Kathleen DenlyRezensionen

Review of Shoot At the Sunset by Kathleen Denley. Preston Baker is a sharpshooter in a western show. His sister sends him a letter saying she needs his help at ranch. Biddie and her best friend, Lucy are hard at work when Preston arrives. They are trying to fix things destroyed. Preston is drawn to Lucy but she has promised a neighbor he can court her. Danger abounds and even Lucy's mama is in danger. The dessert is a hard place to raise cattle as not enough grass. God is only one who can help each character with their situations. This was my first book by Kathleen. It won't be my last.

This is book five in the Chaparral Hearts series but it gives enough background that it could be read as a stand-alone. I read book four as a stand-alone as I had not read the previous books. I wish I had as I have enjoyed the two I have read tremendously as they keep you engaged from the beginning. I was so glad Lucy has her own story but a warning it does contain some difficult circumstances that could be a trigger for some people, but it is handled tastefully and thoughtfully with hope always shining through. I love that the characters are raw and real with situations that happened to them that caused trauma but by the grace of God have lead them out of the dark times into the light of the perfect plan for their lives. At times I shed tears and other things had me smiling. I enjoyed the different points of view as it gives you a broader perspective of the story. I found this to be very well written with characters I loved and descriptive words that had me feeling like I was in the desert experiencing the difficulties they encountered in the 1870’s. I highly recommend this moving experience.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Continuing the series at the desert ranch with Lucy and Preston. Realistic characters who have had tragedy, abuse, fear and abandonment in their lives. They learn that God is the answer and brings miracles and growth, and that none of them can do it all alone. Interesting lives and backgrounds including a wild west show and danger at the family ranch where they're used to attacks. Entertaining read.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#ShootAtTheSunset #KathleenDenly #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction

Shoot at the Sunset by Kathleen Denly is a Christian Historical Romance. It is the fifth book in the Chaparral Hearts series and centers around Preston and Lucy. I have loved seeing how the author develops the characters and storylines throughout this series.

While you could read this book on your own, I definitely recommend reading the books in order. Filled with faith, family, friendship, and more, this series will keep your interest. Lucy exhibits faith, courage, and determination to help the couple who helped her and her mother. After receiving a heartfelt letter from her, Preston comes to help his big sister. With women who need someplace to live and work, cattle, dangerous men, and more, this book has a lot to offer.

The story moved excellently, keeping my interest. I loved seeing how Lucy’s mom discovered faith in God throughout the book. This book truly provides a moving story about Lucy, Preston, their family, and friends, and also includes some people with evil tendencies.

So, if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Shoot at the Sunset by Kathleen Denly.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

Danger, secrets, romance, and the punishing deserts of the Wild West! I was so excited to return to the Chaparral Hearts series! I thoroughly enjoyed Murmur in the Mud Caves and was looking forward to reading Lucy’s & Preston’s story. This book starts off with a bang and doesn’t let go. For those who’ve read Murmur in the Mudcaves, Shoot at the Sunset goes back in time sharing Lucy’s POV before she and Biddie travel to Ginny’s desert ranch in Southern California. It provides enough background so readers new to the series will know what’s going on, and those familiar with the story will have a bit of a review.

This story was all about overcoming fear and learning to trust. The story’s told from three points of view. Lucy’s on the run after witnessing something she shouldn’t while working as a hotel maid. Fearing for the safety of her mother & friends, she leaps at the opportunity to travel with Biddie who’s traveling to her sister Ginny’s ranch. Lucy’s mother is suffering from addiction and PTSD. Determined to overcome her issues, she secretly works for the same hotel hoping to find evidence of the secret which made Lucy run. Preston is Ginny’s and Biddie’s brother who’s been working as a sharpshooter for a traveling sideshow. When he receives a letter from Ginny, he travels to the ranch willing to offer temporary help. Preston’s fighting his own troubled past and worries about his temper.

As these three individuals try to overcome their difficulties and turn to God, they also face danger in the form of evil crooks who’ll stop at nothing to protect themselves. There’s also the sizzling romance between Lucy & Preston. Lucy already has a suitor, but the more she’s around Preston, the more she longs for the bad boy. But, loving Preston is dangerous and she worries she’ll turn out just like her mother.

