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
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  1. BookLover
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Karen Witemeyer does it again!
    June 3, 2014
    BookLover
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 5
    I'm a huge fan of Ms. Witemeyer's, so of course when I saw this book listed as an upcoming release back in January I was really excited and couldn't wait to read it. The title alone had me curious and when I found out it was about a man who spent his time blowing up engines I was sure I was going to love the book. I'm happy to say that I was exactly right and liked this book very much!

    Nicole Renard is a little bit of the stereotypical heroine. She is a Texan, so she is strong, spunky, stubborn, and determined. What sets her apart is her intelligence and refinement. She isn't one of the pioneer women a lot of people expect in a historical novel set in Texas - the one who carries a shot gun and has a passel of children (though, she does have a dagger). Instead she is smart - almost as intelligent as Darius sometimes, and she doesn't hide it, which I appreciated it. I liked her almost at once. While being all the things I listed above, she is also sweet and caring. I loved how she took care of Darius and stood up to him when he was being bullheaded. I enjoyed getting to know her and following her thoughts throughout the story.

    Darius Thornton is our hero and what an captivating character he is. He is part mad scientist, part gentleman, and part tortured soul, which makes for a strangely compelling combination. I liked him right from the start. We get to know his background in the prologue, so I felt I had a pretty good grip on his characters, but then there's a twist - before Nicole meets him, she is warned about the loony Easterner who blows up stuff on his property! What could be more intriguing? I really liked how analytical he is, but that doesn't stop him from being impulsive too. He is also sweet and kind, when he manages to pull himself out of his work. I also said he is tortured, which is true. He feels responsible for an accident and desires to atone for what he sees as his biggest failure. I really enjoyed this part of the story, because it allows Ms. Witemeyer to explore one of the main spiritual themes in this book: forgiveness. I love this quote from the book, "But when you continue clinging to your feelings of guilt, this God-given mission becomes nothing more than self-imposed penance." Nicole Renard, page 185

    Darius felt so guilty that he wouldn't allow God to forgive him, to make him new. I really appreciated how Karen handled this rather sensitive subject, allowing it to play out in a way that brought resolution, but not without a struggle for Darius. A struggle to accept what God was offering and to let go of the past.

    Nicole also has a struggle to face. She has spent all of her life trying to make up for the fact that she wasn't born the son her father desired. So when he tasks her with finding him an heir (and therefore a husband for herself), she is determined to find the kind of man her father needs for his business, without even thinking of what kind of man she needs for a husband. She also feels the family heirloom dagger means more to her father than she does. I hated that she felt that way and just wanted to shake her father for ever letting her think that, let alone believe it! My favorite part of the story is when her father finally tells her how much she means to him.

    As much as I enjoyed this book, I have a complaint. The romance between Darius and Nicole felt rushed. This book only covers a matter of weeks, so that is to be expected, but it still bothered me a little. They were kissing only a few days after meeting and after the first kiss, Darius decides she is "his match." I'm sorry, but that seems a bit far fetched to me.

    I highly recommend this book if you enjoy historical romance with quirky characters and a compelling story.

    I received this book from Bethany House Publishing for my honest review, which I have given. I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are mine.
  2. Britt98
    Grand Prairie, TX
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Good Story
    March 28, 2021
    Britt98
    Grand Prairie, TX
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    I've had this book on my shelf for quite a while and am glad to have finally read it! I really enjoy this author's books and this is one of only a couple of novels that I had not yet read.

    The characters were quirky, yet believable. Their chemistry was good together and developed over time as they worked on testing boilers for steam engines.

    This story had a bit of everything: danger, romance, and humor, yet it also had serious topics woven throughout it. Darius struggled with survivor's guilt and Nicole carried the burden of feeling as if she was not enough for her father, since she wasn't a son. Definitely an enjoyable tale.
  3. Blooming with Books
    Bloomer, WI
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Cute diversionary story for the weekend
    October 18, 2014
    Blooming with Books
    Bloomer, WI
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Full Steam Ahead

    By Karen Witemeyer

    When Nicole Renard is summoned home because of her father's declining health she little realized the danger she was returning home to. Danger that would quickly send her on a mission - a mission to secure a husband that would protect her family's legacy. But when her enemies cause her plans to change Nicole must rely on her intelligence and quick wits to fulfill her promise to her family.

    But she never expected to have to seek employment with a reclusive madman. But Darius Thornton is not a madman but rather a man obsessed. And Darius's obsession is the unpredictable and dangerous nature of steam engine boilers.

    Full Steam Ahead is a diverting story - great if you want to pass time in a quiet activity. Nicole and Darius are both stubborn in their own way. But this very stubbornness could be what draws them together and it could also increase the danger that they are facing. But both have regrets that is the drive behind their motivations - regrets that they must overcome to find true happiness and love.

    I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.
  4. Teddy G
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Stronger Heroine than expected!
    September 20, 2014
    Teddy G
    Age: 35-44
    Gender: female
    Quality: 4
    Value: 4
    Meets Expectations: 4
    Saturday, September 20, 2014

    Full Steam Ahead - Karen Witemeyer

    Nicole Renard is the only daughter of the successful business owner of Renard Shipping. Rumors abound that her father's success is directly tied to his possession of the Lafitte Dagger, a rumor pervasive enough to drive her father's competitors to threats and violence to possess it themselves. Determined to find her father a worthy heir, in the form of a husband that she chooses, Nicole sets off for New Orleans, only to be waylaid in a small town along the way. The small town where Darius Thornton is known as the eccentric hermit who occasionally blows things up at his property outside of town. Most people don't know that he is actually doggedly pursuing ways to prevent steamship disasters. In need of money to continue her journey, Nicole ignores Darius' request for a male secretary and the town's warnings about him, and proves her worthiness as not only a transcriber of notes, but of a contributor to his experiments. But what of her own pursuit, and pursuers? Will she risk the lives of those she's come to care for if she's found, or will she run away again? And what of the heir for her father?

    Once again, I felt misled by a cover; I expected a much fluffier book, with a sort of wilting heroine. I found much the opposite; Nicole Renard was an intelligent, brave, independent woman, with a strong sense of family loyalty. She was willing to make necessary sacrifices for her father, but with an eye to not sacrificing her own well-being along with them. I loved watching her relationship with Darius develop, as she proved that she was not only capable of copying his chicken scratch, but interpreting it and correcting it as necessary. I may have a weak spot for heroines who excel at math. Ahem. Additionally, watching the other characters come to care for her and her for them made the story warm and gave it depth. Nothing was solved easily, but there was hope for all, and it was enjoyable watching it all come together.

    I give this book 3.5 stars. I'm glad that I picked it up to read, despite the cover!

    I received a copy of this book from Bethany House, in exchange for my honest review.
  5. Mocha with Linda
    Texas
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    4 Stars Out Of 5
    Enjoyable and inspiring read!
    July 31, 2014
    Mocha with Linda
    Texas
    Age: 45-54
    Gender: female
    Quality: 5
    Value: 5
    Meets Expectations: 5
    Karen Witemeyer writes such fun stories, and this one is no exception. I loved the connection to Galveston and was fascinated to discover there were steamships in Texas! Clever character development and verbal sparring between Nicole and Darius sparked plenty of chuckles as I read. On the flip side, the issues burdening their hearts are as relevant today as they were in the 1850's and added depth to the story. Witemeyer deftly weaves a thread of faith throughout, making this both an enjoyable and inspiring novel.

    Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this this book from Baker/Bethany House Publishing as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Displaying items 61-65 of 78
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