"The Innocent" Audiobookby Ann H. Gabhart - Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels

The Innocent by Ann H. Gabhart, Recorded Books audiobook

The Innocent By Ann H. Gabhart
Recorded Books,  2015

I listened to this book via an audible.com download. The narration was good and the story compelling. Ms. Gabhart has eight books available on audible.com. This is a historical Christian fiction book with strong romantic elements, it is not a Christian historical romance. 

Carlyn Kearney hasn't given up hope that her husband, Ambrose, might yet return from the Civil War. A Union soldier, he's unaccounted for after a major battle. Waiting in a cabin in the woods, with her trusty dog, Carylyn is feisty and determined. But the horrid man, Mr. Whitlow, who holds the mortgage to her property is trying to compromise her. Sheriff Mitchell Brodie, new to town, suspects what Curt Whitlow is up to but when Carlyn disappears into  Shaker village he has trouble getting information. Poor Caryln had to leave her trusty companion, too, and when the Shakers refuse her beloved pet she has the sheriff take him in. 

Sister Edna, quickly becomes a bane to Carlyn. Nothing she does is good enough. The odd Shaker ways are arcane to her and don't fit with the teachings of Christianity she learned growing up with her strict minister family. But there are dark and mysterious goings on at the Shaker village, requiring the handsome sheriff to return. With each visit between Caryln and Mitchell, their feelings for one another grow. But is she still married? Caryln receives some news that changes her life.

The story culminates in a very dark and scary manner for Caryln. There is a death and subsequent grave difficulties for her. One cool thing I loved about this story was how God can use anyone or anything, including pets, to do His will. I've always been intrigued by the Biblical story of the donkey who talked and I have a manuscript that part of the arc was how God can use anything, anyone, any way He wishes and that part of Gabhart's story especially captured my heart!

I think you might be, as I was, creeped out by the teachings of "Mother Ann" of which I had no idea the Shakers believed. A real eye opener of a story! 

Bibliotherapy: Loss of spouse, predators, loss of belongings, hope, restoration, and maintaining one's faith.





  This book may be purchased through Audible.com,  Amazon, CBD, BAM, and your local bookstores. I recommend the audible version as it was well done.

GIVEAWAY: A paperback copy of The innocent by Ann H. Gabhart. Answer this question: What do you know about "Mother Ann" of the Shakers and which of Ann H. Gabhart's books have you already read? 





Room for Hope by Kim Vogel Sawyer -- Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Blurb
In a desperate time, can Neva find forgiveness for a grievous wrong—and make room for hope?

Neva Shilling has a heavy load of responsibility while her husband travels to neighboring communities and sells items from his wagon. In his absence, she faithfully runs the Shilling Mercantile, working to keep their business strong as the Depression takes its toll, and caring for their twins.

When a wagon pulls up after supper, Neva and her children rush out—and into the presence of the deputy driving a wagon carrying three young children. The deputy shocks her with the news that Warren and his wife have died, insisting it was their last request that the three children go live with “Aunt Neva.”

Neva’s heart is shattered as she realizes that Warren’s month-long travels were excuses for visits with his secret family. She wants nothing more than to forget Warren, but can she abandon these innocent children to an orphanage? Yet if she takes them in, will she ever be able to see them as more than evidence of her husband’s betrayal and love them the way God does?

Carrie's Review

Five Stars *****

I listened to this novel as an audible.com download. I have a yearly membership. This story is set in the 1930's, a hard time all across America.  Imagine believing you have a loving husband whose travels for your business turn out to be time spent with another family -- then having the offspring from that other union brought to you to raise during the Great Depression? 

This novel has multiple points of view, which I found distracting at first but I think give the story a broader perspective. We have Neva's, her son Bud's, the sheriff's, and a neighbor/suitor's perspectives throughout the book.  Having two adult males, both hero prospects, is something I'm not sure I've seen in other CBA novels. 

The narrator has a rather depressed-sounding voice. At the beginning of the book this somewhat works for the story. She does lighten up some as the book goes forward. But I don't hear the hope in her voice that I imagine the author intended, hence the title. Still, if you prefer audiobooks or require them, this is a good listen and you can get past the narration because the story is compelling.

Room for Hope is a great read by Kim Vogel Sawyer, with many unique elements. I highly recommend it.

Bibliotherapy elements: Death of a spouse, bigamy, illegitimate children, raising someone else's children, financial struggles, hope in Christ, and being shunned by "friends." I think this story is also good for bibliotherapy for someone who is feeling a little down as the tone of the book won't grate on you like it might if you were in a really chipper mood. 

Question: Have you read any of Kim Vogel Sawyer's other books? Which ones?

Interview with Pamela S. Thibodeaux - Coping with the Loss of a Spouse

Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Pamela S. Thibodeaux, welcome to Overcoming With God.  We appreciate your willingness to share your testimony of overcoming with our readers. It's been nice getting to know you over at Pelican Book Group!

Thank you so much for having me visit today! I absolutely love sharing my testimonies (yes, God has blessed me so abundantly I have more than one).

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

When I look back over my life and all of the things I’ve overcome…insecurity, shyness, abuse, low self esteem, financial hardship…the most difficult thing I’ve had to deal with and overcome is grief over the death of my husband. We all lose things we love (people, pets, jobs, homes, etc.) and I’m no different. But his death was the hardest thing I’ve endured to date. I’ve often said it is a pain I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. Alas, God is faithful and although I’ll miss my husband and carry him with me forever, I am now looking forward to the future with a new love.

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

For a long time after my husband passed away I couldn’t even pray. So I created a mantra: I don’t understand, Lord, but I trust you. This got me through the worst part, then, Jeremiah 29:11 was brought to my remembrance and has since become my favorite Scripture… “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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? 

No books in audio but all are available for E-reader which enable the reader to increase the font size. My Tempered series, The Visionary, Circles of Fate, and Love is a Rose, is printed in trade paperback with 12 pt. font which is larger print than most mass market books.

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

Not in my latest work, Circles of Fate. However my novel Tempered Dreams deals with domestic violence and the healing process the heroine must undergo and The Visionary deals with healing of adult survivors of child abuse. I also have a devotional titled, Love is a Rose that parallels God’s love and the Christian life to The Rose song lyrics.

Question you’d like to ask readers:

What does it take for you to try a new or previously unheard of author? Is it the cover or back blurb on the book, content, reviews….What?

 

Circle of Fate by Pamela S. Thibodeaux

Title: Circles of Fate

Blurb: Set at the tail end of the Vietnam War era, Circles of Fate takes the reader from Fort Benning, Georgia to Thibodaux, Louisiana. A romantic saga, this gripping novel covers nearly twenty years in the lives of Shaunna Chatman and Todd Jameson. Constantly thrown together and torn apart by fate, the two are repeatedly forced to choose between love and duty, right and wrong, standing on faith or succumbing to the world’s viewpoint on life, love, marriage and fidelity. With intriguing twists and turns, fate brings together a cast of characters whose lives will forever be entwined. Through it all is the hand of God as He works all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Purchase Links:

Kindle: http://amzn.to/13b6qCG

Print: http://amzn.to/1zfEzNH

Create Space: http://bit.ly/1qRN3cb

Nook: http://bit.ly/1ySeQqJ

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1wA6DsH

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/136qK7n

Title: Love is a Rose (NF Devotional)

Blurb: Music is the magical entry into the spirit world; the golden gate into the Kingdom of God. But we mustn’t be of the mindset that God only uses Christian music to reach out and touch our mind, heart and spirit. God uses any and every means available to speak to His children.

Our job is to be open and receptive.

In this devotional, Pamela S Thibodeaux shares how God opened her spirit to a deeper understanding of the abundance of His grace and mercy through the words of the song, The Rose sung by Country & Western artist Conway Twitty.

