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)

by Andrea Boeshaar 

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:

	Vetsch, Erica	My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss, Texas: Priscilla's Reveille		HR	Jan-2017
	Davis, Susan Page	My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmela's Quandary		HR	Mar-2017
	Dietze, Susanne	My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca's Plight		HR	May-2017
	Pagels, Carrie Fancett	My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring		HR	Jul-2017
	Boeshaar, Andrea	My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily's Dilemma		HR	Sep-2017

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! 

My Heart Belongs Line -- From Barbour -- Launches with Erica Vetsch

Barbour Publishing has launched the "My Heart Belongs" series!!! We had a super busy and lovely Facebook Party on Tuesday night!  If you missed it, you can still enter the Rafflecopter giveaway of a Kindle Fire and 13 ebooks to go with it (ends January 31st) by clicking on this link and following directions: Click here

Are you excited about the launch of this series? I sure am! And I can't wait to get to the Straits of Mackinac and Mackinac Island, where my heart belongs!!! Speaking of which, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring is available at pre-order HALF OFF price at Barnes & Noble and Amazon!!! I don't know how long that will last, though, so get your copy now!!! Releases July 1, 2017!

Giveaway Susie Dietze's Novella One Word from You - Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, Part of the Austen in Austin Collection

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze is a novella in the Austen in Austin Collection Available in ebook and in paperback from WhiteFire Publishing ( 2016).

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice 

A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career. 

This third Austen in Austin novella is based on Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice 

Urged by her family to marry for the sake of their dwindling finances, Eliza Branch prefers to pay for the remainder of her time at the Austen Academy by writing for the local paper. There’s plenty to write about now that railroad baron William Delacourt has come to Austin. His proposed northbound line may be good for local business, but she’s still stinging from his terrible first impression. If the rumors about William are true, then he deserves to be skewered in print. But when Eliza’s pen gets ahead of her conscience, it’s William who makes everything right—and the reasons behind his sacrifice just might be the story of Eliza’s lifetime.

Austen in Austin (WhiteFire, 2016)

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I have a confession -- I am a Susie Dietze fan. She's a really sweet lady in person and I love her writing. After reading her latest novella, I reached out to offer her an author endorsement for this lovely novella.  Here's my endorsement (Amazon only allows you a few sentences): 

"A sweet novella and great read. Susanne Dietze brings Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice to Texas in grand style!" - Carrie Fancett Pagels, multi-published award-winning author of The Christy Lumber Camp Series

Five Stars *****

(Aren't those gorgeous covers WhiteFire's Roseanna White that did for One Word from You and for Austen in Austin?)

My review: This is a darling story! The heroine, Eliza, writes for a newspaper while completing Austen Academy. When railroad baron William arrives in town, Eliza and William do not hit it off. This story is inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice but Susie's signature style shines through. 

Eliza makes some poor decisions. She is, after all, a very young woman, intent upon proving herself. But she has formed some very real prejudices against wealthy William. And he's a wonderful hero, so the reader really wants to root for him! Will William rise to the occasion and rescue Eliza from herself? A very sweet read!

This is a novella you can get through in one to two evenings and you'll want to finish it in one fell swoop if you are able, so you can learn how things turn out!

Giveaway: Susie is giving away an ebook copy of her novella. We'll be reviewing one or more of the other novellas in the Austen in Austin collection in the weeks ahead. Answer this question: Have you read Susanne Dietze's other wonderful novellas in her two publications with Barbour?

Books of the Year List by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Novel of the Year
Brentwoods' Ward by Michelle Griep

Debut Novel of the Year

Debut Christian fiction of the Year

Sword of Forgiveness by Debbie Lynne Costello

Other Favorite Books of the Year

SERIES that I can't wait to read so I've used my Kindle!

As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

FABULOUS Series by Lorna Seilstad!

In Good Company by Jen Turano
Another Fabulous Series!

After a Fashion also by Jen Turano

To Win Her Favor

by Tamera Alexander

Also part of a fabulous series!

NOVELLAS of the Year

Novellas of the Year

 To Mend a Dream by Tamera Alexander
(Also available in audiobook format) This is part of a collection but available individually.

Bibliotherapy Novella of the Year

Tobogganing for Two by Darlene Franklin

Other Novellas of the Year

The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner

Part of the "A Love's Sporting Chance" collection from Forget-Me-Not Books

With This Kiss Historical Collection

His Beloved Bride by Ruth Logan Herne and  
Grace Like Rain by Julie Lessman 

(The entire With This Kiss Historical Collection was lovely!)

Novella Collection of the Year - Most Eligible Bachelor from Barbour. All of the novellas in this collection are wonderfully done and I read all of them! This is my favorite of all the Barbour collections I have read to date! 

In this collection DEBUT Novella of 2015: Susie Dietze, Love's Reward 

• The Highwayman by Shannon McNear
• Four Brides And A Bachelor by Gabrielle Meyer
• Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn

• A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey
• The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo
• The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by Connie Stevens
• A Bride For A Bargain by Amanda Barratt
• Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch

Other lovely collections with great stories by talented authors (Some of these I read while recovering from major surgery in the spring and enjoyed so much!) 

