"prize of my heart" by lisa norato

About the book: Captain Brogan Talvis has spent three years searching for his son—the son his now-deceased wife hid from him out of spite. He finally tracked Ben—now known as Drew—to Duxboro, Massachusetts, where prominent shipbuilder Nathaniel Huntley is raising Drew as his own. At first, the only thing on Brogan’s mind is reclaiming his son—but he soon realizes that if he wishes to spend time with Drew, he will need to win the trust of Huntley’s beautiful daughter, Lorena, who harbors a secret of her own.

My take: Prize of My Heart is a pleasant historical romance. It’s set in the early 1800’s, which is a time period with which I’m not overly familiar, so I enjoyed reading about it. I wouldn’t say I was completely sucked into the book, but it was a pleasant way to pass an afternoon. I did long anticipate the book’s major twist (maybe I was supposed to?), so it didn’t carry the emotional impact it otherwise would have.

I didn't find anything wrong with Prize of My Heart (no major grammar issues or horrible dialogue); it just wasn't a book that I really connected with, and thus my "It's OK" rating: 3 out of 5 stars.

You can read an excerpt below: 
Prize of My Heart

About the author: Lisa Norato first discovered a love of writing when assigned to write and illustrate a children's book at the art college she attended. She also enjoys walks with her Yorkie-poo, the New England seacoast and changing seasons, good friends, Italian food, historical dramas, and British comedy. A lifelong New Englander, Lisa lives in a historic village with homes and churches dating as far back as the eighteenth century. Currently she works as a legal assistant in the corporate department of a Rhode Island law firm.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free for review from Bethany House Publishers through their book reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 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."