Pamela offers Seeds to Ponder and a prayer as she parallels the love of God and the Christian life to each verse of the song

Purchase Links:

Print @ Amazon http://amzn.to/1naYIRr

Kindle http://amzn.to/1vI1v43

Print @ B&N http://bit.ly/1dIShux

Nook http://bit.ly/1cbEEZc  

Smashwords http://bit.ly/16vCHl4   

Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/1cxivVf

Title: Tempered Dreams (book 2 in Tempered series)

Blurb: Dr. Scott Hensley (introduced in Tempered Hearts) has built a wall around his heart since the death of his wife and parents.  Katrina Simmons is recovering from scars inflicted on her as a battered wife.  Can dreams be renewed and faith strengthened?  Can they find joy and peace in God’s love and in love for one another? 

Purchase Links:

Kindle http://amzn.to/1vJEqjk

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1q4Q8hV

Nook http://bit.ly/1b1jrNu

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/13l0LK4

Smashwords http://bit.ly/173ypSN

Title: The Visionary

Blurb: A visionary is someone who sees into the future Taylor Forrestier sees into the past but only as it pertains to her work. Hailed by her peers as “a visionary with an instinct for beauty and an eye for the unique” Taylor is undoubtedly a brilliant architect and gifted designer. But she and twin brother Trevor, share more than a successful business. The two share a childhood wrought with lies and deceit and the kind of abuse that’s disturbingly prevalent in today’s society.  Can the love of God and the awesome healing power of His grace and mercy free the twins from their past and open their hearts to the good plan and the future He has for their lives?

Purchase Links:

Amazon Print: http://amzn.to/1uROE2o

Kindle http://amzn.to/1s23QYv

Print @Create Space: http://bit.ly/1lNvyWD  

B&N Print: http://bit.ly/1h9Yhlw

Nook http://bit.ly/1h9Yhlw

Smashwords http://bit.ly/167J9So

Deeper Shopping http://bit.ly/19lw1Kc  

Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.”

Links:

Website address: http://www.pamelathibodeaux.com  

Blog: http://pamswildroseblog.blogspot.com

Face Book: http://facebook.com/pamelasthibodeaux

Twitter: http://twitter.com/psthib @psthib

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win any of Pamela's books (international winners, ebook only.)

Bibliotherapy at Christmas! A Review

Another Christmas Story by Susan Page Davis
Novella in The Westward Christmas Brides Collection by Barbour (2014)
Reviewed by Carrie Fancett Pagels

SPOILER ALERTS: I have a couple of spoilers in my review so if you don't read reviews with spoilers stop right now and just leave a comment to enter for the giveaway!


Bibliotherapy Galore!
For a short novella, Susan Page Davis's story packs a punch! The story starts right out with a bang as the heroine, Beryl, and her young brother, Sam. learn that their father has been seriously injured on their wagon train ride west. They are forced to take refuge in a nearby town and with the unlikely assistance of the store owners and their handsome son, James. Although Beryl has heard that Clara, the proprietor's wife, drives a hard bargain, the family is extremely generous to them, putting the little family of three (other family members died before the trip) up in a cabin they own. So far then, in the story, we had previous loss of family (grieving), relocating elsewhere, now severe life-threatening injury, and plans derailed.

Which makes one pause and ask--is this really a Christmas story? I think Susan Page Davis tagged it appropriately, almost tongue-in-cheek by calling it Another Christmas Story. This is a story about all the awful stuff that can still happen near the holidays. (The story does not terminate at Christmas, like most seasonal stories but continues on, again, a surprise in a novella of this length.)

Beryl's and James' romance is sweet and unfolds slowly. When her father dies and a difficult winter strikes, Beryl and Sam move in with James and Clara. This has a great boon for her brother because Sam benefits from instruction he receives with the Lassen family. Meanwhile, Mr. Lassen heads off to resupply their store.

There is a creepy episode that takes place at the store, with unwanted intruders. Again, not Christmas-like. And another tragedy in store. Again, not what one expects in a Christmas novella. BUT, Christmas doesn't come and go without there being many difficulties for many people. I think readers who are going through a hard time at Christmas might be able to relate to this story very well and draw comfort from the fact that it is so different.

This is NOT just Another Christmas Story. It is a story full of bibliotherapy elements. It's one of those stories where a friend might point out that particular novella to a friend who is suffering losses. And lest you fret--there is a happy ever after for the young couple.


Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of either ebook or paperback copy of The Westward Christmas Brides collection this week.
Question: Have you ever had an awful Christmas season? Did you read anything during that time that helped?

Interview with Ann Shorey: Overcoming after Losing the Love of Your Life

Anne Shorey

Ann Shorey is the author of Where Wildflowers Bloom and When the Heart Heals, the first two novels in the Sisters at Heart series for Revell. The third book in the series, Love’s Sweet Beginning, is scheduled for release in February, 2014. She’s also the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series, also published by Revel.

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

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

            In the late 1980’s, my husband of twenty-plus years was diagnosed with advanced kidney cancer. He had recently taken early retirement, we moved to a new community (where we knew no one—although that wasn’t intentional!), and had many plans for a long future together. The book of James says, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:4:14a NIV) How true! We certainly didn’t know what awaited us soon after our move.

            Surgery was recommended following the diagnosis, and the surgeon found cancer cells had wrapped around his spine. The surgeon removed all that he could, but the surgery left my husband unable to sit upright or walk without wearing a clamshell-like body brace. He spent three weeks in a rehab facility where we were both taught how to maneuver him in and out of the brace, how to transfer him to a wheelchair, how he could shower—and on and on. As I learned to do things I never dreamed I’d have to master, the Lord was my constant companion.

            Once back home, my husband began radiation treatment and we settled into a routine. We’d been told that some patients with kidney cancer lived as many as thirteen years beyond the surgery. In our case, this was not to be. During his final hospitalization nine months after the initial surgery, one of the nurses asked me how we could show such strength in the face of our circumstances. Right there in the hospital corridor the Lord enabled me to share my faith with her. (Pausing here to re-group. This is hard to write about.)

            When my husband died, I believed my life was over. Instead, the Lord has opened doors that I didn’t know were there. I’d always wanted to write, and my first published article was for a bereavement magazine, telling of our last days together. Since then, so much has happened, immeasurably more than I could ever ask or imagine. God has given me grace to overcome, grace to persevere, and blessing upon blessing in my life.

When the Heart Heals

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?

Unfortunately, none of my books are available in either large print or audio. They are all available in e-book format, however, which makes it possible to enlarge the font on an e-reader.

Where Wildflowers Bloom

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

When the Heart Heals deals with the issue of forgiveness.

In Where Wildflowers Bloom, one of the main characters struggles with PTSD in the aftermath of the War Between the States. (An interesting note: in that time period, PTSD was called “Soldier’s Heart.”)

Thank you Ann for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

You can find Ann and her books at www.AnnShorey.com

Two Giveaways: Ann will give away reader's choice of Where Wildflowers Bloom or When the Heart Heals! International-ebook only. Carrie is also giving away a paperback copy of Where Wildflowers Bloom!

Suzanne Wood's Fisher's "The Letters" - new Audiobook

The Letters by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Suzanne Woods Fisher possesses something no one else has--her voice. That certain Suzanne voice that defies description and when I've tried I've mangled it.  And the narrator of this book does a superb job of capturing the Suzanneness that I love. I purchased mine on audible.com and I've also got a CD MP3 audiobook as a giveaway for one lucky reader!

In "The Letters" you're introduced to a household of characters and some from nearby and some from out of the area.  But even with all the cast of characters each one has his or her own voice and  unique traits.  

Even if the listener doesn't agree with the choice the doctor's wife makes (or choices) by the end of the story you'll find yourself accepting them and seeing how it could work.  This secondary plot line was extremely well done.

Rose Schrock is a special heroine and Galen King a subdued but persuasive hero for the story. Loved how Suzanne had this one twist with the step-daughters "boyfriend." And the plot line with the underlying medical condition. 

Bibliotherapy Aspects:

Spoiler alert

One of the characters undergoes brain surgery.  The manifested symptoms of the disease prior to the proper diagnosis would be important to someone dealing with a brain tumor or someone who wonders if a family member may have dementia or another cognitive disorder.

A crime was committed during the story--theft. And crime had been committed before the start of the story.  The aftermath of dealing with crime committed by a love one is covered well in this book.

