Once Upon A Dickens Christmas

"My mother— God rest her—always told me to think of eternity, then live backward from that. Such a view has a way o’ whittlin’ down our current troubles to a size we can crumple up into a ball and toss aside.”
Do you love the classic dickens stories? This is a good addition to your library and a treasure. Full of similar hard times and strife in cruel times, where humanity triumphs. The first story is a fabulous mystery that will keep you guessing to the last. A second chance coin threads it's way through all of the stories. Of course with these authors you can't go wrong. Curl up with this book as soon as you get a chance. You'll love it!

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.”

"We are all different.We all bear one cross or another. And because of it, do we not each face our own particular cruelties?”

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The Victorian Christmas Brides Collection

Wow. What a fabulous collection. These are all special, deep and involved stories. Well worth the read, whether it's Christmas time or not. Highly recommended to keep your attention. Not your run of the mill romances.

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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Tiny Tim and the Ghost of Ebenezer Scrooge

Excellent short story. A continuation of the beloved Dickens Christmas story with a pure Christian message.

Except for the times I breathe in, I think of you only when I breathe out...
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher's 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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No Other Will Do by Karen Witemeyer

1894 Texas Christian Historical. When Mal was 13 he happened into a barn on a farm owned by a family of women who were strong and full of common sense and wisdom. His angel Emma found him freezing in the barn and they nursed him back to health. Years have gone by and he has been working for the railroad, but now these women need his help. They are being threatened. Always a fixer, Emma and a friend formed a women’s colony, where women could be treated fairly in business and life. But someone wanted to take it away from them. A dangerous mystery that could involve someone from their close knit town working against them. Hearts laid bare, they try to figure it out, with lessons of life and Christian faith strengthening their way. They fight the good fight and come through better for it, with a stronger relationship and self worth.
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.”
#NoOtherWillDo #KarenWitemeyer #NetGalley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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The Preacher's Bride Collection

Six Old -Fashioned Romances Built on Faith and Love
Kimberley Comeaux, Kristy Dykes, Darlene Franklin, Sally Laity, DiAnn Mills, Colleen L. Reece

What an interesting collection. Creativity abounds! Good long stories, taking you all over and to different kinds of people and situations in the early days of our country.  Such deep and special stories it doesn't really feel like a collection type book. I was fascinated by the wagon train story. It had a way that seemed close to my heart. God has a way of taking us, as we start out in our young lives going in the way we are set on, and gently (or not) curving our path in unexpected ways. Especially in these stories, making the way an interesting one, and anything but boring. There's no way to choose a favorite here. Each is so deep and special, the only thing in common being Preachers and Brides. Some of these authors were new to me - I'm a fan now! It would be neat if there were continuing stories off of these, series style.

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.”
#ThePreachersBrideCollection #NetGalley

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One More River to Cross by Jane Kirkpatrick

Most of this is facts that the author found in research. One of the first wagon trains to travel this area.

In the epilogue Jane said she hoped that this story might celebrate the honor of self-sacrifice, the wisdom of working together, and the power of persevering through community and faith. She did that exactly. This story is set in 1844 as a wagon train is progressing across country towards Oregon first then changing to California, which was still Mexican at the time. A fairly easy trip for the first part, they didn't take into the account the high mountains and altitude around Lake Tahoe, and thought California only had warm temperatures. Never expecting the deep, deep snow in the mountains. These became tremendous obstacles for them. Most were Irish, some from Canada.  Good old Irish stubbornness, brains and tenacity came into play as they determined to live and move to their goal. Women were expected to follow without question or input, not expected to think. This group of Irish girls got tired of that and when left to themselves learned what they needed to and proved resourcefulness of their own,  as the men left and forged ahead without them. As with all of Jane's books, there are always lessons to be learned that will apply to women everywhere, anytime.

Quotes
“An old Indian once told me, ‘When you come to a wide chasm— jump. It’s not as wide as you think.’ We had no alternative but to jump and so we did.”

“Taking things apart to re-create them,” Mary said. “That’s happening to us too,” Sarah said. “We’re having to remake ourselves here.” And so they did.

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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Foremost by Jody Hedlund

Wow. Another fast paced nail biter.  Really hard to out down!
Three baby princesses are separated as their parents are murdered and the kingdom overthrown. They know they are orphans, but not their identity until 17 years later when one of the nuns, who had been tortured, reveals it to them. This book is about Emmaline, one of the twins, a healer, who is ready to become a nun herself. Until her identity is revealed and she has to run. She's another strong willed girl with a heart of gold. Edmund is also of noble blood, also hidden away since he was three, but raised by a warrior as an Elite guard. He's always loved Emmaline, and when he is chosen to guard her as they flee he's glad to take care of her. He has a trained harpy eagle and communicates with her and other animals in an ancient language, bringing a new dimension to the story. A dangerous journey, quest, involving Solomon's hidden treasure in Indiana Jones style as they run to find the answer to her set of clues and then find her sister the queen. Another book you can't put down, keeps you fully engaged. Another hit for Jody Hedlund. I guarantee you'll need the whole series!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and publisher. 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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