What do you think?
Rate this book
Flirtation Walk
West Point History Comes Alive in this Warmhearted Romance
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2016
38 people are currently reading
972 people want to read
About the author
Siri Mitchell
17 books751 followersalso published under the name Siri L. Mitchell & Iris Anthony
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Siri Mitchell graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree and worked in various levels of government. As a military spouse, she has lived all over the world, including Paris and Tokyo. Siri enjoys observing and learning from different cultures. She is fluent in French and loves sushi.
But she is also a member of a strange breed of people called novelists. When they’re listening to a speaker and taking notes, chances are, they’ve just had a great idea for a plot or a dialogue. If they nod in response to a really profound statement, they’re probably thinking, “Yes. Right. That’s exactly what my character needs to hear.” When they edit their manuscripts, they laugh at the funny parts. And cry at the sad parts. Sometimes they even talk to their characters.
Siri wrote 4 books and accumulated 153 rejections before signing with a publisher. In the process, she saw the bottoms of more pints of Ben & Jerry’s than she cares to admit. At various times she has vowed never to write another word again. Ever. She has gone on writing strikes and even stooped to threatening her manuscripts with the shredder.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
March 25, 2016
Flirtation Walk may not usurp my favorite spot of Siri Mitchell’s books, but it is definitely a favorite of the year so far. What an utterly fun and charming story! Siri’s books are always light and fun, but also impart a real truth to the reader. Combine that with winning characters and a unique historical setting, and I'm hooked.
Lucinda Pennyworth is a bit of a contradiction. She wants to be respectable and normal, but her years of helping her father with his cons on unsuspecting victims have marked her in ways she doesn’t even realize. As she meets and gets to know her mother’s family, she comes to understand just how hard it will be to shed her present of her past mistakes. At first she uses her father’s tactics almost without realizing it, and I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like her. However, Siri is able to show Lucinda’s potential to the reader even before she herself realizes it. In terms of the faith aspect of the book, there is nothing earth-shattering here, but rather a lighter thread about overcoming past mistakes, forgiving yourself and accepting forgiveness from others.
I say this nearly every time I read one of Siri’s books, but it’s true every time – she always chooses unique settings and times in history. In Flirtation Walk, it is West Point Academy and the surrounding town, not many years before the Civil War plunges the nation into chaos. Honestly, I was a little worried before starting the book. How interesting could a story and characters at West Point be? The answer is very interesting on both counts. I loved the tidbits and facts about military life at West Point, how confining it was, yet how much pride the cadets took in their lives there.
Seth Westcott is an endearing character and definitely my favorite of the book. Perhaps his decisions seemed unlikely throughout the book, but I think they are supposed to seem that way, especially since they backfire on him. Seth’s friends are some of the most humorous secondary characters that I’ve read about in a while. It was obvious that they each had their own stories; in fact, Siri wrote a short story for Otter, and it suited his character perfectly. The others seem to have their own story as well; perhaps once day Siri will be able to tell their stories as well, but in the meantime, it’s fun to make up what I want to happen in my mind.
There are several witty bits of dialogue that I loved, and everything ends well – the ending itself was so winsome and perfectly suited to the characters and their story. This isn’t super serious romantic historical, but rather has a lot of humorous moments. It’s definitely unique and perhaps not for readers that don’t appreciate some comedy in their historicals. I personally have always been drawn to books that stands out from the norm in the Christian fiction world, and Siri’s books have always held that unique element for me. I have one more of her historical fiction novels to read, as well as a couple of her contemporary stories that I haven't gotten to yet. I know that she is going to take a bit of a break from writing now, which is understandable, but bittersweet for this reader. While I read across many genres and types of books, I have Siri to thank for sparking my love of Christian fiction, especially as a reader who once scoffed at it, and only gave it a chance because of her book She Walks in Beauty. So, thank you, Siri, for daring to write books that don't fall in line perfectly with the rest of CBA, and I'll be waiting for your next novel, whenever it may come.
Lucinda Pennyworth is a bit of a contradiction. She wants to be respectable and normal, but her years of helping her father with his cons on unsuspecting victims have marked her in ways she doesn’t even realize. As she meets and gets to know her mother’s family, she comes to understand just how hard it will be to shed her present of her past mistakes. At first she uses her father’s tactics almost without realizing it, and I wasn’t sure how much I was going to like her. However, Siri is able to show Lucinda’s potential to the reader even before she herself realizes it. In terms of the faith aspect of the book, there is nothing earth-shattering here, but rather a lighter thread about overcoming past mistakes, forgiving yourself and accepting forgiveness from others.
I say this nearly every time I read one of Siri’s books, but it’s true every time – she always chooses unique settings and times in history. In Flirtation Walk, it is West Point Academy and the surrounding town, not many years before the Civil War plunges the nation into chaos. Honestly, I was a little worried before starting the book. How interesting could a story and characters at West Point be? The answer is very interesting on both counts. I loved the tidbits and facts about military life at West Point, how confining it was, yet how much pride the cadets took in their lives there.
Seth Westcott is an endearing character and definitely my favorite of the book. Perhaps his decisions seemed unlikely throughout the book, but I think they are supposed to seem that way, especially since they backfire on him. Seth’s friends are some of the most humorous secondary characters that I’ve read about in a while. It was obvious that they each had their own stories; in fact, Siri wrote a short story for Otter, and it suited his character perfectly. The others seem to have their own story as well; perhaps once day Siri will be able to tell their stories as well, but in the meantime, it’s fun to make up what I want to happen in my mind.
There are several witty bits of dialogue that I loved, and everything ends well – the ending itself was so winsome and perfectly suited to the characters and their story. This isn’t super serious romantic historical, but rather has a lot of humorous moments. It’s definitely unique and perhaps not for readers that don’t appreciate some comedy in their historicals. I personally have always been drawn to books that stands out from the norm in the Christian fiction world, and Siri’s books have always held that unique element for me. I have one more of her historical fiction novels to read, as well as a couple of her contemporary stories that I haven't gotten to yet. I know that she is going to take a bit of a break from writing now, which is understandable, but bittersweet for this reader. While I read across many genres and types of books, I have Siri to thank for sparking my love of Christian fiction, especially as a reader who once scoffed at it, and only gave it a chance because of her book She Walks in Beauty. So, thank you, Siri, for daring to write books that don't fall in line perfectly with the rest of CBA, and I'll be waiting for your next novel, whenever it may come.
March 2, 2016
About this book:
“West Point History Comes Alive in this Warmhearted Romance
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?”
Series: Technically, no, but you can contact the author for a bonus novella about one of the extra characters.
Spiritual Content- A Prayer from the West Point Cadet at the beginning; A couple Prayers; Church & sermons; Talks about God, Him caring & sins; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Lucinda was taught that God is just waiting to catch her sin (her father) and that God only cares about social status (her teacher); Lucinda starts thinking about God, she wants to believe but can’t/doesn’t; A mention of the pulpit; A couple mentions of chapels & sermons; A couple mentions of thanking the Lord; A few mentions of prayers & blessings over food; Mentions of Bible reading; Mentions of God & climbing trees; Mentions of Heaven;
*Note: A mention of being d*mned; A mention of people in hell; A few mentions of Greek goddess & Adonis.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blast it’, a ‘buck up’, a ‘dadgumit’, a form of ‘dang’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘what is tarnation’, two ‘dad-blamed’, two forms of ‘darn’, four forms of ‘blast’, six forms of ‘stupid’; Some sarcasm; A couple mentions of trying not to curse; All about a con-man, lies & schemes; Seth (at one point) says he wants a drink, but it’s never said his he does or not (later, he accidentally has a drink); Mentions of playing cards, gambling, saloons, whiskey, moonshine, flasks, cigars, tobacco, pipes and jail; Mentions of injuries & fights; A couple mentions of hunting & a rabbit (up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- an almost kiss, a hand kiss, & three border-line semi-detailed kisses; Talks about kisses & kissing; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Dancing & Dances; Noticing; *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; A man goes out in just his nightshirt & drawers (nothing sexual at all, it’s just awkward/scandalous); four ‘whore’s; A mention of a man who’s eyes strayed from his wife; A few mentions of a man who draws ladies from the bare shoulders up; Mentions of swooning girls & dances; Mentions of virtues & reputations; Many mentions of flirting & a path called the Flirtation Walk; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
-Lucinda Pennyworth, age 19
-Seth Westcott
1st person P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1855
371 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Oooh! The history is just fascinating in “Flirtation Walk”! Siri Mitchell created a great storyline with lots of intriguing characters. {Let me also mention that the first person POV of the hero & heroine set as a historical was really different from most historicals and was very refreshing.} Lucinda had a manipulative--almost smug--personality…and while you might think that would be annoying, I didn’t find it to be at all. I liked Seth and totally saw all the plot twists coming. (I’m a guesser. ;) ) I went back-n-forth on my opinion of Seth trying to fail about every ten pages, but I did find it humorous. (“I was a failure at failing.”)
While I liked “A Flower in Bloom” better, I did really enjoy this new Siri Mitchell novel. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
“West Point History Comes Alive in this Warmhearted Romance
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she?”
