I received this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.
Book Description:
It was more than she dreamt. But as the romance began to bud, she felt the thorns of a heartless beauty rise to tear it apart. Young widow, Katie Jensen, endures patiently under her oppressive uncle in desolate Arizona Territory. She tries to keep her promise to her dead aunt to be a witness and take care of her uncle but when his tirades grow worse, she gathers her two precious little ones and runs. Making their way to an unknown land, they come to the town of White Rock, which is strangely like the place in the dreams Katie has been having. They are welcomed into the cottage of a kindly grandmother who takes in borders. When Danny, the older woman's grandson, comes home, he finds surprises in store: a crisis, a beautiful young woman, and her adorable children who bring laughter and life into all their weary souls. Katie is filled with hope when an unexpected romance sparks but there is a vindictive raven-haired beauty and an old enemy conspiring to put it out—permanently. Will God give Katie rest as she and the family pray for their enemies? Can she stand strong in her faith when fear overwhelms her?
My Thoughts:
More Than She Dreamt is the first book in Sandy Faye Mauck's newest series, The Rose Arbor Brides. More Than She Dreamt is Sandy Faye Mauck's debut book and it's amazing. Hard to believe this is her debut book. As a huge fan of debut authors and Christian Historical Fiction I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read it! Sandy Faye Mauck writes with authority about Arizona Territory in 1905,California in 1900's, United States in the early 1900's, travel during this time, ministry during this time, social classes and graces, and gardening/flowers. More Than She Dreamt is a beautiful story of finding peace from a hostile situation. I absolutely loved this story. I found I was unable to put this book down from start to finish. I loved Sandy Faye Mauck's style of writing, I really felt like I was there with The Jensen family. I absolutely loved the characters in this book especially Sarah and Jeremy. Their innocence and ability to endure were inspirational. They also provided comic relief throughout this book especially Jeremy and his processing of what people said. As I read this book I found myself laughing in many places, crying in some(happy and sad tears), and holding my breath in others. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the transformation of Katie's Uncle. His treatment of The Jensen's was horrible but long before he made his amends Katie and her children had forgiven him. As her Uncle spoke to Danny he found God, realized he needed to forgive his Dad for the treatment he received. Danny truly had a heart for ministry and it showed in everything he did. Forgiveness is a big theme throughout this book, giving forgiveness because it is the right thing to do, not because someone asked for it. To see this forgiveness even from the children was so heart warming. I really cannot do this book justice! Sandy Faye Mauck has written a wonderful book that really touched my heart. More Than She Dreamt is a book that will stay with me for quite awhile. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next books in this series, Sandy Faye Mauck is a new author for my top 10 must read. I give this book 5+ STARS.
Check out the fantastic contest hosted by Sandy Faye Mauck!
Purchase your copy here.
Book Description:
It was more than she dreamt. But as the romance began to bud, she felt the thorns of a heartless beauty rise to tear it apart. Young widow, Katie Jensen, endures patiently under her oppressive uncle in desolate Arizona Territory. She tries to keep her promise to her dead aunt to be a witness and take care of her uncle but when his tirades grow worse, she gathers her two precious little ones and runs. Making their way to an unknown land, they come to the town of White Rock, which is strangely like the place in the dreams Katie has been having. They are welcomed into the cottage of a kindly grandmother who takes in borders. When Danny, the older woman's grandson, comes home, he finds surprises in store: a crisis, a beautiful young woman, and her adorable children who bring laughter and life into all their weary souls. Katie is filled with hope when an unexpected romance sparks but there is a vindictive raven-haired beauty and an old enemy conspiring to put it out—permanently. Will God give Katie rest as she and the family pray for their enemies? Can she stand strong in her faith when fear overwhelms her?
