What do you think?
Rate this book
A Matter of Trust
Award-winning author Winnie Griggs invites you to discover lasting love… (Formerly published as “What Matters Most”). Texas, 1892 —When Lucy Ames rescues a stranger from being beaten and robbed, she can’t just leave the man to die. But with her reputation in town already in tatters, how can she take this wounded man into her home? All she can do is what’s right…and hope for the best. Unlike Lucy, her young charge, Toby, is delighted to have a man in the house. As much as Lucy wants the man gone, she can’t begrudge him the father figure he never knew. On a self-assigned mission to locate his nephew, Reed Wilder can’t believe his luck when he realizes his beautiful rescuer is the strumpet who beguiled his arrow-straight brother. But she’s not at all what he expected. She’s independent and feisty and…captivating. Before either of them realize it, Lucy and Reed fall in love. But how can their relationship survive the secrets that plague them both?
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2001
42 people are currently reading
330 people want to read
About the author
Winnie Griggs
68 books246 followersWinnie Griggs grew up in south Louisiana in an undeveloped area her friends thought of as the very back of beyond. With her two younger siblings and another family of two siblings for playmates, she spent many an hour exploring the overgrown land around her home, cutting jungle trails, building forts and frontier camps, and looking for pirate ships on the nearby bayou.
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
Once she ‘grew up’ she found other outlets for dealing with all those wonderful, adventurous imaginary friends by filling notebooks with their stories. And somewhere along the way, those scribblings gave way to full length stories.
Eventually she found her own Prince Charming, a rancher whose white steed takes the form of a tractor and whose kingdom is situated in a small rural community that she loves to call home, and together they’ve built their own storybook happily-ever-after. Their lives together expanded to include four now grown children who share Winnie’s vivid imagination and her husband’s steadier influences and are now out in the world pursuing their own adventures.
Winnie shares her stories with readers through her writings for Love Inspired and Love Inspired Historical books. You can learn more about Winnie at www.winniegriggs.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 8, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! A Matter of Trust was hard to set down and I continually found myself wanting to read “just a little bit more”.
Poor Lucy! The author did a good job of slowly revealing the events that brought Lucy to the place the reader finds her in at the book’s beginning. It was a place of isolation, a place of constant judgment from the people of the community, and a place where Lucy was raising her little boy, Toby.
I appreciated the struggle that Reed went through as he tried to mesh the patchy information he had with the woman he was getting to know. He had some big inconsistencies to reconcile and some preconceived notions that did get in the way sometimes.
The growing attraction and romance between Lucy and Reed felt very believable and although each of them occasionally did something that had me shaking my head, I was immersed in their story and looked forward to a happily ever after to somehow prevail.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Poor Lucy! The author did a good job of slowly revealing the events that brought Lucy to the place the reader finds her in at the book’s beginning. It was a place of isolation, a place of constant judgment from the people of the community, and a place where Lucy was raising her little boy, Toby.
I appreciated the struggle that Reed went through as he tried to mesh the patchy information he had with the woman he was getting to know. He had some big inconsistencies to reconcile and some preconceived notions that did get in the way sometimes.
The growing attraction and romance between Lucy and Reed felt very believable and although each of them occasionally did something that had me shaking my head, I was immersed in their story and looked forward to a happily ever after to somehow prevail.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 20, 2019
gorgeous cover, historical romance ...bad weather allows for so much ... gets ya away from everything, i love that ... so awesome!! I am new to Winnie's writing. on KU. shocking that it came out in 2016, but there are only a few reviews? odd??! I really enjoyed Winnie's writing style. well written. well developed characters ... enjoyable. quick read for me.
September 26, 2009
Argh! I am sure I read this book, but it's all fuzzy. I read this back before something really traumatic happened to me that wiped out part of my long term memory.
August 27, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this story! It's a little long but worth the time invested in it! You really get to know the characters and even by the end of the story, I wanted it to continue! I wanted to see how Reed and Lucy and Toby's lives continued! Lucy was a real firecracker! She had to be, because of the circumstances that occurred in her life but I really connected with her. Even though the town shunned her for what they perceived to be a moral sin, she held her head high and continued on with her life. Very admirable! Reed was a little on the arrogant side at times but in the end, he was sweet and did the right thing. I absolutely LOVED Toby! He was the sweetest 6 year old! I really liked the story and the setting. I did receive the book from the publisher but was not required to review it. I did so because I enjoyed it so much so the opinions are my own! I highly recommend this book! I think any reader would enjoy it! It's a clean read.
August 27, 2018
I didn’t really like this story.
