A Texas-Sized Tale of Unexpected Love. Essie Spreckelmeyer is the last woman anyone in Corsicana, Texas, expected to see with a man on her arm. Independent and outspoken, she's known more for riding bicycles in outrageous bloomers than for catching a man's eye. And the last man who seems willing to give her a second glance is Tony Morgan, newly hired at Spreckelmeyer's oil company. The disinherited son of an oil baron, Tony wants most to restore his name and regain his lost fortune--not lose his heart to this headstrong blonde. She confounds, contradicts, and confuses him. Sometimes he doesn't know if she's driving him toward the aisle or the end of his rope. That's how life is...Deep in the Heart of Trouble
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"I must say this was far more enjoyable than the first! I also enjoy the fact that it was totally readable as a stand alone book. You would just be out of the loop on a few things until it was revealed later. This book did become slow at some parts but not as bad as the first. "
— Hannah (4 out of 5 stars)
“A robust Christian romance.”
— Barnes & Noble, editorial review“Gist’s historical romances have increasingly gained popularity, combining witty dialogue, well-balanced plots, and fully developed characters who seem almost real. Recommended.”
— Library Journal“Gist does it again! Her signature prose is consistent, and she delivers a thoroughly delightful and entertaining story that’s worthy of our time and attention. Not only won’t you want to put this book down, you’ll want to enjoy this story again and again.”
— RT Book Reviews (4½ stars, Top Pick!)" I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a cute romance, kind of fluffy, but I couldn't put it down! "
— Alisa, 2/17/2014" I read this book a while ago but never added it to my list. I remember it being fun and there were tender moments that made me go "ahhhh" but other than that I can't recall any particular scene of the story that sticks out in my mind as unforgettable. If I wanted a light, fun, romantic read then this would be a good book to pick up. "
— Heather, 2/15/2014" OH SO GOOD!! Sad to say goodbye to Essie. I've had so much fun with her!! "
— Heather, 2/7/2014" A good, fun read with a twist at the end. Light-hearted and somewhat interesting, taking a new spin on the early 20th century with oil, bikes, and cars. "
— Stacia, 2/2/2014" I liked this one better than the first one (Courting Trouble). I finished it in two days & it provided a good "vacation" for this mom. "
— Amy, 1/31/2014" Not as good as A Bride Most Begrudging, but still a good read. "
— Stephenie, 1/26/2014" MUCH better. I'm glad to know that last book had a satisfying sequel! "
— Abby, 1/17/2014" It was Cute. But just OK. "
— Kecia, 1/16/2014" This is a fun, clean girl book! It has romance and suspense, but is kind of predictable in the ways of relationships. There was a definite sense of girl-power, even though it took place in 1898. It was great. "
— Melissa, 1/5/2014" This is a lot better than the first book in this series. And the main character is really quite a character. There are many predictable elements, but a few surprises. Overall it was worth the read. "
— Kirsten, 1/4/2014" This book gets 3.5 stars. "
— Melissa, 12/29/2013" This book finished the story of Courting Trouble which I did not enjoy because of the ending. Hence, now with the addition, I found the story much more enjoyable. Nothing deep or profound here, just an easy read. "
— Janyse, 12/28/2013" Loved how she finally met her guy. "
— Carolyn, 12/15/2013" This book was just fun...a wholesome read. "
— Traci, 12/12/2013" Loved Essie and her story. Tony Morgan is my favorite Hero in all Gist's Novels! A gentleman to the end. Mrs. Lockhart made the whole book, though!!! "
— Tracy, 12/9/2013" loved it. I listened to it. great sappy fun! The way in which the hero views the heroine is wonderful. He is so steadfast in his admiration of her. But his weakness is tempered with reality. A great read! "
— Cici, 11/21/2013" I couldn't wait for this book to come out after reading "Courting Trouble". It was a great read and it was very satisfying to see Essie finally get her man. "
