Review of Natalie Monk's Novella "For Richer Or Poorer"

Of Rags and Riches Romance Collection (Barbour, July 2017)

Blurb: For Richer or Poorer by Natalie Monk - Newark, New Jersey, 1885
In order to bring her starving family to New Jersey, Polish immigrant Marcella Lipski must marry wealth. So she takes Americanization lessons from the poor-but-mysterious cart driver teaching her English—and loses her heart in the process.

I loved this story! This is Natalie Monk's debut in Christian fiction and I predict many more wonderful stories coming from her in the future!  A lovely voice and wonderful style of writing, great story and characterization. Her dialogue simply sparkles!

The story: New immigrant Ella Lipski is looking for a wealthy man to help save her ailing sister and to help her family, impoverished in Austrian-Poland. How fortunate she is to meet Woody, an earnest, and handsome!,  young man whose heart is set on saving the orphans on the streets. Woody has had a falling out with his family and the Lord is using his friends and situation to get him to work on forgiveness and restoration.

Ella has tried taking matters into her own hands. She's a maid working in a household where she has nabbed some of the wealthy lady's cast-off garments for herself. She's trying to pass as a well-situated young woman but she also lacks the language skills to pull this off!

I loved Ella and Woody's story, and you will, too! Well worth staying up late to finish the read because I simply had to know the ending! Strongly recommend!

Note: I will be reviewing more of the novellas from this collection, during July! This collection is the perfect side-by-side reading companion to my novel, "My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude's Mooring" which is another gilded age book!

Giveaway: We're giving away a copy of this wonderful new novella collection Of Rags and Riches this week. Leave a comment to enter. 

Diana's Review Of 'Such A Hope' By Sondra Kraak

Such A Hope by Sondra Kraak

Such A Hope By Sondra Kraak
Trail House Publishers, Oct. 2016

Reviewed By Diana Flowers
~5 stars!~
(No spoilers!)

A Compelling Must Read!

Seattle, Washington Territory - 1871

In Such a Hope, author Sondra Kraak has spun a powerfully emotive tale of a young woman's quest to find a sense of belonging—set against the backdrop of the tree blanketed landscape and grandeur of the Cascade Mountains.

Spending her entire life growing up on the seat of a wagon and assisting her father's successful freighting business, Anna finally returns home to their cabin in Seattle. Her father's death has devastated her, and she longs to find camaraderie in her community and a chance to fulfill the calling God has placed on her life...the desire to pray for the sick. Two stalwart, handsome men enter Anna's life—one the passionate, zealous Michael, who encourages Anna to use her miraculous gift in his revival meetings—the other, Tristan, an enigmatic and intimidating farmer her father had befriended. But praying for healing comes with a high price and ugly rumors begin to surface about Anna's spiritual gift and her property. Both men must learn to surrender their plans for the future in different ways—a sacrifice neither is sure he is willing to make. 

I accidentally "stumbled" upon Sondra Kraak online and she was one of the best discoveries I have ever made. I was entranced by the cover of her new book, Such a Hope, and the blurb intrigued me as well! Tackling the subject of laying on of hands and miraculous healing took alot of courage and Ms. Kraak did so with finesse and wisdom...addressing the question as to why some people get healed and others do not. The multifaceted main characters were admittedly admirable, but not infallible. And ooh, the romantic tension almost stole my breath away! 😯Sondra Kraak is an amazingly talented author, and I anxiously await the next book in the Paths of Grace series! Be sure to order your copy of this emotionally stirring story of passion, forgiveness, and redemption today!

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This book may be purchased through Amazon, B&N, and BAM.

GIVEAWAY: Sondra Kraak has generously offered a paperback copy to one blessed commenter (US entrants only!) For contact purposes should your name be drawn, please be sure to leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.

Diana Reviews 'Love Everlasting' By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting By Julie Lessman

Love Everlasting (Isle of Hope Series Book 2) 

By Julie Lessman, September 30, 2016

Reviewed by Diana Flowers

~5 stars!~

(No Spoilers!)

Another Gem By Julie!

