Streams of Mercy (Song of Blessing #3) by Lauraine Snelling

Another hit about the town of Blessing and its special residents. You can never go wrong selecting a Lauraine Snelling book.  Each minute of your time will be thoroughly enriched. Although it is not necessary to read the other books in the series first to enjoy this, you will be very glad if you did, so that you too can fall in love with each member of this extended family. But be warned - these books will make you hungry. For homemade baked bread and cookies - and to hear more about what's happening to each of the characters. They are not really about just one or two characters - but about a town made up of special people. 

In this book we hear more about Thomas Devlin, a lovable Irish priest who is ever ready to help any and all in any way that he can.  He wasn't easily accepted into this community of Norwegians, but as most Irishmen he grows on you. As you might think, his relationships with the residents can be awkward, but he does grow to care for Anji - who fairly recently lost her husband. Anji's husband's family in Norway tries to control her future remarriage, so that adds one more obstacle to the mix.

The needs of the hospital always seem to be growing, and it is severely challenged in this book - especially after a circus train comes to town.  Lots of heart wrenching issues for the patients and for the doctors and nurses there. 

Once again a pleasure to spend time in Blessing and take part in its growth and progression! 

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 “GuidesConcerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

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From the book jacket:

The Heartwarming Drama Continues in the Song of Blessing Series
Anji Baard Moen, a recent widow, returns from Norway with her children. She quickly settles back into life in Blessing, teaching Norwegian history in the high school and writing articles for the Blessing Gazette. When tragedy strikes, Anji steps in to run the newspaper and soon finds a kindred spirit in the widower who owns the printing press. As they spend time together, Anji wonders if there's something more than friendship growing between them.

But Anji has also caught the eye of a recent arrival to Blessing. He has put his carpentry skills to good use on the town's building projects, including Anji's house. But Anji is torn between her feelings of loyalty to someone who needs her and the chance to build a new life with this intriguing newcomer.

Where will her choice take her? 

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The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White

(Ladies of the Manor Book #1)

When it first started I didn't think I was going to like the book. I don't like to give less than 5 stars and cringe even when having to give 4 stars. With a cover that good, I was sure it had to be better. I read a lot of Historical Christian novels and had just come from a Colonial time period. I wasn't ready for this era in the early 1900's I guess. Then as the story went along, I started to channel Downton Abby to picture the characters. That's a TV show that I really enjoy. If you do too, you will get into this story.

As a young child Brook and her mother were in a terrible accident where her mother was killed. Right before dying she gave her to another woman to raise and take far away so her family couldn't find her. Now that woman has died as well. Brook has known for awhile that she is not the daughter of the Prince of Monaco as she's been told. Even though her Grandfather loves her, the Prince never has. She asked her friend Justin to look deeper into some of the correspondence that her own mother had had with her in the carriage, thinking there may be a clue to who her real family is.

Justin is a Duke. He and Brook have been friends since children, but his feelings are changing to a different kind of love. Knowing he cannot marry her unless she is also from royalty, he is relieved when he finds her true family and that she's a Baroness and every bit as titled as he is. He would have done all he could to be able to marry her anyway - he just hasn't told her.

But there is a reason that Brook's mother had wanted her to be hidden, and it comes out little by little once it's revealed that she is the lost heiress and she's accepted by her family. The momentum builds and builds, to the point where I didn't want to put it down. It's so well written that I felt I really knew the characters and how they felt in each situation. I kept looking at the extra characters to see who might be in the next book, but reading the description of the next book on Amazon I'm not sure there's a carry over. I'd like to hear what happens to Brice. I really liked the strong Christian faith woven all throughout the book, with many scriptures applied. It kept it grounded. I highly recommend this book and can't wait to read the next!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Bethany House - 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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From the book jacket:

Sweeping Romance and Mystery in the Edwardian Era
Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. When her friend Justin uncovers the fact that she is possibly a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea and the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother's death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook's life is threatened do they draw close--but will their loyalty come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother?

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that their friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession--and those who can save her still aren't sure whom to trust.

"Roseanna M. White presents a common historical situation in The Lost Heiress, infusing the plot with vigor through the use of strong evocative passages and detailed characterization. . . . Understated and precise, every word establishes a sense of calm purpose."--Foreword Reviews

"White's latest is a complex series of twists, turns and excitement. The cast of characters seems quite daunting at first, but the payoff in the end is well worth the effort. Readers who are fans of Downton Abbey will love the scenes divided between the upper crust and the downstairs staff and the interplay between those two very different worlds."--RT Book Reviews"Set in 1910, White's historical series debut provides all the romance and intrigue that her fans have come to love. Enchanting characters and romantic intensity create the perfect mood for this fresh twist on the Cinderella story. The Edwardian period depicted is certain to draw in Downton Abbey fans." --Library Journal"Fans of White's novels will find this compelling story full of unexpected twists."--CBA Retailers+Resources
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The Mistress of Tall Acre by Laura Frantz

She's a daughter of the American Revolution, but her Father is on the wrong side and has returned to Scotland. Her brother fought alongside their neighbor, the General, but hasn't returned even though the General has. Sophie's seen the General's lovely little daughter and instantly made friends. She had been there at her birth, as her mother was the midwife and she was there to help. But the former Mistress has passed away now and the little girl is so lonely. Sophie's not popular in the town because of her Father - people don't seem to regard her brother's service. Their Estate is falling further into disrepair and they've gone too much without because the townspeople won't allow her to sell or trade.

