Saturday, July 25, 2020

LINE BY LINE BOOK ONE LOVE ALONG THE WIRES


Line by Line- Love Along The Wires book 1 by Jennifer Delamere
Decent Story.  It seemed like God and faith were late to the party, however, I do enjoy the topic of the telegraph and I will most likely read future publishings in this series.
"The telegraph service was a government entity, overseen by the postmaster general."
It may be noteworthy to some that the hero of the story is a smoker, which it is only referenced a couple of times and would have been common back then. "There was a vague smoky scent coming from him, as though he'd spent his recent train ride in the smoking car."
Andrew Carnegie added a good amount of wisdom later in the story.
"Over the years, I have found that it's one thing to hear a sermon where Scripture is quoted, but it's quite another to read for yourself what is written. It can have quite an impact on people" -Mr. Johnstone
Tea Moment: "Why, that's terrible!" Emma said. She filled a teacup and set it in front of Alice. "This will help." Emma's way of dealing with trauma always involved a hot cup of tea.
I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
Bethany House Publishing, 384 Pages, (c) June 30, 2020
((MY STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing

Until next time, Hugs and a cup of ICED tea!

Friday, July 24, 2020

LOVES PURE LIGHT - 4 XMAS NOVELLAS


Love's Pure Light - 4 Stories follow and Heirloom Nativity Set through 4 Generations
 Raney, McNear, Dietze, Rosche  Available Sept 1, 2020
***RECOMMENDED - CHRISTMAS EASY READING ***
WHILE SHEPHERDS WATCH ARE KEEPING BY SUSAN DIETZE
Massachusetts, 1899
"...when one is facing hardship, it often helps to focus on helping somone else."
"Never had a friend, male or female, challenged or encouraged him in his relationship with God or his work the way she had.  He'd never met a woman who could make him feel this confused yet at the same time this peaceful- "
This was a decent story with plenty of moments of redemption. However, I never care for characters who profess their love after a mere 3 weeks. It takes away from the story.
((3 Stars=I like it.))
THE WISE GUY AND THE STAR BY SHANNON McNEAR
Charleston, SC to Kansas City, Mo, 1919
"Good noon, ladies! Might I start you off with a cup of coffee or tea?" "Tea please," Aunt Lila said.
"God feels very far away. Like I've seen too much, done too much, somehow. Ordinary church is fine for ordinary people but..." [Stella shifted from one to the other. "Lord, help me grasp just what it is he's trying to say - and give me words that might offer comfort and strength."]
I really enjoyed the writing style, rich with detail but not so much as to get in the way. Nat and Stella are very sweet in their interactions. Realizing that Seth and Jesse from the previous story are her parents was unexpected and nice.
((4 Stars=I Really Liked It)
ON ANGEL WINGS BY JANICE ROSCHE
Kansas City, MO, 1945
"since Elodie Wise was a little girl, she'd been told she carried a light inside her soul that even the darkest night could not snuff out. The only problem? When she wanted - or rather needed - to hide, she never could. That didn't stop her from trying of course."
Decent story.  I liked Elodie and Benjamin's lifelong friendship.
((3 Stars=I liked it))
MAKING ROOM AT THE INN BY DEBORAH RANEY
Cape Girardeau, MO, Present Day
"An old hutch leaned agains the brick. Painted her favorite robin's-egg blue, the hutch held an exquisite mismatch of old dishes. No doubt the same cups and saucers she and Mimi had taken tea from that long ago Christmas. Oh how she wished they'd taken a photo..."
Very good story.  Although I generally do not enjoy modern tales, this one held my interest. The easy banter between Benjie and Trevor, yet moments of trepidations as they grew in affection for one another worked really well for me.
I love how the nativity found its way into the story and even grew with more pieces. It sure would be fun to see it!
((4 Stars=I Really Liked It))
I received a complimentary eBook from the NetGalley & the publisher, in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
Barbour Publishing, 448 Pages, (c) Sept 1, 2020

gold star((STARS)) 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing


Until next time - hugs and a cup of tea!

Wednesday, July 22, 2020

CONFUSED BY STAR RATINGS

Bitmoji ImageHave you wondered about star ratings for products like I have? I finally did a little research for my favorite book sites to get a better understanding.

In my opinion, AMAZON gives a completely vague definition of its star ratings. Hovering over the stars does not help as there are no pop-ups.
“Amazon calculates a product’s star ratings based on a machine-learned model instead of a raw data average. The model takes into account factors including the age of a rating, whether the ratings are from verified purchasers, and factors that establish reviewer trustworthiness.”
gold starGOODREADS STAR RATINGS: 1= Did not like it, 2= It was ok, 3=Liked It, 4= Really liked it, 5=It was amazing
B&N: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent
GOOGLE PLAY BOOKS: 1= Hated it, 2=Didn’t like it, 3=Just Ok, 4= Liked it, 5=Loved it
KOBO: 1= I Hated it, 2=I didn’t like it, 3=It was ok, 4= I liked it, 5=I loved it
NetGalley (Would you recommend?): 1= No, 2=Not Really, 3=Maybe, 4= Yes, 5=Strongly
CBD: 1= Poor, 2=Fair, 3=Average, 4= Good, 5=Excellent (they also ask for a separate 5 bubble review of; Product Quality, Value, Meets Expectation)
Additionally, CBD now requires reviews to be done via Word Pad or Notepad stating in an email to me when I questioned why copy/pasting from MsWord was no longer working for me: “this process was changed recently for security reasons on our site.”
Side note from Christianbook: “Since 1978, Christianbook has been your go-to for Everything Christian for Less.
When we started as Christian Book Distributors, the acronym CBD became common reference for our many devoted customers. In recent years however, it’s become important for us to distinguish ourselves from other CBD-branded businesses.  Since launching on the web in the 1990s we have always been Christianbook.com. We also had the CBD.com site that has always automatically redirected to our official Christianbook.com site. With the potential for brand confusion mentioned above, we’ve decided to stop using the long-standing CBD.com address.
Our online home will now only be at Christianbook.com. We are not moving physical locations or modifying our award-winning services otherwise.  For our customers who reach us by CBD.com, we kindly request that you update your browser bookmarks or favorites to the Christianbook.com address.”

I think it's important to note what a rating on each site means, whether you are shopping or leaving a review.  I have decided if it fits on the site, I will include the site definition for my rating at the bottom trying to stick with each site's system.  So while I may give a 4 on one site, it may only equal a 3 on another site.
Bitmoji Image

Until next time,
Hugs and a cup of gold startea!  

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano 5 Star Read


•*• Loved Every Minute •*•
1886, Chicago
“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.
A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit
“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.
I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:
Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019
Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019
Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May, 2020

Connect with my favorite author at:  JenTurano.com


Until Next time,


Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Pretending To Wed by Melissa Jagears 5 Stars


Pretending to Wed by Melissa Jagears, Book 2 - Frontier Vows - Available May 28, 2020
REALLY GOOD!
I started this book after work on May 20th, stayed up well past my bedtime, and woke early to finish it before work on May 21st!  That's how well it held my attention.  The storyline is very good, as the two main characters learn to work together to pull off a fake marriage to benefit each other. The author touches on some personal issues I don't recall ever reading about in a Christian novel before (the inability to experience pleasure in the bedroom).  I applaud her for taking on the topic in a tasteful way and carefully weaving it into the story since it was taboo in the 1800s and certainly still today with conservatives.  Additionally she deals with the topic of choosing relations before marriage and how devasting that can be as well, especially when promises are made and not kept.  I enjoyed the two main characters, Nolan Key and Corinne Stillwater.  The supporting characters were fun to get to know and the villains were rude, arrogant, and sneaky as you would expect.  The story is set Wyoming Territory, Summer 1884 in a small town.  I would recommend this if you enjoy a western-style setting, a mature topic, with redemption and faith-filled values.

