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04 January 2013

Murray Pura's new release Ashton Park reviewed by Marian Baay

Ashton Park
Ashton Park 
by Murray Pura
Harvest House Publishers, 2013

Reviewed by Marian Baay
5 stars~*****


It is halfway through WW1 and there is a lot of unrest in England and Ireland. It is during this period that Sir William Danforth with his wife and seven children are trying to live a normal life at Ashton Park—a large estate with a beautiful manor, old family castle, forests, and the Irish Sea nearby.

Sir William, the master of Ashton Park, and his wife Lady Elizabeth have three sons and four daughters. They are all of marriageable age—some are looking for love while others have already found it.
It is expected that the children marry in their own class. But what will happen when they start falling in love with someone of the lower social class?

Sir William expects everyone in his household to remain loyal to the Church of England, just like his family has been for many generations. When he is away for business – he is a Member of Parliament – his wife decides to go to a Baptist church together with the head cook. When Sir William finds out about this he’s none too pleased.

There is a lot of drama in this exciting and enjoyable story. Is the family falling apart because the children go their own way? And what unforeseen dramas will occur after the children marry? I really liked seeing all the family members playing an important role, and all having their own drama to deal with.

A story set in a tumultuous period, with lovely and lovable characters, looking for and finding romance—this is a fabulous read!

Murray's books can be purchased through AmazonCBD and other bookstores.



GIVEAWAY: It's my (Marian's) birthday and therefore I'm giving away a copy of Ashton Park to a commenter who has liked Murray Pura Writing on Facebook. You can click the link to 'like' the page. 
* Put MPW in your comment if you have done so.
* Don't forget to leave your email address if I don't know you.
Contest is open to international readers. 

QUESTION: Have you read any of Murray Pura's books yet? If so, please tell us what you liked best in his stories.


138 comments:

  1. First and foremost MARIAN, I'd like to wish you yet again a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! :)
    And thank you for this great review of Ashton Park!! I'm very much looking forward to reading this intriguing novel that sounds both exciting and enjoyable!

    At this point, I have only read The Rose of Lancaster County, and in honour of your birthday Marian, read the last chapter available just a little earlier! ;) What have I liked best?? Well, apart from that 6th chapter *cough*, I like how the reader is drawn deeply into the story and the characters right from the start, which keeps you flipping those pages quickly!!

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    1. Thank you, Noela! I sure hope you will enjoy Ashton Park as much as you did The Rose of Lancaster County.
      I totally agree that the 6th chapter was uhm... delightful to read. :)

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    2. my fair ladies . . . :o) sun kissed locals and flying dutch chicks . . . will have to put you guys in a book

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    3. I'm sure that's going to be a bestseller! ;)

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  2. Happy Birthday Marian! I hope you have a wonderful day. :)

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  3. Happy Birthday dear sister! That you may have many more :)

    Yes I have read The wings of morning and have two books on the e-reader ready for reading ( a Bride's flight and The Face of Heaven)
    What I loved in the first book that I read was that it feels like that you as reader walk right next to the characters in the story, and the story of the Amish during the war ( I did not know). I just love the way Pura Writes :)

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    1. Thank you, Mirjam! And so glad to hear that you like Murray's writing!

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    2. thank you so much, Mirjam!!! :o)

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    3. oh right please enter my e-mail :) mirjam(at)fotoflits(dot)com :)

      You are so welcome Murray!

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    4. I know where to find you, Mirjam. ;)

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  4. I am dying to read one of his books! won one from Suzanne Woods Fisher's website months ago and never have rec'd it..:( Rhonda
    rhonda_nash_hall@comcast.net

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Rhonda. Have you liked Murray Pura Writing on Facebook?

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    2. Rhonda you should drop Suzanne a quick & polite line

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  5. I haven't read any of MPW put I really want to read Ashton Park since I read the first review of his book.I love WW 2 books especially based in ENGLAND. Happy BIRTHDAY, MARIAN.
    maggieh1947@att.net

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  6. Happy Birthday. Hope you have a great day!