April 10, 2012
What Matters Most by Winnie Griggs
Reed Wilder is heading for Far Enough, Texas. Leaving his usual habit of having his head stuck in the ledgers back home in Delaware. He was finally going to make his father proud of him. He would find the fallen woman who stole the Dragon's Heart ring from his brother's widow and also bring home Jon's son to his father. He hated this Lucy Ames who was was a thief. Cheating Iris, Jon's widow of both the ring and her husbands faithfulness. On the way he is attacked by two men but rescued by a pint size sprite. While recovering at this Athena's home, Reed finds out that this angel who saved him...is the devil he had come to confront.
Lucy Ames and her son Toby lived quietly outside of town. With her mother's death only a few weeks ago and the town shunning her, they were alone. Oh there was her childhood friend, Lowell Crowder who wanted to marry her just to make her acceptable again but she wanted true love, like what her parents wanted. Getting to know Reed while he recovered at her home almost had her forgetting her tarnished reputation.
When the truth comes to light, can forgiveness come with it? Reed's pride does not allow him to truly see the person Lucy is and Lucy's pride will not settle for anything less than love and trust.
This seems to be Winnie's first book, written in 2001. And her excellent stories have continued. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. She brought out the emotions of the characters and of the reader...I went through a few tissues myself. The anger at the town and how quickly they judged Lucy. And the truth of how often we see someone as we think we know them to be instead of really getting to know who they are.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Reed Wilder is heading for Far Enough, Texas. Leaving his usual habit of having his head stuck in the ledgers back home in Delaware. He was finally going to make his father proud of him. He would find the fallen woman who stole the Dragon's Heart ring from his brother's widow and also bring home Jon's son to his father. He hated this Lucy Ames who was was a thief. Cheating Iris, Jon's widow of both the ring and her husbands faithfulness. On the way he is attacked by two men but rescued by a pint size sprite. While recovering at this Athena's home, Reed finds out that this angel who saved him...is the devil he had come to confront.
Lucy Ames and her son Toby lived quietly outside of town. With her mother's death only a few weeks ago and the town shunning her, they were alone. Oh there was her childhood friend, Lowell Crowder who wanted to marry her just to make her acceptable again but she wanted true love, like what her parents wanted. Getting to know Reed while he recovered at her home almost had her forgetting her tarnished reputation.
When the truth comes to light, can forgiveness come with it? Reed's pride does not allow him to truly see the person Lucy is and Lucy's pride will not settle for anything less than love and trust.
This seems to be Winnie's first book, written in 2001. And her excellent stories have continued. I'm looking forward to reading more of her books. She brought out the emotions of the characters and of the reader...I went through a few tissues myself. The anger at the town and how quickly they judged Lucy. And the truth of how often we see someone as we think we know them to be instead of really getting to know who they are.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
August 28, 2018
A MATTER OF TRUST by Winnie Griggs. Lucy Ames and her son Toby, live in Texas and are out picking berries, when Lucy comes upon a man being beaten, almost to death. Lucy cautions Toby to stay back and she jumps into the fight. No one deserves to be beaten that badly. She recognizes the two men who are beating the poor man as the good-for-nothing Jefferson brothers. She threatens to shoot them with her personal revolver that she carries with her, whenever she and Toby are away from the house. The Jefferson's don't believe that she'll shoot them. so she shoots very close to one brother & then both of the brothers are frightened or just plain cowardly. Lucy and Toby get the injured man, to their house, just barely, given that Lucy is a petite woman and Toby is a small lad of six.
Reed Wilder is in awe of this small feisty woman and her young son. He can't believe they were able to get rid of the Jefferson's, before they outright killed him and stole all of his stuff and his horse. He is scraped raw, up one side, down the other. Lucy's ministrations might kill him or make him stronger. Reed has come to the area, seeking a woman who may have kidnapped his nephew. He can't afford to be waylaid for too long, he is expected to be back in Delaware to take care of some family business.
Lucy, Toby, and Reed have all sorts of adventures during the time that Reed is at Lucy and Toby's home, recuperating from his injuries. Great story, couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary copy from Wild Heart Books and was under no obligation to post a review.
Reed Wilder is in awe of this small feisty woman and her young son. He can't believe they were able to get rid of the Jefferson's, before they outright killed him and stole all of his stuff and his horse. He is scraped raw, up one side, down the other. Lucy's ministrations might kill him or make him stronger. Reed has come to the area, seeking a woman who may have kidnapped his nephew. He can't afford to be waylaid for too long, he is expected to be back in Delaware to take care of some family business.
Lucy, Toby, and Reed have all sorts of adventures during the time that Reed is at Lucy and Toby's home, recuperating from his injuries. Great story, couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary copy from Wild Heart Books and was under no obligation to post a review.
