The Lieutenant's Bargain (Fort Reno #2) by Regina Jennings book review

The Lieutenant's Bargain

(Fort Reno #2)

by

Regina Jennings (Goodreads Author)

 

Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, while her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to head to Denver and place her works in an exhibition or give up the dream forever. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she's too terrified to recognize them as friendly.

Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to take her home--and plead his case once more.

He's stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart--but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril--and tests Jack's resolve to remain single.

My Review: 10/10

I am a fan of Ms. Jennings and all of her books, but I definitely do have favorites. And this book was the best one I've read since A Most Inconvenient Marriage (one of my absolute favorites).

This book had everything. Adventure and believable danger, history, humor, and a sweet love story. The misunderstandings were hilarious to read and as I put myself in the character's places, their feelings and choices (and mistakes) were so relatable.

I loved Hattie. I loved that she was bold and naive. I loved that she was selfish and self-involved sometimes. I loved that her character had room to grow and mature. I loved the way her priorities changed. And I loved that she relied on her wits and faith to save her from beginning to end.

I think I loved Jack even more. I loved his ego and pride. I loved when he was intentionally funny and stuck his foot in his mouth. I laughed out loud at some of his private reflections. I loved his honor and integrity. And I loved the way he loved Hattie.

Most of all, I loved the rich history and side stories of tensions and change in Indian Territory. I thought it was sensitive and respectful and so well done. And I was particularly moved by Tom Broken Arrow.

I cannot recommend this book enough.

Healing Hearts (Savage Wells #2) by Sarah M. Eden book review

Healing Hearts

(Savage Wells #2)

by

Sarah M. Eden (Goodreads Author)

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara's message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.


My Review: 9/10

This book was fantastic! The themes of nursing, mental health and asylums in the 1800's are new ones for me. As a woman, it is easy to take for granted the rights and opportunities we have now. And it was horrifying to read and imagine what it would be like to have a medical condition that was unknown or misunderstood... and being at the mercy of male relatives.

The familial relationships were complex and well done. The villain was terrifying in his ability to manipulate and twist things. And the love story was sweet. The story over all was layered and while most of the subplots were intense and serious, there were moments of humor tucked in.

Highly recommend!

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The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations (Bradford Sisters Romance #2.5) book review

The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations

(Bradford Sisters Romance #2.5)

by

Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author),

Kristi Ann Hunter (Goodreads Author)

,

Sarah Loudin Thomas (Goodreads Author)

,

Becky Wade (Goodreads Author)

 

In Kristi Ann Hunter's "Legacy of Love," Sarah Gooding never suspected returning a brooch to an elderly woman would lead to a job . . . and introduce her to the woman's grandson, a man far above her station.

In Karen Witemeyer's "Gift of the Heart," widow Ruth Albright uses the family brooch as collateral for a loan from the local banker. But the more she comes to know the man behind the stern businessman, the more she hopes for a second chance at love.

In Sarah Loudin Thomas's "A Shot at Love," Fleeta Brady's rough-and-tumble childhood means she prefers hunting to more feminine activities. She never expected her family's brooch might be how a fellow hunter turns her attention from competition to romance.

In Becky Wade's "Because of You," Maddie Winslow has spent years in love with a man whose heart was already spoken for. When a church Christmas project brings them together and she stumbles upon an old family brooch, might it finally be her turn for love?

 

 

My Review: 7.5/10

I love these novella collections that come out every Christmas. I look forward to them every year. And I especially love when common character threads tie one story to the next. This book was a little different in that the common thread comes in the form of brooch that passes down from mother to daughter, bringing the promise of love and marriage with it.

Unsurprisingly, my favorite was the first one. It was a sweet story that made me laugh out loud. Can't get better than that.

I also enjoyed the second novella about Ruth and Bo Azlin. I see what you did there.

Fleeta Brady's story was more contemporary than I usually go, but I enjoyed it all the same.

The last story affirmed my taste for historical/regency tales. The premise for Maddie Winslow snagging her best friend's man made me deeply uncomfortable. I don't care that the character in question had been killed off; Maddie had pined for him since they first met, while he dated, married and had a child with her friend. Not cool. And then there was the writing style, which was heavily focused on things I don't care about- endless descriptions of their clothes and hair, Maddie appreciating that her best feature was her large chest size, etc. Instagram was mentioned so frequently, it was basically a supporting character. I'll stick to my 1800's stories.

