Caught up in a whirlwind of religious enthusiasm, Alyce Benson impetuously pledges three thousand dollars to mission work in Africa. Now she just has to find a way to get the money.
Alyce harbors a secret passion for speed and automobiles, and she’s spent many an afternoon driving around the rustic track in the field behind her home. When she discovers that her father’s company has sponsored a racing car that will compete in several upcoming events–races in which the driver will be paid and could win as much as five thousand dollars in prize money–she conspires with her father’s mechanic, Webster, to train and compete.
But when her friends cast aspersions on Webster’s past, she realizes she may have trusted the wrong person with her secret. Will Alyce come up with the money in time, or will she have to choose between her hasty promise and the man who holds a piece of her heart?
Anne Mateer is a three-time Genesis Contest finalist who has long had a passion for history and historical fiction. She and her husband live near Dallas, Texas, and are the parents of three young adults.
Twitter @annemateer
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Website http://www.annemateer.com
My Impressions:
After finishing a book with some heavy subjects, I needed a light, amusing read. At Every Turn by Anne Mateer hit the spot! An historical romance set in middle America in 1916, this novel features a spunky and idealistic heroine, a sweet and compassionate hero and a great perspective on early auto racing. When a missionary couple visits her church, Alyce Benson is determined to fulfill a promise to help bring the gospel to Africa. But faced with having to raise the money herself, she turns to her one talent — driving really fast! The pace is set and Alyce takes off across the Midwest pursuing the dream of a big win in races reserved for men.
Alyce is at times clueless and fearless in her desire to achieve her goal of raising $3000. She is a thoroughly modern woman — bobbed hair, no corset and a talent for driving. Her enthusiasm and naivete are charming. I liked the other characters as well, even loved to hate the villain. The plot is a bit predictable, but the unusual subject matter – early auto racing — really kept my interest. All in all, a recommended read for those who like a little history mixed in with their romance.
Recommended.
(I received At Every Turn from Bethany House in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
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