Title: Close to His Heart
Author: Leonora Pruner
Publisher: Nordskog Publishing, Inc.
Publication Date: March 25, 2010
Paperback: 384 pages
ISBN: 978-0982492956
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
The longing of both and for a loving, like-minded spouse results in a romantic courtship. Serious misunderstandings shatter their marriage until Grace’s loss of memory offers an opportunity for renewal
— if they can forgive each other.
My Review:
Set in the 18th Century, Close to His Heart by Leonora Pruner is not only a historical romance, but also a mystery. Young Grace Carstares is rather excited at the prospect of being married and the maturity she believes comes with marriage. Grace was planning to sneak out of the house to elope with her love, Edmund, but when she attempts to sneak out she discovers a stranger guarding her door. The next morning, Grace makes the acquaintance of the man who spent the night outside her door. Not only does Grace discover Lord Henry Buryhill is intent upon marrying her, but he also knew of her plans and sent word to Edmund calling off the elopement. Close To His Heart is a charming historical romance with a healthy dose of mystery and intrigue added into the plot. Pruner does an expert job on capturing the times, the fashion, the mannerisms, and the language of high society in the 18th Century. Pruner’s characters are realistic and quite easy to identify with. Close to His Heart is an excellent choice for those who have wondered if they would be interested in this time period of the British ton, for it is my opinion that Close to His Heart gently eases the reader into the time period whereas other period books assume the reader already is quite familiar with the time period.
Leonora Pruner was born in Dubuque, Iowa, but has lived most of her life in California. Writing has been an important activity since junior high. She graduated from Westmont College in 1953 and earned an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1981.
Fascination with a possible eighteenth-century English character led to five years of extensive research, which resulted in the 1981 and 1987 publication of two period novels. That time remains of great interest to the author, and she continues to use eighteenth-century England as a setting for her work.
Leonora married in 1953, and her family has expanded from two children to thirteen grandchildren and five great-grand-children.
She lived in the Republic of Maldives from 1987 to 1997, where she collected folklore and taught economics and computer science. While there she wrote the first drafts of this book.
Other books by Leonora Pruner include Love’s Secret Storm and Love’s Silent Gift. The title of her next novel is The Aerie of the Wolf.
Leonora Pruner’s CLOSE TO HIS HEART VIRTUAL BLOG TOUR AUG ‘10 officially began on August 2nd and will end on August 27. You can visit Leonora’s blog stops at www.virtualbooktours.wordpress.com during the month of August to find out more about this great book and talented author!
I received a complimentary copy of Close to His Heart by Leonora Pruner from Pump Up Your Book Promotion as part of the tour. Receiving a copy in no way reflected my review of aforementioned novel.
Thanks for hosting Leonora Pruner today. I’m glad you enjoyed the book. I really want to read this one, but I haven’t had the time yet.
Cheryl
Thanks for the lovely review. It’s great to know I’ve communicated.
I enjoyed the book Close to His Heart by Leonora Pruner! People are the same in the 21st century as they were in the 1700s in many ways. Communication mishandled poses a serious concern for Grace and Henry. And forgiveness is as hard for them as it is for modern couples. These characters are drawn with real problems and emotions capturing this reader.