Promises and Primroses (Mayfield Family #1) by Josi S. Kilpack book review

Promises and Primroses

(Mayfield Family #1)

by

Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

 

Lord Elliott Mayfield aims to correct the very messy marital mistakes and spousal scandals of his brothers and sisters by requiring his nieces and nephews to choose worthy companions.  If they choose wisely, they will receive their generous share of the family’s inheritance.

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.
My Review: 8/10

I really enjoyed this book by one of my favorite authors. I loved the changing point of views and multiple story lines running at once. I feel thoroughly invested in these family members and hope that novels are written about the other nieces and nephews (particularly those who have made the biggest messes). Can't wait for more!

More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1) by Karen Witemeyer book review

More Than Meets the Eye (Patchwork Family #1)

by

Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author)

 

Seeking justice against the man who destroyed his family, Logan Fowler arrives in Pecan Gap, Texas, to confront the person responsible. But his quest is derailed when, instead of a hardened criminal, he finds an ordinary man with a sister named Evangeline--an unusual beauty with mismatched eyes and a sweet spirit that he finds utterly captivating.

 

 

 

My Review: 6.5/10

This book and I got off on the wrong foot. I started it right before bed, intending to read just one or two chapters of what I expected to be the sweet beginning of love story, to give me pleasant things to dwell on as I fell asleep. *SPOILER* Instead what I got was a very intense, emotional scene culminating in the graphic death of a child, ultimately leaving a four-year-old girl all alone in the world and at the mercy of strangers (and I was wrecked and ugly crying). With such a beginning, it took me a while to pick it up again and really get into it.

Despite such a start, this is not the emotional climate surrounding the rest of the book; don’t let the prologue scare you off.

There is plenty to enjoy in this novel. I liked the relationship among the "patchwork" siblings, the way their strengths offset each other's weaknesses. I liked how they really became siblings and truly lived a "family first" mentality. It surprised me to read about the superstition surrounding Evangeline‘s unique eyes and I thought that was an interesting thread woven into the story. On the same track, it was interesting to read about how things like deafness or asthma would have affected daily life back then.

I didn't like the all-around instant coupling. It probably wasn't unlikely, since their family lived such isolated lives, but everything happened super fast. And I just didn't feel it. It also makes me a little confused for future books in the series- How much more is there to tell?

I loved the way Evangeline dealt with the information when she finally got the truth regarding Logan, the things she said to him, and the way he processed her reactions and ultimately changed his heart. He grew through the situation and I respect that. I thought the confrontation between Logan and Zach was well done, especially putting aside personal things in order to deal with bigger, more pressing problems at hand.

*SPOILERS* My biggest issue was toward the end, Logan has to take the gun and shoot because Evangeline can’t. This didn’t sit well with me. She was in a situation where not only was it his life or hers, but if her attacker escaped, a number of other people would would likely be killed as well. I wanted to see her be fierce, independent, courageous and do what was necessary for the safety and protection of others. Instead she fell to pieces and let the strong man save her. Ugh.

A small thing that I think would’ve made the story stronger, was if Logan had a reaction similar to everyone else regarding Evangeline’s mismatched eyes and overcame this. But then, I supposed I can’t judge his characterization too harshly because he overcomes prejudice in other ways. I just prefer a love story where the problems they have to deal with are not just external, but also with each other.

On the whole, I would recommend this book. It has some unique elements and a family you want to see heal and thrive.

A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor #1) by Kristi Ann Hunter book review

A Defense of Honor (Haven Manor #1)

by

Kristi Ann Hunter (Goodreads Author)

 

Forced to run for her life, Kit FitzGilbert finds herself in the very place she swore never to return to--a London ballroom. There she encounters Lord Graham Wharton, who believes Kit holds the key to a mystery he's trying to solve. As much as she wishes that she could tell him everything, she can't reveal the truth without endangering those she loves.

 

My Review: 10/10

This book was fantastic. I loved the subject matter (unplanned pregnancies) for this time period- definitely rare for christian historical romance. The themes of purpose, forgiveness, penance, redemption, and integrity were steady and natural and gave this story a lot of depth. I could really relate to the struggles the characters were faced with, some I've dealt with personally, and some that were so well done that I felt as though I had.

The romance was sweet and one of the best I've read in a while. At first, I was disappointed and annoyed by what felt like insta-love with no real basis. But if you feel this way too, push on. This book will surprise you.

*Spoiler* The only thing that gave me pause was the adoption was broached as an unheard of concept. I thought adoption was as old as Moses (see what I did there?), so I was a little surprised by this. At any rate, it made me want to look into the subject matter more myself, which is never a bad thing.

