A Light In The Wilderness by Jane Kirkpatrick

Have you read any of Jane Kirkpatrick's books? If not, it's a must! Based on historical facts, this book takes place in the early 1800's and involves a wagon train from Missouri to Oregon, where they settle. Letitia is a woman of color who has been freed. But that doesn't mean her life is easy - no, not at all.  She connects with Davey Carson, an Irish immigrant who has been kind to her.  They secretly get married, even though it is forbidden, and travel together to a new life.

Being free doesn't make Letitia equal. Being a woman doesn't either.  As the author says, safety is a state of mind, a matter of faith. Typical of Jane's books, this story is about a woman who is strong and courageous, living and surviving with God's love, sharing that light with others around her. Oregon's laws are off again, on again regarding slavery,  citizenship and basic rights for people of color.  Few people accept Letitia, but the few that do are tightly bound with her.  Constant uncertainty, difficult and trying situations face Letitia all through the story, but she continues to grow and improve other's lives as well.  With and without a man's help. This story enriches our lives with lessons as valuable now as they were back then.

I was given this book in return for my honest review.

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Miracle In A Dry Season by Sarah Loudin Thomas

My review:
If this is Sarah's first book, you couldn't prove it by me.  Rich is the description I'd give this story - rich in depth of characters and description of the town they live in, rich in God's lessons. If you grew up in a small town, you'll recognize Wise, Virginia of the mid 1950's in this story. 

Perla is a woman with a past, with evidence to show for it in her little daughter - and no husband.  Forced out of her parents home and her hometown, she comes to live with her Aunt and Uncle, where no one really knows them. But it doesn't take long for this town to form opinions about her too. Including Casewell, a most upstanding citizen and confirmed bachelor. 

But Casewell is more and more drawn to this special woman who helps the whole town despite how she's treated. Eventually he takes her side no matter what they think.  Perla doesn't feel she deserves it. You can't help but become endeared to these two. Through a drought and the death of Casewell's father, they work things through. In time they and the town 'resurrect their own spirits in the assurance of a forgiveness that brings life everlasting. Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning'!

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There was one aspect of the book that I struggled with though. Perla had a gift of making food that would feed everyone that was in attendance, no matter how many and no matter that the ingredients she used were few. Something like the parable of loaves and fishes from the bible. This is the gift that she shared with the town. She made food from the small stores they had during the drought, and fed the whole town. She doesn't brag about it or abuse it, it just happens. I would feel better about it if she called on God and He answered rather than something she was endowed with.

I received this book from bookfun.org in return for my honest opinion. I was not compensated in any other way.

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Handcarved Christmas by Cynthia Hickey

A Historical Christian Romance Christmas Novella

Things I look for in a good book are characters that come to life and settings I can see. I found both in this book!  I also have a soft spot for tales set in the 1800's. Laura is a mail order bride, brought there by the brother of the groom, without his knowledge.  As soon as Ben found out what Sam did, he was grateful for the Christmas gift of this beautiful girl. A girl who fulfilled the wish of his dying mother and also wanted to be a part of their ranch and his life in Montana. Both unsure of how the other really feels about them, the rest of the book is about how they get to know one another and become man and wife, following the plan that God had made for them. 

I found some inconsistencies in timelines and grammar that slowed the story down a little bit for me, which is why I gave it four stars instead of five.  Otherwise, this is one of the best Novellas I've read.

I received this book in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.

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The Fruitcake Challenge by Carrie Fancett Pagels

I had received the e-mail from Carrie Fancett Pagels that I had won the Jen Turano book. In our correspondence as to how I would receive the book, Carrie asked if I would like to review her new Novella. Of course I said yes. Well, I now have another "favorite" author to follow!  I really enjoyed reading about Jo and Tom. Carrie brings them to life - you want to keep following their lives when you're done. Maybe there will be a sequel? Hint hint Carrie :) Maybe you did too good a job?

My review:
A lovely tale set in the white pines of a lumber camp in early Michigan.  Jo is the boss' lovely daughter and camp cook. She loves
her family but wishes to break away for a life of her own. Then Tom comes to the camp to work - actually a teacher, but taking the job of a lumberjack to earn extra money for himself and his widowed mother.  Each has been praying for God's direction in their life, and doesn't realize what He has been working out in the background for their future. The fruitcake challenge provides romantic spice and will make you hungry throughout the story, so be prepared with a cup of tea and dessert as you curl up with this story. Sweetly satisfying, a wonderful example of how God works in the lives of the faithful.

I received this book from Carrie Fancett Pagels at "Overcoming With God"
Link to Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wo6mIs
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A Match of Wits by Jen Turano

When Carrie notified me that I had won this book by Jen Turano I was so surprised. As I mentioned in my previous post, I don't usually win things, and this was the second book I had won. Very exciting for me! And the chance to "meet" Carrie Fancett Pagels, which has been a great pleasure.
If you haven't read a book by Jen Turano - do it. You'll most surely want to read the whole series of the Ladies of Distinction books. One book follows the other, going into more detail of one of the characters. Fast paced books that will leave you in stitches!

My review:
The fourth in the Ladies of Distinction series, another hit by Jen Turano. If you've read the previous books, you'll be used to the non-stop antics of the characters you've glimpsed before, each as endearing as the other. There's a mystery to be solved, by a Gilded Age lady of society - big hearted, clutsy and beautiful. And of course it wouldn't be a romance without a handsome gentleman from the same society and family connections, who is of course highly successful as well as daft when it comes to women and somewhat mixed up with his life. Oh yes, and this story includes a brilliant pig!

The completely delightful style of Jen Turano is a pleasure to read. Never a dull moment, frantically paced and also Christian, with lessons interspersed. Sit back, unwind and be completely entertained!


I received this book from Carrie Fancett Pagels at "Overcoming With God"


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The Healer's Touch by Lori Copeland

I never win anything! Well, maybe I have a couple of times. But it came as a complete surprise to me when Ellie contacted me that I had won this book. I really liked the story and gave it 5 Stars. Lori explains in the beginning of the book that there is a local legend in rural Missouri about a floating light. A bit like an Irish tale. She used that to great advantage in the story!

My review:
Lyric Bolton is a lonely young woman. Living on a farm in 1887 rural Missouri and ostracized because of her mother's behavior,  she yet tends to her mother's illness and raises her little sister.  She's waiting for the day when she can leave and take her little sister away.
U.S. Marshall Ian Cawley is after his man, ruthlessly pursuing on his high spirited horse Norman. That is until a local legend gets involved, and Norman crashes through Lyric's barn.  Ian might be just the thing she needs - if he lives.  Can she trust that he won't reject her like the townspeople have?
This is a lovely story of God-loving people getting to know each other and struggling through life, trying to follow His guidelines - the rural setting and local legend enhancing the tale.  Very well written, Lori Copeland brings these poignant characters to life and leaves a tender impression on your heart.

I received the book from Ellie Whyte at Soul Inspirationz. Follow her blog and enter to win books to read!  Blog  
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Starting a new blog

Starting a new blog today! Recently I have found some free Christian Historical Romance books that I was given to read and review. Since they're starting to add up, I thought I'd start a blog to host my reviews. I am blessed!
Do you want to receive FREE Christian books to read and review? Try joining this Facebook Group.