Connect with the author at MelissaJagears dot com
she is genuine and lovely to chat with.
I received a complimentary eBook from the author in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own without compensation or further expectation.
Utmost Publishing
372 Pages, on sale wherever books are sold May 28, 2020 (including Amazon, B&N, Kobo, GooglePlayBooks)

Special thanks to Natalie Monk, my influencer teammate, for the book quote graphics.


Hugs and a cup of tea,





Sunday, April 5, 2020

AT LOVE'S COMMAND by Karen Witemeyer 5 STARS



At Love's Command - Hanger's Horsemen # 1 by Karen Witemeyer
I absolutely loved this story set in 1890s Texas.  It touched my heart and brought me to tears several times as if they were real people. The Christian theme woven throughout, like a rope binding comfort to my soul, was perfect for the days we are living in.
"Got a verse for me, Preach?" was a favorite phrase of mine throughout the story.
Faith Quote: "Romans 8:31. 'If God be for us, who can be against us?"'

Tea Quote: "I'd hoped to sweet talk my way into the room with tea and cookies." -Josephine

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.
Karen Witemeyer is such a sweet and genuine person.  You can connect with her online as I have and be blessed by her tender heart.
5 STARS
SERIES: Hanger's Horsemen
1) At Love's Command - Possibly May or June 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

Author's Synopsis:
Haunted by the horrors of war, ex-cavalry officer Matthew Hanger leads a band of mercenaries known as Hanger's Horsemen who have become legends in 1890s Texas. They defend the innocent and obtain justice for the oppressed. But when a rustler's bullet leaves one of them at death's door, they're the ones in need of saving.
Dr. Josephine Burkett is used to men taking one look at her skirts and discounting her medical skills. What she's not used to is having a man change his mind in a heartbeat and offer to assist her in surgery. Matthew Hanger's dedication to his friend during recovery earns Josephine's respect, and when she hears of her brother's abduction, he becomes her only hope for rescue.
Matt has stared down ruthless outlaws, betrayal, and injury, but when a bossy lady doctor crawls under his skin, his heart is tempted to surrender. And when she is caught in the crossfire, he may have to sacrifice everything--even his team--to save her.


STORING UP TROUBLE by Jen Turano 5 Stars


Storing Up Trouble – American Heiresses Series Book 3 by Jen Turano
•*• Loved Every Minute •*•
1886, Chicago
“Miss Beatrix Waterbury had been banished from New York, and all because she’d had the great misfortune of landing herself in jail… twice.” Another great opening line.
A train, a robbery, a scientist, a suffragist,  Pinkertons, Chicago’s Marshall Field & Co., a butler named Lurch – but not really (ha ha), a wacky, cat-loving aunt with keen insight and a helpful nature, a stubborn mule named Mort, a houseful of ladies in training, and a host of other characters. 

“You’re very tenacious – which is not a compliment, if you’re wondering-” – Norman Nesbit
“I always find it best to gather pertinent information about one’s nemesis because you never know when such information might be useful.” – Aunt Gladys

TEA MOMENT:  “I’m of the belief that a nice cup of tea, paired with an even nicer meal, does wonders for clearing a person’s head.” –Norman Nesbit

FAITH MOMENT
:  Knowing God, who’d always been by her side, would be walking beside her, giving her his blessing… I loved this very sweet moment.

I enjoy everything Jen Turano writes and this is no exception. Another 5 star read.

Bethany House Publishing - American Heiresses Series:
Flights of Fancy – book 1 Jan 1, 2019
Diamond in the Rough – book 2 Sept 3, 2019
Storing Up Trouble – book 3 coming May 5, 2020 (dependent upon COVID-19 delays)

I received a complimentary eBook through Netgalley and the Publisher for an honest review. All opinions are my own without further compensation or expectation.

Publisher’s Synopsis:
When Beatrix Waterbury's train is disrupted by a heist, scientist Norman Nesbit comes to her aid. After another encounter, he is swept up in the havoc she always seems to attract--including the attention of the men trying to steal his research--and they'll soon discover the curious way feelings can grow between two very different people in the midst of chaos.




Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

As seen on http://www.acwilsonbooks.com/

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

•°o•:*:•.Suspicion, Intrigue & Romance.•:*:• o°•
This is my first time reading Abigail Wilson’s writing and I am already a huge fan! Her writing captivates and I suspected EVERYONE as this mystery unfolded. The story moved along at a delightful pace and I could not wait to turn each (electronic) page (smile) set in 1815 Southeastern England.  Lord Torrington is not what he seems to the young, unwed Elizabeth. Elizabeth is not who he set out to rob.
 “Think of our marriage as a rather pleasant masquerade.” “My name is Adrian, by the way. You’d best start calling me that.” He raised his chin. “Since we are madly in love and to be married tomorrow.”
“Mrs. Baxter, some tea if you would.” The door cracked open and Mrs. Baxter shuffled in with a silver platter filled with tea and cakes.
“Some things in life are not chiseled into perfect lines and boxes, Elizabeth. They are far more complex, messier, glorious versions of the original. You have to look hard to see what’s hidden.”

I highly recommend this book for those who enjoy a combined mystery / romance, clean read in a historical setting. 5 stars 

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.

Thomas Nelson Publishing expected 05/26/2020

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS
In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son's absent father. There she is met by Torrington's beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son's true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family's ruin.
 







Sunday, March 15, 2020

IDEAS WHILE KIDS STAY HOME FROM SCHOOL

Youtube video - Al Bowlly - It's a Lovely Day Tomorrow https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkBVCdP7vAI

A mom asked me for ideas, so I thought I would share with others who might benefit too! Feel free to share.
Tuesday is St. Patrick's Day - you can have fun focusing on this holiday with your Littles AND what the heck, celebrate ALL week!
FOODS: Oatmeal with St. Patrick's day sprinkles, green pancakes (even for dinner!), cupcakes with green frosting, etc. I am not a corned beef and cabbage kind of girl, but Irish stew is a warming idea this week! Irish Breakfast flavored tea is definitely on MY list, but it is usually caffeinated so you'll probably want alternatives for the Littles. I normally do Lime Sherbet Floats this time of year, but I think this week is a bit cold here in SoCal - so I'll tuck that one away for next year.
Hunt for clovers in the yard or on a walk. Make fingerprint clovers with a green stamp pad, perhaps even on homemade cards they can mail. If you want to learn how to mail a card for just .2¢ ask me!
Have the whole family WEAR GREEN and then take family pictures. (Our school was supposed to have Spring photos on Tuesday... do it at home or in the neighborhood by some flowers).
Put green ribbons/bows on PETS for photos with them!
Take 1 on 1 PICTURES- this one has become super important to me since my dad recently passed! Some photos were easy to find for my dad's memorial, while others were particularly hard. For example, those family members who would rather take photos than be in them were few and far between & even harder to find them IN a photo WITH my dad. Don't let that happen to you.
Watch DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE on Disney Plus (starring a young Sean Connery) or rent it on Amazon or on Youtube (sample video below).
https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Play THE UNICORN by The Irish Rovers and act it out with the Littles. This song has been popular in my daycare for years!
https://www.youtube.com/watch…

I love the idea of more FAMILY DEVOTIONS while the kids are out of school. These videos are fun & I, my kids & previous daycare Littles have benefited from a few of them in the past. I just took advantage of the offer below & ordered the St. Patrick's movie w/bonus Heros of the Faith series & workbook. I donated the minimum $19 which is a real bargain for all that you get.
Episodes feature the following heroes:
* Jim Elliot * William Tyndale * John Bunyan * Eric Liddell * Gladys Aylward * Richard Wurmbrand * Perpetua * Amy Charmichael * William Booth * Samuel Morris * Augustine * Corrie ten Boom * John Wesley * Robert Jermain Thomas * Martin Luther * Adoniram & Ann Judson
https://www.revelationmedia.com/stpatrick/RM17261/…

TwistyNoodle dot com has lots of free worksheets and coloring pages
& they usually pop up around whatever holiday is most current. So it should open with several St. Patrick's themes. I love that they let you change/personalize the headers and even change from printing to cursive. (For example, I did a search for monsters and changed the header to read 'Wash Away Germs'). You will want to keep those kids' brains working while school is closed. Let them know homeschool is now in session! 

