#2: A Worthy Heart

I love all three books in this series! Each ties in with the others but can be read and enjoyed singly. Everything about this book and the series more than met my expectations.

"God grant me the wisdom to accept the past and the courage to face the future with a clean heart."

Adam O'Leary is leaving his sordid past behind; walking out of prison and starting over, he is riddled with doubts about whether or not he can rebuild relationships with family members, in particular his father. On his way home, Adam pauses to perhaps catch a glimpse of his sister Colleen, outside the orphanage where her husband is the director, and instead spies a lovely young woman playing with some of the children; a woman that would catch the notice of any man, but should remain off limits to one who could ruin her reputation simply by association.

Maggie Montgomery and her brother Gabe have recently arrived from Ireland to spend the summer in New York, escaping Ireland's rumors of civil war and Maggie's disenfranchised former fiance. Staying with their brother Rylan and his wife Colleen, Maggie and Adam happen to meet at a family celebration, sparking an attraction that no one dares to encourage and that her brothers vehemently forbid.

When it becomes apparent that Maggie's compassionate heart and fierce determination refuses to let her give up on Adam, the two begin to wonder if their dreams might come true, albeit there are many obstacles to overcome, and Adam has garnered a dangerous enemy in the process.

Enjoy this trip back to "Irish Meadows" with re-introductions to previous characters and pleasant associations with new ones, celebrating the strength of God's forgiveness and the joy of unconditional love.

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 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.

A Worthy Heart by Susan Mason is book two in her Courage to Dream series. Irish Meadows was book one. This book features the Montgomery and O'Leary families and is 400 pages long. While this is a sequel it could easily be read as a stand alone.

There are many likable characters, main and supporting, including children. Dialogue flows smoothly and is very well written. The book is packed full of action, romance, history, twists, humor, tear jerking moments that will tug on your heartstrings, inspiration, redemption, and family. This book is simply packed full. The spiritual messages are abundant in this Christian novel. The author addresses forgiveness, redemption, mercy, gravy, love, faith, hope, and family.

Anyone that enjoys a love story or historical romance will love this book. It has a lot of things happening in it and a lot of characters. Readers definitely won't be bored. The author has a few surprises and twists. It is a very nice book. Unfortunately I had not read book one before reading this, but I will go back and get it. I could follow along just fine, it is just so well written that I feel like I missed out by not reading Irish Meadows.

I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. I would definitely recommend it. A copy of this book was provided by The Book Club Network for my honest review.

This is my first book by Susan Mason but will not be my last. I did not even notice when I started reading A Worthy Heart that it is book 2 in the Courage to Dream series, however I had no trouble reading it as a stand alone book. Susan's plot/story was amazing and has strong and believable characters. The story takes place in June 1914 in New York City. Susan also gives us a very descriptive historical view of New York City. Love historical fiction.

Maggie Montgomery is leaving her home in Ireland with her brother Gabe to visit their brother Rylan in America. Due to illness their mother could not travel with them. She also wants to escape Neil Fitzgerald's unwanted attention. Maggie is strong and determined but has a beautiful and kind heart.

Adam O'Leary has just been released from prison and is working as a stable hand at Irish Meadows his families home. He is trying very hard to regain his families trust.

When Maggie and Adam meet she is warned to stay away from him but refuses and Adam falls for Maggie. Will there be a romantic relationship and future for them?

Gabe Maggie's brother meets Aurora and is captivated by her. He is the type to go after what he wants. Hope to read more of their story in the next book and catch up by reading Book one.

A wonderful read and I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.