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The Heart's Appeal
The Heart's Appeal
The Heart's Appeal
Audiobook10 hours

The Heart's Appeal

Written by Jennifer Delamere

Narrated by Rendah Heywood

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

()

About this audiobook

Julia Bernay has come to London to become a doctor--a glorious new opportunity for women during the reign of Victoria. When she witnesses a serious accident, her quick actions save the life of barrister Michael Stephenson. He rose above his family's stigma, but can he rise to the challenge of the fiercely independent woman who has swept into his life? Strong-minded and independent Julia Bernay comes to London to study medicine and become a doctor--a profession that has only just opened up to women. She witnesses a serious accident, and through her quick actions saves the life of an ambitious young barrister named Michael Stephenson. Coming from a family that long ago lost its money and its respectability, Michael Stephenson has achieved what many would have thought was impossible. Hard work and an aptitude for the law have enabled him to rise above his family's stigma and set him on the path to wealth and recognition. But his well-laid plans are upended when the accident brings Julia into his life. Michael soon discovers he's met a woman every bit as stubborn and determined to make her mark on the world as he is. Sparks fly--but will they find common ground?
LanguageEnglish
Release dateMar 6, 2018
ISBN9781501965951
The Heart's Appeal

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Reviews for The Heart's Appeal

Rating: 4.40625004375 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

32 ratings11 reviews

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  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is my first book to read of Ms. Delamere’s and I must say I was very impressed! Since this is the 2nd in a series I definitely want to read the first one, “The Captain’s Daughter”.Julia is a strong woman, in determination and faith. She is going to need both to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor in 1881. Women’s doctors were frowned upon and faced great opposition. There were few places they could go to medical school and be trained. Already a competent midwife/nurse (both of which were acceptable according to society) Julia had a master plan. She was going to get into medical school then head to Africa as a missionary to heal souls and bodies. This is her passion. With little in the way of money but lots in the way of motivation she forges ahead. Her master plan is in place until one faithful day when involved in a subway accident she saves the life of Michael, a handsome, wealthy lawyer with plans of his own that do not include God. He desires to marry well and be a huge success. Julia is intrigued by him and after the accident persuades him to give her lessons in Latin (which she sorely needs for her upcoming exam). It turns out he is the very attorney on the case to close down the women’s medical school she is working so hard to enter! They find themselves falling in love but their path is scattered with many complications greater than the conflict of interests. There are so many things I liked about this book! Foremost, how faith and dependence on God was key throughout the book. I found it ironic that Julia was a woman of prayer and sought the Lord in all matters, yet she had left Him out of HER life plan. A trap I feel many of us fall into at one time her another. I loved the fact that she was raised in George Mueller’s orphanage; no wonder she had such a strong walk with God! It was inspirational to see her commitment to the Lord with all people no matter how they ridiculed or rejected her. She truly lived Christ. Michael to me represented the standards of the world even today: money, fame, achievement, all without God. In both their lives I saw how we can make all the plans we want, but will step in and change them to His. Sometimes His intervention may come in the form of problems and difficulties. This was much more than a wonderfully written historical romance! There was danger, mystery, and a totally unpredictable plot! I loved it! I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The heart leads where one least expects, against all odds. This is what Julia Bernay and Michael Stephenson discover in 1881 London. Julia saves Michel’s life in an “underground” accident. Too soon she discovers he is part of the firm suing to close the college for women doctors, the very college Julia hopes to join the next year. I found Julia a little presumptuous in her assessment of doctors who already had their licenses when she had as yet to go to medical school. It was gratifying to see that she was willing to challenge some outdated medical notions, but I personally would have liked Julia to be a little more humble in her approach towards people. There were plenty of spiritual lessons packed into the book. One observation particularly resounded with me.