Book Review: Deep in the Heart of Trouble.

Deep in the Heart of Trouble by Deeanne Gist, releasing in June 2008 from Bethany House

(I never repeat the back cover copy. You can read it here. And check out the back cover for Courting Trouble while you're at it--I came closer to that one, but didn't do it justice, I'm afraid.)

God gives a clean slate, but what happens when past sins will affect someone else? That’s Essie’s dilemma. She lives with the fear that if she has to reveal her secret, people will see nothing but the ugly stain.

Deep in the Heart of Trouble takes us back to Texas in the early days of the oil industry. It’s now 1898. In the years that have passed, Essie has committed to living for Christ first and foremost. The growth that has taken place in her character is remarkable—both in her spiritual life and in her relationships with others. She’s wiser, more mature, and has a greater sense of purpose. But she’s still the same head-strong, bicycle-riding gal looking for adventure.

This two-book series is aptly named. Trouble follows Essie around. However, she’s in store for an entirely different brand of trouble than in the first book. She has her hands full running her bicycle club, managing her father’s oil company, and demanding respect from a new hire who’s trying to give her orders.

Almost the entire cast of characters returns. Mrs. Lockhart, with her love of slightly naughty romance novels, takes a bigger role. And we’re introduced to the new characters of Tony Morgan, disinherited oil man looking to start fresh and learn the business from the ground up, and the surly Deputy Howard.

While it technically could stand alone, I wouldn’t have wanted to read it without the deeper understanding the first book gives.

Full of fun, romance and lively characters, the plot moves forward at a pace that kept me turning the pages. With each new book, Deeanne Gist earns her place on my list of favorite authors. This book is much less sensual, for good reason. And I was pleasantly surprised by a touch of a mystery toward the end. A great follow-up to the first book.