felt that he would have been a much better match for the heroine; plus, she led him on dreadfully. See, they end up in this town in the frontier, and she likes Dude #1 a lot, and there is no reason not to, because he’s charming in every way. Then Dude #1 has to go off on this important quest, so he leaves her behind, but they have this kind of unspoken agreement because they’ve been together for a couple of months now and flirting like crazy. While Dude #1 is gone, the chick meets Dude #2, who is a doctor and who has a son who is blind. Well, the chick’s best friend is blind so she knows all these ways to help the son get along (he wasn’t born blind; he had been blinded by some disease) and pretty soon she’s having dinner at their house and hanging out with them all the time and comforting Dude #2 when he’s struggling with different things and they’re all homey and cozy because she hangs out there in the evenings knitting and stuff and basically she just totally ignores the fact that she more or less told Dude #1 that she was interested in him. Then Dude #1 gets attacked by Indians on his way back (except they were actually attacking another band of Indians and he just got caught in the crossfire because OF COURSE the Indians would never attack a white man because they’re super nice and not anything like the bloodthirsty stereotype!) and he gets this weird brain injury where he loses his voice so now she has both dudes and she keeps dithering back and forth and it is just DREADFUL. And in the end, she marries Dude #1, and I actually think she would have done much better with Dude #2, so even that didn’t end right as far as I was concerned.
Finally, the very title of this book made no sense. There was no reason at all why the chick shouldn’t have fallen in love with and married the dude that she did. They were equals socially and financially, they were attracted to each other and got along fine. In fact, the only reason the match seemed unsuitable was because the dude far more serious about his faith than she was, and that was the one thing that the author completely ignored.
This book beautifully illustrates everything I hate about pseudo-Christian chick lit. The entire book was a slow-motion train wreck. The characters were stiff and wooden and made completely unrealistic decisions. The heroine was self-centered, stupid, and soulless. The heroes (because yes, there were two, involving the dreaded and pointless love-interest triangle) were overly stereotyped and thus unrelateable. The plot was full of drama and random deaths and accidents and Indian attacks and shipwrecks and robberies and betrayal all in an attempt to cover the fact that there was no storyline worth pursuing.
***mild spoilers***
But the worst part was the attempt to make this a “Christian� story. While the heroine wanders about bemoaning her lack of faith, and the heroes spout Bible verses (and one of them decides to become a missionary), there is no depth. No real issues are addressed, and there is no resolution-–the heroine begins the book confused by the things that are happening in her life and wondering why God is allowing these things to happen. In the end, not only have none of her questions been answered, she has basically decided that she doesn’t care about those questions any more, and decides to marry the missionary dude despite the fact that she isn’t sure that her faith is strong enough to make him a good wife.
Instead of taking an opportunity to have some real discussions about how God uses events in our lives to shape us, grow us, and teach us, the author seems content to brush all of the heroine’s concerns aside in favor of a “happy ending.� I was left feeling like the marriage that was the book’s climax would be a long and difficult struggle, rather than a strong partnership.
***more spoilers***
The love triangle was also pointless and frustrating, because I actually liked the other fellow far better, and felt that he would have been a much better match for the heroine; plus, she led him on dreadfully. See, they end up in this town in the frontier, and she likes Dude #1 a lot, and there is no reason not to, because he’s charming in every way. Then Dude #1 has to go off on this important quest, so he leaves her behind, but they have this kind of unspoken agreement because they’ve been together for a couple of months now and flirting like crazy. While Dude #1 is gone, the chick meets Dude #2, who is a doctor and who has a son who is blind. Well, the chick’s best friend is blind so she knows all these ways to help the son get along (he wasn’t born blind; he had been blinded by some disease) and pretty soon she’s having dinner at their house and hanging out with them all the time and comforting Dude #2 when he’s struggling with different things and they’re all homey and cozy because she hangs out there in the evenings knitting and stuff and basically she just totally ignores the fact that she more or less told Dude #1 that she was interested in him. Then Dude #1 gets attacked by Indians on his way back (except they were actually attacking another band of Indians and he just got caught in the crossfire because OF COURSE the Indians would never attack a white man because they’re super nice and not anything like the bloodthirsty stereotype!) and he gets this weird brain injury where he loses his voice so now she has both dudes and she keeps dithering back and forth and it is just DREADFUL. And in the end, she marries Dude #1, and I actually think she would have done much better with Dude #2, so even that didn’t end right as far as I was concerned.
Finally, the very title of this book made no sense. There was no reason at all why the chick shouldn’t have fallen in love with and married the dude that she did. They were equals socially and financially, they were attracted to each other and got along fine. In fact, the only reason the match seemed unsuitable was because the dude far more serious about his faith than she was, and that was the one thing that the author completely ignored.
July 8, 2015
Miss Fannie Rousseau’s world crumbles after her mother dies suddenly. Hannah, her loyal hand maiden whose been more of a mother to her than her real mom, tries to comfort Fannie. Minnitte, her dearest friend, is blind, engaged to be married, and is busy planning a wedding. Fannie didn’t know where to turn.
Miss Fannie seeks the council of Mr. Van de Kamp, who has run their family finances for years; only thing he can tell her is to get married. She needed help trying to navigate the financial mess her dad’s company was in and what to do from here. He offered no help at all. Getting married wasn’t an option.
Although Fannie was raised in privilege she would only marry for love. She desperately longed to be loved and accepted for Fannie the person - not the daughter of a wealthy man. Fannie discovers a box of old letters - her mother saved. She devours them all. Hannah learns of her find and is surprised. Even more so when Fannie tells her she is going to search for the person who wrote those letters. Fannie and Hannah embark on a dangerous and wild adventure. They encounter things they never dreamed possible! Neither had been on a steamboat or far from home for that matter. They meet Samuel who’s earning his way to Montana. Surprising to learn that Samuel is in search of a person as well. They both hoped to find answers on their journey. Little did they know their search would make them realize they needed each other more than they knew.
Fannie is headstrong and determined to accomplish her mission and so is Samuel. Others realize her lack of manual skills and fiestiness. Valey the innkeeper says, “I had to ask her if she even knew how to sweep a floor.� I think it made her a little mad....but then she said she thought she was smart enough to learn. He laughed “Tell her...she’s due for her broom lesson with Ave.�
I loved the natural spiritual thread and the way the author represented it, Fannie says to herself, “What if she actually sought out the words in the bible and let them rule her life? The idea was at once fascinating...and terrifying.... Did the bible really contain words of Life? For the first time. Fannie wished she had her own bible!� Love this.
I enjoyed Fanny and the authors well timed humor. I enjoyed this historical fiction novel. Also loved the cover - it was intriguing - I would never suspect the author could put together such a fascinating story with so many twists, turns and surprises. I enjoyed the minor characters as much as the main ones.
I enjoyed this authors' style, her endearing characters, and the many surmountable challenges they faced. They discovered that in their weakness God is strong. God will help us grow. He knows what we’re created to do. We just have to trust him and take the first step in the direction He’s called us to. The author talks about heart issues through a blind boy who says, “When you cannot see faces you listen better. Sometimes listening lets a person see in a better way.�
Stephanie mentions, “While working on this book, I've came to the end of myself yet again, and found Jesus waiting with outstretched arms and mine until we had the strength to take up the journey on our own two feet once again. And so... I offer you another story forged in the fires of my own life.� Loved this! I highly recommend this delightful novel!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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�
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
Miss Fannie seeks the council of Mr. Van de Kamp, who has run their family finances for years; only thing he can tell her is to get married. She needed help trying to navigate the financial mess her dad’s company was in and what to do from here. He offered no help at all. Getting married wasn’t an option.
Although Fannie was raised in privilege she would only marry for love. She desperately longed to be loved and accepted for Fannie the person - not the daughter of a wealthy man. Fannie discovers a box of old letters - her mother saved. She devours them all. Hannah learns of her find and is surprised. Even more so when Fannie tells her she is going to search for the person who wrote those letters. Fannie and Hannah embark on a dangerous and wild adventure. They encounter things they never dreamed possible! Neither had been on a steamboat or far from home for that matter. They meet Samuel who’s earning his way to Montana. Surprising to learn that Samuel is in search of a person as well. They both hoped to find answers on their journey. Little did they know their search would make them realize they needed each other more than they knew.
