Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes

I have been a nurse for 30 years now and loved my time as a labor and delivery nurse. I've only known of one other midwife novel which is sad, very sad. Another reason I had to try out Laurie Alice Eakes' wares is that I love historical romances....Tabitha Eckles comes from a long line of midwives so, I had to read this book, just had to.

I was not dissappointed either. One of my most favorite eras in history is Early American which absolutely forced me to read this book....in one day. There is much goings on in Tabitha's port town and in this story as well. Spiritual struggle, murder, spies, just to name a few. But don't let me lead you astray, this is a great book for teens!

The main educational method for history for thousands of years is the telling of stories and the research that went into this book is what made it so good for me. This book does not disappoint. Enjoy!

The Choice (Lancaster County Secrets #1) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

The Choice is the first book of the Lancaster County Secrets (#2 is The Waiting, #3 is The Search-yeah I know out of order again, seems like I can't go in order, can I? Well, that's 'how I roll' apparantly. heehee)

Our lovestruck heroine Carrie Weaver, has plans to basically run away with her amour, charismatic Solomon but, as Providence would have it, there is a death in the family just before they are to leave. Carrie is faced with many life choices, as we all are, and the consequences of them are weighty, as in our own.

This is a great teen read, simply because the teen years are such an critical time for life choices. Do I go to college or a trade school? Do I stay at home or move out? What do I believe about God? My family needs this but I need that.....What seems like an unassuming choice can have devastating or fantastic consequences and life has many of those same unassuming choices to deal with.

As a nurse, I liked the subplot of Carrie's hemophiliac little bruder Andy. As a descendant of German immigrants, I'll always enjoy the Amish language inserts.

The Search (Lancaster County Secrets #3) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

I haven't read an Amish book for many years, mainly because I'd let life get in the way of my reading obsession for a bit, so when I had the opportunity to try out an author that's new to me, Suzanne Woods Fisher, I jumped on it. My own protestant beliefs parallel the Amish beliefs of family, order, and living a life for God in everything we do, so I enjoy learning more about their lives and beliefs. Thanks for the copy Revell Publishing but this opinion is my own.

This is really a 2-in-1 story about two young ladies from seemingly different worlds but they share a connection. I liked to see the characters themselves, and those around them, grow spiritually as they discover the secrets and connection that each have. Bess is a young teen, while Lainey is in her early 20's. This book is perfect for a young teen (or even a tween if reading is her obsession). The Search will help broaden a teen's perspective on family dynamics, forgiveness and healing, especially if the discussion questions in the back are used.

I especially liked Bertha Riehl or Bess' Mammi. I come from a Germanic heritage also and what is seen by so many to be a crusty, conniving old lady is actually the wise, loving gem in the bunch--kind of like a hearty loaf of bread with a heavy crust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX0z84BuloU is a trailer for the book.

Available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Surrender the Night by MaryLu Tyndall

Have you ever seen a person for whom it seems that things always go against them? They're beaten down by events or people. Don't you just love it when justice is served and the character begins to lean on God? It's a passion of mine and I have spent much time with God telling Him how it should be done, too. Thankfully, He worked on me and I now have a passion for watching Him do the avenging and watching people overcome. He is sooo much better at it than I "could ask or imagine". I love a good under dog story and this is one.

The main characters in this book have been injured by others, their families and life in general, all during the War of 1812. We see a few of the characters from Surrender the Heart, the first book in the Surrender to Destiny series, which I also like. It's like catching up with an old friend. Both the Surrender to Destiny books would make great movies in my mind....if only I knew someone who could get that done, hmm. I even have actors and actresses picked out (chuckle).

Another thing I really liked about this book was the history. I love history but American history is my fave. To see people trying to carve out a life during those 'rustic' (spoken with a British air followed by a *sniff*) times without the conveniences of today gives me a much better feeling for how our forefathers felt about this country and the decisions they made. I was already a fan and very humbled by our forefathers and am more so after reading Surrender the Night, especially for the women of the time.

