Journey the Transcontinental Railroad along with nine unlikely couples who encounter all the dangers and disappointments of traveling the rails in the late 1800s. From sight-seeing excursions to transports toward new lives, from orphan trains to circus trains, can romances develop into blazing love in a world of cold, hard steel?
This collection of 9 books by 9 authors gave me a new perspective about the railroad during the late 1800's and of it's history.
You can tell the characters and their stories were created with talent and from the heart of each of the authors.
I can not choose a favorite story because they each touched my heart. They revealed bravery, faith, trust, forgiveness and last but not least love. All the characters were on a path set by God to find their soul mates?
The authors weaved scriptures through the telling of their stories. These can be more than helpful with our daily walk with God.
Now I would like to thank each one of these authors for a splendid job of putting these stories together, each story compliments, not competes with, the other.
I rated this book a 5 out of 5 stars.
I received an ebook copy of this book from Barbour Publishers via NetGalley for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion.
It is 1704 when Genevieve Gaillain and her sister board a French ship headed for the Louisiana colony as mail-order brides. Both have promised to marry one of the rough-and-tumble Canadian men in this New World in order to escape religious persecution in the Old World. Genevieve knows life won’t be easy, but at least here she can establish a home and family without fear of beheading. But when she falls in love with Tristan Lanier, an expatriate cartographer whose courageous stand for fair treatment of native peoples has made him decidedly unpopular in the young colony, Genevieve realizes that even in this land of liberty one is not guaranteed peace. And a secret she harbors could mean the undoing of the colony itself.
Paperback, 368 pages
Published April 15th 2014 by Fleming H. Revell Company (first published April 8th 2014)
Beth White teaches music at an inner-city high school in historic Mobile, Alabama. Her hobbies include playing flute and pennywhistle and painting, but her real passion is writing historical romance with a Southern drawl.
A native Mississippian, she is a pastor's wife, mother of two, and grandmother of two--so far.
Also published as Elizabeth White, her novels have won the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, the RT Book Club Reviewers Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award.
Of her Old Order parents' five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie's father opposes the match.
Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they'll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almost-certain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight?
Beverly Lewis, born in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is the New York Times bestselling author of more than ninety books. Her stories have been published in eleven languages worldwide. A keen interest in her mother's Plain heritage has inspired Beverly to write many Amish-related novels, beginning with The Shunning, which has sold more than one million copies and was recently made into an Original Hallmark Channel movie. In 2007 The Brethren was honored with a Christy Award. She has been interviewed by both national and international media, including Time magazine, the Associated Press, and the BBC. Beverly lives with her husband, David, in Colorado. Visit her website at
Tessie Miller is the last of the Miller daughters to marry. The young man she favors is not of her father's choice. She has loved Marcus King for as long as she can remember, there is none other for her. Every time Marcus goes to her father to ask for her hand in marriage he is turned down without any reason as to why his request is denied. So the young couple decide to sneak away to the court house and have an English ceremony even though they both wanted desperately to marry in Amish tradition. They have chosen not to tell anyone of their marriage hoping Tessie's father will give them his blessing. But before Marcus could approach her father with his request a tragic accident changes everything the young couple had planned for a happy future together.
Since no one knows of their marriage circumstances this put Tessie in critical scrutiny of not only of her Amish community but that of the Bishop and his wife.
This story was so tragic. I was so angry with Tessie's father. Then when the her father's reasoning was revealed I was totally shocked. The author touched on a topic that is a hidden secret among the Amish. She writes of how God's plan will be revealed if only we have faith and trust in God.
I must say as I have said so many times that Beverly Lewis never fails to amaze me with her talent for entertaining me with her writing. This book is very much right up there with all her other books I have read. I had a hard time putting the book down.
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?
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.
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.
A twenty-first-century doctor. A third-century plague. A love out of time.