    I have liked Murry Pura's books on face book. I love how he adds some history about the war and the Amish. Love Murry's books.

    seraphinangel7@aol.com

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    1. Thank you, Juanita! I'm having a good day so far.
      Good luck in the giveaway!

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  7. Happy Birthday Marian! Hope you have a great one. Love to win! Thanks for the chance.
    Blessings
    joeym11@frontier.com

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    1. Thanks Diana! Have you like Murray Pura Writing on Facebook? If not, please do so in order to be entered in the drawing.

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  8. Happy Birthday, Marian!!! I hope you are having a fantastical day :)
    I have one of Murray's fiction books and his devotional Rooted. I haven't started the fiction book yet but I have started Rooted and enjoy his writings greatly! Very peaceful and contemplative.

    This new series looks intriguing...

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    1. Thank you, Anne. I remember you won Rooted on this blog. Glad to hear you are enjoying it. That book was a true blessing to me.

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    2. blessings, Anne - am glad you like Rooted

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  9. Birthday Blessings Marian. I haven't had the pleasure of reading any of his books but they are on the list to order. Thank you for the giveaway and good luck to all who enter. Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com MPW

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    1. Susan, thanks for the birthday wishes. I hope you get the chance to read one of Murray's books soon. Good luck in the contest!

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  10. Happy birthday! I just finished Wings of Morning yesterday --Loved it , I like the way Murray combines the war and Amish to tell his story and, I love that time era.I've liked his page a long time ago.. Faye Simer---- xsitchgranny2000@yahoo.com

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    1. Thank you, Faye. The Wings of Morning was a very good book. Good to hear that you liked it! You're entered in today's contest! Good luck.

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    2. cheers, Faye - so glad Wings meant something to you

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  11. A really great review of this book, MARIAN! I have read one of Murray's so far (The Face of Heaven) and have a couple of his on my wishlist! He is just a brilliant writer...what more can I say?...and his books are never boring!

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR MARIANNNN, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! We love you here at OWG!

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    1. Thanks for the beautiful song, Diana. :) And of course I love you and the other OWG ladies too!

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  12. i have The Face of Heaven, and looking forward to reading his other books
    Shirley Blanchard
    jcisforme2aol.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by Shirley. Have you liked Murray Pura writing on Facebook?

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  13. Happy Birthday Marian! You are just a youngster! That's good right? (Comparing your age to mine!! I'm young at heart..does that count?)

    I enjoyed your review. Would love to win a copy of Ashton Park. I have "liked" MPW a while back. Looking forward to reading his books this year.

    Blessings and have a wonderful birthday!
    Judy
    sweetpea.judy(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Thank you, Judy! :) Age doesn't matter when you have eternal life, right?
      Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. You are so right about that Marian!

      Thank you!

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  14. I've thought this book looked interesting since I've seen posts about it. Would love to win it. I like Murray page on FB and am also "friends" with him on FB. My email address is masoncml3@yahoo.com.

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  15. Blessings on your birthday sweet friend Marian! I won The Face of Heaven by murray and found it quite intriguing. I learned so many things about the Civil war battles I didn't know. He is a marvelous writer and I'd love to win this book! Darlene

    spangldlady[at]gmail[dot]com
    MPW

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    1. Thank you for the birthday blessings, Darlene! The Face of Heaven was also my first book by Murray. I learned a lot about the Civil War. As Dutch I have heard of it, but don't know really much about it.
      Good luck in the contest!

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    2. cheers, Darlene - thanks for your encouraging words

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  16. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY DEAR DUTCH LADY! THANK YOU FOR SUCH A POSITIVE REVIEW! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ENTERED! CHEERS!

