Historical Romance
Date Published: 10/1/12
Synopsis:
Posing as a widow, Eliza Danton flees an abusive marriage determined to bury the past and live a solitary life on the Minnesota frontier. When she finds herself homeless, her livelihood threatened and her safety compromised, she relies on her only resource, a man who stirs a forbidden longing and rocks the very foundation of her well-laid plans. As her world shrinks with lies and deception, the only way out is the truth, but the truth may strike a deadly price.
Haunted by a tragic past, Will Heaton hides his scarred heart and vows never to love again. But a chance encounter with a mysterious widow awakens painful memories and a yearning he can’t ignore. When she’s harassed by the same man he believes killed his wife, he grabs at a chance to resolve past mistakes and possibly find love and redemption in the process.
As Eliza and Will struggle to trust again, the past returns with a renewed vengeance, testing them in ways they never thought possible.
Eliza by Joyce Proell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot give a book like this enough praise! It is everything a historical romance should be. I honestly don’t know of anything that would make the book better–definitely a worthwhile read with a great story, amazing characters, and a wonderfully romantic ending!
Let me highlight the best things about this book. First of all, profanity is nearly nonexistent. And if there is any, it is so mild that I did not really notice it. Secondly, there is no sex! None! Even beyond that, the characters don’t even think that having sex outside of marriage is right! Yes! More books like this, please! Temptation exists, for sure, but I am so glad they waited. And finally, prayer actually occurs. I love it when historical books include God (even if the book is secular). You cannot divorce God from the history of the world, and I get very tired of books doing that. This book casts God in a good light–also something that a lot of historical books don’t do. I can’t thank the author enough for including these things in her book.
I was delighted with this book from start to finish. It showed the independence of women and even how lying is not always the answer. Eliza is one strong woman, and Will is a fantastic guy. I enjoyed the humor and pathos of the story, and I hope to read more books by Joyce Proell.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, an all opinions are 100 percent mine.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
After bearing witness to countless extraordinary stories as a social worker and mental health therapist, Joyce quit to pen her own made-up tales. The worlds of historical romance and romantic suspense are her bailiwick. Her books feature lively, determined women, unafraid to challenge the status quo, and the men they love. She is a 2015 RWA Hearts through History winner.
In addition to writing, she loves to swim, walk and finds baking almost as relaxing as a day at the spa. When she isn’t traveling, she can be found, along with her husband, at home in Minnesota, in her own little house on the prairie.