This book had lots of heart and dealt with some pretty intense subject matter. The author does a fantastic job addressing each of these issues in a gentle, sensitive way. Concerned readers should definitely read the author’s note at the beginning of the book. That said, I appreciated how she wove faith and trust throughout the story and showed how each person found redemption through discovering their faith.

Highly recommend to Western Christian romance fans! The whole series is fabulous! I recommend reading the books in order for the most possible enjoyment, but they can be read as standalones. I received an advanced complimentary copy from the author but also purchased a copy through Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are my own and voluntarily provided.

I appreciate the author letting readers know at the beginning that there are sensitive subjects in the book that may be a trigger some. This gave me a clue that the story was going to be emotional. The story is filled with danger, secrets and flawed characters. I liked how the author takes each character and gives them trials.

Preston is a good example of a man who has a past he tries to forget. His skills with guns give him recognition and top billing at shows. When he leaves the show he travels to finally be with his sister. The author does a great job of capturing the time period with cattle drives and hard work at the ranch. Maybe Preston can settle down and help his sister and brother-in-law make their ranch profitable.

Lucy hears a secret that could cause someone to go to jail and endanger her and her mother’s life. I liked how Lucy yearned to be reunited with her mother. Lucy travels with her friend to a ranch to get away from those who want to cause her harm. Maybe she should have stayed and told the law what she witnessed and overheard. But her desire to escape them made her run instead.

My favorite character is Opal who is Lucy’s mother. Her life has been one bad decision after another. Some call her horrible names and shun her. Her addiction causes her to not think straight and pushes Lucy away. This character went through so much but her desire to turn her life around shows us how much God loves us unconditionally. I loved following her and how she begins to accept forgiveness from God.

The story is not without danger, greed, violence and secrets. Each character in the story is very well written and I enjoyed reading how trust and forgiveness leads to new relationships. We witness a relationship restored and redemption that leads to freedom from the enemy. This is definitely a good story where faith, trust and forgiveness is the key to a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Shoot at the Sunset is the fifth book in Kathleen Denley's Chaparral Hearts series. This is an interesting Christian historical romance to read. It is well written with wonderful caring characters. I found it interesting to read the background story of the siblings and as they return to be together . The love between the sibling is very visible in how they care for each other. While the older sibling is very private and doesn't care to have strangers around, she is welcoming to the women and children that arrive from the home where her younger sister was raised. It is enjoyable to see how the couple that run the home make such a positive change in people's lives.

I found this to be an very enjoyable story to read. It is filled with action and suspense. This is also a story of second chances for families that have been split apart.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

“Keeping secrets only led to haunting regrets.”

Kathleen Denly pens yet another exciting historical romance novel, Shoot at the Sunset, that is part of her Chaparral Hearts Series. If you enjoy Westerns, action, romance, and Biblical truths woven into an engrossing story, you won’t want to miss this one!

I loved that the author gives a trigger warning for various situations( carefully discussed in the book) including abuse, addiction, rape, and PTSD. I also loved that the backstory was smoothly and interestingly related, at no point feeling like an information dump. With several years between stories, it can be easy to forget who’s who without extra help to jog your memory.

Just as there is a strong attraction between Lucy Arlidge and Preston Baker, I was definitely drawn to this couple and the story Denly deftly weaves as well. We discover Lucy,
a good friend and travel companion to Biddie Davidson, agrees to travel to Ginny Baker’s ranch partly out of desperation and fear. “Though of no blood relation, Henry and Cecilia Davidson had long treated Lucy as though she were their daughter. But could such a love withstand so much loss? Or would the only family she had left reject her as Mama had?” With these motivating thoughts in mind, and a desire to keep the people she loves safe, Lucy makes some choices that I just wanted to say, “Get some wise advice.” Or, “Talk to the other person(s) involved. But Lucy is determined that secrets revealed could mean loved ones hurt or killed.

