Review & Giveaway of My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge by Pepper Basham

My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge: Laurel's Dream by Pepper Basham

(Barbour, January 2019)

   Journey into the Blue Ridge Mountains of 1918 where Laurel McAdams endures the challenges of a hard life while dreaming things can eventually improve. But trouble arrives in the form of an outsider. Having failed his British father again, Jonathan Taylor joins is uncle’s missionary endeavors as a teacher in a two-room schoolhouse. Laurel feels compelled to protect the tenderhearted teacher from the harsh realities of Appalachian life, even while his stories of life outside the mountains pull at Laurel’s imagination. Faced with angry parents over teaching methods, Laurel’s father’s drunken rages, and bad news from England, will Jonathan leave and never return, or will he stay and let love bloom?

 Andrea's thoughts.

This beautiful book wrapped itself around my heart and stayed there. From the first page to the last, I could not help loving Laurel McAdams and Jonathan Taylor. She has such a sweet, strong spirit despite the hardships of daily living in the rural Blue Ridge Mountains.  He has a special kindness about him.

Jonathan is set to prove he isn't the “useless invalid” his father believes him to be. He learns to see things in a different way, with a new idea of what happiness and beauty truly are.

They share a love of books too, as described while looking over the globe in the schoolroom; “The world is a fascinating place.”... “Well, I ain't seen a whole lot of it, but I sure like visiting through books.” “One of the best ways to travel.”  

The friendship that develops between Laurel and Jonathan is very memorable. I loved how protective Laurel was of “Teacher” as Jonathan is called. She knows he will be good for the children. I also loved how he came to care for and learn from the mountain people.

Pepper Basham has a wonderful way of describing her beloved Blue Ridge Mountains and the people that live there, I felt as if I was sitting on the hillside watching their lives unfold in front of me.  The message of trusting God's love is gently woven throughout the book, leaving a warm spot on this readers heart.

I hope everyone will pick up this book and visit 1918's Maple Springs. Jonathan's introduction to life in the mountains is not to be missed. You also don't want to miss the Autumn leaf rainbow or the corn shuckin'.  It's a whole lot of fun!

I have highlighted so many things in this book it has become its own rainbow.

 I'll leave you with these words of wisdom from Laurel's mama...

”Regret don't do nothin' but steal your joy and cloud your eyes from seein' the blessings.”

*I purchased a copy of this book after reading the first few pages of the e-book provided to me by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. I was so excited the day it came, I sat and read it from cover to cover.

Check out ALL the My Heart Belongs series books from Barbour! (click here)

Giveaway: Leave a comment for a chance to win a copy of My Heart Belongs in The Blue Ridge  

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo

My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Barbour Publishing (2018)

Publisher Summary:

Journey now to Galveston, Texas, of 1880...

Where is Mrs. Smith's granddaughter? Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith?

Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.

Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

Andrea Stephens' Review

I don't think I'm spoiling anything if I say, “Yes. There is a bigger story beyond a missing girl!”

What a great story it is too! Kathleen Y'Barbo gives us an adventure-filled tale of a missing granddaughter, possible pirate treasure, mysteries and the reluctant reuniting of a formerly engaged couple. Will they be able to get over past betrayal and find love again? You will have to read the book yourself to find out!

Jonah Cahill grew up in a house built on top of land that famed pirate Jean Lafitte built and burned his house down, leaving behind the legacy of the possibly buried treasure. As a child, Jonah enjoyed digging holes in the basement but never found anything. Now grown, he is a Pinkerton Detective working a private case for Mrs. Smith, searching for her long lost granddaughter.

Madeline Latour, comes from a family of professional secret keepers. She works at a newspaper in New Orleans but is posing, undercover, as a writer working for Madame (Mrs. Smith) putting all her memories on paper, while secretly hoping to find a bigger story.

I liked how Jonah says, “Hello, Madeline.” when he sees her. The banter between the two is very entertaining. The two are not exactly happy about working with each other in the beginning, but do eventually remember that they once “made a good team.”  Once they overcome their past, they realize they still make a good team.

As Jonah and Madeline search for Madam's granddaughter, we meet many interesting characters, some with mysteries of their own that need solving.

It's very hard to write a review for this book without giving spoilers. There are many plot twists and several surprises. I will tell you that I loved it and did not want it to end.

The faith element is lightly sprinkled throughout the book and I really liked how Jonah listened to “that still small voice.”

This is another 5 Star book for me! I highly recommend it. If you are a history buff, Kathleen provides some very interesting author notes, telling us some real history and where she had to bend it a little for this fictional story.

The My Heart Belongs series is taking a summer break and will return in November with

My Heart Belongs in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania: Clarissa's Conflict by Murray Pura. I can't wait to read it!

Purchase: You can view ALL the My Heart Belongs books and find links to purchase at this link: http://www.myheartbelongs.com

Giveaway: A copy of My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas: Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo. Answer this question: What is your "happy place" for vacation?

Giveaway & Guest Review of My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado by Rebecca Jepson

My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve by Rebecca Jepson 

(Barbour Books, May 2018)

Andrea Stephens' Guest Review

I simply loved Millie Cooper! She has overcome so much to make a better life for herself. After heartbreak, she leaves Nantucket and becomes a well-trained, respectable nurse, “the equal of any doctor,” with a gentle reassuring touch to her patients. Yet, when faced with the man who caused her heart to break, “she went from a confident nurse in the Rocky Mountains to a trembling girl on the Nantucket shoreline.”

How can she work for his family? She prays over the decision many times and always comes back to the question the disciples faced in the boat on the stormy seas. “Where is your faith?” I loved how the author has Millie relying on her faith even when she knows it will cause her pain. Millie faces it, knowing she is not alone.

This is where things get very interesting. I can't spoil the story though.
You need to know that Katherine Drexel is a mean, shrew of a woman toward Millie.  John Drexel is the oldest son, financially responsible for his family from a young age, he puts their needs and comfort above his own. Stephen Drexel, in my opinion, seems to an entitled brat, at least in the beginning.

This book has beautiful descriptions, family drama, secrets, catastrophic loss, misunderstandings galore and among it all, a wonderful love story.

There is more than one heart that belongs in Glenwood Springs. I will say it again, I loved Millie Cooper.

My favorite line from the book “...she'd choose to trust her Lord, He'd taken her on a choppy, blustery voyage that ended with not with sunshine, but with a rainbow. A promise. One she'd heard before, but hadn't dared to believe. “I will be with you, your troubles to bless.”

Now, I recommend that you all get this book. You will see faith in action and it will touch your heart in ways you can't imagine.

*I purchased a Kindle copy of this book but must thank Barbour Publishing for providing me with an early copy. No review was required but I cannot help but share my love for this series of My Heart Belongs books. 

Check out ALL the My Heart Belongs books from Barbour (click here) and download a series tracker!!!

Publisher's Book Description
Millie Cooper, fisherman’s-daughter-turned-nurse, flees a painful entanglement with the wealthy Drexel family who summered near her childhood home in Nantucket, only to encounter them again six years later in Glenwood Springs. The serenity of her mountain hideaway in a town with healing springs is disrupted when she faces caring for the elderly mother and the expectant wife of Stephen Drexel, the man she’d once loved—at the request of his brother John, the man who’d kept them apart. Will Millie forgive the wrongs she feels were done to her, or will she come to see them as a blessing in disguise that leads her to greater joys?

Journey now to Glenwood Springs, Colorado, of 1888 and meet a woman on the precipice of unexpected love.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment on this review for a chance to win a paperback copy of My Heart Belongs in Glenwood Springs, Colorado: Millie's Resolve by Rebecca Jepson! (Void where prohibited by law.)

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

My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California: Abby's Prospects

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.

Giveaway! Huge SALE of My Heart Belongs Kindle Books!

ALL of these My Heart Belongs novels are on SALE right now for only $1.99 each for Kindle! Check the price before purchasing, as I don't know how long the sales will last!
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho. Also available in paperback and hardcover!

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring Also available in paperback and hardcover!

 My Heart Belongs in the Shanandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma Also available in paperback and hardcover!

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice Also available in paperback and hardcover!

GIVEAWAY: Which kindle book would you most want to win? We're giving away one this week! Also, watch for an upcoming Valentine's Day Week promotion from the My Heart Belongs authors from Barbour! 

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. 