Despite the heavier themes, there was a lot of laughter and lighter moments sprinkled throughout and the pages flew by. I would highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next in this series!

Miss Wilton's Waltz (A Proper Romance #4) by Josi S. Kilpack book review

Miss Wilton's Waltz (A Proper Romance #4)

by

Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

 

A follow-up to Josi S. Kilpack's bestselling Proper Romance title The Vicar's Daughter.

Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath—more comfortable with herself—and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there.

When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine—Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school—is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl.

When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever—until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.

Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.


My Review: 9/10

I love love loved this book! It was so nice to read about a heroine who was shy, timid, mild... an introvert. I loved the way Lenora grew in quiet strength, and how she used her sister as inspiration when she needed an extra dose of boldness or courage. I also loved Catherine’s difficult character – It was so well done. Her behavior early in the story (and frequently throughout) made me fidget with discomfort and I could only imagine being in Lenora's shoes. I loved the way Catherine was not easy to love, that the relationship with her took time to build patience, trust, and eventually understanding.

I liked Aiden’s character as well– His steadiness and integrity especially. However I did have an issue with the way the story ended.

*SPOILERS * I did not agree with Aiden's statement that he believed people be committed to their own happiness (when put between what is right or what will make you happy). This is huge to me. Happiness is a fleeting feeling that is not always synonymous with what is good or right. It should not be the basis for our moral compass or the foundation for our decisions. In my opinion, he should have dissolved his tacit engagement to Miss Kiley, acknowledging that it was wrong to marry someone simply for his niece's stability, especially if he was NOT prepared to be devoted to her. An unhappy marriage would not provide stability for Catherine and they were making plenty of progress, just the two of them. Not to mention that it would be completely wrong to marry her while nursing feelings for someone else. And then there is Miss Kiley's lack of morals herself, which should have been enough for him to dissolve the relationship right then and there. He should have broken the engagement, not for Lenora, but because it was the right thing to do.

*SPOILERS* I also did not agree with his desire to not be honest with Lenora because he wanted to know that she would fight for him. Lenora was right to NOT fight for a man who was promised to someone else! After everything they had been through, I was disappointed in her for kissing him, again, when she believed that he was still engaged.

However, these flaws did not ruin my enjoyment of the story, and I would not let it stop me from recommending the novel to others- it gives us something to discuss.

A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green book review

A Refuge Assured

by Jocelyn Green (Goodreads Author)

 

Vivienne Rivard fled revolutionary France and seeks a new life for herself and a boy in her care, who some say is the Dauphin. But America is far from safe, as militiaman Liam Delaney knows. He proudly served in the American Revolution but is less sure of his role in the Whiskey Rebellion. Drawn together, will Liam and Vivienne find the peace they long for?

 

 

 

My Review: 6.5/10

This book is definitely a page turner and it is so rich in detail- it really transports you. It takes place during the French Revolution and I never thought about the relationship between events taking place in France so soon after our American Revolution and how that affected things. The political representation was really well done, making historical figures come alive. Though it does take time for information to cross the ocean, it does make it eventually and I cannot imagine witnessing the horrors committed or feeling so trapped.

That being said I took issue with Vivienne's character. It just didn't seem realistic to me that someone who had been through what she had would be so naive and trusting. I would think it would make a person paranoid. **SPOILERS** Without giving too much away, let's just say that she ends up knowing something that could make her a serious political threat. Instead of being proactive and having explanations ready or being very guarded about revealing information, she carelessly has candid conversations in public areas (multiple times), confides in people left and right, and ignores red flags. If I had been her, I would have relocated pretty much immediately to some remote, unrelated place, perhaps multiple times. I would have given myself a new history and started over. From scratch. It just didn't make any sense that she would be so unaware of the constant serious threat to herself and others, which made it frustrating to read, when I kept thinking, "How did you not see this coming?!"  

Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection (Hearts Entwined Collection) book review

 

Hearts Entwined: A Historical Romance Novella Collection (Hearts Entwined Collection)

by Karen Witemeyer (Goodreads Author), Mary Connealy (Goodreads Author), Regina Jennings (Goodreads Author), Melissa Jagears (Goodreads Author)

 

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 Knot - When 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 Bind - Connor 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 Determined - As 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 True - Wealthy 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?

 

My Review: 7.5/10
This was a collection of 4 sweet, short reads. I believe they are all picking up supporting characters from previous works, but I can't say for sure because I only follow two of the authors. A couple of times, I felt like I would have enjoyed the stories a lot more if I had read the connected novels. Unlike the first collection of novellas, these characters do not intertwine- the stories are actually set years apart.

#1 The Loveknot
After Claire's history was revealed, I felt frustrated with her for making such a huge decision so impulsively. On the whole, I didn't really connect with this story or their choices. But I did love the theme of knots in relationships.

#2 The Tangled Ties That Bind
This one felt like there was a lot of history between the characters. I think it probably reads better if you're familiar with the Kincaid novels- there are a lot of offhand references made to other characters and what they're doing that were lost on me. The opening scene is rather long, but once the story gets going, it really pulls you in. I really loved Maggie's character and the frankness between her and Conner. Things were dealt with openly and honestly, which was like a breath of fresh air as a reader. I liked Connor's determination and the way they worked through things.

#3 Bound and Determined
As always, Ms. Jennings blends humor and sweetness well. The unique details made this story interesting and despite it being a shorter story, the character's are able to undergo realistic growth, which gives the story depth.

#4 Tied and True
I think this might have been my favorite story (though it was close)! My initial reaction was annoyance because Marianne Lister was internally bemoaning her wealth and lack of skills beyond social niceties; characters with low self esteem (especially when they are described as abundantly blessed with good looks, wealth, excessive kindness, generosity, intelligence, etc) are not my cup of tea. However, in this case, they both had an understandable reason. And Marianne had me unexpectedly laughing out loud just pages in. It's unusual in this genre for the woman to be pursuing the man and it made for a unique story full of heart and humor. I loved her tenacity and relentless hope and forthrightness.

Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden book review

Ashes on the Moor

by Sarah M. Eden (Goodreads Author)

 

When Evangeline is sent to live in a small mill town in Northern England as a schoolteacher in 1871, she finds herself struggling to fit in with an unfamiliar culture. Raised with the high-class Victorian values and ideals of a sophisticated upbringing, she is unprepared for the poverty she finds in the gritty factory town of Smeatley, where the locals speak with a hard-to-understand Yorkshire accent and struggle to thrive with few resources or opportunities.

Though she has no training as a teacher, she must prove herself successful before her grandfather will release her substantial inheritance to her and allow her to be reunited with her younger sister, the last remaining member of her family after a fever claimed the lives of her parents and brothers.

Evangeline's sudden change in circumstances is complicated when her aunt—a woman who values class distinctions more than her family relationships—forbids her from acknowledging any connection to her or to her grandfather, Mr. Farr—the man who owns nearly the entire town. For the first time in her life, Evangeline is truly alone.

Heartbroken, she turns to the one person in town who has shown her kindness—an Irish brick mason, Dermot, and his son, Ronan. Despite the difference in their classes and backgrounds, Evangeline and Dermot become friends, due in part to her ability to connect with Ronan, whose behavior requires special attention. The boy is uncomfortable around strangers and rarely even speaks to the other children in town. He often fixates on details other people ignore, and he adheres to specific, self-made rules that give his life order and structure; for example, Dermot's coat must be hung on a specific peg next to the door.

Evangeline attempts to prove herself a worthy teacher and earn the respect of her hard-to-understand students. Determined to find a way to introduce them to "proper English" while still honoring their unique language and culture, she enlists the help of a local family to write down familiar stories in the Yorkshire vernacular. Because of her efforts, the students and their families warm to Evangeline and she continues to look for ways to give the children a chance to become more than factory workers in the local cotton mill.

When the town learns of her upper-class status, Evangeline must work twice as hard to win back their trust--especially Dermot's. In the end, Evangeline and Dermot discover that, even though they come from different social spheres, together they can overcome social prejudices, make a positive difference in the lives of even the humblest people, and enjoy the strength that comes when two hearts find each other.

Ashes on the Moor is the inspiring love story of one Victorian woman's courage to fight against all odds, and the man whose quiet strength gives her the confidence to keep trying.




My Review: 9/10
 
This was such an enjoyable read. Definitely one of Ms. Eden's best books.

The beginning started a little slow and I had trouble believing anyone could be so heartless in the immediate wake of so much devastation. And Evangeline's meek responses to her aunt's cruelty was hard for me to understand. Over time, Evangeline grows a backbone and becomes fierce, almost to a fault.

I didn't always agree with her convictions or choices (SPOILER* I agreed with the school inspector that her attitude was a bit of a problem at that point. She could have pled her case privately so that she wasn't directly challenging the way things were run. And I certainly thought there was value in teaching the children how to speak "properly." If they ever wanted to get a job outside of their mill in that small town, they would probably need to be able to communicate with others. She could have taught them primarily in Yorkshire dialect, especially as they were young but also taught language classes so that they would be respected and valuable outside of their little town. She could have compromised). But I did like her character development over the course of the novel.

I liked that there weren't always easy answers and that some characters were not so black and white (the vicar for example). I liked the restoration in some relationships and the lack in others; I found it realistic and relatable. No matter how much you try, some things are just out of our control.

I loved Dermot's character and Ronan as well. (*SPOILER* I assumed Ronan was Autistic. It was an interesting portrayal in that time period). Despite heavy subject matter, there was a lot of humor  shared between the characters throughout the story, which I appreciated.

Though I love stand alone novels and wish that not every story became a trilogy, I'm invested in these characters now and I can't help hoping for a follow up (maybe Susannah? Or Lucy? Or you know what would be really awesome- Berta. I would love to see her get some healing).  I'd highly recommend this book.

All That Makes Life Bright: The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe (Historical Proper Romance) by Josi S. Kilpack book review

All That Makes Life Bright: The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe (Historical Proper Romance)

by Josi S. Kilpack (Goodreads Author)

 

When Harriet Beecher marries Calvin Stowe on January 6, 1836, she is sure her future will be filled romance, eventually a family, and continued opportunities to develop as a writer. Her husband Calvin is completely supportive and said she must be a literary woman. Harriet's sister, Catharine, worries she will lose her identity in marriage, but she is determined to preserve her independent spirit. Deeply religious, she strongly believes God has called her to fulfill the roles of wife and writer and will help her accomplish everything she was born to do.

Two months after her wedding Harriet discovers she is pregnant just as Calvin prepares to leave for a European business trip. Alone, Harriet is overwhelmed-being a wife has been harder than she thought and being an expectant mother feels like living another woman's life. Knowing that part of Calvin still cherishes the memory of his first wife, Harriet begins to question her place in her husband's heart and yearns for his return; his letters are no substitute for having him home. When Calvin returns, however, nothing seems to have turned out as planned.

Struggling to balance the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing and her desire to be a part of the social change in Ohio, Harriet works to build a life with her beloved Calvin despite differing temperaments and expectations.

Can their love endure, especially after "I do"? Can she recapture the first blush of new love and find the true beauty in her marriage?


My Review:  9/10

Like most Americans, I've grown up hearing Harriet Beecher Stowe's name in school. I never read Uncle Tom's Cabin and didn't really know much more than that she wrote it and was therefore a famous female author. So I came into this story with no preconceived notions.

That said, it took a little while for the story to really pull me in. Ms. Kilpack's characters are as relatable as ever. When Hattie and Calvin argued, I could understand the frustration on both sides. I loved that the relationships (marital and familial) were not perfect and had their challenges and sore spots. Loss is a thread sensitively woven throughout the novel.

I really felt like I got an interesting look at life back then, within the home as women's roles were beginning to change: the position of a woman in the family, her role a wife and mother, what was expected of her, etc. Hattie's situation was especially interesting as she had been brought up with money (and servants) and taught to pursue education, and struggled when her marriage was not a lateral move. Hattie was definitely ahead of her time. I found the way she tried to balance the expectations for a wife and her spirit absolutely fascinating.

I loved the role family played all throughout this novel. Remarriages, squabbles over money and promises, providing advice, direction and protection. I loved the way Calvin and Hattie both turned to their parents for support, but ultimately had to find their own way. And despite their imperfect history, in the end, Catharine fiercely protected Hattie.

The themes of prayer, hope and forgiveness were perfect and convicted me personally. My favorite part was a candid conversation between father and daughter, not because it was a perfect response or solution, but I loved that he redirected Hattie back to her husband. A loving parent is perhaps the one person we might expect to be in our corner no matter what. But being in our corner sometimes means speaking truth into our lives rather than platitudes. It ended up being a catalyst that eventually led to reunion and healing.

I should also say that I always appreciate when an author includes notes on fact vs. fiction when they base a novel off of a real person. Ms. Kilpack goes above and beyond here.

I highly recommend this book. There is so much to love here: interesting family dynamics, a realistic love story, relatable characters with strong personalities, humor, personal growth, and a dose of history. Can't wait for more from this author!