Until the Harvest by Sarah Loudin Thomas

This is book two in the series. A Christian Historical romance set in West Virginia, 1975.  This picks up several years later, with a death in the family that stretches the faith of a young man.  He's of college age and looking to find himself, sometimes going down the wrong path to find the right one. 

There's also a girl who's his age with parents who aren't very loving, and a sister who needs special care.

Similar to the first book, there's a person with a special gift who helps others in the community.

They find life on a farm is an answer in the right direction, and that an extended family can be a wonderful thing. We all need to be loved and appreciated, and it doesn't have to be by family. A family is people who love you. God's love and the people He sends to us make life worth living.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House Publishers - 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 inAdvertising”. 

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As Love Blooms by Lorna Seilstad

An excellent summer read! Delightful Christian Historical Romance set in 1913 St. Paul, Minnesota. Women weren't supposed to do gardening other than in their own back yard, but Tessa had studied Horticulture at the University of Minnesota. Which was no easy feat in itself, as the college also favored the men, even setting up classes in the evening after curfew for the women. As the youngest sister she's tried a few different occupations before, and this summer she's set her sights on working for Mr. Nussbaumer at his prestigious Park.

Reese is a Master Gardener for Como Park. Tessa showed up deadheading pansies in his area of the park, and a policeman caught her - clearly picking the flowers - and so the story begins.

This is the third book in The Gregory Sisters series. You don't have to read the other books first, but it's highly recommended because they're such good stories. The girls' father had said: "...the Lord blessed him with girls because there were enough foolish men in the world. He planned to raise smart daughters to make up the difference."  These are all strong and intelligent women grounded in faith and this book, as the others, is rooted in scripture. You become fully involved with the characters; you laugh and your heart tugs, breaks and grows with them as they protect their secrets and eventually love blooms. Another beautiful cover!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group and the Revell Reads - 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 Last Heiress by Mary Ellis

Upper class, lower class, slaves - does social status matter during a war? Or when you're in love?

This is an excellent Christian Historical Romance set during the Civil War, representing points of view from England as well as America.  From a personal view as well as a mercenary view, how people live, who they depend on. It's apparent that the author did a lot of research. There was nothing simple about the Civil War, and that depth is brought to this story.

Amanda's family owns textile mills in England. Her twin sister has already moved to America, so it addresses two issues for Amanda to sail over as well. The textile mills desperately need cotton, and have been supplied by her sister's husband and his family business for some time. But with war starting up, the cotton hasn't been coming in as expected. It's essential to their business and their lifestyle that the shipments come in on a regular basis, affecting the lives of the workers as well.

After arriving in America Amanda meets Nathaniel, who is a merchant near her sister's house. He's from the hills of Tennessee, looking for a better life.  And there's more to him than meets the eye.

During a war skills to live and personal integrity come into play on a daily basis. Secrets can be essential.  These characters find that social status does not make a difference when it comes right down to their families and staying alive. But trusting in God and doing the right thing will always see you through.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harvest House Publishers and the 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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

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