Deep in the Heart of Trouble: A Novel

Deeanne Gist
Bethany House (2008)
ISBN 9780764202261
Reviewed by Bethany L. Canfield for Reader Views (8/08)

 

What is life worth if you don’t get down and dirty? Well, as far as Essie is concerned, life that is not lived is not life at all. She is not content to sit and watch the men do the hard work, or ride bicycles, catch snakes, go fishing or own oil companies. She sets it clear from the start that she is a woman who does not have the need to fit into the social standards of that day. “Deep in the Heart of Trouble” is a historical romance novel that engaged me and kept me wanting more the whole way through. I have actually never read this genre before, but this book was a great introduction into the scene. I enjoyed the writing, simple and straightforward, not flowery and over-dramatic at all.  I felt the pace was speedier than expected in a historical romance novel.

Deeanne Gist does an excellent job with character development; each character becomes alive and feels like a whole person, not just a made-up, one-dimensional book being. Through the character development the reader is brought to trust, hope and enjoy each person described, filling the pages of “Deep in the Heart of Trouble” with an honesty and sensitivity that will not be forgotten.

Life, morality, trust and integrity are traits that shine through the entire book.  It is easy to be captivated by their luster. It is fully enjoyable to read a book that does not threaten my moral standpoints over and over. I wish there were more books out there like this, creative and captivating because of the writing and characters, and not the steamy sex scenes and over-extended violence. “Deep in the Heart of Trouble” by Deanne Gist was pure joy to read, it really was.

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