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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A Harvest Of Hope (Song of Blessing) (Volume 2) by Lauraine Snelling

A place and family that I hate to leave!

Return to Blessing, North Dakota 1905 and the Bjorklund family - a Christian Historical Romance.  Hopefully you've read the other books about Blessing and have the rich background to this book. Honestly, for me it's a place and family that I hate to leave. I'm always sorry to see these books end. You can easily picture Ingeborg's farm kitchen and feel comfortable sitting at the table, enjoy the laughter, rage with the trials and cry with the sorrows.

This book continues the story of Trygve and Miriam. Miriam is a nurse undergoing training from Chicago. She's been doing part of her schooling in Blessing and has to return home because of her mother's health, but she's still obligated to come back to finish training. The hospital in Blessing needs nurses and staff, and Miriam is an excellent addition, however temporary. Trygve fell in love with Miriam at first sight, is hoping for a future with her and hopes to change her plans about retuning to Chicago.

Even though this is the story about these two, it also continues the story of the immigrant Bjorklund family as they cope with the death in their family. Hard working, strong people firmly grounded in faith - it is full of realistic, valuable examples and lessons involving the whole community. 

I wish they'd make movies from this series. I so love Lauraine Snelling as an author and as a person. If you're on Facebook you can see her daily posts that bring you in for a hug. Takk Lauraine!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher from the Baker Publishing Group, Bethany - 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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After A Fashion (A Class of Their Own Book #1) by Jen Turano

Another delightful, nonstop, madcap and mayhem story by Jen Turano! Kind of a cross between the Thin Man and Cinderella, only without the murder, it's a Christian Historical Romance set in 1882 New York City.

Harriet, who is actually very talented, is currently working in a hat shop. She also redesigns cast-off clothes from the wealthy for herself, and has quite a flair. And she's beautiful. She's asked to make a delivery of hats to the home of one of the wealthiest men in America, and thus starts the story. There is never a dull moment as turn by turn of events has her agreeing to accompany Oliver to a dinner with the Duke of Westmoore. Of course none of this goes smoothly, and it's hilarious all the way through. There's also the influence of a Reverend Gilmore on both Oliver and Harriet, keeping it grounded in faith.  This is such a satisfying read. If you want to lift someone's spirits, give them this book! It looks like it's the first in a series - I'm really looking forward to the next one.  Isn't that a great cover?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Baker Publishing Group, Bethany House 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”.

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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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Anna’s Crossing by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Loved this book and the cover! Based on several true facts, a Christian Historical Romance set in 1737 on the ship Charming Nancy. Some of my ancestors sailed over from Germany in 1905, so I had a strong interest in this book, but my family came over on a passenger ship - a much different experience than in this story.

Anna's minister insists that she go with the Amish group from her village that is traveling from Ixheim, Germany to America, because she knows English and can translate for everyone. She doesn't want to leave her Grandparents, but will do as she's asked, digging up her rose to take with her.  In addition it is beneficial to escape the reach of the nearby Baron who wants to destroy a family in their community, which affects them all. Anna is a very caring person with a strong faith.

Bairn is a young man who has been on a ship with the beloved Captain and his brother, also a Captain, since he was a young boy. Very ambitious, he's on the right track for promotion and earning great wealth - important goals for him.  Then they transport this group of German Amish and Mennonite passengers to America and he's forced to face some difficult things, including his tragic past and lack of faith.

What detail! I'm not sure how Suzanne knew what it was like to be on a ship back then, but it is a very real and intricate account of life during this voyage.  Richly told, the story is intricately woven; an amazing story of courage, salvation and love for others that's hard to put down.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell 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”.

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