Review of Robin Lee Hatcher’s A PROMISE KEPT & Kindle HDX Giveaway and Facebook Party on 2/6!

About the book: God was going to save her marriage, Allison was sure of it. But neither her husband nor her marriage had been saved.

What had become of His promise?

Tony Kavanagh had been Allison's dream-come-true. They were in love within days, engaged within weeks, married and pregnant within a year. Her cup bubbled over with joy . . . but years later, that joy had been extinguished by unexpected trials.

The day Allison issued her husband an ultimatum, she thought it might save him. She never expected he would actually leave. She was certain God had promised to heal their marriage; it was clear that she'd misunderstood.

Now, living in the quiet mountain cabin she inherited from her single, self-reliant Great Aunt Emma, Allison must come to terms with her grief and figure out how to adapt to small town life. But when she finds a wedding dress and a collection of journals in Emma's attic, a portrait of her aunt emerges that takes Allison completely by surprise: a portrait of a heartbroken woman surprisingly like herself.

As Allison reads the incredible story of Emma's life in the 1920s and 1930s, she is forced to ask a difficult question: Does she really surrender every piece of her life to the Lord?

Drawing from her own heart-wrenching story of redemption, A Promise Kept is Robin Lee Hatcher's emotionally charged thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers---in His own time and His own ways.

My review: This is a wonderful story that's partially based on the author and her husband!  I loved the contemplative feel to this story as Allison struggles to pick up the pieces of her life after a divorce and find a new place for herself.  The interweaving of Allison's story now and in the past with her great-aunt's as she reads her journals is like a beautiful tapestry that shows both the pain and heartache they went through, but also the joy and healing as they come out the other side. I really felt for both of them and there were many times I had tears in my eyes, though this story is also very filled with hope.  The message of trusting God's timing and being thankful for the hard times really hit home with me.  In her note to readers, Robin wrote, "God can and does work miracles...But more often than not, Jesus invites us to be yoked with Him as we walk through the fire together.  He matures us in the refining process so that we might become more like him."  Allison wonders if she's thankful for the hard things and disappointments in her life and I have to say I'm not. This book challenged me to look at things differently and use those hard times to draw nearer to Jesus and to know that they are just a season in life, one that God will use for my good.  This is my favorite book so far of Robin's! I highly recommend it!

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More Reviews!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/sK3Ti

Meet the author: Robin is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.

Learn more about Robin at: http://www.robinleehatcher.com









Don't miss Robin Lee Hatcher's stunning new novel, A Promise Kept. Robin is celebrating with a fun giveaway and an encouraging Facebook Author Chat Party.

 One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• A Promise Kept by Robin Lee Hatcher

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on February 6th. Winner will be announced at the "A Promise Kept" Facebook Author Chat Party on the 6th. Connect with Robin and friends for an evening of encouraging book chat, prizes, and an exclusive look at Robin's next book!

So grab your copy of A Promise Kept and join Robin on the evening of February 6th for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by clicking JOIN at the event page. Spread the word—tell your friends about the giveaway and party via FACEBOOK or TWITTER. Hope to see you on 2/6!

Dare to Love Again - The Heart of San Francisco 2 - by Julie Lessman

About the book: 

She's a sassy socialite burned by love. He's a jaded cop burned by the upper class.
When sparks fly . . . will love catch fire again?

Spunky Allison McClare is determined to be a fearless, independent woman. But when she takes a notion to explore the wild Barbary Coast, she quickly discovers she's no match for the unsavory characters that haunt the dark streets.

Detective Nick Barone would rather do almost anything than teach this petite socialite self-defense, but it seems he has little choice. Sparks fly every time the two meet until a grudging friendship develops into something deeper. But is he just a fraud like all the rest of the men Allison's cared for? Or is he the one who will let her dare to love again?

Award-winning author Julie Lessman brings the glamour of Gilded Age San Francisco to vibrant life in this journey to find a love that never fails.