Series: Technically, no, but you can contact the author for a bonus novella about one of the extra characters.
Spiritual Content- A Prayer from the West Point Cadet at the beginning; A couple Prayers; Church & sermons; Talks about God, Him caring & sins; ‘H’s are capital when referring to God; Lucinda was taught that God is just waiting to catch her sin (her father) and that God only cares about social status (her teacher); Lucinda starts thinking about God, she wants to believe but can’t/doesn’t; A mention of the pulpit; A couple mentions of chapels & sermons; A couple mentions of thanking the Lord; A few mentions of prayers & blessings over food; Mentions of Bible reading; Mentions of God & climbing trees; Mentions of Heaven;
*Note: A mention of being d*mned; A mention of people in hell; A few mentions of Greek goddess & Adonis.
Negative Content- Minor cussing including: a ‘blast it’, a ‘buck up’, a ‘dadgumit’, a form of ‘dang’, a ‘shoot’, a ‘what is tarnation’, two ‘dad-blamed’, two forms of ‘darn’, four forms of ‘blast’, six forms of ‘stupid’; Some sarcasm; A couple mentions of trying not to curse; All about a con-man, lies & schemes; Seth (at one point) says he wants a drink, but it’s never said his he does or not (later, he accidentally has a drink); Mentions of playing cards, gambling, saloons, whiskey, moonshine, flasks, cigars, tobacco, pipes and jail; Mentions of injuries & fights; A couple mentions of hunting & a rabbit (up to semi-detailed).
Sexual Content- an almost kiss, a hand kiss, & three border-line semi-detailed kisses; Talks about kisses & kissing; Touches & Embraces (up to semi-detailed); Dancing & Dances; Noticing; *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; *Spoiler**End of Spoiler*; A man goes out in just his nightshirt & drawers (nothing sexual at all, it’s just awkward/scandalous); four ‘whore’s; A mention of a man who’s eyes strayed from his wife; A few mentions of a man who draws ladies from the bare shoulders up; Mentions of swooning girls & dances; Mentions of virtues & reputations; Many mentions of flirting & a path called the Flirtation Walk; Love, falling in love & the emotions.
-Lucinda Pennyworth, age 19
-Seth Westcott
1st person P.O.V. switches between them
Set in 1855
371 pages
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Pre Teens- One Star
New Teens- One Star (and a half)
Early High School Teens- Three Stars
Older High School Teens- Four Stars
My personal Rating- Four Stars
Oooh! The history is just fascinating in “Flirtation Walk”! Siri Mitchell created a great storyline with lots of intriguing characters. {Let me also mention that the first person POV of the hero & heroine set as a historical was really different from most historicals and was very refreshing.} Lucinda had a manipulative--almost smug--personality…and while you might think that would be annoying, I didn’t find it to be at all. I liked Seth and totally saw all the plot twists coming. (I’m a guesser. ;) ) I went back-n-forth on my opinion of Seth trying to fail about every ten pages, but I did find it humorous. (“I was a failure at failing.”)
While I liked “A Flower in Bloom” better, I did really enjoy this new Siri Mitchell novel. :)
Link to review:
http://booksforchristiangirls.blogspo...
*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.
*I received this book for free from the Author for this honest review.
February 18, 2017
I enjoyed this book for the most part. The setting of West Point Academy was definitely a new one for me, and I appreciated the sense of place and time and culture that the author successfully portrayed. I did skim through some of the physical descriptions of the location that were a little drawn out. The unusual pairing of characters was fun- Lucinda who is trying to leave behind her con-artist past and live a new respectable life, and Seth who is attempting to shed his golden reputation and habits that took him to the top of his class in an ill thought out plan to rescue his sister. They bonded over a brief conversation but the friendship fizzled out when their goals obviously were in different places. The story seemed a bit predictable and I got impatient with the slow pace of the novel until some unexpected twists quickened the plot and my interest was held through the climax and the remainder of the story. There are great secondary characters that I would have liked more depth to- Lucinda's blind cousin Phoebe and Seth's delinquent compatriots. After the story there is an afterword by the author with more insight to West Point's history and I appreciated the context.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
March 14, 2016
I am SO glad I got this book for review!
I have a love/hate relationship with Christian fiction. (Meaning it's very dear to me, and I love it, but sometimes I get so fed up with the genre as a whole that I feel like taking all my CF books and tossing them in the dumpster, then feeding the CBD catalog through the paper shredder.) Well, true to pattern, I got really fed up with it a while back, and took a loooooooong hiatus from reading anything of the kind.
Then this book came along, and made me remember just how much I really love this kind of literature. ;-)
Flirtation Walk was just what I needed, right when I needed it. Sweet, engaging, not too deep but not too mediocre either, it swept me away in a refreshing historical adventure of love and deceit and fun that made me smile pretty much the whole time I was reading it. I really enjoyed this book (even more so for the fact that I'd sworn off Christian fiction a few months before).
One of the main reasons I liked this book so much is because it's set at West Point military academy, and...that automatically makes me think of George and Orry in North and South. (Which automatically makes my face crinkle up into the most violent of smiles and squeezes my heart so much I can hardly handle the level of feelings. Yes, I am aware that sentence made no sense whatsoever. This is my point. ) Lucinda, the female heroine, was alright. But I loved Seth. (Random fact: heretofore in time, I have never liked the name Seth, but now just because of this character I've started to like it.) He and his friends, the "Immortals", and the schemes they cooked up were my favorite parts of the book. Ahh, it really makes me want to live in 1854 and be a cadet at West Point! They just had so much fun. (Yes, I know, it was not all fun, but I can dream it was. Hush up.) I also liked Phoebe -- she was a darling doll of a girl, without being so saintly-good that she made me cringe. I loved her one line, when her sister Milly is getting after her for something: "I'm blind!" ;-)
Not a whole lot of spiritual meat in this book, but that's okay. It's not one of those deep-impact stories that's supposed to rock your world and make you come to new revolutionary conclusions about serious issues. (Though it does tell of God's forgiveness and second chances.) Mostly it's just a rollicking good fun story, and it does very well at that. I've read three of Siri Mitchell's books now, and all of them have been delightful!
Besides making me happy as a clam, this book also aided the ushering in of my chronic Civil-War-Obsession-Mood in full-swing. Not that I needed any help with that....
My rating: 9/10
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
I have a love/hate relationship with Christian fiction. (Meaning it's very dear to me, and I love it, but sometimes I get so fed up with the genre as a whole that I feel like taking all my CF books and tossing them in the dumpster, then feeding the CBD catalog through the paper shredder.) Well, true to pattern, I got really fed up with it a while back, and took a loooooooong hiatus from reading anything of the kind.
Then this book came along, and made me remember just how much I really love this kind of literature. ;-)
Flirtation Walk was just what I needed, right when I needed it. Sweet, engaging, not too deep but not too mediocre either, it swept me away in a refreshing historical adventure of love and deceit and fun that made me smile pretty much the whole time I was reading it. I really enjoyed this book (even more so for the fact that I'd sworn off Christian fiction a few months before).
One of the main reasons I liked this book so much is because it's set at West Point military academy, and...that automatically makes me think of George and Orry in North and South. (Which automatically makes my face crinkle up into the most violent of smiles and squeezes my heart so much I can hardly handle the level of feelings. Yes, I am aware that sentence made no sense whatsoever. This is my point. ) Lucinda, the female heroine, was alright. But I loved Seth. (Random fact: heretofore in time, I have never liked the name Seth, but now just because of this character I've started to like it.) He and his friends, the "Immortals", and the schemes they cooked up were my favorite parts of the book. Ahh, it really makes me want to live in 1854 and be a cadet at West Point! They just had so much fun. (Yes, I know, it was not all fun, but I can dream it was. Hush up.) I also liked Phoebe -- she was a darling doll of a girl, without being so saintly-good that she made me cringe. I loved her one line, when her sister Milly is getting after her for something: "I'm blind!" ;-)
Not a whole lot of spiritual meat in this book, but that's okay. It's not one of those deep-impact stories that's supposed to rock your world and make you come to new revolutionary conclusions about serious issues. (Though it does tell of God's forgiveness and second chances.) Mostly it's just a rollicking good fun story, and it does very well at that. I've read three of Siri Mitchell's books now, and all of them have been delightful!
Besides making me happy as a clam, this book also aided the ushering in of my chronic Civil-War-Obsession-Mood in full-swing. Not that I needed any help with that....
My rating: 9/10
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
March 24, 2016
I had a conversation with a fellow Christian recently about Christian fiction. She said she never read it because it was like Wonder bread -- sweet and clean with some verses added but no real substance. I told her to try a couple authors and one of them was Siri Mitchell.
I've read several of her books and they are normally very thoughtful, accurate, and seem to have more meaning the deeper you dig. This wasn't quite as deep as some, but after reading her author's note at the end, I know why she was fascinated by the characters and the story behind them.
I also loved how Lucinda's character is an exaggeration of how we all put on masks and try and please people to get what we want from them. I think there is too much of that going on in the church today -- and being more genuine about our struggles might help our ability to reach out to others and show God's work in our lives - rather than being seen as hypocrites and liars.
