The Choice by Anne Greene

“The Choice”, by Anne Greene, is a sweet short story based in Ft. Laramie Wyoming in 1850. This story was previously released as “ A Groom for Christmas”. I did notice some changes in wording, but it tells the same sweet story of love, caring for others and praising God.

Felicity and her father are traveling to the Oregon territory to claim 640 acres when he dies. With the wagon train leaving in just days, she must find a husband to claim the land. She advertises for a husband. The response is overwhelming and she quickly makes requirements including an application fee.. But the one man she wants does not have the money for the fee.

Ben is getting desperate, all his belongs were stolen and he has no way to get to California to pan for gold to pay his mother’s medical bills.

The two very stubborn people have to decide to go to Oregon and get the land she so desperately wants or go to California so he can pan for gold and be a preacher to the gold miners.

I enjoyed reading this story, even through I had already read it under the previous printing. It is a short story that can be read in just one quiet evening. The characters are well developed. The story is so well written it is easy to see the long line of men wanting to be chosen to be Felicity’s husband. It is easy to imagine the cold journey they have to Oregon as well.

I received a copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.

Story length: 80 pages.

ISBN: 9781690966494

Publishing Company: Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications

Anne Greene writes about heroes and heroines who are not afraid to turn to prayer in times of struggles. You can learn more about her and other books she has written at:http://www.annegreeneauthor.com/home.html

This book can be purchased at https://www.amazon.com/Choice-Anne-Greene/dp/1690966491

Information for “ A Groom for Christmas”

128 pages

ISBN: 9781547205431

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

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

A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

A Distance Too Grand, by Regina Scott, is the first book in the American Wonders Collection. Meg has been assisting her father with his photography for many years. After his sudden death, she intends to fulfill the contract he has to do an Army survey of part of the Grand Canyon. In 1871, women were not readily accepted as having an occupation. What she does not expect to find is a former gentleman friend as the leader of the group.

Ben is leading a survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, but he is also privately searching for any clues in his father’s disappearance.

This is a fun book to read. The characters are well developed and the writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the surroundings and what is happening in the story. It is a good, clean story that is very easy to get lost in. The story is filled with adventures and danger. One of the things I enjoyed the most in this story is how the characters were quick to help wherever they were needed and how they watched out for each other. I also enjoyed the brief history the author gives at the end of the story.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blogging Program. This is my honest review.

Series: American Wonders Collection (Book 1)

Story length: 356 pages

ISBN: 9780800736392

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

Some places to order this book are:

https://www.christianbook.com/a-distance-too-grand-1/regina-scott/9780800736392/pd/736395

https://www.amazon.com/Distance-Grand-American-Wonders-Collection/dp/0800736397

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/a-distance-too-grand-9780800736392

A Christmas Haven by Cindy Woodsmall and Erin Woodsmall

A Christmas Haven, by Cindy and Erin Woodsmall, is an Amish Christian romance story that takes over where A Christmas Remedy left off. This is a wonderful story to read, it shows love, caring and compassion for others. This story is a blend of English and Amish cultures, showing a glimpse into the different restrictions the different Amish sects have. The story shows the struggles each of the members go through while make the decision to stay with their religion as well as the lack of knowledge they have to other cultures. This is brought out by Magda’s comment that her mother never told her how babies were made. I really enjoyed the message given with Arlan going against his family to save his younger sister, while struggling with how to repair the damage his actions bring. I appreciate his questioning some of the rules with wondering where the Bible says. As well has how he went back to his family to try to restore his relationship with them, telling his father he will always welcome contact even many years in the future, and secretly giving his younger siblings phone numbers to call if they need to reach out.

In this story we stay connected to the Zook family as well as meet the Keim family. The Zooks are Old Order Amish and the Keims are Swartzentruber Amish; which are ultra conservative. The Zook family lost their father years ago and the mother and two local daughters are left to care for their dairy farm alone while working with their normal jobs. Holly is planning to marry later this year and Ivy is planning to move away to the English world to enable her party-planning business to grow. Ivy loves to decorate and arrange parties but needs the technology not allowed to make her business grow.

