A Groom for Christmas by Anne Greene

“Oh, dear heavenly Father, please send the right man. Seems quite a few men want a wife as well as have their way paid to the Oregon Territory. How shall I ever find the right groom?”

A Groom for Christmas, written by Anne Greene takes place in 1850. Felicity Daniels is traveling with her father to homestead 640 acres in the Oregon Territory. Her father catches cholera and dies before he tells her why they left Missouri in such a hurry and why she must marry and change her name. Felicity and a family friend, Jed have been in Laramie and will be leaving with the wagon train in a few days. Felicity must marry so she can get her land when she gets to Oregon. She puts a sign up and is overwhelmed with the amount of men who show up. Felicity and Jed make a list of requirements to cut down on the amount of men to interview. She wants a man who is intelligent and can carry on a conversation as well as one who does not smoke, drink and is a Christian who regularly attend church.. The men who make the list must put $10 in a box. But the one man Felicity wishes would come, does not.

Ben Bonneville is working to earn money to go to California to pan for gold to pay off his mothers medical expenses and to witness to the gold miners. All of his things are stolen and he is forced to meet with Felicity. Ben is chosen but finds out it is a marriage in name only so Felicity can get the land.

While on the wagon train, Ben is constantly showing his love for Felicity, but she stands firm. It is only when Felicity is carried down stream on a mule does she soften and start to think more about Ben.

This is a fun little story, just perfect for reading in one evening. I really enjoyed reading his story. Even though Ben has less going for him during his interview, he is the one that is chosen. This story is so well written it is easy to see the line of men apply to be Felicity’s husband or to feel the cold during their travel. This book would be enjoyed by those who enjoy reading American historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author through Book Club Network. I have written an honest review.

128 pages

ISBN: 9781547205431

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

You can read more about the author and books she has written at: http://www.annegreeneauthor.com/

You can buy this book at: https://www.amazon.com/Groom-Christmas-Anne-Greene/dp/1547205431

The Promise of Breeze Hill by Pam Hillman

The Promise of Breeze Hills, written by Pam Hillman, is set in Natchez, Mississippi in 1791. Connor O’Shea was indentured to a master craftsman who past away. He was to continue working to pay for passage for his brothers to come to the United States. He is being auctioned off and Isabella Bartholomew has purchased his papers.

The Bartholomew plantation has been struck by bad luck. The house caught fire along with their cotton fields. Her father was severely injured in the house fire. Shortly after, Isabella’s brother was killed by highwaymen.

Isabella is now responsible for the running of the family home. With the loss of the cotton, they were not able to keep on their employees and only a few have remained. Her family does not believe in having slaves and there are not enough employees to do all the work. Connor is to repair the house in exchange of the Bartholomew’s bringing his brothers to the area. Even though Connor reports to Mr. Bartholomew, he has to work with Isabella and at times this is a struggle as they both have feeling for each other that they are trying to ignore.

Connor finds out they have a sawmill as well. With the help of a few employees, he starts cutting trees to make lumber to rebuild the house. One day Pastor Horne and his family stop by and ask to work in exchange of a place to stay, as his wife is expecting another child. The entire Horne family pitch in to help, some working at the sawmill, some on the house and some in the fields.

As the family’s mourning period comes to an end, men from the surrounding area come to visit Isabella. A neighbor, Nolan Braxton, plans to marry her to get the plantation to carry out his business.

This is a good story. I enjoyed reading about the strength and determination that Isabella had to try to save her family’s home and plantation. As well as the sacrifice Connor is making to help bring all his brothers from Ireland. Connor also gives assistance to those he meets that are in need. He also finds little things Mr. Bartholomew can do to give him something to do besides sit in his room. I appreciate the faith that the characters have. Even though the family does not have extra to spare, they take on the pastor’s family.

This story is fast paced with mystery and suspense woven through out it. The romance is not so strong that it overwhelms the story. The story is so well written it is easy to imagine the storm as well as the dangers the characters face. There a a lot of characters, but they are well introduced and easy to follow. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading early American historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing. This is my honest review.

406 pages

ISBN: 9781496415929

Publisher: Tyndale Fiction

To learn more about the author, go to: http://www.pamhillman.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/hillman-pam/the-promise-of-breeze-hill-a-natchez-trace-novel/7006107.html

https://www.amazon.com/Promise-Breeze-Natchez-Trace-Novel/dp/1496415922/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1501528837&sr=1-1&keywords=9781496415929

https://www.christianbook.com/the-promise-of-breeze-hill/pam-hillman/9781496415929/pd/415922?product_redirect=1&Ntt=9781496415929&item_code=&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCG

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-promise-of-breeze-hill-pam-hillman/1125140315?ean=9781496415929

Spur of the Moment Bride by Anne Greene

“With God’s help, perhaps getting married wouldn’t prove too awful.”

