Review: A Letter from Lancaster County

A Letter from Lancaster County
By Kate Lloyd
Lancaster Discoveries #1
Harvest House, 2017


Summary

Two sisters get a second chance at life and love

Angela---Her mother's untimely death, a struggling marriage, a strained relationship with her sister, Rose, and regrets over what might have been haunt her. Despite being a wife and mother, she feels she has little to show for her life.

Rose--Still single, she longs for a husband and children. But Angela has all that and still isn't happy. Rose wants to be closer to her older sister, but she and Angela couldn't be more different. Both strong women, will their sibling rivalry ever end?

When a letter arrives from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Angela and Rose decide to visit Aunt Silvia, their mother's Mennonite sister, in the heart of Amish country. This vacation could provide the opportunity both sisters need to sort out their issues. And yet instead of finding a new way of connecting with each other, Angela and Rose discover surprising family secrets that add to their strife and threaten Rose's romance with a new beau.

Through it all, the two sisters must find the faith necessary to face their personal problems and allow God to restore hope and healing to their hearts and relationship as only He can.

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

A Letter from Lancaster County gets high praise from me. I found it a fascinating character study, rich and introspective, one that I wanted to take my time with and savor each page. This is the first of Kate Lloyd’s books that I’ve read, so I don’t know how it compares to her others. If this is indicative of the quality of her writing, however, I will be reading more.

First of all, this isn’t typical Amish fiction … for while it’s set within an Amish/Mennonite community, the main characters are English. Secondly, this is a relationship drama in which deeper themes emerge beyond what appears on the surface. It’s not a fast-paced novel that you find hard to put down, although I did find it difficult to put down. In short, A Letter from Lancaster County is a meaty story, one that you can enjoy as you sink into its depths.

The story peels back the layers in the relationship of two sisters, Angela and Rose, slowly revealing a backstory that affects who they are today and helps us understand their constant bickering and complaining. Angela deals with insecurity in her marriage, while Rose can’t forget “that hideous night God deserted me.” I felt a sense of realism – and while I didn’t always like the behavior of Angela and Rose, I liked them.

Spiritual themes are subtle in this story, but ever present. We see contrasts … love/hate, forgiveness/unforgiveness, hardness of heart/grace. The ending is simply heartwarming. Kate Lloyd is an impressive, consummate writer and I look forward to the next book in this series.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/KLloyd

_________________________

Kate Lloyd is a bestselling novelist whose books include "A Portrait of Marguerite" and the Legacy of Lancaster trilogy. A native of Baltimore, she enjoys spending time with friends and family in rural Pennsylvania and is a member of the Lancaster County Mennonite Historical Society. She now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband.

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Summer Bucket List

It’s always fun to compile a short book-related bucket list – with “short” being the operative word here, else I could go on and on. Here’s just a few books that I hope to read before summer’s end . . .

Roadside Assistance
By Amy Clipston

       Emily Curtis is used to dealing with her problems while under the hood of an old Chevy, but when her mom dies, Emily's world seems shaken beyond repair. Driven from home by hospital bills they can't pay, Emily and her dad move in with his wealthy sister, who intends to make her niece more feminine---in other words, just like Whitney, Emily's perfect cousin. But when Emily hears the engine of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and sees the cute gearhead, Zander, next door, things seem to be looking up.
       But even working alongside Zander can't completely fix the hole in Emily's life. Ever since her mom died, Emily hasn't been able to pray, and no one---not even Zander---seems to understand. But sometimes the help you need can come from the person you least expect.

Note: I’ve greatly enjoyed Amy Clipston’s Amish fiction, and also wanted to read her YA fiction for some time now. Roadside Assistance is the first of three books, the others being Destination Unknown and Miles from Nowhere. Lindsey Zimpel, a passionate and honest reviewer who blogs at Books for Christian Girls, was gracious to share her thoughts and video with me …

“The Roadside Assistance trilogy is a top favorite of mine in the Young Adult fiction category! I hardly ever read a book twice, but I’ve read each of these books three times. I love seeing Emily, Whitney, Chelsea, and their stories come to life on these pages. I talk about this series so often on all my social media sites that I’m pretty sure the majority of my followers have picked them up or added them to their TBR! I’ve given away so many copies of the trilogy on my blog and also as birthday gifts to friends. How Miss Amy Clipston does it, I’m still not quite sure! Whenever I read her books they always have me exclaiming, sighing, or running around the room while hugging the book, all in a wonderful mood! I am always waiting for her next book—YA or Amish.”
~Lindsey Zimpel, Books for Christian Girls

My Daughter’s Legacy
By Mindy Starns Clark & Leslie Gould

Virginia, 1864 – Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of her family owning slaves. When her wealthy grandfather dies during the Civil War, leaving his slaves and estate to Therese's widowed mother, Therese flees to Richmond. There she works as a tutor by day and a nurse by night. But when trouble befalls her family, how can she reconcile her duty and beliefs? And where does James Talbot—a long-time family friend—fit in her broken world?

Virginia, present day – After years of substance abuse, Nicole Talbot's life is back on track. She's found work at an equestrian therapy center and returned to college with the help of her wealthy grandmother—but that help comes at a price. Nicole must decide between honoring her bargain and doing what she knows is right, even if that could mean losing her new start, her family's trust, and a future with her handsome boss.

Note: It’s been years since I’ve read anything by Mindy Starns Clark, but she is an excellent writer and storyteller. My Daughter’s Legacy sounds like a wonderful relationship drama in the women’s fiction style that I love. Dual storylines also appeal to me when they are done well, and I expect nothing less from the Clark/Gould writing team.

The Return
By Suzanne Woods Fisher

       Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family's rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she's taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
       Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy's captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans's hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
       Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.

Note: The Return is book #3 in Amish Beginnings series and I have enjoyed the previous two books. Suzanne Woods Fisher has a unique gift for rich characterization and bringing English characters into her stories, giving them a wide appeal. The adventure and spiritual themes of The Return make me eager to continue this series.

Sacred Privilege
By Kay Warren

       Life as a pastor's wife offers meaningful opportunities to play a significant part in God's work, to witness and participate in the beauty of changed lives. Yet it also carries the potential for deep wounds and great conflict that can drain the joy out of service. Is it worth it? Oh, yes, says Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren and cofounder of Saddleback Church. It is more than worth the risk--it's a sacred privilege.
       Drawing on more than forty years in ministry in every possible size church, Kay provides encouraging principles and life lessons, along with intimate personal stories, that will give readers the confidence needed to lead and live well.

Note: Whether through church planting, preaching, or The Purpose-Driven Life, I’ve long admired the ministry outreach of Rick Warren and am eager to read Kay Warren’s thoughts. No man could be this effective without strong support and working as a team with his wife. They have also dealt with personal tragedy in the public eye, so this promises to be an intriguing book.

What summer reading goals do you have?

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Cat About Town

Cat About Town
By Cate Conte
A Cat Café Mystery #1
Minotaur Books, 2017


Summary

The first novel in a frisky new mystery series set in a small New England town, where an unlikely citizen is called in to solve the purrfect crime. . .

Maddie James has arrived in Daybreak Island, just off the coast of Massachusetts, eager to settle down and start her own business—and maybe even fall in love. When a stray orange tabby pounces into her life, she’s inspired to open a cat café. But little does Maddie know that she’s in for something a lot more catastrophic when her new furry companion finds the dead body of the town bully.

Now all eyes are on Maddie: Who is this crazy cat-whisperer lady who’s come to town? If pet-hair-maintenance and crime-fighting weren’t keeping her busy enough, Maddie now has not one but two eligible bachelors who think she’s the cat’s pajamas . . . and will do anything to win her heart. But how can she even think about happily-ever-after while a killer remains on the loose—and on her path?


My thoughts

Intelligent, well written, atmospheric, witty at times, full of heart, and downright entertaining … Cat About Town is an outstanding beginning to a new series by seasoned author, Cate Conte. Two things initially drew me to this story – I love cats and New England settings (I’d move there in a heartbeat if my husband would only go with me). While those two factors don’t necessarily guarantee a good read, they do in this case.

Cat About Town takes place in a fictional island off the Massachusetts cost. I’ve been blessed to visit Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and Conte vividly conveyed the feel of island life - the sights and sounds that one would experience in this setting. Several characters are introduced in a way that was easy to keep up with – and they felt real, not like cardboard figures. Conte has created a community and characters that will keep readers coming back for more.

Maddie – entrepreneur and cat whisperer – is an appealing, relatable heroine. Maddie’s relationship with her grandfather is one of the book’s strengths. There’s a hint of sweet romance, but I hope we won’t see a continuation of the love triangle theme. The Leopard Man, an “island enigma,” intrigued me and I long to know more about him. And then there’s the precious JJ, a street cat who hung out in a graveyard and connected with Maddie at her grandmother’s funeral.

The mystery plot is well crafted and, rather than try to solve the murder, I enjoyed taking my time and savoring every word. There was a little mild profanity that I wish had been omitted, but an excellent read overall. Cat About Town stands out among the cozy mysteries that I’ve read.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escape Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Amazon – B&N

_________________________

Cate Conte is the alter ego of Liz Mugavero. Liz is the author of the Pawsitively Organic Mystery series from Kensington Books, the first of which was an Agatha nominee for Best First Novel.

As you can imagine, her canine and feline rescues demand the best organic food and treats around. She is a member of Sisters in Crime National, Sisters in Crime New England, Mystery Writers of America, and the Cat Writers’ Association. She currently lives in Connecticut.

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Review: Grounded Hearts

Grounded Hearts
By Jeanne M. Dickson
Waterfall Press, 2017


Summary

A brave midwife. A wounded pilot. A risky secret.

In the midst of World War II, Ireland has declared herself neutral. Troops found on Irish soil must be reported and interned, no matter which side they are fighting for. When midwife Nan O'Neil finds a wounded young Canadian pilot at her door, she knows she's taking a huge risk by letting him in. Not only is she a widow living alone, but if caught harboring a combatant, she'll face imprisonment.

Still, something compels Nan to take in "flyboy" Dutch Whitney, an RAF pilot whose bomber has just crashed over County Clare. While she tends to his wounds and gives him a secret place of refuge, the two begin to form a mutual affection-and an unbreakable bond.

But Nan has another secret, one that has racked her with guilt since her husband's death and made her question ever loving again. As Nan and Dutch plan his escape, can he help restore her faith?

Learn more and purchase a copy.


My thoughts

My feelings about Grounded Hearts are mixed, as there were both pros and cons. First of all, I’m always eager to try a new-to-me author, and a story set in Ireland is an added bonus. Jeanne M. Dickson is an excellent writer and it’s rare that I get to read a WWII book that doesn’t involve the Holocaust, so that was enjoyable as well.

The Irish Catholic influence wasn’t unexpected, although I was surprised that it played such a strong part and was portrayed in a negative light – yet it defined who Nan was and gave a rationale to her way of thinking. I loved the small community of Ballyhaven in County Clare and thought the way women supported each other was great. Learning about Ireland’s decision to remain neutral during the war was thought provoking and made an interesting background for Dickson’s storytelling.

A few negatives for me, though. This may be a little thing, but the male characters that I can remember seemed pretty foolish and not very appealing, even the priest, while the women were strong. Secondly, this wartime romance had good potential, but it dominated the story and was way too sensual for my tastes. Nothing explicit, but I halfway expected it at every page turn – with all the physical attraction, noticing of body parts, inward expression of thoughts, and conversations mentioning intimate situations. It’s difficult to explain the difference, but a Christian novel can portray a certain level of intimacy within the marriage context that is realistic and beautiful, while here it felt cheapened. I occasionally read a secular novel and can say that this would be considered a “sweet romance” in that field, but it just didn’t feel right for the Christian fiction audience. And while I understood the initial attraction between Nan and Dutch, their relationship never seemed to deepen beyond the physical.

The other thing was Catholic practices regarding sin and confession, reflected in Mrs. Norman’s words to Nan: “Spending the night in the arms of the man you love is worth the penance.” I imagine this was realistic for the characters in that setting, but just didn’t sit well with me. We do, however, see the God of second chances and that Nan experienced grace and forgiveness in the end. So, while my thoughts were mixed, I would like to see more from this author.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Litfuse Publicity. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

http://litfusegroup.com/author/JMDickson

_________________________

Jeanne M. Dickson was born into an Irish American family, the only girl surrounded by four brothers. She credits her mother, her aunts, and her grandmother with her love of storytelling.

Perfecting her craft, she attends many writer's conferences and over the years, she has won and finaled in numerous RWA romance writing awards including the Daphne du Maurier Award, the Maggie Award, The Molly, The Tara, and she was the overall contest winner of Launching A Star.

Today she lives in Coastal San Diego with her fabulous husband, her two wonderful girls, and a dozen disobedient rose bushes.

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Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Gladden the Heart

Click here to purchase your copy.

About the Book

Book title: Gladden the Heart  
Author: Olivia Newport  
Release date: July 1, 2017  
Genre: Historical Amish  

“When you have experienced the Holy Ghost as I have, you would see that it is difficult to turn back.” 

When the lively fervor of nineteenth century revivalism endangers the staid customs of the Amish community in the lush but rugged Kishacoquillas Valley of central Pennsylvania in 1847, the Amish church must deal with a divisive question: What is a genuine spiritual experience? 

The question turns personal when Susanna’s beloved cousin Noah begins preaching while under trances and even though he is not a minister he gives long sermons that attract increasing attention. Curious, she helps to keep Noah safe during his trances. At the same time Adam, Susanna’s intended, feels pressure from the bishop to speak out against the ways of revivalism. 

Susanna and Adam are pushed to opposite sides of a controversy that threatens their traditional Amish faith.. Now they must grapple with whether love is possible…even if they come to different conclusions. 

When Noah goes missing at a time of day when he often preaches while asleep, circumstances thrust community members with divergent opinions into a crisis that demands they recognize the humanity they share regardless of beliefs. But can strong-held opinions be softened by the truths that shape their lives?

My Thoughts

Gladden the Heart has a different feel than a lot of Amish fiction as it draws inspiration from real-life historical events and explores the “what if” aspect. I’ve always enjoyed reading about the circuit-riding preachers and evangelistic meetings of the 1800s, and Olivia Newport does a great job of bringing this era to life. While there is some romance, it takes a back seat to the historical themes and conflict within the Amish community.

Noah spoke of God’s love, of human failings,

of faithfulness, of repentance, of redemption, of new life,

of serving Christ with love toward one another,

of unceasing prayer, of God’s gracious gift of salvation.

Newport draws inspiration from something I hadn’t heard of – the “sleeping preacher” phenomenon and the fact that the Amish were losing some of their members to these revival preachers. Susanna’s beloved cousin, Noah, becomes a polarizing figure as he starts falling into trances and preaching in an evangelistic style, resulting in conflict within family and community. The relationship between Susanna and Adam also comes into conflict over Noah.

The pace moves slowly at times, but I enjoyed this story and it gave me much to reflect upon. One of my favorite characters was Niklaus, a good and humble Amish minister who followed the convictions of his heart in preaching. I also loved the contrast between grace and judgment, assurance and fear. The title reflects this story’s theme well, for it’s the beauty of faith that gladdens the heart.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book from Celebrate Lit and Barbour Publishing. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

About the Author

Olivia Newport’s novels twist through time to discover where faith and passions meet. She chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is. 

Her books include the Avenue of Dreams series set in 1890s Chicago; the Valley of Choice series, which intertwines contemporary and historical Amish stories; the historical Amish Turns of Time series; and Hidden Falls, a warm, contemporary, small-town novel.

Guest Post from Olivia Newport

Sleepy Sundays

Now don’t laugh, but my guess is that if you looked around your church on any given Sunday morning, you’d see somebody sleeping. It might be an infant or toddler whose nap time collides with the worship time resting in a parent’s arms, or it might be a senior citizen who has perfected the art of dozing in an upright position. 

What you don’t expect is that the person sleeping will be the preacher. 

I’ve always been interested in church history. I even read a magazine called Christian History on a regular basis and consider it pleasure reading. In my ambling through church history, I came across a notation about “sleeping preachers” in the nineteenth century in various denominations, including the Amish. The accounts suggested that individuals who were not ministers would fall unconscious, wake up to preach for lengthy periods, sleep again, and have no recollection of their actions. 

Could this possibly be true? Or a giant hoax? What’s a genuine spiritual experience, and what do we do when don’t agree on how to answer that question? Let’s face it, even now, 150 years later, we still don’t quite know what to do with our varying traditions when we don’t agree on how to answer that question. 

I knew I had the makings of a story. Gladden the Heart travels back to 1847 and wrestles with these questions. When a divided community faces a life-or-death situation, they must respond to a crisis that challenges them to look past their differences. But can strong-held opinions be softened by the truths that shape their lives? 

Gladden the Heart is the fifth story in Olivia Newport’s Amish Turns of Time series of historical Amish novels. Olivia chases joy in Colorado at the foot of the Rockies, where daylilies grow as tall as she is.

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Olivia is giving away a Grand Prize that consists of: 

All five books in the Amish Turns of Time series 

(http://www.olivianewport.com/amish-turns-of-time/) 

PLUS 

Bonus: All three books in the Valley of Choice series 

(http://www.olivianewport.com/valley-of-choice/) 

PLUS 

$25 Amazon Gift Card!! 

Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): Engaged in Trouble

Engaged in Trouble
By Jenny B. Jones
Enchanted Events #1
Sweet Pea Productions, 2017


Summary

When a washed-up pop star inherits a wedding planning business, it’s all bouquets and bliss until a bride turns up dead.

Paisley Sutton shot to stardom as a teenage rock sensation, but ten years later that star has fizzled out, just like her bank account. When she unexpectedly inherits her aunt’s wedding planning business, Paisley leaves the glamour of Los Angeles for a charming small town in Arkansas. Thinking she’ll arrive in Sugar Creek and liquidate the moldly property, Paisley’s shocked to find Enchanted Events has experienced a major makeover and is now the place for brides. She’s got two months to keep Enchanted Events afloat if she wants to sell and rekindle her music career with the profits.

Paisley’s tossed into a world of vows and venues, but her most difficult challenge comes in the form of one demanding bride. When this Bridezilla’s found facedown in her cake, all fingers point to Paisley as the prime murder suspect. And she does not look good in prison orange.

This former pop princess will need the help of her gun-toting, ex-CIA grandmother and her handsome neighbor, Beau Hudson, to unravel the mystery and clear her good name. As she and her unruly posse dig into Bridezilla’s life, she discovers the woman had a long list of enemies. The closer Paisley gets to the truth, the more her own life is in danger.

Love is in the air this wedding season, but before Paisley can help the ladies of Sugar Creek say, “I do,” she’s got to unveil a killer. Or find herself the next target.


My thoughts

Engaged in Trouble … smart, sassy, and southern. I’ve found a new favorite author in Jenny B. Jones, one who captivates me with her storytelling, characterization, and lyrical writing. For pure entertainment, it doesn't get much better than this.

What did I find in Engaged in Trouble, book #1 in this Enchanted Events cozy mystery series? Unforgettable characters, small-town (to-die-for) romance, laugh-out-loud adventures, a mystery that kept me guessing, and a story that satisfies my love for Southern fiction. Engaged in Trouble goes on my "best of the best" list.

I haven’t yet had the opportunity to read any of Jenny’s highly-rated books published in the Christian fiction genre, so when this mystery came up on Great Escapes tour, I immediately signed up. Let me quickly say that Engaged in Trouble is not Christian fiction, but rather fiction written from a biblical worldview. It is completely clean, but with an edginess that some conservative readers might not appreciate.

Jenny B. Jones is a wordsmith. One strength of this story is lyrical imagery that paints a vivid picture, such as … Violet pink and lilac purple covered the sky as if God had airbrushed his favorite colors across it. The moon hid in the distance, not quite ready to report for the night shift. At times, I felt like the narrative was wrapping its arms around me. Then there’s the wicked humor, snappy quips, bridal salon setting, unforgettable characters, romantic tension, and solid mystery plot.

Ex-CIA operatives Sylvie and Frannie, also known as Paisley’s grandmother and close friend, almost steal the show with their zany antics and love for “secular” romance novels. Another character that I loved is Paisley’s assistant, Henry, who “could be as prickly as a corsage pin, but he was also as reliable as a wedding march.”

Paisley and Beau are compelling, appealing lead characters, both with backgrounds that affect who they are now. Paisley’s thoughts about Beau are too good not to share: His eyes … reflected his protective nature, his loyalty, and unspoken stories he unwittingly carried like the shrapnel in his leg. On the drive, I kept finding myself asking Beau questions just to hear his voice. It was a voice that could narrate books – and a girl’s fantasies.

The mystery plotting is excellent, slowly developed in a methodical and logical way. Romantic tension is palpable and while the ending is satisfying, we’re left with the promise of much more to come. Jones has created rich characters and a beautiful Arkansas community that I am eager to return to. I’ll end with Paisley's closing words from the story …

      This was home.
      For most of my life I’d wanted nothing to do with it.
      But it welcomed me back all the same, gathered me to its freshly laundered bosom, and said, “Child, I’m gonna love you anyway.”
      Home.

Highly recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Great Escapes Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

_________________________

Award-winning, best-selling author Jenny B. Jones writes romance, cozies, and YA with sass and Southern charm. Since she has very little free time, Jenny believes in spending her spare hours in meaningful, intellectual pursuits, such as eating ice cream, watching puppy videos, and reading celebrity gossip.

She lives in the beautiful state of Arkansas and has worked in public education for half of forever.  She loves bluegrass, a good laugh, and strong tea. She adores hearing from readers.

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Purchase Links:
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Please click on this link and share my Facebook post, then leave a comment here. If you’ve read any previous books by Jenny B. Jones, be sure to share your thoughts.

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Review (+ Tour GIVEAWAY): The Renegade's Redemption

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

The Renegade's Redemption

by Stacy Henrie

Inspirational Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

July 1st 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Refuge for the Outlaw

When Tex Beckett arrives at Ravena Reid's farm, he's eight years too late for the elopement they'd once planned—and it's far too early to win her forgiveness. He's seriously wounded, though, and she can't turn him away, though she knows better than to trust him. Yes, it's wonderful having help with the farm, and with the orphans she fosters, but if she opens her heart, she'll get hurt again when he leaves. And Tex always leaves.

As a notorious bank robber, Tex is used to danger. Yet reuniting with the only woman he's ever loved is the riskiest thing he's ever done. All he wants is to stay with Ravena and the children. But can he build a new start before his past catches up with him?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository
Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

My Thoughts

I don’t have time to read as many Love Inspired stories as I’d like, but I always read Stacy Henrie’s stories. She’s a solid, smooth writer who creates well-rounded characters and tells an engaging story. The Renegade’s Redemption brings Tex, a notorious robber, together with his former sweetheart. We met Tex’s identical twin, Tate, in the previous book, The Outlaw's Secret (click on title for my review), but this story can stand alone.

She’d never marry an outlaw,

and he couldn’t change what he was.

Renegade and redemption … now that’s a winning combination for me! Redemption is at the heart of our Christian walk, and who doesn’t like a repentant “bad boy”? The road for this unlikely pair seemed impossible, and I loved how everything was resolved. I so admired Ravena’s hard work and love for her family of orphans; she just had to learn to trust again. Tex was a flawed character for whom bad choices and actions came out of a spirit of fear. I was quickly drawn to Tex and rooted for him to find peace, forgiveness, and happiness because none of these were assured.

Each child is richly drawn, vulnerable, and simply stole my heart. Henrie created some great family scenes that revealed Tex’s heart for children, such as his playing of the harmonica one evening and when sweet Ginny confided her nightmares to him. Spiritual themes are woven into daily lives and I was particularly moved by Tex’s honest and humble talk with the Lord toward the end.

I enjoyed The Renegade’s Redemption very much and look forward to much more from Stacy Henrie.

Recommended.

I was provided a free copy of this book through Prism Book Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Other Books in the Series

The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie

Christian Historical RomancePaperback & ebook, 288 pages

February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise 

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right? 

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Book Depository

Harlequin│Kobo│iBooks│GooglePlay│BAM│IndieBound

About the Author

Stacy Henrie has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest

Tour Schedule

July 5th: Launch
July 6th: Hearts & Scribbles & Christian Suspense Author Mary Alford
July 7th: Heidi Reads... & I Am A Reader
July 9th: Sylv.net & deal sharing aunt
July 10th: Rockin' Book Reviews & Reading Is My SuperPower
July 11th: Singing Librarian Books & Katie's Clean Book Collection
July 12th: Mel's Shelves & Cafinated Reads
July 13th: Getting Your Read On & Wishful Endings
July 14th: Paulette's Papers & The Power of Words
July 16th: Tell Tale Book Reviews
July 17th: Dixie and Dottie & Brooke Blogs
July 18th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive  copies of The Express Rider's Lady and The Outlaw's Secret, and a $10 Amazon e-gift card (US only)

- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)

- Ends July 22nd

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