Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer Book Review/Giveaway

Courting Miss Amsel

Go back to the time of one room schoolhouses, small towns where everyone knows everyone else's business, before women were allowed to vote and the town council decided the fate of the teacher.  Courting Miss Amsel by Kim Vogel Sawyer is that novel!  Edythe Amsel worked her whole life trying to leave her family she was forced to raise to be an independent school teacher.  She came to Walnut Hill with one goal in mind- to teach, and do it well.  According to the townspeople, her teaching methods were unusual, but the students learned and enjoyed going to school for once.  Despite many invitations from eligible young men, Edythe refused male attention so she could focus on her career.  She wasn't prepared to meet Joel Townsend who was the endearing uncle of two of her students.  They became good friends and secretly held crushes for each other until Joel finds out some surprising facts about Miss Amsel that alter his pursuit.  Despite the misbehavior of a head strong student and her continued "radical" teaching practices, Edythe remains confident.  It isn't until a tragic situation brings her to her knees before God and allows her to finally embrace Him and the attentions of a certain young farmer.

I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this book.  There was drama, suspense, comedy and romance.  Kim's writing style is full of colorful descriptions and fascinating interactions of the characters.  She captured the spirit of the era by providing an inviting setting in a small town.  I found it interesting and equally delightful that the main character was not a Christian, but through special circumstances found God's way.  Because teaching was my former profession, I was taken in by Courting Miss Amsel.  Kim Vogel Sawyer is my new favorite author!

*This book was provided to me free of charge by Bethany House Publishers for purpose of this review. This is my honest opinion of this book and no monetary compensation was received for my opinion.*


Win it:  I am having a giveaway for this book.  Open to US only and giveaway ends Sunday, May 8. (Note: book will be sent at the end of the month)

To enter: Be sure to click on all the links before filling out the entry form.



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