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    1. Thank you, Murray! Keep on writing good books! :)

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  17. Happy Birthday Marian..Hope you have a wonderful day! Much Deserved if your having to put up with Murray.*joking* He's an awesome guy to talk to, laugh with. I have read all his.. The Rose of Lancaster County, and always looked forward when told about another one was coming out..Murray is a great writer and puts enough into them, so your left hanging for the next book..and thats ok as books are written..I'd really like to win this book..I've tried before in giveaway for it, and didn't win it, So this is another great chance to be able to enter..Thank You so much
    bearangel0@yahoo.com

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Kathy! Yes, Murray is a funny guy. ;)
      Like you, I'm always looking forward for his next book.
      Good luck!

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    2. hey, Kathy - you're a blast - good luck with the Dutch!

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  18. Happy Birthday Blessings to You Marian.
    I'd like very much to win copy of Ashton Park.
    Thanks,
    Carolyn
    carolynj63@att.net

    MPW

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  19. i have not read one of his books yet, but looking forward to reading them. sure hope i win this one
    Shirley Blanchard, jcisforme@aol.com

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    1. Have you liked Murray Pura Writing on Facebook, Shirley?

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  20. Happy Birthday Marian! I've liked Murray on FB. Thanks for the opportunity to win this book.

    MPW

    lorrainealx@hotmail.com

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  21. I have read both The Wings of Morning and The Face of Heaven. I really like both of them and would like to win Ashton Park. I have liked MRW and my e-mail address is: bride57no1@yahoo.com

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  22. Happy Birthday Marion !! Loving the chance to maybe win this book and become part of the family of Ashton Park .
    Thank You Murray for the opportunity to enter .

    MPW
    sassyscot2010@gmail.com
    Reply

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the draw!

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    2. cheers Sassy Scot - just wait'll Robbie Burns Day!

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  23. Happy Birthday again Marian !!! I hope your day is going fabulous!!
    If I win this book it will be my very first Amish or Murray Book..;)


    Dusty719.Daniel@gmail.com

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    1. hi Dusty, thanks for stopping by and the birthday wishes. This book is not Amish, but anything Murray writes is good! :)

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  24. someone left flowers on Marian's cyber door step :o) I'm spending time with Ethan & Rose today but I'll pop in & out - all the best you wonderful readers!!!!

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    1. The flowers were beautiful. Thanks!
      Say hi to Ethan & Rose from me. :)

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    2. they are trying to kiss in the forest while he's teaching her to snowshoe but, alas, people show up

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  25. Happy Birthday to you! I hope your day is special & your weekend is great too!

    Great review for Ashton Park, it sounds so good!

    I own but haven't read A Bride's Flight from Virginia City, Montana. I hope to get to it soon though!

    Thank you for the chance to win!

    MPW
    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Thanks Beth. I'm enjoying me day!
      Bride's Flight is also a great book. Hope you get to reading it soon!

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  26. Happy Birthday ... Marian would love to win this book have never read any of Murray's book. Didn't know until recently that he was a writer and I grew up where he lives now. Interesting!! To say the least, and I liked MPW on facebook.
    Becky

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    1. Well, you really should read one of Murray's books soon, Becky! Good luck in the giveaway.

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  27. Hey, Becky, it's still some of the prettiest country on the planet - we go to Waterton all the time - and I never get tired of seeing the Rocky Mountains - blessings!

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    1. Hi there Murray No fair!!!!! but we'll be coming up that way soon and I'll get to see those majestic peaks again. There really is nothing quite like the Rockies in winter.
      Becky

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  28. I am reading the Face of Heaven right now and I LOVE it! Murray Pura is an amazing author!!!!

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  29. Thank you for your kind words, Megan! :o)

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  30. I haven't read any of MPW books. From what I have looked up they sound awesome. Happy Birthday Marian. LeAnn Mooneyham angel4god@charter.net

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  31. My family is coming over in a few minutes, so I'm gone for a couple of hours. I will check for new comments when they are gone!
    Blessings and good luck to all!

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    1. I'm having my birthday today and people came over to celebrate me and empty my fridge. ;) How do you guys celebrate birthdays in Canada?

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  32. I love the cover of this book! Would love to win it. Enter me please. MPW

    winterrose(at)comcast(dot)net

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  33. I love his writing and sense of humor, too. I read his On the Wings of...

