Review: A Temporary Family by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When Tilly Hargreaves and her three nieces are stranded at his small stagecoach station in an abandoned town and threatened by outlaws, Nolan West must protect them. And the only way he can do that is by pretending he's married to Tilly. But can the former solider, whose only wish is for solitude, stop himself from growing attached to his temporary family?

Tilly knows the charade is necessary to keep her and the girls safe, but now her heart is in danger. The longer she pretends the stoic station agent is her husband, the more genuine their union feels. Nolan believes he's better off alone, but Tilly's certain that if he'd only open his heart to his make-believe family, he'd want to claim them as his for real.

My Review

This western historical is full of suspense and danger throughout the entire book as Tilly and Nolan endure the occupation of the station by villainous outlaws intent on stealing a pending shipment of gold. It seems that nothing goes right for these two as they face obstacle after obstacle. I liked Tilly's cheerful spirit and how it contrasted sharply with Nolan's discouraged attitude, yet over time she helped him lighten the darkness that's plaguing him through her hope and faith. He helps her put things in perspective as well, and that kind of symbiotic friendship was lovely. Their romance is hesitant and full of doubts, and I appreciated that their friendship and support of each other stood strong in spite of that. I was quickly turning pages to see what would happen next and how they would manage to come out on top of such a rough and dangerous situation!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Review & Giveaway: Her Secret by Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

After a stalker went too far, Hannah Hilty and her family had no choice but to leave the bustling Amish community where she grew up. Now she's getting a fresh start in Hart County, Kentucky... if only she wasn't too scared to take it. Hannah has become afraid to trust anyone- even Isaac, the friendly Amish man who lives next door. She wonders if she'll ever return to the trusting, easy-going woman she once was.

For Isaac Troyer, the beautiful girl he teasingly called "The Recluse" confuses him like no other. When he learns of her past, he knows he's misjudged her. However, he also understands the importance of being grateful for God's gifts, and wonders if they will ever have anything in common. But as Hannah and Isaac slowly grow closer, they realize that there's always more to someone than meets the eye.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love, more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Now Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

My Review

This is a suspenseful story, albeit a bit predictable, with plenty of character growth as Isaac, Hannah, and members of their families learn life lessons about compassion, family loyalty, and strength. Most of the characters' flaws are revealed at some point in the story, which makes them easier to relate to- knowing they aren't perfect and struggling with choices and behavior. The person that was the hardest to understand was Hannah's little sister Jenny, who feels uprooted and places the blame entirely on Hannah, but has secrets of her own that she fails to communicate to her family. Isaac is charming and likeable, and his attentiveness and protectiveness for Hannah only makes him more so as time goes on. The level the story is written on is a bit simple, without the depth of emotion I've been used to from recent Amish fiction I've read, but it was an entertaining book and one that I wouldn't have a problem recommending to ages teen to adult.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Shelley Shepard Gray is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, a finalist for the American Christian Fiction Writers prestigious Carol Award, and a two-time HOLT Medallion winner. She lives in southern Ohio, where she writes full-time, bakes too much, and can often be found walking her dachshunds on her town's bike trail.

   

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The next book to keep you up way past your bedtime? Shelley Shepard Gray’s Her Secret, a suspenseful tale of a young Amish woman who is forced to move to a new town to escape a threatening stalker.

Just as Hannah is finally settling into her new life, and perhaps finding a new love with Isaac (the friendly Amish man who lives next door), more secrets are revealed and tragedy strikes. Hannah must decide if she should run again or dare to fight for the future she has found in Hart County.

Enter to win a copy of Her Secret. Five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced April 3rd on the Litfuse blog!

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Austen Escape by Katherine Reay

Ever since her debut novel Dear Mr. Knightley, I've been a huge fan of Katherine Reay's writing. It's thoughtful, deep, and introspective like women's fiction, but with elements of romance and hope that I can't do without ;) I feel transported while reading her books and when I'm done I feel like I've been on a remarkable journey with the characters. Her last book A Portrait of Emily Price was especially amazing! I'm so excited to read her next book The Austen Escape which will release this November.

Synopsis

After years of following her best friend’s lead, Mary Davies finds a whimsical trip back to Austen’s Regency England paves the way towards a new future.

Mary Davies lives and works in Austin, Texas, as an industrial engineer. She has an orderly and productive life, a job and colleagues that she enjoys—particularly a certain adorable, intelligent, and hilarious consultant. But something is missing for Mary. When her estranged and emotionally fragile childhood friend Isabel Dwyer offers Mary a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in Bath, Mary reluctantly agrees to come along, in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways. But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes that she lives in Regency England. Mary becomes dependent on a household of strangers to take care of Isabel until she wakes up.

With Mary in charge and surrounded by new friends, Isabel rests and enjoys the leisure of a Regency lady. But life gets even more complicated when Mary makes the discovery that her life and Isabel’s have intersected in more ways that she knew, and she finds herself caught between who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who stands between them. Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this triangle works out their lives and hearts among a company of clever, well-informed people who have a great deal of conversation.

Review & Giveaway: Sweet is the Work by Breanna Olaveson

My rating: 3 stars / I liked it

Synopsis

Young women serving as missionaries today are carrying on a noble legacy of faith and dedication that extends back to the early days of the Church. But who were the brave women who paved the way for modern-day sister missionaries? In Sweet Is the Work, author Breanna Olaveson delves into a previously unexplored history that demonstrates the unique ability of women to carry out the errand of angels. Discover the powerful experiences of twelve of the earliest sister missionaries, from the first single proselytizing women in 1898 to some of the well-known sisters in Church history who were themselves pioneering missionaries. The women highlighted in this volume demonstrate the valiant and noble history of sister missionaries in an account that is sure to inspire readers to boldly go forth to share the truths of the gospel.

My Review

This is a slim volume containing brief histories of the first female missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and women who shared the gospel in the capacity of their service. It was interesting to see how differently the church operated in the early days and the evolution of its organization. The trials and journeys of these sisters are inspiring and they are wonderful examples worthy of admiration and emulation. I especially enjoyed learning about Mildred E. Randall who served in the Hawaiian islands since I recently took my first trip there and was able to visit the temple on Oahu and learned some history of the first converts in the visitor's center there. I think the volume would have been more well-rounded if it had included words of testimony from the individuals but instead it focused on historical facts and accomplishments. I missed the spirit that declarations of faith bring. Overall is was fascinating and would be a thoughtful gift to any young woman or sister preparing to serve a mission, as well as a nice addition to your personal gospel library.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

Follow the tour!

March 27th
Heidi Reads...

March 28th
My Book a Day
Bloggin' 'Bout Books

March 29th
LDS Writer Mom
Sweetly Made

March 30th
Bookworm Lisa
LDS and Lovin' It
The Things I Love Most
Fire and Ice Reads

March 31st
Singing Librarian Books

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