Between Two Shores

Published February 5th 2019 

by Bethany House Publishers

She Has Always Moved Between Worlds,
But Now She Must Choose a Side
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval would rather remain neutral in a world tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the Seven Years' War against her wishes when her British ex-fiancé, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel claims he has information that could help end the war, and he asks Catherine to help him escape.

Peace appeals to Catherine, even if helping the man who broke her heart does not. But New France is starving, and she and her loved ones may not survive another winter of conflict-induced famine. When the dangers of war arrive on her doorstep, Catherine and Samuel flee by river toward the epicenter of the battle between England and France. She and Samuel may impact history, but she fears the ultimate cost will be higher than she can bear.

Available for Purchase:
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My Thoughts:

Wow!! What an amazing book!
I loved this story.
  This story takes place during the Seven Year's War in Kahnawake, Quebec.  This story follows the life of Catherine Stands-Apart.  Catherine's character immediately pulled me into this story.  She shows her strength of character in the first few pages.  With the death of her mother at a young age she leaves everything familiar and her tribe to go live with her father.  This was her choice and she did it because she didn't want him to be alone.  Catherine is a woman who lives in two very different worlds. She chose to live in her father's world, but easily moves within her mother's world.  She has essentially taken over the running of her father's trading post and with that it has become more profitable.  Catherine is a hard worker, but she has a tender heart.  As the story progresses Catherine must finally make a choice, British or French side.  All she knows is that she wants the war and strife to end.  Life is hard enough just living day to day, but add war into that and it's so much harder.  Choices can make life not only hard, but also deadly.  Catherine's choice shows her as not being a victim, but as being a survivor.  
This story is not a romance, but more of a drama as it centers around Catherine and her life choices.  It brings complex and engaging characters that will tug on her heart strings.  It brings elements of mystery, suspense, turmoil, romantic tension, and a rich backstory.  This historical captures time and place accurately. Once I started this book I didn't want to put it down.  
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves historical or just a good clean read.  
**I received this book from the author via the publisher.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.   

Nantucket Legacy 3

After three years on a whaling voyage, Henry Macy returns to Nantucket to news that his grandmother has passed, bequeathing her vast fortune to him and his sister, Hitty. And it was truly vast. But Lillian Coffin was no fool. The inheritance comes with a steep cost, including when they should marry and whom--a Quaker in good standing, of course. But if they relinquish the inheritance, it all goes to Tristram Macy, their father's thieving business partner.

As Hitty and Henry seek a way to satisfy the will's conditions, they'll be faced with obstacles on every side--and it may be that Lillian Coffin will have the last word after all.

Published October 2nd 2018 

by Fleming H. Revell Company

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BOOKS-A-MILLION  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Suzanne Woods Fisher is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than two dozen novels, including Phoebe's Light and Minding the Light, as well as the Amish Beginnings, The Bishop's Family, and The Inn at Eagle Hill series. She has also written several nonfiction books about the Amish, including Amish Peace and The Heart of the Amish. Fisher lives in California. Learn more at www.suzannewoodsfisher.com and follow her on Twitter @suzannewfisher and Facebook @SuzanneWoodsFisherAuthor.

My Thoughts:

This is the third installment in the Nantucket Legacy series from Suzanne Woods Fisher. 

I was very excited to hear Hitty and Henry were getting their own book and was able to catch up with them all grown up.  Of course this story is told through a dual timeline of the seventeenth and the nineteenth century through "Old Mary's" diary.  Even though this book is part of a series I felt it was still a stand alone story.  

The author weaves words together to bring both the characters and setting to life for me.  Hitty and Henry have always had a close relationship as twins would, but the thoughtful Henry and the insecure Hitty must meet the terms of their grandmother's will in order to inherit.  I enjoyed watching them navigate the terms of the will.  Just when you think you have the story figured out  I found twists and turns that I hadn't guessed. Both characters are complex, but well developed.  

The plot quickly pulled me in and held me until the last page was turned. So, for me it was a one sitting read.   It is filled with many historical facts, so I know the author's research was thorough. 

I loved this book and it's probably my favorite in the series.  It's a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history, romance, or a good story. 