Unfortunately, I've met many people like Lucinda's father. It is interesting to see how so much of her life was built on lies and manipulations - and her struggle to come to terms with her part in that -- and what kind of person she wanted to be. Unfortunately, I've also seen too many who, like Lucinda, believe that their past determines their future and that not even God could love and accept them.
I loved learning about the Immortals (a term I'd never heard before) and understanding these were often good men who were loyal and honest, but just not driven by the same ambition as others -- or wanted to live every moment rather than focus on the rules and regimentation of training with some hope of living their lives in the future. I think balance is important in that area - and hard to achieve. What will we truly regret on our deathbeds? They may have the right idea.
I think it was wonderful to see a character like Seth - and many of his friends - who are military men wanting to protect their home and families. Many men and women in the military are just that -- caretakers and shepherds. They aren't barbarians and violent people as they have been portrayed. We should be thankful for them and the sacrifices they make for us and the country.
Although not my favorite book by Siri Mitchell, I enjoyed this very much. I thank the publisher for my copy, though it in no way influenced my review.
I've read several of her books and they are normally very thoughtful, accurate, and seem to have more meaning the deeper you dig. This wasn't quite as deep as some, but after reading her author's note at the end, I know why she was fascinated by the characters and the story behind them.
I also loved how Lucinda's character is an exaggeration of how we all put on masks and try and please people to get what we want from them. I think there is too much of that going on in the church today -- and being more genuine about our struggles might help our ability to reach out to others and show God's work in our lives - rather than being seen as hypocrites and liars.
Unfortunately, I've met many people like Lucinda's father. It is interesting to see how so much of her life was built on lies and manipulations - and her struggle to come to terms with her part in that -- and what kind of person she wanted to be. Unfortunately, I've also seen too many who, like Lucinda, believe that their past determines their future and that not even God could love and accept them.
I loved learning about the Immortals (a term I'd never heard before) and understanding these were often good men who were loyal and honest, but just not driven by the same ambition as others -- or wanted to live every moment rather than focus on the rules and regimentation of training with some hope of living their lives in the future. I think balance is important in that area - and hard to achieve. What will we truly regret on our deathbeds? They may have the right idea.
I think it was wonderful to see a character like Seth - and many of his friends - who are military men wanting to protect their home and families. Many men and women in the military are just that -- caretakers and shepherds. They aren't barbarians and violent people as they have been portrayed. We should be thankful for them and the sacrifices they make for us and the country.
Although not my favorite book by Siri Mitchell, I enjoyed this very much. I thank the publisher for my copy, though it in no way influenced my review.
did-not-finish
February 27, 2018Okay, I normally love Siri Mitchell, but I decided that this book wasn't for me. The Lucinda was alright because I understood why she felt the need to deceive people. That was how she was raised, and she had no faith to tell her it was wrong.
Seth was finally what made me decide that I didn't want to waste any more time on this book. I did not understand why he went along with the schemes of his friends. While funny, the reasoning really didn't make sense. Half-way through the book. I was pretty disgusted with Seth. So, I'm setting this book aside.
Seth was finally what made me decide that I didn't want to waste any more time on this book. I did not understand why he went along with the schemes of his friends. While funny, the reasoning really didn't make sense. Half-way through the book. I was pretty disgusted with Seth. So, I'm setting this book aside.
January 24, 2016
In August of 1855, Miss Lucinda Pennyworth finds herself enroute to Buttermilk Falls, New York hoping to turn herself into a respectable young woman in search of her long lost relations. Lucinda’s sketchy past has left her wishing for family and respectability and now that she has been left on her own, she is going to do her best to make that wish come true.
After arriving at her relations’ home in Buttermilk Falls outside the famed West Point Academy, Lucinda finds that she must work to prove herself. The longer she stays with her aunt and uncle, the more she grows attached to her family and her life of respectability. Along with the family, she meets the young men of West Point who vie for her attention. As she begins to fall for Seth Westcott, an upstanding young West Point cadet, he undergoes some very personal trauma that changes the course of his career as a soldier.
The cast of characters is broad in this novel. They are an interesting group, as well as having a few quirky ones thrown in to lighten the mix. The storyline certainly has some twists and unexpected turns. The historical detail is very interesting, based on West Point and the small town that is located outside its gates. The author has a very good set of historical notes at the end of the book regarding military life at West Point.
Definitely an enjoyable read! This novel will be interesting for readers of historical fiction, inspirational fiction, and romance. The story is well paced and keeps the reader’s interest engaged.
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
After arriving at her relations’ home in Buttermilk Falls outside the famed West Point Academy, Lucinda finds that she must work to prove herself. The longer she stays with her aunt and uncle, the more she grows attached to her family and her life of respectability. Along with the family, she meets the young men of West Point who vie for her attention. As she begins to fall for Seth Westcott, an upstanding young West Point cadet, he undergoes some very personal trauma that changes the course of his career as a soldier.
The cast of characters is broad in this novel. They are an interesting group, as well as having a few quirky ones thrown in to lighten the mix. The storyline certainly has some twists and unexpected turns. The historical detail is very interesting, based on West Point and the small town that is located outside its gates. The author has a very good set of historical notes at the end of the book regarding military life at West Point.
Definitely an enjoyable read! This novel will be interesting for readers of historical fiction, inspirational fiction, and romance. The story is well paced and keeps the reader’s interest engaged.
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
July 31, 2016
This is my second Siri Mitchell novel (the other was Like a Flower in Bloom). While I enjoyed it, I didn't like it nearly as much.
I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the novel and loved the characters. What fell a bit short for me was the believably of Seth's mission. It's difficult to believe someone of his character and intelligence would set forth for the goal he did. Other than that, I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading others from the author.
I'd love to hear which is your favorite Siri Mitchell novel.
I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the novel and loved the characters. What fell a bit short for me was the believably of Seth's mission. It's difficult to believe someone of his character and intelligence would set forth for the goal he did. Other than that, I very much enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading others from the author.
I'd love to hear which is your favorite Siri Mitchell novel.
April 26, 2018
Lucinda knows how to run a con. She has spent her childhood running them with her father Out West & skipping town before getting caught.
A good thing too because when she receives word of her father's demise, she has few options other than to head back east & try to convince her mother's family that she is a proper young lady. Shouldn't be too hard. After all, Lucinda has been to finishing school back in Saint Louis--actually she's been to several finishing schools. Not once has she ever been finished.
But what her mother's family doesn't know won't hurt them. Right? And if it does, that will only be because they were foolish and ought to know better. Or that's what her father always said.
But life in the small town within a stone's throw of West Point is not what Lucinda expects. Nor is Seth, the young officer-in-training who seems, well, perfect. And then becomes progressively less perfect as time goes on. Something is going on with Seth.
And if there is one thing Lucinda ought to be able to recognize, it's a con. How to untangle herself from this one, though, may be the hardest thing she's ever done. Because, this time, she doesn't want to skip town.
I enjoyed watching Lucinda's dilemma. Wrestling with the lessons of her childhood, her own self doubt, and all the possibilities that await if she can manage to conquer the first two.
A good thing too because when she receives word of her father's demise, she has few options other than to head back east & try to convince her mother's family that she is a proper young lady. Shouldn't be too hard. After all, Lucinda has been to finishing school back in Saint Louis--actually she's been to several finishing schools. Not once has she ever been finished.
But what her mother's family doesn't know won't hurt them. Right? And if it does, that will only be because they were foolish and ought to know better. Or that's what her father always said.
But life in the small town within a stone's throw of West Point is not what Lucinda expects. Nor is Seth, the young officer-in-training who seems, well, perfect. And then becomes progressively less perfect as time goes on. Something is going on with Seth.
And if there is one thing Lucinda ought to be able to recognize, it's a con. How to untangle herself from this one, though, may be the hardest thing she's ever done. Because, this time, she doesn't want to skip town.
I enjoyed watching Lucinda's dilemma. Wrestling with the lessons of her childhood, her own self doubt, and all the possibilities that await if she can manage to conquer the first two.
September 7, 2018
Flirtation Walk was different than I expected, but it was still a good read. I liked the characters and how we saw the characters change throughout the story. I felt bad for Lucinda and how her father was.
I liked the romance and how it wasn't perfect. The characters had to overcome some struggles and that made it realistic.
All in all, I really liked Flirtation Walk and recommend it to fans of historical romances.
*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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 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 liked the romance and how it wasn't perfect. The characters had to overcome some struggles and that made it realistic.
All in all, I really liked Flirtation Walk and recommend it to fans of historical romances.
*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/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and 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.*
March 25, 2016
Flirtation Walk, is a real place at West Point, New York, and for use only by the cadets, so enjoy your stroll here, because you really aren’t allowed.
Our main character Lucinda, and she does have a few different ones. When she learns of her father’s death, she heads to Buttermilk Falls, hoping to meet her aunt and her family for the first time. She soon learns things she never knew, and hopes they don’t find out about her hidden life.
I loved the relationships she forges with her new cousins, and wish Ms. Mitchell would write Phoebe’s story, she is considering it.
We are at the Point at a time before the Civil War, and some famous men are here at that time. We also meet a con man head on and the way he lives his life, and what he has done to his only child.
