Flirtation Walk by Siri Mitchell - a book review

 Flirtation Walk is a historical story based on real life events and places.  It’s set in the pre-civil war days at West Point.  The author obviously has researched the topic thoroughly. 

The publisher describes the story this way:

“At West Point, Only True Love Should Lead You to Flirtation Walk

Lucinda Pennyworth, the daughter of a con man, is trying her best to leave her father's sordid past behind her. When he dies unexpectedly, she takes the opportunity to move to West Point to live with her aunt, ready to take on a new life and determined to marry a respectable man, a West Point cadet, to impress her relatives.                                                                              

Seth Westcott, a cadet at the academy, is proud to be at the top of his senior class. But when his mother dies and his sister loses their inheritance to a swindler, Seth wants nothing more than to head west to track down the con man. But the army will only send the cadets at the bottom of the class to the frontier . . . which leaves Seth with some tough choices.

When a woman trying her best to be good meets a man determined to be anything but, can there be hope for love, or will two lonely hearts be condemned to casual flirtation?”

While there are some comical moments in the story, for the most part it is a drama. The romantic aspect of the story almost takes a back seat to the other story lines.  Many of the characters are based on bits and pieces of real people, so they are very believable. The author also gives a great historical account of the times, places, politics and customs.  Her research into the practices and customs particular to West Point is evident and very informative.  She also includes a small section at the back of the book with notes from her research and the reader will benefit by reading it. This story isn’t a difficult read but it’s not a story you can quickly read through and I found myself not wanting to put it down.  It isn’t a particularly ‘religious’ book, even though it is often included in the Christian fiction genre.  I would classify it as more of a “clean” historical novel. I’ve always enjoyed Siri Mitchell’s books and this one is another hit with me!

You can read an excerpt HERE

Learn more about Siri Mitchell HERE  

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”