Fannie is headstrong and determined to accomplish her mission and so is Samuel. Others realize her lack of manual skills and fiestiness. Valey the innkeeper says, “I had to ask her if she even knew how to sweep a floor.� I think it made her a little mad....but then she said she thought she was smart enough to learn. He laughed “Tell her...she’s due for her broom lesson with Ave.�
I loved the natural spiritual thread and the way the author represented it, Fannie says to herself, “What if she actually sought out the words in the bible and let them rule her life? The idea was at once fascinating...and terrifying.... Did the bible really contain words of Life? For the first time. Fannie wished she had her own bible!� Love this.
I enjoyed Fanny and the authors well timed humor. I enjoyed this historical fiction novel. Also loved the cover - it was intriguing - I would never suspect the author could put together such a fascinating story with so many twists, turns and surprises. I enjoyed the minor characters as much as the main ones.
I enjoyed this authors' style, her endearing characters, and the many surmountable challenges they faced. They discovered that in their weakness God is strong. God will help us grow. He knows what we’re created to do. We just have to trust him and take the first step in the direction He’s called us to. The author talks about heart issues through a blind boy who says, “When you cannot see faces you listen better. Sometimes listening lets a person see in a better way.�
Stephanie mentions, “While working on this book, I've came to the end of myself yet again, and found Jesus waiting with outstretched arms and mine until we had the strength to take up the journey on our own two feet once again. And so... I offer you another story forged in the fires of my own life.� Loved this! I highly recommend this delightful novel!
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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�
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network
The Book Club Network blog
Book Fun Magazine
September 16, 2011
Fannie Rousseau is the unlikely heroine from A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson. Not unlikely because of her status, as Fannie happens to live in the largest house in her town. Instead, she becomes a heroine despite all of that. You see, she was never encouraged to participate in any of the activities that would have prepared her for life on her own, and she is forced to quickly figure them out because of the deaths of both her parents in short succession of each other. Having never learned any life-skills beyond attracting a husband and managing servants, Fannie feels a little less than prepared when she learns that her family's estate is not quite in good standing (both financially and physically) that she had thought it was. After stumbling upon some letters written from her last family member she didn't even know she had, Fannie decides to leave her problems behind and go in search of her last connection to her family and past. Along the way she meets many different people, including a very nice French Doctor and his blind son Patrick, Lame Bear and his three Native American sons, and last but not least Lamar and handsome Sam.
One of the major themes of this book is probably redemption and that people are not always what the first seem. There are many characters in this story who seem to be charming, but are really bad, or that seem mean and scary but are actually quite nice. It is a running theme that plays out nicely. I also liked how for the most part, there was a Christian message of hope and grace woven throughout the whole thing. There was only a few places where it felt a little canned or cheesy, and that was mostly when whiskey or alcohol were mentioned. It is pretty clear that the author thinks drinking is a sin. I would also have to say that the romance portion of this book is a little bit weak. Minor Spoilers ahead: I didn't like how Fannie and Sam both constantly assume that the other one couldn't possibly be interested in them because they are not worthy, even though it is obviously clear to everyone else that they are a great pair. Also, I felt like I waited the whole book for the two of them to figure out what they were perfect for each other and that the author cut their reunion too short. I would have liked Sam to finally express the feelings he had been hiding all along, but we readers never get to see that part and it's on to the epilogue we go.
With those minor complaints out of the way, I thought that the plot was interesting and that there was more action packed into this novel than in any other historical fiction I have read so far. The distance Fannie travels and various scenery changes and life events were mostly unexpected for me so I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I also like that both Fannie and Sam grow individually and face their own challenges before coming together. In the end, I was proud of who Fannie had become through her journey to find her family and found myself rooting for her often. Overall, I liked this story, I just thought parts could be better so that is the reason for 3 stars. I would give it 3 1/2 if I could. I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.
