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.
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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