Arlan Keim takes his unwed pregnant teen sister, Magda, away to get the medical attention she needs, but is being denied by her father. When his car has brake issues, they crash into Greene’s Pharmacy. sSe is taken to the local clinic and receives care but is released only if she goes to the Zook home to allow for follow up care. Arlan is eager to help around the farm, that needs so much care. With Arlan’s help, the farm is growing again.

I received an ARC of this story from WaterBook and Multnomah Publishing and the authors. This is my honest review.

Series: Sequel to A Christmas Remedy

197 pages

ISBN: 9780525653295

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

Erin helps her mother-in-law edit, brainstorm and research for their stories. She is also a writer, musician, wife and mother.

Some paces this book can be ordered are:

https://www.christianbook.com/a-christmas-haven-an-amish-romance/cindy-woodsmall/9780525653295/pd/653292

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/602520/a-christmas-haven-by-cindy-woodsmall-and-erin-woodsmall/

https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/602520/a-christmas-haven-by-cindy-woodsmall-and-erin-woodsmall/

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Haven-Amish-Romance/dp/0525653295/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9780525653295&qid=1569339386&s=gateway&sr=8-1

The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

The Spice King, by Elizabeth Camden, is book in in the Hope and Glory Series. This is a great historical fiction story that shows the importance of faith, family, forgiveness, and honesty. The story gives a look into the background of processing spices, what it takes to make good spices and how some companies misrepresent the product they make. It shows the dedication it take to help enforce the production of good quality products.

Annabelle has taken a temporary job at the Smithsonian to move with her sister to Washington D.C. Her blind sister so wants to live there, so Annabelle does what she needs to do to make this possible. She is asked to visit Gray Delacroix to get information on his prized plant collection. Others have tried to get to him, and failed so she thinks up an unusual plan. But her success only turns into being asked to do more. She is told if she can get information to convict him of a crime, she will be given a permanent job.

Gray is the owner of a major spice company who has spent his life traveling to learn about spices. He has now returned home and find his younger brother and sister leading different lives. His sister now works for the President’s wife and his brother has gotten involved in other causes. It is now up to him to keep the business moving forward and to keep the family together.

I loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. And how many will there be? It is a good, clean story with a very good message. I think those who enjoy historical fiction will really enjoy this story. I really enjoyed reading of the family dedication Annabelle possessed. She was ever mindful of the sacrifice her parents made so she could go to school and now move off the farm. Feeling responsible for her sister, he plans her day around being able to get her sister where she wants to be and to care for her. She and Gray have similar family responsibilities and must learn to move past things that have happened to help their family members.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. This is my honest review.

Series: Hope and Glory (Book 1)

352 pages

ISBN: 9780764232114

Elizabeth Camden is a Christy and RITA award-winning author who is bet know for her historical novels set in Gilded Age America. You can learn more about her and other books she has written at:

http://elizabethcamden.com/

Some places this book can be purchased are:

https://www.amazon.com/Spice-King-Hope-Glory/dp/0764232118/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9780764232114&qid=1567709646&s=gateway&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/the-spice-king-1/elizabeth-camden/9780764232114/pd/232117

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/the-spice-king-9780764232114

 

Finding Lady Enderly, by Joanna Davidson Politano

“Being created in God’s image means we bear traces of him. He is our truest identity.

-Diary of a Substitute Countess”

Finding Lady Enderly, by Joanna Davidson Politano, is a Christian Romance based in England in the 1870’s. Raina is a rag woman in London who is offered a chance at a better life. She has been offered to move to Rothburne Abbey and pretend to be the countess to give the real countess the chance to rest after her travels and hectic life. She is told if she does not like the Abbey, but quickly finds out that is not true.

This is a nice historical romance that is well written with well developed characters. The amount of characters grows as the story is told, but they are slowly introduced to keep track of the main ones. This is a fast paced story that is filled with suspense and danger. The chapters start with parts from the Diary of a Substitute Countess, a diary Raina is writing. I especially enjoyed those of her thought on real beauty and her understanding of God.

I would highly recommend this story to those who enjoy historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Read Blogging Program, this is my honest review.