My review: 

I really enjoyed this romantic and amusing story, though not as much as the first, I have to say.  There didn't seem to be as much development to the relationship in this book as in the other four books of Julie's I've read, nor as much of a spiritual journey for the characters.  Their struggles are touched on a bit with the themes of forgiveness, praying for your enemies, and not judging others, and it could be that the other books I've read of hers had male or female characters that were quite a bit further from God.  However, I still really liked it because I loved the characters, plot, and romance and Julie definitely knows how to paint a realistic and amusing scene!  The secondary plot line about Allison's mother and uncle was great and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book with them.  I loved that so much more of the city came alive in this book, from the Fisherman's Wharf to Chinatown.  Julie's one of my favorite authors and I can't wait for the next one in the series!  You should definitely check this one out!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

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The Calling - The Inn at Eagle Hill 2 - by Suzanne Woods Fisher

About the book:

Bethany's restless heart is searching for answers--in life and in love
Bethany Schrock's love life has derailed, her faith hangs by a thread, and she is spending hot summer days wading through a lifetime of accumulation at the home of five elderly Amish sisters. She's not sure what she wants out of life, but she knows that she's not finding it in Stoney Ridge.

Then a new guest at the Inn at Eagle Hill ropes her into volunteering in a community project for down-and-outers. Reluctant at first, Bethany starts to feel a bit of joy and satisfaction again. But not so much that Jimmy Fisher, adorable and impossible, can woo her affections with his winks and tricks. Well, maybe a little.

When a figure from her past reenters her life, Bethany must decide: What does the past mean to her future?

Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delivers her trademark twists, turns, and tender romance in this delightful and exciting visit to the quiet community of Stoney Ridge.

My review-

I really enjoyed this book that continues the story of the Schrock family at their peaceful inn in the country. Bethany is a fun, feisty character and I found her interactions with different people, especially Jimmy, to be amusing.  From her work with elderly hoarders to her search for the truth about her mother, not to mention the hint of romance, her story kept my interest throughout.  I liked seeing Jimmy change and grow along with Bethany. The community project was interesting, along with one girl in particular she met.  I love her fourteen-year-old sister, Mim, who's very smart and wise beyond her years.  I really hope the next book has a lot about her!  I loved that we got multiple viewpoints so we could see how different characters were thinking and feeling. It was interesting to see how the youth pastor who was a guest at their inn viewed her relationship with God and the differences in how they approached Him.   I would love to stay at their inn and explore the countryside; it seems very peaceful and beautiful there.  I can't wait to visit again when the third book comes out this summer!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review.

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Georgia on Her Mind by Rachel Hauck---Wouldn't let me post pic for some reason.  Free for kindle!



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Review of Julie Klassen’s “The Dancing Master,” giveaway, and “All Things Jane” webcast 1/23!

About the book: Finding himself the man of the family, London dancing master Alec Valcourt moves his mother and sister to remote Devonshire, hoping to start over. But he is stunned to learn the village matriarch has prohibited all dancing, for reasons buried deep in her past.

Alec finds an unlikely ally in the matriarch's daughter. Though he's initially wary of Julia Midwinter's reckless flirtation, he comes to realize her bold exterior disguises a vulnerable soul---and hidden sorrows of her own.

Julia is quickly attracted to the handsome dancing master---a man her mother would never approve of---but she cannot imagine why Mr. Valcourt would leave London, or why he evades questions about his past. With Alec's help, can Julia uncover old secrets and restore life to her somber village . . . and to her mother's tattered heart?

Filled with mystery and romance, The Dancing Master brings to life the intriguing profession of those who taught essential social graces for ladies and gentlemen hoping to make a "good match" in Regency England.

My review: I really enjoyed this well-written and unique story!  I have never really thought about the men who taught ladies and gentlemen how to dance, much less how important it was for obtaining a good match since they needed to be seen at balls and able to dance well.  I also had no idea that they also taught fencing!  I loved the characters, from rebellious Julia to noble Alec and all of the wonderful secondary characters that filled out the story so nicely.  I found the story amusing as Julia was quite witty and Walter a bit clumsy, so there was a good mixture of different types of humor.  The struggles of Julia and Alec are timeless ones, with trying to find their place in the world as they become adults and Alec wondering if he should try to do what he loves or take a job that's more stable.  Julia struggles with not really feeling loved, so she looks for it in inappropriate places and goes about it in the wrong way.  I also liked the glimpses we get into Lady Amelia's inner life and her side of things in her relationship with her daughter, Julia.  This story reminded me of the movie, Footloose, with a whole town forbidden to dance, but for slightly different reasons.  I highly recommend this story!