Spur of the Moment Bride is a novella written by Anne Greene. This story takes place in Wyoming in 1880. Abby Hollister has earned the reputation of being a heart breaker. Her father has now told her she must marry within a month or move out and and kiss her inheritance goodbye. She saw an add for a mail order bride and has decided to take the stage coach to Laramie to check out the man before she decides if she will marry him. She has a list of qualities she is wanting, the man must be poor, had to be ugly, had to be kind and older than her.

Stage coach driver Zach Tyler takes his job very seriously and feel he is responsible for his passengers until he gets them to their destination. He feel especially protective of Abby as she is the only woman passenger in an area where women are as scarce as a bird’s nest in a cockcoo clock. When the stage gets to Laramie, the men go crazy and start fighting over who will get Abby. Zach steps in and tries to help her but gets called on a duel instead. Zach is to face the fastest draw in the area, unless Abby is married before then. And even then Abby is not safe until she is with child.

This is a great funny little story, perfect for reading in one sitting. I really enjoyed the humor in the author’s writing. The story is written so well, it was easy to imagine the dust in the stage coach and the frustration Abby must have felt with the men traveling with her. This book would be enjoyed by anyone who enjoys American historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Book Club Network. I have chosen to write this honest review.

102 pages

ISBN: 9781544638843

Publisher: Winged Publications

You can read more about the author and books she has written as: http://www.annegreeneauthor.com/

This book can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Spur-Moment-Bride-Anne-Greene/dp/1544638841

Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

Beloved Hope is book two in the Heart of the Frontier series written by Tracie Peterson. This story takes place in Oregon City in 1850. Hope Flanagan was at the mission when it was raided by Cayuse Indians. She is now to be one of the witness to testify against the prisoners standing trial.

Lieutenant Lance Kenner is planning to leave the military and return to Louisiana to take over his family’s plantation and return to his legal work. One of his last military responsibilities to to make sure the prisoners are being treated fairly and to make sure nothing goes wrong at the trial.

After the prisoners are taken back to the jail, Hope goes to the jail to kill Tomahas, the man that abused her. Lance finds her and takes her home to the farm she lives with her sister’s and brother in law. This is just the beginning of the friendship between Lance and Hope. Lance takes a job working for Hope’s uncle to raise the fund to go home to Louisiana. While Hope finds peace tending the sheep and trying to heal from the abuse from Tomahas. Hope has a friendship with Lance that allows her to share what happened to her at the mission, something only her older sister knows.

I like this book, and this series so far. The story contains issues of rape and violence, which may bother some readers. The author has used these issues to bring across the message of healing, growing in faith and returning to God. The story also focuses on forgiveness when Alex and Lance realize they are connected by an incident in Louisiana. I especially like that the author continues the story of Grace and Alex. I really like this series and feel anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction will enjoy it.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany Publishers. This is my honest review.

Series: Hear of the Frontier (Book 2)

336 pages

ISBN: 9780764213281

Publisher: Bethany House

To learn more about the author visit: http://traciepetersonbooks.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/beloved-hope-9780764213281

https://www.amazon.com/Beloved-Heart-Frontier-Tracie-Peterson/dp/0764213288

https://www.christianbook.com/beloved-hope-heart-of-the-frontier/tracie-peterson/9780764213281/pd/213282

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/beloved-hope-tracie-peterson/1124824727?ean=9780764213281

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/peterson-tracie/beloved-hope-heart-of-the-frontier-2-softcover/6986979.html

A Matter of Trust by Susan May Warren

“Don’t for a minute think that God has forgotten about you or doesn’t have your back. And don’t base God’s love or desire to help you on your opinion of yourself. Base it on who God says he is.”

A Matter of Trust is book three in the Montana Rescue series written by Susan May Warren. This book centers on PEAK Rescue team member Gage Watson. Gage was a champion backcountry snowboarder who was forced to end his career after a fan was killed while following Gage down Outlaw Mountain. Since then he has been working as a ski patrol in Montana.

While at Outlaw Mountain Gage met a fan, Ella Blair. Ella was part of the legal team working for the dead fan’s family. Now she has come to Montana to try to talk her brother, Ollie, out of dropping out of college to be a snowboarder. Ollie has been training and studying Gage’s videos. Now he and his friend are going to snowboard Gage’s route on Heaven’s Peak. When Ella finds out she insists Gage go after them and she insists she goes with him.

Ella has brought along her friend, Brette. Brette is a freelance writer that is out to get any good story she can. While Gage and Ella are on the mountain, Brette meets the rest of the PEAK Rescue team members and realizes there are hero stories for each of them.

This is a great action packed story that is full of suspense right from the beginning and continues to the end. The story keep me reading to see if the snowboarders would be able to make the jumps without getting hurt. And if they could beat the weather conditions to safety. One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was reconnecting with the PEAK Rescue team. I also liked the theme of forgiveness in the story. Gage struggled with forgiveness when he learns more about the incident that changed his career.

This is a contemporary Christian romance story written in such a way it could be enjoyed by anyone. Written by award winning author, I think anyone who enjoys reading contemporary stories will enjoy this story. I really like reading Warren’s stories and this series does not disappoint. While this is part of a series, and would be best read in order, it is not necessary as background is given from previous stories.

I am very thankful this story was available for review from Revell Publishing. This is my honest review.

Series: Montana Rescue (Book 3)

336 pages

ISBN: 9780800727451

Publisher: Revell

To learn more about the author go to: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/a-matter-of-trust/381291

https://www.christianbook.com/a-matter-of-trust-3/susan-warren/9780800727451/pd/727457

https://www.amazon.com/Matter-Trust-Montana-Rescue/dp/0800727452

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/may-warren-susan/matter-of-trust-montana-rescue-3/6987041.html

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-trust-susan-may-warren/1124824712?ean=9780800727451

as well as Walmart and Target.

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels

“Do whatever you believe is right.”

My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring is written by Carrie Fancett Pagels. This is a nice story that takes on Mackinac Island in 1895. Years earlier Maude’s grandmother had made the stipulation that her family companies would pass down to her family. Even if their spouses ran the businesses, they would not inherit. Maude’s mother recently died, and now the running of the inn is to pass to Maude. Maude’s father does will not allow her to run the inn unless she is married. The man Maude is suppose to marry has just returned to the island with a wife. Maude secretly takes a job at another in to prove to her father she can run the inn. Her father plans to move off the island with her brother Jack, so Jack can prepare to run in the Olympics when he is old enough.

Ben Steffan has been sent to the island to get a newspaper story. He is working undercover to write a story about men who pursue wealthy women. One of the couples he is trying to get a story on is Maude’s intended. If he is able to do this he will receive a promotion.

This is a really fun story to read. I really enjoyed reading the mischief Jack managed to get into. The story is so well written I could see Jack flying off the bike, or running around the town getting into trouble. I felt sorry for how Maude’s father had worked hard all the years to run the family businesses and now he is left having to start a new life.

The story is fast paced and has a lot of characters. The characters are introduced in a way that it is easy to follow along with them. I enjoyed reading how Maude’s father was able to reconnect with a special childhood friend and that she was able to help Maude’s father understand things he never knew about. The story I think anyone who enjoys reading Christian historical romance stories will enjoy reading this story. The story also has some mystery written into it as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Series: My Heart Belongs

256 pages

ISBN-13: 9781683220886

Publisher: Barbour Books

To learn more about the author go to: http://www.carriefancettpagels.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

http://www.barbourbooks.com/product/My-Heart-Belongs-on-Mackinac-Island,14733.aspx?Tab=Books

https://www.amazon.com/My-Heart-Belongs-Mackinac-Island/dp/1683220889

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-mackinac-island-maudes-mooring/carrie-pagels/9781683220886/pd/220886

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/fancett-pagels-car/my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-island-maudes-moori/6996564.html

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-on-mackinac-island-carrie-fancett-pagels/1125314619?ean=9781683220886

as well as at Target and Walmart

Gathering the Threads by Cindy Woodsmall

The voices in her head grew louder. One group said money was evil and poverty was God’s will, that made people rely on Him more. Another group shouted louder than the first, saying that it was not from the Enemy.Still more voices said that being poorly due to a lack of education. A dozen more camps were heard, and Ariana was powerless to sort them out. 

Gathering of Threads is the third and final book in The Amish of Summer Grove series written by Cindy Woodsmall. I really enjoyed reading this series, I consider it one of the best. To follow the story, the series needs to be read in order. This book finishes up the story extremely well. It answers all the questions I had while reading the series. Especially those surrounding Quill leaving five years earlier and why he and his brothers could not visit their mother. It explains some of the strict Old Order Amish rules and how they affect people. It also explains the history behind why the Brenneman family has struggled financially.

After sending several months living in the English world, Ariana returns home with so many options going through her mind. It just seems like everything she does upsets her father, boyfriend or the bishop. She is not allowed to work in her restaurant or go to help Quill’s mother like she use to. While she stays at home she is able to go over the restaurant books and when she is allowed to work there, she is able to expand the business. She also re-establishes her friendship with Quill and helps him with his volunteer work.

Skylar has been with the Brenneman’s while Ariana was gone and she has been able to get off of drugs. She has found her place in the family and working in the restaurant. She manipulates situations like getting new plumbing for the family and makes trouble for Ariana. As time goes on she decides to go back to school and help others.

I really enjoyed this book. It shows how the girls were able to learn from their experiences and rise above the difficulties. One of the points that I especially liked in the book was how the community came together to help correct the wrongs the bishop had done over the years to hurt Ariana and Quill’s families. The story contains enough romance for those who enjoy romance stories, but it is not overwhelming for those who do not. It also contains some suspense to keep the interest while reading. There were many times I did not want to put the book down.

I received a copy of this book from WaterBrook Multnomah as part of the Cindy Woodsmall Launch Team. This is my honest review.

Series: The Amish of Summer Grove (Book 3)

352 pages

ISBN: 9781601427038

Publisher: WaterBrook Multnomah

To learn more about the author and books she has written go to: http://www.cindywoodsmall.com/

Since this book is not available until August, some places you can pre-order this book are:

https://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Threads-Novel-Amish-Summer/dp/1601427034

https://www.christianbook.com/gathering-the-threads-3/cindy-woodsmall/9781601427038/pd/427038

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/woodsmall-cindy/gathering-the-threads-amish-of-summer-grove-3/7021411.html

http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/242926/gathering-the-threads-by-cindy-woodsmall/

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight by Susanne Dietze

My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight is written by Susanne Dietze. This book is a stand alone book that is part of the My Heart Belongs series. Cousins Thaddeus (Tad) and Theodore Fordham have both been corresponding to mail order brides with similar names. Thaddeus has been expecting his bride for a while and rushes to see if she is on the stagecoach.
Rebecca is on her way to Ruby City to marry Theodore. She is very low on funds and hungry. She is hoping they can get married right away. When Tad shows up at the station he finds Rebecca and without going through formal introductions they are married. Even though during the wedding ceremony, names are misspoken, they do not realize they married the wrong person until after the wedding. Now they have to wait until they can have their marriage annulled before Rebecca can marry her intended, Theodore.
During this time, Rebecca is very helpful to those in need. And she is able to see the difference between Tad and Theodore. Even though she has developed feeling for Tad, she remains true to Theodore.
I have read two other books in this series and this is my favorite so far. The story is very well written with well developed characters. The story has mystery written in it as well with the Gang. This is a Christian romance that shows the manners of the time. Tad moves into the jail to allow Rebecca to use his room until the annulment comes through. Rebecca and Theodore do not date while she is married to Tad. The story is not preachy, but is a good, clean, fun, light-hearted story to lose yourself in. The perfect to read to get away for a while. I also enjoyed the research the author has done to make this story. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys reading stories based in the 1800’s. I also enjoyed the research the author has done to make this story.
“I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.”

Series: My Heart Belongs

256 pages

ISBN:  9781683220114

Publisher: Barbour Publishing

To learn more about the author go to:  http://www.susannedietze.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/dietze-susanne/my-heart-belongs-in-ruby-city-idaho/7033500.html

https://www.christianbook.com/heart-belongs-city-idaho-rebeccas-plight/susanne-dietze/9781683220114/pd/220115

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-heart-belongs-in-ruby-city-idaho-susanne-dietze/1124707835?ean=9781683220114

 

 

Freedom’s Price by Christine Johnson

Freedom’s Price, book 3 in Keys of Promise, is written by Christine Johnson. The story takes place in 1856. Catherine finds out that her family home has not been left to her with the passing of her father. Not wanting to accept the terms of the will she plans to travel with Mrs. Durning from England to her mother’s family in New Orleans. When the ship encounters problems she is forced to get off at Key West, Florida. She tries to find someone who will travel with her from Key West to New Orleans. Tom Worthington is sent to help with the ship. He teaches Catherine what is needed to get to New Orleans. Tom helps Catherine get to New Orleans.

