Posts with the custom taxonomy term 1820-1861 (US Antebellum)

Bittersweet by Cathy Marie Hake

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Bittersweet (California Historical Series #2)bittersweet

1860s – California

Laney McCain has unabashedly had her sights set on Galen O’Sullivan for years. And though Galen has treated her as nothing more than his best friend’s pesky tag-along sister, Laney dares hope that now is the time he will open his eyes and truly recognize the woman she’s become.

But the arrival of Ishmael and Ivy Grubb, squatters on the O’Sullivans’ land, diverts Galen’s attention. Though the Grubbs are crass and uneducated, Galen shows mercy and allows them to stay in exchange for help around the farm. But it becomes a decision he lives to regret….

Sometimes the Journey to Love Is Truly Bittersweet

Letter Perfect by Cathy Marie Hake

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Letter Perfect (California Historical Series #1)letterperfect

1850s –  California

If her own two feet don’t end up tripping her, Ruth Caldwell’s mouth is likely to get her into equal trouble. But Ruth has the best of intentions. Truly. It’s just that her attempts to live up to her mother’s expectations of how a lady should act have often yielded…well, less than impressive results.
Josh McCain is speechless when he sees Ruth step off the stage in Folsom, California. Sure, it looks like she’s been sleeping in her gown for the past week, but with a crown of riotous curls and those deep green eyes, she’s certainly the most beautiful woman he’s ever met.

But Josh soon finds the sparks that fly upon Ruth’s arrival aren’t the romantic type. With her legitimate claims to an inheritance, the Broken P Ranch’s future is suddenly precarious. And when Ruth’s “accidents”–going beyond even her normal bumbling ways–seem to take a sinister turn, Josh must decide where his loyalties lie.

Leave a Candle Burning by Lori Wick

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Leave a Candle Burning (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 3)leaveacandleburning

1840 – Massachusetts

When the young, handsome Dannan MacKay comes to Tucker Mills to take over the practice of his uncle, Doc MacKay, he feels welcomed by the town, the church family, and his patients. Life seems complete. It is only when Dannan has a chance encounter at the general store with a delightful woman that he thinks his life might be missing something. He allows himself to dream of love until he makes a startling discovery that changes everything. As Dannan works to quiet his heart, he pours his energy into his patients. Then the steady rhythm of his new life is interrupted. A young cousin has been orphaned, and Dannan offers his home to the child. This act of kindness turns his thoughts to the child’s need for a mother—yet the one woman Dannan is drawn to cannot be his. Leave a Candle Burning reveals the joy that comes to those who are willing to trust God’s own plan for their lives.            

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist

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The Measure of a Ladymeasureofalady

1849 – California

Rachel van Buren arrives in Gold Rush San Francisco with two wishes: to protect her younger siblings and to return east as soon as possible. Both goals prove more difficult than she could imagine as her brother and sister are lured by the city’s dangerous freedom and a missionary-turned-gambler stakes a claim on her heart. Rachel won’t give up without a fight though, and soon all will learn an eloquent but humorous lesson about what truly makes a lady.

Dream of Freedom by Michael Phillips

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1855 – Carolinas

In the antebellum South, Richmond and Carolyn Davidson live lives of ease as wealthy plantation owners. But even though their prosperity and livelihood depend on slave ownership, their Christian consciences speak against the practice.

When the Davidsons decide to follow their own moral conviction and God’s will by freeing their slaves, they face consequences they never could have anticipated. Risking their lives as an important link in the Underground Railroad, helping runaway slaves escape to the northern states, the Davidsons must rely on their wits—and God’s protection—to stay alive.

Just Above a Whisper by Lori Wick

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Just Above a Whisper (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 2)justaboveawhisper

1839 – Massachusetts

Through a hard turn of events, Reese Thackery has become an indentured servant. When the owner of her contract dies, the bank has rights to her fate. Conner Kingsley, the son of the bank’s owner, comes to Tucker Mills to investigate and soon releases Reese from obligation and hires her to keep house for him.

Reese is grateful for freedom but unsure of her other feelings for Conner. Yet, as her emotional hurts heal, and her faith blossoms, Reese allows herself to trust someone for the first time. But will Conner do the same?

When love at first sight is not the case, can shared faith and restoration grow from a whisper of understanding into a proclamation of love?

