Dreams on the Horizon (Horizon #2) by Penny Zeller [Giveaway]

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.

Watch for Vera's review soon!

High rating reviews from early release readers - Goodreads.com

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 25

Ends July 24 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

DISCLOSURE: Winner's prize copy is provided and mailed directly to the winner by author, publicist, or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.

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.

Rebecca (Daughters of the Lost Colony #3) by Shannon McNear from Barbour Publishing

My thoughts:  As an individual that has lived in North Carolina my entire life and originally from the coastal area, and as an individual that has always been fascinated by history - any era, I have found that reading Shannon McNear's fictional historical stories of the early settlers of the shores of what is now Virginia and North Carolina to be utterly fascinating.

The author treats the historical accounts - both from recorded history of the "natural" or Indian people as well as the English settler's accounts, with delicate respect and artistry.

Forged In Love (Wyoming Sunrise #1) by Mary Connealy [Review & Giveaway]

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

My thoughts:  Mary Connealy has packed an exciting western frontier story with danger, romance, a winsome and protective dog, and women's rights all enveloped in her trademark witty style. This light hearted read is welcome in a world where there is so much darkness.

The story begins with a bullets-flying stagecoach robbery and ends with a daring rescue. Centered around a woman, Mariah, working as a blacksmith and a man, Clint, working as a fancy chef in his own restaurant and fluffed out with a borrowed dog whose big heart saves the day more than once.

Mary's books usually come in series of three. There were three young ladies in Forged In Love. I'm assuming one of these ladies will be the main lead in book two. I can hardly wait.

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

About the book: Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she's riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father's blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering--does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

BOOK RELEASE DATE:
FEBRUARY 28 

GIVEAWAY

Begins February 16

Ends March 14 @ 12:01 a.m. ET

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions expressed are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided and sent directly to the winner by author or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.