My Bookshelf: Starving Hearts by Janine Mendenhall

Since her assault, Miss Annette Chetwynd has been plagued by nightmares and worries about an arranged marriage. But she yearns to find her anonymous rescuer. Unfortunately her health and intellect prevent it. Both repel suitors and cause Annette to doubt God’s existence, at least until He answers her prayers in an unusual way…

Mr. Peter Adsley is joining the clergy and he desires a godly wife by his side. After a failed attempt to obtain one, he engages in a clandestine meeting with the bewitching young woman who keeps crossing his path. But she is so unsettling.

Destined for disappointments, Peter and Annette both endure disgraceful situations. Will Peter’s faith sustain him through overwhelming setbacks? Can Annette overcome her doubts? Or will their starving hearts yield to the machinations of a mad man?

Starving Hearts is the first book I’ve ever read by Janine Mendenhall, but I have to say, I really enjoyed it, especially once it got close to the end and everything really started happening. There were so many twists and turns that I definitely never saw coming, but I have to say, I really enjoyed all of the surprises! For a few minutes near the end, I wasn’t even sure how everything was going to work out! I was definitely shocked by how things came out in the last few chapters, but I have to say, I don’t think it would’ve been good any other way.

Annette Chetwynd was assaulted one fateful day at her aunt and uncle’s home, and ever since then, she has struggled with nightmares and fears of an arranged marriage to someone she does not love, despite her father’s assurance that he would never let that happen. Her health is a constant source of pain for her, and embarrassment for her mother, as is her knowledge that her father instilled in her all through her growing-up years. As her situation seems to grow more and more worrisome and finding her rescuer becomes more and more difficult, will Annette continue to hold on to her questions about God and His love for her? Or will she let Him fill her starving heart and a most unusual way?

Peter Adsley is far too consumed with finding a wife to join him in his ministry. He knows it, but he has no idea how to stop longing for a lifelong companion. After almost settling for someone God most certainly didn’t intend for him, Peter finds himself completely fascinated by a mysterious lady who continuously seems to appear everywhere he is. Could this be the woman God has for him, even though her doubts about God constantly plague Peter’s thoughts?

All in all, I really enjoyed this story, especially the way everything worked all together in the end. I know I’ve already said that, but I really don’t care because the end was by far my favorite part. The beginning of this novel was a little slow for me and it took me a little while to really get into the story, so that might also play a part in why I loved the ending so much, but I really think for the most part it was because of all of the fantastic unexpected events. Because of the slow beginning, and the fantastic end, I am giving this book four out of five bookshelves, and I can happily say that I definitely recommend it!

Happy reading!

I received a copy of this book through the Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for only my honest review.

To see where I’m linking up, check out my Where I Party page.

All credit for the italicized synopsis goes to Janine Mendenhall and Heritage Beacon Fiction.