Book Review for A Heart Most Worthy By Siri Mitchell

Reading Level: Young Adult

Publisher: Bethany House (March 1, 2011)

Pages: 379

Author’s website: http://www.sirimitchell.com/

The elegance of Madame Forza's gown shop is a far cry from the downtrodden North End of Boston. Yet each day Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana enter the world of the upper class, working on finery for the elite in society. The three beauties each long to break free of their obligations and embrace the American dream--and their chance for love. But the ways of the heart are difficult to discern at times. Julietta is drawn to the swarthy, mysterious Angelo. Annamaria has a star-crossed encounter with the grocer's son, a man from the entirely wrong family. And through no intent of her own, Luciana catches the eye of Billy Quinn, the son of Madame Forza's most important client. Their destinies intertwined, each harboring a secret from their families and each other, will they be found worthy of the love they seek? [Amazon Product Description]

Mrs. Mitchell has done it again. J I knew before I even started this book that it was going to be amazing. And oh my heart- it was. I love how she writes; I always come away with some pieces of new knowledge. All her books are about things in history I never would have known about otherwise. My mother (aka my teacher) would be so proud of her.

This one didn’t take place in Queen Elizabeth’s court (see A Constant Heart) or tell the tale of a debutant who loses her place in society (see She Walks in Beauty). It didn’t even explore forbidden love (well, it did a little…see Love’s Pursuit)! No, this novel whisked us off to Boston, year 1918. It told us the stories of three very different Italian girls following the same dream, but in very different ways.     But of course, I’ll leave it up to you to find out how it all turns out in the end. J

I loved all the girls, but Annamaria was the one I could relate to the most. Her story was definitely the best of the three…ah, who doesn’t like a little forbidden love thrown in every once in a while? “Where are you going?” “To get some tomatoes!” Her story reminded me of Romeo and Juliet. And…*sigh* Rafaello. He was way more romantic than the other two guys…by a long shot! Mentioning the other guys, I hated Angelo from the very first page. He sickened me. And Julietta was so blind to his true character, like so many girls are today. I actually know a girl that’s a “Julietta,” flirting with danger. And Mauro…he just seemed so…emotionless. I wish I had seen him express his love for Julietta more…he really didn’t convince me at all. He needed a lesson from Billy Quinn, I think. J But then again, the last thing Julietta needed was another guy pursuing her relentlessly. She needed a level-headed guy and a balanced relationship. She had to make up her mind between passionate love and practical love. She had to decide between want and need and choose what was best for her. That brings me to another point: Julietta’s story showed that love is not always passionate. It can be, but not always. Love is based on mutual respect and admiration, too; not only physical attraction. Mauro was perfect for Julietta- she was wild and he was practical. They say that opposites attract… J

To sum it all up, I loved A Heart Most Worthy. It was intriguing and entertaining as well as educating. I don’t think it quite measured up to one of Mrs. Mitchell’s other book, Love’s Pursuit (that one set me of fire!) but it was amazing just as well.

And Madonna Mia! I almost forgot! The cover! I am so lusting after that gown…J

Quick Content Review:

Profanity: None

Violence: None

Sexual: None (Julietta kisses Angelo a couple times, and it’s mentioned that he kisses her neck. He tries to persuade her to sleep with him in exchange for him returning Mrs. Quinn’s jewels, but he gets a better idea instead. Nothing is described.)