No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

1894 Texas Christian Historical. When Mal was 13 he happened into a barn on a farm owned by a family of women who were strong and full of common sense and wisdom. His angel Emma found him freezing in the barn and they nursed him back to health. Years have gone by and he has been working for the railroad, but now these women need his help. They are being threatened. Always a fixer, Emma and a friend formed a women’s colony, where women could be treated fairly in business and life. But someone wanted to take it away from them. A dangerous mystery that could involve someone from their close knit town working against them. Hearts laid bare, they try to figure it out, with lessons of life and Christian faith strengthening their way. They fight the good fight and come through better for it, with a stronger relationship and self worth.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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The Preacher's Bride Collection

Six Old -Fashioned Romances Built on Faith and Love
Kimberley Comeaux, Kristy Dykes, Darlene Franklin, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Colleen L. Reece

What an interesting collection. Creativity abounds! Good long stories, taking you all over and to different kinds of people and situations in the early days of our country.  Such deep and special stories it doesn't really feel like a collection type book. I was fascinated by the wagon train story. It had a way that seemed close to my heart. God has a way of taking us, as we start out in our young lives going in the way we are set on, and gently (or not) curving our path in unexpected ways. Especially in these stories, making the way an interesting one, and anything but boring. There's no way to choose a favorite here. Each is so deep and special, the only thing in common being Preachers and Brides. Some of these authors were new to me - I'm a fan now! It would be neat if there were continuing stories off of these, series style.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick

Most of this is facts that the author found in research. One of the first wagon trains to travel this area.

In the epilogue Jane said she hoped that this story might celebrate the honor of self-sacrifice, the wisdom of working together, and the power of persevering through community and faith. She did that exactly. This story is set in 1844 as a wagon train is progressing across country towards Oregon first then changing to California, which was still Mexican at the time. A fairly easy trip for the first part, they didn't take into the account the high mountains and altitude around Lake Tahoe, and thought California only had warm temperatures. Never expecting the deep, deep snow in the mountains. These became tremendous obstacles for them. Most were Irish, some from Canada.  Good old Irish stubbornness, brains and tenacity came into play as they determined to live and move to their goal. Women were expected to follow without question or input, not expected to think. This group of Irish girls got tired of that and when left to themselves learned what they needed to and proved resourcefulness of their own,  as the men left and forged ahead without them. As with all of Jane's books, there are always lessons to be learned that will apply to women everywhere, anytime.

Quotes
“An old Indian once told me, ‘When you come to a wide chasm— jump. It’s not as wide as you think.’ We had no alternative but to jump and so we did.”

“Taking things apart to re-create them,” Mary said. “That’s happening to us too,” Sarah said. “We’re having to remake ourselves here.” And so they did.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Foremost by Jody Hedlund

Wow. Another fast paced nail biter.  Really hard to out down!
Three baby princesses are separated as their parents are murdered and the kingdom overthrown. They know they are orphans, but not their identity until 17 years later when one of the nuns, who had been tortured, reveals it to them. This book is about Emmaline, one of the twins, a healer, who is ready to become a nun herself. Until her identity is revealed and she has to run. She's another strong willed girl with a heart of gold. Edmund is also of noble blood, also hidden away since he was three, but raised by a warrior as an Elite guard. He's always loved Emmaline, and when he is chosen to guard her as they flee he's glad to take care of her. He has a trained harpy eagle and communicates with her and other animals in an ancient language, bringing a new dimension to the story. A dangerous journey, quest, involving Solomon's hidden treasure in Indiana Jones style as they run to find the answer to her set of clues and then find her sister the queen. Another book you can't put down, keeps you fully engaged. Another hit for Jody Hedlund. I guarantee you'll need the whole series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

Our national parks began in a time of exploration and wonder . . .
FORT WILVERTON, ARIZONA TERRITORY, 1871

Meg was an excellent photographer, having worked with her father since she was little. Shortly after he died, she was hired by the Army to take pictures for an expedition to map part of the Grand Canyon. Can you imagine? That was still new territory. They wanted to find a way for wagon trains to navigate the area safely. They just weren't too pleased when they learned Meg was a woman. She knew the Captain who was in charge of the project, which didn't make it easier since she had turned down his marriage proposal when they were at West Point. But she had her reasons. Reasons that she went over and over again as they traveled together during this expedition. Beauty, mystery, hidden danger weave through this story, even murder. It was interesting to learn more about Cartography as the story went along too. Beautifully, heartfully told, you'll become Meg's champion too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

"Everyone at the table seemed to hold their breath as the snail continued its flight right before it smacked some poor gentleman in the back of the head. Splatters of snail flew from the shell, gasps rang out from numerous guests, and then utter silence descended."

Marvelous mayhem. As I always say, cheer up, read a Jen Turano book! Certainly one of the best authors ever.

1885. Perfectly capable Poppy leaves her parents horse farm to spend a Season with her socially fashionable Grandmother of the Four Hundred. A Grandmother determined that Poppy will be considered a Diamond of the first water. Her Propensity for mishaps will of course keep you in stitches, rolling on the floor laughing, then in awww for the sweetness and heart of these characters.
Reginald is there from England to help his cousin find a suitable bride. He is conscripted by Poppy's Grandmother to teach Poppy how to behave properly in society,  something very necessary for her to be considered as a bride in England's Social circles. Sweet people struggling to make their way, and never a dull moment with Poppy around. She can ride, run and shoot em up with the best. Not valuable traits to those in Society. But maybe its time for Society's rules to change. Poppy has her own kind of influence. As always, an excellent read!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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What Comes My Way by Tracie Peterson

1902. Jump right back into the drama! This is such a memorable series that you'll have no problem doing so. After all, this is a wild west show, with riding and shooting tricks, and it's all girls. Brookstone Wild West Extravaganza is an all-female show filled with women of extraordinary beauty and bravery. Their families and support staff go along as well, weaving a rich story. There are personal struggles, mystery, danger and breathtaking suspense as they travel the United States and Europe. Lots of wonderful Christian lessons, as Tracie does best, especially forgiveness. Secrets are uncovered, lives are changed. A special group of people, all endearing and easy to be attached to. Excellent read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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Thank you Cindy and TCBN!

A new way to get wrapped up in a book you're reading! I received this beautiful, soft, comfy throw from author Cindy Regnier in a drawing on https://www.bookfun.org. It has the first few chapters of her new book - Mail-Order Refuge - printed on one side, fleece on the other side. Thank you Cindy and TCBN! A lot to love :)