Hope's Highest Mountain (Hearts of Montana Series bk 1) by Misty M. Beller series:

About Book

When Ingrid Chastain agreed to accompany her father to deliver vaccines to a mining town in the Montana Territory, she never could have anticipated a terrible accident would leave her alone and badly injured in the wilderness. Rescue comes in the form of a mysterious mountain man who tends her injuries, but she's hesitant to put her trust in this man who seems to have wounds of his own.

After tragedy struck his family, Micah Bradley left his work as a doctor and escaped to the wilds of Montana. But his self-imposed solitude is broken when he finds Ingrid in desperate need of medical attention, and he's forced to call on his doctoring skills once again.

Micah can't help but admire Ingrid's tenacity despite the severity of her injuries, until he learns the crate she brought contains smallpox vaccines to help quell a nearby outbreak. With Ingrid dead set on delivering the medicine--with or without his help--he has no choice but to accompany her. As they set off through the treacherous, snow-covered Rocky Mountains against all odds, the journey ahead will change their lives more than they could have known.

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Where to Purchase

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Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 1st 2019

       by Bethany House Publishers

ISBN 0764233467 (ISBN13: 9780764233463)

   

Author Misty M. Beller

Misty M. Beller writes romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love. For a limited time, you can get her bestselling novel, The Lady and the Mountain Man, FREE here: http://bit.ly/2gvrW1a

She was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her Southern roots run deep. Growing up, her family was close, and they continue to keep that priority today. Her husband and daughters now add another dimension to her life, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

God has placed a desire in Misty’s heart to combine her love for Christian fiction and the simpler ranch life, writing historical novels that display God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Writing is a dream come true for Misty. Her family—both immediate and extended—is the foundation that holds her secure in that dream.

Learn more at www.MistyMBeller.com.I

My Thoughts

I use the word heart wrenching a lot in my reviews but this book gripped my heart like a vise at times.

When bad things happen in our lives they can be turned for the betterment of our lives if only we listen to God and take the path He leads us on especially when a person or persons are put in said path without explanation or reasoning.

This is what happens to Ingrid and Micah with astonishing occurrences. They are blessed with several people along their treacherous journey to aid and to be aided on getting the much needed vaccines to the Fort so as to save many lives from the deadly disease Smallpox.

Author Misty M. Beller is a new author for me and I am not to sure how I managed to not have read any of her numerous books. I am looking forward to putting her on my to read author list.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley / Bethany House for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

    I rated this book. 

MAIL - ORDER MISHAPS by Vickie Mcdonough, Susan Page Davis, Linda Ford, Erica Vetsch

About:

Dreams of Finding Mr. Right Go Wrong in the Old West

The Bride’s Dilemma by Susan Page Davis
Wyoming, 1883
Eve Martin arrives in Cheyenne to learn that man she came to marry is in jail, accused of a violent murder. Should she get on the next eastbound train, or has God brought her here to help save Caleb Blair’s life?

My Thoughts
Eve and Blair were looking to wed for better or worse. I felt the emotions of this couples desire to turn the worse situation into better for a happy future. Thankfully they both had faith in God and good friends. It was difficult to set the book down because I was so anxious to find out how it all played out. The author did not disappoint me it was even better than I expected.

****
Romancing the Rancher by Linda Ford
Montana, 1886
Amelia expects a safe home for herself and her niece as mail-order bride to Zach Taggerty. Only Zach has never heard of her, and the last thing he needs is more complications in his life.

My Thoughts
Loved this story! It hit home hard having gone through similar situation with my Father and then my husband due to their dementia. Heartache and feelings of hopelessness blinded this couple in search of their own needs. Thanks to this author for an amazing read.

****
The Marriage Sham by Vickie McDonough
Texas, 1888
Mail-order bride Zola Bryant is devastated. Her newlywed husband is dead. But even worse, they were never truly married because the man who wed them was an outlaw not a preacher. What will she do now that her life and reputation are in tatters?

