Tuesday, March 3, 2015

A Heart's Disguise





















Book Review: A Heart’s Disguise
Author: Colleen Coble
Genre: Literature/ Fiction (Adult)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Publication Date: March 3, 2015
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 (Good)
Pros: Flowing scenes, quick read, entertaining story
Cons: Very predictable, plot seemed a bit rushed

            The Civil War has destroyed Sarah Montgomery’s marriage before it’s even begun. After Sarah receives word that her fiancé, Rand Campbell, has been killed fighting for the Union, her brothers and ailing father persuade her to pledge herself to Ben Croftner—despite her strong misgivings. But when Sarah finds out that Rand is in fact alive—and that Ben Croftner knew it—she indignantly breaks off the engagement and goes in search of Rand. But when Ben Croftner does not take rejection lightly—and a single woman with a sick father makes an easy target. When Sarah is abducted by her treacherous fiancé, Rand finally comes to her aid…only to reveal that he has been posted at Fort Laramie, Wyoming, and intends to take her there as his wife. But could Sarah leave her dying father’s side for the love of her life? And what plans are forming in the jealous heart of Ben Croftner?
            Colleen Coble’s most recent series, Journey of the Heart, is a collection of short books all tying together the historically romantic suspense story of Rand and Sarah. Set during the Civil War, the story is introduced in the first installment of this series, A Heart’s Disguise. When I first requested this book, I was not expecting it to be a part of a series with so many installments. I admit, I was a little wary when I found that out. Especially when I realized A Heart’s Disguise was not the modern suspense novel I am used to seeing from Colleen Coble. Reading a series of six books in this style was not something I was starting to look forward to. However, A Heart’s Disguise is a very quick read at only 90 pages. The series is basically a long novel broken up into sections. After reading it, I was pleasantly surprised. I did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did. It is written in such a way that it doesn’t end, building up the suspense for her next book, A Heart’s Obsession. That technique worked, because now I know I have to read them all.
            The story begins by introducing Sarah and her plight. Detailed, yet distinct descriptions of her home and some of her background provide the setting and her history in a quick way that draws the reader in, yet isn’t the boring introductions I often see in this genre. The book as a whole moves along very quickly. The scenes flow easily without extra wordiness, although a bit rushed. The plot had no twists, just moved on from one thing to the next without many obstacles. As this was the first book in a series of its kind, I am assuming that it is an introduction to the series. I am expecting more action in the books to come.
            Because the book was short, the characters were not strongly developed. Again, that would be because this is only the first out of six installments in which the characters will have plenty of time to develop. From what I could tell from A Heart’s Disguise, Sarah is a meek and gentle person who seeks to please others. Even though she is still mourning the death of her beloved, Rand, and couldn’t possible think of marriage, she accepts Ben Croftner’s proposal to please her dying father. She believes that since she has no hope of happiness left, the least she can do is make her family happy. What she doesn’t know is that Ben is a selfish man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. She can’t see through his façade, although I clearly could. Even when Rand reappears in her life, she still defended Ben, even though she didn’t love him. Coming back from the dead and seeing the girl he loves with another man’s ring on her finger, Rand doesn’t know what to think. Rand’s love for her proves stronger than his jealous anger, however, and he forgives her.
            A Heart’s Disguise’s many conflicts sets the stage for the rest of the books in the series. The love triangle of Rand, Ben, and Sarah mixed with Rand’s presumed death, Ben’s lies, and Sarah’s almost marriage are a tight bond of problems that appear hard to break. Although Sarah didn’t love Ben, he was obsessed with her. Not in love, but in a competitive desire to win her as a prize. The romance between Sarah and Rand is just beginning, and I am expecting their love to blossom in the books to come. There is not much of a spiritual focus in this book, except that we know Sarah is bitter at God for not protecting Rand. Her friend Amelia is obviously a Christian, and seems to have an influence over her spiritually that will probably affect Sarah in the next installment.

            A Heart’s Disguise was a surprisingly entertaining and quick read. I am very anxious to continue reading the story in the next installment, A Heart’s Obsession, to see what is going to happen between Rand, Sarah, and Ben. Although I wouldn’t mind owning this book and the rest, it is not on my list of books to buy anytime soon. The plot of this book is very predictable, albeit entertaining. I am not expecting the rest of the books to be as predictable since this first book was introductory, but I am curious to see.


I received a complimentary copy of A Heart's Disguise from Thomas Nelson through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

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