Book Review: A Most Unsuitable Match by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Excerpt: As she looked around, Fannie realized how truly shabby things looked. The second-story windows were filthy, and one of the shutters was hanging by only one hinge. Was that a seedling tree sprouting out of that loose gutter? She knew she'd been in something of a fog since Mother died, but this was ridiculous. All of this couldn't have happened in only a few weeks -- could it?

Of course it hadn't happened in a few weeks. Mother hadn't been herself since the buggy accident last fall. But Mother has assured Fannie that Mr. Vanderkamp was taking care of everything. But if he was taking care of things, the account at Haversham's would be current. Clearly, Mother had been wrong.

Fannie headed inside, her sense of dismay tinged with outrage. Mr. Hubert Vanderkamp was paid very well to take care of Papa's affairs. Fannie was certain of that. After all, Papa was a generous man. It was unseemly for someone they'd trusted to take advantage. Mr. Vanderkamp needed to be reminded, encouraged, to do his job. Still, the idea of facing up to him made her heart lurch. He would bring up the topic of suitors again. And Percy Harvey.

Dear Lord, help. Please. I don't know what to do. A Most Unsuitable Match, pg 15-16.

Back Cover: 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: I enjoy a good historical romance, and reading about the early years along the Missouri River was delightful. Whitson's characters are complex and I enjoyed watching them develop as the story unfolded. I do have to say, the back cover description of the story doesn't really tell you what the story is about. Sam and Fannie's travel down the river is just the beginning of the tale. The real story begins once they reach their destination and face even bigger obstacles than those they found on the way. This story has everything necessary to make a great novel - a missing sister, a mysterious aunt, danger on the river, and love in the air. Not to mention a steamboat sinking and an Indian attack. You don't want to miss the adventure!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to readers of historical romance.

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.