1. Full Steam Ahead
    Karen Witemeyer
    Bethany House / 2014 / Trade Paperback
    Our Price$15.00
    4.7 out of 5 stars for Full Steam Ahead. View reviews of this product. 78 Reviews
    Availability: In Stock
    Stock No: WW209673
4.7 Stars Out Of 5
4.7 out of 5
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Quality:
4.7 out Of 5
(4.7 out of 5)
Value:
4.7 out Of 5
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Meets Expectations:
4.6 out Of 5
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96%
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Displaying items 11-15 of 78
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  1. An Old Fashioned Girl
    Minnesota
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Humor, adventure, and heart
    June 2, 2014
    An Old Fashioned Girl
    Minnesota
    Age: 25-34
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    The only child of a shipping magnate whose health is failing, Nicole Renard promises her father to seek out a husband in New Orleans who will serve as a guardian for both the Renard business and family heirloom, a Jean Lafitte dagger. When her father's ruthless business rival forces her on a detour that leaves her stranded and fundless, she determines to pay her own way to New Orleans. Hired by an eccentric, young scientist on a crusade to make the boilers of steam ships safe, Nicole transcribes his nearly indecipherable notes, corrects mathematical errors, and in general assists him with his research to earn enough money to pay for a ticket. Darius is shocked to discover the woman - and a very attractive young woman, at that - is the perfect secretary for him, but he knows that she is hiding something from him. As their attraction grows, all he wants to do is protect her, but will her stubbornness override the tug on her heart?

    Part of the fun of historical novels is learning something new, and given the rising popularity of Steam Punk, I thought it a great choice on the author's part to focus on steam for her subject matter. It was interesting to learn about the troubles regulating steam boilers - that there were so many variables and factors contributing to the explosions that it was impossible to narrow down to one or two easy fixes, which I'm sure contributed to the invention of safer alternatives. I knew that originally steam travel was quite dangerous, and eventually it became much less so, but it never occurred to me the complexity of finding the solution to safety.

    Witemeyer does an excellent job creating fun characters and excitement. This story feels particularly adventurous, with legends of old pirates, secluded experiments, grand explosions, and complex plans to dodge wicked pursuers. I especially liked Darius, who, though initially somewhat cranky, proved both an amusing and sympathetic character, a strong hero, and a man worthy of admiration. Nicole is a cute and spunky heroine, and it is easy to connect with her insecurities - does not every girl want to be loved? Especially by the most important men in her life - father and husband? I was a bit surprised by the amount of romantic tension between the Darius and Nicole (more than generally found in the author's other books).

    Driven by guilt after his failure to save a child's life in a boiler explosion, Darius sets God aside to punish and just maybe redeem himself through finding a way to save many lives. Thus he pushes himself to learn all he can about boilers and what regulations could make them safe, but what he truly needs is to accept God's forgiveness and forgive himself. The feeling of guilt is a powerful thing, whether deserved or not, and it can eat away at a person's soul. However, Jesus came to set the captives free - and that includes those held captive by guilt!

    Witemeyer writes another winner! A lovely balance of humor, adventure, and heart - 5 out of 5 stars!

    Thank you Bethany House for providing a free copy for an honest review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.
  2. Rebecca Maney
    Gastonia, North Carolina
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    "Full Steam Ahead" was a Blast to Read!!!
    May 27, 2014
    Rebecca Maney
    Gastonia, North Carolina
    Age: 55-65
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    "You make me better, Nicole. Not just a better scientist, but a better man. You challenge me, encourage me and help me dream of the future instead of the past." Now what woman would not want to hear that???

    When Nicole Renard flees her Galveston home, complete with a treasured family heirloom; she determines to make her father proud by marrying the right man and ensuring the future of his successful shipping company. When original plans go terribly awry, and she lands on the front porch of the eccentric Darius Thornton, she determines to mask her true identity and "stow away" long enough to earn sufficient funds to continue on her journey to New Orleans. However, her quick mind and sharp wit immediately catch the attention of the tormented Darius.

    Darius Thornton, son of a New York shipping magnate, has sentenced himself to quarantine in the small town of Liberty, Texas while he continuously experiments with various methods for preventing boiler explosions aboard steamboats. Having been the victim of a horrendous explosion himself; Darius lives with continuous guilt after failing to save a young passenger. When he employs Nicole as his "secretarial assistant", the sparks begin to fly; literally, and the secrets between the surface of their pasts become incrementally exposed. Will Darius be able to convince Nicole to lay aside her unrealistic campaign to save her family at all costs? Will Nicole realize that her dreams for her family's future are standing right in front of her?

    Read and enjoy this fast paced and yet gently written tale of love, forgiveness, danger and suspense in Karen Witemeyer's latest novel; "Full Steam Ahead". It was a pleasure to receive this book from the author and publisher to read and review.
  3. Cat Mommy
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Love This Book!
    November 14, 2017
    Cat Mommy
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    This book is definitely my favorite Karen Whitemeyer book. Funny,suspenseful and great characters.
  4. Debs a Cajun
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Best Historic Adventure Comedy!
    May 17, 2016
    Debs a Cajun
    Quality: 5
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Spunky, thrilling chases, & excellent characters!

    Don't miss this great read...
  5. cm
    5 Stars Out Of 5
    Fun and enjoyable
    February 18, 2016
    cm
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    A great book. It is fun and fast paced.
Displaying items 11-15 of 78
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