The Rancher’s Christmas Proposal by Sherri Shackleford

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1886 – Kansas

Single father Shane McCoy has his hands full trying to run a ranch while raising two-year-old twins. His children clearly need a mother’s guiding hand. An encounter with a lovely stranger on a train platform offers an unconventional answer to his predicament when she suggests a marriage of convenience. 

Tessa Spencer needs a fresh start far from her con man father’s schemes. His latest scrape has made her the target of a vengeful outlaw. Shane’s isolated ranch provides refuge, and his children easily win Tessa’s affections. But as her checkered past resurfaces, only honesty and trust will make this family Christmas the first of many…

The Mistletoe Kiss by Janet Lee Barton

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themistletoekissThe Mistletoe Kiss

1897 – New York

Millicent Faircloud feels her dreams are coming true when she’s assigned to photograph the construction of New York’s tallest building—until she realizes it means working with fellow boarder Matt Sterling. He’s handsome and kind, but the stubborn man doesn’t understand her ambition. 

Matt can’t help but admire Millicent’s spirit. But he’s been hurt by a woman who cared only for her career, and he won’t make that mistake again. Is Millicent more of the same, or would she put family first? If Matt can open his mind to new ideas, he may find love to be the best Christmas present of all.

The Heirloom Brides Collection by Various Authors

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Meet four women whose lives are in transition and watch as something old, new, borrowed, or blue brings them joy, romance, and renewed faith. Betsy’s something old is a lost family watch. Wren’s something new is a home built with her in mind. Clara’s something borrowed is a farmhand from the neighbors. Darla’s something blue is her mother’s missing cameo. Will each woman find the treasure her heart is intent upon in these four historical romance novellas?

The Knight’s Bride: Chivalry Lives in 6 Stories from the Middle Ages by Various Authors

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Middle Ages

Take six romantic adventures back in time to the Middle Ages along with five authors including Tracie Peterson, who tell the stories of couples challenged by the injustices of their times. Some couples are pulled apart by wars and feuds, while others have their futures determined by their oppressors. Can a faith be found to keep hope alive and give joy in all circumstances?

One Plus One Equals Trouble by Sondra Kraak

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1891 – Washington

Humiliated after her broken engagement, Claire Montgomery flees her comfortable life in San Francisco for a teaching position in Pine Creek, Washington, a dot of a town nestled in the rugged Cascade Mountains. She’s determined to succeed—for once in her life—only to discover, upon her arrival, that success will have to be won. Thanks to a school board error, two teachers have been hired.

When scandal forces professor Barrett Clarke from his position, he returns to Pine Creek where his uncle, chairman of the school board, sets forth an irresistible offer: teach one year in return for ranchland. For this would-be rancher, nothing is more tempting than resurrecting his childhood dream, and nothing can deter him from earning that land.

Except perhaps Claire Montgomery. Losing the battle for the classroom means losing the ranchland, but winning may mean losing Claire’s heart.

 

A Cup of Dust by Susie Finkbeiner

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acupofdustA Cup of Dust

1935 – Oklahoma

Where you come from isn’t who you are

Ten-year-old Pearl Spence is a daydreamer, playing make-believe to escape life in Oklahoma’s Dust Bowl in 1935. The Spences have their share of misfortune, but as the sheriff’s family, they’ve got more than most in this dry, desolate place. They’re who the town turns to when there’s a crisis or a need—and during these desperate times, there are plenty of both, even if half the town stands empty as people have packed up and moved on.

Pearl is proud of her loving, strong family, though she often wearies of tracking down her mentally impaired older sister or wrestling with her grandmother’s unshakable belief in a God who Pearl just isn’t sure she likes.
Then a mysterious man bent on revenge tramps into her town of Red River. Ernie DuPre is dangerous and he seems fixated on Pearl. When he reveals why he’s really there and shares a shocking secret involving the whole town, dust won’t be the only thing darkening Pearl’s world.

While the tone is suspenseful and often poignant, the subtle humor of Pearl’s voice keeps A Cup of Dust from becoming heavy-handed. Finkbeiner deftly paints a story of a family unit coming together despite fractures of distress threatening to pull them apart.

