Hazelanne by Linda Carroll-Bradd

Widows of Wildcat Ridge book 15
1884 Utah Territory
"in order to survive, on occasion they [women] had to be more practical than romantic."
The name of the series gives a lot away. The story of Hazelanne is very interesting. She grew up taking care of her large family, but left to take some of the financial burden off by becoming a mail order bride. Not expecting what she got herself into. Her new husband had a farm, but wasn't pleasant at all. She was very adaptable - she was raised in a city, but learned quickly how to care for the animals and try to please her demanding, unloving husband. She'd only been married a short time when the Gold King mine blew up and most of the town's men were killed.
Brice was the "shotgun messenger" on the Wells Fargo stagecoach she had ridden to her new home in. He had been quite taken with her, so he went to the mass funeral, then impulsively married her afterwards just to give her his name. He returned to his job, only getting back to town long enough for dinner every Saturday. Engaging story of a woman who set out alone for a better life and did what she had to do, learning as she went.

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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Shadow Among Sheaves by Naomi Stephens

"Most days she found her own past too painful in its vastness."

England 1861. Intricate tale of a young Indian woman who married a British soldier, heir to a fortune. Similar to the biblical Ruth, when he and his father both died, she left India to follow her mother-in-law back to England. Neither realizing just how tough it would be. Severely rejected because of her race and nationality, both women were rejected and shunned by everyone and forced to live in a way neither had experienced before.

Lord Barric grudgingly felt compelled to help these women,  relatives by marriage. At first, he just allowed Rena to glean from his field. The story is excruciatingly painful to read at times, vividly brought to life by this talented author. Unfairness of discrimination, both of race and because they were women in the society of this day and age. And the customs of both countries. Through Rena, the beauty of the Indian people is unfolded. Although in India, the people didn't respect widows at that time; treated them harshly. In many parts of India, widows were beaten and shunned, cursed and spat upon, their clothes stripped away and ornaments ripped from their piercings so even their skin and flesh were broken. In the Indian state of Punjab, the term for widow was synonymous with the word for prostitute. But love has no racial boundaries.

“We are so much more than our reputation,” she finally managed to reply, her face warming. “Stories cheat; truth is found only in friendship.”

I was blessed to meet and work with people from India for a while, even more blessed to call these beautiful people friends. A time and friendship that I will always treasure. I didn't learn nearly enough about them and the land that they came from. The beauty and dignity of the main character in this story made me think of them.

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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Read a preview of the book here.

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The Medallion by Cathy Gohlke

"The Germans do their best to make us forget who we are, Whose we are. Not just today, but for all time. We must work that much harder so that we don’t forget. How can we hope that the world will not forget us if we forget ourselves?”

Powerful story, a recounting of true events and people, adding a fictional piece that illustrates and brings the time and people to life. What it may have been like to live during the time of Hitler and the those who destroyed so many other people, with such cruelty you would never believe possible. This was in Poland after it was taken over by the Germans, enslaved, crushed. Two main families who fought every day to live. Of few survivors, the torture they endured. Of people who did all they could to save as many people as possible, at their own risk. Yet their hearts wouldn't let them do anything less, always wishing they could have done more. ". . . when someone is drowning, you jump in to save them, whether or not you can swim."  How this whole experience affected the minds of these persecuted people, trying to survive, witnessing so much inhumane suffering, losing their families. And the amazing foresight of many. This story also tells of the new families that came about as their own were torn apart. How love can continue, lives reformed. How much a difference even one person can make. And the heroes that were born.

It makes you realize how much love and family mean to you. What it is that makes you who you are, what holds you together. What is really most important to you in the life that you are living. It also makes you appreciate the victims of persecution from this time. Making you realize how quickly things like this can happen under the wrong leadership, and hope that it will never happen again.

"“Adonai makes a way when there appears no way. It is His specialty . Remember the Red Sea." The words of her old friend came back to her, just as they did so often when Sophie felt at her wits’ end."

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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An article about Jolenta, one of the real characters this book is based around, can be found here.