There are some chuckles, and the word pictures, will have you smiling. We will also meet some really egotistical individuals, and hope that our girl won’t end up with another scammer.
Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end, very informative.
I received this book through Bethany House Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
Our main character Lucinda, and she does have a few different ones. When she learns of her father’s death, she heads to Buttermilk Falls, hoping to meet her aunt and her family for the first time. She soon learns things she never knew, and hopes they don’t find out about her hidden life.
I loved the relationships she forges with her new cousins, and wish Ms. Mitchell would write Phoebe’s story, she is considering it.
We are at the Point at a time before the Civil War, and some famous men are here at that time. We also meet a con man head on and the way he lives his life, and what he has done to his only child.
There are some chuckles, and the word pictures, will have you smiling. We will also meet some really egotistical individuals, and hope that our girl won’t end up with another scammer.
Don’t miss the author’s notes at the end, very informative.
I received this book through Bethany House Blogger Program, and was not required to give a positive review.
April 22, 2016
Do you like surprises? I know I do, if they are pleasant ones! When I first discovered Siri Mitchell’s new Historical Romance novel from Bethany House entitled “Flirtation Walk”, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Delightfully, it turned out I was in for a sweet surprise. Within the first few pages it captured my imagination, and by the end of the book it had become one of my favorite historical novels so far this year. Just what was so special about the story? Well, let me share 3 of my favorite aspects with you...
1. The dialogue sparkles with witty, colorful, comical conversations and banter. Interestingly, the repartee actually lends a lighthearted and humorous flavor to a story with a rather serious, character-driven plot.
2. Speaking of the character-driven plot, well, it was quite unique! First we have a young woman struggling to "be good" after being raised by a con-man as a father. Interesting enough, right? Second, we have a top-of-his-class military cadet who finds it necessary to lower his grades enough to reach the bottom of the class and consequently be sent west to help his sister, who was tricked out of the family's land by a con-man - you guessed it, the young woman's father! Add both characters together and you have the sum total of a very engrossing story.
3. Yet another delightful element of the story was the intricate and clearly well-researched historical details, in specific those relating to the West Point Military Academy. Siri Mitchell clearly has a vivid imagination and a masterful writing talent to bring these details to light through engrossing, realistic fiction.
Overall, "Flirtation Walk" is a compelling read filled with witty and winsome characters. In addition to the elements mentioned above, the theme of the story is thought-provoking, and holds a perfectly balanced portion of God-centered wisdom. If you enjoy well-researched and historically accurate Historical Romance stories seasoned with comedy, this will definitely be a book that will earn a prized place on your "favorites" shelf, just as it did for me.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
1. The dialogue sparkles with witty, colorful, comical conversations and banter. Interestingly, the repartee actually lends a lighthearted and humorous flavor to a story with a rather serious, character-driven plot.
2. Speaking of the character-driven plot, well, it was quite unique! First we have a young woman struggling to "be good" after being raised by a con-man as a father. Interesting enough, right? Second, we have a top-of-his-class military cadet who finds it necessary to lower his grades enough to reach the bottom of the class and consequently be sent west to help his sister, who was tricked out of the family's land by a con-man - you guessed it, the young woman's father! Add both characters together and you have the sum total of a very engrossing story.
3. Yet another delightful element of the story was the intricate and clearly well-researched historical details, in specific those relating to the West Point Military Academy. Siri Mitchell clearly has a vivid imagination and a masterful writing talent to bring these details to light through engrossing, realistic fiction.
Overall, "Flirtation Walk" is a compelling read filled with witty and winsome characters. In addition to the elements mentioned above, the theme of the story is thought-provoking, and holds a perfectly balanced portion of God-centered wisdom. If you enjoy well-researched and historically accurate Historical Romance stories seasoned with comedy, this will definitely be a book that will earn a prized place on your "favorites" shelf, just as it did for me.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
May 7, 2016
Lucinda is a young woman who has recently learned that her father passed away. She is conflicted with feelings of affection for her father and gratitude that she no longer has to help him in his schemes as a con-man. She is looking forward to the opportunity to have a normal life and get away from fraud.
She finds her way to her mother's sister near West Point Academy. While there she learns about love, respect, friendship, family, gratitude, and God. Many of these are foreign attributes. She grew up on the run from one town to the next.
I loved reading about Lucinda. She is a good girl who thought that she was not of worth. She was used as a tool to get gain. She didn't know if she was worthy of love and forgiveness.
When you have a great female character it's nice to have a strong male character. Seth filled the spot well. He and his sister are victims of a swindler. This puts a twist on the story that makes it interesting. Both Seth and Lucinda are keeping secrets.
The beginning of the book was a little slow, but as it progressed it got better. I loved the way that Siri Mitchell was able to write a historical fiction novel that portrayed life a soldiers life at West Point and kept me entertained.
She finds her way to her mother's sister near West Point Academy. While there she learns about love, respect, friendship, family, gratitude, and God. Many of these are foreign attributes. She grew up on the run from one town to the next.
I loved reading about Lucinda. She is a good girl who thought that she was not of worth. She was used as a tool to get gain. She didn't know if she was worthy of love and forgiveness.
When you have a great female character it's nice to have a strong male character. Seth filled the spot well. He and his sister are victims of a swindler. This puts a twist on the story that makes it interesting. Both Seth and Lucinda are keeping secrets.
The beginning of the book was a little slow, but as it progressed it got better. I loved the way that Siri Mitchell was able to write a historical fiction novel that portrayed life a soldiers life at West Point and kept me entertained.
July 5, 2020
Added an extra star just for the quality of the historical research and the unique story line. Seth took me awhile to like because just as I began to like him, he did some really stupid stuff; but at the end there was a lot of learning to do. Lucinda was a great lead, conflicted with her aims from the past and her longing to lead a different life, and her path to do so was anything but predictable.
Overall, a fun story set in 1850s West Point just before the war with Mexico.
Overall, a fun story set in 1850s West Point just before the war with Mexico.
March 17, 2016
This book is a classic example of judging a book by its cover--hence my desire to read and review it. It's rare nowadays to see covers in this historical romance genre that don't show the character's faces. There is something more alluring to me when we are not allowed a glimpse of the character's faces and, in turn, are given a sense of place and destination of the characters. So it is with Flirtation Walk.
We open to New York pre-Civil War, the antebellum era--a favorite--at West Point Military Academy. The hero, Seth Westcott is an up and coming captain slated to join an elite group of soldiers who will go abroad to study engineering--he is a disciplined, black and white individual who strives to do his very best in all he does. Until news from home upsets his future previously all but laid out in stone and his brother's heart must choose between career or tracking down a despicable swindler who took advantage of his sister's naivety and stole her inheritance.
What Seth doesn't expect to run into is Lucinda Pennyworth--a woman trying her best to be good and to redeem herself by making it her mission to marry a respectable man to impress her relatives and redeem herself.
When we first meet Lucinda, much of her world is rocked off its axis upon stepping off the steamboat onto the soil of Buttermilk Falls, still reeling at the news of the death of her father. She finds a haven with her mother's sister and cousins as well as an old contemporary of her shifty father's--her own uncle! Her identity is further shattered upon learning the truth about both parents--dredging up years worth of lies from her father.
A gentle romance, the main characters in this novel flew off the page due in part to the fact of Siri's stellar first person point of view technique--a writing style rare to historical fiction. One thing I loved as well were the vibrant secondary characters--quite a cast of them, let me tell you. Lucinda's young cousins, Seth's good friends who, despite being at the bottom of their class, were so loyal and good humored.
I have to comment on the romance. Hashtag forever a hopeless romantic. Seth and Lucinda's individual goals were so opposite, as well as their backgrounds, but it worked. Not only did it amp up the conflict and the odds of the story, but I was reminded afresh of why I love Christian fiction. No background, past, or present trials are too big for God. This was beautifully woven through out every page of this story, including the sweet romance, keeping me turning the pages past midnight some nights and eager to see how both characters would continue to change individually, and grow together in spite of the odds.
Having read the author's historical notes first, I was excited to learn more about the academy from whence a host of Civil War generals on either side graduated (or famously did not graduate) from. The historical details are rich and vivid in this story, but what left the greatest impression on me via the individual journeys both Seth and Lucinda took, especially after their roads converged with secrets revealed and forgiveness needed, was the heart of the story.
The heart of the story brilliantly summed up by, fittingly, a line from the West Point Cadet Prayer:
Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won.
We open to New York pre-Civil War, the antebellum era--a favorite--at West Point Military Academy. The hero, Seth Westcott is an up and coming captain slated to join an elite group of soldiers who will go abroad to study engineering--he is a disciplined, black and white individual who strives to do his very best in all he does. Until news from home upsets his future previously all but laid out in stone and his brother's heart must choose between career or tracking down a despicable swindler who took advantage of his sister's naivety and stole her inheritance.
What Seth doesn't expect to run into is Lucinda Pennyworth--a woman trying her best to be good and to redeem herself by making it her mission to marry a respectable man to impress her relatives and redeem herself.
