{This review was originally published May 2011 via The Spunky Diva blog}
A Heart Most Worthy
, by Siri Mitchell {published by Bethany House}, promises to cover a lot of ground, and it fulfills that promise. Covering the lives of three young ladies and their families around the turn of the century.
While I am normally not a fan of multiple main character novels such as this one, I found myself loving this novel. Each character is developed beautifully, and I did not have any troubles following along with the author on their individual and joint journeys. Another point that I found entertaining, was that I loathe books that have a list of characters either at the front or the end. This always seems to be a crutch used by the author to shortcut character development. Not in this case. Each character was well developed as I stated before, and I did not have to refer to the character list even once while reading.
My favorite character in this book was Luciana, the daughter of the assassinated Count of Roma hiding with the Countess her grandmother. Who doesn't want to be a 'princess' to be rescued by her knight in shining armor?
This book was set at an interesting time in America's development. With over four million Italians immigrating in a thirty year time period it is interesting to learn how these new citizens of America brought their culture and social groups with them. Having grown up in a melting pot of people where social groups are not predominate (outside of Seattle) I found this book a great education on what it is like to be part of a family in a strict ethnic setting. Can you imagine in this age of cultural diversity and interracial relationships, being told by your family to not speak with someone of a different 'group'? I can't imagine living in a setting like that. Which is another reason why I greatly enjoyed this book. It took me as a reader and immersed me in a different way of life. One of the great joys of reading.
DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of this book from the publisher to review and keep. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own opinionated opinions.
Author Information from Bethany House Publishers:
Siri Mitchell is the author of nearly a dozen novels, among them the critically acclaimed Christy Award finalists Chateau of Echoes and The Cubicle Next Door. A graduate of the University of Washington with a degree in business, she has worked in many different levels of government. As military spouse, she has lived in places as varied as Tokyo and Paris. Siri currently lives in the DC-metro area. Visit www.sirimitchell.com
Book Synopsis from Bethany House Publishers:
The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek?