My Thoughts
Zola needed someone to give her a break at starting over. This young woman thrilled me with her tenacity which eventually earned herself to be trusted beyond all measure.  A fun and full of mishaps. A must read. Wished it could have been longer. Author must have a great since of humor.

****

The Galway Girl by Erica Vetsch
Kansas, 1875
A mail-order mix-up sends Irish lass Maeve O’Reilly to the Swedish community of Lindsborg, Kansas. Will Kaspar Sandberg consider it a happy accident or a disaster to be rectified as soon as possible?

My Thoughts
Maeve reminds me of a firecracker, watch out there she goes. Me having four daughters had me routing for this young woman to overcome all odds.  The author built an amazing character that would give hope to many a young girls facing hard times.

Buy at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christian Books Distributors

ISBN: 9781643520001

FICTION / Christian/Romance

Page Count: 448

RATED this book 5 STARS

DISCLOSURE: I received a free digital copy of this book from Barbour Books via Netgalley for an honest review.  I was in now way compensated for this review.

AIMING FOR LOVE, Brides of Hope Mountain Series by Mary Conn

About

When Strangers Intrude
on Three Wild Sisters' Hidden Mountain Life,
Their World Will Never Be the Same.
Josephine Nordegren is one of three sisters who grew up nearly wild in southwestern Colorado. She has the archery skills of Robin Hood and the curiosity of the Little Mermaid, fascinated by but locked away from the forbidden outside world--a world she's been raised to believe killed her parents. When David Warden, a rancher, brings in a herd much too close to the girls' secret home, her older sister is especially frightened, but Jo is too interested to stay away.

David's parents follow soon on his heels, escaping bandits at their ranch. But his father is wounded and needs shelter. Josephine and her sisters have the only cabin on the mountain. Do they risk stepping into the world to help those in need? Or do they remain separated but safe in the peaks of Hope Mountain?

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Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Bethany House Publishers

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ISBN 0764232584 (ISBN13: 9780764232589)               

Series Brides of Hope Mountain #1

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Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes "romantic comedies with cowboys" and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has more than half a million books in print. She is the author of the popular series Wild at Heart, Kincaid...

Continue reading about Mary Connealy

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MY THOUGHTS

This Story reminds me of the many fairy tales I read as a child, such as Jungle Book and Tarzan among others. Just imagine three sisters alone on a mountain yet resourceful of their needs and the bounty God has set before them in nature.  Yet they are secluded by choice and fearful of mankind, wild yet like the animals they imitate for survival. They are oddities in the eyes and minds of the men that find them outside the realm of the real world.

Curiosity in the changes of their world were interesting to the younger two girls but not at all by the eldest of the three. Fear for their life was strong in the mind of the eldest as she imaged the worst evils and diseases advancing upon them even though they were taught from the bible that fear was sinful and loving thy neighbor was God's commandment. 

I am so looking forward to reading the next book in this series so as to envision life advance on this beautiful mountain.

     I rated this book

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley / Bethany House for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Seven Brides for Seven Mail-Order Husbands Romance Collection by Susan Page Davis, Susanne Dietze, Darlene Franklin, Patty Smith Hall, Cynthia Hickey, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Gina Welborn

Published June 1st 2017 

by Barbour Books

448 pages

ABOUT BOOK

Seven women seek husbands to rebuild a Kansas town.

Meet seven of Turtle Springs, Kansas’, finest women who are determined to revive their small town after the War Between the States took most of its men. . .and didn’t return them. The ladies decide to advertise for husbands and devise a plan for weeding out the riff raff. But how can they make the best practical choices when their hearts cry out to be loved?

Abigail’s Proposal by Cynthia Hickey

When her father never returned from the war, Abigail Melton stepped into his role as town mayor. The town needs men, and she needs a husband—and she has a big idea how to find both—but her first duty is to hire a sheriff. And drifter Josiah Ingram will do just fine.

The Kidnapped Groom by Susan Page Davis

Riding through the Flint Hills on his way to Dodge City, cowboy Sam Cayford finds himself the kidnapping victim of two children. When he meets their lovely mother, Maggie Piner—whom the kids insist he should marry—Sam starts to question God’s plans versus his own. 

