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/

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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

A Tender Hope by Amanda Cabot

A Tender Hope is book three in the Cimarron Creek Trilogy by Amanda Cabot. While this is a series, the stories are written so that they can also be stand alone stories. Several characters are carried forward from the first story, but the author has done a great job of re-introducing them.

Thea has moved to Cimarron Creek, along with friend Aimee to start a new life after the death of her husband and newborn son. Almost immediately she is visited by Ranger Jackson Guthrie. He has come to Cimarron Creek to investigate Thea’s husband death and part in a gang that robbed and murdered people. While traveling, he found a baby left all alone and takes the little boy to Thea and Aimee to care for.

This is a nice story full of adventure, suspense and romance. The story is one in which the members of the community care for each other, even the new ones. There are many parts to this story I found enjoyable. One is the describing of the homes that were built by the towns founders. Another is that while the matchmakers are busy, the friendships that are formed and built upon surprise them. I enjoyed reading this series and feel anyone who enjoys Christian historical fiction would enjoy this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher, this is my honest review.

Series: Cimarron Creek Trilogy (book 3)

327 pages

ISBN: 9780800727581

To learn more about the author and other book she has written go to: http://amandacabot.com/

This book can be purchased from:
https://www.christianbook.com/a-tender-hope-3/amanda-cabot/9780800727581/pd/727585

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/a-tender-hope-9780800727581

https://www.amazon.com/Tender-Hope-Cimarron-Creek-Trilogy/dp/0800727584

White City by Grace Hitchcock

The White City, by Grace Hitchcock is part of the True Colors series. This story takes place during the Chicago’s World Fair in 1893. Winnifred, the only child of Chicago police detective, feels she witnessed a women being kidnapped. She goes undercover to find information that may lead to find out who is taking the people who are disappearing. Meanwhile, her aunt is frantically trying to find a suitable husband for her. Winnifred is dating her favorite author, but is developing feeling for her body guard, Jude. But her father has a rule that she cannot marry someone in police work.

This is a Christian Historical Romance novel with a lot of suspense and mystery. While this is a fictional story, it is based on America’s first serial killer, H. H. Holmes. I really enjoyed reading this story. It is filled with mystery and kept me reading to find the answer to who was taking the women.

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

Series: True Colors

245 pages

ISBN: 9781683228684

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

Some places to purchase this book are:

https://www.christianbook.com/the-white-city-grace-hitchcock/9781683228684/pd/228684

http://www.barbourbooks.com/the-white-city/

https://www.amazon.com/White-City-Historical-Stories-American/dp/1683228685/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=9781683228684&qid=1552315379&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews

Of Fire and Lions by Mesu Andrews is an outstanding book that brings to life the story of Daniel in the Bible. The takes us from 605 BC to about 539 BC. Using Biblical facts, the author writes a fictional retelling of Daniel’s life after the Babylonians took over Jerusalem to the returning of the exiles to Jerusalem. The main character in this story is Daniel’s wife Abagail/Belili.

I just loved this story from Abigail being the maid for Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego all the way to the end. The love story between Abigail and Daniel is very touching. As children they fell in love but became separated. They married others and eventually found each other and made a life together. They had a family, all the while Daniel served the kings.

This book is so well written, it is easy to forget it is fiction based on true events. There are many things that really touched me about this book. We see how Daniel put God first in his life even when he knew it could cost him his life. We see how God protected Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace and Daniel the night he spent with the lions. We see how the daughters turned against Abigail when she left them to help Daniel protect King Nebuchadnezzar and his wife. We can imagine the pain Abigail must have felt to not be there for her daughters during the important times in their lives.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading fiction based in Biblical times. The author has done much research to write this story. The story is told by both Abigail’s and Daniel. At the beginning of the book the author lists the characters by each of their different names they are called during their lives to make it easy to understand.

I received an uncorrected copy of this book through the Of Fire and Lions Launch Team from the publisher. This is my honest review.

