Courting Trouble by Deeanne Gist
This book was amazing! It’s probably the best book I’ve read so far in 2011! If you haven’t read this book then I think you should go and purchase your copy today!
Essie is an old maid – she’s just turned 30 and she wants a husband right now! Her desire for a mate spurns her to do a number of things to catch a man: she keeps a list of all of the town’s eligible bachelors along with their positive and negative traits. She offers help to the owner of the general store – hoping her employ will develop into a relationship with the shopkeeper. Her impulsive behavior continues with other men, resulting in her making some dreadful mistakes that haunt her throughout the story.
Essie is wild, carefree, and she loves to ride her bicycle! I never knew that riding a bike could prove so scandalous back in historical times. She loves the outdoors and she loves snakes and bugs and all sorts of things. Her behavior is not one most men would consider for a mate.
I found myself carried back in time and I really felt for Essie and her desire to have a husband. Back then, most people married young, and she was considered an outcast because she was a scandalous old maid and although she has admiration from many of the males in the town, she doesn’t receive many offers of marriage.
I felt the characters in this book were so well-developed and the dialogue was superb! The shopkeeper Hamilton, the cowboy Adam, and Ewing – the nemesis from her childhood, all have a unique role in Essie’s life. I also loved how Essie really cared for people – she has a soft spot for Harley, an orphan in the story, and there were other things she did that showed that she really cared about people.
The book is funny, entertaining and the story just draws you in. I savored every word of this book and after I was finished, I found myself going back, reading certain passages that stuck with me – it is EXTREMELY RARE for me to do this! This is the first book I’ve ever read by this author and I’m anxious to read more stories by Deeanne Gist! I have the sequel on my to-be-read pile. I’ve had this book for a few years now, but never got around to reading it until last weekend and I’m so glad I did! What a pleasant way to spend my time!
Have you read this novel? If so, what did you think about it?
Product Description
Tired of Waiting for a Match-Made-in-Heaven,
She’ll Settle for One Made in Texas
Whether it’s riding bikes, catching snakes, or sliding down banisters, Essie Spreckelmeyer just can’t quite make herself into the ideal woman her hometown–and her mother–expect her to be. It’s going to take an extraordinary man to appreciate her joy and spontaneity–or so says her doting oil-man father.
Unfortunately such a man doesn’t appear to reside in Corsicana, Texas.
It’s 1894, the year of Essie’s thirtieth birthday, and she decides the Lord has more important things to do than provide her a husband. If she wants one, she needs to catch him herself. So, she writes down the names of all the eligible bachelors in her small Texas town, makes a list of their attributes and drawbacks, closes her eyes, twirls her finger, and … picks one.
But convincing the lucky “husband-to-be” is going to a bit more of a problem.
Join Deeanne Gist for another unforgettable tale and find out whether Essie’s plan to catch a husband succeeds or if she’s just Courting Trouble.
I loved this book. There are three total that are connected to Essie, I believe. I remember Deeanne got some not nice reviewers getting all over her for this one because of what that one guy did in duping her. I found it very realistic. Then again I haven’t lead a sheltered life like some folks. I appreciated the point of view she offered in that regard.
I’ve read all of Deeanne’s books. You’re hooked now 🙂 You must finish Essie’s story!
no she didnt think the Lord work meant to ignore the hubby. this sion
I read Courting Trouble, as well as the sequel Deep in the Heart of Trouble. I loved how Deanne Gist created a heroine that didn’t quite fit the conventions of her time. Essie had spunk, goals, intelligence, and imperfections. Her mistake caused tremendous pain and ostracism, but she overcame it with God’s forgiveness. This is the first time that I ever saw this issue handled so well in a Christian historical.
Deanne’s other novels also feature these “edgy” heroines. They’re fun and refreshing reads.
YES!!!!! I have read all but one of Deeanne Gist books! She is always a must read first. Never put her in a pile,lol. I know she is known as an edgey christian writer but she is so good. She doesn’t get bogged down in too much detail and keeps you entertained all thru the book. Did you know there is a sequel to the book? Its called Deep In the Heart of Trouble! Its excellent also.
Lisa/Oklahoma/sugarplumtree032000@yahoo.com
SPOILERS BELOW:
@ Michelle, I believe most could relate to the cowboy dumping her….they just don’t want to admit it. Or, they may feel the situation doesn’t have a place in Christian fiction and that’s why they’re offended, even though the situation exists?
@Anne – I have the second book in this series. I plan on reading that one later this year.
@Sidne – I’m not sure I understand your comment? Are you referring to the characters in Courting Trouble?
@ Brandi, I agree with you. And I look forward to reading ALL of Deeanne’s books!
@ Lisa – yes, I’m still trying to understand why I liked the book so much. The writing was great, but, as you said, Deeanne doesn’t get bogged down with a lot of details and yet the story flows quite nicely. I’m still going over my favorite passages. The courtship between Ewing and Essie was my favorite part of the book. Why? Not sure. I just enjoyed reading about the two of them.
~Cecelia Dowdy~
I love Deeanne Gist. I’ve since read all her books and hyperventilate when I see a new one in the bookstore. Here is my review.
Deeanne Gist is a great author. This is the second of her books I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down. Nothing about her stories is formulaic. For a Christian book, it was shocking. The way she told of the downfall of the character was so believable, I wanted to yell at the book to stop her from making such a mistake. It follows the consequences of sin, and shows that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we’d expect, even when there is forgiveness. I highly recommend this, and have, already.
Cecelia, I jumped over to your blog from Wendy’s post this morning! Love your website/blog!
And I adore Deeanne Gist’s work! Yes, after “Courting Trouble”, I was indeed hooked! She’s very detail-oriented without letting the descriptive narrative take over. I’ve got another Gist book in my reading basket at present!
Blessings to you as you write also!
This comment, from PIAFINN (http://www.blogger.com/profile/09638789927330476915) was lost when blogger was down. I’ve copied and pasted it here:
I love Deeanne Gist. I’ve since read all her books and hyperventilate when I see a new one in the bookstore. Here is my review.
Deeanne Gist is a great author. This is the second of her books I’ve read. I couldn’t put it down. Nothing about her stories is formulaic. For a Christian book, it was shocking. The way she told of the downfall of the character was so believable, I wanted to yell at the book to stop her from making such a mistake. It follows the consequences of sin, and shows that God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we’d expect, even when there is forgiveness. I highly recommend this, and have, already.
Cecelia, I received the books today that were won on your blog giveaway. Looks like I will have plenty of summer reading material now. Thanks again. It is most appreciated.
dianad8008 AT gmail DOT com
Diana D., I’m glad you received the books and I hope you enjoy them. Stop by and visit often at Cecelia’s Christian Fiction Blog!