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews here!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/s7Yl1

About the author: Julie Klassen loves all things Jane---Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She is a three-time Christy Award winner and a 2010 Midwest Book Award winner for Genre Fiction. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

Learn more about Julie at: http://julieklassen.com

Best-selling author Julie Klassen will be hosting a Kindle Fire HDX giveaway and a live webcast event (1/23) to celebrate the release of her latest novel, The Dancing Master. Enter and RSVP today!

 
  One winner will receive:

• A Kindle Fire HDX
• The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 23rd. Winner will be announced at the "All Things Jane (from Austen to Eyre)" Live Webcast Event on January 23rd. Connect with Julie for an evening of book chat, trivia, laughter, and more! Julie will also be taking questions from the audience and giving away books, Jane Austen DVDs, fun "Jane" merchandise, and gift certificates throughout the evening.

So grab your copy of The Dancing Master and join Julie and friends on the evening of January 23rd for a chance to connect and make some new friends. (If you haven't read the book, don't let that stop you from coming!)

Don't miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today by signing up for a reminder. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 23rd!

Review of The Painted Table & Win a hand-painted table from Suzanne Field in “The Painted Table” giveaway-ends Jan. 18th!

About the book: A beautiful heirloom ingrained with family memory has become a totem of a life Saffee would rather forget---a childhood disrupted by her mother's mental illness.
Saffee does not want the table. By the time she inherits the object of her mother's obsession, the surface is thick with haphazard layers of paint, and heavy with unsettling memories.

After a childhood spent watching her mother slide steadily into insanity, painting and re-painting the ancient table, Saffee has come to fear that seeds of psychosis may lie dormant within her. But as an adult with a family of her own, Saffee must confront her mother's torment if she wants to defend herself against it.

Traversing four generations over the course of a century, The Painted Table is an epic portrait of inherited memory, proclivity, and guilt. It is a sprawling narrative affirmation that a family artifact---like a family member---can bear the marks of one's entire past . . . as well as intimations of one's redemption.

My review: This was a very different story from ones I usually read.  It was interesting, but it was frustrating because I felt so bad for Saffee, her sister, and father for the things they went through with her mother.  I also felt bad for her mother because she couldn't help the unreasonable things she sometimes did and thought.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to grow up in a household with both parents emotionally distant and one erratic besides.  There were things hinted at in her mother's childhood that I was hoping we would find out the truth about once and for all, but were left more vague.  The curiosity in me really wanted to know all!  I could relate to the Norwegian heritage from Minnesota and I liked learning about some of the history of the family, but I wished for more of that.  This is definitely a more serious novel that almost read like a memoir.  There was some really wise advice given to Saffee about incorporating the good things from her mother and not keeping the bad and I think that's great advice for any child with the legacy of a parent.  It's not easy, but being intentional about keeping the good and not holding on to the bad is important for moving on and not repeating our parents' mistakes.  There's a really cool dream Saffee has about her mother and heaven that made me cry and I love how that ended the story on a more uplifting note. 

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More Reviews Here!

Purchase your copy: http://ow.ly/rIosh

About the author: Suzanne Field, a graduate of the University of Minnesota, has taught English as a Second Language in China, Ukraine, and Hawaii. She has also been a magazine editor and home-school teacher. She and her husband have five children and divide their time between Kansas and Hawaii where she is a tutor and mentor.

Learn more about Suzanne at: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneFieldThePaintedTable


Suzanne Field is celebrating her novel The Painted Table with a beautiful hand-painted table giveaway!

One winner will receive:

• A beautiful hand-painted table (see it here: http://etsy.me/15L90cD)
• The Painted Table by Suzanne Field

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on January 18th. Winner will be announced January 20th on Thomas Nelson's Facebook Page.

Don't miss a moment of the fun; enter today and be sure to stop by the TNZ Facebook Page on the 20th to see if you won.

