Pages

25 September 2013

Noela Nancarrow reviews HEAVEN IS NOT FAR by Marian Baay


Heaven Is Not Far

Stardust Romance, Sept. 2013

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow
~5 Stars~ *****

A Beautiful and Inspirational Story

Promising new author Marian Baay, writes her debut fiction story ‘Heaven Is Not Far’ with flair, and the proficiency of a more accomplished writer. This is a beautiful love story that embraces the heart that’s called to serve God and the strength of a deep and passionate devotion between a man and the love of his life.

Handsome Albert Van Ampting has travelled to America from the Netherlands with his faithful Irish Red Setter Jessie, to begin a new life in this new land of great promise. He is headed for the Holland colony in Michigan with the other Dutch immigrants; however they are delayed in Detroit due to bad weather. Deciding to spend the winter in Detroit, Albert needs to look for work and while searching for employment, he discovers something of a far greater worth at the Mercantile. Capturing his attention and his heart was the exquisitely beautiful young woman, Michelle Lefevre, who completely mesmerizes and enchants Albert. The following day he obtains a job and soon thereafter begins a breathtaking courtship with Michelle who became his ‘heaven on earth’ and his devoted wife.

Although he was not required to join the fight, it’s not long before Albert feels the calling from God to enlist in the battle between the States. The raw, penetrating pain of separation from his beloved new wife is only eased a little by the knowledge that it was the Lord that had called him, and that Jessie was able to accompany him to the harrowing battlefield. He keeps in touch with Michelle through heartfelt letters, but in July of 1863, having been severely wounded and with fever rampaging through his body, his last letter to his wife was written by a fellow soldier as Albert dictated to him. Michelle is encouraged by that soldier to come quickly to say her farewell. When Michelle finally arrives, will she be too late to say goodbye to the love of her life?

The strength and beauty of this captivating short story is found in the endearing and vivid characters, the romance that purely sizzles, and the well-executed story that effortlessly flows from page to page. An inspiring message of following your calling, rounds off this compelling story by Marian which was an absolute pleasure to read. Waiting in anticipation of Marian Baay’s next story!!
********************************

This short story may be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble

*************

GIVEAWAY: Marian Baay is generously offering a copy of her short story on each separate review that's up this week, to someone that leaves a comment! Don't forget to leave your email!!

43 comments:

  1. What a beautiful review of a wonderful love story! Really want to read this one - thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

    bonnieroof60(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so kind BONNIE and I really hope you get to read this lovely story very soon!!

      Delete
    2. I like your enthusiasm, Bonnie! Bless you!

      Delete
  2. Thanks SO much for this wonderful review, my dear Aussie!! So glad you enjoyed reading HINF. I sure hope there will be more stories some day. I'm working on it. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're very welcome MARIAN, and thank you! You know, I have to admit I was a little nervous about doing your amazing story justice, so I'm so happy you liked it. So proud of you dear Dutchy, you really nailed it!! :)
      Good to hear you're working on the possibility of doing another story, I would love nothing better than to see another Marian Baay story on the bookshelves!! :)

      Delete
  3. This is another phenomenal review, NOELA, as only you can write them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Why thank you DIANA! :) But as we always say... It's easy to write them for the really great stories - which this one is!!

      Delete
    2. I agree with Diana!
      And you are making me blush, Noela! :)

      Delete
  4. another terrific review~Great job, Noela! and I also really enjoyed this story. Huzzah, Marian! :)

    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks KATHY! That's great that you've been able to enjoy MARIAN'S story too!! :)

      Delete
    2. Your comments as beta reader encouraged me, Kathy! Thanks again. :)

      Delete
    3. Kathy n Debbie Lynne, this is a really sweet story!

      Delete
  5. NOELA wonderful review! I want to shout out to everyone they need to read this story. Marian I can't wait to read your next story, don't want to hurry you along but... WRITE FASTER!! ;) Mom's just teasing you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll do my best to write faster. ;) Love you, mom!!

      Delete
    2. Thank you TERESA! Now don't hurry our girl along TOO much or she might end up writing it in half dutch! ;) Which would still be great knowing MARIAN! :) I'll join with you in the shouting however - "READ THIS BOOK EVERYONE - YOU'LL LOVE IT!!" :)

      Delete
  6. Yes, another great review of what I am hoping to be a wonderful story by a new author, whom I have already learned to ove--I can't wait to have the opportunity to read this story--Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!
    Vicki
    vmarney@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you too, Vicki! :) I really hope you will enjoy the story. :)

      Delete
    2. Ahh VICKI, it really is a wonderful story as you will see, I know you'll absolutely love it!! :) All the best with your entry!

      Delete
  7. What a beautiful review! Congratulations, Marian, on this wonderful debut! I look forward to reading HEAVEN IS NOT FAR.

    texaggs2000 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks BRITNEY! And thank you for stopping by - all the best with your entry too!! You will definitely enjoy reading Marian's beautiful debut story!

      Delete
    2. Our SPECIAL Texas gal--Britney we HAVE to get you a copy!!! Hopping over to Amazon. Being our 300th Follower does have special advantages, you know! Blessings!

      Delete
  8. A wonderful review thank you.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  9. It sounds like a great story! a_stonecipher@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It surely is ANONYMOUS, and I wish you all the best in winning a copy! :)

      Delete
  10. Can't wait to read this one. Congratulations, Marian! Noela's right, the story sounds compelling. And speaking of compelling, doesn't she write an excellent review? Don't enter me in the contest, I'm going to buy this one for my Kindle right away. Blessings!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Marcia! I agree - Noela writes excellent reviews!!
      I hope you enjoy my story. Bless you!

      Delete
    2. Thank you, you two - MARCIA and MARIAN, I do appreciate your words of encouragement! MARCIA, I'm so glad you stopped by to read about Marian's debut book!! We're so proud of our Dutch girl writing her first novel, and to compose such an awesome story is all the more inspiring! God bless!

      Delete
  11. Great review. Sounds like a great story.
    TAMMY
    HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, Tammy. Noela wrote a great review! Good luck in the contest.

      Delete
    2. Wishing you all the best with your entry TAMMY, it really is a special story and I know you'll love it! Thanks & God bless!

      Delete
  12. Hallo, Hallo Ms. Baay!!

    I am enjoying reading each perspective of each reader here on OWG!! Its quite a nice overview of your story, and I am enjoying the happenstance experience of seeing the characters come to life through their eyes! Oh, my heart nearly bled with grief after reading about the condition of Michelle's beloved! And, its an Epistolary novel to boot! Ooh, a new branch of literature that I am always keen to discover! And, what of Jessie!? Fearless companion and warrior of Albert!? Goodness! This is definitely a page-turner full of suspense and I would expect, twists of fate and circumstance! I like how the story builds drama and suspense for the reader!

    [Do not count me in the contest for the e-book!]
    [I await the print version, either regular OR POD!]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jorie, Great to see you back!!! Sorry about your computer biting the dust! But welcome back to OWG!

      Delete
    2. *waves hallo!* Ms. Pagels,

      Isn't that a kicker!? I must admit I miss it dearly, but at least I have my notebook! Sighs. I'm thankful to be back in the loop with OWG, that much I can assure you! :)

      Delete
    3. Hello Jodie, awesome to see you on OWG again!! Missed you!

      Delete
  13. Yes, Jessie is my own beloved red Irish Setter, who I've loaned to Albert for a while. :) You'll love her, I'm sure!

    ReplyDelete

Google Analytics