One of the major themes of this book is probably redemption and that people are not always what the first seem. There are many characters in this story who seem to be charming, but are really bad, or that seem mean and scary but are actually quite nice. It is a running theme that plays out nicely. I also liked how for the most part, there was a Christian message of hope and grace woven throughout the whole thing. There was only a few places where it felt a little canned or cheesy, and that was mostly when whiskey or alcohol were mentioned. It is pretty clear that the author thinks drinking is a sin. I would also have to say that the romance portion of this book is a little bit weak. Minor Spoilers ahead: I didn't like how Fannie and Sam both constantly assume that the other one couldn't possibly be interested in them because they are not worthy, even though it is obviously clear to everyone else that they are a great pair. Also, I felt like I waited the whole book for the two of them to figure out what they were perfect for each other and that the author cut their reunion too short. I would have liked Sam to finally express the feelings he had been hiding all along, but we readers never get to see that part and it's on to the epilogue we go.
With those minor complaints out of the way, I thought that the plot was interesting and that there was more action packed into this novel than in any other historical fiction I have read so far. The distance Fannie travels and various scenery changes and life events were mostly unexpected for me so I really enjoyed the storyline of this book. I also like that both Fannie and Sam grow individually and face their own challenges before coming together. In the end, I was proud of who Fannie had become through her journey to find her family and found myself rooting for her often. Overall, I liked this story, I just thought parts could be better so that is the reason for 3 stars. I would give it 3 1/2 if I could. I received a copy from the publisher for review purposes.
August 4, 2011
Story Description:
Miss Fannie Rousseau is a young woman of privilege traveling west to uncover the truth behind a family secret.
Mr. Samuel Beck is on a mission to atone for past failures that still haunt him.
Their meeting aboard a steamboat to Montana sparks an unlikely attraction. They are opposites in every way... except in how neither one can stop thinking about the other.
Will the end of the journey bring the end of their relationship, or is it just the beginning?
My Review:
The story opens in May of 1869 in St. Charles, Missouri with 18-year-old Fannie Rousseau on her hands and knees, scrub brush in hand, cleaning the dirt off her mother’s gravestone and an elderly Hannah, the family’s long time servant, scolding her for getting dirty. A young woman of her class should not be seen undertaking such a task. With both of her parents now gone Fannie must learn how to properly run a household with staff. As she’s walking around the outside of the house, she notices that old Mr. Walker, the gardener, has been letting things slip. The gardens are becoming over-run with weeds, the shutters need cleaning, and the place looks entirely shabby. Fannie asks Hannah if she could speak to Mr. Walker and tell him that he isn’t doing his job, but Hannah points out that isn’t her job, it belongs to Fannie and all part of learning to run a household which includes reprimanding staff.
While sitting at her mother’s dressing table one morning, Fannie discovers something in the drawer that astounds her. Not knowing what to do, she boards a steamship and makes her way up the Missouri to Montana to find answers to a family secret. Fannie is doing something completely against her nature and certainly the expectation of what society believes how she should act.
While aboard the steamship she runs into one Samuel Beck, a deckhand aboard the Delores who is working his way for passage to Montana, the very place Fannie is headed. However, Fannie’s introduction to Mr. Samuel Beck is one of a most uncomfortable situation.
It seems both Fannie and Samuel are searching for something. Samuel has his bible and the verses he holds dear to his heart to propel him on his way, but all Fannie has are the secrets she carries in her handbag. The odd thing is, neither of them can stop thinking about the other but one doesn’t want to tell the other. Will Fannie and Samuel ever get together or will they learn important lessons about God, love, and how the most unsuitable matches can sometimes be the most significant?
I fell in love with this story from the first page. Fannie and Samuel are both lovable characters. The story made me laugh, made me shake my head and cry out in sorrow and pain for the lives that touched me so deeply in this novel. Ms. Whitson has written a wonderful story of the power of God and the how we aren’t always protected from terrible situations, but we’re carried through them with His love.
Miss Fannie Rousseau is a young woman of privilege traveling west to uncover the truth behind a family secret.
Mr. Samuel Beck is on a mission to atone for past failures that still haunt him.
Their meeting aboard a steamboat to Montana sparks an unlikely attraction. They are opposites in every way... except in how neither one can stop thinking about the other.