My Thoughts:
More Than She Dreamt is the first book in Sandy Faye Mauck's newest series, The Rose Arbor Brides. More Than She Dreamt is Sandy Faye Mauck's debut book and it's amazing. Hard to believe this is her debut book. As a huge fan of debut authors and Christian Historical Fiction I was so excited to be given the opportunity to read it! Sandy Faye Mauck writes with authority about Arizona Territory in 1905,California in 1900's, United States in the early 1900's, travel during this time, ministry during this time, social classes and graces, and gardening/flowers. More Than She Dreamt is a beautiful story of finding peace from a hostile situation. I absolutely loved this story. I found I was unable to put this book down from start to finish. I loved Sandy Faye Mauck's style of writing, I really felt like I was there with The Jensen family. I absolutely loved the characters in this book especially Sarah and Jeremy. Their innocence and ability to endure were inspirational. They also provided comic relief throughout this book especially Jeremy and his processing of what people said. As I read this book I found myself laughing in many places, crying in some(happy and sad tears), and holding my breath in others. The biggest thing that stood out to me was the transformation of Katie's Uncle. His treatment of The Jensen's was horrible but long before he made his amends Katie and her children had forgiven him. As her Uncle spoke to Danny he found God, realized he needed to forgive his Dad for the treatment he received. Danny truly had a heart for ministry and it showed in everything he did. Forgiveness is a big theme throughout this book, giving forgiveness because it is the right thing to do, not because someone asked for it. To see this forgiveness even from the children was so heart warming. I really cannot do this book justice! Sandy Faye Mauck has written a wonderful book that really touched my heart. More Than She Dreamt is a book that will stay with me for quite awhile. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will NOT be disappointed. I cannot wait to read the next books in this series, Sandy Faye Mauck is a new author for my top 10 must read. I give this book 5+ STARS.
Check out the fantastic contest hosted by Sandy Faye Mauck!
Purchase your copy here.
About the Book
It was more than she dreamt. But as the romance began to bud, she felt the thorns of a heartless beauty rise to tear it apart. Young widow, Katie Jensen, endures patiently under her oppressive uncle in desolate Arizona Territory. She tries to keep her promise to her dead aunt to be a witness and take care of her uncle but when his tirades grow worse, she gathers her two precious little ones and runs. Making their way to an unknown land, they come to the town of White Rock, which is strangely like the place in the dreams Katie has been having. They are welcomed into the cottage of a kindly grandmother who takes in borders. When Danny, the older woman’s grandson, comes home, he finds surprises in store: a crisis, a beautiful young woman, and her adorable children who bring laughter and life into all their weary souls. Katie is filled with hope when an unexpected romance sparks but there is a vindictive raven-haired beauty and an old enemy conspiring to put it out—permanently. Will God give Katie rest as she and the family pray for their enemies? Can she stand strong in her faith when fear overwhelms her?
About the Author
Sandy Faye Mauck writes Historical Romance in the light of the gospel and with the heart of her Savior. Slip into a comfy chair with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate and travel back to the first years after the turn of the century. Enjoy faithful Christian characters who have come through a spiritual wilderness into a place of hope. Stories of charming romance sprinkled with humor and topped with redemption. And be sure not to put the cup too close to the edge of the table because there are enemies lurking about. Sandy lives in her own happily-ever-after with her Bible doctrine writer husband in the west they love. They have five children and nine grandchildren. She enjoys crocheting (a different kind of yarn) and is also a professional artist.
Guest Post from Sandy Faye Mauck
Hi everyone! Sandy Faye Mauck here! Today I launch my book on Celebrate Lit! They say to write the book that is missing from your bookshelf. So I did. I wrote a story that brought the purity of a Christian romance with a touch of humor and endearing characters who live what they believe, with real enemies and redemptive grace. More Than She Dreamt is set at the time just after the turn of the century. Probably my favorite time travel place if I had to choose because of the interesting changes and the lovely clothing and yet there was indoor plumbing, and lights, LOL! My greatest writing inspiration (other than my Lord), was my favorite author, Grace Livingston Hill. She could tell a story, make you feel you were there in every sense. Grace could bring romance, excitement, and enemies and then touch your heart with a truth of God’s word that would penetrate your heart. I hope to do this as I write my heart and I add humor because that is who I am. I hope you enjoy this Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and the special personal giveaway at the end!Blog Tour Stops
June 14: cherylbbookblog
June 15: Singing Librarian Books
June 16: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner
June 17: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
June 18: Bigreadersite
June 18: Cassandra M’s Place
June 19: A Greater Yes
June 19: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations
June 20: Pause for Tales
June 21: Daysong Reflections
June 22: A Holland Reads
June 23: Splashes of Joy
June 23: Christian Bookaholic
June 25: Red Headed Book Lady
June 25: It’s Storytime With Van Daniker
June 26: Bukwurmzzz
June 27: For the Love of books
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Sandy is giving away a charming keepsake box filled with some Rose Arbor themed prizes. Enter here: https://promosimple.com/ps/9c26
Beth, thank you for the great review!
ReplyDeleteI love the book cover and the review! I added you to my TBR list.
ReplyDeleteIt looks sweet and inspiring
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your comments and for visiting my blog! I am honored you enjoyed my review. Hope to see you again!
ReplyDelete