Deep in the Heart of Trouble

I read this book based on the online reviews I saw for it, and though, hey, as the song says '50 million Elvis fans can't be wrong'....in this case Deanne Gist fans...but boy was I wrong.

I really liked the charachter of Essie. Spunky, defying traditions, independant and fun...she seemed like someone I'd like to meet. The other charachters in the book were all cartoons in a live-action movie. I had a hard time doing more than liking Tony, whose motivations seemed pure and good, but whose personality had as much oomph as flat ginger ale...no spark, no fire...nothing to recommend him in any way or another.

As to the 'lightening quick' secondary romance invoving Tony's sister, it is improbable and, yet again, she and his mother are nothing more than cardboard cut-outs.

Some secondary charachters including Mrs Lockhart and a young boy named Harley make for some good reading, and help this book avoid a one star rating....

I think I'll avoid Ms. Gist in the future.

This was a good conclusion to Courting Trouble. Although, I did find myself 1/2 way through the book feeling it hit a lull...Part of me wanted Adam to come back in this book a changed man and fight for Essie...but I'm not disappointed by the new love that enters Essie's life. While I still think Bride Most Begrudging is her best...DITHOT is still a very entertaining read.

Deeanne Gist has done it again in "Deep in the Heart of Trouble." Please read "Courting Trouble" first to get a handle on the main character Essie, who is also the main character in this story. You'll be taken in from the first page 'til the last! Colorful and full of imagery.

I won't go into the plot here because others before me did such a splendid job, but I will reiterate what a refreshing character Essie is. This is another feel-good book from the enormously talented Gist, who never ceases to amaze with her rich characters and well-researched --- but (almost) always different --- settings. Readers will be rewarded (toward the end of the book) with one of the most powerful, emotionally compelling scenes ever. Gist had me turned into knots, then crying sweet tears of relief.

Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she's known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man's eye.

And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer's oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune --- not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn't know if she's driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope.

That's how life is... DEEP IN THE HEART OF TROUBLE.