Hannah White’s father orders that his newborn infant be left to die when his wife dies at childbirth. Hannah has no idea that the family who finds and raises her are not her blood relatives until the truth is revealed the first time she meets her father at age sixteen.
Adam White learns that the girl he’s always considered isn’t actually his sister. He’s a lieutenant with the U.S. Navy when he learns differently. His feelings for the sister he’s always adored begin to reshape themselves in the months he is away.
His job is a dangerous one and Hannah prays for his safety. Hannah moves to Charleston where her aunt teaches her nursing skills. She catches the eye of other bachelors, but, her love for Adam changes with the knowledge of her true birth.
This story is so intriguing. It snagged my attention from the tragic prologue and kept me turning pages.
I enjoyed this story! There were twists and turns throughout the story that surprised me. The main story starts in 1800. I loved learning about the U.S. Navy and the job of the marines at the time. Forgiveness is a believable theme throughout the novel.
I will look for more books by this author!
Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.
I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.
This writing help workbook is packed with helpful hints on strengthening your novel’s story.
Warren shows authors how to dig deeper to understand their story. It helps authors to consider the character’s greatest fear, the lie he/she believes, the motivation, wound, and goal that drives his or her choices.
This book was actually written to help writers create a book proposal. I actually still pull it out for nearly every novel I write. It’s so helpful to look over the questions as an aid to deepening the characters.
I’ve highlighted many sections for easy future reference.
I purchased this book several years at a writers’ conference. I’m so glad I did!
Recommend for authors, especially new ones. Such a helpful tool for writers!
Mary Flynn works as a telegrapher and switchboard operator at Thousand Island Park, and in the modern day of 1912, it’s the telephone that keeps her busiest. She lives with her two aunts on the island as the story begins. Though Mary wishes to marry, at twenty-eight, she is resigned to live as an old maid. She’s independent and loves her job.
Mary captures the interest of George Flannigan, a widowed fireman. Soon friendship begins to grown between the couple. Yet he can’t forgive himself for past failures. George worries if Mary will want to help his raise his six-year-old son, should their relationship progress.
A terrible fire sweeps across the island, bringing destruction and tragedy in its wake—and alters their relationship in a way neither could foresee.
I enjoyed this story! It easily snagged my attention with endearing, believable characters—and some readers won’t like. The fires seem to start in mysterious ways. There were some unpredictable twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which made this a page-turner for me.
I couldn’t put it down. It’s a sweet and gentle romance. The little boy tugged at my heart.
I loved learning a bit of history about the islands as a natural part of the story. I now want to visit Thousand Island Park!
This is a new-to-me author. I will look for more of her books!
Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances!
I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book is filled with stories from special needs families.
Some are written by parents. Others are written by grandparents. Several are written by men and women with Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy or depression or other health conditions.
Have you ever wondered if their siblings feel neglected? There are several testimonials from siblings of various ages.
And at the end of every story are suggestions of “What You Can Do” to help families. I love these insights.
Each story is short, making it easy to read a chapter or two a day. The book highlights some of the struggles families face on a daily basis.
I found this fun picture book at Mazza Museum in Ohio.
The author created a book that puts animals in motion. Turning the page causes a horse to gallop, for example. A child can make the horse continue to gallop by moving the page back and forth.
My young grandchildren love this book, whose target readership is probably 2 – 6 year-olds.
The rise and fall of the waters from Pittsburgh to Cairo together with useful and important information and statistics. Also, the work of the Gallipolis relief committee.
A cold, snowy January led to warmer days by the beginning of February. Sunshine and then rain melted the ice. Then more rain came.
And so did the floodwaters.
Widespread, disastrous flooding across West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, brought loss of property and loss of life.
The author wrote this book in 1884 when the tragedies were fresh in the minds of those who survived it.
I read this book as part of my research for A Not So Persistent Suitor, Book 2 in my Second Chances series. The author provided wonderful details for many areas affected by the flood including Cincinnati, Ohio, the setting for my book.
This nonfiction resource book shows details of the rising water, risky water rescues, and how an entire town was washed away.
The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone
My sister is the first one who suggested I read this book. In fact, she lent me her copy.
Before I found time to read it, I’d heard of this author from multiple people.
This nonfiction book shows that we all want to be connected. We go to great lengths to belong, sometimes even when it goes against who we are deep inside.
There are many insights in this book that will make you think. Even if you might not agree with a particular point the author is making, you will likely respect her and her journey for true belonging.
Insightful. Honest. In fact, the author shares that after writing of a personal experience, she cried. It was difficult, painful to be so honest.
There is some strong language in the book.
Like my sister, I can recommend this book. You may want to read it with your highlighter handy.
The book contains the key components of a devotional:
Unleash the Truth—Bible verses
Digging Deeper—Thought-provoking questions
Fido 411—An interesting fact about the featured breed
Weekly Tail-Waggers—Challenges to put lessons into action
I also loved that each section focused on different breeds and their characteristics. The authors weave inspiring lessons from the dogs. What an interesting way to learn!
A few of the topics covered are: Faithful to the End; Beautifully Reliable; We Walk by Faith; and Super Sleuths.
I really enjoyed this fun, insightful book! I believe this devotional will appeal to pet lovers.
Ellie Hastings has been tasked by her aunt to discern the character of the wealthy bachelor, Lewis Thornton. Aunt Florence has the young man in mind for Ada, her youngest daughter.
Lewis has seen all the tricks that young women determined to meet him have used over the years, but Ellie seems different. Her cousin and her parents fit in perfectly at the White Queen. There’s some mystery about Ellie.
He hatches a plan to aid a friend that will allow him to spend more time with Ellie.
I was drawn into the setting of the Gilded Ages Resorts from the beginning. My interest was quickly snagged by this unlikely couple—a wealthy bachelor accustomed to pursuit by single women and the poor relation woman at the beck and call of her high-society aunt.
The lonely little girl, Cora, tugged at my heart. Our heroine has long been taught not to value herself and many misunderstandings arise from this mindset. Twists in the action moved the story in a direction I didn’t expect. I became invested in the plight of the characters, making this book a page turner for me.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the collection!
Sandra Merville Hart 