The Convenient Brides a great collection which includes wonderful novellas like those by Gabrielle Meyer - "A Groom for Josette," and Erica Vesch - "A Bride for Bear," stories from Andrea Boeschaar, Jennifer Uhlarik, Melissa Jagears' great story with "mature" characters and more!

Homestead Brides was SO GOOD!!! Wonderful novellas from some great authors!  A delightful collection. Ruth Logan Herne's "Prairie Promises" and Carla Olson Gade's "Proving Up" were two of my favorites, but all were so well done. One of the most moving tales was written by DiAnn Mills. Add in Pam Hillman's, Mary Connealy's, Erica Vetsch's, Kathleen Y'Barbo's, Darlene Franklin's and Becca Whitham's novellas and you have many novellas to keep you busy reading enjoyably for a long time!

I have to include the 2015 collection Christmas Traditions (Forget-Me-Not Romances, July 2015) because even though I am in it with The Fruitcake Challenge, I don't want to omit all the wonderful stories and authors in this collection, which stayed at the #1 spot on Amazon for anthologies for a long time and on the top #5 through Christmas. It includes a new 2015 novella by Angela Breidenbach plus wonderful stories by Cynthia Hickey, Gina Welborn (who spearheaded the collectin), Patty Smith Hall, Niki Turner, Darlene Franklin, and Jennifer AlLee.

GIVEAWAY: Paperback copy of Brentwood's Ward by Michelle Griep and another winner will receive Ebook or paperback (USA only unless available on BD) of choice of any of these books! Answer these questions: How many of these books were on your favorites list and which are you most yearning to read?  If you are like me there are probably many books you didn't get to read this year that you hope to catch up on!

Most Eligible Bachelor Collection Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection

A WINNER!!!

WONDERFUL collection of nine Christian historic romance novellas! The earliest story is set in colonial times and the latests in the early 1900s.

I predict this will become a CBA Bestseller! This is one of the best collections from Barbour I have ever read. This will be on my Best of 2015 list on this blog!

*****

Love's Reward by Susanne Dietze

I absolutely loved this novella by debut author, Susie Dietze, who is also our featured author this week on OWG blog!!! 

When a rather mean-spirited "friend's" ad drives unmarried ladies to pursue talented architect, Daniel Blair, the San Franciscan's life takes a turn. I felt so badly for the young women who believed the advertisement was genuine. Life at the rooming house begins to sour as his landlady tires of the deliveries made by young women to her home. Meanwhile his longtime friend, a sweet and spunky young lady, finally seems to be realizing what a wonderful man Daniel is. Josie is definitely her own woman and a bit avant grade for the times. Her brother is a piece of work.

The scheming behind the scenes was especially well done. Even thought this was a novella, Susanne did a great job of working in the elements of a large architectural contest and also used that to show the competitive nature of various characters. Many characters, and their situations, aren't at all what you think they are. This is the kind of complex and layered novella that I love to read.

Lovely job of showing the whys and the why nots of Josie's and Daniel's relationship. I see Josie as rather adorable and ADHD and when... (never mind--I won't spoil that one scary scene for you!!!)

This was a darling story and Daniel was a sigh-worthy hero! Fantastic debut!

*****

The Highwayman by Shannon McNear

This lovely colonial story features a young wagon master who simply cannot get his tongue to work properly when he is around Long Tall Sally, the daughter of the main innkeeper on the Great Wagon Road in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia.  However, she's frustrated by his lack of communication, especially since she has known him for years. Her brothers constantly thrill over the adventures of "The Highwayman" a savior who swoops in and rescues people.  When Sally is rescued from a local miscreant, by the famed masked man, her heart thrills. But she doesn't know the wagon master is the one risking all for her. Shannon was a Rita nominee for her first colonial era novella and this new release is a great read!

Four Brides And A Bachelor by  Gabrielle Meyer

I love this story set in the 1800s in Minnesota. Being from upper Michigan myself, this particularly interested me.  In this novella, the your women teaching in a mission are told they MUST be married to continue in their jobs. One of the teachers was originally supposed to marry a minister from another mission. This eligible bachelor has been summoned forth but doesn't realize that NOW he has four young women to select from, which was decided by the directors of the mission as being most fair.  Very nicely done, especially with the little twist with the father at the end! 

Baker's Dozen by Gina Welborn

I had high expectations of this story, which were fulfilled. As per usual, Gina writes a compelling story which great characterization.  Set in the household of Duke, a wealthy widower whose daughter needs a mother, he has decided to bring in a bevy of young women to find a wife to be mother to his child.  Having grown up in the household,  Irie secretly was in love with Duke before she left for training school. Her mother is employed by his father. Duke's father asks her to help his son find the best woman to be his wife and mother to the granddaughter. This is one of the first stories I have read with a divorced heroine in it, so that was an interesting twist and far overdue. 