A Clean Slate by Susanne Dietze

Schoolmarm Roberta “Birdy” Green won’t marry any of the prospective grooms flocking to town. After losing her fiancé in the war, the only love her broken heart can bear is for her students. But then she takes on a new pupil—Drew Cooper, one of the gentlemen drawn to Kansas by the advertisement for grooms.

Sunshine of My Heart by Darlene Franklin

Debbie Barker longs to bring beauty to her new home on the prairie, where her family moved after the war, and seeks a husband to help her father run the ranch. Zack Gage returned home from the war to a life in ruins—family dead and business bankrupted. He answers the mail-order husband ad to seek a fresh start. But neither Debbie nor Zeke know what they are doing when it comes to ranching. . .or love.

Come What May by Patty Smith Hall

Chardy Stevens is at the end of her rope. Between running her late father’s store and tending to her four younger brothers, she barely has time to breathe, much less look for a husband to help her. The boys scare off most of her prospects and throw Chardy together with her childhood friend Luke, a disabled veteran who seeks her happiness above his own.

Dime Novel Suitor by Carrie Fancett Pagels

Widow Caroline Kane is the proprietor of a restaurant and inn—and responsible for her five teenaged siblings. But she has no plans of finding a mail-order groom. Britisher Barden Granville IV is on a “cowboy holiday” when he finds himself flat broke in Kansas.  When he answers an old “help wanted” ad, Caroline misconstrues Barden is there as a potential husband. Will the beautiful and fiesty widow cause the new vicar to make Kansas his home? 

Louder than Words by Gina Welborn

After years of writing abolitionist pamphlets and chronicling soldier life during the war, J.R. Lockhart is bored and jumps at the opportunity to investigate an advertisement for husbands for an article in Godey’s Lady’s Book. Jane Ransome would like to help the charming-but-oblivious-to-life-out-West man chronicle the courtships developing in town, but she has her own husband to find—one who will fit perfectly in her picket-fenced Kansas home.

MY THOUGHTS

What an enjoyable read! These women knew the life that was handed them was too much to handle on their own with children, farms and businesses without a husband. So they create an advertisement for mail order husbands to attend auditions for potential spouses. 

I had a hard time setting this book aside. Being familiar with all of these authors it was exactly what I expected, which was to draw me into the hearts of each and every woman and man in search of a secure future. God was in attendace at these auditions and knew what was in each and every heart involved. It was definitely not an easy transition for anyone but with trust in the Lord and hard work a new future could be seen.

I highly recommend this book.

 I rated this book 5 Stars.

Disclosure:  I received a free digital copy of this book from Barbour 

Publishing via Netgalley for review. I was not compensated for for this review it is my honest opinion.

The Second Chance Brides Collection: Nine Historical Romances Offer New Hope for Love

Paperback, 448 pages 

Expected publication August 1st 2017 

by Barbour Books

ISBN1683222466 (ISBN13: 981683222460)

Series: Barbour Bride Collections

ABOUT BOOK

Meet nine women who each believe their chance for lifelong love has passed them by. From the girls who lost their beaus to war, to the wallflowers overshadowed by others, and the widows deeply hurt by their loss, the desire to love and be loved spans American history from 1777 to 1944. Experience the sweet pull of romance on each life and the blossom of faith that leads them to brighter futures.

AUTHORS

by Lauralee Bliss, Angela Breidenbach, Ramona K. Cecil, Pamela Griffin, Grace Hitchcock, Pam Hillman,Laura V. Hilton, Tiffany Amber Stockton, Liz Tolsma

MY THOUGHTS

I very much enjoyed all the books in this collection. Thanks to the outstanding authors coming together to share a wide span through history of love and circumstances for couples searching for a second chance to marry.  All along the Lord is leading. 

Barbour Publishing has become one of my favorite go to publishers for Christian historical fiction. Always feeding my appetite for a good read.

I rated this book 5 Stars

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Barour Pubishing via Netglley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review. It is my honest opinion. 