When we first meet Lucinda, much of her world is rocked off its axis upon stepping off the steamboat onto the soil of Buttermilk Falls, still reeling at the news of the death of her father. She finds a haven with her mother's sister and cousins as well as an old contemporary of her shifty father's--her own uncle! Her identity is further shattered upon learning the truth about both parents--dredging up years worth of lies from her father.
A gentle romance, the main characters in this novel flew off the page due in part to the fact of Siri's stellar first person point of view technique--a writing style rare to historical fiction. One thing I loved as well were the vibrant secondary characters--quite a cast of them, let me tell you. Lucinda's young cousins, Seth's good friends who, despite being at the bottom of their class, were so loyal and good humored.
I have to comment on the romance. Hashtag forever a hopeless romantic. Seth and Lucinda's individual goals were so opposite, as well as their backgrounds, but it worked. Not only did it amp up the conflict and the odds of the story, but I was reminded afresh of why I love Christian fiction. No background, past, or present trials are too big for God. This was beautifully woven through out every page of this story, including the sweet romance, keeping me turning the pages past midnight some nights and eager to see how both characters would continue to change individually, and grow together in spite of the odds.
Having read the author's historical notes first, I was excited to learn more about the academy from whence a host of Civil War generals on either side graduated (or famously did not graduate) from. The historical details are rich and vivid in this story, but what left the greatest impression on me via the individual journeys both Seth and Lucinda took, especially after their roads converged with secrets revealed and forgiveness needed, was the heart of the story.
The heart of the story brilliantly summed up by, fittingly, a line from the West Point Cadet Prayer:
Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won.
February 28, 2016
Not having read any of Siri Mitchell’s books before, I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel. So many historical romances seem lacklustre to me these days for a variety of reasons: flat characters, clichéd plot lines, too much expository writing, and so on. Fortunately, none of these descriptions applied to this novel. I was also concerned that a plot with a character deliberately sabotaging his academic performance would, in turn, sabotage my enjoyment of the story. It didn’t.
Seth was an endearing character: quiet, studious, reliable, affable. I’m still not sure I could have sabotaged my marks and my reputation as he did, but there was a kind of dry humour in both the matter-of-fact way that Seth’s friends go about helping him lower his status at the academy, and Seth’s phlegmatic responses. Here he is, the top of his fellow cadets, trying, but failing to be less conscientious, and reliant on the efforts of notoriously un-conscientious cadets who are surprisingly conscientious about helping him succeed . . . at failing! And if you followed that explanation, hats off to you! But seriously, despite their lack of academic application and the misguided nature of their endeavour, Seth’s friends were genuine, well-rounded, and likeable characters, and made for a great supporting cast.
I also thought Lucinda’s journey of self-discovery was well done. Over the course of her time in West Point she learns that she really doesn’t know much about her parents at all, and she begins to question everything that her father has told her. The irony is that while Lucinda wants to distance herself from her former way of life and be seen as a respectable young lady, she is only just beginning to understand how truly unrespectable her father’s way of life was. And while she is working hard at becoming respectable, Seth seems to be working equally hard at becoming unrespectable.
I will admit that I suspected how some elements of the story would develop, but this tended to build my anticipation rather than spoiling the story, and in the end I was still taken somewhat by surprise. I was impressed by the way in which both Seth and Lucinda faced the consequences of their choices. The author didn’t magic them away, but at the same time they had the hope that God could still turn their mess to their benefit. As Colonel Lee says to Seth: “Some decisions you can’t recover from once they’ve been made, but a smart man always finds a way to make the most of what’s been done – to manage those things he can’t change.”
The spiritual aspect of Lucinda’s journey is not a prominent part of the plot, although it hovers in the background. Personally, I thought it could have been brought out a little more than it was, but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the novel. It was a nice way to spend a few hours and I’m of a mind to check out some of Siri Mitchell’s other books now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
Seth was an endearing character: quiet, studious, reliable, affable. I’m still not sure I could have sabotaged my marks and my reputation as he did, but there was a kind of dry humour in both the matter-of-fact way that Seth’s friends go about helping him lower his status at the academy, and Seth’s phlegmatic responses. Here he is, the top of his fellow cadets, trying, but failing to be less conscientious, and reliant on the efforts of notoriously un-conscientious cadets who are surprisingly conscientious about helping him succeed . . . at failing! And if you followed that explanation, hats off to you! But seriously, despite their lack of academic application and the misguided nature of their endeavour, Seth’s friends were genuine, well-rounded, and likeable characters, and made for a great supporting cast.
I also thought Lucinda’s journey of self-discovery was well done. Over the course of her time in West Point she learns that she really doesn’t know much about her parents at all, and she begins to question everything that her father has told her. The irony is that while Lucinda wants to distance herself from her former way of life and be seen as a respectable young lady, she is only just beginning to understand how truly unrespectable her father’s way of life was. And while she is working hard at becoming respectable, Seth seems to be working equally hard at becoming unrespectable.
I will admit that I suspected how some elements of the story would develop, but this tended to build my anticipation rather than spoiling the story, and in the end I was still taken somewhat by surprise. I was impressed by the way in which both Seth and Lucinda faced the consequences of their choices. The author didn’t magic them away, but at the same time they had the hope that God could still turn their mess to their benefit. As Colonel Lee says to Seth: “Some decisions you can’t recover from once they’ve been made, but a smart man always finds a way to make the most of what’s been done – to manage those things he can’t change.”
The spiritual aspect of Lucinda’s journey is not a prominent part of the plot, although it hovers in the background. Personally, I thought it could have been brought out a little more than it was, but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the novel. It was a nice way to spend a few hours and I’m of a mind to check out some of Siri Mitchell’s other books now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
August 7, 2022
I'd forgotten how wonderful Siri Mitchell's historicals are. Enjoyed this re-read so much!
-----
My tummy did a backflip after reading the synopsis on the back of the book and I knew I was in for a challenging read. Goodbye peace of mind, hello emotional combustion! Both Seth and Lucinda are wrapped up in deceit and oh what a tangled web we all got caught in. A right angsty mess!
Lucinda has a very calculated way of looking at things -- people are objects to be manipulated to achieve an end. At least that's how things start out. Needless to say, I didn't cotton to Lucinda in the beginning, but I could understand where she was coming from. She's her father's daughter, taught his skewed concepts from an early age. Scams and scandal were the norms of her childhood. But now she's free to make something of herself and her desperate journey towards respectability is fascinating. There's even some ironic humour in her scheming approach to securing her future. But as the story progresses, Lucinda discovers that life and relationships are much more than an end to a means.
Seth is too good to be true until he decides not to be in a desperate attempt to come to the aid of his sister. There are some great scenes with Seth and his outrageous 'tutors' known as the Immortals. A lack lustre crew of cadets who are content to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Unexpected humour and plenty of hijinks.
A stellar host of secondary characters help (or hinder) these two along the way with varying results. A twisty-turny plot with plenty of surprises kept me hooked right until the very end. Insert a huge sigh of relief. And I love the inspirational thread that wound its way around my heart. What if God is love and life isn't about making your own luck? How would that impact your decisions and choices?
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
-----
My tummy did a backflip after reading the synopsis on the back of the book and I knew I was in for a challenging read. Goodbye peace of mind, hello emotional combustion! Both Seth and Lucinda are wrapped up in deceit and oh what a tangled web we all got caught in. A right angsty mess!
Lucinda has a very calculated way of looking at things -- people are objects to be manipulated to achieve an end. At least that's how things start out. Needless to say, I didn't cotton to Lucinda in the beginning, but I could understand where she was coming from. She's her father's daughter, taught his skewed concepts from an early age. Scams and scandal were the norms of her childhood. But now she's free to make something of herself and her desperate journey towards respectability is fascinating. There's even some ironic humour in her scheming approach to securing her future. But as the story progresses, Lucinda discovers that life and relationships are much more than an end to a means.
Seth is too good to be true until he decides not to be in a desperate attempt to come to the aid of his sister. There are some great scenes with Seth and his outrageous 'tutors' known as the Immortals. A lack lustre crew of cadets who are content to be at the bottom of the pecking order. Unexpected humour and plenty of hijinks.
A stellar host of secondary characters help (or hinder) these two along the way with varying results. A twisty-turny plot with plenty of surprises kept me hooked right until the very end. Insert a huge sigh of relief. And I love the inspirational thread that wound its way around my heart. What if God is love and life isn't about making your own luck? How would that impact your decisions and choices?
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. in exchange for my honest review.
February 5, 2016
Flirtation Walk
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance set just before the Civil War at West Point. Siri Mitchell did a great job researching and bringing the era to life. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but then it took off at a good pace. This novel rotates between the main characters POV, but they are very unique and easy to differentiate. I especially enjoyed watching Lucinda's story unfold and her character grow throughout.
The themes of redemption and grace are prominent in this story, and the faith elements are woven in very well. There is also a lot of humor and lightheartedness from the supporting cast. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance and Civil War era novels.
I received this book for review from Netgalley.
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical romance set just before the Civil War at West Point. Siri Mitchell did a great job researching and bringing the era to life. It took me a few chapters to get into the story, but then it took off at a good pace. This novel rotates between the main characters POV, but they are very unique and easy to differentiate. I especially enjoyed watching Lucinda's story unfold and her character grow throughout.
