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22 March 2018

Giveaway & Guest Review of My Heart Belongs in San Francisco by Janice Thompson



Guest Review
Andrea's Thoughts
Overall, I enjoyed reading this story. My initial impression of Abby Effingham was that she was a selfish, spoiled socialite, thinking only of herself, dragging poor Nigel (the family butler) across the country with her. Though, he is there for chaperoning he also helps keep Abby from getting into trouble. I felt bad for Nigel, he is doing his best to be content wherever he is ( according to the Bible) even if it's in California.

When Abby's finances run low she decides to get a job rather than just wire her father for more money. Sam is there not only offering her a job and a place to stay but protection from the less than savory citizens of San Francisco. Abby is a bit naive when it comes to what kind of jobs are available for young ladies in a gold rush town.

Sam Harris, a young man running The Gold Rush Inn that is owned by his father but really wants to return to Missouri where there were regular people that didn't brawl in the streets or shoot at each other. But he stays, for his father. Since his mother's death, life has not been the same.

Cookie is probably my favorite person in the book. She has a Bible verse memorized for every situation. She doesn't flinch when the bullets fly saying “they know better than to shoot who feeds them.” Cookie has been with the Harris family for most of Sam's life and is the cook for The Gold Rush Inn. She is without a doubt the best cook around.

As Abby begins her job as helper and waitress at the Gold Rush, Cookie is very patient, teaching her the basics of kitchen work. Some things like plucking a chicken, take longer than others. Nigel is also put to work. He doesn't mind plucking.

Abby overcomes many of the obstacles placed in front of her but still refuses to believe some of the things she is warned about even though the truth is right in front of her. It is a hard lesson for her to learn.

Sam has to come to terms with himself and accept that he is “reliable old Sam.”
Abby's mother has “wanderlust” never wanting to stay in one place for too long. She is surprised to find Abby so grown up when she arrives in San Francisco from Oregon.
When Abby's father arrives in San Francisco, he finds Abby doing dishes. Abby is finally strong enough to tell him “...I'm learning to earn my keep, this is what I look like while doing that.” 

Sam and Mr. Effingham have a serious discussion. Mr. Effingham afterward, he knows what he must do. No spoilers from me, you need to read that for yourself. It is one of the best parts of the book!

In trying to fix her parents, Abby talks to Cookie about how she's prayed for them. Cookie gives Abby some excellent words of wisdom. “What if you just prayed, “Thy will be done”...That might free up the Lord to do things His way. And it might relieve you of the burden of telling Him how to do it.”
That is one of the best things I've ever read. I know I've been guilty of praying what I wanted to have happen.

This book full of interesting, diverse, and even a few eccentric characters, you will be drawn into the rough and tumble gold rush time of early San Francisco. Even though I had a difficult time warming up to Abby, I'm glad to have read this book. With all Cookie's biblical lessons, I'm sure there is something here for everyone. Plus, there's pie. As Cookie says, “Honey, a slice of pie is always the answer, at least if it's one of my pies.”

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own. 
CFP: Check out ALL the My Heart Belongs books from Barbour Books at the series website (click here). Andrea has graciously reviewed all of the novels so far including Amanda Barratt's and my novels pictured above and below! Didn't Barbour do a great job on Janice's covers and on ours?

Giveaway: A copy of Janice's book, My Heart Belongs in San Francisco goes to one of our commenters.

32 comments:

  1. Cookie sounds like someone who reminds me of me. The book sounds great!I love that era! Definitely want to read this one.

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    1. Cookie has some great lessons, all wrapped in love, food or both. I think you will like her.

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  2. It sounds like a poor little rich girl is learning how to become down to earth. It sounds like a really good read and I’ll bet Cookie will be one of my favorites, too.
    perrianne(DOT)askew(AT)me(DOT)com
    Perrianne

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    1. Poor Abby takes a little longer to learn her lessons. I think you will like this book.

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  3. I really liked the synopsis of "My Heart Belongs in San Francisco". This is a great series and I enjoy reading about the early days in the different locations. Looking forward to reading.

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    1. Hi, Dianne. It's amazing how much San Francisco changed a few short years after the setting in this book.

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  4. I've read one in this series, and look forward to reading more. All of the covers are beautiful and the blurbs are fun to read! This book sounds really good!

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    1. I have enjoyed reading this series. I agree, the covers are BEAUTIFUL! Barbour has done a great job with them.

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  5. It is sometimes hard to pray Thy will be done. I appreciate the reminder how freeing it is. fishingjanATaolDOTcom

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    1. Hi, Jan. When I read that line, it really hit me how I needed to pray that more often. It is hard.

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  6. I'm eager to read this and get to know Cookie!

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    1. Nancy, I think you will like a few others at The Gold Rush Inn too.

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  7. To quote a phrase, Cookie sounds like she is a "smart cookie".
    I'm looking forward to seeing what "she has up her sleeve".
    Janet E.
    von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Janet, I'm sure you will love Cookie. She has a lot going on and a heart of gold (to quote another phrase).

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  8. I love the 'My Heart Belongs' books and don't remember reading anything by Janice, so looking forward to this one. Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    wfnren at aol dot com

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    1. This was the first novel I've read by Janice. I hope you enjoy it.

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  9. Sounds like an interesting book. Thanks for the giveaway.
    mindyhoungATmsnDOTcom

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    1. It is interesting Mindy.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  10. oh this just sounds like a wonderfully engaging book. i would love to read Abby's story and see how far she comes.
    quilting dash lady at Comcast dot net

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    1. I can say Abby does indeed come a long way. I hope you get a chance to read her story.

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  11. It sounds like Abby goes through a major growth.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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    1. Hi Mary. Abby's not the only one that has major growth. No spoilers though.
      Thanks for stopping by.

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    2. Congrats Mary Preston! You've won a copy of Janice Thompson's My Heart Belongs in San Francisco on OWG blog!

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  12. Awesome review! So far I've only read my heart belongs in Ruby City, I'm way behind!

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    1. Thank you, Jessy. MHBi Ruby City was a fun book. You must read Carrie's My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island! I hope you get a chance to read all the books in the series.

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  13. I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2004. I was given antibiotics, which seemed to help. However, I still suffer from some of the symptoms, such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and even neurological problems in controlling hand and leg movements. The inability to walk right etc, are temporary and generally happen when I am really tired and have been working hard. I lost touch with reality. Suspecting it was the medication I Went off the antibiotics (with the doctor’s knowledge) and started on Lyme disease natural herbal formula I ordered from GREEN HOUSE HERBAL CLINIC, I spoke to few people who used the treatment here in USA and they all gave a positive response, my symptoms totally declined over a 6 weeks use of the Green House Lyme disease natural herbal formula. I’m 70 now and doing very well, the disease is totally reversed! (Visit their website www . Greenhouseherbalclinic . com) I am thankful to nature, herbs are truly gift from God. I can now go about my daily activities and the pain is greatly diminished. Don't give up hope, fellow sufferers. Share with friends!!

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  14. Thank you for a wonderful review. This book sounds like one not to be missed!

    mauback55 at gmail dot com

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    1. I hope you get to read it soon.
      Good luck in the giveaway.

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  15. Fabulous review! I am enjoying this series!

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Hi Caryl! I'm so glad you are enjoying this series. Colorado is next, then in July, Texas!

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  16. Another great book to read in "My Heart Belongs in" series. Thank you for the great review. marilynridgway78[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Hi, Marilyn! It's been so wonderful to visit all the different times and places in this series.
      Thanks for stopping by!

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