A Writer's Review of “Words Spoken True" by Ann H. Gabhart

When I first saw Words Spoken True at Barnes and Noble I thought the cover was beautiful, but because I didn't recognize the author, I wasn't sure if I'd ever get around to reading it or not. I do have quite a pile of books to read that I already wonder how I'll ever get through. But then I kept seeing my author/reader friends on Facebook and Goodreads mentioning it and giving it raving, five-star reviews. So I requested my library hold it for me--and dove right into it as soon as I got it home.

I have to say, I really liked this book... despite some things that usually turn me off. Like politics. I don't like politics, even in fiction. And I don't usually like books where the hero and heroine are "happily willing to be married" halfway through the book. This particular plot twist brought on cheesy love-making scenes in place of the built-up, tension-filled "will they kiss or not?" scenes I like so much. There were also some typos, confusing sentences and lots of "pushing" smiles out of faces and "mashing" all kinds of things throughout the book.

I did love the way Gabhart wrote the main characters and developed their love for one another. Adriane and Blake did seem created for each other. I was, however, looking for more tension between these two would-be lovers... since technically Adriane was caught in a forced engagement to someone she loathed for the majority of the book, Blake was her father's prime news competitor in town, and neither one of them had any money to speak of to pay the large debt her father owed to her fiance's father. In my opinion, there was so much more potential for the "will they end up together or not?" aspects that were hardly touched upon.

Despite all of these gripes, I still liked the book better than some other books I've tried to get into and failed. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. I think that was what kept me reading until the last page. I do look forward to seeing other historical romances from this author in the future.

I give Words Spoken True 4 Stars.