A Refuge at Highland Hall by Carrie Turansky

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1915 – England, France

The Great War shakes the world of a spirited young woman and the brave British pilot she loves, taking her from London to her family’s magnificent country estate, and sending him into the war-torn skies over France.

Penny Ramsey has always considered Highland Hall her home, but when Britain becomes involved in World War One she travels to London to assist her sister Kate with the eight orphan children she and her husband Jon have taken into their home. Doing her part for the war effort takes priority over Penny’s dreams of romance until she meets Alex Goodwin, a Royal Naval Air Service pilot in training.

Alex is determined to prove his worth and do his part to defend his country. Knowing he is heading off for the dangerous assignment of chasing Zeppelins across the front line in France, he feels it’s unwise to form any romantic attachments. But he can’t help admiring the pretty, warmhearted Penny and wondering what it would be like to find her waiting when he returns home from the war.

As Penny writes to Alex, their friendship blossoms, and she becomes his tie to home and normalcy as he faces the hardships war. But being an RNAS pilot means confronting the enemy, and the fallout form those experiences push Alex beyond Penny’s reach. Can God mend the brokenness left by the losses of war? Will faith and forgiveness bring them together again?

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The Sound of Silver by Rachelle Rea

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 1566 – England

The stalwart saint, fighting for faith…and the redeemed rebel, fighting for honor.

After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Now truly orphaned yet not alone, Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

A Fair to Remember by Suzie Johnson

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afairtorememberA Fair to Remember

1901 – New York

A fair that will never be forgotten…

Clara Lambert attended the Pan-American Exposition as a Kodak girl, never dreaming that she would end up photographing the attempted assassination of President McKinley.

James Brinton, a disgraced police officer now working security at the Expo, wants only to redeem his good name…and perhaps earn a new position with the president’s security.

When Clara is accused of being involved in the assassination attempt, James has to put aside his own ambitions to try to prove the innocence of the young woman who has captured his heart as surely as her camera captures the world before its lens.

But in the face of investigations, arrests, and mounting danger, they must do the hardest thing that could be asked: forgive.

Penelope’s Hope by Sarah Baughman

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1806 – England

Life has given Penelope Drayton very little hope. After years of preparations, 1806 is the year that she is determined to create her own hope. The successful execution of her plan would grant her independence, but failure would certainly be her ruination. Just when her plan begins to meet with difficulty, she finds a faithful ally in Miss Violet Wyndham. Violet’s brother, Mr. Ashbridge Wyndham, has but one objective for London’s Social Season: escape unscathed. With his mysterious benefactor, he is suddenly a sought-after prize for the matchmaking mamas. Unfortunately for him, marriage is the last thing he wants at present. His sister Violet, with her shy but calming spirit, is the only part of the Season which he finds tolerable. When Penelope and Ash meet through their mutual affection for Violet, will God use the acquaintance to begin healing for both of these wounded hearts?

A Respectable Actress by Dorothy Love

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1870 – Georgia

India Hartley, a famous and beautiful actress, is now alone after her father’s death and embarks upon a tour of theaters across the South. Her first stop is Savannah’s Southern Palace. On the eve of the second night’s performance, something goes horribly wrong. Her co-star, Arthur Sterling, is shot dead on stage in front of a packed house, and India is arrested and accused of the crime.

A benefactor hires Philip Sinclair, the best—and handsomest—lawyer in Savannah to defend India. A widower, Philip is struggling to reinvent his worn-out plantation on St. Simons Island. He needs to increase his income from his law practice in order to restore Indigo Point, and hardly anything will bring him more new clients than successfully defending a famous actress on a murder charge.

Because India can’t go anywhere in town without being mobbed, Philip persuades the judge handling her case to let him take her to Indigo Point until her trial date. India is charmed by the beauty of the Georgia lowcountry and is increasingly drawn to Philip. But a locked room that appears to be a shrine to Philip’s dead wife and the unsolved disappearance of a former slave girl raise troubling questions. Piecing together clues in an abandoned boat and a burned-out chapel, India discovers a trail of dark secrets that lead back to Philip, secrets that ultimately may hold the key to her freedom. If only he will believe her.