Seamus, despite being a returning war hero, has a legal battle to keep his daughter because his departed wife left her with relatives while he was at war. He needs a wife to help make his case stronger. He's felt a strong pull to Sophie, so she seems a good choice.

"If she wed Seamus, she must keep her love hidden at all times." (Sophie)

This is so well written and the characters became so beloved that I found myself thinking about them long after I put the book down each time - wondering what they would be doing next - imagining my own scenarios.  Another Laura Frantz book that you just don't want to end. There's lots to keep you constantly entertained, from running the Estate to kidnapping and mystery - and lots to pull on your heartstrings. Prepare yourself because you won't want to put this book down!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, 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 Endorsementsand Testimonials in Advertising”. 

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From the book:
There can be only one mistress of Tall Acre . . .

The American Revolution is finally over, and Sophie Menzies is starved for good news. When her nearest neighbor, General Seamus Ogilvy, finally comes home to Tall Acre, she hopes it is a sign of better days to come. But the general is now a widower with a small daughter in desperate need of a mother. Nearly destitute, Sophie agrees to marry Seamus and become the mistress of Tall Acre in what seems a safe, sensible arrangement. But when a woman from the general's past returns without warning, the ties that bind this fledgling family together will be strained to the utmost. When all is said and done, who will be the rightful mistress of Tall Acre?

Triumph and tragedy, loyalty and betrayal--you will find it all in the rich pages of this newest novel from the talented pen of Laura Frantz.

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The Memory Weaver by Jane Kirkpatrick

Another wonderful Christian Historical by master story teller Jane Kirkpatrick, based on facts about American Indian missionaries Eliza and Henry Spalding, and their daughter Eliza. This is the story about the daughter - expanding on actual diaries and documents - mixed as Jane Kirkpatrick so skillfully does with faith and life wisdoms. 

At the age of 10 young Eliza was among the hostages taken by the Cayuse, a traumatic event (including massacres) that took place for 39 days before the British paid the ransom for their release. Eliza was forced to be an interpreter, since she was the only one who spoke all the languages of the captors and hostages.  This explores her life as she lives on after this tragedy, expected to act as an adult, and goes on to marry and raise children of her own. 

The story of her relationship with her father, her husband and actual events in their lives is very interesting - growing up and still coping with memories of her early life. It's woven with excerpts from her mother's diary, sometimes showing that things were not always the way that she perceived them from her 10 year old vantage point. You can't help but be touched by the story of this strong woman of the 1800's and her story of survival. 

From Eliza's mother's diaries:  

"... suffering arrives when one longs for what is not and can never be again. "

And during her life among the Indians: ". . . she aided me in understanding that the way I saw the world was not the only way to see it. "

As stated by the author: "It's my hope that this story allows each of us shaped by tragic and painful events to see that we are not alone and that there is a way to weave new cloth." 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Baker Publishing Group, 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 ofEndorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”. 

From the book:
Eliza Spalding Warren was just a child when she was taken hostage by the Cayuse Indians during a massacre in 1847. Now the young mother of two children, Eliza faces a different kind of dislocation; her impulsive husband wants them to make a new start in another territory, which will mean leaving her beloved home and her departed mother's grave--and returning to the land of her captivity. Eliza longs to know how her mother, an early missionary to the Nez Perce Indians, dealt with the challenges of life with a sometimes difficult husband and with her daughter's captivity.

When Eliza is finally given her mother's diary, she is stunned to find that her own memories are not necessarily the whole story of what happened. Can she lay the dark past to rest and move on? Or will her childhood memories always hold her hostage?

Based on true events, The Memory Weaver is New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick's latest literary journey into the past, where threads of western landscapes, family, and faith weave a tapestry of hope inside every pioneering woman's heart. Readers will find themselves swept up in this emotional story of the memories that entangle us and the healing that awaits us when we bravely unravel the threads of the past.

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A Heart’s Home by Colleen Coble

From the publisher:
This Christmas, a tragic loss at Fort Laramie ushers in hope and healing.

When a young mother dies after giving birth at Fort Laramie, Emmie Croftner is shaken by the death of her dear friend-and reminded of the dangers of childbirth. She won't be able to hide her own pregnancy much longer. She's dreading the day that Isaac Liddle, the handsome soldier she adores, discovers her secret.

Then the young infant's father offers a solution: Emmie should marry him so the child can have a family.

With the Sioux Wars threatening soldier and civilian alike, a ready-made family could be the answer to Emmie's prayers for safety. But at what cost to her heart-and Isaac's?

My review:

This is the sixth book in a novella series and it's a very good read even as a stand-alone book. It would be good made into a Hallmark movie.  It's a Christian Historical Romance set in December 18, 1866, Fort Phil Kearny, Wyoming Territory.

I can't imagine what it must have been like to live then and there - Indian uprisings, life in a fort, women dying early from childbirth, others dying from illness and harsh living conditions. Then add in all the variations of human personality. This is not a place or time period that I would want to live in. But Colleen Coble is able to imagine it and has written an excellent series. If you are looking for a quick read - pick this up. If you're looking for a longer book - pick up the series!  Clearly written, great style with a mild Christian message.  A book you can feel good about!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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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