The adventure element of these books remind me of 'Captain Blood' with Errol Flynn for the Surrender the Heart book and 'National Treasure" with Nicholas Cage for this book. Loved it, folks. Can't say it enough.

I like reading romances that are a bit edgy and a bit spicy without revealing too much. It's a tall order, I know. I can't even begin to imagine how a writer goes about deciding on how much is too much... or too little for that matter. Also, so much of that decision must be based on the demand of the reader as it is the driving force behind sales. I say all this only to say, that I lament STN wasn't a bit spicier.

This book will be released on March 1, 2011. Look for it.

Thanks NetGalley for my ebook version but this is my opinion.

Surrender the Heart by MaryLu Tyndall

OK, any book that makes me stay up til 0500 is a good book.

I. Am. NOT. A. Night. Owl. This point cannot be overstated.

This story is full of twists and turns, a hint of a spiritual attack, just when you think it's all over for Marianne, another chapter (maddeningly) takes you off to another adventure- one with Noah. He could be my new hero--so...wow, what adjective to put here?

I love American history, Errol Flynn (Captain Blood), and you, too MaryLu Tyndall!

I have a confession to make. With the holidays, a sick child, and working extra shifts, I'd forgotten to post my review. I realized it when I sat down to review Surrender the Heart's sequel, Surrender the Night, which is also and amazing account of our forefather's courage during the War of 1812. So I picked it up thinking I'll skim through to refresh my memory-no chance- I ended up reading it cover to cover again--and so will you.This book had me crying, giggling, and heart thump-th-thumping. If I were to add anything to this book, it would've been more romance, without giving out a spoiler, at the end.

If the real battles of our War of Independence or War of 1812 were anything like the battles in this book then, I am in even more awe of our awesome country's founders .....and I am always in awe of their courage and what they sacrificed. We all have a reason for being on this planet, our only charge is to allow God to tell us what that is and then have the courage to carry it out...'for such a time as this.'

Thanks to NetGalley for my ecopy but remember, this review is mine alone.

Rugged and Relentless by Kelly Eileen Hake

I like reading a book that seems like the main characters have got all their 'ducks in a row' only to find out that their are sooo many outside possibilities. Knowing that I'm not the only one that happens to helps me get through my own dilemmas at times and helps me laugh.

The four women in this book are forward thinkers for the 1800s that they live in and I like people who think outside of the box. Evie owns a diner and has her rules, like "Hat's off while you eat--house rules."

I love Jake's responses to Evie's rules and how his banter touches her. I'm a lot like that myself. Jacob Granger's brother went out west to expand the family's business and he was killed in a card fight---a scandalous way for a young man to die. But Jake knows his brother well and is on the lookout for a murderer. When he gets to a ghost mining town to find a bunch of men giving 4 women way too much attention. They need help and he just knows a killer is here. I like a man who means to get justice...reminds me of Matt Dillon and you gotta love him. And a woman likes a man to protect her, too.

This light read is worth the afternoon's read, I've enjoyed seeing Kelly's writing evolve. Will she be the next DeeAnne Gist or Julie Lessman (They know how to ramp up the heat without writing in poor taste)? We'll see.Enjoy this light read as much as I did. This is a great read for teens.

The Blue Enchantress by MaryLu Tyndall

This was a fun read about an impulsive naive flirt who encounter pirates and missionaries. A strange combo to be sure...that's why I liked it. Hope Westcott finds herself on the auction block--literally, to be sold as a wife or slave, it made no difference in her eyes because she had no business being here. Things weren't supposed to be going this way. Why had God so obviously abandoned her?