Death of a spouse, possible suicide. Death of a parent are aspects of this novel.  Both are woven tightly through the plot.

My recommendation:

Listen and ENJOY!!!

Giveaway:  A CD/MP3 audiobook of "The Letters."  You must have capability to play the CD which will not play on a normal CD player.  Although a computer can play it I do not recommend that.  Many new car sound systems will have CD/MP3.  I purchased a CD/MP3 player after I bought one of these by accident and had to listen on my computer (the problem for me was starting and stopping it, which didn't work out well on my old PC which was only a year old at the time.) This is a brand new, unopened CD/MP3. Answer the following question: Have you used Deeper Shopping yet to order any of your Christian books or materials?  If so, why or why not?  Leave your email address, too, unless you are well known by us.

Susan Reinhardt Interview

Susan Reinhardt

Susan J. Reinhardt is the author of her debut novel, The Moses Conspiracy.

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

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

The concept for The Moses Conspiracy was birthed shortly before my husband was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with the Philadelphia gene. Virtually all work stopped on the book during this time as we fought to save his life. After a 14-month battle, he passed away.

A season of grief, an incredible amount of challenges with the house and business, and my own health challenges followed. 2006-2008 were the most difficult years of my life.

As things settled down, I remembered the original vision and my husband's prayers and enthusiasm for the project. I knew I couldn't walk away, and picked up the threads of the story. It took a total of six years to write, re-write, get the book into publishable condition, and find someone who believed in the story.

(CFP: Susan, I am so sorry for your loss.  What a terrific fight he must have made. May your book honor his memory.)

Disability friendliness: Is this 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?

At this time, The Moses Conspiracy is in e-book format. However, it will be out in print within the next few months. Helping Hands Press is also planning to do an audio version. I believe the print size can be adjusted on some e-readers. As far as e-books with audio capability, I was unaware of this technology until now.

Does this book have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic influence through reading about a disorder or situation?  

None of my characters have a particular disorder, but I think a bibliotherapy is a great idea. It's something that may apply to the third book in the trilogy.

Thank you Susan for agreeing to answer these questions.  Have a blessed day and keep on writing!!

You can purchase the Moses Conspiracy on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo.

Amazon Link  

B&N Link:

Kobobooks.com Link 

You can connect with Susan on:

 Facebook 

Twitter

Susan's Blog Link

Giveaway: A copy of Susan's ebook. Leave a comment and your email address to enter!

Audiobook review of “The Homecoming” by Dan Walsh

“The Homecoming” 

by Dan Walsh

(Revell, 2010)

I listened to this book as a download through audible.com where I have a platinum membership.  Like I said about “The Unfinished Gift” I consider these books as nostalgic fiction, i.e., not set long enough ago to be a historical nor recently enough to be a contemporary.  This second book in the series is a romance.  I believe I would have benefitted from having read the first book prior to listening to this one. 

WWII pilot, Shawn Collins, whose wife just died, is downed behind enemy lines. The story of his escape is a great start to the book. His son, Patrick, is stateside with his grandfather, Ian Collins.  While Shawn was struggling to survive, his father had his own epiphany and is working hard to provide a stable home for his grandson.

Meanwhile social worker, Katherine Townsend,  who is emotionally involved with Patrick, loses her job.  The Collinses need her help. The romance between Katherine and Shawn is handled very tastefully.  A tiny bit disconcerting to read this from a man’s perspective.

A very nice audiobook.  It is an easy listen. The plot struck me as rather simplistic.  It was still very well done. I kept thinking that perhaps the author, Dan Walsh, was deliberately keeping the wording simple to add to the nostalgic tone. But that very wondering pulled me from the story.  I think that is a fine balance to keep.  Tension in the story was good and the characters very engaging.  If I had listened to the first book prior, I would also not have wondered so much about what Katherine looked like, etc. 