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Promise to Keep by Elizabeth Byler Younts

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Promise to Keeppromiseto keep

 1946 – Delaware

World War II Marine Joe Garrison returns home from war longing to be a father to his deaf daughter, Daisy, only to find that she is attached to Esther Detweiler, the Amish woman who has raised her since his wife’s death in this touching historical romance.

Orphaned as a child, Esther Detweiler is used to caring for herself and her ailing grandmother. They made the best out of a hard life and poverty without asking for help. They even take in her shunned cousin’s deaf daughter, Daisy, when her mother dies and her father goes off to war. When Esther’s grandmother dies, Daisy is all she has.

When war veteran Joe Garrison returns, all he can think about is recovering from the horrors of war and building a relationship with his seven-year-old daughter. Daisy, however, is unwilling to leave Esther, whom she loves. Joe and Daisy get to know each other again, but Joe struggles with nightmares and fatherhood is proving to be more difficult than he imagined. Esther loves Daisy and despite her Amish ways, Joe finds himself drawn to her as a woman and not just a caregiver.

As their love blossoms, Joe decides to send Daisy away to a school for the deaf which propels their lives into turmoil and a battle for love and family.

Author Interview and Giveaway – Dina Sleiman – Chivalrous

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I’m so excited to see more Medievals coming out. I wish there were more adult based ones, but since I love Young Adult Literature too, I’m happy it’s becoming popular there. And who can resist a cover with a girl in chain mail, girl power! 🙂

chivalrous from amazon

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Chivalrous

1217 – England

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit. 

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles–along with twists and turns aplenty–await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.

Dina’s Website

dina

Others in this Series:

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Questions about Dina’s Story

What inspired your story?

The inspiration for my Valiant Hearts Series in general is the idea of placing young medieval women in legendary male roles. I suppose that idea came from so many strong heroines in books, television, and film these days. Chivalrous relates in many ways with Arthurian legends, particularly Sir Lancelot. It takes place in a fictional dukedom in Northern England that strives to incorporate Arthurian ideals, including a round-table type of government. It is a tale of tournaments, chivalry, and courtly love with a surprising twist on the Lancelot and Guinevere story.

Why did you choose the year your book is set?

This book is set in 1217, basically because it is a year after book 1, Dauntless. However, I chose 1216 for book 1 because it’s a Robin Hood type story, and 1216 is a very pivotal year in the life of King John, better known as Prince John from the Robin Hood legends. It is also a year after the signing of the famous Magna Carta. So Chivalrous plays out against the same backdrop, but in a fictional dukedom that has sought to avoid the political corruption taking place in the rest of England.

If you could be guaranteed to publish a book set anywhere and at anytime, what setting would you love to set a novel in?

Medieval England always was my dream setting. It’s actually hard to sell a medieval novel in Christian publishing, but by incorporating a lot of action and gearing it towards older teens through adults, I was able to make it work. I’m really looking forward to book 3, Courageous, when the lady’s maid from Chivalrous will go on crusade to the Holy Land. My husband is from Lebanon, and I’ve visited there several times, so the Middle East has been another dream setting for me.

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Questions about Dina’s Reading

What other Christian Historical Novels are similar to yours in setting or storyline?

My books are most often compared to Melanie Dickerson’s medieval fairy tale retellings, and I recently read Jody Hedlund’s first medieval romance, which has many overlaps as well. Our writing styles and use of language are all similar, and we all incorporate romance, suspense, and some iconic medieval elements. Mine stand out from most others in this genre because I put my heroines in typically male roles. I want my books to inspire girls to think outside of the box and seek God’s very best for their lives, even if that takes them in surprising directions.

If you were stranded on a deserted island and could only take one Christian Historical Novel, which would you pick?