Egypt's Sister by Angela Hunt, The Silent Years, Bk 1

Paperback
Expected publication: July 4th 2017 
by Bethany House
ISBN 0764219324
(ISBN13: 9780764219320)
Series: The Silent Years #1

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, CBD


ABOUT BOOK

Five decades before the birth of Christ, Chava, daughter of the royal tutor, grows up with Urbi, a princess in Alexandria's royal palace. When Urbi becomes Queen Cleopatra, Chava vows to be a faithful friend no matter what--but after she and Cleopatra have an argument, she finds herself imprisoned and sold into slavery. 

Torn from her family, her community, and her elevated place in Alexandrian society, Chava finds herself cast off and alone in Rome. Forced to learn difficult lessons, she struggles to trust a promise HaShem has given her. After experiencing the best and worst of Roman society, Chava must choose between love and honor, between her own desires and God's will for her life.

ABOUT AUTHOR
Angela Hunt

The author of more than 100 published books and with nearly 5 million copies of her books sold worldwide, Angela Hunt is the New York Times bestselling author of The Note, The Nativity Story, and Esther: Royal Beauty. Romantic Times Book Club presented Angela with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006. In 2008, Angela completed her PhD in Biblical Studies in Theology. She and her husband live in Florida with their mastiffs. She can be found online at www.angelahuntbooks.com.

Mattie's Pledge, Journey to Pleasant Prairie, Bk 2, by Jan Drexler

About Book

When she feels the pull of both home and the horizon, which will she choose?

Mattie Schrock is no stranger to uprooting her life. Even as her father relocated her family from one Amish community to the next, she always managed to find a footing in their new homes. Now as the Schrock family plans to move west from Somerset County to a fledgling Amish settlement in Indiana, she looks forward to connecting with old friends who will be joining them from another Pennsylvania community--friends like Jacob Yoder, who has always held a special place in her heart.

Since Mattie last saw Jacob, they've both grown into different people with different dreams. Jacob yearns to settle down, but Mattie can't help but dream of what may lie over the western horizon. When a handsome Englisher tempts her to leave the Amish behind to search for adventure in the West, will her pledge to Jacob be the anchor that holds her secure?

Tender, poignant, and gentle, Mattie's Pledge offers you a glimpse into Amish life in the 1840s--and into the yearning heart of a character you'll not soon forget.

ISBN 9780800726577

Publisher: Revell Publishers

Journey to Pleasant Prairie Series

Pub. Date: Sep 2016

pages 384

Where to buy: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Indie Bookstore

About Author

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s, and their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband of thirty-four years and their two active dogs. She is the author of several novels, including Hannah's Choice.

Goodreads Author Page


My Thoughts

Mattie Schrock is always ready to move further westward to see the image she has created in her head as the her perfect destiny. Her father is moving the family to Indiana to meetup with other families with the desire to maintain their Amish faith.  They will be with friends like Mattie's dearest friend from her youth Jacob Yoder.

After joining Mattie's family and friends Jacob wishes more for him and Mattie which leads to a pledge she makes to not leave her family and Jacob.  But the pull is so strong to leave, especially after meeting a handsome sweet talking Englisher. 

Can Mattie keep her pledge?

I found Mattie to be very naïve of man.  In her case she needed to step back and look at the full picture but she was blinded by scenery. 

Thanks goodness for Godly men and their built in protectiveness of their family and friends.  God is the main character for these young people he knows the path they are to follow but Mattie was not always listening or chose to ignore HIM.

The story was not without hardship or adventure on their trek westward.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book 5 out of 5.

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

My Enemy My Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes

About Book

The sea has always been Deirdre MacKenzie’s home, and the crew of her father’s Baltimore clipper is the only family she loves. She’s happier wearing breeches and climbing the rigging of the Maid of Alexandria than donning a dress and learning to curtsey. But, when the War of 1812 erupts, the ship is captured by a British privateer . With her father, the captain, dead, Deirdre sees her crew herded into the hold as prisoners-of-war. Their fate is the notorious Dartmoor prison in England. Her fate as a noncombatant prisoner is uncertain, but the one thing she knows—she must find a way to free her crew.