First-year resident Dr. Lisbeth Hastings is too busy to take her father’s bizarre summons seriously. But when a tragic mistake puts her career in jeopardy, answering her father’s call seems her only hope of redeeming the devastating failure that her life has become.
While exploring the haunting cave at her father’s archaeological dig, Lisbeth falls through a hidden hole, awakening to find herself the object of a slave auction and the ruins of Roman Carthage inexplicably restored to a thriving metropolis. Is it possible that she’s traveled back in time, and, if so, how can she find her way back home?
Cyprian Thascius believes God called him to rescue the mysterious woman from the slave trader’s cell. What he doesn’t understand is why saving the church of his newfound faith requires him to love a woman whose peculiar ways could get him killed. But who is he to question God?
As their different worlds collide, it sparks an intense attraction that unites Lisbeth and Cyprian in a battle against a deadly epidemic. Even as they confront persecution, uncover buried secrets, and ignite the beginnings of a medical revolution, Roman wrath threatens to separate them forever. Can they find their way to each other through all these obstacles? Or are the eighteen hundred years between them too far of a leap? Read an Excerpt here.
Lynne Gentry was a finalist in Westbow’s 2010 fiction contest. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and three of her novels have been selected as finalists for the ACFW Genesis contest. Lynne is a pastor’s wife and the mother of two grown children.
Dr. Lisbeth Hastings while on a suspended leave is summoned by her father to an archaeological dig. While exploring ancient cave drawings Lisbeth finds the ground literally disappearing from under her feet. When she regains consciousness she finds herself being sold as a slave to Cyprian Thascius. Angry and fighting for her life Cyprian drags her away to his home. He tries to calm her but she was beyond calming. God called upon Cyprian to save Lisbeth from being sold to an evil man. He finds himself draw not only by God to this woman but also by his heart.
Lisbeth is forced into a situation to use her medical skills when two boys are brought into Cyprian's home during a Christian gathering. The Romans are out to destroy any of the followers of Jesus. How and why did she manage to be in Roman Carthage eighteen hundred years in the past?
This story gave me goosebumps when the ground fell out from under Lisbeth. I wish to tell you so much about the story but then that would spoil the story for you. The author started with a contemporary novel jumping into a historical romance novel. I found interest in the conditions, knowledge and medicines healers eighteen hundred years ago had to work with.
If you are interested in time travel and biblical fiction this is the book for you.
I rated this book a 4 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Book/SimonSchuster for an honest review.
USA Today recently hailed award-nominated author Amanda Flower for A Plain Death, calling it “the first Amish rom-com . . . bring on the next one!” As the enthusiastic reviews continue to mount, she’s back with her third Appleseed Creek mystery, A Plain Disappearance. It’s Christmastime in Amish Country, and Chloe Humphrey has begun settling into her life in Appleseed Creek excited to see where her new relationship with Timothy Troyer will lead. Unfortunately it leads to murder when the couple discovers the body of Amish teenager Katie Lambright while on their first date. Near the scene there is evidence that Timothy’s friend and auto mechanic Billy Thorpe is involved with the crime. The police reveal Billy is not really who he said he was and has been living the last decade in Knox County under a stolen alias. Now, Chloe and Timothy must find Billy, bring him to justice, or prove his innocence.
Amanda Flower, an Agatha-nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. Her debut mystery, Maid of Murder, was an Agatha Award Nominee for Best First Novel. Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. She also writes mysteries as Isabella Alan.