Can I bring a short series? I would choose A Stray Drop of Blood and its sequel A Soft Breath of Wind by Roseanna White. These Biblical novels are both so rich and epic, full of history, philosophy, romance, and adventure. Most importantly to me, they are both spiritually insightful and inspirational. So while they would make for awesome entertainment that wouldn’t grow old, they would also remind me what is truly important in life and draw me closer to God. If I had to choose only one, I guess I’d pick A Soft Breath of Wind, because it better relates to where I am in my walk with the Lord right now.

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Dina is giving away a copy of her book and I’m giving away winner’s choice of ebook of any of the books mentioned above. Enter the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Toward the Sunrise by Elizabeth Camden

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1897 – New York

Julia Broeder is only six months shy of graduating from the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania when one small decision spirals out of control and results in her expulsion. Hoping to travel the world as a missionary doctor, her only choice is to return back home…or throw herself upon the mercy of Ashton Carlyle.

Formal and straight-laced, Ashton Carlyle is not pleased to see an expelled Julia arrive at his Manhattan office. His position as a junior attorney for the Vandermark family’s world-famous shipping empire entails taking care of the Broeders, longtime employees of the Vandermark family. But Ashton has no intention now of using his employer’s resources in defense of Julia’s impulsive and reckless actions.

What Ashton did not expect was a scathing reprimand from none other than the Vandermark family patriarch or the bewildering resistance from Julia herself when he’s forced to change his tune. At an impasse, Ashton and Julia never anticipated the revelations that arise or the adventure that awaits them.

Rebecca Stubbs: The Vicar’s Daughter by Hannah Buckland

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1860s – England

Rebecca Stubbs, the beloved daughter of a conscientious village vicar in Victorian England, has always enjoyed a sheltered, idyllic childhood. Her parents work tirelessly for their small farm community, aiding both the church and the poor.

When an unexpected outbreak of fever rages through the town, Rebecca must face growing up alone.

As she matures into womanhood, Rebecca finds that she is ill-prepared for her new world. With no home, no family, and few prospects, she is determined to make her own way in life.

As a housemaid at Barton Manor, she struggles to find her place in a world of double standards and man-made rules.

Can she keep her faith strong amidst a lonely life of domestic service? Must she always be a bystander, watching other people’s lives unfold and flourish? Or is there something else in store for her servant heart?

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy

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Fire and Icefireandice

1866 – Idaho

Bailey Wilde is the oldest sister–and the one who takes care of everyone else in her family. But after her sisters marry and move away, her little homestead becomes bleak and lonely, especially during the long winter months. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan concocted by her neighbor, Gage Coulter.

Gage is an honest man, but he didn’t make his fortune by being weak. He won’t break the law, but he’ll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of excellent grazing land is lost to him because Bailey’s homestead is located right across the entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to this land–and he’s got to go through Bailey to do it. So he makes a proposal…

Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders finally loosen up enough to earn each other’s respect–and maybe find love in the process?

Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

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1520s – Germany

She was a nun of noble birth. He, a heretic, a reformer…an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther.
 
His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different.
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love.
 
Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever.

A Daddy for Christmas by Linda Ford

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adaddyforchristmasA Daddy for Christmas

1882 – Canada

Summoned by two little girls to help their mother in distress, Blue Lyons rushes to rescue widow Clara Weston. When the cowboy discovers the fatherless family has nowhere to go, he offers them food and shelter. But widower Blue won’t get too close to the needy trio. He’s lost too many people he’s cared for, and he isn’t about to set himself up for loss again. 

For Clara, any dangers she may face on the frontier are preferable to staying with her controlling father. Although she’s determined to keep her independence, Blue’s kindness and tenderness are hard to resist. Can two pint-size matchmakers help Clara and Blue open their guarded hearts in time for Christmas? 

Her Cowboy Deputy by Lacy Williams

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1902 – Wyoming

Stranded! 

Bear Creek sheriff’s deputy Matt White is used to being the rescuer, not the rescued. But now the hurt lawman’s marooned on Catherine Poole’s remote homestead. The little girl he’d known briefly as a child is all grown up—and tugging at his heart. 

