Monday, May 18, 2026

Chase the Light Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Chase the Light (National Parks Summers Book 2. It can be read as a stand alone.)

Author: Suzanne Woods Fisher

Genre: Contemporary

Release Date: May 5, 2026

When Acadia National Park ranger Scout Johnson discovers a weathered note near a remote lighthouse, she never imagines it will expose a century-old mystery. The cryptic message points to a forgotten shipwreck, a vanished treasure, and a lighthouse keeper’s suspicious death. Seeking answers, Scout enlists Naki Dana, a thoughtful man whose Penobscot heritage provides crucial insights. As they venture deeper into Acadia’s rugged wilderness, their unlikely partnership begins stirring feelings Scout didn’t expect to find. But they aren’t the only ones searching.

Chase Fletcher, a charming local journalist, sees this treasure hunt as his last opportunity to save his failing paper–and finds himself increasingly drawn to the ranger leading the search. With pressure mounting and loyalties tested, Scout must navigate a winding path between history and justice, truth and betrayal . . . and determine who–and what–deserves her trust.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Suzanne Woods Fisher is a bestselling author, Christy finalist, Carol and Selah winner, and two-time ECPA Book of the Year finalist, with over forty books to her name. She writes contemporary, historical and Amish novels. Suzanne lives in California with her husband, where life (and friends) inspire her stories.

More from Suzanne

If a trip to Acadia National Park isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and when you go, don’t miss warm popovers on the lawn at the iconic Jordan Pond House.

The Unofficial-but-Close-Enough Jordan Pond Popover Recipe*

Back in 1895, Nellie and Thomas McIntire bought a Maine farmhouse overlooking the clear waters of Jordan Pond. On their wide green lawn, they served tea and towering popovers to well-to-do summer travelers. In 1928, J. D. Rockefeller purchased the land and later donated it to Acadia National Park. The lawn remains. The view remains. And the popovers? Still iconic.

While the original recipe is famously guarded, this version comes deliciously close.

Makes 6–8 large popovers.

What You’ll Need

4 large eggs
2 cups whole milk
2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Pinch of baking soda
2 tablespoons melted butter

Let’s Make Them

Start with a hot oven (and a hot pan).
Preheat your oven to 425°–450°F. Place your popover pan (or a muffin tin) in the oven while it heats.
Whisk the batter.
Beat the eggs for about 2–3 minutes until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk, then add the flour, salt, and baking soda. Mix just until combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
Fill the cups.
Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and grease it generously with butter or spray. Pour the batter into each cup, filling them about halfway to three-quarters full.
Bake.
Bake at 425°–450°F for 15 minutes. Then, without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and bake another 15–20 minutes. The high heat creates the lift; the lower heat helps them set inside.
Resist the urge to peek.
Do not open the oven door while they bake. The steam inside is what makes them puff and keeps them tall.

Serve immediately with plenty of butter and strawberry jam.

A Few Tips for Sky-High Popovers

Room temperature matters. Cold eggs or milk will slow the rise. Let them sit out a bit before mixing.
Heat is your friend. A properly preheated pan jump-starts the puff.
No peeking. Steam is everything here. Let the oven do its work.

*Recipe adapted from Weston Table.

MY REVIEW

With breathtaking views and amazing historical facts, National Parks come to life in this engaging story. I loved reading about the outdoors and God’s beauty that surrounds us everyday. The mystery starts right away and the addition of a lighthouse added git me hooked on the story. There is something about lighthouses that have always intrigued me. Their beacon of light shines brightly across the dark waters. It gives hope to those who feel lost and a welcome sign they are near to safety.

Scout is in her element as a park ranger. She loves everything about her job except for one tiny detail. She is not fond of heights. I did laugh when I read that. How is she going to do her job if she can’t hike up mountains? Scout would soon face her fear as a forgotten envelope that was hidden will lead Scout and others on an adventure.

I like how Scout joins Naki on the search to find lost treasure. I found Naki to be very fascinating and calm under pressure. His knowledge of the land helps solve the clues to discover hidden treasures from long ago. His character adds depth and challenges Scout to open up about her past. They work well together and form a sweet friendship. Will this friendship turn into something more?