A Doctor's Agreement by Cynthia Hickey

I had the privilege of reading this excellent story as a Beta reader but then forgot I'd read it! Cynthia Hickey consistently writes great books and this is no exception. When the newspaper owner's daughter places an ad for a lottery to obtain a spouse for the single physician, she doesn't realize she'll be entered! 

The Final Baker Bride by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Determined that she can prove herself capable of being self-sufficient, heiress Octavia doesn't realize there are many forces at work. She finds a "taxi cab driver" in New Orleans, Merritt Baker who may be the antidote to her marriage avoidance. Charming tale.

The Most Ineligible Bachelor In Town by  Connie Stevens

Turn of the century Kansas is the setting for an unappreciated postmaster's fine traits to finally be noticed. But first it will take a visit from his flashy cousin, supposedly a Pinkerton agent, to have the pastor's daughter finally be able to see who the best man in town is. But when danger comes to town, will they survive to finally express their affection to one another?

"A Bride For A Bargain" by Amanda Barratt

Fired from her lousy job,  Ada McClane calls out to God to help her figure out how to pay for her younger brother's treatment for his lung ailment (t.b.).  Meanwhile the richest bachelor in the city, Geoffrey Buchanan wonders how he can get his mother off his back. The society matron has set up yet another weekend at their posh country home in which she'll parade more single women from the proper "set" in front of him. Geoffrey contracts with Ada to act as his fiance for this event and offers her too much to refuse. But when the farce ends, will Geoffrey be able to leave Ada behind?

Archeologist's Find- by Erica Vetsch

This is the most unique of the stories which made it just a little jarring although it was good.  A wealthy young lady, Ally, is given an ultimatum by her mother to either find herself a husband within three weeks or agree to be courted by someone her parents approve of. Egyptologist and archeologist Max falls for the young art student who has so beautifully captured the essence of his collection. But when he discovers her true identity can their relationship survive?

Giveaway: We're giving away another copy of Most Eligible Bachelor Collection choice of paperback or ebook.

Interview with Susanne Dietze by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Susanne Dietze

Susanne, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. It was nice meeting you at an ACFW conference a few years back!

Thank you for having me!

Would you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to overcome, with God’s help? Answer: 

I’ve struggled with anxiety off and on for several years, but the most recent experience coincided with writing the story that became my first sale. Signing a contract was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream, but writing my story was not quite a fairy tale experience. I had a medical issue that turned out to be fine, but I was tested for autoimmune disease and cancer. I worked on Love’s Reward while waiting for those test results. “Love is love’s reward” (by Dryden) was already set as the theme of the story: the greatest prize of a relationship with God is Jesus Himself, and the reward of our relationship with another person is that relationship. Waiting for my test results was agonizing; however, I believe God was teaching me to trust Him with my unknowable future, to dwell close to Him on my journey without questioning where He takes me (because ultimately, my journey will take me to His arms!). While the particulars of my experience were far different than my characters’, I got to go through the process of trusting Jesus, right along with the characters.

What passages in the Bible have been most helpful to you in those times?

I’ve found comfort in times of anxiety Scriptures that remind me that my weaknesses and flaws are places where God can be glorified, and I must rely on His strength, not my own. I also return time and again to verses that remind me of God’s unending love.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9

Our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength. 1 Cor. 15:43

One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: "Power belongs to you, God, and with you, Lord, is unfailing love…” Psalm 62: 11-12

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? 

I do not have any information on that at this time.

In this latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?

In addition to the theme of trusting God, the characters struggle with forgiveness, feelings of inadequacy, and family dysfunction.

BIO:

Susanne Dietze is a pastor’s wife and mom who began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today she writes in the hope of encouraging and entertaining others. You can visit her on her website,www.susannedietze.com.

 

The Most Eligible Bachelor Romance Collection

LINKS:

Website: www.susannedietze.com

Facebook: Facebook.com/SusanneDietzeBooks

Twitter: @SusanneDietze

Blog:  Tea and a Good Book ~ www.susannedietze.blogspot.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13657688.Susanne_Dietze

Other (please specify): Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Susanne-Dietze/e/B00O3MR63A/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_4

Newsletter sign-up: http://www.susannedietze.com/contact.html

BOOK LINKS:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Most-Eligible-Bachelor-Romance-Collection/dp/1630588768/ref=sr_1_sc_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1414622240&sr=8-2-spell&keywords=most+eligibe+bachelor

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-most-eligible-bachelor-romance-collection-erica-vetsch/1120363323?ean=9781630588762

Christian Book: http://www.christianbook.com/eligible-bachelor-romance-collection-historical-novellas/erica-vetsch/9781630588762/pd/588762?product_redirect=1&Ntt=588762&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP

Question you’d like to ask readers:

The characters in the story are caught up in the bicycle craze of the 1890s. How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

GIVEAWAY: We're giving away several copies of Most Eligible Bachelor this week. Respond to the Q to enter.