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A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund

Deeply satisfying. This girl knows how to write a story, and how to end it, with a promise for more, and you can't wait. Based on historical facts. Mercy was from the poorest of the poor, living in the slums of London. But she had been raised with love and caring, mostly by her sister - who was in a Workhouse and near to death. She made Mercy promise to go on a ship to British Columbia for a new start. A ray of hope for the hopeless. Reluctantly, Mercy went, not realizing that it was a Bride Ship. She accepted the role that she had lived as due her station, felt she was the bottom of the bottom of society. She reached out to help all around her in any way that she could, primarily nursing the sick. She became deeply attached to each in her care, showing kindness and love. Joseph is a member of Society, but chose to be a ship's surgeon. He learns a lot about himself and how he and his peers treat the poor. Mercy proves to be a perfect nurse, and they spend time together as they travel. Each learns they have prejudices, and work through the assumptions of those who surround them on the ship. The author must have done a lot of research to know what it was like to live in a ship at that time, because you can easily picture everything. A story where you become attached to the characters - need a two five-star rating to give it justice. Eagerly awaiting the next 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.”
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The King's Mercy by Lori Benton

Deep.
1747. Alex fought for Prince Charles Edward Stuart in his Jacobite Army. When they were defeated, he was taken prisoner by the English. A tall, handsome Scottish warrior and a born leader with a big heart. This story is SO skillfully told. A fairly long read, thoroughly told from Scotland to England to a Carolina plantation to Virginia. One of those books you fall into and fall in love with. The backstory slowly unfolds while you're fully absorbed with the relationships, especially between Alex and Joanna the daughter of the plantation owner. Alex was released from prison by the Kings Mercy as an indentured servant. The plantation is run with slavery. These topics are as thoroughly felt out as the main plot(s).  Add in some of the Cherokee American Indian way of life. Wonderful story, wonderfully told with biblical situations that could be taken from the Apostle Paul's writings. A fabulous journey as you get lost in this story. Thoroughly enjoyable to the very end.

". . .go in confidence. As you go, pray. Listen. He’ll guide you— deliver you, need be. Shut every door you aren’t meant to pass through. He’s practical, our God. But you’ll never know what good may come if you don’t take the first step of faith.”

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 Pink Bonnet by Liz Tolsma

Step into True Colors -- a new series of Historical Stories of Romance and American Crime

Very well told story of the kidnapping of a young child and an illegal adoption ring 1933 Memphis. Most incredible is that it's an illustration based on true happenings. This is the story of one young mother and her search for her daughter throughout the intense corruption of the city. Widowed in Depression era Memphis during 1932 and no family to help her, Cecile Dowd is having a difficult providing for her three-year-old daughter and herself. Since she is a single mother, what she has is precious, what she doesn't have is too far away from her reach. Trusting a neighbor while she is looking for work and food turns out to be a mistake. She returns to find her daughter has been taken. An organization called Memphis Tennessee Children’s Home Society is at the root of over 5,000 kidnappings from 1924-1950, with deep roots in the city government. Some who adopted were celebrities. Cecile is able to get help from a young lawyer, but nothing is easy. Riveting. Heart wrenching. Grief and love on both sides of these adoptions.  Liz Tolsma never fails!

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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You can get a free extended preview of this book here.

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Verity by Lisa T. Bergren

"Everything was about to change."

I love the girls in this series! Talk about strong women. 1775 West Indies and America.  Verity decides to go out on her own and start her own business. She's family oriented, so of course it ties into the family business.  At one point Verity says for herself and her sisters, "No one, either Tory or Loyalist, male or female, shall see my vulnerabilities, she decided. I will be strong."  I can identify.

This takes place at the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and they are still fighting slavery on the Island. This is one of those books where you become deeply entranced and involved.  And hold your breath a lot. Many dangerous and heartfelt situations. Good Christian message. I find this a particularly interesting time in history of the United States, probably because I had relatives who were in the thick of it. So well written, I believe in these characters, their abilities and where their hearts are. Excellent tale - can't wait for the continuation!

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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