Friday, January 31, 2025

THE RISE AND FALL OF MISS FANNIE’S BISCUITS BY WANDA BRUNSTETTER & MARTHA BOLTON

Why Are Baking Contestants Disappearing?

Mysteries have a way of following Fannie Miller, so when she makes it into the finals of the Tuscarawas County Baking Contest and contestants start disappearing, she calls on her old friend Foster Bates, a retired cop and part-time private investigator. Could it be that other finalists are somehow responsible for these disappearances, thinning out the competition? Like the couple on verge of divorce who need the prize money, or the three Beiler sisters, always in a huddle whispering. One thing is for certain—Foster and Fannie will stay on the case until the end, and everyone involved will have learned something important about baking contests, solving mysteries, and life.

New York Times Bestselling Author Wanda E. Brunstetter and Emmy-Nominated Author Martha Bolton have teamed up to deliver a delightful whodunit from Ohio’s Amish country.

New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.

Martha Bolton is a prolific author of 89 books, an Emmy nominee, a Dove Award nominee, and a co-author of three NY Times bestselling books. She was nominated for a Writers' Guild Award for her work on the Emmy-winning Bob Hope—The First Ninety Years. She was Bob's first full-time female staff writer and wrote for his television specials and personal appearances.

MY REVIEW

After reading this book I wanted to eat biscuits lathered in butter and honey. I enjoyed learning how to make biscuits that would melt in your mouth. Fannie is a cheerful person and wants to win the baking contest so bad. After years of practice she believes she has perfected the winning biscuit. Her excitement grows as the day draws near for the contest. Up for grabs is twenty-five thousand dollars.

Foster is a retired police officer and sometimes private detective. His relationship with Fannie is fun. Oh he acts like she bothers him sometimes but I think he is sweet on her. Just as he is ready to call it a day the Blustery sisters come in. They have a reputation as gossips so I wonder what they want to tell Foster? Looks like one of the sisters may be infatuated with him.

It doesn’t take long for shenanigans to start at the preliminary meeting up that some of the contestants. Several of them have disappeared. Excuses see to pop up about these contestants leaving notes saying they were having an appendicitis attack. Fannie is begging Foster to help her look into these strange disappearances. Foster is having a hard time getting motivated into helping Fannie. His humor is contagious and he had me cracking up as the story continued. There is something going on and Fannie is going to prove it to Foster.

Get ready for laughs, mystery and fun characters in the exciting story. Don’t miss the recipe in the back of the book. Grab yourself a copy and be prepared to find fout what is happening to the contestants of the baking show.

I received a copy of this book from the authors. This review is my own opinion.

About the Book

Book: Securing Charity

Author: Julia David

Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance

Release date: October 17, 2022

Has God and all that is good truly abandoned her?
After a fearless Swedish man intervenes to save her from a brutal attack, Charity Baldzo, a Roma beauty with a hidden disability and a lineage shrouded in mystery, escapes to her mother’s farm. But as she grapples with her past and the scars it left, will she ever find the safety she she desperately seeks?

Ari Johansson’s world spirals into chaos after his act of bravery turns to tragedy. The vengeful hand of the man who assaulted Charity strikes back, slaughtering his sheep as retribution. Now, Ari’s brother languishes in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, and flames devour his home and barn, leaving him with nothing but a future of despair. The only glimmer of hope is Charity, who now cares for his young nephew, Soren.

As desperation mounts, Ari is reluctant to lean on the fierce Roma women. But when Charity’s mother proposes an unexpected deal—one he should refuse—he’s faced with an impossible choice. Could marrying the beautiful Charity and securing the neighboring land be the key to ensuring Soren’s safety and freeing his brother?
Attraction sparks between them, but can their disparate worlds coexist? Can they navigate their differences and build a future together?

PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage, and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

Charity has always felt unsure of herself. Because of her disability she tends to stay to herself. She comes from a background where the people are proud people. When an attack on her is stopped while in town she can’t believe that someone would stand up for her. I liked that Charity found a way to repay the man who rescued her. But there is one catch ; she has to tell about the man who attacked her. There is one thing I didn’t like about Charity. She is bitter at times and takes it out on people who care about her.

Ari is a great character who stops an attack on Charity. He didn’t hesitate to help the young woman, but his actions anger someone. Revenge comes quickly to his family and ends with a member of his family behind bars. I like how Ari was humble when accepting help from Charity and her mother. Ari is determined to get his brother out of jail and will do whatever he needs to get him freed.

I enjoyed the story and liked how faith was weaved throughout. The characters learn to trust God and build a good relationship with each other. It was interesting to learn about the different customs that Charity and Ari grew up with. Is it true that opposites attract?

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Julia David is an Amazon #1 ranked romance author, serial DIY’er, and certified life coach. Addicted to Hallmark movies and baking, she believes it’s crucial to have some predictable things in life. Her tagline, ‘Escape to an Era Where True Love Prevails’, was from her own reason for reading stacks of books.
Married and a mother to five, she also loves to camp and hike around the Pacific Northwest.

More from Julia

Fun fact: My daughter’s dear friend is a talented photographer who was born missing half of her left arm. Her agility and confidence are truly inspiring, and she served as a major inspiration for our heroine, Charity.”

My favorite part of being an indie author is witnessing how God provides the perfect cover models just when I need them. Each of my books features amazing ladies (and gentlemen) from my Northern California area, and I absolutely love creating the costumes myself.

Below are photos of our heroine, Charity, showcasing costumes that are largely sourced from Goodwill. I truly enjoy the creative process!

Blog Stops

Stories By Gina, January 28 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 29

Vicky Sluiter, January 30 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 31

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 1 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 2

For the Love of Literature, February 3 (Author Interview)

Madi’s Musings, February 4

Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 5 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, February 5

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 6

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 7

Blossoms and Blessings, February 8 (Author Interview)

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 9

Holly’s Book Corner, February 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Julia is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54143

Thursday, January 30, 2025

About the Book

Book: Mara The Unseen Battle (The Victory Series Book One)

Author: Blossom Turner

Genre: Christian Suspense

Release date: January 21, 2024

A mother’s love should be a given…

Growing up in1970s small-town Canada, Mara Howland strives to meet her mother’s impossible demands—yet the sting of failure always follows. Each punishment leaves another wound to hide, another cruelty to hush, until that dark summer evening. Now, she holds a secret she must bury…if she wants to survive.

But more is happening than meets the eye.

The mystery of the supernatural unfolds as Mara’s guardian angel and the sinister forces of evil battle for her well-being—and her soul. A place where rulers of the darkness prey on the innocent and unwary. Will Mara’s spirit be crushed by the malevolent powers that fuel her mother’s cruelty, or is there a loving God who has a plan for her life?

In this gripping first book of a three-part series, Mara’s life journey brings startling awareness of our daily spiritual battles. Step with Mara behind the veil of the visible world, into a realm where prayer is a weapon, faith is tested, and all must choose between hatred and revenge, or love and forgiveness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Blossom Turner is an award-winning novelist who loves to jump out of planes, garden, and sing… all for fun. She is published in Chicken Soup and Kernels of Hope anthologies, a former newspaper columnist on health and fitness and personal trainer. With a passion for words this gifted author brings to life thought-provoking stories of love and relationship sprinkled with God’s hope. Check out the the award-winning Shenandoah Bride Series about five sisters and their love stories. She and her husband, David, have two grown children and live in beautiful British Columbia, Canada, with their Shepherd/Bernese dog named Lacey.

More from Blossom

Have you ever felt like something, or someone is watching you? Have you ever experienced darkness in a fully lit room? Or wondered if a malevolent force was working against you?

We all love stories on angels and God’s love and protection, but we also have an enemy…a living, breathing adversary, who comes to steal, kill and destroy. Ephesians 6:12 says…For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (NKJV)

This story, Mara, The Unseen Battle… found me. My genre is historical romance. I was building a following, won some awards, and loved what I was doing. But as I finished up my last series the Holy Spirit made it very clear that Mara would be my next project. From my own experiences of childhood abuse, I added enough fiction to protect the not-so-innocent and created a story that reveals the unseen spirit world that preys on the innocent and vulnerable.

As sweet Mara suffers under an abusive mother, we discover evil forces are plotting her death. The odds are against her, yet she does not fight alone. In this first book of a three-book series Mara comes face-to-face with the evil behind her mother’s attacks and must choose whether to enter that darkness or turn toward the light. Her birth to death story unfolds in a unique, riveting, and page-turning experience that will alert you to events taking place in the unseen spirit world.

You will be entertained, (nothing wrong with that) but you will also come away with a greater appreciation for prayer, for Christ, and His work on the cross. You may even view the trials of life in a new encouraging way. The battle is real but the One by our side is victorious.

MY REVIEW

The beginning of the book sent shivers down my spine. I was actually angry at this character who is filled with such contempt. The words coming out of her mouth about her children are like a sharp knife piercing the skin. Martha is a very unhappy woman and takes it out on an innocent child. There are sensitive subjects in the book such as child abuse. The author does a very good job of illustrating what the enemy means for harm, God uses it for good.

In the darkness is someone watching over his prey. The story delves into the world where demons wait for their next assignment. Komar has asked for a mentor to achieve more power and move forward in darkness. Who is next to be infiltrated by this demon?

I was intrigued by the name chosen for the newest member of the Howland family. Mara which means bitter is not really wanted by her mother. Mara’s father has his hands full trying to help with the children, work and try to stay on Martha’s good side. Lurking nearby is Komar. He is enjoying the misery that Martha feels. The author does a good job of showing how the enemy can capture our thoughts and turn them into hate. The enemy loves to divide a family and does everything possible to achieve that goal.

The book is about spiritual warfare and how we need to always be on guard. A strong presence of God is in this story where redemption comes. Realistic scenes of angels and demons are abundant in the story. I loved how the author shows that God is always with us. Mara experiences so much hatred yet she continues to cry out to Jesus.

Oh how I loved hearing God tell Mara how much she was loved. He reminds her that she is nothing like her mother says and comforts her. Have you ever felt unloved? God has a plan for each of us. Hold on to the truth that you are a child of God and never give up. Such a powerful story where evil tries to destroy goodness. Mara’s story is a reminder that we don’t “battle against flesh and blood but against principalities.”

I received a copy of this story from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion .

Blog Stops

The Lofty Pages, January 24

Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 25

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 26

Stories By Gina, January 27 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, January 28

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 29 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

Guild Master, January 31 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 1

A Reader’s Brain, February 2 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 3

Back Porch Reads, February 4 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, February 5

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 6 (Author Interview)

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Blossom is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Certificate and an eBook copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54140

Wednesday, January 29, 2025

About the Book

Book:The Maestro’s Missing Melody

Author: Amy Walsh

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Release date: September 13, 2024

She was thrilled to apprentice with her fiddler hero—until she got to know him. He regretted his decision to play teacher to college kids—until he got to know her.

For aspiring musician and college student McKay Moonlight, winning a summer internship with Scottish master fiddler Huntley Milne was a dream come true. When a last-minute change moved the internship program from the Scottish Highlands of her ancestors to a village she’d never heard of along the River Deben, McKay was determined to make the best of it. However, she didn’t expect to make such a terrible first impression on her summer mentor.

Hosting a bunch of college students was the last thing Maestro Huntley Milne needed. He was already up to his ears in problems, with Aunt BeeBee being placed in a care home, resulting in him having emergency custody of his tween nephew and niece. Then he met McKay Moonlight, and the chaos really began.

The Maestro’s Missing Melody is a charming story featuring endearingly eccentric characters, a treasure hunt caper through the nooks and crannies of a mansion, and genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Sunshine and thunderclouds attract in this delightful age-gap Christian romantic comedy from Amy Walsh.

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW

A fun story with quirky characters that bring us much enjoyment. It is refreshing to read a Christian fiction book that is not focused on romance but on relationships that improve with faith. The two main characters are so opposite yet they do have one thing in common.

McKay Moonlight is a gifted musician. She has the pleasure of studying under a master fiddler which secretly she has had a crush on. It’s a long way from home but this is a chance to become more accomplished as a musician. Of course she wants to make a great first impression but that doesn’t quite go as planned. I laughed so hard when McKay does something during a very important presentation that disrupts a pwrformance. I would have walked out, never to be seen again.

Huntley doesn’t know what he was thinking when he agreed to host college students during the summer. He has his Aunt BeeBee recovering in a care home, a niece and nephew suddenly in his care, the loss of his wife and now the summer internship. Just wait till he realizes who one of the students will be.

A clever scavenger hunt is underway as our characters try to piece each clue together. It is a brilliant idea that someone very special designed. I did enjoy following each clue which leads to an unexpected revelation. There are a few emotional moments in the story that took me by surprise. Through all the trials the characters encounter one thing is for certain. Their journey has given them a sense of family, forgiveness and finding God.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

About the Author

Amy Walsh is a 5th-grade teacher who loves teaching children about what she loves to do herself: reading and writing. She enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking and camping. Amy also appreciates opportunities to share her faith through singing, teaching, and writing for her church family. Amy and her husband, Patrick, have three children: Bree, Spencer, Liz, and a son-in-law, Kyle. Amy and her family love to spend time together celebrating special occasions, listening to great music, swimming and kayaking, and having occasional ping pong tournaments.

More from Amy

The Maestro’s Missing Melody Cast of Characters

Maestro Huntley Milne regrets committing to host a group of college students, especially when Aunt BeeBee ends up in a care home, forcing him to move into the Milne Monstrosity on Sycamore Street which is about two hours northeast of London. Aunt BeeBee is nagging him to locate the missing Milne stave book, Dory and David are fretting about being put back into foster care, and even his aunt’s cats are high maintenance. Then he meets McKay Moonlight…

McKay Moonlight was thrilled when she won the musical apprenticeship at Maestro Huntley Milne’s Highlands Music Center. After all, she had a little crush on him for years after seeing him play at the Rocky Mountain Fiddler Championships. When the apprenticeship is relocated to a tiny town near the Deben River, rather than the Highlands of her ancestors, she takes it in stride. Who would think her traveling mishaps would cause her to be late and forget something very important – ruining her chance to make a good first impression on her summer mentor.

The Milne Monstrosity was built by a wealthy plantation owner, who brought his family to England just prior to the American Civil War. This mansion is a hodgepodge of turrets, towers, secret passages, and gables – – and does not fit in with the other homes on Sycamore Street AT ALL. Beatrice Milne has filled the mansion with many colorful and eccentric collections. Other unique features of the Milne property are a tiny guest house which is the exact replica of the Monstrosity, and a stone amphitheater decorated with musical gargoyles within view of the River Deben.

Dory and David are tween twins who went from foster home to foster home until they were finally adopted by Mama Bee. Dory enjoys riding her bike around her village, learning to play the flute, reading great books – – and finally having a family, even if her adopted mother is much older and let’s say “different” from other parents. David plays the guitar very well, but his real passion is for building gadgets. The twins were content living in the Milne Monstrosity in Eden Cove with Mama Bee encouraging them to explore their interests and grow their talents. But now, Mama Bee is in a care home and they are stuck with grumpy Uncle Huntley until Mama Bee comes home. That’s IF she ever comes home.

Beatrice Milne, aka Aunt Bee Bee or Mama Bee, always had her fingers in so many pies, and those pies were always so splendid, that she seems larger than life to the people of Eden Cove. Now she is a patient of Balmy Bay Residences, the care home she helped refurbish as one of her projects. What’s with her change in personality – and her obsession with Huntley needing to search for the missing Milne stave book?

Arabella and Gerard are Aunt Bee Bee’s ginormous cats who have a love/hate relationship with the Maestro. Who knows, maybe they can help with the treasure hunt for the missing stave book…

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, January 25

Stories By Gina, January 26 (Author Interview)

Becca Hope: Book Obsessed, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 28

Texas Book-aholic, January 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 31

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, February 2

Blogging With Carol, February 3

For Him and My Family, February 4

Fiction Book Lover, February 5 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 5

Holly’s Book Corner, February 6

Pause for Tales, February 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Amy is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54141

Monday, January 27, 2025

About the Book

Book: Kisses from Heaven, Book Three: Unique, Inexplicable, Extraordinary, and Supernatural Tales from the Heart of a Miraculous God

Author: C.B. Caleb Woodworth

Genre: RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Memoirs/ Prayer/ Inspirational

Release date: December 10, 2024

Jesus proved who He was by signs and wonders. Here, pastors and restoration ministers C.B. Caleb Woodworth and intercessor wife, Emily Anne, are ready to serve you a banquet of real-life God Stories, personal testimonies of Jesus’ unique, inexplicable, extraordinary, and supernatural ways to illustrate, once again, He is still the same yesterday, today, and forever.

If you’ve ever wondered whether God was still performing miracles in our day, this series will be a welcome reminder of his power and goodness.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

A Marine aviator and family physician, C.B. Caleb Woodworth and Proverbs 31 wife, Emily, left the world to follow Holy Spirit as restoration (inner healing) missionary pastors over the last twenty-six years. Today, the Woodworths continue ministry among those in need from America’s heartland, making the most of their time, for the days are short.

More from C.B. Caleb

In a world that is growing darker and where hope seems far away, we need to hear about the goodness and faithfulness of God all the more.

This little book of true God Stories will introduce you to the wondrous ways Holy Spirit works to accomplish His will and purposes. Sometimes referred to as miracles, these “Kisses from Heaven” have most often come as a complete surprise or at the eleventh hour to turn ordinary events into inexplicable, extraordinary, or even supernatural ones.

Whether you are doubtful and need a reason to believe or you are a faithful believer grown weary in your walk, you will find story after story of God’s gracious intervention in the lives of mortal men and a hopeful reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of our heavenly Father.

So, Christian, come join us for a walk through our encouraging, if not eye-opening, personal little book of God Stories. We pray it becomes the harbinger of Jesus sharing tender mercies to and through your own lives, leading to an awesome Kiss from Heaven or two for you to pass on to the kids, grandkids, and generations to come.

MY REVIEW

There are over twenty stories that illustrate how God is there when we need him most. Each story shares how little kisses can help us grow stronger in our faith. They are encouraging stories and are faith based that help readers see that God loves us.

At the end of each story we fund the same question which for me was the best part. It breaks down what the significance of the story is and how God showed up. One such example talks about feeling unloved. It helps open up this feeling that some have suffered through not feeling loved for a long time. To carry that around blocks us from seeing how much God loves us. Once we release those feelings of anger or bitterness the “Holy Spirit will act to restore our God-given identity.” Just think of the doors that are now opened showing us the “agape love between the sower and reaper.”

Some stories were easier to find the meaning in than others. I’m sure readers will find inspiration in the book and find their favorite story. One thing is for certain, the stories do illustrate overcoming difficult situations, finding God’s love in the midst of a crisis and being reminded that we are not alone.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 22

Artistic Nobody, January 23 (Author Interview)

Stories By Gina, January 24 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 24

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, January 25 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Guild Master, January 27 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, January 28

A Reader’s Brain, January 29 (Author Interview)

Godly Book Reviews, January 30

Back Porch Reads, January 31 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, February 1 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, February 1

Fiction Book Lover, February 2 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 3

Simple Harvest Reads, February 4 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, C.B. Caleb is giving away the grand prize of a $100 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of all three books in the series!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54138

Sunday, January 26, 2025

About the Book

Book: Maggie’s Journey

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 7, 2025

A secret adoption, a quest for identity, and a love that could change her life forever.

Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father’s handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.

Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie’s father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.

With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

Book Excerpt

“Mrs. Caine.” Angus McKenna came to an abrupt stop and cleared his throat before starting again. “I’ve come to ask you something that . . . I never dreamed I’d . . . ever ask anyone.” His voice rasped, and he stopped to take a gulp of air, staring off into the distance.

She couldn’t take her eyes from him, even when the baby in her arms squirmed. “How can we help you?”

New tears followed the trails down his cheeks and disappeared into his beard. He grabbed a bandanna from his back pocket and blew his nose with one hand. “I’ve just lost the most important thing in my life.” He paused and stared at the ground. “I don’t know how I can go on without her.” His voice cracked on the last word. Once again he paused, but much longer this time. His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed several times. “I’ve been crying out to God, but I don’t think He’s listening to me right now. If He were . . . ”

What a thing for a man to admit to them. Florence knew he must be near a breakdown. He did need help, but what could they do?

“I’ve decided . . . it would be best to find another family to raise one of my girls.” He stood straighter. “I’ve watched you with Margaret Lenora . . . ”

“Is that what you’ve named her?” Florence gazed at the sleeping baby, and her heart ached for the child. To grow up without a mother.

“Yes.” Angus looked straight at Joshua, and her husband gave a slow nod.

“Your husband has told me . . . how much you’ve wanted a child.”

For a moment, anger flared in her chest. Joshua shouldn’t share her secret with anyone. She took a deep breath to keep from saying something she’d regret. Even though she didn’t even look at her husband, she could feel his gaze deep inside. She was grateful he couldn’t see the ugly jealousy and covetousness that resided there.

MY REVIEW

A young woman finds herself searching for answers when she finds out a secret her parents have kept from her. Maggie has always wondered why her mother was so hard on her. She couldn’t seem to do anything to please her. Their relationship was definitely strained. Maggie's mother used to be very sweet and caring. Why has she suddenly become distant and cold toward her daughter?

I enjoyed how much Maggie loved to design dresses. Oh how she wanted to own her own shop someday, but will those dreams be shattered when her mother hears of her plans? I liked how the author describes the different designs Maggie draws. What also makes this story so good is how the author describes the time period. You can tell that much research was done to make the story realistic for the time period.

Charles has a thriving business and makes a wise decision to join Maggie’s father in a joint venture. This decision he hopes will help him become more successful. When he is asked to accompany Maggie and her aunt on a trip he agrees. The train ride seemed to be unbearable at times. I don’t think I would like the tight quarters and chill that wouldn’t go away as they spent days on the train. It was interesting that Charles had an interest in Maggie’s aunt. Poor Maggie didn’t quite understand his attraction to her aunt. After all there is an age different. I did chuckle because I sensed that Maggie may have been a little jealous.

The story finds Maggie on a journey to discover who she is and allow God to show her His plans for her life. The book is filled with faith and lessons on forgiveness and waiting on God. A lovely story that also reconciles a family and grows their relationship into a strong bond.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.