The Preacher's Wife, Brides of Assurance #1 by Brandi Boddie ~ A Booketeria Review

About Book

Can this small-town girl trade her tarnished past for a respectable life?

During the hot, windy summer of 1870 in the burgeoning prairie town of Assurance, Kansas, Marissa Pierce is fed up with her abusive boss. She longs to start a new life and is growing weary of convincing townsfolk that she is most certainly not a prostitute.

Civil War veteran and preacher Rowe Winford arrives in town intent on leaving the tragic memories of his deceased family behind. Although Rowe has no plans to fall in love anytime soon, the plans of God rarely match those of man.

Faced with adversity and rejection from the town and Rowe’s family, can Marissa overcome her past, renew her faith, and experience the life of love that God has planned for her?

• ISBN-13: 9781616388430
• Publisher: Charisma Media
• Publication date: 10/1/2013
• Series: Brides of Assurance , #1
• Pages: 304

Where to Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, CBD

About Author 

Brandi Boddie writes inspirational romances sprinkled with brass, sass, and a dash of the speculative. She holds a juris doctorate from Howard University School of Law and a bachelor's degree in political science from Youngstown State University. She lives in Texas with her husband and two rambunctious canines who aspire to be food critics. When she's not writing or playing dress up in Victorian/steampunk/1940s garb, you can find her hiking, swing dancing, or getting her daily fill of antioxidants through coffee and dark chocolate. 

Author's website: http://www.brandiboddie.com/


My Thoughts

1870, Assurance, Kansas

Due to a dept owed by her mother Marissa Pierce was forced to take on after her mother's untimely death.  This dept is paid by working in a saloon as a waitress and dancer. The owner of the saloon has other plans for Marissa and has become abusive toward her.  

Marissa was raised in this very town by her grandparents so she is a familiar face in the town but is judged by her and her mother's occupation and are labeled as prostitutes among the town's people.  In pertaining to Marissa this was far from the truth but people are quick to judge.  

When the new preacher, Rowe Winfred moves to town he finds himself drawn to Marissa. He could see in her eyes the pain and broken soul within her.  He was compelled to learn more about this young woman.  When she tries to escape from her abusive boss Rowe is there to make sure she is not forced to return to her life as an indentured slave.

The author has touched on a subject that still exists for many women left alone without a family or husband to protect and support women from abuse and human trafficking.  The story shows how we must have faith and put our trust in God. I was moved by the elder couple that stuck their reputation on the line to help and house Marissa during her time of need. 

You will find HOPE along with retribution, trials, tribulation and LOVE in this story.  God has a plan if we only we let him take the lead. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Realms/Charisma House/Booketeria for an honest review.

Love Finds Faith, The Homeward Journey, Book Two by Martha Rogers

About Book

Hannah Dyer has just moved to Texas to help her brother-in-law in his medical practice. Despite her handicap of having one leg much shorter than the other, she is a great nurse whose skills help make the practice the most successful in the area.

When Micah Gordon returns home after some shady escapades, his father hopes he will settle down to ranch life. Hannah is smitten by his good looks and roguish ways, but because of her leg, she has no hopes of attracting his attention.

After Micah suffers a tragic loss, he loses his faith and almost loses his ranch. Can Hannah's care and staunch faith help him on the road to recovery with a new hope, new faith, and a new love?

• Series: The Homeward Journey (Book 2)
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Realms (February 4, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1621365468
• ISBN-13: 978-1621365464

Where to purchase: Amazon, christianbook.com

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About Author

Martha Rogers is a freelance author of both fiction and non-fiction and a speaker. Her stories and articles have appeared in a number of compilations and magazines. Her first fiction novella released in 2007.

Her experiences as a public school teacher, Sunday school teacher, youth leader, First Place leader, Mom and Grandmother give Martha a unique field of ministry. 

Martha is am alumni of CLASS and is available to speak at Women's Retreats, conferences, and luncheons on topics of interest to women of all ages.

As an author, she is available to speak at writing conferences and workshops on a variety of topics of interest to writers.

Author's website: http://www.marthawrogers.com/


My Thoughts

Hannah Dyer is ready to start her new life in Texas.  She will not only be living with her sister's family but she will be working for her sister's husband, Dr. Manfred Whiteman as his nurse.  This is an adventure she is looking forward to.  When she steps off the train her sister Sallie is there to pick her up. Micah Gordon a handsome neighbor of Sallie's offers to load Hannah's trunks onto the wagon. Hannah is smitten by the young man then he noticed her deformed leg as he helped her in the wagon.  She felt very self conscious about her leg and saw the pity in his expression. Sallie warned her sister against paying any mind to this prodigal son with a shady past.

Hannah decides to go with her heart and give the young man the benefit of the doubt.  She does her best to encourage him without getting into his business especially after he and his brother have a run of bad luck and the brothers end up having a parting of the way. 

The author writes of Hannah's courage and accomplishments along with her insecurities due her tp her deformed leg.  God is the center of this story giving Hannah faith to trust in God's will.  I read this book in one day and was not wanting it to end.  In this historical novel there is romance and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages. You can count on a good book if the author is Martha Rogers.  I am looking forward to book three in this series. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booketeria/Realms for an honest review.

HEALING GRACE, TOUCH OF GRACE SERIES #3 by BETH SHRIVER

About Book:

Can Abby overcome the pain caused by her father and find acceptance among the Amish?
Abigail Barker is a young woman struggling to keep the family horse farm afloat in Texas. When one of her horses is injured in an accident, Mose Fisher arrives on the scene wanting to help.

