Diamond Duo

First of all, I enjoyed this story from page one! Seriously, the characters had me from the beginning. I am a reader who does not always expect a book to pull her in from the first word, I am accustomed to being lulled in, but I didn't get a chance to be wooed this story HOOKED ME immediately!!! I love a good romance, but more than that I love a good story with three dimensional characters and a plot that is believable. This book completely has it all! We meet several characters in this book. I have to say that I enjoyed them all a great deal. It was fun to witness the spectacle of Miss Annie Monroe's arrival through the eyes of young Bertha and her best friend Magda. The stranger inspired awe in many of the town's residents as well as young Bertha. I fell completely into the lives of Sarah and her husband Henry. Watching Sarah struggle with herself was something I have endured myself. She and her husband were working hard to make a life for themselves. Sometimes it is hard to let go of the old and embrace the new. Watching the couple grow together and be blessed was wonderful. They endured a lot in this short story, and their tale gave me chills more than once. The story affirmed in my heart the importance of seeing someone through God's eyes, and never giving up the opportunity to show his love. There are a lot of misconceptions in this story that need to be overcome by the characters, but each thread is tied up well by the end with a promise of more adventure to come. I can hardly wait for the next book! Well done, Marcia Gruver!!!

Marcia Gruver has penned a thrilling romantic suspense western in Book One of her Texas Fortunes series, "Diamond Duo." Bertha loves Thad and Thad is crazy about Bertha. But neither of them knows it. When Annie arrives in town, Bertha is concerned that Thad's heart will be stolen - along with all of the other men. But when a mystery man follows Annie, and a murder thickens the plot, romance will have to take a back seat to safety. This is a charming, witty, solid romantic suspense story with brilliant writing. I can't wait to read it again so I can actually savor it rather than trying to come up with a review by a deadline.

I enjoyed this novel very much. I was drawn in to the lives of Bertha and Thad, two young people who loved each other, but had obstacles thrown in their way. I struggled with Sara and Henry as they came to terms with being Christians in a world where people were unfair and sometimes cruel. And I couldn't help but root for Annie even though I knew her life would end tragically. I highly recommend this book. It's a Christian historical with romance, intrigue, suspense, and adventure, and is based on a real event in history.

Book Blurb: 1877 Jefferson, Texas Bertha Biddie's in love. The fellow seems interested, but something's holding him back. When a charismatic stranger rolls in on the northbound train offering to teach Bertha the art of wooing her man she leaps at the chance. But when the woman is found cruelly murdered, Bertha realizes their meeting held eternal significance. Thaddeus Bloom is way past smitten with Bertha. But his father's determined Thad will be the family's first college graduate. Thad's bound for military school and must leave his feelings for little Bertha behind. Trouble is it's time to leave, and he can't muster the starch to say goodbye. Review: Texas Fortunes means good fortune for anyone lucky enough to read this book from debut author, Marcia Gruver. From start to finish, I was entralled by the author's easy use of dialect, description, and location. This book was obviously well researched, yet the words flowed from the page. I never felt like like I was reading a history lesson. On the contrary! I felt like I'd been transported in time. Great, great read!

No one in Jefferson, Texas is prepared for the eye-catching Annie Monroe as she steps off the train in 1877. A beauty beyond the norm, Annie turns heads including young Bertha Biddie's. Bertha simply must learn how to sink her hook into Thaddeus Bloom and reel him in for life, and she's sure Annie is the keeper of secret techniques for setting that hook. But will Thad even notice? Is he too wrapped up in a world of his own, fighting his father's demands that will take him away from Bertha to take the bait? And what about Sarah King, another resident of Jefferson who is fighting a battle of her own? A battle deeper than attracting a future spouse and a battle that Annie Monroe unknowingly alters the course of. Sarah's battle is one involving prejudice and respect, for not only herself but for her husband Henry as well. Will Sarah learn how to handle the rampant prejudice surrounding her, or will she and Henry succumb to bitterness and despair? And how does the dazzling Annie Monroe fit into this struggle? Diamond Duo is a beautifully written historical rich in authentic period details with well-developed characters, and a plot that keeps you turning the pages. Author Marcia Gruver brings us a bit of suspense, a sweet and unpredictable romance, and life lessons along the way. She expertly weaves the lessons into the book and while you are being entertained by Bertha Biddie's spirit and adventurous nature, you come away with a strong faith message. One among many fully developed characters, Bertha Biddie is sure to capture your heart. She is one of those characters that stays with you long after you put the book down. Her tenacity in bringing Jesus to Annie Monroe sets an example that can and should be applied to hurting people in our world today. Bertha reminds us that all people especially those who feel they're completely unworthy of salvation due to their questionable life style, must learn of Jesus before it is too late. So pick up Diamond Duo. You're sure to be entertained and come away with questions about your own faith and sense of urgency in bringing the Good News to those in need. What more could you ask for in a Christian fiction novel?