MACKINAC ISLAND BEACON by Carrie Fancett Pagels, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

I loved this delightful story set on Mackinac Island and the Round Island Lighthouse.  This charming story had two heroes and two heroines whose backgrounds intertwined in sometimes mysterious ways. Susan and Valerie had hidden pasts. It was intriguing to see how they discovered their origins.
I will always love the setting because I once took a trip to the Island. The author describes Mackinac so beautifully and jogged my memories. It makes me want to go back.

Very helpful was a glossary of people in the front. I recognized many characters from previous books. One, Jack Welling, was very humorous as a youth who was training to compete in the Olympics. Ms. Pagels captured three-year-old Hetty adorably. The characters had depth, were realistic and lived out their faith authentically. 

This book kept me turning pages wondering if the lost would be found and if the romances would play out favorably. I am looking forward to more books by this author set in one of my favorite places.
*I received an ebook of this title from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Plans hatched in 1897 bring friends and family from far distances toward Mackinac Island’s new twin beacons—the Round Island Lighthouse and the Social Affirmation Society’s training/retreat center. A missing daughter, a missing godchild—two young women’s lives have intertwined in ways they could never have known. The solution to both of their mysteries is revealed when all hope has been lost by those seeking them.

Is romance out of the question for Val and Susan, when their hearts begin to heal? Will Paul and Lawrence, friends from their childhoods, brought to the island for work, be their beacons of hope? Can God bring all their paths together or will too many obstacles stand in their way? 

Available in digital ebook or paperback at Amazon

THESE TANGLED THREADS by Sarah Loudin Thomas, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas

Rich in historical detail and set around the Biltmore Estate in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Sarah Loudin Thomas’s book, These Tangled Threads, lovingly captures the atmosphere of the area. 

Thomas is a master at creating intriguing, multi-layered characters, and I enjoyed learning more about the history surrounding the Biltmore Estate and its occupants during the early 1900s. I also liked knowing more about the weaving industry and the meticulous care that went into weaving the cloth. It is obvious that the author has done extensive research around this subject and this vicinity.

One of the things I enjoyed most about the story is the growth that was shown in the main characters throughout the tale. It was interesting to see how the main characters matured in their thoughts and actions. The story was told from the views of Arthur, Lorna, and Gentry, and I liked seeing how they were each viewing the situations. I admit being a little confused because of the many timelines which jumped around a lot. I often had to stop and reorient myself as to when the events happened. I enjoy Sarah Loudin Thomas’s books and feel she puts a lot of thought and research into them. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from her in the future.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Bethany House. All opinions are my own.

SEE REBECCA'S REVIEW

SEE PAULA'S REVIEW

BackCover Blurb:
Seven years ago, a hidden betrayal scattered three young friends living in the shadow of Biltmore Estate. Now, when Biltmore Industries master weaver Lorna Blankenship is commissioned to create an original design for Cornelia Vanderbilt's 1924 wedding, she panics knowing she doesn't have the creativity needed. But there's an elusive artisan in the Blue Ridge Mountains who could save her--if only she can find her.

To track the mysterious weaver down, Lorna sees no other way but to seek out the relationships she abandoned in shame. As she pulls at each tangled thread from her old life, Lorna is forced to confront the wounds and regrets of long ago. She'll have to risk the job that shapes her identity as well as the hope of friendship--and love--restored.

In this seamlessly woven historical tale, award-winning Appalachian author Sarah Loudin Thomas delivers a poignant novel of friendship, artistry, restoration, and second chances. 

Bethany House Publishing, April 2, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook

Buy THESE TANGLED THREADS at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House 

HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE by Megan Walker, Reviewed by Winnie Thomas #ReleaseDay

(Proper Romance - Regency Series)

Set in Brighton, England in 1813, Highcliffe House is a delightful, charming tale with an enemies to friends and more trope. Talented author Megan Walker has spun an enticing story with engaging, realistic characters that tickled my fancy. Anna Lane, who has been humiliated by a man who’d been courting her wants to flee London. Her father’s friend and business partner, Graham Everett, wants to invest in property in Brighton, so Mr. Lane sends Anna with Graham to Brighton to check on it. Anna has detested Graham since he takes her father’s attention away from time spent with her.

I felt Anna was quite spoiled and petulant at first, and Graham was a bit judgmental. I enjoyed seeing Anna and Graham’s relationship change as they got to really know each other.

