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.*

I really enjoyed the first book in this series and the second was no less enjoyable. Each book is about one of the set of sisters, so I would recommend they be read in order. I enjoyed the historical aspect of this novel. It showed the darker side of London, without being overly graphic, but just enough to give you a taste. 
Another fascinating aspect of this book, was to show how the wealthy were often forced into marriages they did not desire as well, even men. The medical side of things was interesting, including the delivery of a baby which was also done fairly well. If you enjoy seeing some more unique history from this time period, I would recommend it. It would be appropriate for teens as well as adults, in my opinion. 

I obtained this book from the publisher and Netgalley. The opinions contained herein are my own.

The Heart's Appeal by Jennifer Delamere is the second book in the London Beginnings series. It can be read as a stand alone novel. Julia Bernay is a nurse that dreams of becoming a doctor in 1880s London. However, she must first pass a challenging entrance exam and find a way to pay for her education. A chance encounter with barrister, Michael Stephenson, changes her life forever as they are instantly attracted to one another. The problem is that Michael is suing the medical school that Julia desires to attend. Can love conquer these challenges? Delamere's inclusion of strong side characters make this a well-developed story. She brings in feminists tones through her to show how female doctors fought to earn their place in a male dominated profession and the need for equality in society.

Historical fiction at its best. I love when the author adds true historical events and people in novels. Julia was a very determined and likable character. Michael was the perfect match for her. It was interesting to read about the struggle for women to become doctors. I enjoyed reading the author's notes at the and of the book. This always adds to the reader's understanding. Highly recommended!

Julia Bernay is pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, but she has a few challenging classes that she must pass. Julia rushes to help when a man is injured in an underground accident, when she goes to check on him after saving his life, she asks him to help her with latin.



Michael Stephenson is a barrister, is sister wants him to marry within his class and station, but he can't forget about the fiercely independent woman who stole his heart and saved is life. Michael is also working on a case of libel against the London School of Medicine for Women by the powerful Earl of Westbridge, who wants to shut down the school his daughter Edith Morton attends.



Even though they are opposite sides of the case, Michael is drawn to Julia, does their love have a chance?



Michael and his sister grew up within society's sphere, but when their father lost their money, is sister, Corinna, married a wealthy man to save their family, and it afforded his the opportunity to go to school and become a lawyer.



Michael admires Julia so much, he's never met a woman like her before, so in love with learning, with a natural instinct about people. He likes her straightforward attitude, and how she doesn't care a fig for his money or his money, she has a passion for truly helping people. But will Michael and Julia's growing friendship put his whole career on the line, as well as his family's social standing?



Overall, this is a fantastic read, with great characters, and a compelling story. Julia is a inspiring heroine, she has a passion for her work and for learning, I love how she wants to serve others with her gifts and knowledge, she is direct and knows how to get things done. I really liked how Michael takes a second look at his life and faith over the course of the book. David, Corinna's husband is a wonderful man, full of grace and patience. My favorite book of the series so far, I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it, but this sequel is utterly fantastic!



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."

I loved how this book started out with a bang! I was instantly enthralled and invested in Julia and Michael. They are both strong and intense characters so it was interesting to get to know them as their deeper layers were revealed and they grew closer together. They had good chemistry, but the romance felt like it happened suddenly and I missed some of the development. The pace of the book slowed a few times and I could feel my interest begin to wane throughout the technical descriptions, but I was too curious how the story would come together in the end with so much conflict keeping them apart. I enjoyed many other characters in the book as well, even though some of them had sharp edges as they fight to make their way and follow their dreams. I appreciated learning more about the history of women in medicine and the struggle to be accepted as equals in a male-dominated field. The story wraps up nicely, but also leaves the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger, so I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, which I assume will be the youngest sister Cara's story.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

The Heart’s Appeal

This is 2nd in a series but not a continuation but I really need to read the first one since this was so good. Another author I have not read before and loved her writing. Set in London 1881, nothing like a really good historical. Julia is a nurse that wants to be a doctor. Michael is working on a legal case that involves the school she is going to. They meet when an accident happens and she saves his life. The book is very good from start to finish. I loved the characters especially Julia, so determined to help people and loved how she was an witness for the Lord no matter where she was or what she was doing. I received an advanced copy of the book from Celebrate Lit.

