My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey -- by Amanda Barratt, Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where...

She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

5 Stars *****

for Amanda Barratt's debut novel!
Guest Review by Andrea Stephens

I've read Amanda Barratt's novellas in various Barbour collections and was pretty sure I would like this book. I did more than just like it, I LOVED it! Full of twists, turns, good and not so good people. No spoilers but there were some things that just blew me away. So many surprises, I could not put my Kindle down!

I've never been to Niagara Falls in person. After reading this book, I feel like I visited there many years ago, seeing different views of the Falls through Drew's eyes and through Adele's eyes.

Andrea's Review

Drew Dawson. He's an honest, caring, trustworthy, hardworking, Godly man. “He believed what he'd said to Hope (his sister), that God would take care of them and everything would be all right. With every bone in his body, he meant it. Though truly, the task before him was one that could only be accomplished with the help of God Almighty.” How can I not love a hero who thinks like that?

Adele Linley is a heroine that tugged at my heart and upset me all at the same time. I found myself talking out loud to her more than once. My husband says I get “a little too involved in reading.” I couldn't help it, I had to tell her “for someone so smart and wanting to do the right thing you certainly are making a bad decision.” She didn't listen though.

I thoroughly enjoyed Amanda Barratt's writing style. One example is, “The memories not only haunted but tormented. Why couldn't she shake free of them? Why must every sensation remain so fresh, like the first second after a handprint is pressed onto clouded glass.”

This quote from the book is so very important to us all. (I can't say where it is or who says it without spoilers)“...it was a beautiful thing indeed to trust that, even if no earthly human remained to comfort, God's presence lingered.” I have tears in my eyes again while typing this. How good it is to know that God's presence lingers. He will hold us, if we let Him. I loved how this message was seamlessly woven into the story.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Not just historical Christian fiction readers. It is a very engaging story with many surprises.

Links: Check out all the novelsin the series on the My Heart Belongs series website                

Book Links: My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls on Amazon 
On Barnes & Noble

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy on OWG blog of Amanda Barratt's new release this week. Leave a comment to enter.