MY REVIEW:
The second book in Jennifer Delamere’s London Beginnings series, “The Heart’s Appeal” features sister Julia Bernay, a nurse determined to go to medical school and become a doctor. On scene at an accident, Julia saves the life of a young barrister and later seeks his help with Latin so she can pass entrance exams. Theirs is an unusual relationship for many reasons including what could be a huge conflict of interest that could destroy Michael’s career. Both Julia and Michael are focused on achieving their dreams but will love get in their way?
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Heart’s Appeal”. For several chapters I was convinced I preferred the first book of the series “The Captain’s Daughter” but after reading the entire book, I decided it was equally as good. I certainly look forward to the third installment and hope it will be released soon.
The characters were well rounded and included several strong supporting ones. I enjoyed reading about the obstacles faced by Julia and Daniel and the ways they managed to overcome them. It was also inspiring to see a change of heart in some of the characters and in one case, reconciliation.
“The Heart’s Appeal” is an excellent read and I recommend it to all historical fiction lovers.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
London, 1881
He Never Expected to See Her Again. Then She Appeared with a Most Unexpected Request. . . .
Strong-minded and independent, Julia Bernay has come to London to study medicine and become a doctor–a profession that has only just opened up to women. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick action saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. It’s only later that she learns he could be instrumental in destroying her dreams for the future.
Coming from a family that long ago lost its status, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to regain the path to wealth and recognition. His latest case puts him in the middle of a debate over the future of a women’s medical school. He’s supposed to remain objective, but when the beguiling and determined Julia reappears with an unexpected entreaty, he begins to question what he’s made most important in his life. But Julia may be hiding her own motivations. As the two are tangled into spending more time together, will their own goals be too much to overcome?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, An Heiress at Heart, was a 2013 RITA Award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, A Lady Most Lovely, received a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.
