This is my first book of Ms. Hunter’s to read and it has left me wanting to read all of them. I cannot even begin to express how much I liked this book and how well written it is.
In the early 1800’s in England, a young aristocratic woman that found herself expecting out of wedlock had no hope. The standard protocol for the family was to disown her or send her away. Shame and ruin of the family name in society outweighed a daughter’s needs or that of the innocent child. Fathers of these precious babes were far and few between who would step up and take responsibility.
Twelve years earlier Kit left her life of privilege and wealth to embark on the mission to help these unwed mothers and save their children. It was all due to her feeling responsible for her friend, Daphne ending up in the family way. In that time they had grown to a family of 12 children, her, Daphne and another woman named Jess.
Her love and concern for the mothers and children were sincere but she was fueled by her guilt and trying to somehow pay for Daphne’s plight. Her methods of providing for everyone were somewhat underhanded and dark, but she saw it as justifiable with so many lives at stake.
During one of her excursions into London she finds herself being chased and finds retreat hiding behind the plants at an elite ball. Lord Graham Wharton spots her and is captivated by her. Even after she flees he cannot forget her. About this time he is drawn into his friend Oliver’s search for his sister who has disappeared. Unwittingly he finds himself on Kit’s doorstep literally. Secrets unfold, romance blossoms and God begins to work in all their lives.
Not only is this an intriguing novel, but I found it inspirational too. Trust in God was a strong thread that ran throughout the story. I saw how sometimes we think we trust Him and are not. We can get so drawn into “taking care” of ourselves we do not see we have put Him aside. The author also beautifully illustrated how He is taking care of your problems even though the answers have not appeared. I love love, loved this book! I cannot wait to read the next two in the series! You can read the novella that precedes the book, A Search for Refuge for free on Amazon!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This book was a great disappointment to me. The author is obviously a talented writer and I love the cover, but I found the book very confusing as to the characters and events going on.
That is not where the problem lies for me though. There is no way I can qualify it as Christian fiction. The story refers to angels and the tree of life but not in a biblical sense and that was the first thing that came to my mind when seeing those words. God, Christ, and everything associated with such terminology was never mentioned. I felt that the sacred things of God and His Word were used as part of something dark, even evil. To me this was a sacrilege. I was unable to finish the book I found it so offensive. I do not believe you can associate the Holy things of God with demonic, sinful ideas. Sci-Fi and the Lord just do not mix.
I hate to leave negative reviews but this book was not for me.
I received this book from Revell Publishers for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

I was so happy to get to read this second book in the Nantucket Series! I must admit I was thinking, “How can the author top Phoebe’s Light?”, but she did! It is now the 1800’s and the story of Mary Coffin Starbucks family continues as does her mysterious and treasured diary from 1660.
The last book was such an interesting wealth of information about the life of whalers. This books shares another side of their story, what their families faced while they were out to sea earning a living.
Daphne and Jane Coffin Macy are Mary’s great-great-great granddaughters. Great Mary’s diary has been passed down through the years and falls in to the hands of Daphne. As with the last book, pages of her diary are shared throughout the book.
I cannot imagine having my spouse away for that long of a time, not knowing if he were dead or alive or even to return. The hardships financially and emotionally of the wives, children, and family was incredible as Ms. Fisher so deftly draws the reader into. Look at it from the whaler’s view. How much as his home and family changed in that time? I saw Ren struggle with adapting to home and the difficulties he was presented. After all, the challenges on a ship are far different than those among family and at home. There are so very many adjustments for everyone even though they are blessed to be back.
I always like how Ms. Fisher’s characters, no matter how small, are fleshed out that you feel as you know them and have met them. No matter how many years pass, man’s shortcomings never change nor does virtue and character. Daphne was so sweet and kind, always putting others needs before hers. Her faith and reliance on God was inspiring. You can’t even begin to believe, that she is Lillian’s daughter. Lillian is her opposite, a very bitter, dishonest greedy woman. I think my favorite character was Abraham; Ren’s extremely loyal black officer and friend on Ren’s ship. He had more character in his pinkie than some of the wealthy, “upstanding” citizens of the island.
This story holds more surprises and intrigue than the other book, especially concerning Great Mary’s diary. I even more anxious for the next book to come out!!!
I received this book from Revell publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions stated are my own.