    Would love to read how he handles these sophisticated folks in Ashton Park

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  34. ha! cheers and all the best, ACS!

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  35. MPW

    I love his heartfelt way of making the story come alive with the feelings and truely making us feel what is happening. I would love to win this book, I am reading The Face of Heaven right now...

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    1. The Face of Heaven was the first book by Murray Pura that I read. It's a masterpiece. Enjoy the book, Linda! Best of luck in the draw.

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    2. thank you for your encouraging words, Linda Marie Finn! and yours, Marian of Tulip!

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  36. Happy Birthday, Marian - and many blessings in your new year! MPW is liked! Just recently met him and have not read his writings as of yet - but have added him to my tbr list. Thanks for this great giveaway and the chance to win Murray's find read.

    In Christian Joy,
    Barb Shelton
    barbjan10 at tx dot rr dot com

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    1. Thank you Barbara. I think it's time that you read one of his books! Good luck!

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    2. cheers, Barb Shelton! thanks for swinging by!

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  37. Oh, I loved that trailer! It's one for raising goosebumps, isn't it? I already have a copy I've just started reading, so I'm not entering the draw. All the best to Murray with Ashton Park, and thanks to the birthday girl, Marian, for the wonderful post. :) Happy Birthday to you.... xx

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    1. Thanks for the birthday wishes, Dorothy! Enjoy reading Ashton Park! :)

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    2. cheers, dorothy - thx for the milk!

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  38. Wow, what a special post here today!!
    What a great review, Marian, enjoyed your comments AND the trailer! I have not read Murray's books yet, but I'm looking forward to Face of Heaven to start with :)

    HAPPPY BIRTHDAY MARIAN XXXXXOOOOOOO

    Please don't enter me in the giveaway, I simply had to stop by and wish my wonderful friend the BESTEST birthday ever AND to say what a joy it is to share laughter, books and beauty with the birthday girl both on this awesome blog and on facebook :) You're the best, Marian, and I praise God for you. No one makes me laugh like you do, no one appreciates animals like you do, and you have such an amazing heart that is unique and original. You reflect Christ, you honor Him, and you bring glory to Him in every area. I KNOW that 2013 will be an amazing year for you and your family and I speak the blessings, favor, grace, joy, strength, balance and presence of God to be your constant companion throughout. I also speak more good books, the rest of God, and the breakthroughs of God over you and your home this year and beyond. Love you Marian and I'm so grateful for your friendship, big time hugs to you birthday girl!

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    1. I'm humbled by your words of blessing, love and appreciation. I'm speechless... ♥
      Love you too!

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  39. Happy Birthday, Marian!!
    I have not read any of the previous books by Murray Pura. I would like to be entered for this copy of Ashton Park. The young woman on the cover says so much by her presence! Love her demure appearance and her hat and dress! Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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    1. Thank you, Kathleen. I also like the cover of Ashton Park! Good luck in the drawing!

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  40. I am friends and Murray Pura Writing both on FB
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

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  41. Happy Birthday, Marian! Thanks for giving away Murray's book to celebrate your birthday. I have not yet read any of his books but I keep seeing them on blogs so think I need to put them on my "to look for" list. Ashton Park looks like an especially interesting book. Do you know how many books will be in this series?
    I liked his Facebook page, so MPW.

    pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

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    1. Thanks Pam! As far as I know there will be 2 books in this series. If I'm wrong Murray will correct me. :)
      You're entered!

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    2. in the Ashton Park series? FOUR books Maid Marian - ahem! the second book covers the years 1924-1933 in the Danforth family saga

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  42. I have quite a few of Murray's books on my to-read list and have heard great things about his book on Christian Fiction Devourers. MPW

    Loraine
    Lpertelt@aol.com

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    1. Loraine, I hope you will enjoy Murray's books. You're entered!

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  43. thanks for swinging by on a star, Loraine!

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  44. I have yet to read any of Murray Pura's books but will do so when I can find the time to read.
    Happy Birthday Blessings to Marian.
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. JANET, MARIAN is sawing some logs in the Netherlands, but I know she appreciates the b'day greetings! Hope you get some time to read ASAP! :) MURRAY'S books are awesome!

