Hope at Dawn, Of Love and War, Book 1 by Stacy Henri

About Book

With her brothers away fighting the Great War overseas, Livy Campbell desperately wants to help her family. Her chance comes when she meets a handsome stranger who lands her a job as a teacher in a place far from her parents' farm. But the war casts a long shadow over the German-American town that Livy now calls home-and the darkness will test everything she thought she knew about family and love . . .

More than anything, Friedrick Wagner wants to be part of his adopted country's struggle for peace. But when the bitter animosity between Germans and Americans soon turns citizens against newcomers, friend against friend, he will do whatever it takes to protect Livy from the hysteria that grips their town. As tragedy-and dark secrets from the past-threaten their future, Friedrick and Livy have one chance to stand up for what's right . . . and one chance to fight for their love.

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble

About Author

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances.

Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator. She and her family currently reside in Utah.

Stacy is represented by Jessica Alvarez of Book Ends, LLC.

Website: http://www.stacyhenrie.com/


My Thoughts  

Livy Campbell is very aware of the strain the war has brought to her family. If only she could find a teaching position. A handsome man told her about a teaching position in his home town. She applies for the position and is surprised and pleased when her application is accepted. This job will help her family especilly since her brothers are off fighting in the war.

With the coming of war with Germany also came fear and prejudice against the American-Germans. Fredrick Wagner is a born American of German decent. But there are those like his mother, a German Immigrant, that mainly speaks German. The town fears there are German spies living among them. This leaves the German community in fear of their lives and livelihood.

I was married into an American-German family, the Borho's were one of the first to have settled in Williamson County, Leander, Texas. The old home place still stands. My children are very proud of their German heritage.

Mr. Borho in the black hat and his sons leaning against the wall. The youngest of the boys is my kids Pepa.

 This book opened my eyes to things the American-against the Germans suffered during this war. Even though the young men of German decent, born in America and proud to be an American were still not trusted.

Livy was even having a hard time trusting Frederick. The fact that Livy feared him broke his heart. Livy knowing her fear was not what God would want of her, she prayed for guidance.

I've read many stories about the war overseas but none depicted the hardship of the German communities in the United States. This shows the burdens of the very young to the very old, no matter the nationality. The children were the ones that touched my heart the deepest.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Netgally/Forever Publications for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion.

THE RIVER by Michael Neal

About Book

“You were made for The River . . .”

Gabriel Clarke is mysteriously drawn to The River, a ribbon of frothy white water carving its way through steep canyons high in the Colorado Rockies. The rushing waters beckon him to experience freedom and adventure.

But something holds him back—the memory of the terrible event he witnessed on The River when he was just five years old—something no child should ever see.

Chains of fear and resentment imprison Gabriel, keeping him from discovering the treasures of The River. He remains trapped, afraid to take hold of the life awaiting him.

When he returns to The River after years away, his heart knows he is finally home. His destiny is within reach. Claiming that destiny will be the hardest—and bravest—thing he has ever done.

Read Chapter 1,2 & 3 here

The River Discussion Kit

Publication Date	September 18, 2012
Publishes by	Thomas Nelson
ISBN-10	1401688489
ISBN-13	9781401688486

Where to buy: Thomas Nelson Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

About Author

Gifted writer, performer, and masterful storyteller are all phrases used to describe Michael Neale.

With the highly anticipated September 2012 release of his first novel The River, as well as a second book, Your Great Name, which releases in October 2012, Michael is finding more and more ways to share his gift of storytelling as an author.

As a Dove Award-Winning songwriter, his songs have been recorded by artists such as Michael W. Smith (“Rise Above”), Natalie Grant (“Your Great Name,” Worship Song of the Year in 2012), Rebecca St. James (“In A Moment”), Todd Agnew (“I Need No Other”), and Phillips, Craig and Dean (“Saved the Day”), to name a few.

Michael divides his time among leading worship in churches, songwriting, and being a featured leader and teacher at conferences around the country. In between his travels, Michael serves on the team of Worship Leaders at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, where he lives with his wife Leah, and their three children Micah, Maisie, and Wyatt.

My Thoughts

I love this quote from the book "Life is not to be merely survived--it is meant to be lived." 

One of my favorite excerpts from the book is on page 272 where Gabriel is sitting outside with Ezra looking out at THE RIVER.  Don't read it until you have read up to that page!  It will move you beyond measure.

~ ~ ~

When Gabriel Clarke was five years old he watched THE RIVER take his father.  Ever since that day Gabriel has flashback, reliving that day which causes him to to to a special place deep inside of himself.  Gabriel has bad days when the memories haunt him. Even his friends are aware that Gabriel is different at times and it has something to do with THE RIVER and his father.  His best friend Jimmy seems to always have his back.  

Gabriel and him mom rent a place from Mister Earl and his wife on a farm in Kansas which is nothing like Colorado where he had lived with his father. 

As Gabriel turns twenty he is even more restless than ever.  He is working at the five and dime but he wants so much more for himself.  Then one day at work he receives a call from his old friend Jimmy.  Jimmy wants Gabriel to go on a trip camping and rafting with some buddies in Colorado.   Gabriel was hesitant at first then decided it would be good to get away.  

When they got to the campsite Gabriel meets THE RIVER  that has haunted him for years.  

Will Gabriel go back into that secret place deep within himself or will he face his fears and THE RIVER?

This is a beautiful heart wrenching story of loss, redemption and coming face to face with ones fears. The author shows how friends and family can be instrumental in God's plan to heal an  injured lost soul.  This story may even be instrumental in helping other injured lost souls. Maybe that is even you. There are many ways to become lost.

I HIGHLY 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.  It is my own opinion.

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