The themes of redemption and grace are prominent in this story, and the faith elements are woven in very well. There is also a lot of humor and lightheartedness from the supporting cast. I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy romance and Civil War era novels.
I received this book for review from Netgalley.
May 17, 2016
Siri Mitchell continues earning her place on my Must Read list, as "Flirtation Walk" is both thought-provoking and thoroughly entertaining.
Lucinda Pennyworth has been raised by her con man father and has been very well-trained to get people to do what she wants them to do. When her father's death leaves her alone in the world, Lucinda decides to see if her mother's long-estranged family will take her in. Her uncle is a professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Lucinda has never known people who are so good and proper. Suddenly her plans of finding a man to marry seem petty and shallow, and Lucinda finds herself contemplating right, wrong, consequences, and God's role in this world.
It's the beginning of Seth Westcott's last year as a cadet, and he has earned his place of honor at the top of his class. With less than a year until his graduation and likely placement within the Corps of Engineers, his goals seem within reach. He begins to rethink things when tragedy strikes his family in Nebraska and the Army won't let him out of class long enough to take care of his orphaned sister, who confesses through a letter that their family inheritance had been swindled away from her. Seth decides that if the Army won't give him leave to pursue justice for his sister, he'll have to find a way to be placed in the cavalry so he will be sent out west where he can protect his sister and keep an eye out for the scoundrel who stole their money.
The only problem with Seth's plan is that cavalry placements go to those who don't qualify for other more skilled positions in the Army. Thankfully for Seth, he's friends with some of the men holding that now-coveted place at the bottom of the class, otherwise known as Immortals, and they are more than willing to help him learn how to not study, rack up demerits, and go on exploits that flirt with the line of dismissal from West Point. But Seth can't quite let himself turn completely into a dissolute disappointment. He struck me very much as an ISTJ, which I am quite familiar with as that is my own personality type. Picturing myself trying to willfully break rules when it's not in my programming made Seth's attempts all the more humorous because I could well imagine his personal struggle.
Seth and Lucinda are drawn to each other even as their lives seem to be headed in opposite directions: Lucinda as a reformed con man's assistant and Seth as an Immortal-in-training. I found both sides of this story to be extremely well-written, and I was thrilled with Mitchell's return to using alternate first-person points of view, as she does such a good job with that. I couldn't stop talking about how much I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, and I would highly recommend it to all historical fiction fans.
I received my copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
Lucinda Pennyworth has been raised by her con man father and has been very well-trained to get people to do what she wants them to do. When her father's death leaves her alone in the world, Lucinda decides to see if her mother's long-estranged family will take her in. Her uncle is a professor at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, and Lucinda has never known people who are so good and proper. Suddenly her plans of finding a man to marry seem petty and shallow, and Lucinda finds herself contemplating right, wrong, consequences, and God's role in this world.
It's the beginning of Seth Westcott's last year as a cadet, and he has earned his place of honor at the top of his class. With less than a year until his graduation and likely placement within the Corps of Engineers, his goals seem within reach. He begins to rethink things when tragedy strikes his family in Nebraska and the Army won't let him out of class long enough to take care of his orphaned sister, who confesses through a letter that their family inheritance had been swindled away from her. Seth decides that if the Army won't give him leave to pursue justice for his sister, he'll have to find a way to be placed in the cavalry so he will be sent out west where he can protect his sister and keep an eye out for the scoundrel who stole their money.
The only problem with Seth's plan is that cavalry placements go to those who don't qualify for other more skilled positions in the Army. Thankfully for Seth, he's friends with some of the men holding that now-coveted place at the bottom of the class, otherwise known as Immortals, and they are more than willing to help him learn how to not study, rack up demerits, and go on exploits that flirt with the line of dismissal from West Point. But Seth can't quite let himself turn completely into a dissolute disappointment. He struck me very much as an ISTJ, which I am quite familiar with as that is my own personality type. Picturing myself trying to willfully break rules when it's not in my programming made Seth's attempts all the more humorous because I could well imagine his personal struggle.
Seth and Lucinda are drawn to each other even as their lives seem to be headed in opposite directions: Lucinda as a reformed con man's assistant and Seth as an Immortal-in-training. I found both sides of this story to be extremely well-written, and I was thrilled with Mitchell's return to using alternate first-person points of view, as she does such a good job with that. I couldn't stop talking about how much I enjoyed this book while I was reading it, and I would highly recommend it to all historical fiction fans.
I received my copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. All opinions are my own.
This review originated at http://reviewsbyerin.livejournal.com
March 30, 2016
How can you help but be attracted to this title and beautiful cover??? Sounds and looks so romantic! What the reader doesn't realize, is that there are deep thoughts and feelings involved in very complicated situations to solve , in order for the romance to go forth!!
Synopsis:
Trying to escape the shambles her con-man father has made of their reputation, Lucinda Curtis arrives in West Point, New York, determined to land a husband from the military academy. Campbell Conklin is first in his class and preparing to embark upon a storied career in the U.S. Army. Lucinda thinks Campbell will make the perfect husband . . . as long as he does not find out about her father.
Seth Westcott also has taken a liking to Lucinda. He's kind, smart . . . and working extremely hard to graduate last. Tradition states that the worst cadets are assigned to the cavalry out west. And west is where Seth must head to track the swindler who stole all of Seth's mother's money. Seth is smart enough to vie for the top spot, but life isn't fair and this is his chance to catch the man who ruined his family. It's too bad Campbell is all shine and no substance, but Lucinda will surely see through all of that, won't she??
My Thoughts:
I must say, as a reviewer, I often don't choose to review historical fiction or romance novels, as they just aren't my "cup of tea". I know how much other readers love them, but as I often say, it is good for the authors that not all of us have the same tastes in books!! However, having said that, Siri Mitchell has won me over!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book!! I was very impressed with Siri's vivid imagination and her ability to develop her characters that are unique, somewhat quirky and thoroughly likeable. Lucinda, the main character, was easy with whom to identify. She was having such a struggle with her past and her present challenges, making her future appear very bleak. Seth is a character that puzzled me from beginning to the end of the book. He was handsome, kind, intelligent, but honestly did some very stupid things to solve problems. All of the characters were well and realistically described. I DID want to reach out and shake some sense into a few heads!!!
The plot moves steadily toward the goal of the book, to have Lucinda make peace with her past and look forward to the future. The tale is woven well with the historical elements of the time. Although light hearted at some moments, there are some serious, thought provoking events as well. I must admit that I did have some giggles along the way, at some of the unique situations created by the very interesting characters.
I would give this book five stars. Not only a well written novel but one that entertains from beginning to end.
This book was supplied by Bethany House and Graff Martin Communications in exchange for a fair and honest review. Now available from your local bookseller.
March 7, 2016
This is a comedy plot that takes place around the Civil War era, at the West Point Military Academy and a small nearby town, Buttermilk Falls. Lucinda Pennyworth has been brought up by her con-artist father and taught to be a lady at an expensive finishing school. Now she's heard the report of his death, and decides to throw herself on the mercy of her mother's family. They were victims of his trickery, so he wasn't their favourite person.
Meanwhile, highly esteemed cadet Seth Westcott discovers all his family's money has been swindled by a crook, (no prize for guessing who it was), who he's determined to track down out west. However, only the worst cadets get assignments out there, so he knows he'll have to become a low achiever fast. He enlists the help of some his smart but lazy friends who call themselves 'The Immortals.' They never bother to compete for high grades because all that hard work takes valuable time when they could be having fun.
I kept asking myself whether conscientious Seth really had it in him to slacken off like the Immortals. That would take an entire character change, and if he managed to pull it off, I wasn't sure I'd believe it. It was clear that his studious and neat reflexes were second nature to him, so being a high achiever was actually easier than being a failure. It was a relief when the unfolding of events ended up fairly believable and satisfactory.
Some of Lucinda's predicaments are interesting, as she decides to become a better person and discovers that she's fallen prey to her father's wiles herself, the same as any innocent victims she's helped him swindle over the years. As the point of view switches from to her to Seth each chapter, the story's flow is fairly fast.
It's a fun read for anyone who likes the sort of witty one-liners that make us laugh, and then sit back and think, 'Hmm, there's a bit of wisdom there.' The dialogue is full of these. There are two villains who are equally easy to want to see brought down, and a few paragons too. They're the sort of larger than life characters who are designed to be either hissed or cheered.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for my review copy.
Meanwhile, highly esteemed cadet Seth Westcott discovers all his family's money has been swindled by a crook, (no prize for guessing who it was), who he's determined to track down out west. However, only the worst cadets get assignments out there, so he knows he'll have to become a low achiever fast. He enlists the help of some his smart but lazy friends who call themselves 'The Immortals.' They never bother to compete for high grades because all that hard work takes valuable time when they could be having fun.
I kept asking myself whether conscientious Seth really had it in him to slacken off like the Immortals. That would take an entire character change, and if he managed to pull it off, I wasn't sure I'd believe it. It was clear that his studious and neat reflexes were second nature to him, so being a high achiever was actually easier than being a failure. It was a relief when the unfolding of events ended up fairly believable and satisfactory.