Will the end of the journey bring the end of their relationship, or is it just the beginning?
My Review:
The story opens in May of 1869 in St. Charles, Missouri with 18-year-old Fannie Rousseau on her hands and knees, scrub brush in hand, cleaning the dirt off her mother’s gravestone and an elderly Hannah, the family’s long time servant, scolding her for getting dirty. A young woman of her class should not be seen undertaking such a task. With both of her parents now gone Fannie must learn how to properly run a household with staff. As she’s walking around the outside of the house, she notices that old Mr. Walker, the gardener, has been letting things slip. The gardens are becoming over-run with weeds, the shutters need cleaning, and the place looks entirely shabby. Fannie asks Hannah if she could speak to Mr. Walker and tell him that he isn’t doing his job, but Hannah points out that isn’t her job, it belongs to Fannie and all part of learning to run a household which includes reprimanding staff.
While sitting at her mother’s dressing table one morning, Fannie discovers something in the drawer that astounds her. Not knowing what to do, she boards a steamship and makes her way up the Missouri to Montana to find answers to a family secret. Fannie is doing something completely against her nature and certainly the expectation of what society believes how she should act.
While aboard the steamship she runs into one Samuel Beck, a deckhand aboard the Delores who is working his way for passage to Montana, the very place Fannie is headed. However, Fannie’s introduction to Mr. Samuel Beck is one of a most uncomfortable situation.
It seems both Fannie and Samuel are searching for something. Samuel has his bible and the verses he holds dear to his heart to propel him on his way, but all Fannie has are the secrets she carries in her handbag. The odd thing is, neither of them can stop thinking about the other but one doesn’t want to tell the other. Will Fannie and Samuel ever get together or will they learn important lessons about God, love, and how the most unsuitable matches can sometimes be the most significant?
I fell in love with this story from the first page. Fannie and Samuel are both lovable characters. The story made me laugh, made me shake my head and cry out in sorrow and pain for the lives that touched me so deeply in this novel. Ms. Whitson has written a wonderful story of the power of God and the how we aren’t always protected from terrible situations, but we’re carried through them with His love.
September 15, 2011
Fannie Rousseau has just lost her mother and is struggling to keep her family's estate in good condition. When she discovers a long held family secrets that no one is willing to talk about, she boards a steamboat traveling along the Missouri River in hopes of discovering the truth for herself.
Samuel Beck is also on a quest for family. . .but his is to reconcile a mistake he made long ago. Yet left penniless and knowing he needs passage aboard a steamboat traveling along the Missouri, he takes a job as freighter to help pay his wages. There, he meets the beautiful Miss Rousseau.
As Fannie and Samuel grow closer, their obvious differences don't stop sparks from forming. But is it possible that they are truly a most unsuitable match?
A Most Unsuitable Match has a great many elements in it that make for a good story. The beginning starts off very slow, almost bogged down with more narration than immediate scenes, but once the story picks it up it holds the reader engaged and highly entertained.
While I enjoyed Stephanie Grace Whitson's previous novel far more than this one, I still truly enjoyed A Most Unsuitable Match.
As always, Stephanie Grace Whitson fills her stories with such wonderful historical detail and accuracy. I enjoyed learning about the steamboats along the Missouri River, and even learning more about the early territory of Montana.
The message in this book is one of the best I think I've read in a long a time. While we've seen a great many stories on bookstore shelves that deal with broken prostitutes in search of redemption from their previous life as society's outcasts, Stephanie Grace Whitson brings something unique to this story by approaching it from the perspective of those broken women's families.
While the ending seemed a little rushed, and the epilogue didn't quite make sense in the beginning, overall, it's still a good story.
Fans of historical fiction will definitely love A Most Unsuitable Match.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Samuel Beck is also on a quest for family. . .but his is to reconcile a mistake he made long ago. Yet left penniless and knowing he needs passage aboard a steamboat traveling along the Missouri, he takes a job as freighter to help pay his wages. There, he meets the beautiful Miss Rousseau.
As Fannie and Samuel grow closer, their obvious differences don't stop sparks from forming. But is it possible that they are truly a most unsuitable match?