Females wanted to make a difference long before we would truly recognize it. Take the setting of this book, 1800’s a time when women could “nurse” but were slowly being given the opportunity to doctor. It is a fascinating time period, our lovely Julia (I got Murdoch Mystery vibes) is not only wanting to be a doctor she is fighting for the right. The poor sap that is up against her happens to be the man that she aides. I think the Lord played his hand in this fictional story with these two.

The Heart's Appeal Tama what better thing than to fight for the life of someone else? Which is what Julia did for Michael - she is a medical student, he is a barrister hurt on a train. She saves his life. Now what happens after that? That, I'm not going to tell you, because I'm not going to be one of the ones to ruin it for you but I will tell you the book is about women's rights, missionaries, Faith, forgiveness and not to judge before getting to know. Isn't that right! This is 1 of the great ones - don't let this slip through your fingers.

I loved this book! To see what women would have gone through to become doctors, and to see what was really expected of them was eye opening. And while this is book 2 in the series it really does standalone. Except now I want to go back and read book 1.

Author Jennifer Delamere created really good character. You will like some. Dislike others. Julia is meddlesome and strong willed. Michael loves his family and will do anything for them. Some are mean. Some are simply climbing the corporate ladder. A few want to help others. But all of them are well developed and seem real.

This book is not “fluffy”. In fact, parts of it are pretty stark and realistic. However God is woven throughout the story. I seriously couldn’t put it down. If you enjoy historical fiction then you will enjoy this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I enjoyed this story of a strong willed young lady who wants to be a Doctor when it’s not yet acceptable. She saves a young lawyers life and the story begins. If you like inspirational, historical romance.. you will enjoy this one!
I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary.

Interesting! I really liked the theatrical angle of the first book in this series, so I wasn’t sure how much I’d enjoy this one without that, but it was a good read. Julia’s “brutally honest” nature took a little getting used to, and Corinna’s social ambition grated on me for most of the story, and legal characters/details aren’t my cuppa, but the main emotional story of Michael and Julia was well done. (I mean, I finished this book in a day, you know?) Sometimes all you need are characters with some depth to them to draw you into the story.

I admit, the epilogue was both intriguing and frustrating. That last line gives you a good idea of the outcome of Julia’s voyage, but that NEXT scene is what I wanted, and it’s apparently in the NEXT book. Argh! #BookwormProblems #IHaveToWaitHowLong?!

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.

I struggled to get through this book, finding it a challenge to care about any of the characters, although the time period it was set in was a fascinating one.

Readers, get ready to be transported back to 1881 London. Delamere paints a lovely portrait for you in this historic read where you can easily see the setting before you. The characters will grab your attention right away, and you will find yourself not only reading a love story, a story about differing parts of society, a story about secrets; but a story about God’s love and the mission to share His love with others.

Julia Bernay is the epitome of a strong character. She is intelligent, graceful, charming, witty, and compassionate. Her drive to become a doctor brings a passion that you don’t see in a lot of lead characters. But even more than that is her love for the Lord and wanting to share His grace with others. Michael calls her a feisty woman in the book and that is exactly the word to describe her. I enjoyed watching her work with others. And her scenes with Michael? **sigh** From the moment they locked eyes on the train I knew I was in for a great story.

With every great story there has to be some bumps in the way of course. Michael wasn’t afraid of Julia, in fact it was pretty obvious he was drawn to her. Even when everything around him was telling him not to be. But it wasn’t the forbidden love kind of feeling. I think he was just intrigued by this strong minded woman who just happened to save his life. Laura Maynard, however, was kind of a thorn in this story’s side. Michael’s sister kept pushing Laura at him, and while I understood the idea behind it (Laura’s family had money, marry “up” so to speak), I found it irritating that she wouldn’t let Michael just be and find the love of his life on his own. That is the romantic in me speaking of course. It did make the story interesting though, and kept me turning pages to see just how this love triangle was going to work out. And I did not dislike Laura, just the situation.

I did learn from this book as well. I do not have a lot of knowledge of what it took to become a doctor in the late 1800’s, and never dreamed too many women would try to take on that role. I appreciate the time and energy spent in researching that to make the book come together so well. The characters, the setting, and the plot lines will warm your heart and draw you in. I hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Heart’s Appeal. A young lady studying to be a doctor, in London, in the 1880s? Seems unheard of to me! This fascinating story line, along with the beautiful cover, made me eager to read this book.