October 6, 2019
I found a real gem with A Matter of Trust by Winnie Griggs. This faith based story was one of the best I have read in quite a while. Not overly religious but just enough. Even as the prejudices and biases of the late 1800’s came into play affecting the main character’s, Lucy’s life, making it harsher and more solitary then it needed to be, I appreciated her sass and grit.
Told in dual POVs, the story is tightly structured with character depth and growth. The supporting characters bring much to the story as old friendships are tested and new ones are built. Even the villains are complex with not all of them being criminals but some being self-righteous hypocrites. As for the main couple, much of Reed and Lucy’s relationship developed as I expected but then it took a turn becoming a circle story going back to the way it started when they first met. That was surprising, being so excellent done especially as I had forgotten all about those other characters.
This is an author I will follow, wishing to read more of her books. Highly recommend to anyone who loves historical romance fiction taking place in the US.
The publisher provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
Told in dual POVs, the story is tightly structured with character depth and growth. The supporting characters bring much to the story as old friendships are tested and new ones are built. Even the villains are complex with not all of them being criminals but some being self-righteous hypocrites. As for the main couple, much of Reed and Lucy’s relationship developed as I expected but then it took a turn becoming a circle story going back to the way it started when they first met. That was surprising, being so excellent done especially as I had forgotten all about those other characters.
This is an author I will follow, wishing to read more of her books. Highly recommend to anyone who loves historical romance fiction taking place in the US.
The publisher provided an ARC. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
October 2, 2018
What a great read. I have never read anything by Winnie, but if this book was any indication of her writing then I have found a new author.
I loved that this book was full of romance but also had a mystery involved. What was Lucy’s deal? And then the author throws in a twist with a new point of view character that has the reader wondering what is going on. There is more to the story then meets the eyes.
If you love a good historical romance I am sure you will enjoy this book
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
I loved that this book was full of romance but also had a mystery involved. What was Lucy’s deal? And then the author throws in a twist with a new point of view character that has the reader wondering what is going on. There is more to the story then meets the eyes.
If you love a good historical romance I am sure you will enjoy this book
A copy of this book was given to me. All opinions are my own.
Read
September 19, 2021Nice but slow
Lucy is a single parent who happens on a stranger being beaten and robbed by the town losers.
Redding has come to Texas to look for a woman named Lucy Ames who is in possession of his deceased brothers illegitimate son.
She rescues him from the beating and nurses him back to health.
It's a nice story but very slow moving with no hints regarding the mystery of what brought Lucy to this situation of disgrace, until almost the end. I'm willing to try another of her books.
The cover is horrible and doesn't reflect the description in the story.
Lucy is a single parent who happens on a stranger being beaten and robbed by the town losers.
Redding has come to Texas to look for a woman named Lucy Ames who is in possession of his deceased brothers illegitimate son.
She rescues him from the beating and nurses him back to health.
It's a nice story but very slow moving with no hints regarding the mystery of what brought Lucy to this situation of disgrace, until almost the end. I'm willing to try another of her books.
The cover is horrible and doesn't reflect the description in the story.
January 20, 2022
Wow, this is such a fabulous story of redemption and love. I couldn’t put this story down. It grabbed me from the first chapter. I can only imagine what Lucy Ames went through. She is strong and independent and stubborn. And then there is Reed Wilder who is a wonderful all-round hero. But will Lucy see it and respond? Or will she keep him at a distance? Such a powerful story. I highly recommend this book.
October 29, 2018
Great Nobel
I have read this book twice. I found Lucy and Fred's story filled with love, mystery, adventure and suspense. Her match making skills should be explored more in new novels. I look forward to the next story
I have read this book twice. I found Lucy and Fred's story filled with love, mystery, adventure and suspense. Her match making skills should be explored more in new novels. I look forward to the next story
October 4, 2022
My Musings
What an emotionally charged romance with compelling characters and a heartfelt plot. This is has so much more than other romances I have read recently. I am so glad I found it in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
What an emotionally charged romance with compelling characters and a heartfelt plot. This is has so much more than other romances I have read recently. I am so glad I found it in Kindle Unlimited. Happy reading!
June 4, 2023
I really enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting. The plot had its twists. And the book read easily. My only complaint was a 3rd POV character was added for one tiny section early on to never show up again, and it was a bit jarring.
February 16, 2023
Trust Your Heart
Thank you so much for this thrilling love story between Lucy and Reed. Your story touched my heart with emotions of terror, humor, sadness and happiness.
Thank you so much for this thrilling love story between Lucy and Reed. Your story touched my heart with emotions of terror, humor, sadness and happiness.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews