Monday, February 20, 2012

Words Spoken True - Book Review

Words Spoken True, by Ann Gabhart, is making its debut as we speak. I have had the privilege of meeting this lovely author and am happy to feature a review today, and a fun interview with her on Thursday. Ann's generously offered a copy of Words Spoken True for a giveaway, so be sure and check out the details below.




Adriane Darcy has a nose for news. Growing up at her father’s side in the pressroom of the Tribune has helped hone her ability to write and report the latest happenings in Louisville, KY.  Miss Adriane is anything but your typical 1855 society flower. She goes through the polite and expected motions, of course, but she’s not averse to disguising as a man and hiding in the shadows at crime scenes to get a scoop.

Blake Garrett’s senses are attuned to the news as well, having worked as a journalist in New York City before relocating to Louisville. He’s well known about town as the controversial editor of the Herald newspaper. Adriane and Garrett haven't met yet, but naturally, each one is curious about the other since the Herald and Tribune have long been rivals. 

Adriane and Blake finally meet at a fundraiser, and although both resist it, sparks seem to fly, much to the chagrin of Adriane’s intended, Stanley Jimson. Jimson is the milquetoast son of a local candidate for senator. Adriane is a reluctant party to the engagement, and struggles to keep her head above water amongst the rising tide of wedding plans and society’s expectations.

Meanwhile, Garrett works to investigate the mystery of the River Slasher, a ruthless killer who has claimed the lives of several young Irish women. Blake also targets Jimson’s father’s campaign in his editorials, for he senses corruption is afoot. Garrett's father, a newspaperman as well, raised him to stand up for the truth.

Blake and Adriane are thrown together in social and other unexpected circumstances, and despite Adriane’s wariness at consorting with this rival editor, they form a cautious friendship. As Stanley and Adriane’s wedding date draws near, the city’s political unrest escalates into a near frenzy. Trials and sorrow follow, and even allies cannot be trusted.

Words Spoken True is a departure from Ann’s normal fare, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I am happy to say, though, that I enjoyed it very much. Ann creates engaging characters and paints a picture of historical Louisville that surrounds and entertains the reader. She is indeed a talented writer.

I liked the main players immediately, and found their strengths and flaws believable and similar to my own. Were there twists and turns? Oh my, yes! This book was hard to put down. I was riveted by one scene in particular, and admired Ann’s ability to pull it off so seamlessly. I give it two thumbs up!


Giveaway Details
  • You must be a follower and leave a comment, with email address, on this post.
  • Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by commenting on Thursday's interview post, sharing this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please include link with your comment where applicable.
  • Open to residents of the United States.
  • Deadline to enter is midnight EST, Friday, February 24, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 36 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, February 27.

Don't forget to stop back on Thursday for the interview with Ann Gabhart! 

Are there any events in your area's history that would make a good fictional story?

Blessings,

 Karen

36 comments :

  1. Ann is such a wonderful writer and lovely person, isn't she. Nice review.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sounds like a lovely read!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Annie,
    Yes, she is! So glad to have met her in person. :)

    Laura,
    It is! Check it out if you are so inclined. :)

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  4. It does sound like a great read. I love historicals. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Aha! A couple of my favorite things...mysteries and newspapers! I'm intrigued already.

    And I follow you (of course I do!). My email address is rschrockmt@yahoo.com. I'll check back later for that interview.

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sounds like an exciting intrigue! I'll recommend this to readers I know . . .look for a link on my blog on Wednesday pointing to your blog and this book.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lydia,
    This might be the kind you like, then. Ann's a great writer! :)

    Rhonda,
    Yes, I think you might be interested in this one. Got you on the list. :) Thanks, friend!

    Tyrean,
    It is - lots of action and other good stuff! Thanks for sharing it!

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  8. This sounds like a great book. I love the journalism angle and the mystery. Looks promising.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi, Annie. Fun to see you here and your DearHelenHartman name. Hope that's going well for you. Such a fun idea. Thanks for the pat on the back or maybe the nice things you said were more like a hug.

    Lydia & Lbdiamond - I hope you'll enjoy the story if you get a chance to read it. The history is compelling and in ways timely as well.

    Rhonda - I must be intrigued by newspaper people too. I seem to always be putting a newspaper person into my stories.

    Tyrean - how nice of you to recommend my book and to put a link on your blog back to Karen's. I enjoy meeting new readers and hearing comments from all over.

    Nancy, glad Karen's review got you interested. Hope you'll enjoy the story if you get a chance to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Karen, thanks so much for having me over to visit. I always enjoy talking to you and your friends. I appreciate you reading and reviewing my book and then letting me come over for a few words too. I'll be back to see if things are hopping over here again in a little while.