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No One To Trust - Hidden Identity 1 - by Lynette Eason

About the book:

She doesn't know who she's running from--and the man she loves may be someone else entirely

Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

Always thrilling, bestselling author Lynette Eason outdoes herself in this taut, breakneck story of lies, loyalties, and love that will have you up all night to discover the truth hidden in the shadows.

My review:

I really enjoyed this book!  The action was non-stop.  The emotional impact was just as good as Summer struggled with anger over being lied to, confusion over who this man really was, and the fact that she still loved him but couldn't trust him.  We got viewpoints from Summer, Kyle, and the bad guy, and I love stories with multiple viewpoints.  There are not one, not two, but three great twists in the story that I didn't see coming!  I really liked the fact that Summer was a smart woman and an attorney who was determined to help a woman get custody of her kids as she divorced her abusive husband.  That gave depth to Summer's character as we learned more about her childhood and her relationship with her sister.  The spiritual elements were wonderful, too, as she tried to hope in the Lord and trust that He had a plan. I highly recommend this book and can't wait for the next in this new series!

I received this book free from Revell in exchange for an honest review. 

Amish Seamstress - The Women of Lancaster County 4 - by Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

About the book:

Bestselling authors Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould provide an unexpected surprise in The Amish Seamstress, Book 4 in the Women of Lancaster County series, which tells the stories of young Amish women as they explore their roots, connect with family, and discover true love.
Izzy Mueller is an exceptional listener and gifted caregiver. She’s also a talented seamstress. As the young woman sits with her elderly patients, she quietly sews as they share their stories. She’s content with her life until circumstances reconnect her with someone she once loved. Zed Bayer, a Mennonite, is not what her family is hoping for in a spouse, and his creative interest in filmmaking is definitely at odds with her Amish upbringing.
As Izzy is swept up again in Zed and renews her friendship with his sister, Ella, she begins to ask questions about her own life—her creative longings and historical interests, her relationships and desire for romance, and most importantly, her faith. What is the path God has for her? Can she learn from the past of both her family’s and Zed’s—or must she forge a completely different future of her own?

My review: 

I haven't read the first three books in this series, but I was glad to see that it worked well as a stand-alone, though characters from the other books are featured a lot.  I liked Izzy and Zed and found the aspect of filmmaking interesting, especially for an Amish girl to be involved!  Since the story's told in the first person, you really get to know what Izzy's thinking, which I like, but not anyone else, which I don't.  I could relate to her confusion over her job when she feels like she can't do what she's trained for, but isn't sure what to try next.  I can't imagine how hard it would be to be a caregiver to the dying.  I liked that there seemed to be something always happening to keep my attention, whether Izzy is moving to another state to be a caregiver for a few weeks and has to adjust to new people and situations or as she tries to discover a family secret from the mid-1700s.  I enjoyed her interest in her ancestors, her confusion over what was happening with Zed, and her struggle to trust God whatever might happen.  It was also unique to see Mennonite and Amish in the same book and some of the differences between the groups.  I did wish for more romance and Zed's thoughts.  I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to reading the rest in the series!  Check it out!

I received a free copy of this book from Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

Dorothy Love’s “Carolina Gold” Southern Essentials $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway, Review and 1/14 Facebook Party!

About the book: The war is over, but her struggle is just beginning.

Charlotte Fraser returns to her late father's once-flourishing rice plantation on the Waccamaw River, determined to continue growing the special kind of rice known as Carolina Gold. But Fairhaven Plantation is in ruins, the bondsmen are free, and money is scarce.

To make ends meet, Charlotte reluctantly accepts a position as tutor to the young daughters of Nicholas Betancourt, heir to the neighboring Willowood Plantation. Then Nick's quest to prove his ownership of Willowood sends Charlotte on a dangerous journey that reveals an old family mystery---and threatens all that she holds dear.

Inspired by the life of a 19th century woman rice planter, Carolina Gold continues Dorothy Love's winning tradition of weaving together mystery, romance, and rich historical detail, bringing to life the story of one young woman's struggle to restore her ruined world.