Get ready to go on another a passionate, angst-filled journey as twisty and sinuous as a roller coaster ride to Hope Isle, Georgia—a lovely picture-perfect isle with Southern seaside beauty and charming cottages nestled next to lush plantations—but wherein lay plenty of drama, secrets, and heartaches buried underneath the guise of tranquility! 

The sweet, demure Shannon O'Bryen is a faith-filled school teacher by day and a secret writer of romance by night. Writing love stories is the safest route for her to take as she has been terribly burned by love in the past. A lying player had completely broken her spirit and Shannon has totally sworn off men forever. Then how does she get mixed up with the world's biggest player, pediatrician Dr. Sam Cunningham? 

Too handsome for his own good, the wealthy, charismatic, and flirtatious, Sam, has left a string of broken hearts stretching all the way across Hope Isle. Sam was an orphan shuffled through the foster care system, and finds himself looking for love and affirmation in all the wrong places. Shannon cannot tolerate his type, but finds herself willing to help him woo back his ex-girlfriend. She does write romance after all, so no problem, right? But as they draw closer and become the best of friends, Shannon teaches Sam so much more—of faith and the true definition of love. But one of them is hiding a deep secret which could destroy their friendship forever. Will either of them ever be able to open their eyes and hearts...to a love everlasting?

Be still my fluttering, racing, pounding heart! Julie Lessman is truly la creme de la creme at writing romance with so many disquieting twists and turns, and ooh, the drama! I felt as though my heart had been run through the wringer by the time I finished this emotive, fast-paced novel. I so admired Shannon's willpower against Sam's beguiling ways because he stole my foolish heart from chapter one...after he sobered up that is. ;) If you read Isle of Hope (which I hope you did!) you will remember Shannon's mother—the bubbly and vivacious Tess—and her troubled romance with Dr. Ben Carmichael, whose story continues in this book as well. So you get two sizzling, toe-curling romances for the price of one! No worries if you didn't read Isle of Hope because this novel stands quite well alone. Interspersed throughout is alot of the playful humor, quips and banter Ms. Lessman is so well known for—and a wellspring of tears, hope, and the inspiring story of God's redemption and forgiveness.

Plantation in Hope Isle, Georgia

Beautiful Hope Isle, Georgia

This novel is available in ebook format on Amazon and will soon be available in paperback!

GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously offering winner's choice of e-book copy of either Isle of Hope or Love Everlasting now -- OR paperback copy of Love Everlasting when it releases in November! International entrants e-book only. Please be sure to leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to protect yourself from spammers.

Diana's Review Of 'Isle Of Hope' By Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope By Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman, Nov. 2015

Reviewed By Diana Flowers

~5 stars!~



To Error Is Human - To Forgive Is Divine

Author Julie Lessman takes the reader on a poignant, impassioned roller coaster ride to the picturesque coastal community of Isle of Hope, Georgia—where full moons rise over the marsh and the scents of wisteria and pungent, salty sea water permeate the summer nights. A sleepy haven where charming cottages are nestled next to lush plantations, but wherein lies a plethora of secrets.

Wild girl, Lacey Carmichael, is back in town after an eight year absence—setting off a dramatic chain of events like ripples in a stream. Kicked out of her home by her cardiac surgeon father when she was eighteen, Lacey turned her back on everyone who loved her. Now she is back to make amends and show her father, friends, and Dr. Jack O'Bryen, her ex-boyfriend—that she is a changed woman by the grace of God. But the price of forgiveness does not come cheap as further bridges of betrayal are still smoldering after an adulterous affair by Jack's pastor father, destroying Jack's faith. Is there any hope for reconciliation after simmering, bitter emotions have lain buried below the surface all these years?

