Synopsis
Seeking Second Chances
Lofty dreams
of a new and better life lured untold thousands to America between 1775
and 1906. Among those “huddled masses yearning to be free” are nine
displaced individuals dumped upon American soil and trying to figure out
how to pursue happiness, make a home, and secure love. From the four
corners of the globe they came, betting their hopes on the American
dream. Can they truly find the new life they desire and the freedom to
let their hearts soar in love and faith?
Capucine: Home to My Heart by Janet Spaeth
Separated forever—from her mother, from her home, from her Acadia—Capucine Louet cannot forgive the British for tearing her family apart in 1775. Now in New Orleans, she has only one ambition: to get to La Manque, where Acadian immigrants have settled and begun a new life. Can Michel LeBlanc, himself a relocated Acadian, help her, and will she be able to overcome her hatred to accept love—and God?
The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand
Trenton, New Jersey, of 1776 is overrun by Hessian soldiers who were brought to the Colonies to aid the British. Comfort Foster and her family have no choice but to house one of these feared soldiers in their small home. Can their family survive the tension when her brother fights for American freedom and her father doctors sick American soldiers?
Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin
In 1777, Sarah Thurston looks forward to Philadelphia’s first celebration of Independence Day. To her, the day heralds the end of her five-year term as an indentured servant. When her greedy master threatens to draw out her servitude, cabinetmaker Thomas Gray comes to Sarah’s defense. Will he and Sarah ever be free to express their love?
Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier
Paloma Rivera hates everything American and is determined to convince her sister to move back to Mexico in 1854. But first she has to find her sister, and no one in the pueblo of Tucson is willing to help her. Can she trust the handsome blacksmith, Antonio Escobar, or is he just toying with her until it is time for her to return home?
Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote
In 1871, Marin Nilsson, a Swedish immigrant schoolmarm, becomes a student of life and love when Swedish farmer Talif Siverson insists on joining her classes in the sod schoolhouse to improve his English skills. Will he be able to break through the teacher’s long-held reserve?
I Take Thee, a Stranger by Kristy Dykes
Widowed and alone in 1885, Corinn McCauley is faced with a desperate decision. Would she be willing to marry a stranger in order to survive in a new country? Trevor Parker is a prosperous farmer in Florida, and he and his two daughters need a woman in their life. But Corrin doesn’t realize just how acute their needs are until she accepts this stranger’s proposal.
The Golden Cord by Judith Miller
Suey Qui Jin has been sold like livestock and taken across the Pacific Ocean to California in 1885. But mercifully, she had been befriended by an American-born Chinaman who promises to help her. Can a symbolic ribbon from a Bible be the key to getting her out of slavery of body and soul?
Promises Kept by Sally Laity
With the death of her fiancé in 1905, all of Kiera MacPherson’s hopes for a wonderful life in the New World have vanished. She takes a position as companion to a wealthy matriarch in order to earn her passage back to Ireland. Her leisurely work allows plenty time for studying an old family Bible, and she asks Devon Hamilton, the master of the mansion, many insightful questions. Will this quest for biblical knowledge upset order in the Hamilton household—and then bless her with two everlasting loves?
The Blessing Basket by Judith Miller
A Chinese orphan, Sing Ho is stranded by the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Though her fortunes rise and fall, she is eventually overwhelmed when God pours out more blessings than she can handle—two marriage proposals!
My Review
Capucine: Home to My Heart by Janet Spaeth
Separated forever—from her mother, from her home, from her Acadia—Capucine Louet cannot forgive the British for tearing her family apart in 1775. Now in New Orleans, she has only one ambition: to get to La Manque, where Acadian immigrants have settled and begun a new life. Can Michel LeBlanc, himself a relocated Acadian, help her, and will she be able to overcome her hatred to accept love—and God?
The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand
Trenton, New Jersey, of 1776 is overrun by Hessian soldiers who were brought to the Colonies to aid the British. Comfort Foster and her family have no choice but to house one of these feared soldiers in their small home. Can their family survive the tension when her brother fights for American freedom and her father doctors sick American soldiers?
Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin
In 1777, Sarah Thurston looks forward to Philadelphia’s first celebration of Independence Day. To her, the day heralds the end of her five-year term as an indentured servant. When her greedy master threatens to draw out her servitude, cabinetmaker Thomas Gray comes to Sarah’s defense. Will he and Sarah ever be free to express their love?
Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier
Paloma Rivera hates everything American and is determined to convince her sister to move back to Mexico in 1854. But first she has to find her sister, and no one in the pueblo of Tucson is willing to help her. Can she trust the handsome blacksmith, Antonio Escobar, or is he just toying with her until it is time for her to return home?
Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote
In 1871, Marin Nilsson, a Swedish immigrant schoolmarm, becomes a student of life and love when Swedish farmer Talif Siverson insists on joining her classes in the sod schoolhouse to improve his English skills. Will he be able to break through the teacher’s long-held reserve?
I Take Thee, a Stranger by Kristy Dykes
Widowed and alone in 1885, Corinn McCauley is faced with a desperate decision. Would she be willing to marry a stranger in order to survive in a new country? Trevor Parker is a prosperous farmer in Florida, and he and his two daughters need a woman in their life. But Corrin doesn’t realize just how acute their needs are until she accepts this stranger’s proposal.
The Golden Cord by Judith Miller
Suey Qui Jin has been sold like livestock and taken across the Pacific Ocean to California in 1885. But mercifully, she had been befriended by an American-born Chinaman who promises to help her. Can a symbolic ribbon from a Bible be the key to getting her out of slavery of body and soul?
Promises Kept by Sally Laity
With the death of her fiancé in 1905, all of Kiera MacPherson’s hopes for a wonderful life in the New World have vanished. She takes a position as companion to a wealthy matriarch in order to earn her passage back to Ireland. Her leisurely work allows plenty time for studying an old family Bible, and she asks Devon Hamilton, the master of the mansion, many insightful questions. Will this quest for biblical knowledge upset order in the Hamilton household—and then bless her with two everlasting loves?
The Blessing Basket by Judith Miller
A Chinese orphan, Sing Ho is stranded by the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Though her fortunes rise and fall, she is eventually overwhelmed when God pours out more blessings than she can handle—two marriage proposals!
My Review
I was impressed by the variety of stories in this collection, in both setting and plot. So much to enjoy for fans of historical fiction!
Capucine: Home to My Heart by Janet Spaeth - 3 stars
I recently learned about the tragic history of the early settlers in Acadia from The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. It gave me more compassion for Capucine while she struggles to forgive the British. The story vaguely alludes to mysterious work she does, but the impact fell flat because the details and her feelings about it were never explored.
The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand - 5 stars
I loved that Nicholas is such a gentleman when the Hessians have such a bad reputation during the Revolutionary War. He is forced upon the Foster household, but his humble courtesy and defense of their safety quickly earns their trust. The sweet and gentle romance that develops between him and Comfort felt natural and I appreciated that she showed determination and loyalty to keep him safe as well.
Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin - 4 stars
I recently learned about the tragic history of the early settlers in Acadia from The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz. It gave me more compassion for Capucine while she struggles to forgive the British. The story vaguely alludes to mysterious work she does, but the impact fell flat because the details and her feelings about it were never explored.
The Angel of Nuremberg by Irene Brand - 5 stars
I loved that Nicholas is such a gentleman when the Hessians have such a bad reputation during the Revolutionary War. He is forced upon the Foster household, but his humble courtesy and defense of their safety quickly earns their trust. The sweet and gentle romance that develops between him and Comfort felt natural and I appreciated that she showed determination and loyalty to keep him safe as well.
Freedom’s Cry by Pamela Griffin - 4 stars
I felt the vulnerability of Sarah in her position as an indentured servant, with a master that does not practice what he preaches. Seeing her friend suffer makes her begin to doubt God’s goodness, but Thomas and his sister encourage her to trust Him. A sweet romance with an inspirational message during a dynamic time in history.
Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier - 2 stars
Blessed Land by Nancy J. Farrier - 2 stars
I felt for Paloma as she tries to discover where her sister went, but the townspeople won’t reveal their secrets. Antonio “fell in love” with her after only a couple brief encounters, and the insta-love wasn’t very believable. She eventually finds the information she is looking for, but it is not good news. Lots of angst over the consequences of war and bitterness against America.
Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote - 4 stars
Prairie Schoolmarm by JoAnne A. Grote - 4 stars
The Golden Cord by Judith Miller - 2 stars
Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.