A Most Unsuitable Match has a great many elements in it that make for a good story. The beginning starts off very slow, almost bogged down with more narration than immediate scenes, but once the story picks it up it holds the reader engaged and highly entertained.
While I enjoyed Stephanie Grace Whitson's previous novel far more than this one, I still truly enjoyed A Most Unsuitable Match.
As always, Stephanie Grace Whitson fills her stories with such wonderful historical detail and accuracy. I enjoyed learning about the steamboats along the Missouri River, and even learning more about the early territory of Montana.
The message in this book is one of the best I think I've read in a long a time. While we've seen a great many stories on bookstore shelves that deal with broken prostitutes in search of redemption from their previous life as society's outcasts, Stephanie Grace Whitson brings something unique to this story by approaching it from the perspective of those broken women's families.
While the ending seemed a little rushed, and the epilogue didn't quite make sense in the beginning, overall, it's still a good story.
Fans of historical fiction will definitely love A Most Unsuitable Match.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2011
As I traveled last week to Houston I carried along my latest book for review, A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson. The perfect summer read!
“She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. And yet, she’s ventured on board a steamboat headed for remote Fort Benton, Montana, in search of her only living relative. He is on board the steamboat headed for Fort Benton in search of his runaway sister. She isn’t letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother’s death. He becomes committed to reaching the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Mr. Samuel Beck are opposites in every way� except in how they both keep thinking about each other.�
The story opens with Fannie dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s death, lost in her own emotions she finds herself questioning what to do next. In a series of unexpected turns she finds herself headed north on a steamboat full of interesting and lively characters. Even aboard the steamboat life doesn’t happen the way that Fannie expects. Life still has a few more sharp turns ahead.
I enjoyed Whitson’s writing and story-telling. At first glance it’s your basic boy-meets-girl story, but I enjoyed the personal development of each of the characters and the way that Fannie and Sam are walking individual paths. Sam’s path seems certain and clear as his heart is changed by scripture, he feels compels to share the love of God with others and is soon on his way to being a preacher. Fannie’s changes are slow and more subtle as she daily learns how to adjust to her new reality. Together they walk a rough road, facing the many challenges of Montana and what at first seems like an unlikely friendship.
I really enjoyed the journey!
~~~~~
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this review.
“She is a self-centered young woman from a privileged family who fears the outdoors and avoids anything rustic. And yet, she’s ventured on board a steamboat headed for remote Fort Benton, Montana, in search of her only living relative. He is on board the steamboat headed for Fort Benton in search of his runaway sister. She isn’t letting anything deter her from solving a family mystery that surfaced after her mother’s death. He becomes committed to reaching the rejects of society in the remote wilderness regions of Montana. Miss Fannie Rousseau and Mr. Samuel Beck are opposites in every way� except in how they both keep thinking about each other.�
The story opens with Fannie dealing with the aftermath of her mother’s death, lost in her own emotions she finds herself questioning what to do next. In a series of unexpected turns she finds herself headed north on a steamboat full of interesting and lively characters. Even aboard the steamboat life doesn’t happen the way that Fannie expects. Life still has a few more sharp turns ahead.
I enjoyed Whitson’s writing and story-telling. At first glance it’s your basic boy-meets-girl story, but I enjoyed the personal development of each of the characters and the way that Fannie and Sam are walking individual paths. Sam’s path seems certain and clear as his heart is changed by scripture, he feels compels to share the love of God with others and is soon on his way to being a preacher. Fannie’s changes are slow and more subtle as she daily learns how to adjust to her new reality. Together they walk a rough road, facing the many challenges of Montana and what at first seems like an unlikely friendship.
I really enjoyed the journey!
~~~~~
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for this review.
February 12, 2013
A little slow on the inset, but after the setting was outlined, the real plot thickens and it was worth the wait.
