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| To Follow Her Heart |
TO
FOLLOW HER HEART
Revell (July 19, 2016)
Reviewed by Bonnie Roof
5 Stars *****
July 24, 1664 -
Southold, Long Island
Just
returning from a voyage on his ship, The Swallow, Captain Jeremy Horton is
shocked upon entering the church sanctuary and finding himself in the midst of
his own memorial service.
Since being shipwrecked off
the coast of Barbados more than a month prior no survivors have been found,
friends and family have given up any hope he has survived. All EXCEPT Patience
Terry - who believes so strongly he is alive, she - in defiance - wears a purple
gown trimmed in white lace to the memorial service rather than black as have the
other ladies in attendance.
On his last
visit, she had begged him to give up sailing and make a home in Southold - a
home she had hoped would include her as his wife. Overjoyed he has returned,
Patience is soon disappointed to learn that even though he promises to marry her
- Jeremy is once again leaving. This time to lead the troops in support of an
attack on New Amsterdam by the British Crown.
Life continues to be less
than "smooth sailing" for their relationship as Jeremy's sense of duty and other
obstacles continue to come before their marriage. As Reverend Joshua Hobart's
attraction to Patience increases, she makes a decision that could forever change
the course of her life.
'To Follow
Her Heart' is the third and last novel in The Southold Chronicles series by
Rebecca DeMarino, based on the lives of her ninth great-grandparents, Mary
Lanton and Barnabas Horton. Each novel can be read as a stand-alone, the
reader's enjoyment enhanced by the reading of all three. I thoroughly enjoyed
each of the three novels, being enticed by the first to read the other two - 'A
Place in His Heart' and 'To Capture Her Heart'.
'To Follow Her Heart' is a
beautiful, warm, family story woven with a thread of faith throughout -
realistic characters, compelling history, engrossing suspense, and sweet,
poignant romance. I look forward to Rebecca's next novel, which again will be
based on the lives of real people.
*I was
provided a copy of 'To Follow Her Heart' by it's publisher in return for my
honest opinion - which I have given.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
GIVEAWAY: We are grateful to Rebecca DeMarino for providing a paperback copy of 'To Follow Her Heart' to one blessed commenter! Please comment and leave an email address written with (at) and (dot) to protect against spammers - for contact purposes, should you be our winner of Rebecca's novel.
A wonderful and captivating review, Bonnie! I must read this to see what happens!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Noela - you will enjoy the conclusion of this beautiful series!!
ReplyDeleteGreat review Bonnie, sounds very interesting.
ReplyDeleteAdding this to my very, very long TBR list.
Blessings,Tina
Thank you, Tina - lol, how I know that feeling of having a TBR stack that rivals the leaning Tower of Pisa!! But aren't we blessed to have so many gifted Christian Fiction authors and wonderful books?? Have you read the first 2 books in Rebecca's series?? The history, romance, faith, and family togetherness in each one is beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, Yes, so very blessed.
DeleteI have read the 2nd book, To Capture Her Heart...very good.
Blessings,Tina
Good review, Bonnie! And yes, our TBR piles keep getting longer and longer!
ReplyDeleteAmen, Linda!! Thanks for your comments, I feel you will love this beautiful book!! Good luck!!
DeletePatience is a beautiful name and she has to be waiting on Captain Jeremy. Men tend to make us wait. Wonderful review and beautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteYes, she is - and more than earns her name waiting for him in this one, lol!! It is a beautiful cover, isn't it - and a beautiful story, as well!!
DeleteThanks for your sweet comments, Carla!! Please leave your contact info, should you be our winner!!
Wow, looks like a great story! Melissa in Mechanicsville VA ahenderson312(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe entire series of 3 books is wonderful, Melissa!! Read one and you'll be enticed to read them all, however, they can be read as stand-alones also. Hope you have the opportunity to indulge in this beautiful story very soon!!
DeleteI read the first one in this series and really enjoyed it! Looking forward to reading the rest. :-) Please enter me: aliciagraceroque (at) gmail (dot) com
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Hi, Alicia!! 'To Follow Her Heart' is a wonderful conclusion to the series, I'm looking forward to Rebecca's next release also as it will again be based on real people. Thanks for your comments and good luck!!
DeleteLove the storyline and the cover! Haven't read the others but I'm ready to just jump right in.
ReplyDeletemissionwife AT hotmail DOT com
A good thing about this series, Melody: you can enjoy 'To Follow Her Heart' without reading the 1st two books in the series, however, you will probably enjoy it so much, you will want to read the other two. The cover is so realistic isn't it?? Thanks for commenting!!
