Tag Archives: Blessing

Review: Blessing

29 Jul

Blessing

Blessing by Lyn Cote

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An impetuous love swept Blessing Brightman away from the Quaker community, into the highest ranks of Cincinnati society. But behind the glitter of ballroom and parlor, her spirit slowly eroded in an increasingly dangerous marriage. Widowed young, determined never to lose her independence again, Blessing reclaimed her faith and vowed to use her influence to fight for women’s rights and abolition.Gerard Ramsay, scion of a wealthy Boston family, arrives in Cincinnati hoping to escape his father’s clutches with a strategy that will gain him independence. His plan is soon complicated, however, by the enchanting widow. Never before has a woman spoken as if she’s his equal–or challenged him to consider the lives of others.In a city nearly ablaze with racial tensions quickly dividing the country, can two people worlds apart possibly find common ground?

 

My thoughts:

Blessing, Book 2 in the Quaker Brides series, is a captivating story!

Blessing Brightman is a woman who speaks her mind and is determined to fight for women’s rights and abolition. Gerard Ramsay is man eager to escape his father’s control. Both tenacious characters, I enjoyed getting to know Blessing and Gerard and experiencing their emotional and spiritual journeys.

Lyn Cote’s dramatic portrayal of historical events really brings this story to life. Delving deep into a tumultuous time in our nation’s history, Cote blends fact and fiction creating a compelling narrative. I loved Blessing’s story and am eager to meet Faith in the final book of the series!

While Blessing is a stand-alone story, it does revisit beloved characters from Book 1, Honor. Both of these novels, as well as the series prequel, Where Honor Began, are recommended reads for fans of historical fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my thoughts.

 

Lyn Cote

In 1997, Lyn Cote’s first book, Never Alone, was chosen for the “new” Love Inspired romance line. Since then, Lyn has had over thirty-five novels published. In 2006 Lyn’s book, Chloe, was a finalist for the RITA, and her book Her Patchwork Family was a finalist for the Carol Award in 2010 and Her Healing Ways won in 2011. These are two of the highest awards in the romance genre.

Lyn’s brand “Strong Women, Brave Stories,” always includes three elements: a strong heroine who is a passionate participant in her times, authentic historical detail and a multicultural cast of characters. Lyn also features stories of strong women both from real life and true to life fiction on her blog http://BooksbyLynCote.com.

 

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Review: A Harvest of Hope

25 Mar

A Harvest of Hope

A Harvest of Hope by Lauraine Snelling

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Miriam Hastings has her future plans in place…
But Trygve Knutson is intent on changing them.

Just a few short weeks into her year-long training at the Blessing Hospital, Miriam Hastings is called home to Chicago, where her mother is gravely ill. With siblings to care for, Miriam pleads to be allowed to finish her training in Chicago. Her nursing supervisor grants her a brief reprieve but extracts a promise that Miriam will return to Blessing and fulfill her one-year commitment.

While in Chicago, Miriam has tried to get Trygve Knutson and Blessing out of her mind, but his letters make that impossible. Trygve is busy building a house, hoping he can convince Miriam to return to North Dakota and marry him. Torn between Trygve’s love and her family’s needs, she doesn’t know what to do.

When Miriam finally returns to Blessing, she buries herself in her work. But no matter how hard she tries to put it off, she has some life-changing decisions to make about her future, her family… and the man who is never far from her thoughts.

What will it take to convince her to stay?

 

My thoughts:

A Harvest of Hope is a much-anticipated continuation of the Song of Blessing series!  I highly recommend reading book one, To Everything a Season, before reading A Harvest of Hope.  Several important events occur in the first book and set the stage for this second story. 

Lauraine Snelling does a wonderful job of bringing the characters and community to life, and I was eager to return to this quaint community in North Dakota.  I really enjoyed the historical details, as well as the complexity of the characters and their stories.  The drama continues, as does the romance between Miriam and Trygve, creating an emotional narrative.  Blessing is a lovely place to visit and I look forward to continuing this compelling series!   

Please note: This series is a continuation of Lauraine’s earlier stories of the Bjorkland family and the community of Blessing.  If you are a long-time fan, you will certainly welcome the opportunity to revisit these special characters and this unique community.  For those who are not familiar with these stories, you may find the large, diverse cast of characters to be a bit overwhelming at first.  A Bjorkland family tree has been included in the beginning of the book for reference. 

A complimentary copy of this book was provided to me through the Bethany House Blogger Reviewer program.  I appreciate the opportunity to read this story and share my honest opinion.

  

Lauraine Snelling

Lauraine Snelling is the award-winning author of over seventy books, with sales of more than 2 million copies.  She also writes for a wide range of magazines, and helps others reach their writing dreams by teaching at writers’ conferences across the country.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston.  They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

To learn more about Lauraine, please visit her website.


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