Miss Fannie Rousseau is a pampered princess, but all that hits the fan when first her father dies and then her emotionally detached mother dies leaving her with an estate that is falling apart and in financial straights. If that was all, maybe there wouldn't be a great story. This is when a robbery sparks Fannie to uncover some hidden letters and an amethyst ring in her mother's dressing table. She learns that her mother had a twin sister that she never knew about and that means she isn't without family. She sets out on an adventure up the missouri river with her nursemaid and friend, Hannah. Along the way she learns many life lessons that help her to become a woman that looks beyond the outer shell of appearance and look at the heart leading her to the man she will love and marry.
Mr. Samuel Beck sets out on the steamer to go and determine his sisters safety after she flees when their father and Emma have their last falling out when he is drunk. She takes off with an "officer" Samuel gets employ on a steamer and meets a true friend in Lamar that teaches him life lessons by his actions. Samuel also takes a journey through his mother's bible that leads him to the discovery of his mission to become a preacher. Then he meets Fannie and though they are from different worlds financially and have different views of where life will take them, they lead back to each other. Samuel helps Fannie through learning that her Aunt Eddie is really her biological mother. They meet a doctor who thinks he is in love with Fannie because of her connection with his blind son, Patrick. Emma is found, but only to save her new born baby, and too late for herself. Timing is questioned and hearts are softened. wonderful feel good story.
Miss Fannie Rousseau is a pampered princess, but all that hits the fan when first her father dies and then her emotionally detached mother dies leaving her with an estate that is falling apart and in financial straights. If that was all, maybe there wouldn't be a great story. This is when a robbery sparks Fannie to uncover some hidden letters and an amethyst ring in her mother's dressing table. She learns that her mother had a twin sister that she never knew about and that means she isn't without family. She sets out on an adventure up the missouri river with her nursemaid and friend, Hannah. Along the way she learns many life lessons that help her to become a woman that looks beyond the outer shell of appearance and look at the heart leading her to the man she will love and marry.
Mr. Samuel Beck sets out on the steamer to go and determine his sisters safety after she flees when their father and Emma have their last falling out when he is drunk. She takes off with an "officer" Samuel gets employ on a steamer and meets a true friend in Lamar that teaches him life lessons by his actions. Samuel also takes a journey through his mother's bible that leads him to the discovery of his mission to become a preacher. Then he meets Fannie and though they are from different worlds financially and have different views of where life will take them, they lead back to each other. Samuel helps Fannie through learning that her Aunt Eddie is really her biological mother. They meet a doctor who thinks he is in love with Fannie because of her connection with his blind son, Patrick. Emma is found, but only to save her new born baby, and too late for herself. Timing is questioned and hearts are softened. wonderful feel good story.
August 10, 2011
Fannie Rousseau has been brought up the way most young lady's have in the late 1800's, that running a household and dealing with business and finance are for the men to deal with. So when her mother passes away, Fannie learns that instead of being left with enough money to get by, her father's business has failed and she is left almost penniless.
When she discusses her options with Mr. Vandekamp who has been handling her families finances, his options are selling enough of her families jewels to get her by until next year where he hopes she can find a suitable man to marry. Yet that is NOT what Fannie wants.
She finds some old letters in her mother's room that shows that she has an Aunt she has never met and wants to find her. The problem is she isn't exactly sure just where she is. So she takes a steamboat to Fort Benton along with her maid, Hannah, to where the last known address shows Edie LeClerc was. Along the way she meets Samuel Beck who is working on the ship as part of the crew and soon she finds there is more to Mr. Beck than meets the eye.
I received this book, A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Wilson, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I found the character of Fannie Rousseau to be a believable one who doesn't want what others think is best for her but instead is willing to step out in faith to where her heart is calling her, whether finding Edie or finding love where you least expect it. This one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
When she discusses her options with Mr. Vandekamp who has been handling her families finances, his options are selling enough of her families jewels to get her by until next year where he hopes she can find a suitable man to marry. Yet that is NOT what Fannie wants.
She finds some old letters in her mother's room that shows that she has an Aunt she has never met and wants to find her. The problem is she isn't exactly sure just where she is. So she takes a steamboat to Fort Benton along with her maid, Hannah, to where the last known address shows Edie LeClerc was. Along the way she meets Samuel Beck who is working on the ship as part of the crew and soon she finds there is more to Mr. Beck than meets the eye.