Kieran Ashford has caused his family one too many scandals. On his way to exile in America, he is waylaid by the declaration of war and a chance to turn privateer and make his own fortune. But he regrets his actions as soon as the rich prize is secured. Kieran figures his best chance at redeeming himself in the eyes of his family is to offer Deidre the protection of his name in marriage. He has no idea that secrets from his parents’ past and Deirdre’s determination to free her crew are on a disastrous collision course.

Love and loyalty clash, as Kieran begins to win Deirdre’s heart despite her plot to betray him and his family. While Kieran works to mend the relationship with his family, he begins to love his bride in spite of what lies between them.

Available in Paperback, Ebook, and Audible CD at Amazon.com and Digital Download at Audible.com.

Publisher: Waterfall Press

Published: November 15, 2016
ISBN-10: 1503937631
ISBN-13: 978-1503937635

About Laurie Alice Eakes

“Eakes has a charming way of making her novels come to life without being over the top,” writes Romantic times of bestselling, award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes. Since she lay in bed as a child telling herself stories, she has fulfilled her dream of becoming a published author, with a degree in English and French from Asbury University and a master’s degree in writing fiction from Seton Hill University contributing to her career path. Now she has nearly two dozen books in print.

After enough moves in the past five years to make U-Haul’s stock rise, she now lives in Houston, Texas, where she and her husband are exploring their new neighborhood. Although they haven’t been blessed with children—yet--they have sundry lovable dogs and cats. If the carpet is relatively free of animal fur, then she is either frustrated with the current manuscript, or brainstorming another, the only two times she genuinely enjoys housework.

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LaurieAEakes

Read excerpts from her books at: http://www.lauriealiceeakes.com
Website: http://lauriealiceeakes.com/ 


My Thoughts

Deirdre MacKenzie may be a female but she prefers life in the rigging and sails of her father's Baltimore Clipper.  Her love is the sea and at times she can be as unpredictable as the very seas she sails.  Her father can no more tame Deidre than he can the roaring of the sea.  The crew admires her tenacity and would give their very lives to protect her.  Even though she disguises herself as a young boy not all are fooled by the disguise.

Kieran Ashford is not on good terms with his father and decides to purchase a ship when the War of  1812 explodes his world. Instead of going to America he becomes a British privateer.  The first ship he comes upon is none other than the Baltimore clipper, which he takes over without a fight but the Captain succumbed to a natural death before Kieran and his men even boarded the clipper.  He will have to take his prisoners to Dartmoor prison in England.  There does seem to be a problem when he comes upon a sailor that is most definitely not a man but a beautiful young woman and the daughter of the deceased captain.  He can not risk damaging her reputation so he must take steps to make sure she is protected, especially from his so called dark past.

I have not read a swashbuckler in a long time.  This was fun, full of adventure, romance,deception and much more.  I love Deirdre's character so high spirited and undoubtable tom boyish to the highest degree.  She does not want to trust herself or Kieran if it means turning her back on her crew, they are her family first and foremost. You would think Kieran would be a scoundrel but in this story Deidre seems to hold that title very well. 

Makes me want to go sailing on a schooner but I will skip the pirates. 

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from Waterfall Press/NetGalley for an honest review.

I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.

Christmas At Dove Creek by Scarlett Dunn

About Book

With snow on the prairie and the stars heralding new hope, it’s the season for the lost to find their way home–and love to unite solitary hearts…

She rides like an angel and she’s a crack shot. And Lily Starr is determined to shepherd a helpless group of outcasts from Missouri to Wyoming by Christmas–including a pregnant woman whose blessed event is drawing near. So encountering handsome Thorpe Turlow along the dangerous trail is a welcome unexpected gift, for he’s as formidable as he is reserved. Besides, understanding this gentle, secretly wounded man is another challenge Lily isn’t about to resist…

