A Bride's Choice in Central City

 

1872. Book 3 in an intricately wound story involving several ribbons of characters. Life in the West has its own flavor, with people who have travelled long distances for a new life, for various reasons. Each of the women have faced their own situations. This story spotlights some of the difficulties of women trying to support themselves. Nora had come out on a wagon train, Annabelle was able to travel by train. The towns are still in early stages, with lots of rough men they had to avoid. Tough women and faith woven throughout. Excellent read.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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A Basket Brigade Christmas

Three Women, Three Love Stories, One Country Divided
by Judith Miller, Nancy Moser, Stephanie Grace Whitson

"He led us step-by-step, closer together."

During the Civil war, wounded soldiers were sent by train to a hospital in Chicago. The train made several stops, one was in Decatur. The townspeople discovered that these wounded and their caretakers were hungry and their clothes were in tatters. The women of the town decided to meet each train of wounded and take baskets with food to the men, later adding knitted socks and quilts. How this evolved through these women is a very interesting story, as is the story of some of the men. When you have men and women of faith meeting each other in a way they never would have otherwise, it makes things interesting too. I'm always amazed at the depth of a story within a collection like this. This holds three somewhat connected stories of love, all completely different, just as in life. Become immersed!

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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Anywhere With You by Gina Welborn & Becca Whitham

A very pleasant read set in 1888 Colorado. Christian Historical. A Madame in town started a secret plan where she sheltered very young girls who were brought to her to be prostitutes.  She hid them away, with another team taking over, then later another taking them a few at a time by train to a school and hopefully good jobs. Since this was not a popular happenstance for the people who originally took the girls to be sold over, this group had to be vigilant so that the girls wouldn't be found. The transportation of the girls was difficult.

Colette and Jacob are two young people with the common trait of being a bit impulsive.  They are given the chance to escort three young ladies on this secret and risky last step of the journey. Collette is a generous girl from a wealthy family whose heart is in the right place, but her choices aren't always for the best. Her parents feel this trip will help her to look at life from a different perspective. And it does. Not everything goes as planned on this journey. Jacob goes along on the trip to protect the girls. Both he and Collette learn more about themselves on the trip than they expected, getting close to one another quickly. They make a good team. Interesting twists and turns in this journey keep you turning the pages.

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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With You Always by Jody Hedlund

Part 1 of the Orphan Train series – Christian Historical Romance
This is another book that I can relate to because of my German and Irish heritage. You don’t usually hear as much about the German immigrants though. I know that my relatives were all bright and resourceful with a lot of talent. I can’t imagine how hard it was for them to get a start in this country, but I am grateful for them that they didn’t stay in New York City long, which is where this story is rooted. So few jobs and so much competition. Even the most talented were sometimes left to live on the streets. This is a heartrending story of immigrants in the 1850s – the poor just trying to stay alive and the rich building their fortunes. The characters are very endearing and most lifelike. The kind that become part of you and you want to continue reading about even after the story ends.

Elise can remember the old country where their family had to leave because of the local Baron who ruined their family baking business. In America, her father dies and they have to live with her Uncle, working as seamstresses. He cheats them and after her mother dies they are forced out on the street with nothing.  From there follows her journey, that of her siblings, friends and a wealthy socialite who gives up everything to help the homeless. And of course, Thornton, son of a wealthy man who sets up a competition between his twin sons to see who will gain control of the business when he dies.

Another book that I highly recommend and so want to read more about the others and what becomes of them. Great Christian message throughout of learning to trust in God.

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”. http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html

Description from the Publisher
When a financial crisis in 1850s New York leaves three orphaned sisters nearly destitute, the oldest, Elise Neumann, knows she must take action. She's had experience as a seamstress, and the New York Children's Aid Society has established a special service: placing out seamstresses and trade girls. Even though Elise doesn't want to leave her sisters for a job in Illinois, she realizes this may be their last chance.

The son of one of New York City's wealthiest entrepreneurs, Thornton Quincy faces a dilemma. His father is dying, and in order to decide which of his sons will inherit everything, he is requiring them to do two things in six months: build a sustainable town along the Illinois Central Railroad, and get married. Thornton is tired of standing in his twin brother's shadow and is determined to win his father's challenge. He doesn't plan on meeting a feisty young woman on his way west, though.

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