To Walk In Sunshine by Sally Laity

Christian Historical Romance set in the 1920s. I grew up near Wilkes-Barre, PA where the story is set. It’s a nice, rural area. As you drive through the area you can still see steam and smoke coming up through breaks in the ground from underground fires in the old mines.  This is a story of differences in race and culture among immigrant communities, intolerance and profiling.  A member of the “gypsy” community, Rosalind who is a Lebanese girl rides with her Grandfather, a peddler in the area. When searching in the woods for medicinal plants for her Grandmother, she meets Ken, who is a miner who comes there to read his bible and relax. They sit and talk each time they meet, learning about each other. Ken has been raised as a Christian and shares his faith and teaching with Rosalind. She learns that he is a man who will respect and honor her, unlike the man from her community who wants to marry her.  When they get closer they find that neither family will accept them as a couple. A great example of Christian faith and trusting in God.  

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - 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.

Description

Enjoy an historical romance from author Sally Laity as you journey into coal mining country of 1920s Pennsylvania. Ken Roberts, a coal miner, and Rosalind Gilbran, a Lebanese immigrant, develop a friendship that is forbidden by her Old World family. Also includes a bonus novel, The Train Stops Here by Gail Sattler, in which cultures clash between a hobo and the daughter of a man charged with sweeping the trains of freeloaders. 

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Behind The Scenes by Jen Turano

Hilarious action packed fun that pulls on your heartstrings. A delightful Cinderella-esque story with a special young lady you're sure to love. (Christian Historical Romance) Miss Permilia Griswold grew up with her father at his mines. Because of this upbringing she acquired special talents and a no-nonsense view on life. A new Stepmother leads her father to believe that since they are a wealthy family Permilia should be introduced to and take her place in Society. As you can imagine it was not an easy fit - and she was relegated to Wallflower status.  Which was actually an advantage since she also has a soft heart and needs to earn money to help support her charity. Wait - she's from a wealthy family but has to earn money? That's some Stepmother she has - treating Permilia badly behind her father's back, yet elevating her own daughter. We need a hero!

Asher is a handsome business man who is quite comfortable in Society, but if they were aware of his family's financial situation they might not be so welcoming. He also realizes that he is a bit of a Dandy.

Stir in mystery, a murder attempt and madcap supporting characters in fast paced action. Did I mention Permillia's fabulous fashion taste and affinity for bargain shopping? Who did you think the hero was going to be?

I've said it before and I'll say it again - Cheer up! Read a Jen Turano book.

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 in Advertising”.

From the Publisher:
Start of a Delightful New Series from Historical Romance Author Jen Turano

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn't guaranteed to "take." After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she's finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym "Miss Quill."

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it's simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country.
When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she's determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she'll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there's more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .


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Wait For Me (The West Virginia Mountains Series Book 1) by Jo Huddleston

Christian Historical Romance set in the 1950's. This is best as a Young Adult selection. It covers issues like waiting until you're married for sex, dementia, parental disobedience,  poverty of miners in a mining town, and wealth of the mine owner and his family, bettering yourself with education, as well as basic Christian values.

This is a wonderful, sweet story of a young couple who are from the same town, but different social classes. Because of her mother's views, Julie, the daughter of the mine owner, is expected to attend school but not socialize or interact with the other children. Of course this rarely works. Told in first person, the tale is about Julie and how her life unfolds within this restricted life frame, then after she goes away to college. It's also about a young man from her town whom she loves, and revelations about her father and how he feels about the miners he employs. It's written in a format for younger readers.

Thank you to Cheri and Fred at The Book Club Network, the author Jo Huddleston and the publisher Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications, for the opportunity to read this book. I was given a free E-book in exchange for an honest review, which you found here.

I would definitely suggest this book to my family or friends who have young adult children.  I see it's the first in a series. I'd be interested to know how Robby and Julie do as time goes by! Great cover too.

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