I knew where Nantucket was and of course I had a general idea about the whaling industry in the past, but I knew NOTHING about the actual life and facts this vocation entailed!
Ms. Fisher’s talented writing made me feel as if I was on Nantucket Island watching the people and on the ship experiencing the work of the crew and captain. Amazing! Phoebe Starbuck was an 18 year old teenager in the 1760’s. Upon her birthday she was given a much coveted diary of her great-grandmother, Mary Coffin Starbucks who wrote it 100 years earlier. The wisdom of “Great Mary” as she was called was legendary. Throughout the story pages of the diary are shared, giving the reader glimpses into the founding of Nantucket Island. Most of all Phoebe’s great-grandmother’s experience and faith helped her face insurmountable odds. I loved great Mary’s wise writings. Some of them I wanted to write down and keep!
Her childhood sweetheart, Matthew Macy had turned away from God and Quaker church so she ended relationship with him that was to end in marriage. She shows that young teens 350 years ago in many ways are not different than they are today. She had a crush on the dashing and wealthy Captain Phineas Foulger and just KNEW he was the one for her to marry, not even bringing God into the equation! Suddenly he asks for her hand and after a hurried she on cloud 9. She convinces him to let her sail with him on his next whaling expedition, something totally unheard of. Surprisingly he agrees!
This is where the adventure and suspense begins. The descriptiveness of the living and working on a whaling ship were incredible! I was riveted to the book! Poor Phoebe’s dreams and life were overturned, especially her stomach. Her suffering with sea sickness and the harsh environment made me think I was going to have to go take some Pepto-Bismol at some points!
She learned that seeking your own way instead of God’s will not work out like you think. But her story also shows that He will take care of us even in our foolish choices. Another incredible read from Suzanne Woods Fisher. I can’t wait for the rest of the books in this series!

Novella’s are such a wonderful change of pace in reading. While a good long book is really to get into is great, I love how novella’s allow you have a have a “snack” and the treat of moving on to the next story! Hearts Entwined is exceptional as are all the authors! This collection of historical romances is top notch!
The Love Knot by Karen Witemeyer, has an unusual plot which I thoroughly enjoyed. Misunderstanding drove Claire and Pieter apart years ago but a surprising event brings them back together. This is a beautiful story of forgiveness and what true love really is. It can overcome the strongest stubbornness and pride.
The Tangled Ties That Bind by Mary Connealy, was a delightful read, filled with so much humor. Conner has been gone from home for 5 years but returns with big plans for his future to marry his childhood love Maggie. After 5 years she has quit waiting and has moved on with her life. He definitely took her for granted. Both are equally set on pursuing their dreams and it doesn’t set well with each other. Conner is determined not to give up. Through his deep love and sacrifices for Maggie, God brings about amazing things.
Bound and Determined by Regina Jennings. Ms. Jennings books are hard to put down so this story was a page turner too! This novella had a lot of humor in it too. (Love that!) Bradley Willis is a private in the cavalry. His youthful impulsiveness though with good intent has him “punished” with a mission to carry out. To his surprise it is escorting a Captain and is very attractive daughter, Ambrosia, across the scorching Texas plain. Oh and the captain’s beloved camels! Bradley and Ambrosia’s feisty personalities were fun to watch play out. Learning about the camels was fascinating and their usefulness to the Texas Calvary in the mid 1800’s.
Tied and True by Melissa Jagears kept me turning pages. It is the story of poor boy falls in love with rich girl but with a twist to it. Marianne’s parents had her life planned out for her up to the detail of whom she would marry, an equally wealthy childhood friend, David. Her heart though had made other plans as she fell in love with his poor secretary, Calvin. He returned her feelings but strongly believed it would not work. The things she did to prove her love were incredible! I liked her compassion and true servant’s heart in the Lord. Not only her family’s bank account stood in the way of convincing Calvin but memories of a difficult childhood. Marianne truly displayed the motto, “Actions speak louder than words” to show him that her love was what was important, not rich lifestyle was all she wanted. My what spunk she had! A sweet love story.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I hav

The Appalachian Mountains are as much a part of Judd Markley as the blood that flows through his veins. They were his beloved home but, that all changed when the mine collapsed where he and his brother, Joe, worked, badly injuring him and taking the life of his little brother. The grief and the memories are to strong and he can’t bear to stay. He flees to South Carolina and is hired by a timber company. There he throws himself it to work and tries to make sense of his scattered future without Joe.
When he first meets the boss’s beautiful daughter Larkin, all he sees is a superficial bratty rich girl. But as they say you can’t judge a book by its cover, even a pretty, wealthy one. Always running into each other, they begin to develop a friendship and Larkin is not what she had judged her to be. Joe was running from the past and Larkin wanted to run into the future she felt God had for her. That is to serve with her disowned brother, Ben, who was a pastor in the woodlands of Kentucky, helping the poverty stricken. Both find themselves in need of God’s strength. Ben needs His strength to turn back to Him and trust Him again. Larkin needs His strength to go against her father and his worldly plans for her even if it means hurting him. Larkin pulls some real doozeys to have her way, catching Judd in the middle. In spite of all the internal and external conflicts they find themselves falling in love.
I can understand Judd’s grief and wanting to run from it. I admired his fortitude and gumption to put all he had into a new and very unfamiliar job. His work ethic was amazing. I loved Larkin’s faith and determination to follow God’s plan no matter what obstacles stood in her way. Even when faced with the reality of her naivety she wasn’t deterred.
The Appalachian people and their lifestyle has long been great interest to me. The community and people that Ben worked with were wonderful! Their personalities, behavior and customs were intriguing. The contrast between their lives and Larkins were startling especially as she tried to integrate herself into their mountain home. I think my favorite character of all was Granny Jane. She was such fun and her patience Larkin and wisdom were refreshing. I was caught up in her way of thinking and sayings! An excellent book that truly drops you into the time and place right along with the characters. Another terrific book by Ms. Thomas.
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This is one of those book series that you wish the author could write faster; like maybe a book every few months! I read the Promise of Dawn and could not wait for this book to come out! You can read it as a standalone but you will want to read the first one so you won’t miss anything!
After a great many struggles, Rune and his family are still working for his cantankerous (and that’s putting it nicely) Uncle Einar, and finishing building their new home. With them moving soon, Uncle Eniar will need more help. He offers to pay Nilda, Rune’s sister, passage to America. She is beyond ecstatic! Her family insists her brother Ivar come with her, but he choose to earn money for his own trip. America the land of promise to so many immigrants! Just as with her brother and his family she has no clue of what she will be facing in the way of her uncle’s mean and hateful ways. He does not care for his family just his land and obsession of logging the vast trees.
Just as in the previous book the author has a talent for vividly painting not only the characters experiences and daily life, but also their thoughts and emotions. I felt as if I was right there seeing and being a part of everything, but also stepping inside of each character and perceiving the situations thorough their eyes.
Once again I was greatly inspired by the family’s deep faith in God and how they lived it. Uncle Einar reminds me of people that are so embittered and mean spirited that nothing seems break through their hard shell. God is the only one that can. Seeing the Carlson’s love, patience and forgiveness is overwhelming. You can’t help but wonder how they do it after being consistently mistreated. A lesson for all to learn. I was once more shocked at the extremely hard work and challenge simply to exist in this era. I am afraid I might have given up. Another amazing book in this series! I cannot wait to read the next one!
I received this book from Bethany Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

This is my first book to read of Ms. Delamere’s and I must say I was very impressed! Since this is the 2nd in a series I definitely want to read the first one, “The Captain’s Daughter”.
Julia is a strong woman, in determination and faith. She is going to need both to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor in 1881. Women’s doctors were frowned upon and faced great opposition. There were few places they could go to medical school and be trained. Already a competent midwife/nurse (both of which were acceptable according to society) Julia had a master plan. She was going to get into medical school then head to Africa as a missionary to heal souls and bodies. This is her passion. With little in the way of money but lots in the way of motivation she forges ahead.
Her master plan is in place until one faithful day when involved in a subway accident she saves the life of Michael, a handsome, wealthy lawyer with plans of his own that do not include God. He desires to marry well and be a huge success. Julia is intrigued by him and after the accident persuades him to give her lessons in Latin (which she sorely needs for her upcoming exam). It turns out he is the very attorney on the case to close down the women’s medical school she is working so hard to enter! They find themselves falling in love but their path is scattered with many complications greater than the conflict of interests.
There are so many things I liked about this book! Foremost, how faith and dependence on God was key throughout the book. I found it ironic that Julia was a woman of prayer and sought the Lord in all matters, yet she had left Him out of HER life plan. A trap I feel many of us fall into at one time her another. I loved the fact that she was raised in George Mueller’s orphanage; no wonder she had such a strong walk with God! It was inspirational to see her commitment to the Lord with all people no matter how they ridiculed or rejected her. She truly lived Christ. Michael to me represented the standards of the world even today: money, fame, achievement, all without God. In both their lives I saw how we can make all the plans we want, but will step in and change them to His. Sometimes His intervention may come in the form of problems and difficulties.
This was much more than a wonderfully written historical romance! There was danger, mystery, and a totally unpredictable plot! I loved it!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have stated are my own.

“Keturah” what an unusual name! This is the first thing that drew my attention to the book. The story is as unique as its name. Being the oldest of three girls, responsibility falls heavily on Keturah’s shoulders when they receive word their Father has died. Their mother has already passed on and their Dad was absent much of their lives making his fortune with a plantation on the island in the West Indies. Unfortunately the estate is not doing well and the girls could lose everything. Unable to provide for them Keturah makes the decision to leave their beloved home in England and try to restore the plantation. Also traveling there is her childhood friend Gary Covington with whom her friendship was severed due to his unscrupulous youth. He too hopes to salvage his family plantation and protect the girls.
At a young age she is already a widow and carries the emotional scars of an abusive husband. Not only has this led her vow to never marry but has also made her stubborn, headstrong woman, determined to do everything on her own.
Even for the wealthy sea travel was no piece of cake. I was fascinated by the author’s vivid description of a long sea voyage during that period. It was dangerous, miserable, boring and exhausting. Single women were certainly not safe traveling alone with the sailors and other men on the ship. I have no clue how they survived in the tight space they were given!
Getting there was only a small part of the battle. That era was a “man’s world” and the cruelty, rejection and prejudice against the women was more than I could have imagined. The abusiveness, with which the slaves were treated, broke my heart! Seemingly insurmountable obstacles, loneliness, exhausting work and painful secrets didn’t stop her. Her headstrongness served her well. I admired her strong faith in God and choosing to look at her blessings when all seemed to be falling apart. I learned a many new details about that era. A beautiful story!
I received this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I stated are my own.

I have had the privilege of hearing the author speak at funeral services. Her words always touched by heart and inspired me, so when I heard she had written a book, I wanted to read it! Her sincerity, compassion and beautiful way of expressing herself is reflected in every page of this book.
The book is a written reflection of Ms. Hawkins heart and love for others and desire to care for those passing from this world into eternity. Her patients were so blessed to have her! Hospice nurses go beyond just physical care as they know there will be no healing for their patients. The family knows their loved one is going to be taken from them. I was moved by how Ms. Hawkins simultaneously gave concern and help not only for the dying but also for the family members.
In this book she shares short stories of different patients throughout her career. All are very personal and moving. The detail in which the author shows her empathy and depth of caring was very inspirational for me. There is humor as well as grief. Each one is a testimony that Becky has a special gift that comes from a deep faith in God that she brings into the lives of those she serves.
My husband died 5 years ago and I found this book very comforting. While it does deal with sadness and grief, it is filled with hope! Becky gave the greatest medicine a nurse can give to a patient: a part of herself. A unique and inspiring book, one everyone will want to read!