Moonlight on Millpond by Lori Wick

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Moonlight on the Millpond (Tucker Mills Trilogy, Book 1)moonlightonmillpond

1838 – Massachusetts

This first book in the Tucker Mills Trilogy from beloved author Lori Wick follows Jace Randall as he leaves his childhood home to help his Uncle Woody Randall run the saw mill in Token Creek. Jace diligently focuses on work until he meets the visiting niece of local storekeepers. Jace pursues her until she finally agrees to attend a picnic with him and take a chance.

But before the relationship has a strong foundation, the couple separates because of gossip fueled by Jace’s sister. Later, when she admits her wrongdoing and shares her testimony of a new faith, the couple must decide whether to try again. Will the sister’s example of faith and transformation be enough to restore broken dreams?

Golden Gate Gazette by Various Authors

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1860 – San Francisco

In 1860 in San Francisco, when newspaper workers strike, four women take the task of reporting the news in a man’s world while skirting danger and romance. Amy’s allegiance is questioned when arson fires seem linked to her family. Jennie’s curiosity gets her into the middle of a murder investigation. Helen makes a printing mistake that hurts an innocent man. Penney attempts to prove her value as a writer could cost her life. When the newspaper stories hit the stands, will these four women’s faith-and lives-endure to grasp the hand of love?

Hannah Rose by Louise Gouge

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1847 – Massachusetts

Captain Ahab is dead, the victim of his own pride. Hannah, his widow, and their son flee Nantucket to escape the infamy of his maniacal behavior that caused so the deaths of his entire crew. Visiting old friends in Boston, Hannah meets kind and warm Captain Lazarus and the dashing Captain Longwood. But before she can consider remarrying, Hannah has another encounter that shakes the very foundation of all she believes, slavery. Before she can go on with her life, Hannah must face her own convictions.

These Tangled Threads by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

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1833 – Massachusetts

Timid yet alluring Daughtie Winfield finds herself in a precarious position when the new doctor casts his favor upon her. Though flattered by his attention, she is drawn to Liam Donohue, a local Irish artisan. As Daughtie and Liam work together to help runaway slaves, their friendship blossoms. But her work in the mills is threatened when a downturn in profits causes the Associates to decrease wages–resulting in plans for a strike. With the fate of the textile industry in an upheaval, will her hopes for love be thwarted as dissention infiltrates life in Lowell?

A Fragile Design by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

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1831 – Massachusetts

The mill town of Lowell, Massachusetts, beckons Arabella Newberry when she decides to flee the life of the Shakers. There she finds the independence she seeks and a greater purpose as she works for educational reform. But Lowell, plagued by ethnic strife, seems no longer a safe haven but rather a danger when several girls go missing. As rumors and conflict invade the industry of the mill, Arabella struggles with her own heart as two men vie for her love.

Daughter of the Loom by Tracie Peterson and Judith Miller

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1828 – Massachusetts

The mill town of Lowell, Massachusetts, comes to life with intrigue and drama from the creative writing team of Judith Miller and Tracie Peterson. Young women of the 19th century seek employment from driven men intent on transforming America’s textile industry. Daughters of the Loom features Lilly Armbruster, who is forced to work in the mills as her only means for survival. But Lilly’s resentment runs deep against the “lords of the loom”–the men she believes have stolen her father’s farm and caused his premature death. Her animosity happens to include Matthew Cheever, her childhood friend and one-time betrothed. Though separated by their opposing views about the future of the mill and the community that surrounds it, the emotions of their hearts still bind them. Will their dreams for the future allow their fragile love to survive?

Toward a New Beginning by R. William Rogers

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1800s – Oregon Trail

Although Sam Bartlett enjoyed a successful horse-supplying business in Independence, Missouri, he was none-the-less envious of the hundreds of folks who passed through on their way west. Unable to stand it any longer, he convinces his wife, Judith, to pull up stakes, pack up their three-year-old son, Tom, and accompany him on a journey that turns out to be much more than either of them could have imagined.

The trek quickly develops into one of extreme hardship and survival that is complicated by: dangerous weather, raging river crossings, unique personalities in the wagons, hostile Indian attacks, hunger, water shortage vengeance, courage, romance, and biblical principles.

