I’ve previously read Ann Gabhart and I chose this book because of the author, more than the description. In this regard the book met my expectations. I deeply appreciated Elena’s character growth. Though she had no desire to be married and was content with a “small” life as a spinster in the family home, she was thrown into a journey that challenged her assumptions and shook up her complacency. Elena gains a new perspective on the relationships around her and her own place in the world. Kirby and Andrew are also characters that show considerable growth in this novel and I applaud Gabhart’s skill in taking us on a journey of development.

I also appreciated that I could actually place myself in every scene. The descriptions were natural and engaging. It’s not every author who can take you inside the character’s heart and mind while also placing you clearly in the physical space around them.

On the other hand, I felt like this novel suffered a bit from an identity crisis. Midway through the novel I wasn’t sure what the driving narrative was meant to be. I assumed it was Elena and her relational choices, but then a mysterious young woman shows up and steals the show. All of a sudden the novel becomes focused on the mystery and all the other story-lines take a backseat. I understand from the postscript that the author was including real historical events, but honestly it felt like the book was trying to accomplish too much and couldn’t decide which story to tell. Both narratives were interesting and Gabhart did a fair job of trying to weave things together, but personally I think the competing narratives disrupted the flow of the book, especially as the mystery remained a mystery and left me feeling a bit dissatisfied with a loose thread that felt like it hadn’t belonged in the first place.

This book has a little bit of everything.

Romance – yes.

Adventure – yes.

Mystery – yes.

Family, values, and identity – yes.

Would I recommend the book? Yes.

Is it Gabhart’s best? I don’t think so, but it’s still good.

I received a free digital copy of this book for review. My opinions are my own.

I wasn't sure what to think as I began reading this book... This story was not exactly what I expected! There was mystery and intrigue as well as some romance! Not what I remember from previous Ann Gabhart books, but definitely good!! If you like historical fiction with some mystery and romance, I recommend this book.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy of this book! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Just finished this excellent book. It was very entertaining and had a clean and enjoyable storyline. As Elena's widowed mother realized her financial situation was becoming very dire, she feels that if her daughter, Elena, would find herself married to a wealthy man, their problems would all be resolved. So they spend their summer in a beautiful health resort called Graham Springs where there are dances and opportunities to meet someone to marry and enjoy the healing spring water. As the story proceeds, there is mystery and intrigue is this Kentucky setting. The characters were engaging and of course, in pursuit of Elena. But is money the only reason to marry or will love win out? This was a story that I totally enjoyed and that keeps me reading books from this author! Loved it.
I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

Review coming soon! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advance review copy. Opinions are mine.

This is a story of how one woman faces an uncertain future. There is a love triangle, but somehow it is not as tiresome as most are to read. The author does a great job of fully developing the characters. So while you may not like all of them, you do understand their motivations. There is some Christianity and religion mixed in, but it does not detract from the story.

This is an amazing book filled with suspense, intrigue, a mystery, and more! Most of the book is set in Graham Springs, a beautiful health resort. I could easily picture myself strolling through the garden and getting my portrait drawn! It reminds me of Saratoga, NY, with its healing waters.

The characters are written brilliantly! Ann Gabhart always writes characters that I become invested in. It's really hard to pick a favorite, but I'd go with Elena. She's a no-nonsense kind of woman. Despite the immense pressure from her mother to marry a rich man, she refuses to settle. Real love is what she's looking for. General Dawson is my second favorite. He's lonely and hoping to find love at Graham Springs. Honorable mention to the cat, Princess Cinderella; a true hero!

I really enjoyed the author's note! History amazes me all the time, especially the story of the woman who died at Graham Springs mysteriously.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book from Revell through Interviews and Reviews via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'll be honest, love triangles are not typically my cup of tea... but this story drew me in right from the beginning and while a love triangle certainly plays a big part of this story, I found that it was done well and I really didn't mind it. This story was a fantastic blend of historical elements, a hint of mystery, romance... and family relationships as well. I really loved that little bit of mystery that was added in... and was fascinated to learn that this mysterious woman and the tragedy that happens in the story were actually based on real events. Finding this out in the author's notes at the end only made me appreciate this story all that much more. It was a beautiful book that kept me intrigued from start to finish and one that fans of Christian historical romance are sure to want to check out.

**ARC received via Netgalley for consideration. All opinions are my own.

I love faith based Christian fiction, and this is a go to author, she sure didn't disappoint.
I could just see the desperation of a mother left a widow with four children and debts.
Will Elena be the answers to their family needs? We meet her mother and darling younger sister, and then we are off to Graham Springs, a place that made me think of Greenbrier WV, a resort with healing water, and plenty of eligible men, men with money?
I loved references to eastern whip-poor-will, among other birds, and beautiful roses!
This is in away a love story, there is also some tragedy, but we will wonder whom our girl will choose. I loved the surprises, that the author gives us, but to be honest it was exactly what I was hoping for.
Such a great read to get lost in, and when the last page is turned, I wanted to continue on in their lives!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Revell, and was not required to give a positive review.

Historical fiction about a young woman who travels to a health space to find a husband to save her family from poverty. While there, she finds three possible suitors and becomes involved in a mystery. I enjoyed the story, and the author's note in the end was enlightening.