DeleteWhat a lovely story to read. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteJoan
JoanEC128[at]AOL[dot]com
Thank you, Joan, and thanks for stopping by and commenting on my review!! Good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteThank you for this interesting book and giveaway to win.
ReplyDeleteMarion
MarionMPC[at]AOL[dot]com
SO glad my review aroused your interest, Marion!! It's a beautiful story I hope you have the opportunity to read very soon. Please visit us again soon!!
DeleteThis book looks so exciting and a good read. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
MarilynDKC[at]AOL[dot]com
Marilyn, I think you will love getting to know the characters in 'To Follow Her Heart' - such a warm family story, filled with faith!! The romance is sweet and the history engaging. Please stop by again soon!!
DeleteI enjoyed your review, especially since I'd read Rebecca's book :) I loved how Patience never gave up her hope and belief that he was alive. A good story! :)
ReplyDeleteHi, Caryl!! Glad you enjoyed my review, I pray I did 'To Follow Her Heart' justice!! It's a beautiful story, isn't it?? Yes, I loved the defiance Patience showed in believing Jeremy was alive. Thanks for your sweet comments!!
DeleteBONNIE, thanks so much for this enticing review! I will be glad when I feel good enough to be able to dig into this one. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful series and Rebecca's writing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Diana - I've enjoyed it also, it's a beautiful series. Rebecca is so gifted in writing those warm family scenes, sweet romance, and making the history she includes so interesting.
DeleteBonnie, thank you for your review of another great book to read. I enjoy books where the characters become family. Marilyn R
ReplyDeleteOh, so do I, Marilyn!! The family in this series is so heart-warming - enhanced by the fact it's the story of the author's ancestors. Enjoy 'To Follow Her Heart'!!
DeleteMarilyn, please leave your contact info so we can reach you if you should be the winner of the paperback.
marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot]com. Thank you, Bonnie.
DeleteThank you, Marilyn!!
DeleteHooked me from the start! Thank you for the opportunity. tkhoover7 (at) yahoo (dot) com.
ReplyDeleteSo glad my review was able to "hook" you, T.K. - reading 'To Follow Her Heart' will probably "reel" you in to buy/read the other 2 books in the series, lol!! Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteSeems very good to me. Thanks, hoovert45(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, MrsBoone4!! 'To Follow Her Heart' is a beautiful story I feel has elements that will touch most every reader. Thanks for commenting - please stop by again soon!!
DeleteThank you so very much, Bonnie and Diana for featuring To Follow Her Heart! And thank you to all the lovely comments! I'm truly blown away by the kind words and enthusiasm for TFHH! I loved writing Patience and Jeremy's story - and when I saw the cover that Revell proposed, I about swooned! Patience is every bit of sweetness and loveliness that I dreamed of, and if you read the book I think you'll know the scene that Jeremy's face portrays so well on the cover! It's like he knew the script and fell into to character!! Again, thank you everyone, and good luck in the contest! Can't wait to see who gets the book!
ReplyDeleteRebecca, thank you so much for writing this beautiful series: The Southold Chronicles - I enjoyed it immensely, 'To Follow Her Heart' is a wonderful conclusion to the series. I appreciate the fact readers new to the series can enjoy it with or without having read the first 2 books in the series. Yes, the cover is beautiful and to die for, the models do fit the characters so well. I'm looking forward to your next release also and appreciate your allowing me to read/review the beautiful story of Patience and Jeremy - thank you!!
DeleteIt sounds like a great book to read. I love the cover. very nice. Thank you for a chance to win such a great book.
ReplyDeleteI keep forgetting mommystuck1(at)optonline(dot)net. thank you again. sorry
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Tammy - thanks for your comments and support!! The cover of 'To Follow Her Heart' is exquisitely beautiful, isn't it?? The story within is beautiful also. Good luck in the drawing for this winner!!
DeleteThank you for such a wonderful review.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Thank you, Mary!! Hope you have the opportunity to enjoy 'To Follow Her Heart' very soon - thanks for commenting!!
DeleteI am in LOVE with that cover!! Your review was beautiful as always Bonnie, I'm intrigued with the story already!
ReplyDeleteteamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com
It's a beauty, isn't it, Trixi?? Thanks for your sweet comments - hope my review has "intrigued" you to read all 3 books in The Southold Chronicles series!! Good luck in the drawing!!
