A Worthy Heart (Courage to Dream)

Disclaimer: I received a free advance ebook in exchange for a review. All opinions are, as always, my own.

I rate A Worthy Heart four out of five stars. I enjoyed the book; I really did. But I struggled coming into it as Book 2 without having read Book 1, Irish Meadows; I will, of course, go read that next, and I’m sure it will fill in some of the inevitable blanks/gaps I experienced. So the one-star knock-off is not because I overlooked its Book-2 status; rest assured.

My biggest struggle with A Worthy Heart was how every single main character seemed to have a broken engagement in their past. I felt that the circumstance became trivial, its significance lessened, as it was so often repeated.

The plot pacing for A Worthy Heart was a show more little slow for me at first, but I soon got pulled in, and by a third of the way in, I couldn’t put the book down. Characterization was well-done and thought-provoking; being single and in my early 30s (I definitely just caught myself adding three extra years to my age on accident when I first wrote that!), it made me think about what I might unnecessarily let stand in the way of a relationship. (Not that anything’s in the works; it’s not, and that’s fine! However – it’s something to keep in mind if/when something does come down the pike.) Keeping close to God is of the utmost importance, and I trust that He will lead with perfect timing, just like Maggie/Adam and Aurora/Gabe in A Worthy Heart.

Aside from my two issues (broken engagements and slow pacing at the beginning), the book is great fun. I read it on the bus ride home for several days, and couldn’t wait to find out what happened. My heart ached with the trials each character experienced (have no fear, no spoilers here!), and rejoiced with their triumphs.

I definitely want to read more of Mason’s work. Upon a cursory review of Amazon search results, Book 3 – entitled Hannah’s Choice – is releasing in May. Hooray! I’d been hopeful for another book in the series; more stories could certainly be told about current characters, and I’m looking forward to meeting new ones. show less

A Worthy Heart was a book that I never wanted to end, and wish there was another book in this series, such a joy to page turn!
This is the second book in this series, and yes I loved the first, and they can both stand alone, but they are so good you will be quickly attached to O’Leary family.
Two more members of the Montgomery family arrive from Ireland and quickly become involved in this growing family. We are updated on what has happened since we left Irish Meadows, and now Colleen and Rylan have adopted delightful Delia.
We are reunited with the outcast of the family Adam O’Leary, as he is released from jail. Now I did not like Adam in the previous book, but he appears to be a changed man? We are about to discover what he is really show more about.
This story has a bit of everything, a few romances, and we wonder who will end up with whom. There is a stalker, and we meet the famous Mary Brown, a real person, and the sad wake she leaves behind.
I really enjoyed this book, the characters are so rich and real, and I felt I was walking the streets of New York City, and entering St Patrick’s, I could almost hear the organ playing. Don’t miss this one!
I received this book through Bethany House Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason is the second book in Courage to Dream series. It is June of 1914 and Maggie Montgomery has just arrived in New York City from Ireland. Maggie broke off her engagement to Neill Fitzgerald and came to America for the summer (or so everyone else believes). Maggie does not plan on going back to Ireland. Maggie is looking forward to reuniting with her brother, Rylan and his wife, Colleen. Gabriel "Gabe" Montgomery accompanied his sister to America. Gabe is a fireman and is eager to see the equipment used in the states. Then Gabe runs into Aurora Hastings. Aurora wants to be a nurse, but she is a society lady. Her father, of course, expects her to marry well (like the doctor who is interested in her) and show more makes sure that Gabe knows his opinion of him. Gabe is attracted to Aurora, but there is little chance of her family approving of the match. However, fate seems to keep throwing them together especially after Gabe rescues Aurora from a fire in her home. Adam O'Leary has just been released from prison and wants to make amends with his family. Adam (he is Colleen's brother) and Maggie meet each other at Irish Meadows. Maggie is warned to stay away from Adam (and Adam is warned to stay away from Maggie). Their paths continue to cross and love starts to bloom. Is there a chance of love and a happily-ever-after for these two couples? The four of them will have many obstacles to overcome. They will need to have faith and believe that God has a plan for them.

A Worthy Heart is a lovely novel. It is well-written and enjoyable to read. The story line is predictable (but it did not bother me), but I still liked it. It has a sweet ending that will have you making a happy little sigh (the kind where you close the book and sigh with pleasure at a good ending). I give A Worthy Heart 4 out of 5 stars. A Worthy Heart has engaging characters and a good setting. I liked the time period (1914). The author did a good job of showing what life was like during this time period. It was interesting to learn about early fire fighting techniques. While A Worthy Heart is the second book in the series, you can easily read it as a stand-alone book. However, the first book is a pleasure to read and will help you understand Rylan, Colleen, and Adam. I see more books by Susan Anne Mason in my reading future.

