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14 September 2017

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar -- Guest Review by Andrea Stephens


About the book:
Journey into the Shenandoah Valley of 1816 where...
With Very Little Left of the Family Farm, Lily May be Forced into a Loveless Marriage.

Captain McAlister “Mac” Albright has purchased land in the Shenandoah Valley. However, the land belongs to Lillyanna Laughlin—or so she erroneously thinks. Mac sets her straight and despite a poor start, the two become friends. .if only he were financially stable to offer her more. 

When Lily’s life is threatened and his whole future goes up in flames, Mac truly becomes a man without means, and Lily is forced to make the impossible choice between a loveless marriage with a man twice her age or the man who has shown her what true love could be. How can she choose between love and economic security? Her family is depending on her. Is her heart destined to break?
 
Journey into Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley of 1816 where a woman’s dreams and future happiness are on the line.




My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma (Barbour Publishing, September 2017)
Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

I have to say it took me about four pages to get hooked on this book. When handsome former Captian Mac hears the beautiful Lily singing. How they meet is quite a surprise, for both of them, I think. From that point on, I couldn't read fast enough. It quickly became a 5 Star book for me.

The writing was so descriptive I found myself walking through the orchards, tasting Aunt Hilda's food and sneering at the evil Silas Everett every time his black box carriage came down the lane.

There is so much heart woven into this story. Lily's love for her family home Haus am Bach and the memories it holds, her caring for her younger brothers and her Aunt. The dilemma she faces is unimaginable, being under the supposed care and protection of her late father's friend Silas Everett. A local Inn owner with gambling tables in the back room, and all around nasty scoundrel. He has sold off the family orchards and fields, how are they to survive?
I liked that Lily had a bit of spunk to her in certain situations, in others she demurred.

Lily and Mac did not expect to fall for each other, in fact, after much discussion of the matter they reach an agreement to “just be neighbors, and friends” I don't give spoilers but I will say that arrangement does not work out very well.

The other characters in the book are so good! I loved Mr. John Blake, an older man, and Mac's former first mate. He has a way with words and phrases, one of them being “...but I'm not a landlubber. I don't even like farm animals, unless they are roasted to perfection...” You have to read the book to find out where that line comes from. I liked the little side romance between Mr. Blake and Aunt Hilda too. It was nice to see two older folks find love.

There are a lot of fun moments and heart felt moments in the book but it is filled with drama and some suspense too. The faith elements are gently woven in throughout the book with forgiveness and redemption found in the pages as well.

I highly recommend this book to people who love Inspirational Historical Fiction, though I think there is a bit of something for everyone here.

I will leave you with another great piece of advice from the book, spoken by a friend in a tense situation. I think part of it applies to each of us:
“Never pick a fight with a blacksmith or the Almighty. You're sure to lose on both accounts.”

*After reading an ARC provided by the publishers and NetGalley, I bought a copy of the book to keep for myself.  

The My Heart Belongs Series from Barbour Publishing:










     
Jan-2017Buy
Mar-2017Buy
May-2017Buy
Jul-2017Buy

Sep-2017Buy

NOTE: My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma  is ON SALE on KINDLE for only 99 Cents as of this publication time (September 14th, 2017, 8:30 AM Eastern).  Click here 

THANK YOU to Andrea Stephens, our guest reviewer for the My Heart Belongs series!!!

GIVEAWAY: Any ONE of the five "My Heart Belongs" series from Barbour Publishing, that have already released (pictured above). More to come! Including Angie Dickens' book in November! 

43 comments:

  1. Great information! Would love a copy.

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    Replies
    1. It's a great book Robin!
      Thanks for stopping by.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  2. I am loving this series! I hope to have the whole series when it all ends. :) Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Susan, I am loving this series too! I've already pre-ordered the next book, My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken.
      Thanks for coming by!

      Delete
  3. Thanks for the wonderful review, Andrea!! Such an interesting story line, I'd love to become acquainted with the characters of Lily's Dilemma!!

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    1. Thank you, Bonnie! I think you would like these characters.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  4. Lovely review, Andrea! Thanks so much for all of the great reviews you've done of the My Heart Belongs series books!

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    1. Thank you, Carrie for sharing my reviews here. I am loving this series!

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  5. Thank you for a great review and the great giveaway opportunity. mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Melanie!
      Good luck in the give away!