DeleteOh yea for sure I want to read each one in this series! I can read these though my Overdrive system for my library (ebooks), but I really prefer print copies as I like to pass them on to my sister-in-law! In fact, I had requested my sister-in-laws library purchase the ebooks & they did....ALL three at the same time!! I let Rebecca know via Facebook and she was just as thrilled as I was :-)
DeleteYAY!! So glad your library ordered each ebook and you will be able to read the entire Southold Chronicles series, Trixi. Print copies are my fave format also, I keep all my books, love looking at the covers, and getting actual author signatures when possible. I call my library with book order requests also - not usually for myself to read (as I purchase copies to keep of the books I really enjoy, if I don't receive them through review programs) but to insure as many other people enjoy the books as possible. I know authors appreciate readers requesting libraries purchase their books, so thanks for requesting Rebecca's books!!
DeleteI still need to read the second book in this series. It's sitting pretty on my bookshelf. I'm motivated, now. This next book sounds wonderful and I think I like this cover the best out of the three, so far. tlhcoupon(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteHi, Terrill!! The cover is my fave of the 3 in the series also, although all 3 are beautiful. I think you will really enjoy 'To Follow Her Heart' even though you've yet to read book 2 in the series, however, reading it will surely add even more enjoyment. Glad my review "motivated" you re: reading books 2 and 3!! Thanks for your wonderful comments and support, Terrill!!
DeleteI need to know what happens! Great job Bonnie! Nancycooks4u(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteLOL, I did too - so was glad for the opportunity to read/review 'To Follow Her Heart'. It's a wonderful conclusion to the series, Nancy - I hope you have the opportunity to find the answers to your questions very soon, and to read the other 2 novels in the series also - if you haven't already. Good luck in the drawing and thanks for your comments!!
DeleteBONNIE, thank you for the wonderful review! I've not yet read Rebecca's books. I've heard great things about this series.
ReplyDeletepsalm103and138 at gmail dot com
Thank you so much, Caryl!! Since you haven't read any of Rebecca's writing, I feel there is a treat in store for you when you do. Every great thing you've heard about the Southold Chronicles series is true. Thanks for your support!!
DeleteWhat a wonderful cover!! I'm so proud of Rebecca. She's a sweetie.
ReplyDeleteHi, Miralee - thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and comment, I so appreciate it!! Yes, Rebecca is such a sweet lady with a wonderful writing gift. The cover of 'To Follow Her Heart' is beautiful, isn't it - the models fit the story perfectly!!
DeleteThank you for your review! Sounds like I will be adding this to my tbr pile! Cagoar(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYAY!! SO glad my review has captured your interest for 'To Follow Her Heart', Cindy. It's a beautiful story. Thanks for your comments and good luck!!
DeleteOh this looks so good!! I can't wait to read it for myself!!
ReplyDeletealander87(at)allcom(dot)net
Hi, Abby!! Hope you have the opportunity to do so very soon, cross your fingers for a win in our giveaway!! However, please consider purchasing it if not - it's heart-warming. Thanks for your comments!!
DeleteGreat review, beautiful cover and I love that Rebecca is using her family's personal history to weave these stories. Thanks for a great post and a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Great review, beautiful cover and I love that Rebecca is using her family's personal history to weave these stories. Thanks for a great post and a great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteConnie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Yes, I appreciate the personal family history behind The Southold Chronicles series also, Connie. I feel it probably lends an even greater depth and warmth to the storylines. The cover of 'To Follow Her Heart' is stunning, isn't it?? Thanks for your sweet comments!!
DeleteI love the review and wish I knew of any ancestors I could write about, if I were a writer. The cover is beautiful and the story sounds so incredibly interesting. I have all three books in this series on my TBR list. Thanks for the giveaway and good luck everyone.
ReplyDeleteprincessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hi, Debbie!! I think novels based on the writer's ancestors always add a special something for the reader - a greater intimacy with the characters perhaps. So glad you have this beautiful series on your TBR list, I feel you will develop a special fondness for the characters and their story by reading all 3 novels. The covers on all 3 novels are beautiful, however, the one on 'To Follow Her Heart' is my personal fave. Thank you for your sweet comments, please stop by OWG again soon!!
DeleteThis book sounds fantastic! The fact that this series is actually based on real people intrigues me. Also, since they are actually the author's ancestors. That puts a very neat and unique spin on the story. Thank you for the chance to win this book!
ReplyDeletelisey(dot)boss(at)gmail(dot)com
I agree, Elise - I love reading novels about actual people and have so enjoyed reading about Rebecca's ancestors in The Southold Chronicles series. Her next novel will be about actual people also. Thanks for your comments, please stop by again soon!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a great review, Bonnie! To Follow Her Heart sounds like a captivating story, and it's even more interesting that it is based on the lives of real people. And what a gorgeous cover!
ReplyDeleteHi, Alexa - thank you so much!! A captivating story it is, that cover makes one swoon, doesn't it (and not from being on Jeremy's ship either, lol)!! Thanks for your wonderful comments and your support!!
Delete