Isolated from the world around her, Catherine’s spent her whole life caring for her ailing grandfather. The last thing she needs is a cowboy stranded in her home. Let alone the memories he dredges up of a past she’s tried to put behind her. But can this deputy be her chance to finally move forward and find true happiness?

A Western Christmas by Renee Ryan and Louise M. Gouge

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Yuletide Lawman by Renee Ryan 

A Christmas to remember—that’s what Ellie Wainwright wants to provide for Sheriff Caleb Voss’s little girls. But she can’t agree to a marriage of convenience. Ellie wants nothing less than real love. Caleb long ago gave up on love, yet sweet Ellie’s kindness to his children could make a believer of him again. 

Yuletide Reunion by Louise M. Gouge 

Emma Sharp’s family needs to rebuild their barn before Christmas. All help is welcome—even if it comes from the handsome neighboring rancher who jilted her two years ago. Can Jared Mattson prove that he wants to build not just a barn with Emma—but a bright future together?

Family in the Making by Jo Ann Brown

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Family in the Makingfamilyinthemaking

1812 – England

Arthur, Lord Trelawney, is an expert at carrying coded messages for the government—and a complete amateur in caring for children. Before courting a widowed acquaintance with two babies, he decides to practice with the rescued orphans sheltering at his family estate. A practical idea…until he meets their lovely nurse. 

Maris Oliver is drawn to the principled, handsome nobleman, even if he’s expected to woo another woman. Both have secrets that threaten their safety and their fragile trust. But if Maris’s sweet charges have their way, Arthur won’t need to venture beyond his own front door to find a woman he’ll risk all to protect and love. 

My Brother’s Crown by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould

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Split Time – France and Virginia

France, 1685. Catherine Gillet knows her brother, Jules, wants to protect her from the sinister threats of the French crown. But Jules is involved in a potentially deadly enterprise, one connected with an encoded document. When his actions put the whole family at risk, will Catherine find a way to save them?

Virginia, present day. Renee Talbot, a direct descendant of Catherine’s, is fascinated by the document that’s been part of her family legacy for more than three centuries. Certain its pages hold hidden secrets, she takes a closer look—and makes a shocking discovery. But when memories of a childhood trauma are rekindled, she’s forced to seek answers of a different kind. Inspired by the faith and bravery of Catherine, can Renee find the truth and face her deepest fears at last?

The 12 Brides of Christmas by Various Authors

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The 12 Brides of Christmas12bridesofchristmascollection

Christmas is the time for love—and weddings—and twelve historical women are on their way to the altar, whether they know it or not. In Nineteenth Century settings across the heartland of America, readers will experience heartfelt gifts, old-fashioned Christmas traditions, sweet romance, and inspiring faith.

The American Dream Romance Collection by Various Authors

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americandreamcollectionThe American Dream Romance Collection

Meet the faithful dreamers who helped build the foundation of the new American nation—from four brothers in Colonial Connecticut determined to make something of their lives, to a colony of Quakers in North Carolina resolute in their faith, to settlers in the northwest frontier staking their claim in hostile territory. Watch as nine romances develop and legacies of faith and love are formed.

A Bride’s Agreement by Various Authors

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Within the practical mindset of the 1800s, five marriages are arranged for various reasons that don’t include love. Emily gets a ready-made family by marrying a widower whose children need a mother. Regina’s family has arranged a groom for her from their homeland of Germany. Chiquita is bartered away in marriage to cover her father’s debts. Pearl accepts a grief-stricken farmer’s proposal to help him run the farm. Sarah Jane is forced to marry a wagon train scout for propriety’s sake. Can romance develop out of awkward beginnings, or will love forever elude these couples?

Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson

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loveeverlastingLove Everlasting

1889 – Washington

Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?

Watching Welby’s relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade’s blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby’s smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can’t she?

Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna’s life forever.

Streams of Mercy by Lauraine Snelling

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streamsofmercyStreams of Mercy

1907 – North Dakota

Anji Baard Moen, recently widowed in Norway, returns to North Dakota with her children. She quickly settles back into life in the familiar surroundings of Blessing, teaching in the high school and writing articles for the Blessing Gazette. In the midst of an unexpected crisis, Anji is thrust into a role she never imagined. And almost without her even being aware, an old friendship begins to show signs of developing into something more.

Meanwhile, Thomas Devlin, a minister without a post, has arrived in town. Devlin supports himself as a journeyman carpenter, and with the town growing rapidly, he has no shortage of opportunities. Establishing himself in a new community has its challenges, but as the newcomer gets to know the young widow whose house he’s been working on, he thinks he may have found yet another reason to stay. . . .

On This Foundation by Lynn Austin

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On This Foundationonthisfoundation

473 BC – Persia

When news reaches him that Jerusalem’s wall is shattered and its gates burned with fire, a distraught Nehemiah seeks God’s guidance in fasting and prayer. Granted an unexpected leave from his duty as cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah sets out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city wall–never anticipating all the dangers that await him on his arrival.

The leaders of the surrounding nations become his fierce enemies, plotting to assassinate him and stop the wall’s reconstruction forever. A drought, meanwhile, has left the country impoverished, with many families resorting to selling their children as bondservants just to keep from starving.

Capturing the rebuilding of the wall through the eyes of a number of characters, On This Foundation is the powerful conclusion to The Restoration Chronicles. This exploration of faith in the midst of oppression offers hope that, in spite of appearances, the gracious hand of God is upon those who believe.

That First Montana Year by Donna L Scofield

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1881 – Montana

When B’Anne (Beatrice Anne) marries Will, she knows he is a reluctant groom. But she’s a minister’s daughter and pregnant. To save embarrassment for the families, and hoping a fresh start will help them become the sweethearts they were before, B’Anne agrees to leave everyone and everything she knows and go with Will to the Montana Territory. They hope Will’s uncle Hiram, whom he has never met, will guide them in their homesteading. Uncle Hiram welcomes Will, but treats B’Anne coolly until he realizes she isn’t a “frills and furbelows” girl.

Although Will seems to care for B’Anne, she loses her confidence when she discovers a letter from Will’s former sweetheart. Will’s secrecy threatens to build a wall between them.

Spring arrives, and with it the promise of renewal. But is B’Anne’s hope for a fresh start enough to sustain the young couple through the years of hard living under that big Montana sky?

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Hang Your Heart on Christmas by Heather Blanton

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HangyourheartonchristmasGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1890s – Wyoming

He wants justice–some say revenge. She wants peace. A deep betrayal may deny them everything.

As punishment for a botched arrest, U.S. Marshal “Dent” Hernandez is temporarily remanded to the quiet little town of Evergreen, Wyoming. Not only does his hometown hold some bad memories, but he is champing at the bit to go after vicious killers, not waste his time scolding candy thieves. And he most certainly should not be escorting the very pretty, but jittery, schoolteacher around. What is she so afraid of? Turns out, a lot of folks are keeping secrets in Evergreen. 

An old-fashioned Western, Hang Your Heart on Christmas reads like an episode of Gunsmoke or Bonanza. Packed with drama, a tantalizing mystery, and a heartwarming romance, you’ll come back to read this lawman’s story, again and again–a story you’d expect to see on the the Hallmark Channel but one with a mystery worthy of Longmire.

Valley of Decision by Lynne Gentry

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Time Travel – 3rd Century Carthage

Every choice has a consequence in the explosive conclusion to the Carthage Chronicles as Lisbeth returns to third-century Carthage for a thrilling final adventure.

Thirteen years ago, Lisbeth made an impossible decision—leave third-century Carthage and her husband Cyprian behind for good. She knew it was to protect her daughter Maggie, so Lisbeth gathered the strength to move on with her life.

All these years, Lisbeth has thrown herself into her work and raising her headstrong daughter, all to live up to the promise she made to Cyprian. But Maggie is sick of being protected. In an act of teenage rebellion Maggie decides to do what her mother can’t—secretly returning to the third century on a quest to bring her father back, leaving Lisbeth no choice but to follow.