Make OLDER KIDS 'the teacher'. They tend to be a little more invested and interested when they think they are in charge (reading a book to younger siblings, building a fort and choosing the next Bible story to read inside it, sending them outside to lead a gathering expedition (leaves, bugs, flowers, etc.), organizing a picnic, etc.

TALK
with your kids regularly about the Coronavirus to ensure they are not afraid. I have already heard how one teacher in our district went a bit over the top sharing with (scaring) her students. Let kids ask questions and lead the conversations. Put them in charge of reminding other family members to wash hands (singing the ABCs) so they feel like they are a part of the solution. Take some pictures they have colored or some baked goods to elderly neighbors (so you can check and make sure they are ok too). Add your phone number so they know they can call you if necessary. Offer to pray with them if you feel comfortable or have your kids pray for them after you leave to encourage their prayer 'muscles'. There are so many great teachable moments in all of this if you look for them (raise your hand if you're excited!).
Above all - PRAY with your kids and remind them God is in control. Today (Sunday, 3/15/20) is a Natl. Day of Prayer but really every day is - right?!
"Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:10
If you have ideas, come back and share them in the comments.
JO STAFFORD & DICK HAYMES - SUNSHINE CAKE 


God bless you all.

Thursday, March 12, 2020

THE CHISHOLM TRAIL BRIDE

Barbour Publishing 03/15/2020 
- 4 stars – recommended

•°o•:*:•.Very Enjoyable Book.•:*:• o°•
The synopsis of this book is very inaccurate. Despite that, I really enjoyed the story. Wyatt Creed is not a Pinkerton man.  He is 14 and on a  cattle drive with his friend, 12-year-old Eliza Jane Gentry and her father (the boss) and a brat of a boy named Benjamin Barnhart.  Things with Wyatt’s angry drunk of a father get out of hand, and the 2 boys end up in an altercation that changes their lives forever.  Eliza grows up thinking that Wyatt was killed that night on the cattle drive and years later thinks she is falling for Ben whose political ambitions have him doing whatever it takes to succeed. Eliza is stubborn, just like her dad and they butt heads often.  Eventually, she learns a whole lot of truth, but not before getting into a whole lot of trouble. Wyatt has made a new life for himself as a well-respected detective with his own agency, but he’s never forgotten the little girl who was his dear friend.
“Hurrying inside, she took a seat in the back pew and listened to a sermon based on 1 John 3 about living as God’s children. She left feeling not only uplifted, but also secure in the knowledge that her current troubles had not escaped the Lord’s notice.”
“Tea would be lovely. Earl Grey if you have it.”

I received an eCopy from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review with no further compensation or expectation.

So far in this series, twelve books have been written by varied authors so they loosely reference each other’s characters in the family tree, and therefore need not be read together or in order. You can read about them at DaughtersOfTheMayflowerDotCom.

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS – HOWEVER, WHOEVER WROTE IT CLEARLY DID NOT READ THE BOOK:

Stubborn Hearts Clash on a Cattle Drive
Eliza Gentry’s pursuit of marriage to the son of her family’s sworn enemy has cost her greatly. Furious at his daughter’s choices, her father sends her off with the cattle drive heading toward Fort Worth and the Barnhart ranch, but under the watchful eye of Wyatt Creed, a Pinkerton man he has hired to see to her safety. With danger at every turn—not the least of which to his heart—can Wyatt Creed keep his focus with Eliza Gentry around? Is the Chisholm Trail a place for falling in love or a place to die at the hands of cattle thieves?