Story length: 367 pages

ISBN: 9780800728724

To learn more about the author and other books she has written go to:

https://jdpstories.com/

This book can be purchased from:

https://www.amazon.com/Finding-Enderly-Joanna-Davidson-Politano/dp/0800728726

https://www.christianbook.com/finding-lady-enderly-joanna-politano/9780800728724/pd/728722

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/finding-lady-enderly-9780800728724

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris

Deadly Intentions by Lisa Harris is a stand alone Romantic Suspense Christian novel. Detective Josh Solomon’s wife was killed in a supposed home invasion. Now months later, he receives a call from her co-worker and friend Caitlyn. Two other co-workers have died recently and Caitlyn feels the deaths are connected to a project they all worked on. And now she is being targeted. When Josh brings this to his superior he is told to take a vacation and forget about the deaths. Instead Josh and Caitlyn work together to find out the truth behinds the deaths.

This is a fantastic crime story. The story is full of action and suspense right from the beginning. The writing is so clear, it is easy to envision what is happening. The characters are well defined, with strong faith and Christian beliefs that get them through the struggles they are forced into. Yet, the story is not preachy to turn off the reader. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys good, clean “who done it”crime stories.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Reads Blog Tour Program. This is my honest review.

297 pages

ISBN: 9780800729165

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

This book can be purchased from:

https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Intentions-Lisa-Harris/dp/0800729161

https://www.christianbook.com/deadly-intentions-lisa-harris/9780800729165/product-reviews/729161?rpp=5&event=PRREV&page=3

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/deadly-intentions/387830

The Express Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

The Express Bride, by Kimberley Woodhouse, is book 9 in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. This is my favorite book in the series so far. Even though this is a series that advances in history, these are stand alone stories that do not require reading previous ones. The characters do not follow through in the series, with the exception of a possible reference to ancestors.

Set in 1860 in Utah territory, Jackie takes over managing her fathers stage coach and Pony Express station after his death. Single handedly she manages the crew and cares for them. She meets every Express rider that comes to her station. When a stage comes with two men seeking answers, they turn to Jackie for help. Mr. Crowell has asked for her help in tracking down forged treasury notes that are being shipped in the Express mail. Elijah has been sent to find his bosses daughter, who was taken away many years earlier by her mother. While Elijah stays at the station, waiting for a response from his boss, he and Jackie develop a friendship and Elijah questions if Jackie could be the one he is looking for.

This is a great story that is hard to put down. The author uses scripture to bring out the message of forgiveness in the story. This story is also one of action and mystery. It is written so well, it captures the readers attention until the very end. It is fun to read a story based on the Pony Express and that time in history, when staying in contact with those far away was not easy.

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

Series: The Daughters of the Mayflower (book 9)

253 pages

ISBN: 9781643520636

To learn more about the author and other books she has written go to: https://kimberleywoodhouse.com/

Some places this book can be purchased are:

https://www.christianbook.com/express-bride-kimberley-woodhouse/9781643520636/pd/520636

https://www.amazon.com/Express-Bride-Daughters-Mayflower/dp/1643520636

https://www.barbourbooks.com/the-express-bride/

Additional information on this series can be found at: http://www.daughtersofthemayflower.com/

Ever Faithful by Karen Barnett

Ever Faithful is book three in A Vintage National Park series by Karen Barnett. This story is set in Yellowstone National Park in 1933. While being part of a series, these stories are stand alone novels. The author has written an awesome story that shows what the park was like and all the workers that was needed to keep the park going. Her writing is so descriptive, it is easy to envision watching the animals and the environment. I enjoyed the terms of the employees that was used based, on what they did. I also enjoyed the accuracy of how the park was at the time. This story gives great history of the park as well as how the park was affected by the depression.. This is my favorite book in the series so far.

President F. D. Roosevelt’s New Deal is set in place during the Great Depression to give jobs to unemployed young men. Nate tries to take the blame for what his brother did, to keep his brother out of trouble. He is given the chance to work with the Civilian Conservation Crops (CCC). He is quickly chosen for a leadership position, which will help send more money back to his family. To do so he has to keep a secret.

Elsie is the daughter of a Park Ranger. She has worked as a maid in the park’s hotel for years and hopes this year will give her the money she needs to go to school. When jobs are being cut, she takes on a second job teaching the men of the CCC.

I received an uncorrected proof of this story from Waterbrook Multnomah publishing. This is my honest review.

Series: Vintage National Park Series (book 3)

352 pages

ISBN: 9780735289581

Karen Barnett is a former park ranger. She also worked as a ranger naturalist and an outdoor educator.

