Winning the Schoolmarm is a wonderful story of forgiveness, not only from others but also yourself.
Book Blurb
Swirling rumors forced Cecilia White out of the teaching job she loved. She vowed not to get involved with a man again—no matter what. But when the term begins at a new schoolhouse in a new town, disaster strikes. No matter what she does, she can’t seem to escape the handsome, single chairman of the school board.
John Morgan has a secret. He’s not who he says he is. He’ll do anything to protect and provide for his young sister—including cozying up to the prickly schoolmarm.
Sparks fly and Cecilia must deny her heart if she hopes to keep her job. But what’s more important? Duty or love?
My Thoughts
Lacy Williams does a great job of setting up the premise for the novel. I was able to understand Cecilia’s hesitancy to give in to her attraction to John. And she hints at John’s past, but she builds up enough suspense to keep you engrossed, waiting to discover his secret.
When I learned John’s secret, it build the suspense even more. How would Cecilia act? Would she give into her feelings before he told her? Would she pull away? This helped me understand John’s dilemma.
I loved the way Williams builds their relationship, as well as the conflict with his sister Ruth. Even though the reader is never inside Ruth’s head, I think Williams does a great job of showing the reader why Ruth acts the way she does.
As far as faith elements, besides mentions of church and some scenes where the characters pray, there isn’t much of a spiritual arc. I say this because even though I could pick up the subtle message about the importance of forgiveness and it’s relation to Christ, I know some readers prefer a more on-the-nose approach. But this novel is great for those who don’t like preachy books or who want to share this book with a friend who isn’t a believer.
Overall, Winning the Schoolmarm is a wonderful historical romance perfect for fans of Westerns. I think this is a part of a series, but even though I haven’t read any other books by Lacy Williams, I was able to follow this novel. It reads great as a standalone.
(Note: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.)
Further Information
Winning the Schoolmarm releases February 12. Click the book cover to pre-order your copy.
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