After the heartbreak he’s found, Thorpe just wants to retreat to his peaceful Dove Creek ranch. But he’s never met anyone as resourceful and straightforward as Lily. Somehow, she’s reigniting his faith and giving him the courage to trust again. And if they survive the arduous trip ahead, he’ll do whatever it takes to give her a lifetime of joy and love…

ISBN: 9781420142235
Publish Date: 10/25/2016
  by Zebra Publishers

	Amazon, B&N, BAM, IndieBound, Target, Walmart, Hudson Booksellers GOODREAD GIVEAWAY expires Dec. 10, 2017

About Author

SCARLETT DUNN is an author of historical inspirational romance novels. She has always loved the history of the American West, and the men and women brave enough to accept the challenge to venture to the untamed territories. Once Scarlett ended her entrepreneurial pursuits, she decided it was time to write the stories she always knew she would write. Her interest in history led her to write novels set in the old west.

Her novels feature regular people with flaws, but they also have the strength to face the challenges of the time, and come out stronger. It is important to her for her characters to have imperfections, like all people, and they make many mistakes along the way. As she writes, she is always reminded of her favorite biblical character: King David. He was a man with many, many flaws, yet he was described as a man after God’s own heart. Like King David, Scarlett’s heroes have good hearts with a desire to do what is right, but sometimes do the wrong thing as they are trying to figure out this thing called life. In the end, they are better men, and have won the hearts of the right women.

Scarlett lives in Kentucky, the bluegrass land of beautiful horses. An avid animal lover, she is surrounded by various four-legged creatures

Her website:  www.scarlettdunn.com , Facebook Page

My Thoughts

Thorpe Turlow is headed on a long ride back to his Ranch in Wyoming.  His luck is about to run out when he is rescued from a confrontation with a group of Indians on his tail.  He finds himself in the camp of several women and one lone man. This rag tag group is traveling from Missouri to Wyoming praying to arrive by Christmas.  Thorpe decides to joined the group due to the fact that the journey is dangerous and he can not see how their leader, crack shot Lily Starr thinks she can be their sole protector.

The journey brings additional oddballs to their group such as an outlaw wanted for murder and the Sheriff whom arrested the said outlaw.  This makes Thorpe and Lily uneasy having the outlaw travel with them.  One of the women is pregnant and due to deliver in December this is why they must be at the end of the journey before the baby comes.

Lily and Thorpe can not deny the spark growing between them.  But they can not give in to that spark due to both of their lack of trust in the opposite sex.   They keep hitting a wall in their trek to Wyoming.  They knew from the beginning it would be hard but not as hard as what they have had to face. there for no time for sparkin.

Will they make it to Wyoming unscathed?  Is there a rainbow at the end of their trail?  The good Lord only knows.  He will lead and protect them if they trust and believe in Him.

Lily is one tough little lady. Maybe she can find someone to care for her instead of her feeling like she is the only one that can get the job done.  Trust!

You will not want to put this book down. It is  fast, furious, full of adventure and danger at every turn of the page.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy of this book from Kensington/Zebra Books via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my honest opinion. 

Castles In The Clouds, Flowers of Eden series, Book 2 by Myra Johnson

ABOUT BOOK

The first book in the Flowers of Eden series introduced readers to Bryony Linwood, an orphan trying desperately to provide for her sisters in the shadow of the Great Depression. In Castles in the Clouds, we meet one of those sisters—Larkspur Linwood, a young woman who has a passion for teaching but yearns for something more than life as a small-town Arkansas schoolmarm.

Young and impressionable, Lark mistakes a college professor's interest for romantic love. When he offers her the chance to join his efforts to start a school in Kenya, she pictures herself bringing the light of knowledge to hundreds of African children eager to learn. But the menial tasks she's assigned at the school aren't so different from life on the farm where she grew up. Worse, her fragile heart is broken when she realizes her feelings for the charismatic professor are not returned. Miserable and deflated, she gives up and returns home.

Enter Professor Anson Schafer, whom she met briefly in Kenya. Partially blinded from an eye infection he contracted there, Professor Schafer cannot return to Africa. He has come to Lark's school to recruit teachers like her for a more modest venture—the founding of schools and relief efforts here in the U.S. for those struggling through the Depression.

