The Christmas Blessing by Melody Carlson

Emotional, mind blowing story of a young couple who met during the war. He was on leave in San Diego, she met him and they fell in love. He's sent back to the war before they could be married, but she had his baby 9 months later. She goes to Montana to meet his parents and the story unfolds. Deeply touching, intensely frustrating, and the story twists in ways unexpected. Hard to put down!!!! This has got to be one of Melody's best works. For an author that good, it's saying a lot.

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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A Light on the Hill by Connilyn Cossette

What a breath of fresh air.
I love historical fiction, being transported through a character's eyes to different places and times. Quite often those places are quite significant. This surely is. This is a Hebrew girl, from the time when they had just come out of Egypt (the last 10 of the 40 years) and they entered Jericho, then settling in the area that was previously occupied, and rebuilding. Fascinating place and time to be brought to! An interesting situation the girl is in – she was kidnapped and held, branded with the symbol of a priestess on her face, then rescued and returned to her people. She is ridiculed for the brand and covers her head and face with a veil. Like so many of us, she believes those who belittle her and further imprisons herself.  The adventures that happen teach her about her self-worth as well as bring her closer to the one that God chose for her.

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.”
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The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

A new telling of the story of Aladdin. In the streets of Palestine he is orphaned, saved by a priest from living the life of a thief, and is taken to Germany. He is a stand out - different with his dark skin, hair and eyes - and is forever ashamed by his background. He's constantly trying to prove himself worthy to others.

Aladdin is befriended by one of the Dukes daughters and they become close friends. He is very bright and courageous even when so young. He soon realizes that he must make something of himself if he ever wants a chance to wed Lady Kirstyn, and decides to leave town and try. On his journey out of town he rescues a wealthy merchant who takes him in.

I became quickly wrapped up and enamored with the characters, and looked forward to reading about this new opportunity for Aladdin. It doesn't disappoint. There's danger, success and depth of love as well as much introspection, as both Aladdin and Kirstyn try to find their way through everything. They both come to realize that God has a plan for them and that they are perfect in His sight and wonderfully made.

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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The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

 "So many of us New Yorkers share a rags-to-riches story."

Freedom of choice.
In the living of our lives things happen to us. We have the freedom to accept God's help, open the door and let Him in, or not.

In this book the characters all are put into situations - how and what they choose shapes their lives. The book is mainly about the women. They all join together and form a sisterhood. Joining strengths and supporting each other in their weaknesses, all becoming stronger for it.

Creativity continues in this edition of the series. Annie was a Maid who went on to design dress patterns for Butterick, and in this story goes out on her own (with friends) and starts her own dress shop, designed for the everyday woman. This was a huge step away from designing for the wealthy. It was believed at the time that money could not be made by selling clothes to "common" people. A wonderful story of hardship and success in this great country of ours.

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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The Patriot Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse

Stories about our American revolution are fascinating to me. I feel we need a reminder sometimes of how our government was formed, to appreciate what it took to gain our independence and form this strong foundation. This story is set in those early days and starts out with Faith, a smart, spunky girl - skilled in strategy - and a friend of George Washington. She grows into a lovely young lady who gives her efforts to the winning of our independence. Her household staff and close friends as well. They are able to incorporate their bible studies and quilting/sewing to the revolution effort. Faith meets a fellow Patriot, also friends with George, and their relationship grows along with the work they do. Of course it's very well written as Kimberley Woodhouse does. An excellent addition to the Mayflower Brides collection!

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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A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

1891 Texas

Charlotte is a music teacher at Sullivan's Academy For Exceptional Youths. They abruptly decide to close the school. A school that charged a high tuition. Some students were accepted even though they were not "gifted", because of this large "donation". Sounds timely considering the recent news of popular Stars/Actors paying huge fees to get their children into prominent schools, "smoothing the way" for them. Charlotte had a special spot in her heart for these children, even paying the way for some. So she did what anyone would do. She took a few of the students with her, during the night. Unfortunately the Grandfather of one the children sent a bounty hunter, Stone, after them. He was one of the best and hoped to use the money from this job to build his house and settle down in peace. As he scoped her out at her hideaway, he realized that this wasn't as he had been told. They were happy together. The story that unfolds certainly holds your attention as you get to know the hearts of these people. You'll find yourself rooting them on!

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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Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

1865 Michigan
"Cast your cares on Him, honey."
The Civil War has ended but the suffering for everyone in America hasn't stopped. Shortages of food and medicine, men coming home wounded in mind and body. Also a time of healing in many ways. Caroline's father tended a lighthouse and their family lived there. Caroline did the work of taking care of the lighthouse when her father couldn't do it, but people wouldn't approve. After her father drowned she tried to continue but they wouldn't let her, sending Ryan to take over. But he's not in good enough shape to do it either. Excellent story as these people come together for healing and support. Second book in the series.

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.”