My Thoughts Riding in the snow and freezing cold Chloe and Timothy stop to take a walk in the snow. Timothy wanted to make this time together special because he has a special Christmas gift to give Chloe. As excited as Chloe was for the gift it quickly left her mind when they discover a body. Now their special private moment together became very public. Chloe was determined to help find out who was responsible for the death of this young teenage Amish girl. She suspected it had to be someone local. It put her on high alert and gave her cause to be always watching over her shoulder for danger. Timothy knew the number one suspect was a friend of his but they had to be wrong and he had to find a way to prove Billy was innocent. I normally don't read cloak and dagger but decided to give this book a go since it was about an Amish community. I am glad I read the book. I thought I had the crime solved from the beginning, which I am usually right but not this crime. The author threw me for a loop and boy was I surprised. I will definitely be reading more from this author. I don't want to reveal anything important so I would highly recommend you read the book. I rated this book a 5 out of 5. Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Handlebar Central/B&H Publishing for an honest review.
central
I am making up for my missed scheduled date for a Handlebar Central review request. I do apologize for my tardiness.
Anna's grandfather seems determined to ruin her Rumspringa . . . and any hopes she has of finding a husband.
Anna Byler should be enjoying her Rumspringa as allowed by her faith. But because of the strict rules enforced by her grandfather—the bishop—the available suitors in town are afraid to court her. Even Anna’s grandmother is keeping a big secret from Anna’s grandfather in an effort to keep the peace. Under her grandfather’s oppressive watch, Anna begins to feel her faith slipping and wonders if God has forsaken her.
Jacob Hostetler and his family have relocated to Lancaster County following a family tragedy in Ohio. As his family struggles to rebuild their lives, Jacob is forced to act as head of the household when his father is unable to cope with recent events. It’s been a long time since Jacob has felt any joy. Until he meets Anna Byler. But will Anna’s grandfather succeed at keeping them apart? And can Jacob put the past behind him and open his heart?
Beth Wiseman is an award-winning and best-selling author who is best known for her Amish novels, but she is now spreading her wings in other genres as well. Her two latest releases—Need You Now and The House that Love Built—are non-Amish contemporaries set in small Texas towns, both of which have garnished glowing reviews. However, her current project will take readers far away from Amish Country and small Texas towns to a dangerous place on the other side of the world. Inspired by a true story, Beth believes this is the book she’s been working toward for a long time. More information on this exciting project will be coming soon!
Anna Byler's is raised by her grandparents. In her opinion they are the best grandparents ever. Although to the young men that would like to invite her to the singing are give her a ride in their buggy her grandfather is unapproachable on the subject. Anna is totally ignorant of the young men's problem with her grandfather. That is until she overhears them talking about this very thing. She gave them a good tongue lashing and informed them they were wrong. To her disappointment they were right. On top of this other people in their Amish community had problems with her grandfather being so strict when it came to the Old Order Ways of the Amish. You see her grandfather is the Bishop for their Amish Community.
Anna even found out her grandmother was hiding things from her grandfather. So, why is he being so strict? Doesn't he know he is alienating himself from the community?
When Jacob Hosetler moves to Paradise he is determined to change the Bishop's mind and court Anna. With Anna, her grandmother and Jacob taking a stand to change the Bishop's strict ways they find they may have gotten in deeper than they ever expected. The Bishop is determined to stand his ground.
This was a fun read. So much love in this family but the author has managed to create in them a very dysfunctional family. She shows how seeds of deceit can tear not only a family apart but the whole community. A tender loving man yet hard as a rock when it came to Old Order Ways. The character of the grandmother was so sweet yet she had a compulsive disorder. The author has a wonderful and humorous imagination when it comes to creating her characters.
I wonder if we can see any of ourselves in any of these characters. Like the seamstress that hoards fabric or the person that is obsessed with shoes. I must admit I do see myself in that I can not have enough books. So you leave know wiggle room when it comes to the rules of house or church?
I gladly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5+ out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Booksneeze/Thomas Nelson for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
When World War II breaks out, Miriam Coblentz’s peaceful Amish world is turned upside down...