The determined traveler’s abilitiy to effectively defend themselves is pushed to the very limits as One Eye’s maurading warriors harrass and attack them repeatedly, with devastating results. With four of the train’s beloved children having been taken captive, the inner strength of the beleagured pioneers is sorely tested and a handful of the men set out to recover the children.

After valiant attempts to rescue their children fail miserably, they are forced to return empty-handed. Against all that is held sacred, the members of the wagon train are forced to leave them behind while they do their best to evade the heathens and continue their struggle for survival with barely enough water left to keep the animals going.

With all hope of ever seeing their children again now gone, it is the valor and ingenuity of the beautiful Comanche woman, Birsdong, that is yet to be heard from.

But for Grace by Tracey Bateman

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1855 – Oregon

With Mama dead and no way to provide for herself, Star Campbell barely escaped from Luke’s Saloon and ran straight into Michael Riley’s arms. Suddenly doors open for her to start a new and better life. The only hitch is, she has a secret past that she cannot shake. Michael Riley is a simple farmer. Once burnt badly by love, the last thing he’s about to fall for is a beautiful woman. When his chivalrous streak has him take Star into his home, she wins both his mother’s and daughter’s hearts. God forgives and forgets – but can man?

The Dark Sun Rises by Denise Williamson

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1800s – South Carolina

Set in 19th century Charleston, South Carolina, The Dark Sun Rises is an inspirational work of historical fiction. With impeccable attention to detail and a strong conviction in God, Williamson leads the listener into the complex world of slavery.

In this novel, Joseph, a manservant of Abram Callcott, begins a journey of faith. One of Abram’s passions is teaching the slaves about the Gospel. He is shocked, however, by the realization that Joseph has taught himself to read and write. Joseph’s abilities show Abram that he may have misjudged his African slaves, but nothing can prepare either man for what is to come.

Through strong, colorful characters, Williamson examines slavery from various perspectives and explores the growth and change in the antebellum south.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

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Redeeming Loveredeeminglove

1850 – California

In this splendid retelling of the biblical story of Hosea, bestselling author Francine Rivers pens a heartbreaking romance between a prostitute and the upright and kind farmer who marries her; the story also functions as a reminder of God’s unconditional love for his people. Redeeming Love opens with the Gold Rush of 1850 and its rough-and-tumble atmosphere of greed and desire. Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, has learned to distrust all men, who see her only as a way to satisfy their lust. When the virtuous and spiritual-minded Michael Hosea is told by God to marry this “soiled dove,” he obeys, despite his misgivings. As Angel learns to love him, she begins to hope again but is soon overwhelmed by fear and returns to her old life. Rivers shines in her ability to weave together spiritual themes and sexual tension in a well-told story, a talent that has propelled her into the spotlight as one of the most popular novelists in the genre of Christian fiction.

The Ranchero’s Daughter by Kristin Billereck

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1844 – California

Get swept away to the early days of California when the rancheros ruled the land of plenty. Isabella is betrothed to the wealthiest Californio in the land, but when a circuit-riding preacher of Spanish nobility rides in, it’s love at first sight. How can Isabella win the heart of a sword-fighting hero and still follow God’s will for her future?

Wings of the Morning by Lori Wick

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Wings of the Morning (Kensington Chronicles, Book 2)wingsofthemorning

1850 – Maine and other countries on the Atlantic

Victoria “Smokey” Simmons stands silently on deck as her father’s body is lowered into the Atlantic, asking God for the strength she will need to command the Aramis alone. Not wanting to remain at sea forever, Smokey dreams of the time when she can trade her life aboard ship for a home and family. When she meets another captain, Dallas Knight,  Smokey believes her dream will finally come true. But circumstances beyond their control and the schemes of a cunning pirate threaten to destroy this young couple’s hope for the future.

 

The Reluctant Bridegroom by Gilbert Morris

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1838 – Oregon Territory

The Reluctant Bridegroom begins with Sky Winslow, the son of Chris and Dove Winslow, agreeing to return East and bring a wagon train of brides to the men of Oregon City. As experienced as he is on the trail, the past hurts of an unfaithful wife and the care for a twelve-year-old son who truly needs a mother’s love make Sky an unlikely candidate for such an assignment. On the long trip from New York to Oregon, two of the women who join the wagon train will make their impact on Sky Winslow. Rebekah Jackson, in hope of finding a new start, is leaving a broken past. Rita Duvall is a dance hall girl who knows the way to break down a man’s defenses.