Book Review: A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: August 1, 2011

Synopsis of Book as provided by the publisher:

Miss Fannie Rousseau is a young woman of privilege traveling west to uncover the truth behind a family secret. Mr. Samuel Beck is on a mission to atone for past failures that still haunt him. Their meeting aboard a steamboat to Montana sparks an unlikely attraction. They are opposites in every way... except in how neither one can stop thinking about the other.

Will the end of the journey bring the end of their relationship, or is it just the beginning?

MY REVIEW:

It is not often that I finish reading a book and pause to savour the unexpected way that it has moved me. A Most Unsuitable Match is one such book that turned out to be so much more than I thought it would be. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of reading a novel by Stephanie Grace Whitson, as I previously assumed her books would be “too romantic” for me to truly enjoy. I was wrong.

Whitson has crafted a superb novel that has something for everyone – adventure, mystery, love, and flawed characters we can relate to. The different subplots and threads of the character’s lives were expertly woven together, and the pages simply flew by. I got so caught up in Fannie’s story that I ended up reading the book in one sitting because I wanted to see how everything would resolve. And in the end, what struck me most were the threads of grace visible throughout the book as characters forgave each other and found hope for the future despite their own flaws and shortcomings. The line that has stuck with me most was uttered by Fannie’s faithful housekeeper, Hannah, who tells Fannie, “but land sakes, child, if the good Lord couldn’t use fools and foolishness, He wouldn't get much done”. Thank God He does use our foolishness, and that His grace is there no matter who we are and what we do.

Readers who enjoy well-written historical fiction should plan on curling up with this entertaining and poignant read. I highly recommend this book, and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephanie Grace Whitson, bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist, pursues a full-time writing and speaking career from her home studio in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her husband and blended family, her church, quilting, and Kitty—her motorcycle—all rank high on her list of "favorite things." Visit www.stephaniegracewhitson.com for more information.