How Do I Love Thee?

How Do I Love Thee?
Written by Nancy Moser
Published at Bethany House

About the book
She dreams of love for others but never for herself...
Elizabeth Barrett is a published poet--and a virtual prisoner in her own home. Blind family loyalty ties her to a tyrannical father who forbids any of his children to marry. Bedridden by chronic illness, she has resigned herself to simply existing. That is, until the letter arrives...

"I love your verses with all my heart," writes Robert Browning, an admiring fellow poet. As friendly correspondence gives way to something more, Elizabeth discovers that Robert's love is not for her poetry alone. Might God grant her more than mere existence? And will she risk defying her father in pursuit of true happiness?

Who is Nancy Moser?
Nancy Moser is the author of three inspirational humor books and a eighteen novels, including Mozart's Sister, Just Jane, and Time Lottery, a Christy Award winner. She is an inspirational speaker, giving seminars around the country. She has earned a degree in architecture; run a business with her husband; traveled extensively in Europe; and has performed in various theaters, symphonies, and choirs. She and her husband have three grown children and make their home in the Midwest. Read more about her books at www.nancymoser.com.

My Thoughts
I love historical fiction! It gives you some interesting information about someone or something that lived/happened in the past. At the same time when it is fiction, you have to remember that everything that you read is not what really happened. This book is about the love story of Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. For those of you who don’t know who they are – as I did – they were poets from the Victorian era. I’m not too fond of poetry but I do appreciate some once in a while.

This novel made me discover a woman and poetess that I didn’t know. Her love story is quite special as it had to be kept secret. Why? You might wonder… Her own father didn’t approve of marriage. This is quite strange and makes me wonder why since he himself had been married and had children (12 to be exact). But nevertheless, even though Elizabeth was sick she found love at a late age. And she followed her heart by marrying Robert Browning, who was younger than her by a few years. They left the familiar surroundings of England and family to go live in Italy for a number of years. Elizabeth was rejected by her father and brothers in her family by doing so. But love conquered and won. They were loved in Italy and appreciated. Eventually they were blessed with a child.

Intertwined with the story, you will read some samples of letters between Elizabeth and Robert. And in the mix of all this, you will imagined with the author what Elizabeth thought while she read the letters from Robert. As well while you read the novel you have the feeling that Elizabeth herself is speaking to you. I think this makes the reading more personal and bring you at a deeper level. I love it when I discover a novel that is like that. It makes me feel as though I am sharing the life of the character.

The author also included interesting information at the end of the novel. She first included a note for the reader giving examples on how real life made a good run with her imagination. Then she clarifies what is fact and what is fiction in the book. I really enjoyed this and appreciate the fact that she took the time to explain this. Then for all the book lovers who meet on a monthly basis to discuss a book, you will find discussion questions for the novel. And finally, the author took the time to include the Sonnets From the Portuguese at the end of the book. This poem is one of the most popular ones from Elizabeth Barrett Browning and describes her blooming love relationship with her Robert.

I discovered a new series of book from Nancy Moser that gives information about women from the past. This is the fourth book in the series. You can also find a book about Mozart’s sister, Jane Austen and Lady Washington. I am looking forward to discover these historical fictions in the future.

If you want to learn more about Elizabeth Barrett Browning please look at the Wikipedia Link -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_Barrett_Browning and you can find Robert Browning’s information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Browning .

How Do I Love Thee? is available everywhere even at amazon.ca and indigo.ca.