When they get to Catherine’s family plantation, all is not what Catherine expected. Her family is not living there, instead it is run by a caretaker and slaves. It also has been left to deteriorate. They are warned about the plantation. But Catherine is determined to be at the plantation. While in New Orleans, Tom finds the ship that was stolen from his father years earlier near the plantation.

I enjoyed reading the story while Catherine was in Key West, I could see her walking the streets and going to check on getting a ride on a ship. Overall, I felt the story was a little lacking in character. Catherine’s character comes across as a person who always gets her way. It’s a little hard to understand that someone would change her inheritance and travel so far from what is familiar to them to visit family she knows nothing about. She relies on help from others to get what she want. I liked the other characters from Key West. They were all so helpful and friendly. The characters personalities change in New Orleans, they are more out to get what they want. I did appreciate the characters of Tom’s boss and his wife. They go out of their way to help others in need and Tom’s boss tries to make Tom see that the boat is not his to just take.

While this is part of a series, the books are not connected so they can be read as stand alone novels. I think this series will be enjoyed by those who enjoy early historical fiction and romance. The story does contain a lot of suspense as well.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing. I have chosen to write this honest review.

Series: Keys of Promise (Book 3)

336 Pages

ISBN: 9780800723521

Publisher: Revell

To learn more about the author go to: http://www.christineelizabethjohnson.com/

Some places to buy this book are:

https://www.amazon.com/Freedoms-Price-Novel-Keys-Promise/dp/080072352X

https://www.christianbook.com/freedoms-price-3-christine-johnson/9780800723521/pd/723528

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/johnson-christine/freedoms-price-keys-of-promise-3/6987030.html

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/freedoms-price-christine-johnson/1124744795?ean=9780800723521

as well as at Wal Mart and Target

Naomi’s Hope by Jan Drexler

Naomi’s Hope, written by Jan Drexler, is book 3 in the Journey to Pleasant Prairies series. The year is 1846 and Naomi Schrock and her family have settled in an Amish community in Indiana. A few years earlier, Naomi and her family stopped at a home that had been damaged by a storm. Inside they found a little boy, Davey, who had hidden in the fireplace. He is the only one who survived. Naomi adopted Davey and is raising him with the help of her family. Every year they celebrate his birthday by allowing him to look through a box they took from the house. Inside the box are items that belonged to Davey’s family, including the title to their property.

Davey is an energetic little boy and spends time walking to their new neighbor’s place. Their new neighbor, Cap, is a single man who lost his wife and child years earlier. Davey and Cap develop a relationship and Davey wants to pretend Cap is his father. With Davey visiting Cap frequently, Naomi also spends time with Cap. Naomi doesn’t feel any one would want her and Cap is still mourning his family. They develop a friendship but Naomi does not approve of Cap’s suggestions and opinions of how she raises Davey.

A new preacher moves to the area. Shep and Cap knew each other when they were younger and Cap is not fond of Shep. Shep has left his wife with her family, saying her health was not good. She shows up at his door one day when a young girl is visiting him. When Shep does not get chosen to be a preacher for the area, he convinces the other Amish community to separate. Shep also breaks into the Schrock home, taking papers from Davey’s box. On one of his travels and he meets a family that looks like Davey. He talks them into going back with him and pretending to be Davey’s family. They will take Davey away and also get the papers for his family’s property.

I really enjoyed this story. It is a nice blend of historical fiction and Amish fiction. While this book could be a stand alone story, reading the books in order will help the reader know other characters and events. While things happen that test the people’s strength, the message of faith and hope are very evident in this story. The story gives us some incite into the Amish life and life in general at the time. While this is an Amish romance story, it is also a story of family and community coming together and helping each other out. I believe anyone who enjoys reading Amish stories will love this series.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing and I have chosen to write this honest review.

Series: Journey to Pleasant Prairie (Book 3)

384 pages

ISBN: 9780800726652

Publisher: Revell

To learn more about the author and books she has written go to: http://www.jandrexler.com/

Some places you can buy this book are:

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/naomi-s-hope/375610

https://www.amazon.com/Naomis-Hope-Journey-Pleasant-Prairie/dp/0800726650

https://www.christianbook.com/naomis-hope-3-jan-drexler/9780800726652/pd/726656

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/naomis-hope-jan-drexler/1124824713?ean=9781493407217

http://www.deepershopping.com/item/drexler-jan/naomis-hope-journey-to-pleasant-prairie-3/6987038.html