Still stinging from her experience in Kenya, Lark is reluctant to risk leaving her familiar surroundings, but she knows how great the need has become, and—although this isn't the exciting life she'd envisioned—she finally agrees. As they work side by side, Lark begins to realize that the deepest satisfaction comes not so much from what you do, or where you do it, but from the attitude of your heart. She also slowly realizes that the gentle, determined Anson is the true love of her life.

Excerpt from Castles in the Clouds by Myra Johnson.

Series: Flowers of Eden, Book 2

Published 8-26-2016

by Franciscan Media

ASIN: B01IKY3TZK
ISBN: 1632530023

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT AUTHOR

Award-winning author Myra Johnson writes emotionally gripping stories about love, life, and faith. Her Heartsong Presents romance Autumn Rains (November 2009) won Romance Writers of America’s 2005 Golden Heart for Best Inspirational Romance Manuscript. Myra is also a two-time finalist for the prestigious American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Awards, and she is proud to announce that her novel When the Clouds Roll By (Abingdon Press, 2013) won the historical fiction category of the 2014 Christian Retailer’s Best Awards.

Myra’s writing career was launched with her first short story sale in 1985. Since then her stories, articles, and devotions have appeared in more than 30 publications. She currently has more than a dozen novels and anthologies in print, including a post-World War I historical romance series for Abingdon Press. She is currently at work on a new historical romance series for Franciscan Media. Book 1, The Sweetest Rain, released September 2015.

Married since 1972, Myra and her husband have two beautiful daughters and seven grandchildren. Originally from Texas and most recently Oklahoma, the Johnsons moved to North Carolina in 2011, where they share their home with two very pampered rescue dogs. Myra writes full-time and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, as well as the online RWA chapter Faith, Hope & Love. Myra is represented by the Natasha Kern Literary Agency.

FINDING MYRA

WEBSITE

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MY THOUGHTS

Larkspur Linwood has dreams of becoming a teacher.  Even though they are still suffering from the Great Depression she is able to go to college for her teachers degree.  Thanks to a wonderful couple she had a job at their store, along with a room to rent to help offset her expenses. She received  funds from her sister for pay  her college tuition.  It looks like all was going well for her.

Larkspur catches the attention of her Professor due to her dedication and grades.  He is handsome and

and has a way with words which creates new feelings in Larkspur beyond teacher student admiration.

He offers her and a couple of other women a chance of a lifetime adventure which would advance their teaching skills.  This adventure will be taking them to Kenya, Africa to a missionary school under the tutelage of a Professor Schafer. 

Schafer was highly overworked and sadly had a disease which was taking his eyesight.  He was very kind and handsome but different than her Professor from the college.  After finding her relationship with  her college Professor was not reciprocated she felt naïve and became depressed then decided to return home to the disappointment of the Kenya Professor.

Professor Schafer ends up having to go to the States hoping he was  leaving his Kenya school in capable hands. While he is in the States he decides with the help of a colleague to start a missionary school for the farmer's children whom were without schooling.  He gets in touch with Larkspur in hopes of recruiting her as a teacher since she had not returned to college.  Reluctantly she agrees to help.

Schafer and Larkspur slowly but surely to find a attraction and respect for each other.  But Larkspur was as resistant as Schafer to feed into any romantic feelings due to her trust issues and his health issues.

Will they get past their issues in this Great Depression and the ever growing problem of bigotry among parents of potential students..

I loved this story remembering stories my mother and grandparents shared with me about their lives during the Great Depression.  The names of the characters were right on for that era.  When I was small I remember in the early 50's the attire my grandparents and great grandparents wore  was still very similar to that worn during the Great Depression.

This author did an amazing job with this novel. I felt the hurt and the joy of the characters as I put myself in their place with in my minds eye as I read the book.

Thanks Myra Johnson!

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free digital copy  of this book from Franciscan Media via NetGalley for an honest review.  I was in no way compensated for this review it is my own opinion.