A Surrendered Heart, Broadmoor Legacy Series #3

At twenty-one, Amanda Broadmoor had the right to make her own way in life, but her father and mother hardly saw it that way. Women working in the medical field were still frowned upon, and Amanda had been reared to marry and produce heirs, not tend the sick. And especially not those suffering from cholera. "And Mama can be such an alarmist," Amanda whispered.

At the first report of cholera in Rochester, Amanda's mother had suggested the entire family take refuge at their summer estate on Broadmoor Island in the St. Lawrence River. However, that idea had been immediately vetoed by her father. Father had said his work would not permit him to leave Rochester, and for once, Amanda had agreed with one of his decisions. After devoting so much of her time and energy to medical training at Dr. Carstead's side, she couldn't possibly desert her work--not now, not when she was needed most.

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Reviewed by CKendall (Burlington, NC), December 19, 2009

I have read a couple of Tracie Peterson’s books and I have read one book by Judith Miller. I have tremendously enjoyed their books so I was looking forward to reading A Surrendered Heart. This book is the third book in The Broadmoor Legacy series. I have not read the first two books in the series, but I didn’t feel like that hindered my reading experience in the least. Having enjoyed these authors’ individual books, I knew the writing was going to be terrific, and it was. I did not particularly enjoy the story, however. The story started out just fine, but as the book went on, it got darker and difficult to enjoy. Amanda’s arranged marriage to an abusive man consumed a large portion of the story and made it very difficult to relax and enjoy the story. I was actually relieved when I finished the book because I just could not take anymore. This book does have many good qualities. As I mentioned before, the writing was wonderful and I am still very interested in reading more from these talented ladies. Many of the characters in this story were likable. I really liked Amanda, especially her capacity to forgive. Fanny and Sophie were delightful and their loyalty to Amanda was inspiring. And, the way the story ends is very satisfying and helped to make the darker aspects of the story worthwhile. Overall, I have mixed feelings about A Surrendered Heart. The writing and characters are very good, but the story simply did not agree with me.

Reviewed by Norma Goodall (Bakersfield, CA), December 18, 2009

I very much enjoyed this series of books. The books kept me wanting to read, read, read.

Reviewed by Janet (Portland, OR), December 09, 2009

I could not put this book down, loved to see what would happen next. Amanda contracts cholera working as a doctor’s assistant. She recovers only to be put in an even worse situation! This is an amazing story of sacrifice on the part of a daughter for her family. Amanda is willing to marry a much older man to save her father and family from financial ruin. The ending is perfect, justice is served and Amanda is thoroughly rewarded for her willingness to surrender everything for her family. I received this book free from Bethany House.

Reviewed by Becky Eagle (Kimball, MI), November 13, 2009

I'm reading it now. This was the 3rd. in the series & I had trouble waiting for it to come out!!!!!

Reviewed by Patricia (Reno, NV), November 02, 2009

Amanda Broadmoor has only ever wanted to be a doctor, but when her application to medical school is denied she must settle for helping Dr. Blake Carstead at the Home for the Friendless. But when Cholera strikes New York and the home becomes quarantined, Blake Carstead's esteemed opinion of Amanda rises to the surface. If only cholera were the only danger to the Broadmoor family. Amanda's father has gotten himself in financial trouble and the only way out is a loan from the detestable Ellert Jackson. But now that money too is gone and Ellert has come to collect, the only thing Jonas can bargain is his only daughter. Amanda must choose to step up to save her family from financial ruin and social destruction, even if it means a loveless marriage. But how can she leave behind the man who has professed his love for her already? This novel has so many plot ins and outs that it becomes hard to pin point the main plot and characters. This is the third book in The Broadmoor Legacy and though reading the previous novels isn't necessary to understand A Surrendered Heart, I found in more than a few places that it would have been helpful. Particularly in the relationship of the cousins. The characters are interesting enough. Ellert Jackson as the scoundrel of the story is a formulaic character with all the typical lines, and thoughts of a evil man in a Christian novel. That being said, he manages to remain a formidable villain and creates the right amount of anxiety for the sake of Amanda. Admittedly I was prepared for the worst when it came to the end both for Amanda and myself as a reader, but was pleasantly surprised with the twists and turns that the writers allowed. Overall, this is a good read whether or not you have read the previous books in the series. The romance is sweet and engaging, the characters are relatable, and the stress on Amanda and her family is heavy. Generally entertaining.

Reviewed by Karen Lange (Shelbyville, KY), September 28, 2009

I have been looking forward to the release of this third book in the series for some time. It all started when I got hooked on Book One and met Amanda, Sophie, and Fanny, three of the Broadmoor cousins of Rochester, NY. Naturally I was anxious to see where this book would take these young women. Amanda is still unattached and wishes to pursue a career in medicine. She has been assisting Dr. Blake Carstead at a local mission for the poor. Her parents, however, have been trying to discourage Amanda's desire to become a doctor, and would rather see her maintain her place in society by marrying well and raising a family. Despite their wishes, Amanda continues her work and risks her health by helping Dr. Carstead during the 1899 cholera epidemic that's sweeping across the city. Amanda's father's business is in deep financial trouble, and he resorts to extreme measures to recover and save face in their affluent community. What will Amanda's role be in her father's ill-fated scheme? Can Sophie and Fanny rescue Amanda from any dreadful consequences? And what of Dr. Carstead's growing feelings for Amanda? Does Amanda return these feelings? I enjoyed the journey that Peterson and Miller provide for the reader. It was much more than a physical one from Rochester to the lovely Thousand Island Broadmoor family vacation home. It was one that tried each cousin's heart and convictions, and was full of surprises and a bit of mystery. If you've enjoyed the team of Peterson and Miller in the past, I don't think you will be disappointed with this one. Go ahead, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and jump right in. Adventure awaits!

Reviewed by Amy Lewis (Bloomsburg, PA), September 24, 2009

This was a wonderful conclusion to the series! It was good to find out what was going to happen to Amanda and also follow up on Fanny and Sophie.

Reviewed by Mocha with Linda (TX), September 19, 2009

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of the three Broadmoor cousins. This last book is the story of Amanda. She is in her element helping Dr. Blake Carstead provide medical care at the Home for the Friendless in Rochester, New York when the cholera epidemic of 1899 breaks out. The rest of her family flees the city to their estate on the Thousand Islands just as the Home is quarantined - and Amanda becomes deathly ill. Once she is on the mend, she reluctantly goes to join her relatives for a complete recovery, although her heart remains with her patients and the doctor who is her mentor and friend, and she looks forward to returning and to, hopefully one day, attending medical school herself. As the summer weeks progress, Amanda's plans are suddenly thwarted by the disturbing news that the family fortune is about to disappear. Her father's unethical business practices are catching up with him, and to save his finances and his reputation before both are destroyed, he promises Amanda's hand in marriage to a business associate many years her senior. She quickly discovers the type of man Ellert Jackson is, but there is no escape from the future laid out for her. Sophie and Fanny, Amanda's cousins who were featured in the first two books of the series, face their own continuing challenges. The bond between the three girls is tested, as is their faith. I love the way the authors wove the cousins' stories together and brought the series to a satisfying conclusion.

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