There's never been any doubt in my mind that Julie Lessman is la crème de la crème of sizzling romance, but this novel simply blew me away! Not just because there was plenty of romantic tension (which there was!), but the message of forgiveness and redemption interwoven throughout was so powerfully anointed that I had quite the relationship with my tissue box. I found my emotions running the gamut as I laughed at the characters' playful quips and antics, shed many a gut-wrenching tear, and was so mad at the audacity of even thinking that an adulterous affair could be labeled under the "forgiveness" category! Rude awakening for me...sin is sin. And speaking of rude, Lacey's father (aka Dr. Doom)...ugh, don't even let me go there! Julie Lessman lured me into this fabulous tale of romance, second chances, and healing—and captured me hook, line, and sinker. Isle of Hope is a masterpiece of a novel filled with hope and inspiration—raw, real life situations and characters, and of course, Julie's trademark twists and turns! Be sure to grab your copy today!

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This awesome book may be purchased through Amazon.

GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously providing an ebook copy of Isle of Hope to one blessed commenter!! To be eligible please leave your email addy written (at) and (dot) to prevent spammers. Drawing Sun. Nov. 29th!





Noela reviews ISLE OF HOPE by Julie Lessman

Isle of Hope

Isle of Hope: Unfailing Love - Isle of Hope series, Book 1

by Julie Lessman

Julie Lessman; 1 Edition (November 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 (shining) Stars *****

Rich in romance, reconciliation, and restoration

The Isle of Hope in Georgia—the sleepy, charming coastal community dotted with palms and pines and an expansive salty marshland—provides many a peaceful postcard setting. Though while the water-logged salt marsh buffers the populace from stormy seas, the drifting and fractured lives of some of the residents are about to be ripped open yet again; to endure soul-deep pain from Lacey Carmichael upon her return. The question is… will they allow healing to take place or will their wounds worsen like the decaying marsh grasses?

Painful memories, hurt feelings, broken hearts and broken trust… Lacey has returned to Georgia to make amends caused by her abrupt desertion eight years ago. It was a time when she was without faith, and muddling through reckless teenage rebellion and a volatile divorce between her parents after an affair. What made her run away from the people she loved, especially her ex-fiancé Jack who had always comforted her? Eight years is a long time for unforgiveness to fester. Can Lacey’s father, Jack, and her friends forgive her, or have their feelings shifted beyond repair?

Pediatrician Jack O’Bryen, now nicknamed Dr. Doom, used to be happy. Back when he was with the girl he loved, possessing a strong faith in God, and a mom and dad he was proud of. All that fell apart when his pastor dad had an affair, and his girlfriend left him high and dry. Never the same, he lost his faith and his joy. And now the only girl he’s ever truly loved has returned a Christian and wants to build bridges. Can it be possible when Jack and Lacey are still miles apart in spirit? And will it be possible for all the relationships shredded by the affair between the two families—and by Lacey’s desertion—to find healing and new beginnings?

Punchy, passionate, and powerful!! That’s the sort of writing Julie Lessman delivers. From characters with raw, penetrating emotions that tied me up in knots and tears, to the most compelling, God-given story-thread I’ve ever read on forgiveness. This is a novel that has the potential to change your life. I know, because it’s made me believe in the impossible and given me hope where I had none. On top of all that; expect exquisite descriptive writing, two romances that squeeze your heart, and Julie’s trademark surprises! And God’s unfailing love. Highly recommended!!

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Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing 

love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. - Psalm 32:10

You can find ISLE OF HOPE for a bargain price at: AMAZON

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GIVEAWAY: Julie Lessman is generously donating TWO books this week for our giveaway! One winner will be chosen from my review, and the other winner from Bonnie Roof's review on Thursday!! As always, leave your email for contact purposes should you win. Use (at) and (dot) to protect yourself against spammers.

Noela Nancarrow reviews FLEE FROM EVIL by Connie Almony

Flee from Evil

Flee from Evil (Water’s Edge, Book 1)

by Connie Almony

Cracked Door Publishing – October 3, 2015

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

  

‘Flee from Evil’ is a story of second beginnings from shameful pasts that pulsates with breath-taking suspense and heart-wrenching experiences. In other words, it’s a read that’ll knock your socks off!