I received a complimentary copy of A Worthy Heart from the publisher courtesy of The Book Club Network, Inc. In exchange for an honest review of the novel. show less

Maggie Montgomery is off on a trip to New York accompanied by her brother Gabe. She needed to get away from a man who she didn't care to become invoked in. The story is set in the early 1900s and the details that the author gives about this time period is picturesque . Maggie is keeping a little secret from her family that has stayed back home in Ireland . Will they be devastated when they find out her intentions?

Maggie is a very strong willed young woman with a determined spirit. I loved her character and how the author really played up her character traits with grace and elegance. Her brother has a big dream of becoming a firefighter back in Ireland. Will his dream come true, or will someone change his mind and stay in New York?

The show more story has several characters that will have an encounter with each other as the adventure keeps us mesmerized. The addition of Aurora Hastings and Adam O'Leary from IRISH MEADOWS to this book is a wonderful treat as we get to know them better. Their characters are interesting and a key ingredient to a well thought out storyline. Does Adam's checkered past make him an untrustworthy person? Can he repair his relationship with his father? It is a great historical romance book filled with love, determination and faith. I must mention how breathtaking the cover of this book is.

I received this book from The Book Club Network for an honest review. show less

This historical romance was a pleasant, easy read. It is the second book in the series Courage to Dream. Even though I have not read the first book, it didn't make it difficult to follow the story, though reading the first book would have made this bit more enjoyable. The characters were well developed nd easy to understand. Even the minor characters were more than just names, you feel like you actually understand them. A well editied book is always a plus in my estimation. This book didn't disappoint. The edititing was fantastic. The words were easily understood, another plus for me. The story also showed the forgiveness of God. It was well developed in the plot. There was a bit of mystery, a small touch of violence, family turmoils show more and romance, all neatly wrapped in this book. The one thing that disappointed me was that I was left wondering about one of the minor characters. It was hinted at what my have happened, but never fully explained. I would recommend this book. I was given this book in exchange or my honest review through bookfun.org. show less

This is a beautifully written book that will touch your heart. This is book two in the series Courage to Dream. It is about forgiveness, betrayal, courage, strength, and the power of God's love. I couldn't put it down, I loved the story line and characters. I am definitely getting book one!
This book is set in New York in 1914 prior to WWI. Maggie Montgomery and her brother Gabe are coming to America from Ireland. They have come to see their brother Rylan and his wife Colleen and their adopted daughter Delia who is 8. They run an orphanage. Gabe is here just for a visit because there is Civil War brewing back in Ireland and he wants to fight if needed. Maggie on the other hand is staying in America but hasn't told anyone of her plan. show more She wants to stay and teach and play music as well as find love. As soon as they land she is off looking for work but soon runs into her ex fiancé Neill Fitzgerald who can't seem to take NO for an answer! You would have thought that an ocean would have worked??? Despite this she perseveres and soon comes face to face with Adam. A man that from the start everyone is telling her to stay away. But there is something about him that draws her in and despite him being a criminal she sees the good in him. She knows there is kindness in his heart. Will Maggie be able to help him see the good in him and that he is worthy of forgiveness and love? Everyone seems to be finding more on this adventure to America. Then tragedy strikes the orphanage, a typhoid fever breaks out and spreads. The O'Leary's and The Montgomery's will face a lot and need to stick together. They will have to forgive, be patient, and most of all pray. God will show them they have not been abandoned.
This is a wonderful Historical Christian book that will have you from page one till the last and beyond. I can't wait for book three later this year.
I recieved this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. show less

Maggie Montgomery and her brother Gabe are thrilled to finally visit New York, with Ireland on the brink of civil war and Maggie wanting to escape a broken engagement there is no better time to visit their older brother in America. Rylan and his new wife run an orphanage and Maggie and Gabe plan on not only visiting but helping out where needed, little do they know that Maggie is wanting her stay to be more.. permanent. She immediately sets off looking for employment but she quickly runs into trouble, her ex-fiance. As if her heart wasn't already battered enough, the nice man she met at her sister-in-law's house turns out to be a convict. Will she never find anyone suitable? Or is there more than meets the eye? Despite everyone's show more warnings she and the felon, Adam, (also her sister-in-law's brother) start to become friends. Just when they think they might be able to make things work, a horrible bout of typhoid wreaks havoc on the orphanage. Will God be able to see them through? Will Gabe and his new love interest be able to weather the storm? Set in pre-world war I New York this Christian romance will have reader's asking for me. It is the second in an installment, but I was able to read it just fine without having read the first one first.

For fans of inspirational and historical romance.

I received this book for free from Bethany House Bloggers in return for my honest, unbiased opinion. show less