Nathaniel Mason, a Christian self made shipping merchant, saw Hope on the auction block and remembered her as a conceited rich girl. Her future is dependent in his benevolence or rather God's. Nathan prays before he bids his last coin. Can he prevent her from ending up as a slave-wife? He can and does but loses half his fleet in the process. I used to say that I was born in the wrong time period but after reading this book, I am so grateful that God chose to put me in this century, where there's air conditioning, indoor plumbing, no corsets, etc. lol

I also loved the supporting cast of characters of Abigail, a grieving missionary and Captain Poole, the pirate who's seen miracles and has questions about....... this God.

I love seeing each of thevcharacters grow toward understanding of the other, how their choices are often the causes of their circumstances, and mostly, how God can intervene and make it all work for His good. There is a bits of spiritual warfare throughout, so 'heads up ' if that bothers you but it made the story more real for me.

The One Year Book of Encouragement by Harold Myra

I chose this book from Tyndale House Publishing (thanks for the book but the review is mine)specifically because of the old-style font on the title. I know, a sad reason but I'm a sucker for anything that's old. I was delightfully surprised to see that the date on each page is also of this font. However, the font is only 'the cherry on top' of this this dark chocolate sundae.

Mr. Myra has taken writings from some pretty lofty places to encourage us on a daily basis.  There are authors used from centuries ago like Martin Luther to authors of this time like Billy Graham and even more recent ones that I admit I'm not familiar with. I like that mixture as well, because it allows for the reader's needs to change. Sometimes, you need to eat meat and potatoes, sometimes you need your veggies, and sometimes just a pure drink of water. This devotional is meant to be used as you like, daily, in passing, or to mark, highlight, and make notes in....whichever way will inspire and encourage you in this worry riddled world. I'll be grabbing this book routinely.  The wisdom will feed your soul as well.

Thanks Mr. Myra and Tyndale House. ;0)

Brave New Knits by Julie Turjoman

I like to collect patterns about as much as I like to collect pretty yarns, pretty beads, pretty paper, well pretty anything really, so I couldn't believe my luck when Rodale Books offered the digital version of Brave New Knits through NetGalley for reviewers. I'm thinking "teehee, it's sooo good to do reviews! Yum, yum, another good treat." More on that later.

The Brave part of the title is that it has a short bio on several of http://www.ravelry.com's pioneers and then an original pattern from each designer. They were ahead of their time in that they had the foresight to use modern technology of the web with the ancient fiberart. Very smart ladies, I'd say. This part of Brave New Knits was a very enjoyable read. So now, I wanted to go back through and take a gander at the actual patterns that were offered........

But little did I realize that the ebook version that I was sent would be laid out the way it is. It's basically a draft of the book, uncorrected in soooo many ways. NetGalley goofed in sending out a draft, it's not easy to present a book review when the copy given to you is not a review copy (a finished copy of a book) and it doesn't properly serve the purpose of having a book reviewed in order to entice folks to buy it either. In fact I've not been able to actually review any of the patterns. There are no photos of any of the items near the area of it's pattern, so if you want to see what the item looks like, you have to write down what page you're reading, hunt through the back of the book, where the pictures are, then flip back to where the pattern is. Remember, I'm just reading a draft, not trying to follow an actual pattern. When you do get to the pictures they were blurred!  I'm positive that the finished product will have the pics with it's corresponding pattern and that they'll be great in detail but my copy is definitely not finished.

My only disappointment with the actual book is the sizes offered within the patterns.....only some of the patterns have sizing for large folks. I wish that all patterns would be presented for any wearer. Now, I have heartburn...I really don't like doing a non-positive review. This review is of the draft copy that NetGalley sent to me, not the book that will end up in the stores.

The Crocheted Prayer Shawl Companion by Janet Bristow & Victoria Cole

This is the first of the Prayer Shawl books that I've delved into and I really liked the concept from the beginning. I crochet and knit preemie hats and blankets for my hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit among other ministry items. I just simply haven't gotten to making shawls...until now.

This book is well laid out with excellent photos of the finished items interspersed with ideas on how to bless others with a shawl.