Chase is a go getter and needs a major story to boost his newspaper that is slowly losing sales. Ok I really didn’t like him much because he was pushy, arrogant and selfish. He wants to be the first to crack the mystery and will use anything or anyone to get it. Chase does have an attraction to Scout and finds himself in competition for her attention.

The story takes a curve when Scout is left alone on a treacherous course. Her fear starts to take over until she cries out to God. He reminds her, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” In our darkest moments , God is there to give us strength. I love how Scout feels more confident after she calls out to God. The more she turns to her faith the more steadfast she is. Little does she know that a big surprise is waiting for her. I like how the author lets us see Scout vulnerable and ready to give everything to God.

The mystery is fun and the clues were very subtle at times. I was impressed how they were solved. Getting to know more about Naki and Native Americans was eye opening. Long ago they faced losing their land. Even today they still feel the effects of their past generation struggling to survive. Naki gives Scout a history lesson on his people and how they felt trapped on land they thought was theirs.

The story delivers many lessons such as forgiveness, importance of family and seeing others the way Jesus sees them. Learning to trust again brings Scout a new beginning and helps her let go of the past. I enjoyed the mystery and how it came back full circle.

“The best views come after the hardest climbs.”

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

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, May 16

Lyssa Loves Books, May 16

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 17

Texas Book-aholic, May 18

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, May 19

The Avid Reader, May 19

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 20

Lakesidelivingsite, May 20

For Him and My Family, May 21

Holly’s Book Corner, May 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 22

EmpowerMoms, May 23

Pause for Tales, May 23

Blogging With Carol, May 24

Lily’s Corner, May 25

Devoted To Hope, May 25

She Lives to Read, May 26

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 27

Cover Lover Book Review, May 27

Simple Harvest Reads, May 28 (Guest Review from Donna)

Lights in a Dark World, May 28

Wishful Endings, May 29

Mary Hake, May 29

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Suzanne is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://gleam.io/f01pi/chase-the-light-celebration-tour-giveaway

Saturday, May 16, 2026

A Love Restored Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: A Love Restored

Author: Kelly J. Goshorn

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: June 18, 2018

Loudoun County, Virginia, 1873

With pert opinions and a less than perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a proposal from a man she doesn’t love.

Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect he craves. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality.

When others ridicule his choice, Benjamin must decide if he will follow his heart or put ambition first.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Kelly Goshorn weaves her affinity for history and her passion for God into inspiring stories of love, faith, and family set in America’s vibrant past. She is the bestselling author of The Undercover Heiress of Brockton and A Love Restored. When she is not writing, Kelly enjoys binge-watching BBC period dramas, exploring historical sites with her husband, board-gaming with family and friends, and spoiling her Welsh corgi, Biscuit.

More from Kelly

Writing my Real-Life Romance

When I first began tinkering with storytelling in 2011, I wrote about an Irish mail order bride. I’m not sure what it is about mail order bride stories that fascinates me, but I will read everyone I can get my hands on. When my husband discovered that I was writing creatively he looked over my chapter and advised that it “wasn’t bad,” then suggested I write our story.

Honestly, God had whispered in my heart a long time ago that I would share our story, but I assumed I’d give my testimony in a ladies Bible study or something. I never imagined I’d share some of the most painful moments of my life with the world in written form. However, the more I thought about it, the more I agreed that our story had all the elements needed for a great romance—interesting characters, a strong spiritual arc, and enough conflict to drive a Mac truck through the hardest of hearts.

Like my full-figured heroine, Ruth Ann, I’ve struggled with weight issues my entire life. I’ve had cruel things said about my appearance. Oftentimes by people who were supposed to love me.

Boys don’t date chubby girls.

You have such a pretty face, you really should do something about your figure.

Men don’t marry overweight women.

But their insensitive words failed in comparison to the ugly way I spoke to myself.

You’re fat.

You’re ugly.

No one likes you.

No man…will ever…love you.

I’d become so defined by the negative comments and opinions of those surrounding me, I no longer saw anything to esteem. I’d allowed my self-worth to be determined by a yardstick that measured my value according to the size of my waist or the flatness of my stomach, always coming up short.

Then one night the unthinkable happened. Mike, the man I’d previously been dating told me the real reason he ended our relationship weeks earlier. “I made a vow that I wouldn’t marry a woman who was overweight.” My mind spiraled out of control recalling every unkind word that others or I had spoken about my appearance. Within an hour I was curled up on my bathroom floor, an entire bottle of ibuprofen emptied in shaky palm.

Thankfully, that is not where the story ended. Weeks earlier, knowing I was sad about the breakup with this man, my pastor’s wife asked if I had been thinking about suicide. Shocked, I told her no. Prompted by the Holy Spirit the two of us prayed against the spirit of suicide and that no harm would come to me by own hand. I firmly believe those prayers saved my life in that dark moment when the voice of the enemy was silenced, and I chose to live.

Although I learned that God loved me in a way no man ever could, he brought a soul mate into my life. A loving husband who, despite my fuller figure, often greets me in the morning with a loving salutation, “Good morning, Beautiful.”

Mike and I will celebrate 36 years of marriage in June.

Yes, the same Mike whose other words had sent me into a life-threatening tailspin.

God had to purge those negative thoughts from the minds of both Mike and me. We had to experience the fullness of God’s love for us before we could give and receive love unconditionally in marriage—to anyone. God could’ve decided to bring us new relationships, start over with a clean slate. Instead, He taught us about forgiveness, trust, and unconditional love.

He had not only chosen to heal, but to restore.

Our journey to unconditional love and acceptance is told through my characters in A Love Restored. At its core, A Love Restored is not only a story of love, romance, heartache and restoration, but also a story about the power of words over our lives. It is a story about the struggle each of us faces to take our thoughts captive to the truth of Scripture so we may experience the fullness of God’s unequivocal love for us. As my husband and I discovered, it is only then that we are truly able to give and receive love, unconditionally.

My prayer for you and your lovely readers is that you will not allow the enemy to steal the joy that is rightfully yours as a child of God. Speak the truth of the gospel over yourself every day and ask God to give you His eyes to see yourself as He does (1 Samuel 16:7b).

Your Turn: Have you ever been plagued by self-doubt? If so, in what area of your life? How did you overcome it?

MY REVIEW

Thank you for a beautiful story where compassion and acceptance is illustrated. Many people are judged by their looks which can bring insecurity. I loved Ruth Ann and how gracious she is to everyone. Sone may think she isn’t petite enough but oh my goodness does she have the biggest heart for others. She teaches school for children of color. Not everyone in the town likes this and try to force her to quit. I appreciate the author giving us some historical facts that help readers understand the struggle it was for these children.

I did like the sweet romance between Ruth Ann and Benjamin. His acceptance of Ruth Ann no matter her size or profession shows he has a good heart. He does become protective of her especially when she starts receiving threats to quit her teaching job. Their banter is fun and I think they compliment each other well. I wonder if Ruth Ann can give up her comfortable living to be with Benjamin? As he travels he will be living in not so desirable conditions and there won’t be much time to settle in one place.

I loved following their relationship and watching how they allow God to direct their path. Benjamin is not one to give up when he wants something. Ruth Ann can be stubborn at times so this makes for an exciting journey for both. Learning to trust God and forgiving others is a wonderful theme in the story.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 8

Devoted Steps, May 9

Artistic Nobody, May 10 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Familiy, May 11

Simple Harvest Reads, May 12 (Guest Review from Marilyn)

Guild Master, May 13 (Author Interview)

Holly’s Book Corner, May 13

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 14

Fiction Book Lover, May 15 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 17

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, May 18 (Author Interview)

Pause for Tales, May 18

Books You Can Feel Good About, May 19

Cover Lover Book Review, May 20

Books Less Travelled, May 21 (Author Interview)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kelly is giving away the grand prize of a canvas tote bag with XOXO printed on it, a print copy of A Love Restored, a few “novel teas” tea bags, one “I’d Rather Be Reading” notepad, a pen, a pair of booklover socks, and a “I can do all things through Christ” charm bracelet!!

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

https://gleam.io/wYPCS/a-love-restored-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, May 14, 2026

Stronger than the Storm Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: Stronger than the Storm

Author: Deena Adams

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release Date: April 28, 2026

A runaway teen. A wife’s devastating secret. A family’s reckoning.

Since surviving a rocky season in her marriage nineteen years earlier, Beth Holbrook has prayed and worked toward maintaining a solid marital commitment, raising godly children, and leading a thriving parenting ministry. On the cusp of realizing her publication dream and expanding her influence nationwide, her daughter, Leesa, runs away without a word.

Having recently turned eighteen and graduated from high school, Leesa is livid with her parents for not allowing her to attend a beach party, especially when the only guy who has ever shown interest in her will be there. When her best friend suggests they escape their parents’ strict rules and move to Myrtle Beach together, she makes a spontaneous decision to leave town. A mere six weeks later she returns home with shocking news that affects not only her future, but her family’s.

While grappling with a volatile blend of failure and anger, Beth’s identity as a pastor’s wife, mom, and respected parenting coach disintegrates. Amid mounting conflict in her marriage, continued criticism from her mother, and strained relationships with her children, Beth confesses a long-held secret, shattering her already splintered family.

As a hurricane bears down on the Holbrook’s house, the storm raging within the walls threatens to rip apart the fragile stitches holding their family together. When Beth’s solid foundation crumbles, will her family survive intact? Or is her contrition too little, too late?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

As a Jesus girl for more than thirty years, Deena Adamsunderstands how important hope is to daily life, which fuels her passion to inspire others through hope-filled fiction based on true to life stories.

She is a Certified Mental Health Coach, a multi-award-winning author, an active ACFW member, founder of the Marathon online writers group, and a six-year ACFW Virginia board member.

Deena lives with her husband near the coast in beautiful Virginia. When she’s not writing, reading, or serving in her church, you’ll find her hanging out with family and friends, playing board games, and doting on her seven grandchildren.

More from Deena

Crafting a novel from authentic life experiences is a challenging task, but it’s one I sensed God’s call to undertake. If the Lord can encourage those facing heartbreaking situations through my struggles as the mother of a prodigal twenty years ago, I’m all in.

Growing up, I tried my hardest to please my parents and teachers, but I always felt I didn’t measure up. As a Type A person, I’m sure that mindset was my doing, not theirs.

Fast forward to my season as a young mom, and my insecurities ramped up even more. When I became a Christian in my late twenties, I already had three small children and longed to be the world’s best mother and do everything right. I saw my kids’ mistakes as an indictment of my parenting abilities, leading me to believe myself a failure and to try harder to succeed.

With that attitude, you can imagine how I reacted when our teenage daughter ran away from home and returned pregnant—especially since my husband is the pastor of our church. Let’s just say it wasn’t pretty.

The emotional upheaval I endured while watching our child make one poor decision after another revealed my many shortcomings. Among the important lessons God taught me was what a shallow person I’d been and how much I wanted others’ respect and for them to find me acceptable—no, exceptional. Sadly, I was at a place in life where other people’s opinions seemed to carry more weight than my children’s feelings, but I was blind to my faults.

As I walked through the deep valley with a prodigal, God, in His great mercy, opened my eyes and showed me the truth about myself.

My journey of healing and restoration with our daughter was the catalyst for my debut novel, Stronger than the Storm. I pray that the challenging themes I address will uplift those going through extreme difficulty and that the embedded truths inspire hope in Jesus.

In my book, the Holbrook’s crisis begins as ours did, with a teen runaway getting pregnant by a guy she barely knew. I incorporated some factual events from our lives and drew many of the characters’ raw emotions from personal history. Although I gave Beth Holbrook, the mother in the story, a few of my personality traits, including the passion to be a supermom and failing miserably, the bulk of this family’s journey is fictional.

My experience as an adult daughter inspired the revelation of a long-kept secret in the latter part of the book. To avoid spoilers, I’ll simply state that nothing prepares anyone for such devastating news.

Yet, amid turmoil and unexpected adversity, God is still on the throne and has a perfect plan for our good and His glory. When we surrender everything to Him, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus through life’s storms, we can gain true peace and cling to the truth that God is stronger than anything we face.

In Stronger than the Storm, the Holbrook family must come to this understanding as well. As you read the book, I trust that this family’s journey, and mine, will provide you with encouragement and hope.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

MY REVIEW

A family faces many trials in this emotional journey to reconciliation. There are a few topics that could be triggers to some readers. The author handles these topics with grace and the Word. The family are respected members of the church and both husband and wife have thriving ministries. I could very much relate to the prodigal in the story. We are dealing with a young adult who has turned away from God. The anger and bitterness is hard to deal with. Like the author illustrates I can be controlling and a helicopter mom. This story has helped me understand the prodigal better and know there is always hope.

Beth is shocked to find her teenage daughter has left home without warning. She struggles with looking at herself and seeing how she may have been part of the reason her daughter left. As parents we want the best for our children. Sometimes we forget to treat them with respect and allow them to make mistakes on their own. I was able to relate to Beth the most because I understand what it feels like to want others to accept me even though my life is in chaos. Trying to hide what is going on causes Beth to wonder where her trust in God is.

Leesa is strong willed and ready to escape her controlling and critical mother. She adores her father but when it comes to her mother their ability to communicate is difficult. A decision to leave the safety of her family will show Leesa that the pasture is not greener on the other side. A big mistake finds her in a relationship that is dangerous. I like how she still turns to her father when she reaches rock bottom. Her journey is filled with dark moments where she finds that God is there. Her story gives hope to the lost and peace to those who think they will never be forgiven.

I appreciate how the author uses parts of her own life and incorporates it into a story that is relatable. We worry about our status in church but forget that our family is more important. I thought that Kevin had blinders on when it came to facing problems at home. He wanted this perfect family but beneath the surface is a family in crisis. His ministry was out before anything which he soon discovers is out of God’s order. Secrets play a big part in his marriage and his reaction is exactly what others would feel. We all make bad decisions that can hurt others. This story shows how a family steers through rough patches to find forgiveness and that we need to always depend on Him.

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

Blog Stops

Simple Harvest Reads, May 7 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, May 8 (Author Interview)

Fruitfully Planted, May 8

Guild Master, May 9 (Author Interview)

Inspired by Fiction, May 10

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 11

Fiction Book Lover, May 12 (Author Interview)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, May 13 (Author Interview)

Blossoms and Blessings, May 14 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, May 15

Stories By Gina, May 16 (Author Interview)

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, May 17 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys , May 17

Books, Books, & More Books, May 18 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, May 19

Blogging With Carol, May 20

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Deena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

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

https://gleam.io/dYgBP/stronger-than-the-storm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

The Schoolmarm and the Miner Tour & Giveaway

About the Book

Book: The Schoolmarm and the Miner

Author: Denise Farnsworth writing as Denise Weimer

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: May 5, 2026

A teacher seeking independence. A widower guarding his heart. In Georgia’s gold country, the richest prize may be the love they’re afraid to claim.

Adelaide Duncan’s dream of teaching is within reach until her father’s drinking and gambling force her to start over. Taking a position in the rough-and-tumble gold rush town of Dahlonega[DF1] , she’s determined to prove herself. But unruly students, strict rules against [DF2] teachers courting, and her growing feelings for a certain widowed father threaten the independence she’s fought so hard to claim.

Wade Coulter walked away from the law after he lost his wife and unborn son. Raising his daughter alone is safer than letting anyone else in. But Lotty’s beautiful new teacher makes him question everything. Just as he begins to trust again, a dangerous man from Wade’s past threatens both the women he loves.

A gold strike on Wade’s property promises security…but also revives old dangers. Scarred by her father’s choices, Addie fears any man who might put [DF3] selfish desires before love. As deadly threats close in and the past refuses to stay buried, Wade must prove he’s changed or risk losing his chance at happiness forever.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

North Georgia native Denise Farnsworth, formerly Denise Weimer, has authored over twenty traditionally published novels and novellas—historical and contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and time slip. As a freelance editor and Acquisitions & Editorial Liaison for Wild Heart Books, she’s helped other authors reach their publishing dreams. A wife and mother of two adult daughters, Denise always pauses for coffee, chocolate, and old houses.

More from Denise

At the end of book one of my Twenty-Niners of the Georgia Gold Rush series, The Songbird and the Surveyor, the bad guy walked free! Saloon and mine owner Charles Martin’s manipulative plotting and family money spared him from facing justice. Well, we can’t have that…

Wade Coulter, the sheriff whose sister died in a confrontation with Charles, turned in his badge after the man avoided standing trial for kidnapping the wife of Jesse Holden (the hero of book one) and his theft of a local mine owner’s gold. Jesse and Genny left North Georgia for a fresh start, but Wade gets stuck with the burden of failure and—following the deaths of his wife and unborn son—heartache. He’s retreated to his mountain farm with his plucky overall-wearing daughter, Charlotte, determined to keep her safe from the criminals who frequent gold rush boomtowns like the county seat of Dahlonega.

But then a new teacher arrives…one who is also fleeing heartache in hopes of a fresh start. Forced by the mistakes of her drunken father to seek employment in the gold fields rather than at the prestigious girls’ academy from which she just graduated, Adelaide Duncan has no other choice than to make her way in Dahlonega. If that means doing battle with thieves on the square, a pompous school board president, and bullies as big as she is, fine.

The one battle she doesn’t count on is keeping her heart safe from a moody widower who needs convincing by Addie and his aunt, the owner of the boardinghouse where Addie lodges, that his mannerless daughter desperately needs to attend school. It soon enough becomes clear that, despite her guardedness, Lottie longs for a mother’s love. Just when the discovery of gold on Wade’s land allows him to picture a family in his future, an old nemesis shows up with a new scheme…one that once again endangers the women Wade loves.

The Schoolmarm and the Miner packs humor, romance, action, and all your favorite tropes into a real-life town setting so charming, it’s a Hallmark movie-filming destination. After you read the story, you’ll want to plan a road trip to tour the gold museum in the historic courthouse and the drippy tunnels of the Consolidated Gold Mine, one of many that operated in Lumpkin County from the 1830s through the early 1900s. As you wander the North Georgia mountains, you’ll see why I’ve long felt there’s still plenty of treasure there. And fodder for great stories!

MY REVIEW

I don’t think I say it enough, but I love reading stories set in the 1800s. This time period fascinates me. The people worked hard, protected family and faith was a huge part of their lives. I love how the author describes the area with breathtaking views and lush countryside. The gold rush was in full swing as many hoped to strike it rich.

Addie is a thoughtful and smart young woman. I admire her determination to become a teacher. Traveling a long way from home she takes a chance of being hired. I can imagine the shock she endured seeing the town with chaos at night and not so welcoming townspeople. Has she made the right choice to come here?

Wade works hard raising his daughter alone while tending his land. He sure has his hands full with his feisty daughter Lotty. He has closed his heart to love after the loss of his wife, unborn child and sister. Wade has no time for romance where his heart can be broken again. When he meets the new teacher, will he change his mind about a relationship?

Lotty for me steals the spotlight with her antics. Being made to attend school during the week keeps her away from her father. She is not happy with Addie being her teacher. I like how Addie finds ways to reach Lotty in a gentle way. Lotty does seem to open a little bit but I think she is worried about having to share her father’s heart with someone else.

The faith element in the book fits well as we witness Addie sharing how God, “can redeem even the pain of death. He uses our sorrow to help us comfort others.” Wade has been bitter for a long time after his losses. As he begins to open up to Addie he tells her that he blames himself for his sister’s death. He doesn’t want Addie to preach to him about forgives with his mind so bent on revenge.

This has been a wonderful journey with characters who learn to forgive and open their hearts to a new beginning. Trials bring strength and hope as Addie and Wade grow closer. I appreciate how the author used characters to show how God can help them overcome their past and learn to trust again.

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