Teresa S. Mathews Reviews Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay

Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay

Published by Stardust Romance

5 Stars*****

Reviewed by Teresa S. Mathews

In this hauntingly beautiful love story we are introduced to Albert Van Ampting a young immigrant from the Netherlands.  Albert left his homeland to come to America in hopes of starting a new prosperous life and perhaps find a bride. Traveling with other Dutch immigrants that were headed to a Dutch Colony in Michigan, even though they are used to a harsh weather they decide to stay the winter in Detroit and move on to the Colony in the spring. That was to be a life changing decision for Albert.

As Albert and his loving companion, a red Irish Setter named Jessie are out exploring Detroit, Albert notices the most breathtakingly beautiful girl he has ever seen. She had thick brown hair worn in a braid and adorned with a wreath of branches with orange berries. Albert finds that very intriguing and yet it somehow seems to fit her. When Albert gets up the nerve to speak to this angel in human form, he finds out her name is Michelle LeFevre. She helps her mother and sister run the family fabric shop since her father’s death.

It doesn’t take long for Albert and Michelle to fall in love and get married. When a few short months have past Albert feels God is calling him to serve in the war that is going on between the states, he tries to resist it but while reading his Bible, the scriptures start to speak to his heart and he knows he has to obey God. He can’t help but wonder how Michelle will take the news. Will he be able to trust that God will bring him back to her?

Marian Baay has written such a charming story that touches your very soul, it is hard to believe that this is her debut novel. Bravo! Marian this was certainly a job well done!!  I am hoping to see more from you in the near future. 

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

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Noela Nancarrow reviews HEAVEN IS NOT FAR by Marian Baay

Heaven Is Not Far

Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay

Stardust Romance, Sept. 2013

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

~5 Stars~ *****

A Beautiful and Inspirational Story

Promising new author Marian Baay, writes her debut fiction story ‘Heaven Is Not Far’ with flair, and the proficiency of a more accomplished writer. This is a beautiful love story that embraces the heart that’s called to serve God and the strength of a deep and passionate devotion between a man and the love of his life.

Handsome Albert Van Ampting has travelled to America from the Netherlands with his faithful Irish Red Setter Jessie, to begin a new life in this new land of great promise. He is headed for the Holland colony in Michigan with the other Dutch immigrants; however they are delayed in Detroit due to bad weather. Deciding to spend the winter in Detroit, Albert needs to look for work and while searching for employment, he discovers something of a far greater worth at the Mercantile. Capturing his attention and his heart was the exquisitely beautiful young woman, Michelle Lefevre, who completely mesmerizes and enchants Albert. The following day he obtains a job and soon thereafter begins a breathtaking courtship with Michelle who became his ‘heaven on earth’ and his devoted wife.

Although he was not required to join the fight, it’s not long before Albert feels the calling from God to enlist in the battle between the States. The raw, penetrating pain of separation from his beloved new wife is only eased a little by the knowledge that it was the Lord that had called him, and that Jessie was able to accompany him to the harrowing battlefield. He keeps in touch with Michelle through heartfelt letters, but in July of 1863, having been severely wounded and with fever rampaging through his body, his last letter to his wife was written by a fellow soldier as Albert dictated to him. Michelle is encouraged by that soldier to come quickly to say her farewell. When Michelle finally arrives, will she be too late to say goodbye to the love of her life?

The strength and beauty of this captivating short story is found in the endearing and vivid characters, the romance that purely sizzles, and the well-executed story that effortlessly flows from page to page. An inspiring message of following your calling, rounds off this compelling story by Marian which was an absolute pleasure to read. Waiting in anticipation of Marian Baay’s next story!!

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This short story may be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble

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GIVEAWAY: Marian Baay is generously offering a copy of her short story on each separate review that's up this week, to someone that leaves a comment! Don't forget to leave your email!!

Diana Flowers Reviews HEAVEN IS NOT FAR by Marian Baay



Heaven Is Not Far

Heaven Is Not Far by Marian Baay

Stardust Romance, Sept. 2013

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

5 stars*****

Deeply Moving Debut!

In Heaven Is Not Far, Marian Baay has written an emotive, soul-stirring story of a love that transcends time, distance, and even war...as the reader is swept away from the newly thriving logging country of Michigan, to the atrocious battlefield of Gettysburg.

Filled with hope, the handsome, young Albert Van Ampting has traveled many a mile to begin life anew. Much to his parents' dismay, Albert has left the Netherlands accompanied by his Irish Setter, Jessie, to become a prosperous logger in Michigan and perhaps find a wife in the bargain. During his journey he receives the sad news that war has broken out between the northern and southern states.

While wintering in Detroit, Albert meets the dark haired, green-eyed Michelle Lefevre—a woman who both intrigues and fascinates him with her beauty, charm, and the amusing fact that she always wears something unusual in her hair. As their initial attraction turns into an all-consuming love, Albert must leave his new bride as he feels called by God to fight in the Civil War...much to Michelle's distress. His time with Michelle had seemed like Heaven on earth—in the horrendous battle of Gettysburg does he still find Heaven is not far after all? As she receives horrifying news, the grieving Michelle frantically searches for him on the battlefield. Will she find him amongst the vast number of casualties of this dreadful war?

  

As I read this debut story I was duly impressed by the storyline and my emotions ran the gamut … from smiles to tears and amusement to great sadness. Once again I was reminded of the atrocities of this terrible war that took so many hopeful young men's lives and I was deeply saddened. This story is far from being dark, however, with such delightful characters as the mischievous, fun-loving Albert, the amusing Michelle, and the jovial antics of Jessie, the beloved Irish Setter. Oh, and I mustn't forget the toe curling romance! :) With a deep spiritual thread of redemption and faith throughout...don't miss out on this heartrending and endearing story by debut author, Marian Baay! Very nicely done!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

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GIVEAWAY: ebook copy to one of today's commenters!



       

       **Please remember to leave your email address for contact purposes should you win!**