While Love Stirs

April 15, 2014
Charlotte Gregory, unafraid to speak her mind, runs afoul of Dr. Joel Brooks while visiting her sister and her newborn niece at the local hospital. Sparks of attraction fly, but the two deem each other's personalities unbearable. In time, Charlotte meets Lewis Mathis, whom she feels is a much better fit. VERDICT Seilstad's second turn-of-the-20th-century series entry (after "When Love Call"s) is a fast-paced, well-crafted, and enjoyable historical romance with snappy dialog and an engaging cast of characters. This inspirational, character-centered narrative will attract those looking for a gentler read akin to Johanna Lindsey's books.

Copyright 2014 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2014
Charlotte Gregory is a gifted cook whose headstrong personality brings her success in the kitchen but frustration outside of it. Irritated by the social norms of 1910, Charlotte meets her match when handsome Dr. Joel Brooks refuses to listen to her ideas for the hospital nutrition plan. Charlotte's stubbornness threatens to disarm Dr. Brooks' careful control of the local hospital and his emotions. When the scars of past loves are revealed, Charlotte and Joel must remember how to trust and experience the joy of not settling for less than their wildest dreams. Set in St. Paul, Minnesota, the second historical romance in Seilstad's (When Love Calls, 2013) Gregory Sisters series is an artfully decorated period piece with details that transport readers to an era of street cars and suffragists. As her characters toe the line between pleasing others yet refusing to be manipulated by them, Seilstad expertly charts the balance of control between Charlotte and Joel over the course of exciting and unexpected plot twists.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)