Julia, from the first few pages of the book, comes across as a lady worth noticing. I love her determination, and her quick thinking. She wants to go to medical school and become a doctor, but the young man whose life she saved is none other than a barrister fighting in a lawsuit against that same school she so badly longs to attend….

Michael (the barrister) couldn’t help noticing Julia on the train. It’s a bit of a giveaway, right from the beginning, that there will be some sparks between the two of them… 😉

Read the book to find out what happens next...

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

This is the second book in this series. I read the first one and enjoyed it very much but knew that this author would only get better. This second book proved true.

First, let me say you do not need to read this first book to thoroughly enjoy this one.

I loved getting to know Julia better in this book. In the first book we are introduced to her and it’s clear she is strong-minded young woman. It becomes even more clear in this book.

I loved the tension between Julia and Michael and the situation they found themselves in, it was sure to make a wonderful romance and it did.

If you love historical romance you will not be disappointed with this one.

A copy of this book was given to my through the Celebrate Lit Team. All opinions are my own.

I liked this book. It was a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. They were believable and realistic. This time period is so fascinating. I love reading about the changes society and women experienced during this time.

Remember ‘The Captain’s Daughter‘ that I reviewed last summer, June to be exact? Yes, it’s been more than a minute. I knew when I chose to read this book that it was a continuation of that series but it didn’t really sink in all the months later when I read the book. Suffice it to say, this book reads really well as a standalone but I strongly urge you to read the first book in the series. And then, like me, wait with baited breath for the next one. If you recall from book one there are three daughters left orphaned when their father’s ship never made it home and their mother passed away. The oldest sister, Rosalyn, has already made her way in London and she does make a visit back in this book as well. Younger sister, Cara, makes an appearance as well and I’m more than excited anticipating her story in the next book. At the end of ‘The Captain’s Daughter’ middle sister, Julia, had also made her way to London with a desire to study medicine and become a woman doctor.

By happenstance she meets Michael Stephenson, and might just save his life, which then turns both their lives on end. I loved this book. I loved that continuation of the story and I (spoiler alert) love that I get a bit more background and information that mysterious Captain father that I thought would be central to the first book. I do have to say though that Julia’s almost obsessive bossiness was frustrating. This is the second book in a row I have read with a strong female lead who is no-nonsense and comes across as dominating. Julia not as bad as the last one but let me tell ya . . . no nonsense is a good word here. She’s strong in her conviction and in her dedication to overcome obstacles that stand in her way, even if they are just as obstinate people.

I love that the author weaves faith into the story in such a way that it feels seamless and real. It adds depth and richness to the story and doesn’t detract from the overall. For some reason I find this not to be the norm in Christian Fiction. I think some authors feel the need to be heavy-handed with faith elements in order to make their point or to ensure that they are known for their Christian themes. Jennifer Delamere, however, weaves it deeply into her characters that it comes across as real and integrated and refreshing. With strong (headstrong sometimes) characters that draw you into their world and struggles and experiences, this book hits everything just perfectly. Even the secondary characters have depth and dimension and a life-like quality to them that draws you into the depth of this story and you don’t want to come back to modern day real life.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by CelebrateLit, NetGalley. I was not compensated for this review and all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to write a positive review.

It’s 1881, and Julia Bernay is studying in London, with plans to become a doctor and then go to Africa as a medical missionary. The field of medicine is newly open to women, but they still face many challenges. However, Julia appears to have a natural ability to diagnose and treat patients. Her skills are put to use during a subway accident in the opening scene. The man she aids turns out to be a lawyer beyond her station, Michael Stephenson. The two are drawn together throughout the book, yet both have hidden things in their lives and face ongoing struggles. This powerful story draws you in, and its strong characters hold your interest as well as compel you to care. Some surprises and misunderstandings pop up too, which add interest and increase tension. You also learn about life during that era, and the appalling conditions some face. The one thing that didn’t seem totally believable was the sudden and complete transformation of Michael’s sister near the end. Although I like the change, it doesn’t feel quite realistic. The book certainly stands alone, but I see there is a previous one in this series. The author did a good job, so I want to read the first one too. I received a copy from Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.