I liked the historical aspects of this book and was interested to find out that there is actually a true element that is mentioned in the acknowledgements by the author. I always love when part of fiction bounces off some real tidbit. Another element of the story I appreciated was that I could imagine that these characters actually were in the predicaments they found themselves in. The demands of family did weigh on unmarried children in those times. The bit of mystery involved kept me turning the pages.
I really enjoy Ann Gabhart's writing, and appreciated the chance to read this story early as part of her street team.

Fantastic story as always!
A slow start to it but once I got into it took off.
I learned about a new place in Kentucky that I'd never heard of.
Gabhart has a way of enticing her readers into her stories and never letting go.
I really loved and appreciated this story as it took me back home for a bit. I really miss Lexington.
I loved Elena and Ivy from the get go. Two special sisters that will always stay in my heart along with Andrew.
"No spinster corners for you.” She was smiling now. A beautiful sight. “If I haven’t
already fallen off that cliff into love, I am tottering on the edge.”“I’m glad, Andrew.”
Love can find a way in the strangest of places.
A bit of mystery and faith added in to make this a page turner that kept me fascinated with this new place. I was sad to leave my new friends.
I love being transported back in time.
5 stars for a job well done! I highly recommend.
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.

Bible verses from the Gospels influence Gabhart’s story, reminding us that God needs to be a part of our day, especially when we feel alone and incapable of reaching our full potential.

There are three threads running through this 5-star novel: healing, pretense, and constraint.

Firstly, I loved Gabhart’s focus on healing. Each visitor has come to Graham Springs, Kentucky to take advantage of the waters and receive healing. For some, a heart has been broken by grief, for others, it’s been fractured by betrayal. Regardless, the rejuvenation allows each to leave whole.

I also appreciated Gabhart highlighting pretense and reminding readers that pretending to be who we aren’t, rarely works out in the intended way. Although the readers know the guests’ financial situation, I was still drawn in, waiting to see if the deceptive protagonists knew the roles they were playing would have to end and if they ended satisfactorily. The unexpected roadblock in the story reveals the characters' hearts and shows how flexible they are when their intended plans need readjusting. Gabhart gives us all a lesson here.

I’m always drawn into a story where a character feels constrained by society and desires to break free from expectations. Gabhart was able to capitalize on vulnerability and independence and play each trait off the other to produce a compelling narrative. She showcased the beauty of true love, loving the one you marry, and the concept of leaving our worries in God’s hands.

Perhaps most of all, I appreciated the places where the narrative stopped me in my tracks and made me reread and contemplate or understand my reaction. For example:

“Love is for those who can afford it. Or those who care nothing about having the finer things in life.”

“A woman willing to marry for money rather than love is hardly a lady.”

The references to birds (Bobwhite) and birdsong were the Easter eggs I was expecting, the dancing lady brought a smile, and the discussion about being a stingy bloomer will stay with me. This wonderful story featuring a love triangle between Andrew Harper, Kirby Frazier, and Elena Bradford is one you’ll want on your reading list.

I was gifted this copy by Revell and was under no obligation to provide a review.

This new book by Ann Gabhart is set in Kentucky, but not in the poverty-stricken areas of Appalachia. This time the action takes place at an elegant resort where the wealthy go to drink or bathe in the waters that are advertised for their healing properties. So the atmosphere of the novel is different than the Appalachian books with their eccentric yet lovable old grannies and young, needy children.

I enjoyed reading this book, with likeable characters (as well as those you’d rather avoid), a mystery and good plot twists to keep up the reader’s interest, and three possible suitors for Elena, who has a hard time seeing herself as desirable (after all, everyone has already been calling her a spinster for several years). Most of the main characters mature and change in positive ways during the book, which I always appreciate.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #ThePursuitofElenaBradford #NetGalley

Ann H. Gabhart has a way of making her characters come alive and burrow into your mind so that you find yourself thinking about them even after putting the book down. If you happen to be reading this book prior to going to a prayer meeting, try to put the book out of your mind until you get home so you won’t embarrass yourself by requesting prayer at church for Elena who finds herself in quite a predicament several times. Yes, the story will grab your attention and hold it until the end. Elena, with her mother and her younger sister, had come to Graham Springs for the summer so that Elena might attract a suitable, wealthy marriage partner in order to keep their family out of the poorhouse. General Dawson was quite the character as he sought to dance with almost every lady present at the balls held every evening at the famous Springs Hotel. I typically focus more on suspense and action, but this book is billed more as a romance. However, I found enough mystery, suspense, and action woven with the romance to keep my attention and interest at a high level. Even the romance had a certain element of mystery about it as each of the main characters attempted to find information about potential partners without being obvious about it. Somehow, even a cat got in on the action. I got a chuckle when Elena was in a jam and the cat brought her a dead mouse, apparently thinking she was about to starve and would enjoy the same kind of food that it liked. Of particular interest to me is the fact that my wife, our daughter, and I lived about a half-hour driving distance from the former site of the Springs Hotel in the early 1970s and never knew of its existence. My point is that the book is about an actual historical place with a real historical character, Dr. Christopher Columbus Graham. How interesting to learn some more Kentucky history from a novel. I suppose I was much more interested in the role Daniel Boone played in Kentucky history than the role of the various healing springs around that area where people went to take the waters and look for romance. I enjoyed the story. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.