The Queen's Fortune by Allison Pataki

"It was a rotten time to be alive in France, a time of fear so thick you could smell it in the streets, you could see it in the faces of those who passed . . ."

Very interesting story of someone you've probably never heard of before - I know I hadn't. Desiree Clary as a young girl during the French revolution met Napoleon and his brother. In fact they saved her brother. The Clarys were a wealthy family at a time when that was a death sentence in France. The Bonapart family was not wealthy, but Napoleon felt called to greatness even at that early age. Desiree is a meek, beautiful girl whose life becomes entangled with Napoleon and his whole family as he rises to power and after. Her life is woven along with theirs and she holds great importance, then and now, through her dependents, yet her name is not a well known one. The history you remember comes to life - the author tells the story in amazing detail and the story is highly interesting right to the end. Not a quick read; one to savor. A strong woman who had to learn how to be strong. Strength and character need to be built sometimes.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
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The Land Beneath Us by Sarah Sundin

Overcoming obstacles . . . Christian Historical 1944. I'm excited to read this story, back with old friends and learning about the others who had been in the background in the previous books, bringing it all together. This can be read stand alone, but you'll find you want to read the rest. It's easy to become invested in these characters lives. The three brothers have issues that tore them, their family apart. They each join the war effort, under different branches of the service. Their struggles to learn their way in the world on their own after being so close are heart wrenching. Both Clay and Leah, with their backgrounds, need to find their self worth, strengths. He's half Mexican, she's an orphan. Orphans were terribly looked down on at that time. She especially needs to develop courage to step out into the world, other people and groups and find where she fits in. We're all given our own strengths and talents, and she learns that she has a lot to contribute. Expertly told story that weaves these characters lives together, sometimes on bumpy roads. Beautiful story of love as it grows.

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 Uncommon Woman by Laura Franz

Buckhannon River, Western Virginia Spring 1770 Amazing story of frontier life with the presence of Indians around the settlers. Native Americans who didn't want them there.  Tessa and her family have a ferry business not far from Fort Tygart. Just her mother and five brothers. The detail of this story is written as though the author was there. I was fully engaged from the beginning and I swear I held my breath through the entire second half of the book.

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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Engraved on the Heart by Tara Johnson

"Be discreet. Wise as serpents , harmless as doves. . ."
1861 in Savanna, Georgia. A young girl of society who has epilepsy struggles with the shame that her family puts on her because of her illness. She's very restricted. She has a fit at a dance just seconds before it's announced that the Civil War had begun. Kizzie loves the slaves in their household, so abolitionism is not a bad idea for her, and she looks for ways to be involved in the Underground Railroad. She's good at it, until her cousin comes to stay with them. Micah has loved Kizzie for years but has secrets that keep him from telling her.  He is a doctor who becomes involved with taking care of Union soldiers. Thus unfolds a very well told, interesting account of people who lived at that time, and their reasons for choosing the sides they chose. Good Christian guidance. Easy to get lost in.

"I wrestled with the Almighty through most of it, but there’s great peace in surrender.”

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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Across A Broken Shore

Plunge the heights and the depths.
This is set at the time when the Golden Gate bridge was being built, and in the depression. Willa is an Irish Catholic girl. Something I know a little bit about. Most of us girls in parochial school loved the nuns who were our teachers, and we even thought of becoming one. Willa had made a promise to enter the convent, but she found her real calling when her brother cut his fingers off and she took him to a doctor - a woman doctor. Years back she had found a medical book and secretly memorized it. So in helping the doctor with her brothers hand, the doctor began to see the promise and skill in Willa. She returned and worked with the him in secret, all while the deadline for her to go the the Convent loomed. In this time she also met Sam, another changing influence on her life. Told with passion for her calling, deep pain in events in her life and glimpses of happiness from doing what God created her to do. Very real all the way through. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen. Excellent read. Great cover!

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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Sew In Love

4 Historical Stories
by Debby Lee; Jacquolyn McMurray; Darlene Panzera; Kimberley Woodhouse

"This was supposed to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. A place where all men were equal. If only that were true for women. And women who were Irish."

Unconnected stories sewn together of people from 1850 to 1911 to 1945.
A girl sailing to Sacramento to meet her fiance during the gold rush, a girl in Alaska who meets a soldier in the hospital, a girl in New York City who survives a fire and a union worker, and an Irish girl who meets a baseball player. They all sew, and its a strength in their lives. Interesting stories to get completely lost in. Very well written, with great depth. All so completely different. Love that cover.

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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Cameo Courtships

4 Stories of Women Whose Lives Are Touched by a Legendary Gift
by Susanne Dietze, Debra E Marvin, Jennifer Uhlarik, Kathleen Y'Barbo

“I know the cameo did not bring me love, of course. But the gift of it coincided with the arrival of love, both for the queen and for me, and I hope it will bring the same to you.”

From 1851 to 1898 stories of a loving family that weave together smooth as silk. Tied together by a cameo given to just the right woman at just then right time. Diverse stories, all very interesting and spellbinding in their own way. With Christian lessons throughout. Wonderfully written. Great entertainment to get lost in. One of those really good books to curl up with, that doesn't go by too fast and each folds into the next even though they are all so different.

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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