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Enchanting Nicholette- Everstone Chronicles Novella

In this captivating novella by Dawn Crandall, Nicholette Everstone is already a widow at the age of twenty-two: her husband was murdered on their wedding day. She has just returned to Boston after two years of mourning in Europe. Although her husband was loving, the marriage was an arranged one, and Nicholette would like to wed again--this time for love...and to someone safe

As she acclimates to life in Back Bay again, Nicholette meets someone she can't help but fall for. But when she learns of the danger and sacrifices Cal Hawthorne takes on for the safety of others, will her heart be strong enough to keep her fears of "what if" at bay?

Published October 9th 2018 

by Whitaker House

My Thoughts:

I became invested in Everstone Chronicles with the first book I read.  So, when I found out Dawn Crandall was writing a novella I knew I had to read it.  Needless to say I was not disappointed.  

This story centers around Nicholette Everstone, a young woman who was widowed on her wedding day.  In true "Crandall Style" I was immediately swept back to Boston 1893 where the story captures both time and place.  This young, woman intrigued me and made me want to get to know her better.  She is young, beautiful, and wealthy, but she is also so much more.  At her return everyone is encouraging marriage, but she wonders just how and where she will fit into society.  Yes, she would like to marry and have children, but at the same time she has unresolved feeling about her arranged marriage to William.  I like how the author makes this character feel real by showing her turmoil and grief with real and raw emotions.  

For me, this was a truly wonderful story.  I liked all the characters and revisiting characters from the previous books in the series.  There were elements of romantic tension, mystery, twists and turns, love, grief and faith which is perfect in a story for me.  

This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves romance or historical fiction. 

*I received this book from the author via the publisher.  I was not expected to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Available for Purchase:

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Sunrise at Normandy

The Sea Before Us

Published February 6th 2018

 by Revell

In 1944, American naval officer Lt. Wyatt Paxton arrives in London to prepare for the Allied invasion of France. He works closely with Dorothy Fairfax, a "Wren" in the Women's Royal Naval Service. Dorothy pieces together reconnaissance photographs with thousands of holiday snapshots of France--including those of her own family's summer home--in order to create accurate maps of Normandy. Maps that Wyatt will turn into naval bombardment plans.

As the two spend concentrated time together in the pressure cooker of war, their deepening friendship threatens to turn to love. Dorothy must resist its pull. Her bereaved father depends on her, and her heart already belongs to another man. Wyatt too has much to lose. The closer he gets to Dorothy, the more he fears his efforts to win the war will destroy everything she has ever loved.

Available for Purchase:

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BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:




Sarah Sundin enjoys writing about the drama and romance of the World War II era. She is the author of The Sea Before Us (February 6, 2018), the Waves of Freedom series (Through Waters Deep, Anchor in the Storm, When Tides Turn), the Wings of the Nightingale series, and the Wings of Glory series. Her novels Through Waters Deep and When Tides Turnwere named to Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Through Waters Deep won the 2016 INSPY Award and was a Carol Award finalist.

A mother of three, Sundin lives in northern California. She works on-call as a hospital pharmacist and teaches Sunday school and women's Bible studies. She enjoys speaking to community, church, and writers' groups.

Connect Online:
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My Thoughts:

I was very excited to see Sarah Sundin was writing a new series, Sunrise at Normandy.  The release of the first book,  The Sea Before Us, she introduces us to the Paxton family from Texas where there are three boys of whom have reunited in celebration of Wyatt's graduation and return to Kerrville to take over as his father's manager of Paxton Trucking.  Wyatt is the oldest and this book follows his tour of duty with the Navy which takes him to Kensington, London, England.  

As Wyatt steps on foreign shores he's determined to put his troubled past behind him and put his training into action as plans are made for the naval bombardment of Normandy.  Wyatt is confronted with learning cultural differences between his upbringing and the English way of life.  Wyatt has a strong faith in God. 

Dorothy Fairfax is another key character in this story.  She and her father live in Kinsington where he runs a small railway shipping company.  Dorothy at present works for the Women's Royal Naval Service, WREN, for short where she pieces together photos from France that people have supplied them with.  It's a job she enjoys and is good at.  With the donation of photos they are looking for areas of weakness to this campaign, both where they could attack or be attacked during the bombardment.   She has known much sorrow in her short life.  She had lost both brothers to the war and her mother during the Blitz, when German bombers had blasted Britain almost every night for a year. With so much sorrow and the emotional distance from her father Dorothy finds herself in a crisis of faith.  

Wyatt and Dorothy work closely together in the maps area of the British Naval Building and a friendship quickly develops.  Dorothy gives him an insight into the life as it's been in London and the culture.  Wyatt truly enjoyed meeting her father and all the sights and knowledge she is giving him.  

This is a spectacular read!  

I was easily draw in from the first page. This is delicious story where characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined.  The wonderful imagery immediately brought the story to life for me.  The characters are complex and engaging.  Their turmoil was raw and real as shown by their emotions.  The secondary characters are well integrated into the story which brings a richness to the story.  There are twists and turns that bring a certain amount of suspense and unexpected mystery. This book brings elements of mystery, suspense, family values, faith, love, and lots of history.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history and romance.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Nantucket Legacy

When I heard Suzanne Woods Fisher was working on a new series I kept checking on her webpage on her webpage (http://suzannewoodsfisher.com/) on her progress.  To say I was looking forward to the release would be an understatement.  She described growing up hearing her mother talk of visiting the island as a child and the adventures she experienced.  This developed her fascination and love for the island.  In late 1980's she visited the island for the very first time.  A stirring in her heart made her know that their were strong and courageous women who had walked the same places her feet touched and their story needed to be told.  I don't know about you, but that within itself grabbed me by the heart.  Yes, I too wanted to know and experience more.  

Let me introduce to you Phoebe's Light.  This is the first book in the series. 

Published February 6th 2018

by Flemming H. Revell Company

Phoebe Starbuck has always adjusted her sails and rudder to the whims of her father. Now, for the first time, she's doing what she wants to do: marrying Captain Phineas Foulger and sailing far away from Nantucket. As she leaves on her grand adventure, her father gives her two gifts, both of which Phoebe sees little need for. The first is an old sheepskin journal from Great Mary, her highly revered great-grandmother. The other is a "minder" on the whaling ship in the form of cooper Matthew Mitchell, a man whom she loathes.

Soon Phoebe discovers that life at sea is no easier than life on land. Lonely, seasick, and disillusioned, she turns the pages of Great Mary's journal and finds herself drawn into the life of this noble woman. To Phoebe's shock, her great-grandmother has left a secret behind that carries repercussions for everyone aboard the ship, especially her husband the captain and her shadow the cooper. This story within a story catapults Phoebe into seeing her life in an entirely new way--just in time.

Available for Purchase:

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BAKER BOOK HOUSE

In celebration of the release of the first book in the series the author is hosting a trivia of Nantucket Island with lots of giveaways included.  Hop over to her blog and check out the fun. 

My Opinion:

I loved this book and look forward to the upcoming books in this series. 

When the book arrived I was immediately captivated by the cover.  I imagine this would be what Phoebe looked like standing on the shore of Nantucket watching for the Fortuna to arrive.  The author provides a list of characters and descriptions,  also a glossary with the language of 18th-Century Nantucket to help the reader.  I read through both before starting the story. 

This book is a story within a story.  Let me explain.  This book centers on Phoebe Starbuck and begins the day of her 18th birthday.  Her father, Barnabas, gives her a weathered book bound in sheepskin which turns out to be a journal her great grandmother had written about her family being one of the first proprietors to settle on the island.  It gives a rich backstory and adds a mystery to the book.  

As the opening pages introduces us to Phoebe she appears as any girl would be on the morning of her birthday.  She is full of anticipation, hopes and dreams of the future.  She shows a great devotion and love for her father, but she knows he also has his shortcomings.  Her interests of a romantic nature lean towards Phineas Fougler the whaling captain of Fotuna and also one of the most admired men on the island.  This very day Phineas takes a special interest in Phoebe to her greatest delight. Phoebe has always taken care of her father, which has been a chore in and of itself, but she feels that now is the time to focus on her future. As Phineas increases his interest to Phoebe, to the shock of many,  she suddenly finds herself preparing for a marriage and leaving the island behind to follow her husband on his ship.  Suddenly Phoebe is facing problems she never imagined, from sickness to betrayal, and we see the girl grow into a woman of much courage and faith.  

As I said, I loved this book.  With the sweep of the hand Suzanne Woods Fisher weaved words together that evoked both laughter and tears. The story captures the time, place, values and beliefs.  There are twists and turns when characters find things more complicated than they ever imagined which leads a hint of mystery.  From the complex characters, romantic tension, crisis of faith and the consistent plot I was drawn in from the first page and didn't close the book until the end.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Coming July 2018

This is the second installment in the Nantucket Legacy series. 

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

The Lacemaker

It is the eve of a new age of freedom in the colonies. 
But can a proper English lady dare hope for her own independence?

Lady Elisabeth "Liberty" Lawson has nearly everything a lady of her position could want. Daughter of the British lieutenant governor of the Virginia Colony and a darling of fine society in a rugged land, she is anticipating an advantageous marriage. That her betrothed is a rake and love is lacking is of little consequence--or so she tells herself.

Though her own life seems in order, colonial Williamsburg is a powder keg on the verge of exploding, and her fiancé's cousin Noble Rynallt carries the flame of revolution in his heart. Those with connections to the British nobility are suspected as spies, and Liberty soon finds herself left with a terrible choice. Will she stay true to her English roots? Or side with Noble and the radical revolutionaries?

Published January 2nd 2018

 by Revell

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BAKER BOOK HOUSE

My Review:

I loved this book!!

The beautiful cover gives a glimpse at the magnificent story enclosed.  As I opened the first page I was immediately drawn into the story.  Elisabeth Lawson is a lady of position and all that entails in society by being the daughter of the British Lieutenant Governor for the Virginia Colony.  Her mother, who has been very vocal about her political thoughts, is currently in London, but due home at any time.  Elisabeth seems like a young woman who has never been given the opportunity to think for herself, but has always followed orders as expected.  This character tugged on my heart and reminded me of how far women have come and what those before us had to endure.  

The author weaves words together that bring the characters and setting to life for me.  The characters are engaging, endearing and complex.  When Elisabeth finds herself abandoned by her father, penniless and suddenly alone she must reach inside herself and find out if she has the strength to take care of herself.  I loved the journey that Elisabeth took to find her true self and love.  
This is a book I would highly recommend to anyone who loves a good clean story or a story centered around historical events.  
I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Hearts Entwined

Four Historical Romance Novellas of Love (With a Twist of Humor)

The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

The Love KnotWhen Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

The Tangled Ties That BindConnor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

Bound and DeterminedAs punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

Tied and TrueWealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES&NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK  BAKER BOOK HOUSE

My Opinion:

What a wonderful collection of historical novellas!! I found myself getting lost in each story and being captivated until the end.  They each include faith, forgiveness, hope, humor, trust, but most of all love.  In the first book we find a young woman who left New York with a broken heart and settled in Texas.  When an unexpected package arrives on the train from her sister, she is both surprised by the package and the person who brought it. Now she needs to learn forgiveness and learn to trust again. In the second book we meet a young man who's returning home to Colorado after spending the last 5 years in Texas.  He thinks he has his life all planned out, but he should have known things were not going to go his way when he ran into an overprotective mother buffalo. (I loved this scene.) Connor must figure out how to convince a young woman how deeply his feelings for her are.  The third story is set in the Indian Territory in August 0f 1885. We meet a young man who is in the cavalry and is sent to help move a herd.  Just one problem, the herd isn't cattle, but camel. He must deal with not only the camel, but an intriguing and irritating female who was trying to sabotage her father's plans and thereby his mission.  The last novella was set in Kansas City, Missouri in September of 1908.  In this novella we meet a young totally captivated by a young man, who she knows her parents would think is completely below her because of the difference in finances.  The heart wants what the heart wants and she will do anything to convince everyone otherwise. 

I enjoyed each of these stories thoroughly.  Of course, for me this wasn't a surprise since I enjoy the author's books.   I found myself going from one book to the next until I finished the very last page.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves a good story, likes to feel apart of each story and likes a story that will put a smile on your face.  

I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogger program.  I was not required to write a positive review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tales From Ivy Hill #2

Living with the two Miss Groves in Ivy Cottage, impoverished gentlewoman Rachel Ashford is determined to earn her own livelihood . . . somehow. When the village women encourage her to open a subscription library with the many books she has inherited or acquired through donations, Rachel discovers two mysteries hidden among them. A man who once broke her heart helps her search for clues, but will both find more than they bargained for?

Rachel's friend and hostess, Mercy Grove, has given up thoughts of suitors and fills her days managing her girls' school. So when several men take an interest in Ivy Cottage, she assumes pretty Miss Ashford is the cause. Exactly what--or who--has captured each man's attention? The truth may surprise them all.

Meanwhile, life has improved at the coaching inn and Jane Bell is ready to put grief behind her. Now if only the man she misses would return--but where is he?

As the women of Ivy Hill search for answers about the past and hope for the future, might they find love along the way?

Published December 5th 2017

 by Bethany House Publishers

Available for Purchase:
AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK
BAKER BOOK HOUSE

My Review:

This is the second book from Julie Klassen in the Tales from Ivy Hill series, but the first in the series I have read.  With that being said, I do feel this is a stand alone story. The author provides enough background that I was never This series is set in the 1820's and centers around the small town of Ivy Hill located just outside of Wiltshire, England. I was immediately drawn into the story from page one. I loved Rachel, Jane and Mercy for the support, friendship and faith they had in each other.  Rachel has suffered a great loss, but has the fortitude to face the past and look to the future with great hope. Mercy thinks she has everything set in her life until a little girl shows her what her heart truly desires, but will her parents step in a forbid her greatest desire? Jane has a plan and that's to remodel her inn and improve business. This is a story about friendship, faith, secrets, second chances, and love.  This is a book I would recommend to anyone. 
 I received this book from the publisher as part of their book blogging program.  I was not required to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Heart of the Frontier #2

Shackled by Her Past, One Woman Searches for Healing, Forgiveness, and Love

Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, the gentle rhythm of tending her family's flock of sheep is slowly healing her mind and soul, but her precarious new peace is shattered when Hope is asked to testify against the Cayuse responsible for the massacre. She's not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days, but neither can she risk her attackers being released if she doesn't tell her story. 

As Hope struggles to make her choice, an Army lieutenant named Lance Kenner becomes an unexpected ray of light in her life. Perhaps she is still capable of love after all. But will Lance still want her if he learns the whole truth of what happened to her at the mission? Or are the secrets that lie in his own past more troubling?

Published July 4th 2017

 by Bethany House Publishers 

Available for Purchase:

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BAKER BOOK HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Tracie Peterson gave her life to Jesus at the age of six. Tracie knew at an early age that God was calling her to ministry, and writing for Him has allowed her to offer the Gospel message and encourage people to hope in the Lord.  Her motto in writing, as well as all other aspects of life is Soli Deo Gloria—For God Alone the Glory.

Often called the “Queen of Historical Christian Fiction,” Tracie Peterson is an ECPA, CBA and USA Today best-selling author of more than 110 books, most of those historical.  Her work in historical fiction earned her the Best Western Romance Author of 2013 award from True West magazine and the USA Best Books 2011 Award for best Religious Fiction for Embers of Love. She was given the Life Time Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers in 2011 and the Career Achievement Award in 2007 from Romantic Times, as well as multiple best book awards.

Tracie received her first book contract in November 1992 and saw A Place To Belong published in February 1993 with Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents. She wrote exclusively with Heartsong for the next two years, receiving their readership’s vote for Favorite Author of the Year for three years in a row. Eventually, Tracie also managed Barbour Publishing’s Heartsong Presents book line—overseeing the production of 52 books a year. 

In December 1995 she signed a contract with Bethany House Publishers. Tracie now writes exclusively for Bethany House Publishers/Baker Publishing Group. She has co-written with a variety of authors including Judith Pella, Judith Miller, James Scott Bell, Kimberley Woodhouse, and Tracie’s daughter Jennifer. 

Connect Online:

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Questions and Answers with Tracie:

1. This is book #2 in the Heart of the Frontier series—what’s it about?

Beloved Hope picks up a couple of years after book one, Treasured Grace. Treasured Grace dealt with the Whitman Mission massacre, and book two deals with the trial of five Cayuse Indians believed to have played an important role in the massacre. It was really a mock trial—everyone knew the men would be hanged—and I wanted to show the general atmosphere and attitude of the day. Interwoven with that true event are my characters from book one, but this time the focus is on Hope. Hope is one of three sisters, and she was there at the mission on the day of the massacre. She was held hostage, along with the other women and children, including the youngest of the three sisters, Mercy. This book is about Hope’s journey to healing and finding true love—God’s love first and foremost, and then the love of our hero, Lance Kenner.

2. Is this story based on real-life events?

Yes. The Whitman Mission massacre happened in November of 1847. The trial takes place in late May of 1850 in Oregon City, Oregon Territory. The attack on the mission was really a turning point in American history. The attitude of the U.S. government changed dramatically after the attack. The first large contingency of soldiers was sent west to establish forts and offer protection from the Native Americans, but perhaps even more drastic was the attitude that came out of these events—that perhaps the only way to establish peace in the newly settled West was to exterminate the entire native population.

3. Did you do special research for this book?

Absolutely. There were so many rich details that had been documented, and I did my best to read them all and speak to people who knew more about this topic than I did. I read diary accounts by the women who had endured the attack and captivity, diaries from the Catholic bishop who was in charge of the area, formal records from the court and the trial, and personal accounts from local politicians and newspapers. I went to Oregon City to research museums and the location. I wanted to make this book as accurate as possible, but also to show all sides of the event.

4. Why did you write a book like this with such a difficult topic?

I think we’re foolish when we fail to remember the mistakes of the past. The negative attitudes toward the Native Americans were often justified, but just as often unjustified. When I share these events out of history, I do my best to give a balance and show the situation from both sides. As I mentioned, too, the events of the massacre changed the policies of how the Native Americans were dealt with, and would only lead to more trouble. Added to this, I wanted to create a story about overcoming. In book one, Hope gave birth to a baby as a result of her ordeal and abuse at the hands of the Cayuse. It was all hush-hush, and only a few ever knew about it because the baby—a little girl—was given to friends to be raised. So not only did Hope endure rape and captivity, she bore a child and had to deal with that as well. All of these issues come into play in the theme of overcoming adversity. I wanted to show Hope’s journey, because I believe many readers will relate to it.

5. So the spiritual theme is about overcoming?

Yes, in part. The real-life women who endured the massacre and captivity were good enough to write about it—at least in part. They were very closemouthed about the sexual abuses, although they often mentioned the women “being forced to become wives to the Cayuse.” To speak about such a thing would further brand them in a society that was already uncomfortable knowing they had been held captive by the Cayuse. Imaginations were certainly just as active then as now, and many of these women were ostracized because of what happened. I believe this was due to fear. Fear that if it could happen once, it could happen again. I wanted to show that in this story and deal with how they might overcome. However, there was also the difficult question of “where is God when bad things happen?” We struggle with this today, and it seemed more than appropriate to discuss in the storyline, along with the healing importance of forgiveness.

6. Ultimately, what do you want the reader to take away from this story?

I hope the story and lives of the real and fictional characters will give the reader a better understanding of the pioneers who overcame outrageous obstacles to settle America. I hope the spiritual message will touch their hearts and help those who are struggling with similar issues to heal. Most of all, I hope and pray that the reader will draw closer to God and learn that even when things seem hopeless, God truly is still in control.

My Review:

Wow!!

 This histoical novel takes the reader May 1850 in Oregon City, Oregon.  This is the second book in the Heart of the Frontier series.  Although not necessary, but it would enhance the story if Treasured Grace, the first book in the series, is read first.  It would give the reader a background of the story.  This story centers around Hope Flanagan.  She along with her younger sister, Mercy, was at the Whitman Mission that dark day the massacre occurred.  John Sager, the boy she was seeing and planned to marry, was also there also.  In fact, she cradled his head as he died.  The Cayuse were angry and there had been trouble brewing for weeks due to the the sickness in their tribe and the inability of the local doctor to save their people.  Hope's captivity and abuse at the hands of the Cayuse was a nightmare she did't want to think about or relive.  Amory Holbrook had been appointed to the the United States Attorney for the Oregon Territory and he was convinced since Hope had witnessed the murder of Dr. Whitman that her testimony was essential.  

Hope is still angry and bitter about the massacre and enduring her captivity and I feel with every reason.  She is one of three girls and she has always tried to shield Mercy, but of late Mercy feels that Hope need to forgive their captures.  Hope, I think feels as abandoned today by God as she did during her capture.  She lost so much that day and endured so much, how could God let these horrible things happen?

It is obvious the author captures the life of pioneer living.  She brings both the life and characters to life in my mind.  Hope is a strong, well developed character with flaws, but is easy to love.  Her crisis of faith is one that many of us have during a crisis so her emotions were both raw and real. This is a book that easily pulled me in and held me until the last page was turned. 

This story has elements of history, forgiveness, crisis of faith, second chances and love. This is a book I would recommend to anyone who loves history or a good, clean story.  

*I received this book from the author via the publisher.  I was not required to write a review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.  

Journey to Pleasant Prairie #3

When the future is threatened by the past, can she trust herself to make the right choice?

Despite growing pains in her 1846 Amish community in Indiana, Naomi Schrock has settled into a comfortable life in her parents' home with her adopted son, Davey. Surrounded by family and friends, she tries not to think about the fact that she's not at the top of any man's list of potential wives. Yet when Cap Stoltzfus moves into the area and befriends Davey, Naomi finds herself caught between the plans she has made for her future and the tantalizing thought that Cap might be part of a life she never dared to hope for.

When a couple shows up claiming to be Davey's true family, Naomi and Cap must unite to make the decision that will determine the boy's future--as well as their own.

Published June 6th 2017

 by Fleming H. Revell Company 

Available for Purchase:

AMAZON  BARNES & NOBLE  CHRISTIANBOOK

BOOKS-A-MILLION  BAKER HOUSE

Meet the Author:

Jan Drexler brings a unique understanding of Amish traditions and beliefs to her writing. Her ancestors were among the first Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren immigrants to Pennsylvania in the 1700s. Their experiences are the basis for her stories. Jan lives in South Dakota with her husband, their four adult children, two active dogs, and a cat. When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking the Black Hills and the Badlands. She is the author of the Love Inspired novels The Prodigal Son Returns, A Mother for His Children, and A Home for His Family (September 2015).

My Thoughts:

This is the third book in the Journey to Pleasant Prairie series from the author.  I was immediately swept back to 1846 in the fairly newly established Amish community in Indiana.  This is the story of Naomi Schrock. Naomi is a sweet, young Amish woman who on her trip from Pennsylvania to Indiana encountered a young boy who had been orphaned by a violent storm. Naomi felt an immediately felt a connection to the little boy, Davey, and adopted him knowing that people would wonder about not only his parentage, but also her virtue.  After their arrival to Indiana the family has settled into a routine, but there is an undercurrent of discord between their community about tradition and their faith.  

Cap Stoltzfus has newly arrived to the community from Holmes County, Ohio.  He has suffered a great loss and thinks starting over in a new place might let him put his past behind him.  His property lies next to to Schrock farm and he meets Davey almost immediately.  Davey brings his past memories to the surface and is immediately drawn to him. 

As Cap is drawn into the Amish community he becomes quick friends to the Schrock family, but especially Naomi and Davey.  Davey is a lively, young boy who is looking for a big adventure and doesn't always do what he is told which lands him in trouble from time to time.  Naomi is attracted to Cap, but their different opinions on child rearing brings many questions about the possibility of a relationship with Cap. With the appearance of someone from Cap's past not only will he cause problems within the community, but also for Cap and Naomi's future.  

This is a wonderful conclusion to this series.  I loved this story.  It has elements of forgiveness, crisis of faith, mystery and love.  The plot is engaging and pulled me in quickly.  The story quickly came to life for me through the characters and their journey.  Even though this book is part of a series I believe this is a stand alone story.  The author gives background details that makes it unnecessary to read the first two books, but I encourage you to read them to get the full impact of the story.  

**I received this book from the publisher as part of their book bloggers program.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.