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  6. Thank you for the great review! I've read only one of these books and am looking forward to reading more.

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    1. I hope you get to read more of this series soon. They are all stand alone novels and not connected in any way. I can't wait to read the rest!
      Thanks for coming by!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  7. Thanks for the review! Don't pick a fight - a fun and realistic comment. This time period, shortly after the War of 1812, is one not covered as much in historical fiction as are some other eras. dixiedobie at yahoo dot com

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    1. There are a lot of fun lines in this book, I think you will like it.
      Thanks for coming by!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  8. I really enjoy books about finding love in different geographical and historical places. This novel sounds excellent. I am so curious to find out what happens at the end of the book. I love books that you can't put down and this review was so excellent and gave an excellent review that I surely would love to win this book. Thanks for offering this contest. flowersmarylou85(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Oh, Mary Lou, I think you will love this book! So far, this whole series has taken me to other times and places and I've loved each book.
      Good luck in the giveaway!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  9. This looks like a wonderful collection. fishingjanATaolDOTcom

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    1. It is a wonderful collection Jan. I'm not sure how many there will be but I will be reading each one!
      Thanks for coming by.

      Delete
  10. Excellent review, Andrea! I've been enjoying each book in this fabulous series!

    psalm103and138 at gmail dot com

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    1. Thank you, Caryl. Each book is so entertaining!
      I hope you are recovering from Harvey, I know it will be a long time before things resemble "normal" again.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  11. I was surprised to see how early this was set. A nice surprise! Great review, Andrea!

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    1. Thanks,Debra! I thought the year fit the story very well, a bit relaxed after the war with a little tension left hanging around.
      Thanks for stopping by!
      Blessings!

      Delete
  12. Loving this sweet series so much! And the “pick a fight” quote? That’s gold! I may be grabbing this on Kindle!
    Trdivincenzo (at) gmail (dot) com
    PALS

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    1. Hi, Teri! There are many great lines in this book. This really is a great series.
      The Kindle price is great right now too.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  13. I'm really enjoying these books. Thanks for the review and the chance to win!

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    Replies
    1. I'm glad you are enjoying this series, Paula!
      Thanks for stopping by and Good Luck!

      Delete
  14. I have read My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring and My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla's Reveille and loved them both. Would love to read any of the other three. Thanks for the chance to win one. Good luck everyone.

    princessdebbie1_2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

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    1. I'm so glad to hear that you loved Made and Priscilla's stories! I'm sure you will love this one as well.
      Good luck!

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    2. I guess my phone's auto correct did not like Maude, Poor girl got changed to Made. My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring, is one of my favorites in this series.

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  15. Sounds like a wonderful book. PALS

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  16. I haven't read any of the MYB books except Carrie's latest. This one sounds good. TY for the chance to win copy. PALS

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    1. Oh Anne, you've missed some good stories. I hope you get a chance to read some of the others.
      Thanks for coming by PAL.
      Good luck!

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  17. Replies
    1. Hi, Nancy! The whole series has been great.
      Good Luck PAL!

      Delete
  18. I'm reading My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley right now. It's good already and I just got started. I got a paperback copy from Barbour Publishing. I'm a Pal!
    Didn't know if you need our email.

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    1. I hope you are enjoying this book Brenda. I love Mr. Blake.
      Thanks for coming by.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  19. Thanks for the review, Andrea. It's a wonderful book - I just finished reading it, as I received a PB copy from Barbour to reading and review. I love this 'series' as it features so many different parts of the country. PALS

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    1. I love traveling around the country with this series too. Coming up in November, we'll be going to Castle Gate, Utah 1910 with author Angie Dicken.

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  20. What a great review. I have Carrie Fancett Pagels' book already since I'm one of her PALS but none of the others yet. They all look so good.

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    1. Thanks, Becky. I think they are all good and can't wait to read the rest.
      Blessings!

      Delete
  21. Thanks Andrea for this wonderful review! Would love to read this story,the characters and plot sound fun and exciting. Am looking forward to this one, Please throw my name in for the giveaway!lynnefeuerstein(at)aol(dot)com

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    Replies
    1. Congrats, Lynne, per random.org you have won and can choose the My Heart Belongs novel that you'd like to read. Blessings!

      Delete

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