My review: This was an interesting story about a topic I wasn't very familiar with.  I found it fascinating to learn about a rice plantation and the difficulties these farmers had to bring in a crop, especially after the Civil War. I admired Charlotte's determination to make a go of the place. I also liked learning more about what the South experienced during the Reconstruction and what an epidemic of yellow fever was like.  The book was well-written, with descriptions so vivid I felt like I could really visualize everything, and I definitely want to visit the area sometime because it sounds gorgeous!  It felt like the story lagged as it went on, however, with not much happening.  I wished for more to Charlotte and Nicholas's relationship, but I did enjoy her interaction with his children.  If you like historical novels, you might want to check it out.

I received a free copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

More reviews here!

Purchase a copy: http://ow.ly/s2Q5l

About the author: A former journalist, free-lance writer and college professor, Dorothy Love explores the intersection of history and human relationships to create novels that speak to the hearts of women everywhere. She is the author of the acclaimed Hickory Ridge novels set in her native state of Tennessee.

After earning a masters degree and Ph.D, she authored dozens of magazine articles before breaking into book publishing with a number of award-winning novels for preteens and young adults. The Hickory Ridge series marked her adult fiction debut. Currently she is working on several stand-alone historical novels set in the South.

When she isn't busy writing or researching her next book, Love enjoys hiking, traveling, and hanging out with her husband Ron and their rambunctious golden retriever. The Loves make their home in the Texas hill country.

To keep up with Dorothy Love, visit www.dorothylovebooks.com, become a fan on Facebook (Dorothy Love Books) or follow her on Twitter (@writerDorothy). 

Don't miss Dorothy Love's latest historical novel, Carolina Gold. Fun news: The release of Carolina Gold coincides with Dorothy's birthday. Celebrate with her by entering the Southern Essentials Giveaway and RSVPing to her Facebook party on January 14th!

 
Between January 3–14, visit Dorothy Love's Facebook Page to enter to win a new giveaway each day and be entered to win the $100 Visa Cash Card grand prize. Winners will be announced at the Facebook Author Chat party on January 14th! (Don't have a Facebook account? Enter here.) RSVP today for Dorothy's Carolina Gold Author Chat Party on Facebook.

During the party Dorothy will be hosting a book chat, testing your trivia skills, announcing the winner of the Southern Essentials Giveaway, and giving away books, gift certificates, and more. Oh, and she'll also be giving partygoers an exclusive look at her next book!

So grab your copy of Carolina Gold and help Dorothy celebrate her birthday on the evening of January 14th! (If you haven’t read the book, don’t let that stop you from coming!)

DON’T MISS A MOMENT OF THE FUN; RSVP TODAY. HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 14th!

Disappointing Bible Storybook- 99 Stories from the Bible by Juliet David

This is a colorful, easy-to-read storybook for children that features some of the better known Bible stories.  There are a lot of full pages of artwork and each story is about one page, but in very large print.  It would be fine to either read aloud or for a young reader to start out with.

However, I have a problem with some of the stories.  I understand that they are very simplified and don't get into the sin and violence, so important points are left out.  That I could probably overlook.  I do have a problem when something seems changed from the truth of the Bible and I found that in a few of the stories.  This book says Moses wrote down the Ten Commandments on stone when it was God who did.  It looks like Samuel picked Saul to be king because he looked like a king rather than because God had told Samuel the previous day that he was sending him.  It also seems like a very important part is left out of Joseph's story, that he forgave his brothers for selling him.  Aaron is also left out of the story of Moses asking Pharaoh to let his people go.  I felt Ruth's story was unclear because it's never mentioned that she is a widow, too, just that she is Naomi's son's wife.  It's also mentioned that Boaz thought Ruth was beautiful, which isn't said in the Bible, and that's the reason he helped her instead of the fact that he admired her for taking care of Naomi.  Some of these might be minor issues, but there's no reason they needed to be changed from the Biblical account.  I think it sets a bad precedence if a child reads the story one way and then sees the Bible say something else later.  The Bible's truth shouldn't be questioned or changed for any reason.  I'd have to say I was pretty disappointed with this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Kregel Publications in exchange for an honest review.

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An Amish Miracle by Beth Wiseman, Ruth Reid & Mary Ellis

About the book:  

“Always in My Heart” by Mary Ellis
Hope Bowman believes God is punishing her for giving up her firstborn son when she was a teenager. She’s hidden this past from her husband, who is thankful for their daughters but longs for a son. Hope prays desperately, but the son God sends isn’t a new pregnancy. It's the fifteen-year-old boy she gave away years ago.

“Always His Providence” by Ruth Reid
Widow Rosa Hostetler has one month to pay her delinquent taxes before the county auctions her farm. She’s prepared to sell whatever is necessary to pay the lien, but she isn’t willing to request money from the community's widow fund. She’s embarrassed and refuses to admit she needs help. Rosa depends on income from selling eggs, but when that income is threatened, only a miracle can help Rosa accept the kindness of a neighbor.

“Always Beautiful” by Beth Wiseman

Becky Byler is eighteen and obese. As she continues to grow, so does her despair. Having lost all hope, she considers taking her life, even though it goes against her beliefs. Standing before rushing water, unable to swim, Becky begs God for a miracle. Two months pass and Becky has miraculously lost over a hundred pounds. But does Becky like the person she has become? Could it be this weight loss isn’t at all the miracle she thinks it is?

My review:

I really enjoyed these short interwoven novellas!  Hope's was a unique story because the Amish don't usually give their children up for adoption.  She went through a traumatic experience and hadn't been honest with her husband about her past, nor had really forgiven where she needed to.   I really admired Hope for facing her fears.  It was interesting to see how she dealt with the shock of her son showing up and what that would mean for her family and where they would go from there. The son's perspective was interesting, too, because he tracked her down and was surprised by a few things! Hope's friend, Rosa, was incredibly stubborn and I found myself frustrated with her in the second story. I liked the theme of trusting God no matter the circumstances and the insight into training horses, too!  The last story was my favorite because it deals with self-esteem, an issue most women, myself included, struggle with.  I felt for Becky, but I became frustrated with her near the end because of her attitude.  I can relate to her love of food and how hard it is to give up a lot of your favorites.  I wasn't sure which of the two men in the story Becky would end up with or if any at all!  I liked how these women got their miracles, just maybe not in the way they would have expected.  They were well-written and challenged me to think how I would react in those circumstances.  I highly recommend this, especially if you like Amish fiction.

I received a copy of this book free from Booksneeze in exchange for an honest review.

Check out the book on Thomas Nelson's site:
http://www.thomasnelson.com/an-amish-miracle.html

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Prairie Song - Hearts Seeking Home 1 - by Mona Hodgson

I really enjoyed this story about a group of people heading west on a wagon train.  Anna Goben has convinced her mother and grandfather to leave for a fresh start after the death of her brother in the Civil War.  She's been taking care of them both as they remained stuck in their grief and hopes this will be just the thing to wake them up.  If not, she doesn't know how she can ever leave them to their own devices and start a new life.  She's off to a rough start when one of the trail hands takes a dislike to her over a misunderstanding.  Caleb Reger senses she's going to be trouble, both for the wagon train and for his heart.  He decides to keep his distance since he plans to never marry.  He believes he doesn't deserve to be happy after a horrible mistake in his past.  She's happy, though, to have some friends along from her quilting circle back in St. Charles, Missouri.

Widow Caroline Milburn has come along as a nanny to the five Kamden children so she can have her own fresh start in California.  She needs to get away from her brother-in-law's attitude, though she's sorry to leave her sister and nieces and nephews. Caroline has disliked wagon leader Garrett Cowlishaw ever since the Confederate soldier delivered the letter announcing her husband's death in the war.  Her husband fought for the Union and she blamed Garrett personally at first. Garrett's immediately attracted to Caroline, but knows she dislikes him.  He's just not sure how to change her mind.  Besides, his hands are a little full with overseeing a large caravan, protecting them from threats of all kinds, and getting them to California safely.

I really enjoyed this story that's the first in the series and yet continues the three Quilted Heart novellas.  I liked the multiple story lines and getting to know these characters I was introduced to in the novellas and catching up with others.  The romances were sweet and I really liked the characters, except for Anna's mother, who was very frustrating.  I found it interesting to learn what traveling on a wagon train could have been like.  I really liked the spiritual focus on accepting God's grace, learning to give people to God, and that you can't control everything.  I recommend this book for anyone who likes historical romances!

I received a free copy of this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

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