Shh! Don't tell anyone that I read Deeanne Gist! Come read my review of "Love on the Line"
I know I probably shouldn't admit this as a red-blooded, God-fearing male - but I secretly enjoy reading Deeanne Gist's books! Love on the Line was no exception - read on for my review of her latest...
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Book Synopsis
as provided by the publisher:
Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.
MY REVIEW
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.
Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)
Book Synopsis
as provided by the publisher: Rural switchboard operator Georgie Gail is proud of her independence in a man's world . . . which makes it twice as vexing when the telephone company sends a man to look over her shoulder.
Dashing Luke Palmer is more than he appears though. He's a Texas Ranger working undercover to infiltrate a notorious gang of train robbers. Repairing telephones and tangling with this tempestuous woman is the last thing he wants to do. But when his stakeout puts Georgie in peril, he realizes more than his job is on the line.
MY REVIEW
Love on the Line was an entertaining, well-written read, and the pages flew by! Gist writes with great skill, and as with her past works, she quickly engages you in the story and makes you care about the characters that leap off the page. I couldn't help but like Georgie with her streak of independence and her refusal to allow society to define her role in life. And, as with Gist's past books, she does a fine job developing the relationship between Georgie and Luke until you can just feel the emotional tension crackling through the pages.
I especially enjoyed the historical aspects of the story. Georgie's job as switchboard operator provides endless entertainment, such as the scene where Georgie kept calling out the nosy neighbor who was listening to the phone conversations on the party line, with her presence given away by her cuckoo clock chiming in the background! The interaction between Georgie and Luke when she states "I'm the telephone operator. I know everything" described her job perfectly, because the switchboard operator truly did keep a pulse on the goings on of a small town, and played a vital role in linking the community. How the times have changed! Luke's undercover job was equally interesting to read about, especially with the clever reversal Gist employs where the lawman is less respected by the public than the notorious robber, Frank Comer, viewed much like a Robin Hood. The ending had a twist and provided a fun resolution, especially when it is revealed that it is based on an actual case and actions of a real Texas Ranger from that era of time! I really admire Gist's depth of historical research and her ability to spin it into an entertaining read.
I did find that the faith issues were only lightly dealt with and felt that this aspect of Luke seemed a bit underdeveloped, and therefore I'm choosing not to give this book my highest rating. While there is much to like about Luke in terms of his bravery, his sense of justice, and his loyalty, there is really no hint here of him being a spiritual leader, which I find unfortunate. However, I did appreciate that the romantic interactions between the couple was limited to kissing, and Georgie even makes the decision to bring those to an end until the future of their relationship has been worked out. This aspect provides a fine example for unmarried people struggling to stay pure in a hypersexualized culture today.
I especially enjoyed the historical aspects of the story. Georgie's job as switchboard operator provides endless entertainment, such as the scene where Georgie kept calling out the nosy neighbor who was listening to the phone conversations on the party line, with her presence given away by her cuckoo clock chiming in the background! The interaction between Georgie and Luke when she states "I'm the telephone operator. I know everything" described her job perfectly, because the switchboard operator truly did keep a pulse on the goings on of a small town, and played a vital role in linking the community. How the times have changed! Luke's undercover job was equally interesting to read about, especially with the clever reversal Gist employs where the lawman is less respected by the public than the notorious robber, Frank Comer, viewed much like a Robin Hood. The ending had a twist and provided a fun resolution, especially when it is revealed that it is based on an actual case and actions of a real Texas Ranger from that era of time! I really admire Gist's depth of historical research and her ability to spin it into an entertaining read.
I did find that the faith issues were only lightly dealt with and felt that this aspect of Luke seemed a bit underdeveloped, and therefore I'm choosing not to give this book my highest rating. While there is much to like about Luke in terms of his bravery, his sense of justice, and his loyalty, there is really no hint here of him being a spiritual leader, which I find unfortunate. However, I did appreciate that the romantic interactions between the couple was limited to kissing, and Georgie even makes the decision to bring those to an end until the future of their relationship has been worked out. This aspect provides a fine example for unmarried people struggling to stay pure in a hypersexualized culture today.
Overall, I strongly recommend this book to readers who have enjoyed Deeanne Gist's earlier works, and to those who have not yet had the chance to enjoy one of her historical fiction books. 4 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:
Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesCircle.
Deeanne Gist--known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee--has rocketed up the bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very original, very fun historical & contemporary romances. Add to this three RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, rave reviews, and a growing loyal fan base, and you've got one recipe for success. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesCircle.
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