A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

Can I just say this is hands-down my favorite of Melissa Jagears books I’ve read? And I’ve read several. I’ll be honest, probably the thing I loved best about this book was the Pride and Prejudice vibe: Wealthy man who has his opinions about the others in the church and a tenacious woman who is on the brink of poverty herself but refuses to back down from her mission.

In order to secure a future in spite of her mother’s failing healthy and father’s chronic gambling, Lydia King is set on winning the heart of a local politician. His mother, who makes no secret of her dislike for Lydia, gives her the task of securing a donation for the Teaville Moral Society from the town’s wealthiest man.  She’s not asking for much, surely Nicholas Lowe will help those less fortunate than himself.

But Nicholas prefers to help others in his own way, not through the condescending ladies at his church, but Lydia Kings proves to be a persistent little thing. When he gives her a means of compromise, both Nicholas and Lydia begin to realize their short-sightedness and prejudices. And as they spend time together, their friendship grows into more than either of them expected.

While they both have their flaws, Nicholas and Lydia are likable characters (because Jagears isn’t afraid to show their humanity to readers). As the two begin to let go of their own prejudices and see through the eyes of the other person, they both become even better people for it. A wonderful read that has me looking forward to the next in this series.

A Heart Most Certain is available in bookstores and online now.

***Bethany House Publishers provided me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest and fair review. All opinions expressed are my own.