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  45. I started reading Murray's colonial monthly installment and it looks very interesting. His devotional books are lovely and deep. Looking forward to reading more of Murray's work and I hope more will go to audiobook.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARIAN!!! We really love you here on OWG and so glad you joined us!!!

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    1. thanks, Carrie - it's interesting that some of the most famous long rifles of the period came from amish country - lancaster county, pennsylvania

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    2. Thank you, Carrie! I love you too. ♥

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  46. Happy Birthday Marian! I hope you have enjoyed your special day.

    I honestly have never read or even heard of Murray Pura. I am
    always looking for new books and authors. Your review makes it sound like something I would def. enjoy reading. I would love to be entered into the drawing....sunydey26@aol.com

    Thanks & God bless

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    1. MARIAN is getting her beauty sleep in the Netherlands right now, JOHNETTE, but I thank you on her behalf for the b'day wishes! You will love Murray's books...he is the best! Hoping you will win your first "Murray" book here!

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    2. Thanks Johnette, I had a great day. Going to draw a winner soon. Good luck!

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  47. MPW... Happy Birthday Marian! I enjoyed reading The Wings of Morning and would love to win Ashton Park. gfpacificbee@gmail.com gfpacificbee@yahoo.com

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    1. DEBBIE, I'm filling in for MARIAN who is asleep amongst the tulips in Holland right now. :) Thank you for the b'day wishes and lots of luck in the giveaway! Isn't this just the classiest cover?!

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    2. cheers, Debbie! Thanks for entering!

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    3. Thanks, Debbie! And thanks Diana for filling in for me. You're the best!

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    4. No problem! Anything for you and Murrray!

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  48. Happy Birthday! I haven't read any of his stories yet, but this reminds me of Downton Abbey, which I love. MPW shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. Filling in for the b'day girl as she sleeps in the Netherlands! Thank you, VERONICA, for stopping by and good luck in the drawing! Murray has a vast array of books out -- I hope you will treat yourself to a few or ALL of them!

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    2. Veronica, thanks for the birthday wishes. Hope you will read one of Murray's books soon.

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  49. Happy Birthday, Marian!!! Hope your day has been fabulous!

    This looks like a wonderful book! Love the cover!!!

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  50. MARIAN I'm so sorry I'm this late coming on here. Mom had a very busy day and this is the first chance I had to stop by. I hope you had the best birthday EVER!

    Thanks for the terrific review of Murray's book. Sounds like one I need to read really soon!

    Talk to you tomorrow where we'll celebrate yours and Carrie's birthday on here!! :)

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    1. Well, what I can say? I have missed you, my dear mom. But better late than never, and I see you're making up today with such a lovely poem. Love you! ♥

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  51. Happy Birthday Marian. May GOD bless you each day. Good review. I have a book of Murray"s but haven"t read it yet. I have liked him on Facebook. Hope to win this book.
    Maxie ( mac262@me.com )

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    1. MARIAN is asleep in Holland, but I know she really appreciates the b'day wishes, MAXIE! Hoping for a win for you here!

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    2. Thank you for the blessing, Maxie!

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  52. Happy Birthday Marian. Wishing you God's bless for your special day.

    Love the wonderful review. Just love Murray's Books. The cover of this one is just lovely. Hope I get to win this one.

    I have liked Murry on Face book.

    Thank you Diane dian429@yahoo.com

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    1. Hi, DIANE! Thank you on behalf of MARIAN for the b'day greetings! I, too, think this is such a lovely cover! Perhaps you will win it here! And I think everyone who has read Murray's books loves them...a brilliant talent!

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    2. Thank you Diane! I also love Murray's books and love the cover of this book. Good luck in the drawing!

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  53. The winner of a copy of Ashton Park is DARLENE - SPANGLADY.
    Congrats Darlene. Hope you'll enjoy the book!

    ReplyDelete

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