Some of Lucinda's predicaments are interesting, as she decides to become a better person and discovers that she's fallen prey to her father's wiles herself, the same as any innocent victims she's helped him swindle over the years. As the point of view switches from to her to Seth each chapter, the story's flow is fairly fast.
It's a fun read for anyone who likes the sort of witty one-liners that make us laugh, and then sit back and think, 'Hmm, there's a bit of wisdom there.' The dialogue is full of these. There are two villains who are equally easy to want to see brought down, and a few paragons too. They're the sort of larger than life characters who are designed to be either hissed or cheered.
Thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley for my review copy.
March 15, 2016
Unexpected heroine meets a hero that's bent to be bad? How can that be? I'd say that's Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell. It's almost like a dance, that I'm quite enraptured with. We have Lucinda coming to terms with a life that is so different than the one she was taught, but one that showers her with God's grace and the knowledge between right and wrong. As she's trying to be good, why is the man she's falling in love with, Seth, top of the class so determined to be the new bad boy resident of West Point Academy?
O, now that's the story! Their lives have somehow connected without each knowing, giving them reason to fall in love or depart with a broken heart. There was so much going on! I devour this, as I'm a huge fan of the beautiful grounds of the West Point Academy, having done a visitor tour in the past. When you start off, you shouldn't like Lucinda, but you do, especially when you read from her point of view. She's the con girl. The one that lies and flirts her way to get what she wants, or is she? I was happy to experience her growth with her, but when the unexpected shows up, the twists that Siri provided had my tummy in knots! Then the boys at West Point. Seth's friends all had such a fun spirit and a good heart that you can't help laughing at their escapades and enjoy the lovely camaraderie between them. With Flirtation Walk, you'll get romance, adventure, twists, laughter and honor. This one's for you to walk with.
I love this West Point Cadet Prayer that Siri included in the beginning of the book,
"Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won."
This review was first seen on Just Commonly Blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
O, now that's the story! Their lives have somehow connected without each knowing, giving them reason to fall in love or depart with a broken heart. There was so much going on! I devour this, as I'm a huge fan of the beautiful grounds of the West Point Academy, having done a visitor tour in the past. When you start off, you shouldn't like Lucinda, but you do, especially when you read from her point of view. She's the con girl. The one that lies and flirts her way to get what she wants, or is she? I was happy to experience her growth with her, but when the unexpected shows up, the twists that Siri provided had my tummy in knots! Then the boys at West Point. Seth's friends all had such a fun spirit and a good heart that you can't help laughing at their escapades and enjoy the lovely camaraderie between them. With Flirtation Walk, you'll get romance, adventure, twists, laughter and honor. This one's for you to walk with.
I love this West Point Cadet Prayer that Siri included in the beginning of the book,
"Make us to choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be content with a half truth when the whole can be won."
This review was first seen on Just Commonly Blog.
NOTE: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, Bethany House for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. For my review policy, please see my Disclosure page.
March 13, 2016
Siri Mitchell has long impressed me with her vivid imagination and her ability to craft characters that are utterly unique and thoroughly likeable. "Flirtation Walk" is no exception, as I found Lucinda in particular to be quite a compelling character as she wrestles with her past and her present on her quest to discover how she will define her future. I will be honest that at first I just wasn't sure what I thought of this book, as I didn't quite buy Seth's reasons to give up his hard-earned place at the top of his class and instead start racking up demerits and "failing" his courses. But then I got to the "afterwards" once I'd finished the story and discovered that this plot is based on an actual historical character who appeared to do just that! This information allowed me to think back over the book with less incredulity and see that perhaps Seth felt he had no choice to act the way he did, as simply taking off from the academy to go help his sister would have resulted in his arrest. "Flirtation Walk" has many interesting historical details that I enjoyed reading about, and Mitchell does a good job at blending her fictional story with some very real historical elements. The overall tone of the book is more light-hearted, though there are definitely some emotional scenes for Lucinda in particular as she discovers that, while she and her father may have engaged in a number of swindles during her childhood, the person who was ultimately swindled is Lucinda herself as she realizes her father is nothing like she thought.
I typically give a Siri Mitchell book quite a high rating, such as with my all-time favourite Mitchell book "Like a Flower in Bloom". While I did enjoy "Flirtation Walk", I can't say I liked it quite as much as I usually enjoy her books. I award this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
I typically give a Siri Mitchell book quite a high rating, such as with my all-time favourite Mitchell book "Like a Flower in Bloom". While I did enjoy "Flirtation Walk", I can't say I liked it quite as much as I usually enjoy her books. I award this book a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.
February 27, 2016
When I first saw the cover of this book in an email from Bethany House publishing I knew this was a book I wanted to read. This cover is so pretty. I loved the colors, the way the characters are facing, the placement of author and title, and the font. I loved everything about the cover! Since Siri Mitchell was a new-to-me author I was wondering if I would find the inside as pleasant as the cover. The answer: Yes!!!
This story caught my interest from the first page. Lucinda was a very relatable character and it was nice to see her grow as a person throughout the book. Seth was just as genuine and his story was interesting to read. In addition, I really liked Phoebe. Her character had a vulnerability that made her extremely relatable and authentic.
The POV changes between Lucinda and Seth from chapter to chapter and I found this a nice change as it kept the story fresh and entertaining. I really enjoyed how the author wove their stories together and let the story unfold in such a natural way. The story progresses at a perfect pace and keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end. The author's way of writing is wonderful and the descriptions she uses make you feel as if you are there with the characters. Her research of Flirtation Walk appears well done as it really took the story to another level. ( I didn't know this place existed until I read the story.)
This was a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I am now a fan of Siri Mitchell's writing and will be checking out her entire catalog of work. Flirtation Walk is a definite must read that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
This story caught my interest from the first page. Lucinda was a very relatable character and it was nice to see her grow as a person throughout the book. Seth was just as genuine and his story was interesting to read. In addition, I really liked Phoebe. Her character had a vulnerability that made her extremely relatable and authentic.
The POV changes between Lucinda and Seth from chapter to chapter and I found this a nice change as it kept the story fresh and entertaining. I really enjoyed how the author wove their stories together and let the story unfold in such a natural way. The story progresses at a perfect pace and keeps the reader's interest from beginning to end. The author's way of writing is wonderful and the descriptions she uses make you feel as if you are there with the characters. Her research of Flirtation Walk appears well done as it really took the story to another level. ( I didn't know this place existed until I read the story.)
This was a wonderful story that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I am now a fan of Siri Mitchell's writing and will be checking out her entire catalog of work. Flirtation Walk is a definite must read that I highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion which I have given.
June 6, 2016
In my opinion you can always count on a novel by Siri Mitchell to be not only entertaining but informative as well. Flirtation Walk continues that tradition with a twist on the old con artist story line and a peek inside the life of a cadet at West Point in the mid 1850s.
In most historical romances we are used to seeing the male be the con artist, but in this instance it is the main character Lucinda Pennyworth. At the beginning of the story she learns that her father is dead and she decides to repent of her wicked ways and make a new life for herself. In order to do that she heads to Buttermilk Falls to hopefully take up residence with her late mother's family.
There she meets up with handsome cadet, Seth Westcott. Seth is the pride of West Point and has a very promising future ahead of him. But before he can assume his new position tragedy strikes his family and he and his sister find themselves the victims of a vicious swindle.
Watching these two lives be woven together was a delight. Siri Mitchell does such a fabulous job of bringing humor and wisdom to her stories. In this case I kept thinking of the famous Shakespeare quote "To thine own self be true." At the end of the day both Lucinda and Seth had to decide if their actions were ones they could live with. And when they found that they couldn't they had to find a way to make things right.
Flirtation Walk is a good reminder that when all is said and done our good name is our lasting legacy. I enjoyed the gentle reminder in addition to the well told story.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
In most historical romances we are used to seeing the male be the con artist, but in this instance it is the main character Lucinda Pennyworth. At the beginning of the story she learns that her father is dead and she decides to repent of her wicked ways and make a new life for herself. In order to do that she heads to Buttermilk Falls to hopefully take up residence with her late mother's family.
There she meets up with handsome cadet, Seth Westcott. Seth is the pride of West Point and has a very promising future ahead of him. But before he can assume his new position tragedy strikes his family and he and his sister find themselves the victims of a vicious swindle.
Watching these two lives be woven together was a delight. Siri Mitchell does such a fabulous job of bringing humor and wisdom to her stories. In this case I kept thinking of the famous Shakespeare quote "To thine own self be true." At the end of the day both Lucinda and Seth had to decide if their actions were ones they could live with. And when they found that they couldn't they had to find a way to make things right.
Flirtation Walk is a good reminder that when all is said and done our good name is our lasting legacy. I enjoyed the gentle reminder in addition to the well told story.
I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.
September 10, 2016
First sentence: The churning of the steamboat was relentless as it chugged down the Hudson River.