As she struggles with the faith she left behind after the death of her mother, Abby finds more than love and safety with Mose and the Amish community. After time spent with Mose and his family, she knows she has to make a choice. Will Abby stay with Mose or go back to her sick father who needs her?

More info: http://www.bethshriverwriter.com/healing-grace/

Where to buy:  CBD, Amazon, Barnes & Noble

• ISBN-13: 9781621362975
• Publisher: Charisma Media
• Publication date: 10/1/2013
• Pages: 304
• Series: Touch of Grace 
• Annie's TRUTH #1
• GRACE Given #2

About Author:

Beth started writing her first book in 2002 and a year later it was published! She received a degree in social work from the University of Nebraska and worked as a case worker before starting a family and writes in a
variety of genres in both fiction and non-fiction. Beth followed her passion and now writes full time. 

 Beth's website www.bethshriverwriter.com


My Thought

Life  on a Texas horse farm is hard for Abigail Barker especially since her mothers death.  Her father's verbal and emotional abuse towards Abby gets worse as time goes by.  Her new horse has been injured adding to her father's long list of complaints.  How much more can she endure? Thanks to an Amish-man, Mose Fisher coming to her aide she would not have been able to manage.

Since walking out on the horse farm and her father she suspects he is sick and worries he will not have anyone to care for him.  She struggles with why she should care after the way he had treated her?  She prays to God for Him to guide her.

What a contrast this must have been for Abby going from feeling unloved and unappreciated to being overwhelmed with the love and protection of the Amish.  Might she be able to build a new life among the Amish and possibly with Mose Fisher?

Book three in the Touch of  Grace series is a beautiful love story.  The author created the character of Abby as being as broken in heart and soul as the new horse Abby cared for so dearly.  Then she creates the character of Mose as no doubt being sent by God to rescue Abby, bringing her closer to God and the Amish community where she was meant to be. This story has suspense, danger, romance, trials, tribulation and reconciliation. I can't wait to read more from this author.  What a loving and tender heart this author Beth Shriver must have, she is a blessing to her readers.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure:  I received a free copy of this book from Booketeria/Realms for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  This is review is my honest opinion.

Grace Given, Touch of Grace Series, Book Two by Beth Shriver

About Book

Elsie Yoder can’t forgive her sister, Katie, for leaving the community. Unable to let go of her sadness, she withdraws from her friends and family, nursing her feelings of betrayal.

Gideon Lapp has held a special place in his heart for Elsie and longs to help her get through her troubles. Together they find comfort in their study of the Martyr’s Mirror, a centuries-old book that describes their ancestors’ sacrifices for their faith through years of persecution.

As Elsie opens up and begins to put her trust in Gideon, she tells him about the harassment she and her sister received at the hands of some local men. When the men return and threaten the community, Elsie and Gideon must stand together to do what is right. But can Elsie learn to give grace and to humble herself to accept grace as well?

Paperback, 340 pages

ISBN 13: 9781621360179 
Release date: January 2013
Publisher: Realms

Where to purchase:  Amazon, Barnes&Noble, CBD, Walmart


About Beth Shriver

Childhood memories of her grandfather's ranch came alive as Beth wrote her first Amish story. Her parents grew up in the country, so she appreciates pastoral life and respects those who make a living off the land. She visits a nearby Amish community just south of Fort-Worth for an occasional church service or brunch with the bishop and his wife. And on the way home she stops at the community store to get some plum jam! 

Beth received a degree in social work and psychology from the University of Nebraska. She worked as a caseworker for Boulder County Department of Social Services before starting a family. Beth and her husband, two children, along with two cats and a beagle live in Texas after moving from their first home in Colorado. She freelances for the local papers in her area and writes columns, devotionals for magazines, and novels in a variety of genres in both fiction and nonfiction. Represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency 

Favorite quote and Bible verse
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C. S. Lewis 

Philippians 4:6-7-Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

My Thoughts

Elsie Yoder can't seem to pull herself out of a depression caused by her sister Katie.  Katie has betrayed her sister and left the community.  Will Elsie be able to forgive her sister?  No matter the turn of events Elsie misses her sister and wants her to come home.  Their father does not wish to even talk about Katie, it pains him too much.

Gideon Lapp wants Elsie to be able to open up to him because he holds a special place in his heart for Elsie.  He encourages her to interact with the rest of the community.  She becomes interested in studying Martyrs Mirror with Gideon.  

Elsie has many secrets that is eating her alive, one of which is some local men, not of the Amish community, have been harassing her even before her sister left.  She finally confides in Gideon and reveals her secrets of  the harassment not only toward her but to the Amish community.  The young men have no fear of retaliation because they know the Amish will not use means of violence or by pressing charges against them.  

Can Elsie forgive herself therefore humble herself to the community and to accept God's Grace?  In doing so she will be free of the fear that grows within her.  How will they deal with the local men?  

In book two the author writes of the necessity of community support spiritually and physically. It reminds me of the verse.  Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

The author also writes of humbling oneself and accepting Grace which is a gift from God!   Beth also reminds  us that we must put on the Armor of God.  He gives us so much to fight the evil that tries to oppress us because of our belief in a loving God.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Charisma House/Realms for review.  I was in no way compensated for this review.  It is my honest opinion.

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Read my review of Book 1, Touch of Grace, Annie's Truth by Beth Shriver here.