“This room was stuffed with objects, yet there was not one that hinted at spiritual inquiry. She actually felt sorry for them, despite these outward trappings of success. Without a spiritual life, what was the point?”It was neat to read of the connection made with George Müller’s orphanages, and some of the real-life lessons he taught the children. Said Mr. Müller, “if an answer from God is a long time coming, the best way to pass the time is to keep busy helping someone else.”Sometimes the lessons seemed to be the main point of the book, as opposed to fit into it seamlessly. Others may disagree. Overall, still a good read.A couple of great, unexpected twists in this book. These really enhanced the storyline and message.I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, with no positive review required. This did not influence my opinions, for which I am solely responsible.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the first book I've read by Jennifer Delamere and believe me, it won't be the last. The Heart's Appeal is the second in a series, but since I was privileged to be given this book, I did not read the first book. That does not matter at all. The characters were interesting and believable. They held my interest throughout the book. As in any good book, you get a mix of personalities and this book did not disappoint in that manner.Another thing I liked about this book was that it wasn't a typical romance. It was about a women in the 1880's and how they were trying to break out of the mold set for them. This book was about women wanting to become doctors, not totally, but this was the theme. The book held my interest from cover to cover. I always try to comment on the editing. This book was very well done. Would I recommend this book, yes, most definitely.. If you like historical fiction and/or a good romance, you will enjoy this.Last, but certainly, not least this is a Christian book. Was it preachy? No, did it have sound doctrine, yes. Was everyone in the book a Christian, no. Did everyone end up a Christian, no.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the type of book that I don’t want to put down. I loved Julia and Michael. I loved to learn a little about how the law worked in London in this time period and what it took to train to be a doctor. It was nice to see Michael become closer to God. It was also nice to see Michael’s sister learn to not be so class oriented. I look forward to reading Cara’s story and learning more about their father. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    If you’re looking to be inspired by a strong heroine who is ahead of her time, this is the perfect book for you! I really enjoyed this second book in the “London Beginnings” series by Jennifer Delamere. I have read the first one, but this could easily be read as a standalone.As I stated above, Ms. Delamere writes a strong female heroine that women will love! Julia Bernay is a woman trying to become a doctor in Victorian England. Julia cares more about intellect than finding a suitable husband or worrying over her personal appearance. Even though she is smart and determined, she also has a very strong faith. She is bold about her faith and really tries to live it out. Throughout the story she prays, remembers scripture, wants to be a medical missionary and boldly speaks God’s truth to others. Our hero, Michael Stephenson is an equally powerful man who is a barrister. He is skeptical of religion in the beginning and is challenged to think on where his heart and his treasure are. I love how Ms. Delamere shows, through several couples in the book, that couples can pursue different and individual professional careers and still have a happy relationship.“The Heart’s Appeal” has some great themes and lessons. It addresses the topics of women’s rights, class and gender. It was a bit slow at times for me, but it’s such a great story that it was worth it to read through until the end. There’s a great lesson about not always being true to oneself above all, but first being true to God and then finding one’s true self in Christ. I especially love the lessons Julia learns about her mission field and trusting God!Content: I give this book a PG rating for some content. Some examples of the content are: a lot about blood and wounds as the main character is studying to be a doctor; a husband says his wife doesn’t allow him to be as “affectionate” as often as he would like; mention of prostitutes and venereal diseases; talk of someone possibly committing suicide; people drink alcohol; talk of a man possibly being drunk; talk of people cursing, but the word is not written; a man suggests smoking Cuban cigars; a person is possibly illegitimate; mention of drinking in a person’s past; a person accidentally kills someone.Rating: I give this book 4 stars.Genre: Christian Historical Fiction; England; Romance; VictorianI want to thank Jennifer Delamere, Celebrate Lit and Bethany House Publishers for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    A delightful read! I loved this story from start to finish. Ms. Delamere hooked me instantly and kept me turning the pages long into the night. The Heart's Appeal is a story that will make you smile, make you think, make you want more of this fabulous author's work. Julia and Michael are complex and wonderfully chiseled. The interactions between the two were beautifully done, and the story line was rich in historicaly detail. The way that Ms. Delamere pieced Julia and Michael's story together, was captivating and delicately done. These characters, this story line, the history, the inspirational messages woven throughout, all made this story one that I will turn to again and again. It played out like a movie, and the characters all came to life, bringing me into the heart of the story right along side them all. This is a 4 star novel that I recommend to all! If you want a book that will suck you in, and keep you hooked until you're reading the last page, then look no further than the talent of Ms. Delamere and The Heart's Appeal. It's sure to leave you wanting more! *I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This is the second book in this series that I have read and enjoyed, and there is a third sister, so there is hope of another book.Again, the author has set this read in 1870’s England, definitely a man’s world, and there are those that will do all they can to keep it as such.Our heroine is a woman, Julia, who heart’s desire is to be a doctor, and she uses her skills to save the life of the man that is destined to help her, Michael.There are twists and turns and several surprises and bombshells, and misguided intentions, but we hope for the Lord to work on these people’s hearts, and we are there to watch things unfold.Now I wait patiently for the third sister, and her story.I received this book through Net Galley, and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received this book for free from the Bethany House Blogger Review Program in exchange for an honest review. Full disclaimer, I did not read the first book in this series, which is about Julia’s sister but this did not affect my comprehension of this book. You could read this book as a standalone if you wanted to and still be able to enjoy it. I always love historical fiction novels about women forging their own paths, so naturally I liked this. I enjoyed the medical aspect of the book. At times it felt like I was watching a medical drama, which is a good thing! Character-wise, I liked Julia overall, but at times I found that she could be a bit annoying with her brutally honest personality. I really loved Michael and how his character developed throughout the book. I found Julia and Michael to be a very well-matched couple. I also loved that the author went with a dual POV for these two characters. You got to know each of them really well. For the supporting characters, I loved David and Mr. Anderson. I appreciated the discussion of women’s rights and hardships during this time period. At one point the female characters talk about coverture. Lisette brings up, “By the laws of England, you and everything you own will be his property with as he likes” (130). Later in that same scene another character, Mrs. Fawcett mentions, “Other women may decide to remain unmarried to pursue a career, and others will marry and prefer to focus on home and family. Can we truly fault any of these choices? What we must be advocating is simply for the right of women to be able to decide for themselves what is best for their lives” (131). Amen to that!As a side note, there was a description of a library that I wanted to share. Every time I encounter a library description in a book I always end up sharing it in my review. The books states, “Bookcases two stories high held hundreds of leather-bound volumes. A sofa and leather chairs were comfortably arranged near an impressive stone fireplace. Tall windows looked onto the expansive garden. Julia immediately thought that if she were ever asked to describe her idea of heaven, it would look just like this” (281). I agree 100%. Overall, this was a great historical fiction novel that focuses on a strong female making her mark on the world and finding love unexpectedly.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    How many of you have seen an accident and hesitated to stop and render aide? As we step back in time to the late 1880s we find a young woman who finds herself a witness to an accident. I loved how Julia did not hesitate to help the injured when disaster strikes. She is a very gifted and determined young woman. Her actions save the life of Michael Stephenson and another woman on that fateful day. I admire Julia for her quick thinking and confidence. Her desire to become a medical doctor is within her reach until something gets in her way. I always enjoy stories about women in a different time period who pursue a career that is frowned upon by some simply because they are female. Julia will have a battle to overcome and she will need strength and guidance to not let her dream be taken away.Michael is thankful for Julia's abilities to save his life after an accident happens. He is a true gentleman and wishes to pay his debt of gratitude to Julia. I loved how Julia was able to get Michael to help her with something that would direct her to becoming a doctor. Michael has a prestigious career as a barrister. He is ambitious and I really liked his energy to be the best at his job. It was very refreshing to read how Julia shared her faith with Michael. She reminds me of a gentle soul who cares for others without hesitation. What happens when Julia finds out that Michael could cause the school she wants attend to become a doctor be shut down? Family is very important to both Julia and Michael. When things start to heat up with the upcoming court case, will Michael turn his back on Julia? I could feel the anguish from both of them. Their feelings for each other have grown strong but something may tear them apart. The story is like a magical scene of Lords and Ladies as they try to find their standing among the aristocrats. The author brings out a lovely look at the rich and famous during this time period in a way that captures the curiosity of many. I was stunned when the earl said to Julia "You're another of those females who simply will not understand your place. You ought to get back home to your family " I can assure you that did not sit well with Julia. The story is very captivating and written with historical details that make the characters so realistic. You don't want to miss this enchanting story of a very determined woman who wants to prove that women are qualified to do jobs that will help save lives and open doors for others to reach their destiny. The ending is one you don't want to miss as the court decides if the London School of Medicine for Women will remain open or close their doors forever. Sparks fly between Julia and Michael as they find themselves on opposing sides What will the verdict be? You can find out by grabbing a copy of this mesmerizing story.I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Title: The Heart’s Appeal (London Beginnings #2)Author: Jennifer DelamerePages: 384Year: 2018Publisher: BethanyMy rating 5 out of 5 stars.The London Beginning series begins with the novel titled, The Captain’s Daughter. Here, in the second book, readers get to focus on the middle sister, Julia, whose hope is to become a physician and go to Africa as a missionary. The year is 1881 and in London women were to be home or if they wanted to do some work, there were few opportunities. Julia is attending a school that helps women become prepared to practice medicine as a physician at a time when that field was dominated by men. Women could become nurses and even a midwife, but becoming a doctor took perseverance and hard work.Julia was raised with her other sisters in Bristol at the George Mueller orphanage where needs were met by asking only one Person…God. Julia is asking God to provide the means for her to attend school and practice medicine, though Julia originally thought that being married with children was something she couldn’t have at the same time. When she saves the life of a barrister and he wants to repay the debt, the only thing Julia asks for are lessons in Latin. From there, the story begins to lead the audience into a deeper story that is the heart of other characters as well as their pasts.The themes of faith, prayer, forgiveness and more are inextricably woven into the novel set in the Victorian Era. I was drawn into the interesting brother and sister relationship of Michael and Corinna as well as the other girls desiring to become doctors at a time when it wasn’t easily accepted. I loved the romance that was and then wasn’t growing between Julia and Michael. The other intriguing plot line was how far a father was going to bring what he considered a wayward daughter home. Did his way work?Before the third book comes out I hope you read The Captain’s Daughter and then The Heart’s Appeal. The drama is on many levels. I couldn’t put the book down because I was touched by the story in many ways. What a challenge to be like George Mueller, praying for my needs and watch how God would provide is but one idea I am coming away with from this series. I wonder what you will remember about the books? I can’t wait to hear!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    As much as I enjoyed “The Captain’s Daughter”, “The Heart’s Appeal” really struck a chord with me. Being book two, it can be a standalone, although Rosalyn’s story does make an appearance as a potential spoiler for book one’s ending. “The Heart’s Appeal” touches on many of my interests from the get-go: women’s life in the nineteenth century, the practice of medicine, and educational studies. Julia Bernay makes a captivating heroine; she is an independent, forward-thinking woman who challenges the status quo of 1881 London by working toward a degree in medicine. First, however, she must pass the Queen’s College matriculation exam, the main hindrance of which is the Latin language portion. A fateful experience saving a barrister’s life intertwines his and Julia’s fates in unexpected ways as they both seek to further their careers. The London Beginnings series offers a thought-provoking foray into the lives of women living in the city during the latter part of the nineteenth century and their journeys of faith. “The Heart’s Appeal” demonstrates the entrepreneurial zeitgeist that was starting to take hold among the female population and highlights the double standard with which they were repeatedly confronted. The novel does not shy away from these contentions, illuminating both the aristocratic and less well-to-do classes and their interactions. Through it all shines the backbone of the Christian faith. The narrative is not preachy and does not sugarcoat controversial and antagonistic situations, lending it credence and real-life applications even for contemporary society. “The Heart’s Appeal” is a stellar addition to Christian historical fiction and to this wonderful series.