— Leslie, 7/7/2013" This book was also fun, though maybe not as fun as others of her books. I liked that it wasn't formulaic. The book took a few unexpected turns. "
— Alyson, 3/11/2013" Sweet, fun story that is a quick read. I enjoyed the first book about Essie better but this one had a nice tidy ending to her story. "
— Marsha, 12/7/2012" I loved this book and everything I've ever read by her "
— Shannon, 11/11/2012" the second part to 'Courting Trouble' and so wonderful!! "
— Ana, 10/15/2012" This book was a little different from other books I have read from Deeanne Gist. I like the characters, especially Essie. She was a very progressive women for her time. What I have learned from the story: don't let people or circumstances put you down. "
— Grandma, 10/3/2012" Really like this author's books...they are funny and the heroine is always really likeable. This is a sequel to a previous book in the series, so read the other one first. "
— Michelle, 4/15/2012" Cute and kinda funny but again an easy read and really cheesey "
— Rebecca, 10/30/2011" Better than the first. 3 1/2 to 4 stars. "
— Alyson, 9/25/2011" I remember tearing through this book when I first read it but I haven't re-read it again. "
— Blaire, 8/2/2011" OH SO GOOD!! Sad to say goodbye to Essie. I've had so much fun with her!! "
— Heather, 6/14/2011" This sequel was more enjoyable than the first in the series. Still cheesy. Still Christian. But well-done with believable characters! "
— Carolyn, 6/5/2011" MUCH better. I'm glad to know that last book had a satisfying sequel! "
— Abby, 6/1/2011" I loved this book. I am amazed at how funny the author is. Her stories are very captivating. I lose much sleep over these books. I just want to stay up all night and read. They are fun, and light. "
— Nellie, 5/7/2011" Not my favorite of the author's but it held my attention. The main female character was not my favorite overall but I enjoyed the male character so it worked in the end. "
— Kelsey, 4/28/2011" Note... this is part TWO. Read Part ONE first... It's called courting trouble. I wish I had known that!! <br/> <br/>Another good one. This one is set in Texas and the main characters are men who started big in the oil business. "
— Sarah, 3/12/2011" This was a fun speedy read. I enjoyed the historical background about the early oil days in Texas and the bicycle craze among women. The story took some fun twists but the happy ending was never in doubt. "
— Emily, 3/7/2011" Good sequel to the first. The first book surprised me greatly with an original ending and I wasn't expecting this book. I wish it had more character development and less history, but overall loved the way she threw in mystery and action! "
— Anna, 2/19/2011" History, romance, a fair bit of cheesiness and predictability, but - just like a good Lifetime movie - I enjoyed it. "
— Rebecca, 2/8/2011" totally cheesy and predictable, but a fun read anyways "
— Jessica, 12/28/2010" Essie Sprecklemeyer was the most interesting character Dee has come up with so far (and I've read them all!) but the books weren't as engaging "
— Samantha, 11/30/2010" Really liked this book. Very predictable, but a well written book. "
— Kim, 11/8/2010Brooke Sanford Heldman can be heard as Vicki Byrne in the audio series Left Behind, The Kids, as well as various other audio spots with Left Behind, The Series, Focus on the Family, and WYLL. Brooke trained as an actress with Illinois Wesleyan University, The Audition Studio, Wheaton College, and various Meisner instructors. She is the drama director of Promiseland, the children’s ministry at Willow Creek Community Church.
Deeanne Gist is a bestselling historical and contemporary romance author. She has received four Rita Award nominations and two consecutive Christy Awards. Some of her works include Love on the Line, Maid to Match, Beguiled, Deep in the Heart of Trouble, and others. Before becoming a novelist, Gist worked in elementary education, ran an antiques business, and was a freelance journalist, writing for publications such as People, Parenting, Family Fun, the Houston Chronicle, and the Orlando Sentinel. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and their border collie.
Pam Turlow is an award-winning stage and television actress. She has also appeared in print campaigns for AT&T and Ameritech.