Summer on Sunset Ridge: Forever Freedom Book One By Sharlene Maclaren

I received this book from Celebrate Lit and the author for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own and a favorable review was not required.


Book Description: 

Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.
Sherriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…
When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.

My Thoughts: 

Summer on Sunset Ridge is the first book in Sharlene Maclaren's latest series, Forever Freedom and it is great.  This is the first book by Sharlene Maclaren I have had the pleasure of reading and I am glad I did. As a huge fan of Christian Historical Fiction and Amish Fiction this book drew me in just by the description. Sharlene Maclaren writes with authority about our world in 1855, Civil War and its effects on everyone in the U.S., Quaker life style, and the Underground Railroad.  I love reading about the history of our world especially the Civil War. I learned more about it in this book, the historical facts are fascinating. I also learned about the Quakers faith and how they helped in the Civil War, something I didn't know anything about. I enjoyed Sharlene Maclaren's style of writing. I really felt like I was there, part of the story and her characters are very well written. I found myself enjoying Rebecca Albright the most. Her faith and her dedication to the Underground Railroad is inspiring. I found myself unable to put this book down, from start to finish, it held on to me. I cannot wait to read the other books in this series, definitely on my must read list. I also found a new to me author and that is what I love.  I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction, you will not be disappointed. I give this book 4 STARS. 

 

 

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About the Book

Book: Summer on Sunset Ridge, Freedom Series Book 1  

Author: Sharlene MacLaren  

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Brought up on a Quaker farm near Philadelphia at the brink of the Civil War, plainspoken Rebecca Albright is charitable, peace-loving, submissive—and a feisty abolitionist. Determined to aid the Underground Railroad no matter what the cost, her path collides with that of formidable slave-catcher Clay Dalton. When Rebecca is assigned to nurse Clay back to health following a near-fatal gunshot wound, her uneasiness around him and the questions surrounding his mysterious past complicate their strained but developing relationship.

Sherriff Clay Dalton is grimly fighting several battles of his own as he stays on at the Albright farm to work off his debt to the family that has saved his life and taken him in. He is torn between his past commitments in the South and his unlikely present among this quiet Quaker community in the North. Almost against his will, he begins to ponder the impossible idea of a future with Rebecca.…

When tensions between North and South escalate, Rebecca and Clay find themselves propelled on a journey to discover just who God has called them to be, and they soon realize that each holds a key to the other’s answer.

About the Author

Sharlene MacLaren Born and raised in western Michigan, award-winning, bestselling author Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. After graduating, she traveled with a nationally touring Christian vocal ensemble, returning home to Spring Arbor to marry her husband, Cecil, whom she’d known since childhood. Together they raised two daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, “Shar” enjoys reading, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. Her novels include the contemporary romances Through Every Storm, Long Journey Home, and Tender Vow; the beloved Little Hickman Creek series (Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, Courting Emma, and Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek, a novella), and three historic romance trilogies: The Daughters of Jacob Kane (Hannah Grace, Maggie Rose, and Abbie Ann); River of Hope (Livvie’s Song, Ellie’s Haven, and Sofia’s Secret); Tennessee Dreams: Heart of Mercy, Threads of Joy, and Gift of Grace.
 

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January 19: Reading Is My SuperPower

January 19: Giveaway Lady

January 19: A Reader’s Brain

January 20: Books. Books. And More Books.

January 20: The Power of Words

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January 25: A Simple Life, really?!

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January 26: Connie’s History Classroom

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January 27: Christian Author: A.M. Heath

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January 28: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS

January 28: Christian Bookaholic

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January 30: cherylbbookblog

January 30: Daysong Reflections

January 31: Blossoms and Blessings

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February 1: Reader’s cozy corner

February 1: Rhonda’s Doings

Giveaway

To celebrate Sharlene’s tour, Whitaker House is giving away:

Grand Prize

Brown and tan fashion purse with cross, multiple interior and exterior pockets and

and

Five Sharlene MacLaren titles: Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom #1); Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1); Livvie’s Song (River of Hope #1); Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane #1); Loving Liza Jane (Little Hickman Creek #1)

Second Prize

“Keepers of the Light” Orange/Cinnamon/Clove candle from www.acheerfulgiver.com and

Summer on Sunset Ridge

Third Prize

Summer on Sunset Ridge

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post to earn 9 extra entries in the giveaway!

https://promosimple.com/ps/af21

The Kill Fee: Poppy Denby Investigates Book 2 By Fiona Veitch Smith

I received this book from Kregel Publications for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed here are my own.


Book Description: 

Poppy Denby, Arts and Entertainment Editor at The Daily Globe, covers an exhibition of Russian Art, hosted by White Russian refugees, including members of the surviving exiled Romanov Royal family. There is an armed robbery, a guard is shot, and the largest Faberge Egg in the collection is stolen. The egg itself is valuable, but more so are the secrets it contains within - secrets that could threaten major political powers. Suspects are aplenty, including the former keeper of the Faberge Egg, a Russian Princess called Selena Romanova Yusopova. The interim Bolshevik Russian ambassador, Vasili Safin inserts himself into the investigation, as he believes the egg - and the other treasures - should all be restored to the Russian people. Poppy, her editor Rollo, press photographer Daniel, and the other staff of the Globe are delighted to be once again in the middle of a sensational story. But, soon the investigation takes a dark turn when another body is found and an employee of the newspaper becomes a suspect...The race is on to find both the key and the egg - can they be found before the killer strikes again?


My Thoughts: 

The Kill Fee is Fiona Veitch Smith's second book in her fantastic series, Poppy Denby Investigates. I had the honor of reading her first book and I am so glad I got to read this one. As a fan of Christian Historical Fiction, this series and author are one of my favorite.  Fiona Veitch Smith writes with authority about our world in the 1920's, the history of the Romanov Family, Russia's history, journalism, theater, Suffragettes,  and art of the world. I truly enjoy these book especially the historical element throughout the book. I love learning new things about our history and this book and author does that. I enjoy Fiona Veitch Smith's style of writing, she definitely draws the reader in and makes them feel part of the story. She has the ability to transition from the past and present seamlessly which is not easy.  I love the characters in this book. They are real people with real issues and messy lives. I find I again drawn to Poppy Denby. Her plucky attitude and her nose for truth brings so much to the stories. She has a cast of characters as friends and they definitely help her grow and they learn much from her especially her strong faith.  I found myself laughing in many parts and holding my breath in others. I felt like I was right there with Poppy on her investigations which I find is a sign of a great book. I am hooked on this series and cannot wait to read more from Fiona Veitch Smith. If you enjoy Christian Historical Fiction with some mystery and action you will love this book and series. I give this book 5 STARS. 

Eden: The Animals Parable By Keith Korman Illustrated by Lisa Paris

I received this book from Litfuse Publicity for no charge in exchange for my honest review of this book. The opinions expressed are my own. 


Book Description: 

“Ask the animals, and they will teach you” —Job 12:7

Experience the Gospels in a way that you never imagined.

In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals—especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden.
With a wise, old donkey, innocent lambs, and legions of curious field mice—the animals follow their master’s journey across Galilee and onto Jerusalem, rapt with awe and wonder and bearing great tidings—even if they don’t fully comprehend the divine events they witness.

Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.


My Thoughts: 

Eden: The Animals Parable is a beautifully written and illustrated book. I feel so lucky to have had the chance to read this book. Keith Korman writes an allegory of the the Gospels in the Bible.  His unique way of writing from the animals stand point is just inspiring.  It is a work of fiction but the stories from the Gospels are there and really impacted me. Most of the story is told through the eyes of generations of dogs that were with Jesus from birth. The title character, Eden is with the family from birth, she went everywhere with Jesus from childhood on. Eden travels with Jesus and other animals, all the animals give a perspective in this book. There are many, many characters in this book and I really enjoyed them all. I can say Eden was my favorite. Her instincts about other people are enlightening and her faith and devotion to Jesus left me awestruck. I absolutely loved the illustrations throughout the book and I can't remember the last time I read a book with illustrations,  but the cover was the piece of art that struck me the most.  I HIGHLY recommend this book to adults and children alike. I believe it will be enjoyed by all. This is a book that will stay with me in my heart and on my bookshelf. I give this book 5 STARS. 


  Return to the story of Jesus and read it from a new perspective in Keith Korman's Eden: The Animals' Parable. In this beautifully inspired retelling of the Gospels, we see Jesus and his disciples in the Holy Land through the eyes of the animals-especially his intrepid and loyal dog, Eden. Simple, clear, and spiritually profound, Eden is for readers of all ages, this artful retelling is captivating, moving, and alive with the joy you felt the first time you opened the Bible.

Settle in for some winter reading and enter to win a copy of Keith's book and a Kindle Fire!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Eden
• A Kindle Fire

Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on January 24. The winner will be announced January 25 on Keith's blog.