About the Book

Book: Her Guarded Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre: FICTION / Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: February 1, 2022

At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.

Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.

In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. Afterward, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With almost two dozen published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times, and A Love to Behold was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews. The two prior books in Shar’s Hearts of Honor series, centered on the Fuller brothers, include Her Rebel Heart and Her Steadfast Heart.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan.

 

More from Sharlene

• Setting is Lebanon, Ohio, after the Civil War
• The lead character’s father dies under mysterious circumstances; the next day, President Lincoln is assassinated
• This is Sharlene’s 24th novel with Whitaker House

MY REVIEW 

I really enjoyed reading  this story about a young woman who goes through many trials while still trusting God. I loved Anna and how determined she was to take care of her little brother. After losing her father she has the burden of trying  to save their farm. Someone is very anxious to buy her farm and will do anything to get it. 

Jesse is a good guy with a big heart. His hair brained scheme to help Anna out doesn’t go over well but he is not one to give up easily. I thought it was funny that his brothers teased him constantly and you could tell they had a great bond between them. I loved his family and especially his mother. She gives Jesse sound advice and reminds him that he should pray about his situation. 

I’m not sure how to describe Horace but must say he was an evil and greedy man. He is selfish and treats others with unkind words. He is definitely an example of the scripture, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The rumors about a buried treasure on Anna’s  farm drives him to commit the unthinkable. The author uses Horace as a good illustration of how God love everyone. The treatment he has shown to Anna is horrible but in a moment when she could have turned against him she shows him grace. 

The story is filled with adventure, a mystery surround a death  and a lesson in trusting God. The author also uses Anna to show how forgiveness can change someone’s life. There is much more to the story but I will stop here so readers can discover for themselves how love conquers all. 

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

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Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Connie’s History Classroom, February 23

For Him and My Family, February 24

Fiction Book Lover, February 25 (Spotlight)

deb’s Book Review, February 25

Inklings and notions, February 26

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 27

Artistic Nobody, February 28 (Spotlight)

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1

Texas Book-aholic, March 2

Bizwings Blog, March 3

Simple Harvest Reads, March 4 (Spotlight)

Britt Reads Fiction, March 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 6

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a copy of the book!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1ab32/her-guarded-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway