Review: An Untamed Heart by Lauraine Snelling

My rating: 4 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

The Long-Awaited Prequel to the RED RIVER OF THE NORTH Series
Twenty-year-old Ingeborg Strand is certain she is destined to be an old maid. She's had several suitors but none she deemed worthy of spending her life with. That is, until she meets a university student from Oslo, and feelings stronger than friendship begin to develop between them. But tragedy strikes, and the future begins to look bleaker than ever.
Grief settles heavily over Ingeborg, and her mother suggests that she leave Norway and start afresh in America, as so many others have done before her. But how will she accomplish that with little money and no one to accompany her?
It isn't long before she meets Roald Bjorklund, a widower who has been planning to go to America for some time, lured by the promise of free land. He's a good man, a hard-working man--and he has a young son who desperately needs a mother. He's clearly interested in Ingeborg, but is he the answer to her prayers? And what about love? This isn't how she's always imagined it.
Ingeborg Strand has a heartrending decision to make...

My Review

I didn't read the synopsis before I read this book, so I had no hint or warning about the tragedy. I also didn't realize it was a prequel to an already published series, so when the story ended, I was happily surprised to discover that I don't have to wait to start the next book! I even had the first book in the series already on my kindle since it is a freebie on Amazon :) 
So, I love the character of Ingeborg. She is strong, industrious, compassionate, and thoughtful. There is much description of the farm, its chores, and tasks. It started out somewhat slowly since it is told from both Ingeborg and Nils' perspectives, but they don't meet until about halfway through the book. I enjoyed her interactions with her siblings and cousins. What an amazing thing that the children of the family take the flocks into the mountains and live there all summer with no adult supervision other than Ingeborg and her best friend/cousin who are in their very early twenties. There is some excitement in the story, but overall I'd say this is a descriptive and introspective novel to be read at leisure. 

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: Rebellious Heart by Jody Hedlund

My rating: 5 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Because she's a woman, higher learning was always closed to Susanna Smith. But her quick mind and quicker tongue never back down from a challenge. And she's determined to marry well, so she'll be able to continue her work with the less fortunate.

Growing up with little to his name, poor country lawyer Benjamin Ross dreams of impacting the world for the better. When introduced to the Smiths he's taken by Susanna's intelligence and independent spirit, but her parents refuse to see him as a suitor for their daughter.

When the life of a runaway indentured servant is threatened, Susanna is forced to choose between justice and mercy, and Ben becomes her unlikely advisor. But drawing closer to this man of principle and intellect lands her in a dangerous, secret world of rebellion and revolution against everything she once held dear.

My Review

What a fabulous book that is rich in historical detail, compelling characters, suspense and romance! The emotions of the characters were portrayed in a way that made it easy to connect with them and their struggles, and I loved that Susanna and Ben brought out the best in each other. Susanna was facing dilemmas on several fronts- her relationship with her mother, political controversies, sacrificing love for wealth, law versus compassion, and the undeniable chemistry she has with Ben. The mystery of the murdered young women adds an element of suspense that kept me reading straight through until I was done. It was satisfying to see Susanna's perspectives and opinions develop as her eyes are opened up to the world outside her household and her discovery that making the right choice doesn't always have easy consequences, but it is worth it. I'm looking forward to reading more by the author!

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

Review: A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

My rating: 3 stars

Synopsis from Goodreads.com

Sadie Sillsby works as the assistant to the matron at the Raystown Home for Orphan and Friendless Children and dreams of the day she'll marry her beau, Blaine. But when the matron surprises everyone by announcing her own engagement, Sadie is suddenly next in line for the job. For a young woman who was once an orphan herself, a shot at such an esteemed position is a wish come true.

But the matron of the Home cannot be married. Is Sadie willing to give up her dreams of a life with Blaine and a family of her own? Is she prepared to forgo daily involvement with the children as she instead manages the financial, legal, and logistical aspects of the orphanage? And when it's revealed that the Home is spending a lot more money than it's taking in, can Sadie turn things around before the place is forced to close forever?

My Review

I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at running an orphanage and the constant struggle to bring in donations and funding. Sadie was far from perfect, but her vulnerabilities made her easy to relate to. She took on a big job that she thought she was prepared for, but had her eyes opened to how an administrative job has different challenges. I felt that the romantic chemistry was lacking with her and Blaine. I would have liked to see more background about how their relationship developed in order to have a deeper understanding of their present behavior and choices. The author focused much more on some of Sadie's personal and work-related obstacles. Her character development by the end of the novel was gratifying and led to a sweet ending.

(ARC provided via Netgalley for unbiased review)

$1.99 ebook of To Win Her Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 

Aaaaah! This is my absolute favorite Karen Witemeyer book, and it is easily in my top 10 favorite books. I just love the characters and the chemistry and little moments between them are great. Definitely worth full price, but a discount is even better :) The sale is only Feb 17-23.
Get it at Amazon here