400 pages

ISBN: 9780735291867

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

Some places to purchase this book are:

https://www.christianbook.com/of-fire-and-lions/mesu-andrews/9780735291867/pd/291867

https://www.amazon.com/Fire-Lions-Novel-Mesu-Andrews/dp/0735291861

Never Let Go by Elizabeth Goddard

Never Let Go, by Elizabeth Goddard, is book one in the Uncommon Justice series. Willow and her grandfather have a forensic genealogy business. This time a mother has come to them to find her child that was abducted 20 years ago. Willow’s grandfather turns to Austin, former FBI agent and Willow’s ex-boyfriend, for help. Willow grandfather is killed while riding his bike, their home burns down and someone breaks into their business. Some one is trying to stop them from find out who took the baby. Together Willow and Austin follow leads that take him back home, a place he has not been to for years.

This is an awesome new series that is full of adventure and suspense. I was kept guessing right to the very end as to who abducted the baby and why. This is great book that was hard to put down. This book is considered a romantic suspense, but the romance is very mild and clean. I enjoyed reading this story, it has a good message of faith, compassion and forgiveness. The story does include some violence.

I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishing, this is my honest review.

Series: Uncommon Justice

358 pages

ISBN: 9780800729844

To learn more about the author go to: https://bethgoddard.com/

This book can be purchased at:

https://www.amazon.com/Never-Let-Go-Uncommon-Justice/dp/0800729846/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1550180959&sr=8-1

https://www.christianbook.com/never-let-go-1/elizabeth-goddard/9780800729844/pd/729841?event=ERRCER1

A Williamsburg Christmas by Anne Greene

A Williamsburg Christmas by Anne Greene, takes place in the 1955. Holly is a widowed mother raising twin boys. She works as a waitress at the Colonial Williamsburg Inn where she dresses in colonial costume. Holly loves Christmas but this year her friend feels she should move on, her husband has been gone two year.

Trent and Holly were in a committed relationship ten years earlier, but he did what his parents wanted him to and married someone else. Trent has turned his life around. Now he is back in town and would like to get back together.

With just 106 pages, this is a sweet, quick to read, clean Christmas story. With well developed characters, the story flows nicely. The author has also included some recipes for the Christmas season.

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

106 pages

ISBN: 9781720099833

Anne Greene writes both contemporary and historical fiction that celebrate the abundant life Jesus gives us. You can see other books she has written at:www.AnneGreeneAuthor.com

This book can be purchased at:

https://www.amazon.com/Williamsburg-Christmas-Anne-Greene/dp/1720099839/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1542498530&sr=8-1&keywords=9781720099833

The Accidental Guardian by Mary Connealy

The Accidental Guardian is the first book in the new High Sierra Sweethearts series by Mary Connealy. The story takes place near Lake Tahoe, Nevada in 1867. This story combines my favorite topics, building America, men who take responsibility for those they love, all with suspense and a touch of romance.

Trace Riley was away on a hunt when his wagon train was attacked. At the age of 15 he was left all alone to survive. Years later he is on his way home from his first cattle drive when he comes upon a small wagon train that was hit the same way his was. What he does not expect to find is Deborah Harkness and her younger sister with 2 small children who survived. With no place for the new survivors to go, until they can travel in the spring, he takes them to his ranch. He gives them the less than perfect house to sleep in and the men sleep in the barn. With a lot of quick, hard work, his ranch hands put up a proper home as well as a bunk house. The women take on the responsibility of meals, laundry, and mending for the men.

Trace watches over the wagon trains for disaster. When he goes to talk with settlements to find those responsible, Deborah insists on going along. She is the only one who saw who the attackers were. One of the attackers is in the town and overhears the conversation with the sheriff and now Deborah and Trace are being hunted.

I loved this story! I look forward to the rest of this series to see who the next two sweethearts are. The things that stand out in this story to me are the way men treat the women, “Most men in the West treated women with almost reverent respect. There were just too few women. They were rare and precious and to be protected above all.” We also see how Deborah’s father has shaped her life and her thoughts of men. And we see how dedicated the ranch hands are to Trace and build up his ranch. This is a must read for anyone who likes historical fiction based in the United States.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House, this is my honest review.

Series: High Sierra Sweethearts (Book 1)

293 pages

ISBN: 9780764219290

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

Some places to purchase this book are:

http://www.bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/the-accidental-guardian/383391

https://www.christianbook.com/the-accidental-guardian-1/mary-connealy/9780764219290/pd/219290

https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Guardian-High-Sierra-Sweethearts/dp/0764219294/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1526576927&sr=8-1&keywords=9780764219290&dpID=51Anj-hOaPL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch