Review: Dreams on the Horizon (Horizon Series #2) by Penny Zeller - Christian fiction

ISBN: 9781957847290
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Can love overcome all obstacles?

Mae Shepherdson’s dream of a school for the deaf has finally come to fruition. All is going well until she receives devastating news: the railroad wants to build a spur through the property where the Horizon School for the Deaf is located. What will become of the children who attend the school and the employees who so tirelessly commit their time and resources? Mae questions why God would allow the closing of a school that has been the lifeline for so many young pupils. And what of her dream that no child should endure being ostracized as she once was?

Landon Bennick is accustomed to obeying his father’s orders. He’s observed and even assisted with the building of many railroad spurs, and the newest in Horizon should be no exception. However, things grow complicated when he begins to fall in love with Mae, a soft-spoken teacher at the Horizon School for the Deaf—the same school blocking the railroad’s progress. Will Landon heed his father’s strict demands or is there another way to build the spur and save the school? Secret word: dream

When a nefarious character with vengeful intent threatens Mae, will Landon intervene before it’s too late and save the woman who has claimed his heart?
Return to late 1800s Horizon, Idaho, for this heartwarming and tender romance by the author of the Wyoming Sunrise Series, Hollow Creek Series, Montana Skies Series, and Love Letters from Ellis Creek Series.

My thoughts:  In this second book in the "Horizons series," the author captures the essence of America in the period when the railroads were forging ahead across the nation connecting the developed, bustling East coast with the mid-West and beyond. The story is centered on a very small township in Idaho, and the folks in this town have very mixed feelings about the railroad coming to town.

Situated in this little town is a home and school for deaf children. This is definitely a forward thinking enterprise as the language for the deaf was a fairly new development. The staff includes a grown lady that was an orphan train child and from a badly abusive situation prior to landing in the town of Horizon. (sign language)

As the story progresses we meet irresistible children, a sweet older lady, an older gentleman that survived the war who is sweet on said older lady, cranky rich folks, and a winsome heroine and captivating hero. There is a touch of danger and a whole heap of goodness.

Penny Zeller has produced another squeaky clean story which she has dedicated to..... "all of those whom the Lord has rescued and given a fresh start."

I highly recommend. 

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

OVER THE HORIZON (Horizons Series #1) by Penny Zeller

My thoughts:  Life for a lone young woman in the 1870s did not offer much; and when a mean, cruel man expects her to marry him, she has very little recourse. In Paisley's case, she hid and fled the scene in the back of a wagon of another man - unknown to her as to his character and destination.

Speak of horrendous circumstances! Well, such a situation probably has been played out through the ages as young women have fled the clutches of men known for their cruelty. In Paisley's situation, the story takes on a fairy tale quality with the wagon driver, Tyler, as her prince charming.

No, the author isn't weaving a retake on a fairy tale. She is giving us a glimpse into desperation, marriages of convenience, and the good qualities of a man.

As Paisley's and Tyler's story progresses the reality of orphaned children and the Orphan Trains of the 1800s (out of New York) is woven into their story. We meet three different orphaned children, from different families, who traveled on the Orphan Train and were adopted into Tyler's parent's family after being rejected for adoption by other families. 

Other characters with traits of warmth, goodness, and caring are introduced into Paisley's life as she begins living in the area that is the small town of Horizon.

A lovely story. Sweetness. Fear. Evil. Goodness. Trust. Faith in God. New beginnings. Such a wealth of kindness and overcoming difficulties woven into a story that is a joy to read.

I highly recommend.

About the book: A most unusual proposal

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor. Secret word: read.

Coming soon, the newest series by Penny Zeller, author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and Montana Skies Christian Historical Romance Series. Horizon Series:

• Over the Horizon (July 2023)
• Dreams on the Horizon (2024)
• Beyond the Horizon (2024)

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

Over the Horizon (Horizon Series #1) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

A most unusual proposal

Alone in 1870s Idaho Territory, Paisley Abbott has nowhere to turn. With no other options, she finds herself consenting to an unconventional, but mutually beneficial agreement.

During an unplanned return to his family’s farm, prodigal Tyler Shepherdson inherits three children. When Tyler finds a woman hiding in the back of his wagon, an idea begins to form and he makes a rash decision that results in perhaps one of the most spontaneous marriages of convenience ever.

Despite an unorthodox beginning to their marriage, will Paisley and Tyler trust God as they forge ahead to create a home for three orphans? Will love arise from a desperate situation?

In the first book in the Horizon Series, travel to the late 1800s to the town of Horizon in the Idaho Territory with a cast of unforgettable characters, journeys of faith, and abundant humor. Secret word: read.

Coming soon, the newest series by Penny Zeller, author of the Wyoming Sunrise, Love Letters from Ellis Creek, and Montana Skies Christian Historical Romance Series. Horizon Series:

• Over the Horizon (July 2023)
• Dreams on the Horizon (2024)
• Beyond the Horizon (2024)

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 30

Ends July 31 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: Giveaway is hosted by Vera. Prize is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

Tidewater Bride by Laura Frantz

My thoughts:  As with the author's previous books, a beautifully woven historical story rich in detail and historical accuracy brings the reader an enriching and beautifully time spent between the pages of a book.

I totally enjoyed reading Tidewater Bride; and though I'm of a much later generation, I totally identify with the heat, mugginess that drains people experience living coastal in the southern parts of America.

James Towne was new but not so new that they didn't live civilized, constructed lives. Farming, shipping, blacksmithing, and shop keeping were means of provision and living. Large land holdings were farmed for tobacco and other crops. Some had slaves but most used labor provided by indentured servants. 

It was a time of relative peace with the area Indians or "Naturals" as the settlers called them. In an effort to maintain and further develop the peace and to generate trust, a temporary swap of children was embraced during this story. 

The character development in Tidewater Bride by author Laura Frantz is well done giving enough description and conversation to fully flesh out the individuals to the point that you love them or despise them. As in real life, there are good folks and there are those whose actions are despicable.

I highly recommend this book.

About the book: Selah Hopewell, Virginia Colony's most eligible woman, is busy matchmaking for a ship of brides, though she has no wish to wed.

Xander Renick is perhaps the most eligible tobacco lord in the settlement, but he is already wedded to his business and still grieves the loss of his wife, daughter of the Powhatan chief.

Can two fiercely independent people find happiness and fulfillment on their own? Or will they discover that what they've been missing in life has been right in front of them all along?

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.

The Runaway Bride (The Bride Ships series #2) by Jody Hedlund [Giveaway]

My thoughts:  The constraints imposed upon women in years gone by are hard for today's women to fathom. In addition to the "code" by which women had to abide, they were further sheltered from experiences that the men of the time felt they should not be exposed to. And then there were the rules and codes of behavior strictly imposed upon women of each class.

The stories of the women whose lives were changed by being chosen as a transported woman from England to British Victoria (today's Canada) while mostly involved the destitute poor of society who could not marry because of their status as well as the dearth of men available in England for marriage are interesting and heartbreaking at times. A few women of class - middle class as well as impoverished upper class, found themselves aboard a Bride Ship as well.

The story in The Runaway Bride is that of a woman of class who was being forced into a marriage to a vastly older man who was also a brute. Her knowledgeable ladies' maid contrived to evade the dreaded wedding and get the young woman, Arabella, aboard one of the Bride Ships.

The story is set in Victoria and mostly takes place after the ship arrives and the ladies aboard are being sought by the men to become wives. Arabella meets the local baker quite by accident and she also meets the dashing Lieutenant who contrives to claim her as his own.

The history of the period touched on in this story includes the smallpox epidemic that swept through the Indian tribes in the area and how the British Navy drove the epidemic and the Indians out of Victoria leaving the Indians them to fend for themselves. The epidemic nearly wiped out the Indians.

I found the growing relationship between Arabella and Pete, the baker and the relationship between Arabella and the Lieutenant interesting. Her class status demanded she choose the Lieutenant. Her heart was telling her that Pete, the baker, would be the one to love and cherish her.

Animosity exists between the Lieutenant and the baker and this was seeded by the way the Indian situation was handled.

This was an excellent story and exceptionally well written. The characters were interesting and well drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The only exception I have is that the romance would really heat up at times though it was still a clean read with no bad language. One might reserve this one for teens 17 years and up. The faith aspect is beautifully woven through the story.

I recommend this as another of Jody Hedlund's great reads.

About the book: Wealthy Arabella Lawrence flees to British Columbia on a bride ship still wearing the scars of past mistakes. One of the few single women in the boomtown, she immediately has suitors, but she is determined not to find herself trapped again by a poor choice.

Vying for her hand are two very different men. Lieutenant Richard Drummond is a gentleman in the Navy and is held in high esteem. Peter Kelly is the town's baker and has worked hard to build a thriving business. He and Drummond not only compete for Arabella's affections, but clash over their views of how the natives should be treated in the midst of a smallpox outbreak.

As Arabella begins to overcome her fears, she discovers someone in dire need—a starving girl abandoned by her tribe. Intent on helping the girl, Arabella leans on Peter's advice and guidance. Will she have the wisdom to make the right decision or will seeking what's right cost both her and Peter everything?

Read Chat With Vera's review of A Reluctant Bride (Bride Ships #1) - click here

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 3

Ends March 31 @ 12:1 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing to facilitate a review. Giveaway winner's copy is provided by author or publicist and sent directly to the winner by them.

A Most Noble Heir by Susan Anne Mason

About the book: When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between pleasing Hannah and living up to his father's demanding expectations.


At every turn, forces work to keep the couple apart, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from the woman he loves, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 23

Ends April 10 at 12:01 a.m EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given,

A Primary Decision (The Worthington Destiny) by Dr. Kevin Leman & Jeff Nesbit

About the book: Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general--at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible--even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.

Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream--the US presidency?

My thoughts: This is obviously the third book in The Worthington Destiny series and to me it was also quite clear that reading the first two would have made getting into the story a bit better and easier. It took at least the first 50 pages for the direction of the story to become clear to me as allusions to previous events and personal issues kept popping up without clarity as to how they  fit into A Primary Decision.

The political and social circles in which the characters function are high flung and the circumstances mysterious and rife with secrets on many levels. Much time is spent circumventing the secret that is being kept from Sarah and frankly I couldn't understand why her not knowing was such a big issue.

The author, Dr Kevin Leman, has previously published  books on characteristics of birth order and how it effects development and character. This plays a part in the descriptive characterizations of Worthington sibilings as they aspire and achieve various successes in life.

The book is good, interesting, and pertinent as a work of fiction in today's post election atmosphere here in the USA or for reading at anytime about the lives and workings of the wealthy and political elite.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review of my honest opinions which are given without compensation.

Trust My Heart by Carol J. Post

My thoughts: To begin with I'll share my "take away" thoughts from this book. It seems to focus mainly on trust and lies. Relationships are built on truth and trust and when lies are present the foundational trust is lost.

I was excited to have the opportunity to review a book set in my beloved state of North Carolina. Tucked away in the mountainous area of Western North Carolina, the areas surrounding and in Murphy conjur up beautiful sites that travelers and native North Carolinians totally love. Mountains, streams, rivers with white water rafting, picnics, beautiful trees and wonderful fresh air and great folks to get to know.

Trust My Heart involves a young successful though "burned out" attorney visiting his deceased grandparents' home and estate which he has inherited. True, he could handle the disposition of this property without going there; but he wanted to see the place his father grew up. The father he never knew. The father who was estranged from his parents and therefore the son, Grant, was kept from a relationship with the grandparents.

Upon arriving there, he meets a sweet, young lady who is a newspaper journalist and Grant detests journalists. So even though their association seems frought with mindfields from the onset, it seems that they are drawn together despite their differences.

I enjoyed the story and the book. I found Grant's reactions to some situations a bit over-the-top when a bit of time and explanation would have cleared the air and made for better outcomes. However, the author was presenting Grant with all his flaws, so that's o.k., too.

There was a bit of romance which was safe and clean and also predictable. Well, with a title like "Trust My Heart" you'd expect a bit of falling in love. Grant though a believer, did not seem to be a Christian - at least not a commited or faithful Christian. Jami is a devoted Christian.

This is a new author and a new publishing group for me. I look forward to reading more from Carol J. Post and more publications from Waterfall Press.

About the book: Grant McAllister arrives in Murphy, North Carolina, with one aim: to sell his inherited property and leave as quickly as possible.

The big-city lawyer has no interest in his late, estranged grandparents or the dilapidated mansion he just acquired. After his high-profile divorce, he should be avoiding perky reporters, too. But Jami Carlisle is honest, funny, and undeniably appealing.

After breaking up with her safe-but-smothering boyfriend, Jami is determined to ace her first big assignment. A story about the McAllister estate is too intriguing to ignore---much like its handsome, commitment-phobic heir. Thanks to her digging, the pieces of Grant's fraught family history are gradually fitting into place, but also upending all his old beliefs.

The two draw closer as they share their dreams, until misread signals and misunderstandings begin to test their trust. But in the unspoiled beauty of the Smoky Mountains, there's healing and forgiveness to be found. And for Grant, this unplanned detour may be just what's needed to finally guide him home...

 Learn more & purchase a copy

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher to facilitate this review. I was not compensated.

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon from Revell a division of Baker Publishing

About the book: Finn has packed away his combat instincts--but he may need them again when danger begins to stalk his quiet hideaway . . .

After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the lakeside cabin she inherited from her grandfather. As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.

Bestselling author and three-time RITA Award winner Irene Hannon draws readers into a web of psychological suspense where danger lurks in dark corners . . . and keeps them captive until the very last page.

My thoughts: Irene Hannon has proven time and again to be an author whose books I look forward to reading. She has not disappointed with Tangled Webs which is the third and concluding book in the series of the McGregors - Men of Valor.

I found it interesting that two damaged folks are secluding themselves, in close proximity yet separated by a veil of forest, in an effort to recover from their personal injuries and emotional scars. Not much is given to lay a foundation for their flaws, but that doesn't truly hamper the reading of their story. It might have given a bit more substance as to their limitations and their powers to overcome said limitations.

When danger comes to visit their quiet woods, Finn bounds into rescue mode and stays there throughout the book. The lovely Dana is quietly pursing her professional life albeit disconnected from the outside world by phone or Internet.

The locals are tangled up a bit in Finn and Dana's stories presenting multiple layers of danger, suspense, and mystery. I loved their trips into the quaint town for the diner's wonderful pies.

I have read all three books in the Men of Valor series and found them simply enjoyable reads. Looking forward to more from Irene Hannon's pen.

I received a complimentary copy from Revell a division of Baker Publishing Group.