    ReplyDelete
  11. This sounds like a great book! I'd love to be entered. :)

    sarah at sarahforgrave dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Karen, Thank you for the opportunity to win Ann's newest book. Hoping to win. Love her writings. Carmee Ross miaross1961@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Ann, I read "The Outsider" and really enjoyed the story. I already have Words Spoken True on my wish list and can't wait to read. I love this time period in our history and love to read mystery, romance and suspense in my stories so I know this will be a great book.
    Thanks for the oportunity to enter giveaway.

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. tweet
    https://twitter.com/#!/misskallie2000/status/171689875031064576

    I am a follower (Brenda)

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Shared on FB(Brenda B. Hill)

    https://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=274948439244459&id=1424713340

    misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Ann,
    You are so welcome! It's always a pleasure. :)

    Sarah,
    It is! Added you to the list! :)

    Carmee,
    Nice to meet you, and thanks for following. I've got you on the list!

    Miss Kallie,
    Thanks for following; it's nice to meet you too. Appreciate you spreading the word! Your name is on the list.

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  17. I like Ann's Shaker books. I also read Angel Sister. I would like to read this one also. I always learn from historical fiction. Seems like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Shared on Twitter. https://twitter.com/#!/kdonelson/status/171697571339841537

    kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    Also, I don't know of any events in my area for historical fiction. Sorry we are so boring.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Shared on Facebook:
    https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=298654296866022&id=575570496


    kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi Karen,
    Ann's book sounds fascinating. Your review is great, and I love the look of the cover.
    I've been a follower of yours for quite awhile, and I'll be back on Thursday to read the interview.
    Thanks for introducing me to Ann's work.
    Donna v.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Kristie,
    Thanks so much for passing this info along! I appreciate it. It's good to meet you; thanks for following. Added your entries to the list. :)

    Donna,
    As always, thanks for stopping by! I am happy to make the intro. Ann is one sweet lady and talented writer!

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is Another wonderful opportunity to show Ann's writing talent and another chance for me to win my own copy;-)
    Congrats Ann!
    Connie
    cps1950@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. This is Another wonderful opportunity to show Ann's writing talent and another chance for me to win my own copy;-)
    Congrats Ann!
    Connie
    cps1950@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. What fun to see so many comments here, Karen.

    Miss Kallie and Kristie - thanks so much for reading some of my books. I do appreciate those of you willing to give my different books a try.

    Donna, glad Karen introduced us too. Hope you'll enjoy the interview Thursday. Thanks for your interest in the book too, Sarah. Good luck in the drawing.

    Carmee and Connie, I appreciate both of you checking out the blogs where you might have a chance to win a book. One of these days it will be your turn to have the luck of the draw.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hard to put down... that gets everyone's attention :) Thanks for this review Karen.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Connie,
    Nice to meet you! Do me a favor when you have a minute, if you don't mind, and follow my blog - it's a requirement for an entry. :) Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

    Marja,
    It was hard to put down, and I enjoyed it thoroughly! :) You are so welcome!

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great review, Karen. The cover looks wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  28. What's so wonderful is without you, Karen, I wouldn't be introduced to such wonderful books and interesting authors. This story sounds wonderful. I love reading about story, courageous and innovative women.

    Joylene Nowell Butler, Author

    cluculzwriter at yahoo dot ca

    ReplyDelete
  29. what can I say? it's early here. I meant strong, courageous and innovative women.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Rachna,
    Thanks so much! I agree, the cover is very nice. :)

    Joylene,
    Glad to be of help! Hope you get a chance to read this one. Adriane was strong and courageous, and definitely innovative for her time.

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you for visiting my blog :-) You have some very well-written and comprehensive reviews on here!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Marja, I like that "can't put it down" line too.

    Thanks, Rachna. Baker Books did a great job with the cover.

    Joylene, I like stories about strong character too. I always like to have my heroines figure a way out of their complications without necessarily being rescued by the strong hero. But being rescued by a strong hero sounds very romantic, doesn't it?

    Hi, Li. Thanks for reading Karen's review of my book. Hope you'll come back for the interview Thursday.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Oh, I love this kind of novel--please enter my name, and thank you so much!

    jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com

    Retweeting, which also goes on my FB page.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Li,
    Thanks for stopping by! Enjoyed my stop at your blog. :)

    Jen,
    Got you down, girl! Thanks for spreading the word!

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hi Karen and Ann - sounds such an interesting book to read - I'd love to .. but I'm overseas .. one day I'll catch it - good luck with the sales etc .. Cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hilary,
    It really is. I highly recommend it if you get a chance to read it! Thanks so much for coming by!
    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!