Vince Steegle is the beloved pastor of Water’s Edge Church in Maryland, a former drug-dealer who has been open about his former life to his congregation. Mostly. When Cassandra Whitaker walks into Vince’s church while he’s preaching, for the first time ever this man with the gift of speech, falters. She represents the one thing he can’t forgive himself for. And judging by her blazing eyes of hatred, she hasn’t forgiven him either. Is God able to break those shackles of pain and unforgiveness within Vince and Cassandra, and will He be able to utilize the evil that once permeated Vince’s life for something good?

The widowed and broke Cassandra has returned to her hometown along with her teenage daughter Sophie and autistic son Tibo, to live with her mother. Upon visiting her mother’s church, she finds herself face to face with the man she thinks of as the devil himself. But when evil once again enters into Cassandra’s world in an even more sinister form and turns it upside down, does she do the right thing in trusting Vince to use his underworld connections to save her child?

Author Connie Almony has masterfully weaved a powerful and gripping tale of heartbreak and hope with surprising twists and tense whispers of ‘oh no!’ Written with realism and sensitivity ensured I was either smiling, spellbound, or weeping, whilst fully resonating with the genuine and fractured characters. There was Tibo the autistic child who lived in his own world and reminded me of my son when he was younger; Lew, the lost and rough around the edges guy; teenager Sophie who’s only just discovering herself as a young woman; and the pastor who is so hopeless at being a handyman that his friends have emergency numbers on speed dial. There are gems of spiritual insights and nuggets of wisdom threaded throughout, such as the universal struggle with forgiveness. The reader also gains a perceptive glimpse into the man behind the pulpit and a mother of a child with a disability. And that’s just for starters. Connie does a stellar job of illustrating how God creates beauty from ugliness! Highly recommended!

David Crowder Acoustic - How He Loves - The Muse for the novel Flee from Evil.

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You may purchase 'FLEE FROM EVIL' here at a bargain price : Amazon

GIVEAWAY: Connie Amony is generously donating TWO books for giveaway!! Two blessed people who leave a comment below will have the choice of either a paperback OR e-book! (There will be a small delay in sending out the paperbacks.) To be eligible, please leave your email address for contact purposes should you win. Using (at) and (dot) will protect you against spammers.

Noela Nancarrow reviews UNDERCOVER BRIDE by Margaret Brownley

Undercover Bride

Undercover Bride (Undercover Ladies, Book 2)

By Margaret Brownley

Barbour Publishing, Inc (June 1, 2015)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

Tying the knot – might it be in marriage or with a noose?

Three things I KNOW will happen when I read a story by Margaret Brownley. 1. I know I will be thoroughly entertained by a completely unique and captivating plot. 2. I know I will learn little-known yet fascinating historical facts. 3. I know at some stage I will laugh out loud! You can expect all these things and more whilst reading this second, although completely stand-alone book, in Margaret Brownley’s ‘Undercover Ladies’ series.

Pinkerton detective Maggie Cartwright has been assigned the daunting task of going undercover as a mail-order bride to Garrett Thomas, the man suspected of being the Whistle-Stop Bandit. Her mission is to dazzle this alleged thief and murderer while searching for evidence to be used against him in a trial. But Maggie has barely arrived in Arizona Territory when the wedding is moved up, so she is desperate to discover incriminating evidence before she finds herself married to a criminal!

As Maggie gets to know Garrett as the gentle and devoted father of two endearing children, she finds herself torn when the facts begin to stack up against him. As much as she despairs of tearing this ‘unfairly handsome’ bandit away from his children, Pinkerton agents never let emotions get in the way of capturing their man.

The tentative feelings that develop between the main characters have disaster written all over them, yet this conflict doesn’t hinder the sweet, exciting, and precarious romance in Undercover Bride. And as always, author Margaret Brownley creates a brilliant secondary cast. Deserving a mention is the fabulous Aunty Hetty who, in her mind, could die at any time with her imaginary myriad of maladies. This tale is first and foremost a mystery, one that is unpredictable and extremely well-executed. The spiritual themes of forgiveness and seeking God add layers of inspiration, and the ‘miracle’ that wakes up the church is a stroke of genius! Highly recommended and guaranteed to keep the midnight-oil burning!

*Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy of Undercover Bride to review. I was not required to give a positive review.