With Maggie’s surprise arrival in Carthage, chaos ensues. She finds her grandmother on trial for murder and attempts to save her, but instead the diversion sparks a riot that nearly destroys the plagued city. Only one thing will appease the wrath of the new proconsul of Carthage: the death of the instigator.

Will Lisbeth arrive in time to save her daughter from the clutches of Rome? How can God possibly redeem such a slew of unwise decisions and deep regrets? Filled with heart-wrenching twists and riveting action, Valley of Decision brings the romantic adventure epic, The Carthage Chronicles, to an electrifying conclusion.

Love’s Every Whisper by Naomi Rawlings

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loveseverywhisperLove’s Every Whisper

1883 – Michigan

Victoria Donnelly is, as always, a failure. With five years of failed courtships behind her and the calendar inching closer to another birthday, Victoria’s determined to redeem herself and snag a proposal from a wealthy childhood acquaintance, Gilbert Sinclair. But returning to Eagle Harbor stirs up long forgotten memories. And worse, old affection for her betrothed’s enemy.

Elijah Cummings has loved Victoria for fifteen years. But fishermen’s sons don’t marry shipping barons’ daughters. He knows it. She knows it. The entire town knows it. Resolved to keep his distance from Victoria, Elijah focuses on establishing a much needed life-saving station, risking his own life by rescuing sailors stuck aboard shipwrecks.

He knows how to save drowning sailors, but how is he to save a woman from the biggest mistake of her life—without destroying both their hearts in the process?

Ashes to Ashes by Mel Starr

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ashestoashesGoodreads ~ Purchase ~ Sample

1369 – England

Master Hugh, Kate, and their children attend the Midsummer’s Eve fire. Next morning early Hugh hears the passing bell ring from the Church of St. Beornwald, and moments later is summoned. Tenants collecting the ashes to spread upon their fields have found burned bones. Master Hugh learns of several men of Bampton and nearby villages who have gone missing recently. Most are soon found, some alive, some dead. Master Hugh eventually learns that the bones are those of a bailiff from a nearby manor. Someone has slain him and placed his body in the fire to destroy evidence of murder. Bailiffs are not popular men; they dictate labour service, collect rents, and enforce other obligations. Has this bailiff died at the hand of some angry tenant? Hugh soon discovers this is not the case. There is quite another reason for murder …

 

Sarah’s Smile by Dawn Kinzer

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sarahssmileSarah’s Smile

1902 – Wisconsin

In 1902, Sarah McCall is waiting to leave for the mission field when the man she once loved steps back into her life. Abandoned as a child by her mother and gambler father, she strives to overcome a tarnished history she didn’t create and a heartbreak she can’t forget.

Peter Caswell returns to his Wisconsin hometown a pastor, dedicated to his four-year-old daughter and new congregation. But no matter how hard he tries to move on with his life, he can’t forgive himself for his wife’s death.

When Sarah learns that Peter is returning to Riverton, the letter giving her departure date for Africa can’t come soon enough for her. They were best friends—she loved him and supported his dreams—but he married another and broke her heart. Although ten years have passed since he left Riverton, Peter hopes Sarah still cares enough to give him a second chance. But a charming newcomer pursues her affections—and Sarah’s childhood nemesis manipulates her way into Peter’s life. Will Sarah and Peter find their way to forgiveness and each other, or will past mistakes make a life together impossible?

Chivalrous by Dina Sleiman

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chivalrousChivalrous

1217 – England

Strong and adventurous Gwendolyn Barnes longs to be a knight like her chivalrous brothers. However, that is not an option for her, not even in the Arthurian-inspired Eden where she dwells. Her parents view her only as a marriage pawn, and her domineering father is determined to see her wed to a brutish man who will break her spirit. 

When handsome, good-hearted Allen of Ellsworth arrives in Edendale searching for his place in the world, Gwendolyn spies in him the sort of fellow she could imagine marrying. Yet fate seems determined to keep them apart. Tournaments, intrigue, and battles–along with twists and turns aplenty–await these two as they struggle to find love, identity, and their true destinies.