Premise/plot: Our heroine, Lucinda, is mourning the loss of her father and struggling to find her place in the world. First step, of course, finding a place to stay--at least temporarily. This leads her to her mother's family. Will she be accepted by her uncle and aunt and cousins? And even if she is accepted, will she feel accepted? After all there is a difference between the two. Lucinda's past is anything but squeaky clean. Our hero, Seth, is mourning the loss of a parent as well. He's not struggling to find a place to belong: he has one: he's a West Point Cadet with a bright future ahead of him. But he is struggling no doubt. Because while he may have a place to live and know what's ahead of him, he has a sister that doesn't. He was not allowed to leave West Point to go to his sister, to help sell the family farm, to see her safely to relatives in another state; he wasn't even allowed to send her money. Turns out that his sister was swindled out of all the money she got from selling the farm. And she is is stuck at Fort Laramie, forced to get what jobs she can to survive. He's angry and frustrated at the unfairness of life. The book alternates between these two narrators.
My thoughts: I really liked this one. I did. I had happened to see a musical set at West Point earlier this year. And one of the songs was about "kissing rock" with a legend behind it. This legend is mentioned oh-so-briefly in this one. And so it was a fun coincidence for me. I enjoyed Mitchell's story, I tend to always enjoy her books.
Premise/plot: Our heroine, Lucinda, is mourning the loss of her father and struggling to find her place in the world. First step, of course, finding a place to stay--at least temporarily. This leads her to her mother's family. Will she be accepted by her uncle and aunt and cousins? And even if she is accepted, will she feel accepted? After all there is a difference between the two. Lucinda's past is anything but squeaky clean. Our hero, Seth, is mourning the loss of a parent as well. He's not struggling to find a place to belong: he has one: he's a West Point Cadet with a bright future ahead of him. But he is struggling no doubt. Because while he may have a place to live and know what's ahead of him, he has a sister that doesn't. He was not allowed to leave West Point to go to his sister, to help sell the family farm, to see her safely to relatives in another state; he wasn't even allowed to send her money. Turns out that his sister was swindled out of all the money she got from selling the farm. And she is is stuck at Fort Laramie, forced to get what jobs she can to survive. He's angry and frustrated at the unfairness of life. The book alternates between these two narrators.
My thoughts: I really liked this one. I did. I had happened to see a musical set at West Point earlier this year. And one of the songs was about "kissing rock" with a legend behind it. This legend is mentioned oh-so-briefly in this one. And so it was a fun coincidence for me. I enjoyed Mitchell's story, I tend to always enjoy her books.
March 20, 2016
Lucinda Curtis is in quite the pickle but it's possible that she'll be able to pick up the pieces of her life and turn it into something good. Leaving behind her past that brought ruin to families, Lucinda builds a respectable life for herself while living with her aunt and uncle.
Seth Westcott and his sister have just lost their mother, leaving them orphans. Stuck at West Point his sister must wrap up things out west. But when she's conned out of their money Seth, the perfect cadet, attempts to get himself assigned to the cavalry by becoming the worst cadet in the history of the academy. As he begins his fall from grace and Lucinda ascends to her place in society the two find they may have more in common than they thought.
What can I say - it was a Siri Mitchell story. She rarely disappoints. Add her storytelling skills to one of my favorite time periods and you have a recipe for success. I really liked this story. What it lacked in action it made up for in substance, humor, and well-grounded characters. It's a very delightful tale that left me far from being disappointed. If you are considering reading this story then I highly suggest you pop that book open now - you're going to love it!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a copy of “Flirtation Walk” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
Seth Westcott and his sister have just lost their mother, leaving them orphans. Stuck at West Point his sister must wrap up things out west. But when she's conned out of their money Seth, the perfect cadet, attempts to get himself assigned to the cavalry by becoming the worst cadet in the history of the academy. As he begins his fall from grace and Lucinda ascends to her place in society the two find they may have more in common than they thought.
What can I say - it was a Siri Mitchell story. She rarely disappoints. Add her storytelling skills to one of my favorite time periods and you have a recipe for success. I really liked this story. What it lacked in action it made up for in substance, humor, and well-grounded characters. It's a very delightful tale that left me far from being disappointed. If you are considering reading this story then I highly suggest you pop that book open now - you're going to love it!
DISCLAIMER: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” we would like to note that we received a copy of “Flirtation Walk” provided by the publishers, Bethany House, in exchange for our honest review.
reetchampionbookreviews.wordpress.com
Read
October 7, 2025This review is also posted on Book by Book.
It does not surprise me how much I enjoyed Siri Mitchell’s newest novel, Flirtation Walk. Not only does it contain her charming storytelling, but also a historical setting that fascinated me, since two of my brothers have attended West Point. She brings the history of the military academy to life with great detail amid believable characters and entertaining circumstances, and I couldn’t help but love it.
Lucinda Pennyworth, the reforming daughter of a notorious con man, and Seth Westcott, the top-ranked cadet nobly trying to place last, make for a somewhat odd but still delightful couple. Both have familial challenges to face and overcome and do so, despite a few missteps, with admirable spirit, determination, and growing faith, as well as a little help from their friends and family. Their story together is both humorous and heartwarming.
Fans of Siri Mitchell’s books, as well as readers of historical romance, will not be disappointed with Flirtation Walk. It’s a wonderfully fun and historical read, and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Bethany House, I received a copy of Flirtation Walk and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
It does not surprise me how much I enjoyed Siri Mitchell’s newest novel, Flirtation Walk. Not only does it contain her charming storytelling, but also a historical setting that fascinated me, since two of my brothers have attended West Point. She brings the history of the military academy to life with great detail amid believable characters and entertaining circumstances, and I couldn’t help but love it.
Lucinda Pennyworth, the reforming daughter of a notorious con man, and Seth Westcott, the top-ranked cadet nobly trying to place last, make for a somewhat odd but still delightful couple. Both have familial challenges to face and overcome and do so, despite a few missteps, with admirable spirit, determination, and growing faith, as well as a little help from their friends and family. Their story together is both humorous and heartwarming.
Fans of Siri Mitchell’s books, as well as readers of historical romance, will not be disappointed with Flirtation Walk. It’s a wonderfully fun and historical read, and I definitely recommend it.
Thanks to Bethany House, I received a copy of Flirtation Walk and the opportunity to provide an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions I have expressed are my own.
April 5, 2016
I thought this book was different than other books that Siri has written. I loved reading about West Point and its cadets. In some ways, it is just like any other high school. You have your top students and then you have your bottom students. In this case they are called the Immortals.
They are funny, daring and plotting all at the same time!!
Then we meet Lucinda's mother's family. They are ok. I like Phoebe a lot. Lucinda and Phoebe become fast friends.
Seth is a serious guy until something happens to one of his family members and then the fun is on!!
There are some parts I laughed at and then there are some parts that I even held my breath on waiting to see what would happen next.
Siri has done her research well. There is even a special surprise at the end! I never dreamed that this man went to West Point!
We meet Lucinda's father who is something else entirely altogether. I really didn't like him at all!
Lucinda is a sweet girl who just wants to belong and not move around all the time!! Moving around all time just gets old!! I've done that myself and so has my grandmother when she was growing up.
This is an all around very enjoyable book that has action and adventure all rolled into one.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and anyone who loves to read!!
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
They are funny, daring and plotting all at the same time!!
Then we meet Lucinda's mother's family. They are ok. I like Phoebe a lot. Lucinda and Phoebe become fast friends.
Seth is a serious guy until something happens to one of his family members and then the fun is on!!
There are some parts I laughed at and then there are some parts that I even held my breath on waiting to see what would happen next.
Siri has done her research well. There is even a special surprise at the end! I never dreamed that this man went to West Point!
We meet Lucinda's father who is something else entirely altogether. I really didn't like him at all!
Lucinda is a sweet girl who just wants to belong and not move around all the time!! Moving around all time just gets old!! I've done that myself and so has my grandmother when she was growing up.
This is an all around very enjoyable book that has action and adventure all rolled into one.
I recommend this book to historical fiction lovers and anyone who loves to read!!
I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.
March 22, 2016
Lovely read! Siri always draws me in, in everything I've read from her! This time she has come up with fantastic and complex characters! The whole time I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for everything to come crashing down and boy does it! :) Poor Lucinda is a character that needs some help, but you can't help but love her through her issues. And then there's Seth! :) Stuck when he needs to be, and thinks he needs to be, elsewhere, his attempts to do what he thinks he needs to leads to more trouble! :) And then the sub characters! :) I LOVE and want more of their stories! There was a couple of personal issues I have with specific words and I wish they weren't used in the book, but the rest of it is FABULOUS! Interesting history, both in the story and in the Author's Note, woven throughout an intriguing story, by a FANTASTIC author! How could you go wrong with that?! :D I really enjoyed it and hope that Siri goes on with these characters some time.
Songs: "God Is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down and "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I requested and received this book from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Flirtation Walk. ~ASC
Songs: "God Is on the Move" by 7eventh Time Down and "Hurricane" by Natalie Grant
Songs etc. May be changed and/or added in the future. ~ASC
Jeremiah 29:11
~ASC
*I requested and received this book from Bethany House for the purpose of reviewing it. This in no way affected my opinion and the above are my true thoughts and feelings about Flirtation Walk. ~ASC
Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews