Book Review: The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

I received this book for free from the Bethany House Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review.

I had a difficult time putting The Heart's Appeal down, and I didn't want it to end!  I can't give a better recommendation than that.

Julia is preparing to apply to the first women's medical college in London, which is being sued, in an attempt to close it down, for comments made by one of its employees.  Michael is part of the team of attorneys for the plaintiff.  He and Julia meet early in the story, literally by accident.  Their eventual feelings for each other bring about an apparent conflict of interest and misunderstandings.

I like books set in Victorian England, and this one incorporated enough historical figures and events to give the reader a good feel for the times.  The author has done her background homework, and it shows.  I liked how she introduced and developed her characters, who were all interesting, including the minor ones.  Julia is stubborn and plain-spoken, which makes her a bit annoying, but that's part of who she is, so when her plans don't materialize as she envisioned, she struggles with it.  Michael wants to do what will advance his family's fortune and position, but increasingly feels like he's just going through the motions.  There are no generic "throw-away" characters - every one is a unique individual, and I recognized in the characters the personalities of several people I know!

A thoroughly enjoyable, satisfying book!