It’s 1943, and Miriam Coblentz and Henry Mast are nearing their wedding day when the unthinkable happens—Henry is drafted. However, since he is a part of the pacifist Amish tradition, Henry is sent to a conscientious objector Civilian Public Service camp. When he leaves for the work camp, his gaping absence turns Miriam’s life upside down. Little does she know it’s only the beginning... When Henry returns home, he brings news that shakes Miriam and their Amish community to the core. Henry believes God has called him to enlist in the army and fight for his country, leaving her to make an important decision: whether to choose loyalty to the peaceful life she’s always known or her love for Henry. Two worlds collide in this unforgettable debut novel, providing a fascinating and rare look into Amish culture during World War II. While Henry is battling enemies across the ocean, Miriam struggles between her devotion to Henry and her love of the Amish way of life. One question is at the bottom of it all: will she follow the rules of her religion or the leading of her heart?
Elizabeth Byler Younts is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is an Air Force officer’s wife and a homeschooling mom with two young daughters. She makes her home wherever her family is stationed. Elizabeth was Amish as a child and after her parents left the church she still grew up among her Amish family and continues to speak Pennsylvania Dutch.
Miriam Coblentz can't seem to stop thinking about her intended Henry Mast. Henry has been drafted into the military and sent to a camp for conscientious objectors. The Amish have always been pacifist. When he returns home Miriam is shocked to find out he has decide to leave the camp and join the military and the war. He feels as if God has called him to fight in World War II. Miriam can not turn her back on her family and most importantly the her Amish beliefs. Will she turn her back on Henry the man she loves?
I have read many Amish books but this is the first where I get a better look at the Pacifist side during World War II. To me it is apparent men are bred to defend their families and country. Yet I understand the Amish's belief and the pacifist. Women want to nurture and prevent harm coming to anyone. But in times of war we have no choice but to defend. The author has done a wonderful job in depicting the Amish stand of remaining pacifist.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book 5 out of 5.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Howard Publishing/Simon & Schuster for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This review is my honest opinion.
Everett Cline will never humiliate himself by seeking a mail-order bride. Not again. He's already been jilted by three mail-order brides and figures a wife just isn't in his future. However, a well-meaning neighbor hasn't given up on seeing him settled, so she goes behind his back to bring yet another woman to town for him.
Julia Lockwood has never been anything more than a pretty pawn for her father or a business acquisition for her former fiance. A mail-order marriage in faraway Kansas is a last resort, but she'll do anything to leave her life in Massachusetts and the heartbreak she's experienced there.
Although Everett doesn't see how a beautiful, cultured woman like Julia could be happy sharing his simple life, he could really use a helpmate on his homestead. Determined to prove she's more than just a pretty face, Julia agrees to a marriage in name only. Faced with the harsh realities of life on the prairie and hesitant to explore the tentative feelings growing between them, can Everett and Julia ever let each other in long enough to fall in love?
Meet Melissa Jagears Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN fiction marketing, and her passion is to help Christian believers mature in their faith and judge rightly. A Bride for Keeps is her first novel. Find her online at www.melissajagears.com.
My Thoughts
Everett Cline has been tricked by his close friend and neighbor. His friend has sent for a mail order bride but his neighbor is married. The bride evidently is for Everett. This is not Everett's first attempt to marry a mail order bride and had no desire to try again. But his friend thought otherwise and arranged for a mail order bride for Everett.
Julia Lockwood had no idea her groom to be knew nothing about her or her arrival. But when all comes to the surface Julia is determined to prove to Everett she was more than a pretty face. She would work hard and show him what a good, if not perfect, helpmate she could be for him.
I enjoyed this story immensely and it's characters. Everett and his lack of faith in actually claiming a bride. Julia was so determined and learned things she never believed she would ever have done in life. Oh, how special it was to have such loyal and caring friends as their neighbors. This was a journey leading to a beautiful romance which grew in faith with God and his path for their future together. They learned to not only trust in each other but in God. The cover image caught my attention. Especially the expression on Julia's face. I could not wait to read the book. I was not disappointed. . I highly recommend this book. I rated this book a 5 out of 5. Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House/Baker Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion.