Sunday, February 2, 2020

Dad in Hospital and The Brightest of Dreams by Susan Anne Mason

Welcome, February!
I hope you are all doing well. I cannot believe January is behind us.  It truly flew by for me!  Dad has been in the hospital, and we are awaiting test results to return from Stanford, so please pray for a positive outcome if it be the Lord's will.  This came on rather suddenly and his pain has been nearly unbearable at times. My main prayers are for his comfort and for actual help, not just treating symptoms, but actual healing & if the Lord deems fit to take him Home, then may it not be long-suffering for my sweet daddy.  Thanks all!

In the meantime, he has been playing jokes on the nurses, lightening the burden for them and himself.  He waits until they have their stethoscope on his chest and then hums deep and long completely freaking them out since it sounds so weird! I live 4 hours away, so it was a blessing to go and be with him last weekend.

DAD CRACKING UP

One of my daycare Littles matter-of-factly prayed: "Father God, please help Grampa keep playing jokes on the nurses. In Jesus name, Amen."  He is a character in his own right!  This next picture is of him giving the stinkeye to a lady who left her cart directly in our path and got in her car.

STINK EYE
I hope that makes you smile as it does me!

Now for a book review from a sweet author I highly recommend.  Her 3rd book in this series comes out Tuesday.

AMAZON LINK
PUBLISHER'S SYNOPSIS
The Brightest of Dreams – Canadian Crossings #3 - by Susan Anne Mason
EXCEPTIONAL ENDING TO THE TRILOGY
Following WWI, three strangers boarded the SS Olympic and became friends with similar quests. This final story follows Quinten Aspinall as he searches for his three missing siblings who were shipped from Derbyshire, England to Canada, without his mother’s consent, on an orphan ship to become indentured servants.
“The war was over. He’d survived. A major accomplishment to say the least. Yet that blessing paled when he thought about the fate that had befallen his family. Becky, Cecil, and little Harry. Lord, keep them safe – wherever they are.”
After informing his employer of his plans, he is tasked with also bringing back the Earl’s niece, Julia Holloway, who left with a wounded soldier to be his caregiver and make her own way in the world. 
 Arriving in Toronto, Quinn makes his way to the charming Mrs. Chamberlain’s boarding house from the previous books. Julia and Quinn are drawn together in unexpected ways that go far beyond him retrieving her from Canada; some dangerous, some tense, some sweet. *“I found a charming eatery on the next street. I doubt they have true English tea, but I’m willing to brave it if you are.” She gave a light laugh that went straight to his chest.  “I’ve yet to find a truly good cup of tea,” she said, “though Mrs. Chamberlain’s came very close.”

**“Everything about Julia – her beauty both inside and out – drew him to her like a bee to nectar.”
***“He, Grace, and Emma had come to Canada, each with their own hopes and dreams for the future. And after enduring hardship and loss, they had all found their path. Surely the hand of God had been on their lives every step of the way.”
The relationship between Mrs. C and the Reverend was very sweet.  The difficulties of the young siblings, particularly Harry were sad to read, but not unlike the situations of the orphan train children here in America.
The COVER is fantastic featuring Quinten in period clothing, with gentle street lamps behind him.
I enjoyed reading the author’s endnotes about Dr. Barnardo’s homes and the thousands of children sent to Canada from England, particularly how little had been written about them.
I recommend this story if you enjoy drama and romance in a historical setting.

Thank you to the publisher / author who sent me a review copy. My honest opinion is my own without expectation or compensation.

Canadian Crossings Series
1 TheBest of Intentions – Grace Abernathy’s story 07/2018
2 TheHighest of Hopes – Emmaline Moore’s story 03/05/2019
3 The Brightest of Dreams - Quinten Aspinall’s story 02/04/2020
Connect with the author at
 SusanAnneMason.net 

Residing in Brampton, Ontario, Canada with her husband, children and cats; Susan describes her writing style as ‘romance sprinkled with faith’ She loves incorporating inspirational messages of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness into her characters’ journeys.