My favorite part of the patterns is that the yarns are easily found or substituted. Why is this my favorite? What a boring reason, right? Because I live in an area that is yarn challenged...to say the least. Most yarns in patterns that I like are simply not to be found locally, and by locally, I mean over an hour radius! Because the nature of yarn is to be touched, I have yet to order yarn online without already having touched it first. I've only ordered online because the store told me they'd not get any more or the website had a color that the store didn't carry.

My next favorite part of Prayer Shawl Companion is that the patterns are simple enough that my yarnie students could make any of these shawls and yet I can make the same shawl and not get bored by it. I've just simply added beads to mine and *POOF*, I have a fun project that also feeds my soul.

Now all I need is to find enough time to make each pattern for our church's Interfaith Hospitality Network. It's a network of area churches that take turns housing homeless families for a week. I love the thought that's gone into each pattern and it's symbolism is amazing also.

Thanks to Taunton Press for providing me this great eBook. I was a bit skeptical of an ebook version for crochet but I've enjoyed this version.

Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander

When I sat down to read this last of the Timber Ridge Series I knew I was in for a good read. What I didnt' know was that this was going to be a great read! If you like American history, if you like medical history, if you like romance, and I love them all, then you're in for a great read too.

Even though, widow and mother Rachel Boyd's and Dr. Rand Brookston's story are already set up pretty well in the previous two volumes of this series (From a Distance and Beyond This Moment), this volume starts out deepening the characters quite nicely and is a good stand alone. But why eat an appetizer when you can enjoy the whole meal, right? I like to see situations that show the character's relationship with God and each other growing. I want to be moved by their experiences. I want to see how they deal with their strengths and weaknesses in order to inspire me in my own.

Being a southern woman myself, I really connected with Rachel in this:

No question, she was a Southern woman through and through, and like a lot of Southern women, when push came to shove, she had a will of iron that cut straight through the sugar and sweetness.

Being a nurse, I enjoyed reading the trepidation with which a new procedure is used and how the medical model (theory of how a disease is treated and how death and dying are approached) has changed over time. For instance, when nothing curative could be done, doctors and nurses could concentrate on helping the family move through the dying process with as much dignity and grace and with as little physical pain as possible. Nowadays, well, let's just say that there are ways to go through the death and dying process that can ultimately feed the survivor's souls and ways that don't.

Knowing death was coming, or not knowing...Both ways held blessings, he (Rand) guessed.

Here, Rachel  

....wondered....what must it be like for him, knowing he was close to the end of his life? At least his life on earth. Everyone died. That was a given. But not everyone was warned of death's approach. And she wondered whether knowing was better, or worse. She decided the former, based on regrets she had....

I think this story could be pivotal for someone out there in that their life could be affected by the wisdom seen here. I certainly hope so. Keep a tissue box at the ready, I certainly needed it. Just in case, you're thinking that this is a terribly sad book, it isn't, they were tears of bittersweet joy. On a personal and professional note, this touches on a soap box of mine:

I don't mean any disrespect by this, but...it only seems right that the person dyin' should get to choose.

Hallelujah and Amen Sister Tamera! Back in those days people knew that death was coming at some point, had thought about it, had even discussed it. Nowadays, people think that no one they love will ever get sick or die, so they don't discuss it. Poor thinking folks. We will all, at some point face death and/or dying and it is selfish not to discuss it with your loved ones. Watching deaths, like the one in this book, is sad, no doubt, but peaceful too. The Holy Spirit surrounds the people in the room and the peace is transcendent, nearly joyful.
As far as the romance goes, another reviewer suggested that the heat be lowered for the more youthful but raise the heat a bit for the more mature. I vote for increasing the heat just a touch, there's plenty of great reads out there for teens. I'm sure that sexual tension is bound to be a difficult thing to write about without getting explicit at any rate.

You Changed My Life by Max Lucado from Booksneeze

Thanks to Booksneeze for sending me a copy of this pretty little book. My review is just that though, mine. As gift books go, this is a good one. It takes Chicken Soup for the Soul type stories and adds in the Bible verse that corresponds to it. However, as gift books go, well, I'm too practical for them, I guess. They become dust collectors in my house and there is enough of that already. Unless, I had a completely life altering event happen, then I'd be happy to give this particular book to someone. It's a great little hardback with glossy paper and a nice dust cover but the best part are the Bible references added. I'd be finding the story that hits me just right and making a little note to the person that affected me so on that page...just to make it more personal.

Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer

I've always loved reading, so the front cover of this sweet read definitely caught my eye. After all, I'd been accused of having my head in the clouds for....well, as long as I can remember holding a book. 

I finally get to take Head in the Clouds off my TBR list and move it to here! Sweet. Only now the story is over.....Is there such a thing as post-read remorse, like buyer's remorse? or post-read syndrome, like post traumatic stress? I know! It's Post-Read Stress Syndrome. It's signs begin with an urgent compulsion to read through an entire book in only one day despite one's other obligations (or perhaps because of). The incubation period only lasts as long as it takes to fill the urge's requirements, then the actual symptoms appear. They are a profound sense of sadness, a strong desire to dress in the historical period of the book that was read, and an immense sense of displaced reality (due to being back in the 21st century). Fortunately, this syndrome lasts but a short time. It will go into remission but will reappear with increasing regularity. Oh, back to the book review Deana....;0)

Adelaide, bless her heart, is a naive romantic. She impetuously quits her teaching job to move to Fort Worth where her book peddling gentleman friend lives-only to find out that charming her was how he sold the books to her. Now she was out of a job, had no where to live, and couldn't go back to her old job. As with most of us, now she decides to pray about it, right after she gives God a piece of her mind.

No answer echoed through the rafters or even whispered to her heart. God didn't seem to be on speaking terms with her at the moment, and she had no idea why.

I know, sounds all too familiar for me too...God please get me out of this pickle I've gotten myself into....and now! In the local newspaper, Adelaide finds an ad for a governess position and applies for that.

Gideon Westcott, a wealthy Brit's son has moved across the pond and planted himself in the middle of cattle country with plans to be a successful sheep herder in order to win his father's approval. What he hadn't planned on was becoming a parent on the trip over....and the adorable little tyke hasn't spoken since her mother's death. He needs a governess who can help Bella. He didn't foresee what was coming next but he wanted God and Bella to lead him to the right governess.

Some of Adelaide's favorite authors? Why mine, of course! God, Jane Austen and Charlotte Bronte. Karen, how you wove scripture, Mr. Darcy, and Mr. Rochester into a western riddled with humor, I'll never know but I loved it!!

The Bride Blunder by Kelly Eileen Hake

This book begins with two cousins in the mid 1800s Baltimore. They are both named Marguerite which came from their grandmother, hence the nicknames Daisy and Marge. Daisy is the debutante, while Marge is the proverbial down to earth, organized, girl next door. Daisy is into the social scene and all about marrying for all the right reasons- social standing and wealth. Marge has only been interested in one person and he moved away.

Gavin Miller is the mutual acquaintance that moved out to the Nebraska Territory who is now ready to start a family, so he sends a proposal letter. It's addressed to Marguerite and they both assume that the letter is for Marge as Gavin is on Daisy's wedding guest list and the invites have already been sent.

If hope sprang eternal, Marge had packed for it.When she’d prepared a list of things to bring, she’d thought long and hard about what she’d need for a lifetime in a small frontier town. What her family would need, and since she’d always been a big believer in being prepared for anything, the list took on a life of it's own.

Of course, as soon as she steps into view, Gavin knew what a mistake he'd made.

What happens after that? Gavin is the honorable type guy who doesn't back down from a handshake deal once it's made and soon he's reminded how much he liked Marge too.  But Marge doesn't want a 'pity invite' to her own wedding. She wants the real deal. Here's where the fun, heartbreak, and frustration begins.

While I really liked Bride Backfire's heat, Blunder was lukewarm. The main characters were more a part of the story rather than the story.  For myself, I would like to have seen more sparks between them. I really enjoyed reading the spiritual struggle of both Gavin and Marge as they try to walk in God's will.I loved Gavin's Aunt Ermintrude! Her spunkiness (is that a word?) and how she sees the truth in it all. The premise of a bride mix up is a good one and makes for some funny, some heartbreaking, and some frustrating moments. Hope you enjoy the read like I did.

Sharpshooter in Petticoats (Sophie's Daughters #3) by Mary Connealy

To begin with, let me say thanks to Net Galley for my ebook. I was having severe Mary Connealy withdrawal signs and symptoms. ;0)

I loved this last book of Sophie's Daughters! Each one has their own prayer (learned from their momma no doubt) that they repeat when in trouble and I love that too. I so wanted Mandy's husband to leave the picture somehow and couldn't wait to find out how Mandy got relieved of hom because we all know that God would've picked a better one for her and He did eventually. ;0)

As usual Mary starts, as opposed to ending, this story out with a cliffhanger which is part of the charm of Mary's writings for me. I can't really imagine how but, Mandy seemed to be in a much scarier place than either of her sisters, Beth or Sally. I guess because she's so isolated with her small children. Mandy Gray, now a rich widow with 3 young children, has holed herself up in Gray Tower-essentially a mansion atop a Rocky Mountain that her recently deceased husband built with his gold digging riches. It's kind of similar to her mother's story, in that they are both isolated and completely dependent on the land and God to get by with their small children. She has made enemies of the Cooter family however, by killing one of them, in self defense but, that doesn't matter to the Cooter clan.

Tom Linscott, a well-to-do cattle rancher himself, just can't seem to get Mandy off his mind. She needs rescuing off that mountain and....well....he's going to do it.......and then.......well.......he's going to marry her

........as soon as he can talk her into it. He starts off literally climbing the cliff to Mandy's home and knows he'll have to kidnap her and her 3 children in order to get her off the mountain. Before they even get back to his ranch, he's got the children calling him 'Papa' and has completely endeared himself to them. Now all he has to do is convince Mandy that she needs another man and get rid of her enemies. Piece of cake, right?

Well, it's made for a great story, thanks to Mary Connealy. Put it on top of your TBR list ASAP.

I thought it odd that the cover didn't have Mandy in gray.....would've been more apropos but didn't detract from the book at all.







The Bride Backfire (Prairie Promises #2) by Kelly Eileen Hake

After a bit of encouragement from a friend I decided to continue in this series and boy howdy, am I glad I did! I loved this story and can't wait to get to #3. Thanks to Net Galley for my digital edition for this review. I grew up in Kentucky all around the Hatfield and McCoy Feud stories but this one takes the cake. Opal Speck and Adam Grogan try to be each family's peacemaker in the Speck-Grogan feud that has gone on for generations. Each one struggles inwardly to have faith that God is stronger, even when on the wrong side of a gun, so to speak. These two have grown up with all the angst and danger of the feud and numerous digs from each side to fuel the flame for all their years, so they trust no one. The entire town distances themselves-even at church. So when Opal and Adam show up at church having been 'privately' married just days before, the whole town is knocked off kilter. Is the feud over? Has it begun anew? Why did they get married?
Well, you'll just have to read it to find out. It's another I-couldn't-put-it-down-even-at-2am-and-then-hit-it-again-for-breakfast book. And the heat factor!!! Where's my fan...The sexual tension starts in chapter two for Pete's sake and ends with the last sentence in the book, my word! Which, by the way, is the most irritating way to end a book-just when the two characters....well, I don't want to be accused of putting in a spoiler. Suffice it to say I wanted one more chapter-the tidy bow on this gift. 
I commented on The Bride Bargain's cover not being to my liking in that book's review. This one's cover at least made sense to me and I liked the picture of the dugout but the rendering of Opal is lacking somehow, just as the one of Clara is on The Bride Bargain. Just sayin', you know?

Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld

I have yet to try the recipes but Jessica tells you exactly how to set up your pantry, what kitchen tools are needed, and how to deceive those picky eaters, I mean, hide the good stuff in that unhealthy stuff your kids likes, I mean, cook the foods that your family loves. It's based on adding fruit and vegetable purees to your kid's favorite recipes.
For a frustrated 'manager of my home', this might just be the shot in the arm that I need. Fortunately for me, the book is set up just how you'd need it to be, in order to get started. It's also an easy read, which was more encouragement for me, too. I like the idea and can't wait to get started on my family(evil grin), I mean, cooking tasty enjoyable meals for my most loved ones.

The Bride Bargain (Prairie Promises #1) by Kelly Eileen Hake

This young author has written a great teen/young adult story about Clara and her aunt Doreen who have the guts to move west with a wagon train without benefit of a man's presence. Dragging themselves into town 2 days after the wagon train abandons them, they meet Josiah Reed, a lonely storekeeper, whose family is back east. He needs a woman's touch in his lonely huge home and they need respite. Josiah proposes a bargain in which if Clara gets Saul Reed to marry a girl in Buttonwood then Clara can keep Josiah's house. Now you have the beginning of a cute story whose characters are well developed. Clara has her steps all planned out for herself on the wagon train until they decide to take a break in Buttonwood but, even after Josiah's proposal, she plans and proceeds to execute with predictable interruptions. Somewhere along the line, she remembers that God can bless our plans or not.




I know some folks pick a book for it's cover alone sometimes and I admit it does influence what I choose to read but this book's label does nothing for me. I plan on reading the sequels and hope they hold more intrigue for me as I'm anything but a teen/young adult. ;0)

Gingham Mountain by Mary Connealy

 Buy It Here

Hannah and Grant meet in this installment of Lassoed in Texas (#3). The main difference about this book and Calico Canyon(#2) is that this book talks about the orphan trains. Orphan trains thankfully, are a thing of the past where orphans were taken up to the end of the rail lines, if needed, to adopt them out. I loved Hannah for the way she thought about education.The angst starts immediately as Grant meets the orphan train to collect his new children not knowing that Hannah is following the children. Hannah immediately assumes that Grant is expecting 'slave' labor from the children. Although, they both have a huge heart for orphans, they each have seemingly polar opposite ways of caring for the kids.

Learning was the important thing. If only she could educate them so they'd never be forced into mill work or, because of illiteracy, have no prospects of any jobs. She believed giving them an education could be the difference between life and death for some of them. It might be the difference between keeping their own children or sending them off to orphanages. With a kind of desperate urgency, Hannah taught them words and numbers to put them one step further from the awful fate that could await the uneducated (italics mine).

I enjoyed this read for a different reason than my usual love for 'all things Mary Connealy' and that is the orphan trains. I'm sure I'd learned about them somewhere along the line as I love  american history. Mary, however, put names and faces on those kids for me though, which made them seem real and therefore more memorable. The social impact of illiteracy is just as important today as it was in any time before us. Thanks for another great read Mary!!!!!

The Lightkeeper's Daughter by Colleen Coble

 Buy It Here

This is a suspenseful story about a young girl that is washed onshore after being shipwrecked. She's raised by a doting adoptive father and cruel mother and she finds herself full of intrigue and in danger. This story has many twists and turns in it. Just when I thought that I'd figured it out, something would change. The romantic side of the story should've been a bit more tense for me but it was a romantic mystery, afterall, not a mysterious romance! Semantics, I know but, there it is. I liked this story and the characters were well written. I couldn't put it down, so it was a good read.

Thanks to Angie for lending me the book!