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You will find this book at these places and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble

Check out Margaret's page for a load of fun and fascinating facts, plus all her books! Margaret Brownley ~ Love and Laughter in the Old West

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GIVEAWAY: An E-book of 'Undercover Bride' from Margaret Brownley, plus we have a $10 Amazon gift card which will be given away to someone who posts comments on BOTH my review of 'Undercover Bride' and on Diana's review of 'Mist of Midnight' by Sandra Byrd coming up on Thursday! 

Ruth Logan Herne Interview by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Author Ruth Logan Herne

Ruthy, 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?

Hmm… well I’m never big into degrees of difficulty! Life issues chances and challenges and I’ve always believed that using everything God gave me to the best of my ability was the expectation, you know? I’ve got a great story about dealing with my parents’ alcoholism in “The Power of Forgiveness”, in December’s “Chicken Soup for the Soul”. I love that they grabbed that story and featured it because forgiveness is the key to so much. We weigh ourselves down with a lot of baggage when we hold onto grudges and angers. Resentment anchors us in darkness and I’ve always preferred the light of joy for that very reason! My faith sustained me as a child, I was blessed by the kindness and high expectations of a great Catholic school, and I knew that if I could hang on… become an adult… I could carve my own paths, my own way, with God’s help. And I did!

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

Ecclesiastes 3 is my mainstay for everyday living. I believe that for everything there is a season, and God wants us to identify those seasons/times and live peacefully while benefitting others. Pope Francis recently tweeted (I love that the Pope tweets!!!) that charity is the best way to evangelize. Simple words, a great truth. Actions speak louder than words. Have you guys ever heard the beautiful hymn “Make My Life an Alleluia”?

I love it, here’s a link to a quartet of girls from the Philippines who do an amazingly sweet version of this beautiful song. These words are how I want to live my life, being the best example I can be in everyday things. We all know that old saying “Preach the Gospel at all times. If necessary, use words.” I love that! I’m smiling, just thinking of those sage words! I’m a Martha type, and we like to act first, beg forgiveness later! J

I have two favorite New Testament verses, both rally around forgiveness. When Jesus challenges the crowd to throw the first stone and no one dares lift a hand to curse the accused woman… How powerful is that image? To have the mirror held to our own faces? And then the command to forgive seventy times seven. Oh my stars, we get so up in arms over perceived slights. Little things. We’re kind of ridiculous really, from time to time, so I love keeping that image of warmth and forgiveness front and center.

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? 

This is an interesting question! All of my Love Inspired books are available in large print version when they’re on the sale shelves of stores, or for a few months online, but once those are gone… They’re gone! Which is why I’m so blessed to have e-copies of all of my work now. It’s so easy to increase the font size, enjoy the story with little or no eye strain, and the new generation e-readers are just plain fun. None of my books have been brought out in audio as yet!

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

It’s hard for me to specify a “latest work” right now, and I’ll happily tell you why! We had two delightful holiday collections release in November (Hope for the Holidays Contemporary and Hope for the Holidays Historical collections on Amazon) and I had a 4-Star reviewed Love Inspired release in December and I’m part of a historical novella collection that just released from Barbour Publishing “Homestead Brides”… Just delightful!

I have a charming Zondervan novella releasing in three weeks, set in Old City, Philadelphia, a place I love. I love the rich history of Philadelphia, the image of how many people fought and sacrificed for our freedom. 

“All Dressed Up in Love” is funny, charming and heart-warming and shows the difficulties of obeying two masters, God and money…. But also that we need to keep our hearts and souls open to God’s direction!

In “Her Holiday Family” Tina Martinelli is part of an angry, dysfunctional family. Estranged from the few local members of her family, and with her parents deceased and her popular café burned to the ground by arsonists, Tina is ready to wipe the dust of her hometown off her sassy boots. But timing is everything in God’s world, and when her dear friends need her to help run their family hardware business while the owner fights cancer, she agrees. And when their son realizes it’s time to lay the guilt of the past to rest and come home to help his parents, they realize they’re meant for each other… but Tina doesn’t think she can stay and Max knows he can’t leave…. Resentment, guilt, anger and assumptions played a big role in messing up Tina’s family, but can she be strong enough to break the cycle?

Of course she can!

Question you’d like to ask readers:

Do you have a to-die-for recipe you should be sharing with me? Because I love to cook and bake and when you’re the mother of six and grandmother of thirteen, you love to try new things!

GIVEAWAY: Leave an answer to Ruthy's question to enter for a chance to win a copy of one of her books. We'll be giving away two this week and Ruthy will be giving away one, too!

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Noela Nancarrow reviews LOVE UNEXPECTED by Jody Hedlund

Love Unexpected (Beacons of Hope, Book One)

by Jody Hedlund

Bethany House Publishers (November 25, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 ‘Love Unexpected’ is an enchanting historical romance that unfolds on Presque Isle, Michigan in 1859, shining a light upon the rich history of the Presque Isle Lighthouse and the woman who became a Keeper there. It’s also a captivating tale of pirates and shipwrecks, the community of a small fishing village, and finding unexpected love and hope amidst tragedy and hopelessness.

When Emma Chambers and her brother are stranded on Presque Isle, Emma finds herself penniless and homeless. A traveling preacher who has just helped the local light-keeper Patrick to bury his wife, brings the two together as the solution to the now-widowed father of a small boy, and the destitute Emma. Inexperienced Emma is suddenly mother to a strong-willed child given to tantrums, as well as a wife with no domestic skills to an imposing albeit kind man. All she had ever really wanted was to have a home and family of her own, but as Emma begins to listen to gossip and dire warnings, along with her own suspicions mounting, it seems like her life might once again become capsized.  

I was extremely impressed at how deftly the author was able to express the frustrations and other emotions of the characters. Their fears, doubts, and longing for love and acceptance squeezed and tugged at my heart. Sublimely written, the very soul of the relationship between Emma and Patrick was tender yet intense, and dripping with romantic tension. And incorporated in ‘Love Unexpected’ was possibly the finest illustration and enlightenment on the pitfalls of gossip that I’ve ever read, illuminating a snare that has damaged or sunk many a relationship. ‘Love Unexpected’ is a beautiful and intriguing story that captures the reader right from the exciting onset!

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Available for purchase at these stores and others: Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM, and Book Depository

GIVEAWAY: Author Jody Hedlund is generously giving away a copy of Love Unexpected to one blessed commenter!!

Three Reasons to Read: Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts

Buy this book now at CBD, B&N, or Amazon. Promise to Cherish is published by Howard Books, 2014, and is part of The Promise of Sunrise series.

Three Reasons to Read Promise to Cherish by Elizabeth Byler Younts:
1) This book made my list of Top 10 Books for 2014.
2) Runner up for Bibliotherapy of the Year because of the many strong therapeutic elements.
3) The author is adorable! (I had to just throw that in!) She's also very talented!!!

Elizabeth Byler Younts and Carrie Fancett Pagels ACFW 2013

Elizabeth Byler Younts is proving herself as a story teller extraordinaire. I loved her last novel, also an Amish story. Elizabeth's extended family is Amish so she has a unique and genuine perspective. As far as this novel goes, the reader should be sure to read the blurb about the book because the book includes a somewhat detailed sexual assault. However, one can infer this fact from the blurb, plus it is necessary to understand the heroine's motivations and the struggles she faces. The way the scene is written it is done well and integral to the plot.

Because my father worked in a state hospital near my home (and I spent a fair amount of time on those grounds), I was interested in Elizabeth's descriptions of the setting and the treatment in a New York state asylum just after WWII. Very disturbing. I would like to think that the mental institutions in Michigan were much better than this, at that time. Shocking.

Lovely story about forgiveness, mercy, and redemption. Beautiful love story. Just when you think you know what will happen there is a hairpin turn. Highly recommend!


Bibliotherapy: Date rape, PTSD, pregnancy, rejection, forgiveness, mental illness, and God's provision.

Giveaway: A copy of Promise to Cherish, which made my top 10 list of favorite books for 2014 and was runner up for bibliotherapy for the year.