I received this book, A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Wilson, compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I found the character of Fannie Rousseau to be a believable one who doesn't want what others think is best for her but instead is willing to step out in faith to where her heart is calling her, whether finding Edie or finding love where you least expect it. This one rates a 4.5 out of 5 stars!
September 11, 2011
Fannie set the swing in motion again. “What’s it like, Minette?� she asked after a few minutes.
“What’s what like?�
Fannie nudged her friend’s shoulder. “Love.�
Minette didn’t answer for a moment. Finally, she said, “It’s like hearing an echo. As if I’ve been calling for something for all of my life without realizing it...and at last someone answered back. And what he said filled part of me I didn’t even know was empty.�
Fanny Rousseau is busy trying to understand her life. While her best friend Minette is preparing for marriage, Fanny is dealing with the loss of her parents and the realization that her secure world is crumbling down around her. Bills are piling up and she is unprepared for dealing with life alone. Then she discovers part of a family secret and determining to make sense of it, embarks on an exciting adventure like she never imagined. In the process she discovers her inner strengths and draws closer to God as she learns to reconcile with her past. And somewhere along the line she also falls in love....
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from Ms. Whitson. The characters were realistic and believable; the plot was exciting and compelling. This book supplied a satisfying love story while also giving the reader a chance to open her heart to hear some important truths from God.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
“What’s what like?�
Fannie nudged her friend’s shoulder. “Love.�
Minette didn’t answer for a moment. Finally, she said, “It’s like hearing an echo. As if I’ve been calling for something for all of my life without realizing it...and at last someone answered back. And what he said filled part of me I didn’t even know was empty.�
Fanny Rousseau is busy trying to understand her life. While her best friend Minette is preparing for marriage, Fanny is dealing with the loss of her parents and the realization that her secure world is crumbling down around her. Bills are piling up and she is unprepared for dealing with life alone. Then she discovers part of a family secret and determining to make sense of it, embarks on an exciting adventure like she never imagined. In the process she discovers her inner strengths and draws closer to God as she learns to reconcile with her past. And somewhere along the line she also falls in love....
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering from Ms. Whitson. The characters were realistic and believable; the plot was exciting and compelling. This book supplied a satisfying love story while also giving the reader a chance to open her heart to hear some important truths from God.
I received this complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishers for this review. A positive review was not required and the opinions expressed here are my own.
August 1, 2011
The last book by Stephanie Grace Whitson that I have read was A Claim of Her Own, and I loved it! I instantly became a fan of her writing style and her storytelling. I was really happy to finally get a chance to read another book by Stephanie.
A Most Unsuitable Match was a very different reading experienc than A Claim of Her Own, which is a good thing. I appreciate an author who can write stories that are distinct from one to another. The summary on the back cover really did not do the book justice. There was so much going on in the story that made it so much more interesting than two strangers attracted to one another. This story was complex, dramatic and interesting. There was just enough happening to keep me interested on every page, but not too much to make the book feel unrealistic or overdone. There were plenty of surprises and drama, not to mention some action, and of course, sweet romance.
Stephanie is very good at creating characters with depth and heart. Fannie and Samuel were easy to like and their love for one another was natural and endearing. A Most Unsuitable Match is just one of those books that I really enjoyed every moment of. I will continue to be a fan of Stephanie Grace Whitson and her storytelling. This book was a real gem.
A Most Unsuitable Match was a very different reading experienc than A Claim of Her Own, which is a good thing. I appreciate an author who can write stories that are distinct from one to another. The summary on the back cover really did not do the book justice. There was so much going on in the story that made it so much more interesting than two strangers attracted to one another. This story was complex, dramatic and interesting. There was just enough happening to keep me interested on every page, but not too much to make the book feel unrealistic or overdone. There were plenty of surprises and drama, not to mention some action, and of course, sweet romance.
Stephanie is very good at creating characters with depth and heart. Fannie and Samuel were easy to like and their love for one another was natural and endearing. A Most Unsuitable Match is just one of those books that I really enjoyed every moment of. I will continue to be a fan of Stephanie Grace Whitson and her storytelling. This book was a real gem.
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