I loved the whole twist about the USO tour--that was so neat!  The train scenes were awesome and I enjoyed the tension built in because Shawn's wife has died, he has gotten free, and now the military "thanks" him by sending him away from his family. Also super job with incorporating the romantic rival and making it believable. Very interesting reading a romance from a man's viewpoint but sometimes I just wanted Shawn to get a clue about Katherine.   Dan did a nice job of balancing out the grieving by the hero over his wife before allowing him to become emotionally involved with the heroine. 


There are so few Christian audiobooks out there and I am so glad I found this one. Very enjoyable.


Giveaway: Last day to leave a comment to be entered in the Dan Walsh giveaway. This week we are offering an ebook or paperback, maybe even CD, to our winner.  

Marian Baay Carla Stewart Stardust

Stardust 
by Carla Stewart
(Faith Words, 2012)

Review by Marian Baay
4 stars ****

In Stardust we travel back to the 1950s. Georgia’s husband has left her for another woman. After two months his body is found in the swamp. Now she’s a widow and she needs to take care of her two daughters alone.

Georgia was raised by an aunt. Her parents left her at the Stardust motel when she was 3 years old. Her aunt doesn’t want to tell her the reason why her parents left her there. While growing up Georgia often found refuge at the Stardust. Paddy and Doreen ran the place and loved her like a daughter. When Paddy dies he leaves the Stardust to Georgia. Doreen tells her that the answer to her past is hidden in the Stardust.

Her aunt doubts that she can run the place as a single mother. Besides it’s dangerous for a woman alone to run a highway motel. Soon her mother-in-law moves in one of the cabins of the Stardust. Then a stranger named Peter also comes to the Stardust and asks for an job. Peter is helping Georgia with repairs. Georgia grows to like him and people start talking behind her back.Then a pregnant woman and her young daughter come to the Stardust. The woman is sick and needs to go to the hospital. While she’s there Georgia takes care of the woman’s daughter. But then Georgia finds out who the woman is...


Can she forgive the woman for ruining her life?

And when she finds out the truth about her parents, can she forgive her aunt for keeping the truth from her?

Peter gets a phone call from a woman and needs to leave immediately. Is there another woman in his life, or will he come back for her? Can Georgia let go of her hurtful past and focus on a new life with people she loves in the Stardust?

Carla Stewart knows how to make you feel at home with her characters. A well written novel!


Click here to view the trailer of Stardust.

Carla Stewart's books can be purchased through CBD, Amazon, and other book stores.

GIVEAWAY:  Leave a comment and your email to be entered in this week’s contest.  Drawing will be late Saturday.  Your choice of this author’s books, choice of format.

Review of Kelly Long's Arms of Love

Arms of Love
By Kelly Long
(Thomas Nelson, 2012)

This is the first Amish colonial I have seen. I applaud Kelly for tackling this time frame, which is a favorite of mine as the Founder of the Colonial American Christian Writers group, of which Kelly is a member.

 

Bibliotherapy: This book is full of more bibliotherapy uses than any other book I have read so far this year. We have loss of spouse, loss of parent, war, depression, PTSD, murder, love thine enemy/ friendships among enemies, child abuse, and sibling rivalry. For those of us with mental health backgrounds, there is a character whose behavior is consistent with Asperger’s.  Whew, I had to take a break after writing all that!  So, as you can imagine this is not a typical Kelly Long book. These colonial Amish characters are quite angsty and the story fairly dark. This book feels as though Kelly poured herself into it during a difficult time. Thus, the emotion on the page is very real.

Kelly is an amazing romance writer and her characters well developed. I really enjoyed the mature couple romance and I appreciate that Kelly gave us a realistic courtship. I’ve heard too many criticisms of short courtships after the death of a spouse. For this time frame and setting it makes sense. The hero and heroine are perfect for each other.

There is a strong spiritual thread and great explanations of the early Amish society and life.

Caution: I am one of those people who do not want to read violence on the page. While much of the abuse, etc., is kept off the page, there was some.

I read this review as a download through NetGalley via Thomas Nelson Publishers.  I am not required to post a positive review.  My opinions are my own. 


GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a copy of this book or any of Kelly Long's books this week.  Leave a comment to have a chance to win one of her many wonderful Amish books!