Sunday, November 22, 2009

How Do I Love Thee? by Nancy Moser (Review and Giveaway)

***Leave a comment on this post before Sunday December 29 at midnight to be entered to win a copy.***


About the Book:
Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet--and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives...
"I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?
My Review:
This is a wonderful story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning's love story. The first 170 pages focuses on Elizabeth's life before she meets Robert. It is sad and depressing. Her health is bad and her father loves them but is tyrannical and decreed none of his children can get married. Her world becomes her room and her family. Slowly a few visitors are let in. This book starts when she is in her late 30s. It is told in first person Elizabeth's view and the first part is a little hard to get through but it helps the reader see her background. I was interested in the topic so I kept reading and enjoyed the story especially after Robert comes into the picture. I was not familiar with her story beyond the basics. I love some of her love poems she wrote to Robert. The story flows good and is well written. It reads like the time period it is set in and the reader can tell the author has done her research. In the back of the book the author has included a chapter by chapter guide on the facts/fiction in the story. Also at the end are some of Elizabeth's love poems she wrote to Robert. I enjoyed rereading them. She was a very talented poet and I enjoyed this glimpse into her life. Recommended.
About the author:
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com
Thank you Bethany House Publishers for my review copy.

18 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed this book. Another friend of mine didn't care for it all, and as I haven't read it yet I'm glad to get a positive perspective. I recently watched an old movie about Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning called The Barretts of Wimpole Street. It was really quite good!

Unknown said...

Oh, and I have a copy of this on my TBR pile, so I don't need to be entered in the giveaway.

Anonymous said...

Hi I love reading too
I just love novels with action and I also enjoy horror stories too

mindy said...

sounds like a great read thanks minsthins at optonline dot net

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me:) Would love to read this!! Thanks!
esterried[at]yahoo[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me. Thanks! Lori L.
blessed6mom[at]yahoo[dot]com

Renee G said...

This is the first that I have heard of this book, but I would love to read it.
Please enter me.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com

Alicia said...

Would love to read this.

Thanks for the giveaway >^..^<

bloggyig at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me...I have read other books by Nacy Moser...excellent!

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

Tamara said...

This looks like a very interesting book. Please enter me!

jemscout425 said...

i have seen both versions of the barrets of whimple street and i'm so fascinated by her. count me in
pksanddancer(at)yahoo(dot)com

Victoria said...

This books sounds fantastic. I've always wanted to know more about Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Thanks! utgal2004[at]yahoo[dot]com

LittleEagle said...

I wasn't aware of the story behind the couple. I would truly enjoy winning and reading this book. sharonaquilino at hotmail dot com

Leslie said...

The book sounds like it will be interesting to read. Historical Romance novels are among my favorite books to read, as well as watching them come to life in movies. Thank you so much!

heatherzilla said...

This book sounds very interesting to me. I am familiar with their poetry, but not their life story. I love historical fiction, and for some morbid reason, I love tragic love stories.

Sahm Lee said...

This sounds like a great book. Thanks for the contest!
airalynn@gmail.com

Miranda Ward said...

this is a great looking book

mskayz said...

I am always looking for a good book. Thanks for the chance to win!


khzarrugh (at) gmail (dot) com

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