Stealing Jake is an historical romance set in 1874 in a small town south of Chicago. The romance element is simple, opening with a delightful scene in which the heroine, Livy O'Brien, picks a young pickpocket to return the deputy sheriff's stolen pocket watch — without any of the players realizing she was involved. The deputy is, of course, our hero, Jake Russell.  The pickpocket, Luke, has the supporting role, though he's no more than twelve and carrying the sins of the world on his tiny shoulders.

I liked a lot about this novel.  Clean writing style. Characters easy to care about and cheer on.  A developing love story that had some spark and was believable in the characters getting to know one another. And enough going on in the story to keep me turning the pages.  But what I really liked was the basis of the plot — street kids from Chicago sold into slavery in sweatshops.

Of course, I don't like that this happened then or in other forms still happens today.  But I liked that reading this romance made me aware.  Woke me up.  Challenged me to pray more diligently for widows and orphans.

And I liked that it had a happy ending.  I thought it would.  The story's entire tone was hope and improvement.  But nonetheless, I'm glad that it had more than just a happy love story ending.

Plus, it hit on one of my favorite spiritual themes.  Forgiveness and God's grace, and living in the knowledge of who we are in Christ — new creatures.

All good stuff.  I cannot think of any reason that you wouldn't enjoy this romance.