Giveaway and Review of Regina Jennings's New Release - A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage by Regina Jennings

Review by Carrie Fancett Pagels
Set aside a chunk of uninterrupted time for this novel--because you won't want to put it down once you start reading!  Regina Jennings has really come into her own with this book. Abigail, a nurse for the Union, promises "Jeremiah Calhoun", that she will marry him and go and care for his sister, an invalid with Rheumatic Fever, and his mother, and his farm. Abigail has no one to turn to as the Civil War comes to a close and accepts the dying man's offer. Except that the real Jeremiah is alive and has been waiting four long years to be reunited with his fiancee Laurel. Set in the Ozark mountains and faced with criminals who are stealing horses and killing people, the tension in the story will keep you turning page after page.

Laurel Wallace, in Jeremiah's absence, and having heard that Abigail had married "Jeremiah", who was pronounced as dead has become romantically attached to the local doctor. When the real Jeremiah arrives home and goes looking for his fiancee, he's not about to give up so easily despite the doctor's maneuvering to keep him at bay.

bibliotherapy: Jeremiah has suffered a mini ball injury through his thigh and initially his one leg is not even able to tough the ground because of muscle contractions. Abigail Stuart is a nurse and has leaned some new techniques to help recover muscle usage.

Jeremiah's sister, Rachel, suffers greatly with recurring Rheumatic Fever which has damaged her heart. I could really feel for Rachel, because I have rheumatoid arthritis and I know how those hot and swollen joints can pain you. But Rachel's issue is really more to do with unforgiveness.

A powerful romance! Highly recommend.

Giveaway: Winner's choice of paperback or ebook. USA only unless ebook or available through Book Depository.

Noela Nancarrow reviews A MOST INCONVENIENT MARRIAGE by Regina Jennings

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

A Most Inconvenient Marriage

by Regina Jennings

Bethany House Publishers (December 2, 2014)

Reviewed by Noela Nancarrow

5 Stars *****

 Regina Jennings’ books never disappoint, but this one just blew me away! Unique as always; intriguing as ever; but it was also beyond riveting, thereby making it impossible to put down. So my advice is not to plan on doing much once you begin reading! There were smiles, tears, and an incredibly satisfying feeling upon finishing that you’ve just read a great book.

It seemed simple at the time. Grant a dying soldier’s wish by marrying him so as to inherit his family’s property. She finally had somewhere to go, somewhere where she’d be wanted. And all Abigail Stuart had to do was to help the soldier’s mother and severely-afflicted sister on their farm. However, what was supposed to be a convenient marriage, turned out to be anything but.

The Civil War had recently come to an end and Jeremiah Calhoun finally returns home, injured, but yearning to see his mother, sister, and his sweetheart Laurel. Instead he arrives home to find an unfamiliar willowy blonde ludicrously claiming that he is an imposter since she’d married ‘Jeremiah Calhoun’ in a prison hospital shortly before he died. Should he send this scheming beauty on her way or avail himself of her assistance for the sake of his family until he’s more able-bodied?

Abigail doesn’t want to leave after feeling like she has finally found a home on the Calhoun’s farm in the rugged Ozark Mountains of Missouri. However, she knows it’s only a matter of time before Jeremiah sends her away and becomes engaged to his beloved Laurel. Can she persuade him to allow her to stay? Will she even want to after he unwittingly creeps into her heart but not her life? Furthermore, who was that dying soldier claiming to be Jeremiah, to whom she'd married?

There’s a captivating web of intrigue that weaves throughout the story in this tale of memorable characters and genuine heart. Tension abounds with treacherous marauders lurking about the mountain. A heart-pulsing romance slowly develops. And inspiration is embedded in this novel with words of wisdom on seeking God’s will instead of striving on your own, and the freedom and peace that forgiveness brings. A well-rounded story that is highly recommended!! 

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You can find this book at Amazon; CBD; Barnes & Noble; BAM; and other good bookstores!

GIVEAWAY: USA - Winner's choice of paperback or e-book! International - Ebook only unless available through Book Despository.