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27 September 2013

Teresa S. Mathews Reviews Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay




Published by Stardust Romance

5 Stars*****
Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

In this hauntingly beautiful love story we are introduced to Albert Van Ampting a young immigrant from the Netherlands.  Albert left his homeland to come to America in hopes of starting a new prosperous life and perhaps find a bride. Traveling with other Dutch immigrants that were headed to a Dutch Colony in Michigan, even though they are used to a harsh weather they decide to stay the winter in Detroit and move on to the Colony in the spring. That was to be a life changing decision for Albert.

As Albert and his loving companion, a red Irish Setter named Jessie are out exploring Detroit, Albert notices the most breathtakingly beautiful girl he has ever seen. She had thick brown hair worn in a braid and adorned with a wreath of branches with orange berries. Albert finds that very intriguing and yet it somehow seems to fit her. When Albert gets up the nerve to speak to this angel in human form, he finds out her name is Michelle LeFevre. She helps her mother and sister run the family fabric shop since her father’s death.

It doesn’t take long for Albert and Michelle to fall in love and get married. When a few short months have past Albert feels God is calling him to serve in the war that is going on between the states, he tries to resist it but while reading his Bible, the scriptures start to speak to his heart and he knows he has to obey God. He can’t help but wonder how Michelle will take the news. Will he be able to trust that God will bring him back to her?

Marian Baay has written such a charming story that touches your very soul, it is hard to believe that this is her debut novel. Bravo! Marian this was certainly a job well done!!  I am hoping to see more from you in the near future. 
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This book may be purchased through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.
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GIVEAWAY: ebook copy to one of today's commenters!
Don't forget to leave your email address for contact purposes should you win!

27 comments:

  1. Thank you for this beautiful review!! You're a blessing!

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    1. You my sweet daughter are a huge blessing to me and everyone on this blog! :)

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  2. I agree with you TERESA, it's hard to believe this is MARIAN'S debut novel as it is such a beautifully written and captivating story!! And I also agree with MARIAN in that you have written a beautiful review of this story!! :)

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    1. Thanks, Noela. You all encourage me to continue writing. :)

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  3. WOW, it sounds GREAT, Marian and, Teresa, talk about piquing one's interest!! Great job, ladies!!

    Hugs,
    Julie

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    1. Hello Sunshine! Thanks for dropping by! Hope you get to read Marian's story, she did a fantastic job!!

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  4. A really wonderful review, TERESA, of an equally wonderful story! Very nicely done--the both of you! <3

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  5. I can't wait for you to PICK ME! ;-) Seriously, isn't it my turn yet? LOL Congrats to MariN on a job well done, according to my OWG friends. Keep on writing girl--we want more!
    Vicki
    vmarney(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. We'll pick the winner on Monday, so there's still hope for you, Vicki. :) :)

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    2. VICKI I wish it were that easy!! Maybe your turn will come soon! Thanks for coming by and making me giggle.

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  6. Hallo, Hallo Ms. Baay,

    Ooh, I just noticed that the classic motion picture on in the background has to do with 'war', and Sam Houston! Laughs. Now there is a curious piece of irony, yes!? Ms. Mathews bespoke the word that I was being museful to include myself: hauntingly!! I think that speaks well of what I have read of the descriptions, because of the anguish and angst of what Albert & Michelle are living through, it would haunt the reader after putting the book down! One of those stories where you mind will not allow you to simply wish away the story, but rather, turn it back over in your mind and contemplate the larger scope of the story that was written!

    I am thankful I remembered to click over to see what was new! I created that section of my sidebar for that purpose, but time and life swept me away from returning until now! I'm simply thrilled to cast my congratulations to Ms. Baay, and celebrate the joy of her being a published author!! What an exciting new chapter of her life that is still unfolding!!

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

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    1. I hope you enjoy my story, Jorie!! Many blessings and great to see you back!

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  7. JORIE it is always a delight to hear from you, Marian's book truly was one that lingered in my mind. Such a sad but touchingly beautiful story. Thanks so much for dropping by to chat with us,. Hope to "see" ya again before too much time lapses!

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    1. Hallo Ms. Mathews,

      And, its always a delight to interact with you, as well! :) Oh, I echo your sentiments, I don't want to stay away too long again, myself! I just sort of was lost in the shuffle of life! Laughs. I had a feeling it was an achingly tragic story, but sometimes, I find the most anguishing stories contain the best uplifting memories that linger (just as you said!) in our hearts! :)

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  8. I would soove to win and read this ! So awesome my friend ...
    Linda Finn
    faithfulacres7@gmail.com

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    1. LINDA you will love Marian's book! Good luck in the drawing!

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    2. I'd love for you to read my story, Linda. All the best in the drawing!

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  9. I LOVE romance, & everyone has had raving reviews for this book - can't wait to read it! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

    bonnieroof60@yahoo.com

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    1. BONNIE I'm so glad you dropped in today, good luck in the drawing! :)

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    2. Great to see you drop by on each post this week, Bonnie. I hope you'll win!

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  10. Thank you for yet another fantastic review. Appreciated.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  11. Having been an immigrant from Germany, I think I can really relate to the character in this book. Would so love to read it. Theresa loved the review and would love to read Marian's wonderful book!

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