Giveaway - My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leana's Choice by Angie Dicken

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah by Angie Dicken

Book blurb:
Journey now to Castle Gate, Utah of 1910 where...
Forbidden Love Tries to Survive Old World Expectations

Schoolteacher Leanna McKee plans on leaving the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah, and never looking back. Good riddance to coal dust, rugged men, and the fatal mine that took her husband’s life.

Until the widow meets a widower who awakens her heart...and she finds herself inexplicably falling for miner Alex Pappas which stirs up a whole heap of trouble.

Alex’s Greek parents have arranged a more traditional match for him.  When the schoolteacher’s association with the Greek family begins to anger the American miners, they threaten Alex and his family. Leanna has received an offer to teach elsewhere and feels she has no choice but to leave Castle Gate. . .though she will be leaving her heart behind.

Guest Post by Andrea Stephens

Andrea's Thoughts

This book fits the theme of Overcoming With God so well.

     Leanna must overcome the guilt and anger she has for herself and her late husband. “How many times had she prayed forgiveness since Jack's death? Yet how many times had she thought ill of the man since he's been laid to rest?”

     Alex must overcome the prejudice between Greek immigrants and the Americans.  More importantly, he must overcome the feeling that God left him when his wife died.
     Leanna and Alex acknowledge their love. During a discussion,  Leanna says “But we have a whole country against a match like ours.”  Leanna decides it is best for everyone if she leaves and accepts a new job in Salt Lake. Before she leaves, a wealthy family friend finds her in Castle Gate from a letter she had written to her cousin. He offers to marry her, restoring her to her family and former life. She does not love him, but he does offer security. What will she do?

    Leanna leaves Castle Gate after tragedy strikes the Pappas family. Will they be able to overcome the hate crime?

     Months pass, both Alex and Leanna have moved on with their lives but are not happy. It is only after surrendering everything to God that they see the truth. Will it be together or apart? 
    

This is a good book! It is so much more than a romance. It made me want to look up some of the historical points for more information. I was not taught any of this in school.   I enjoyed the bits of Greek culture and tradition I learned from the book too.

     Angie Dicken did a wonderful job of writing the message of hope in truth and forgiveness throughout the story of Leanna and Alex.
     I will leave you with another quote from the book.
“Plan? We are all foolish to think we have the best plans for ourselves, aren't we? There's something greater nudging us out of the darkness.”

Giveaway: A paperback copy of Angie Dicken's new release My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leana's Choice from Barbour Publishing!

Interview & Giveaway With Angie Dicken -- Overcoming Marital Struggles

Angie, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. 

Would you tell us about the one of the most difficult things in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help?
About three years ago, my husband and I went through a very low point in our marriage. For about a year, we even questioned whether we should stay married or not. It was a very difficult time, and I still feel the residual from emotional wounds inflicted by both of us.

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?
Isaiah 61:3- and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.

 Psalm 34:18- The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

 1Peter 4:8- Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

What helped you get through or helped you cope with this difficulty? 
The people around me helped me cope with this difficulty. I have dear friends—some who are writers and know my heart—and I also have some Godly men and women who would speak to me when I couldn’t hear from God myself. They all said the same thing, and God confirmed it in His word. I know now, that above all else, God was calling me to love my husband. And as soon as I recognized that, I had an overwhelming sense of love for him again. It was amazing!

Disability friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have any other works available on audio?  Do your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?  
Yes, My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is available in Large Print.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  
In my story, the hero and heroine deal with prejudice from both their families and those around them. I hope that my book offers encouragement and understanding for those who find themselves discriminated against, or questioning God’s acceptance of those different than themselves. Ultimately, my book points to the same conclusion I discovered in my marriage, that Love truly does cover a multitude of sins, it breaks through the toughest barriers, and it’s the driving force for everything God does in this world.

BIO: Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she's an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer's Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. Two of her historical romance novels comprise her Fall 2017 debut: The Outlaw’s Second Chance, in September, and My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah, in November. She also writes historical and contemporary fiction. Sign up for her newsletter at www.angiedicken.com

Angie’s Links:
website www.angiedicken.com
Facebook.com/dicken.angie
Twitter.com/AngieDicken
Instagram.com/agdicken/
Author Page on Amazon: 

Giveaway: A copy of My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate Utah: Leanna's Choice. Answer Angie's question: What situation have you found yourself in that has ultimately ended in you stepping out in love first, regardless of receiving love in return?