Some places this book can be purchased are:

https://www.christianbook.com/ever-faithful-3-karen-barnett/9780735289581/pd/289583?event=ESRCN|M

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/545468/ever-faithful-by-karen-barnett/9780735289581

https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/books/545468/ever-faithful-by-karen-barnett/

You can read the first two chapters of this book at: https://waterbrookmultnomah.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Sneak-Peek-Ever-Faithful.pdf

The Noble Guardian by Michelle Griep

The Noble Guardian is the third and final book in the Bow Street Runners series by Michelle Griep. Even though this is part of a series, it is also a great stand alone book. The story does reference the heros from the previous two stories.

Abby is excited to leave her family to travel to marry a Baron her father promised her to. Her family is not there to send her off nor do they provide a manservant to get her to the Baron safely. She is left all alone to find someone to get her across England to the Baron safely.

Samuel is a Bow Street Runner whose contract is almost up, struggling with what to do to earn the money he needs to buy his own place. He is on the horse patrol that is trying to find the man responsible for killing travelers. After he kills the man’s brother, he finds his life is also in danger. Abby asks him to get her to the Baron for the exact amount he needs. When he seeks help from a friend, he finds himself also responsible for getting his friend’s young daughter to her aunt. Together Samuel and Abby care for the young girl while traveling to the Baron.

This is a fun story to read. It is fast paced, full of adventure and suspense. Samuel and Abby both have family history they are running from that have made them the strong people that they are. I enjoyed reading this story. While Abby is the daughter of a wealthy merchant she has the strength and determination to do what she needs to. Samuel left his family at a very young age, yet he has become a very trust worthy and faithful man of integrity. The story is so well written it is easy to envision what the manor looks like and the areas they travel through.

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

Series: Bow Street Runners (Book 3)

316 pages

ISBN: 9781683227496

To learn more about the author go to : www.michellegriep.com

Some places this book can be purchased are:

https://www.amazon.com/Noble-Guardian-Street-Runners-Trilogy/dp/1683227492

https://www.christianbook.com/noble-guardian-michelle-griep/9781683227496/pd/227495

Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens

Shadow Among Sheaves, by Naomi Stephens, takes place in England in 1857. Using the Biblical story of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, the author has written a beautiful story. This story grabbed me from the very beginning and kept my attention through the very end, even wanting for more.

With the death of her husband and father-in-law, Indian native, Rena, leaves her family and country to go with her mother-in-law, Nell, back to England. The women are starving and living in a tiny, filthy room in the back of a bar. Desperate, Rena stops at a field and picks up left behind stubs of grain. Once confronted by the land manager, she is given permission to continue working in Lord Barric’s field. Being from India, she is looked down upon and treated badly, especially by Lord Barric’s cousin. Believing Nell’s families home goes to her husband’s family, they find out another will was written that gives Nell their home, Hawthorn Glen, if Rena marries someone in their family line to reunite the fractured family. Lord Barric’s is in the family line. Wanting the home to return to Nell so she will never go hungry again or have to worry, Rena goes to Lord Barrich regarding the stipulation. He feels he must offer her to his uncle, who has long coveted Hawthorn Glen.

I loved this story, the similarities to the Bible story are just enough to show Rena’s love and loyalty to her husband’s mother. Yet the rest of the story show the prejudices and struggles Rena went through to care for Nell. The story is made up of strong, caring characters, but my favorite is Parson Richardson. His observations give him just enough knowledge to give wise counsel to others.

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

315 pages

ISBN: 97816832293

This is Naomi Stephens’ first noel. She is a teacher who lies in Ohio with her husband and two children.

Some places this book can be purchased are:

https://www.barbourbooks.com/shadow-among-sheaves/

https://www.christianbook.com/shadow-among-sheaves-naomi-stephens/9781683229339/pd/229339

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-among-Sheaves-Naomi-Stephens/dp/1683229339/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=9781683229339&qid=1554421484&s=gateway&sr=8-2

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1129071653?ean=9781683229339

A free kindle preview can be found at:

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-among-Sheaves-FREE-PREVIEW-ebook/dp/B07NP78F8T/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=9781683229339&qid=1554421484&s=gateway&sr=8-2