Walker has penned some delicious stories and I would recommend her books to those who enjoy clean and wholesome historical fiction.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.4.5 stars 

BackCover Blurb:

The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you Lakeshire Park.

1813, Brighton, England

When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.

Born into modest circumstances, Graham's hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.

To Graham's relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna--whom he trusts with his business affairs--will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna's father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.

The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town--including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people's desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love. 

Shadow Mountain Publishing, May 7, 2024

Available in digital ebook and paperback at Amazon

 

THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN by Ann H. Gabhart, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula #ReleaseDay

 

(Southern Historical Romance Set in the 1910 Appalachian Mountains)
REBECCA'S REVIEW:
"Anita claims she heard the young visiting preacher proposing marriage. To you."

Anita had heard right. Mira Dean's childhood acquaintance, Gordon Covington, had grown up into a fine man; he was pastoring a mission church deep within Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains, and apparently doing a satisfactory job of growing his small Sourwood congregation. (Sourwood? It wasn't even on the map  . . . yes, she had been curious enough to look) Approaching Mira following the service that morning, Gordon had spouted off some nonsensical idea about being persuaded that God had directed her into his path, to not only fill the need for a school teacher, but to also become his wife. Mira was no blushing bride candidate; tragically her one and only dream for marital bliss was dead and buried, literally. Mira was completely satisfied with her life exactly the way it was, she was not going anywhere with Gordon Covington.

As so often happens, God opens and closes doors rather quickly at times; leaving Mira no other choice but to take a huge leap of faith, infused with a hefty dose of courage, and to board a train heading towards Gordon's beloved Sourwood Mountain folk . . . in order to marry a man she barely knows while living in a place that she has never seen, or up until this point even heard of. Longing for happiness in spite of her circumstances, Mira holds onto a tiny sliver of hope that she would discover love.

A charming story!! This author pens the sights and sounds of mountain life in such a way that her characters cannot help but spring to life along the trails they call home. It's a beautiful place, but not always pretty . . . it's a bountiful place, but not everyone has food to eat . . . it's a tight-knit community, but there are those who desperately crave family . . . and it's a place where secrets have deep roots and tight lips.

"The Lord moves in a mysterious way his wonders to perform. . . " - words from an old hymn
*I received a copy of this book from Revell Publishers through Interviews and Reviews. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own.

PAULA'S REVIEW:
In this unusual marriage of convenience story, Mira is also encountering a lifestyle that she knows nothing about. But when God blocks her way of life in the city, she follows the lead He provides. “You don’t have a problem, my dear. You have an opportunity.” She marries Preacher Gordon and travels to a backwoods community to become a teacher to children in Sourwood, Kentucky.

Ms. Gabhart is an extraordinary storyteller. She is an artist with words and paints a realistic picture of existence in the hollers of Appalachia in 1910. The little expressions and mountain traditions bring the story to life, the characters are likable, authentic and drew me into the story.

The portrayal of Mira as she dealt with the unknown and as she connected with the mountain folk was well written. You can tell the author has dogs by the way she depicts their behavior. A favorite character was Ada June, a lonely orphan girl who is passed from family to family because she can help with children and chores. After her mother dies, she chooses to speak to a select few. But the tender heart of Mira shows Ada June love and pulls her out of her shell.

This was a memorable story that touched on many emotions and was a very satisfying read.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell on behalf of the author. I was nit required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.*5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
While the century began with such promise, it is 1910 when Mira Dean's hopes of being a wife and mother are dashed to pieces. Her fiancé dead from tuberculosis, Mira resigns herself to being a spinster schoolteacher--until Gordon Covington shows up.

No longer the boy she knew from school, Gordon is now a preacher who is full of surprises. First, he asks Mira to come to Sourwood in eastern Kentucky to teach at his mission school. Second, he asks her to marry him. Just like that. And all at once the doors that had seemed firmly shut begin to open, just a crack.

With much trepidation, Mira steps out in faith into a life she never imagined, in a place filled with its own special challenges, to serve a people who will end up becoming the family she always dreamed of.

From the pen of bestselling author Ann H. Gabhart comes a heartwarming story of the unexpected blessings that can come when we dare to follow the Lord's leading.

Revell Publishing, May, 2024

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover:

Buy THE SONG OF SOURWOOD MOUNTAIN at Amazon, Christianbook .com, or Baker Book House