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11 January 2018

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey -- by Amanda Barratt, Guest Review by Andrea Stephens


Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where...
She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?


5 Stars *****
for Amanda Barratt's debut novel!
Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

I've read Amanda Barratt's novellas in various Barbour collections and was pretty sure I would like this book. I did more than just like it, I LOVED it! Full of twists, turns, good and not so good people. No spoilers but there were some things that just blew me away. So many surprises, I could not put my Kindle down!
I've never been to Niagara Falls in person. After reading this book, I feel like I visited there many years ago, seeing different views of the Falls through Drew's eyes and through Adele's eyes.

Andrea's Review
Drew Dawson. He's an honest, caring, trustworthy, hardworking, Godly man. “He believed what he'd said to Hope (his sister), that God would take care of them and everything would be all right. With every bone in his body, he meant it. Though truly, the task before him was one that could only be accomplished with the help of God Almighty.” How can I not love a hero who thinks like that?
Adele Linley is a heroine that tugged at my heart and upset me all at the same time. I found myself talking out loud to her more than once. My husband says I get “a little too involved in reading.” I couldn't help it, I had to tell her “for someone so smart and wanting to do the right thing you certainly are making a bad decision.” She didn't listen though.
I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda Barratt's writing style. One example is, “The memories not only haunted but tormented. Why couldn't she shake free of them? Why must every sensation remain so fresh, like the first second after a handprint is pressed onto clouded glass.”
This quote from the book is so very important to us all. (I can't say where it is or who says it without spoilers)“...it was a beautiful thing indeed to trust that, even if no earthly human remained to comfort, God's presence lingered.” I have tears in my eyes again while typing this. How good it is to know that God's presence lingers. He will hold us, if we let Him. I loved how this message was seamlessly woven into the story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Not just historical Christian fiction readers. It is a very engaging story with many surprises.

Links: Check out all the novelsin the series on the My Heart Belongs series website                

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy on OWG blog of Amanda Barratt's new release this week. Leave a comment to enter. 

41 comments:

  1. Oops, I must apologize for my mistype. Please forgive me. My review actually begins at 5 Stars*****

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  2. Awww... Thank you SO much for this beautiful review!!!! I'm so blessed and humbled you enjoyed the story! That means so much to me! Hugs!!! <3 <3

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    1. You are so very welcome! I look forward to reading more of your books.

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  3. I love the story line and excellent reciew. Niagra Falls is an amazing place, surely a great setting for a book. Thank you formthe giveaway opportunity.
    perrianneDOTaskewATmeDOTcom

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    1. Thank you, Perrianne. The setting is magnificent.
      Good luck in the giveaway.
      Blessings!

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  4. I love the Falls and I look forward to reading this. I have friends who are living there and pastoring a church.

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    1. The book is wonderful. I would love to see the Falls someday. I imagine your friends visit them often.

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  5. Thank you for the review and the opportunity to read. I’ve always wanted to visit Niagara Falls. Blessings

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    1. Thank you, Lucy. I've only seen pictures and video of the Falls. Amanda's book gives us a very special view.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  6. This sounds like an amazing debut.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. It is an amazing debut, Mary! I'm sure you will like it.
      Thanks for coming by!

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  7. Thank you for the review. This sounds like a great book. I have enjoyed reading this series.
    susanmsj at msn dot com

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    1. This is a great book, Susan. I'm so glad you are enjoying this series, I know I am. I think there are six or seven more coming.
      Good luck!

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  8. Oh I can't wait to read this one!!

    alander87(at)allcom(dot)net

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    1. I hope you get a chance to read it soon, Abby!
      Blessings!

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  9. I'd LOVE to win this one! It's sounds highly intriguing! ;)

    Many Blessings, Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a)
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. It is intriguing, Amada I think you will like it.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  10. What a beautiful cover to a great book! I would love to read it. Thank you for the opportunity. mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. Melanie, I think Barbour has done a wonderful job on the covers of this series. I love them all!
      Blessings!

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  11. I've committed to reading more new to me authors this year, I think Amanda would fit the bill!

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. That's a great commitment to make, Patty! I think Amanda is a wonderful choice.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  12. I love this series! I just visited Niagara Falls in October and would love to read about life there in the 1870's.

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    1. How wonderful to actually visit there! The view is very nice in 1870.
      Blessings!

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  13. I'm looking forward to reading this one. I just finished reading Amanda's novella in The Regency Brides Collection and enjoyed it very much.

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    1. That is a really good collection, Mardell. I enjoyed it too.
      I'm certain you will enjoy this book too.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  14. Amanda writes great books so I'm looking foward to reading this, thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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  15. Looks so good! Thanks for the review and the giveaway!
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. It is good!
      Thanks for stopping by Mindy.
      Good luck in the giveaway.

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  16. I've read most of the other books in the series...can't wait to read this one. Thank you for sharing about it.

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    1. Anne, I'm happy to know you are reading this series. I love sharing them. Amanda's book is a great addition.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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    2. Congrats Anne Rightler! You're our winner of our giveaway of a paperback copy of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt.

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    3. Thank you so much, Carrie. I am looking forward to reading this one!

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  17. Oh yeah! I’ve been wanting this book! It sure sounds good! Thanks for the giveaway!
    grandmama_brenda(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Hi, Brenda! I think you will like this book.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  18. Wonderful review, Andrea! I'm enjoying the My Heart Belongs series!
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Thank you, Caryl. I'm glad to know you are enjoying the series. I love how each one celebrates one particular place.
      Thanks for coming by!

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  19. Great review Andrea.
    Congratulations Amanda Barratt on your book, I can't wait to read it.
    I have not been to Niagara Falls yet, but hope to one day.
    Blessings,Tina

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    1. Thank you, Tina. I hope you get the chance to visit Niagara Falls and read this book.

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