Preston, a sharpshooter at a traveling show, has responded to his big sister Ginny’s letter for help on the ranch. Memories, guilt, and a family sin pattern plague him, keeping him from being the man he wants to be. What will it take for Preston and Lucy to stop depending on theirvoen wisdom and seeking that of the Lord’s, instead?

Forgiveness, trust, second chances, and God’s ability to change a person are all themes of this memorable book.

I received a copy of this book from the author and Celebrate Lit. I also purchased my own copy. No positive review was required, and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

“You are your own person, and you get to decide who you want to be.”

“God’s timing, though occasionally mysterious and frustrating, is always best in the end.”

“Truth’s truth no matter how you dress it up.”

This was quite an enjoyable book that had me reading long into the night.
One of my favorite parts of this one was Eliza's personality. She was so feisty and always knew what she wanted to do, even if it wasn't well-thought-out. Eliza also grew a lot as a character just as those around her did.
I also really noticed the language of the book. It used a lot of words that are somewhat uncommon and I really liked how it flowed.
As for the adventure, it was perfectly woven throughout the whole novel, making it difficult to put down. Just when I'd think that the characters were out of danger, a new situation would arise.
All in all, I give this a solid 4/5 stars and recommend it to fans of adventure and history.
Thank you Kathleen for sending me this book.

Was I surprised when I first read this book? Yes. I was so pleased with how Kathleen handled the difficult subjects brought up and was able to show that there is hope and love to be found no matter how dark it looks. This book also shows quite well that we can't judge by the exterior, but to look in instead.
As for the plot, it took an unexpected turn that made it quite unlike many of the books I've read (in a good way). I also really appreciated how this book involves the many groups of people that lived in California during the time period.
I believe this one will be enjoyed by many older teens and adults looking for a thought-provoking Christian historical novel with a unique twist.
Also just to note: while this is the second of a series, it can be read as a standalone

4 Stars

*I was given a copy of this novel from the author. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required.

Kathleen Denly gives her readers a gripping heartfelt Historical Christian Romance story in Shoot at the Sunset, the fifth book of the Chaparral Hearts series, a fictional story set in the 1870’s in California inspired by real people and places. This book has something for everyone filled with adventure, gem mining, suspense, murder, and romance, all while dealing with sensitive issues too. I highly recommend this captivating, thrilling, inspiring story filled with hope and redemption.

Denly’s expressive exquisite prose pulled me into the depths of the story allowing me to feel the emotions of the characters and experience the sights and sounds of the beautiful California Wild West frontier. Her meticulous research and attention to detail shows just how much she loves to make the story more compelling, and the way she slowly builds the suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. In this book Denly has her characters dealing with some very tough issues, abuse, addiction, rape and PTSD, and through faith they finally find healing. My heart went out to Lucy and Preston as they journeyed separately and together through trials and tribulations eventually coming together finding love for each other.

I had the honor of being a beta reader and launch team member of Shoot at the Sunset and received a final e-copy of this engaging story from the author. I was under no obligation to write a review, and all opinions are my own.

Shoot at the Sunset, the fifth book in the wonderful Chaparral Hearts series, is an entertaining, inspiring read. This fictional story, set in the 1870’s in California and inspired by real people and places, is rich in historical detail evidencing extensive research. The author’s expressive way with words allows you to feel the emotions of the characters and experience the sights and sounds of the beautifully sketched setting. I greatly appreciate the valuable, encouraging faith lessons integrated into the story. Sensitive subjects are handled with care and thoughtfulness offering insight and hope. The characters are beautifully crafted and endearing although there are a few who are not so nice. They all kept me immersed in the story from beginning to end! This mixture of thrilling adventure, inspiring faith, and sweet romance is everything Historical Christian Romance should be. I highly recommend this book. Note: Although the book works well as a standalone, your reading experience will be enhanced by first reading the previous books in the series for background information and a better connection to the characters.
I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher with no obligation to write a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Although this is book 4 in the Chaparral Hearts series it can be read as a stand-alone. I found it interesting to read about the mud caves in San Diego county in 1873, as I knew nothing about their existence. This book contains some strong, spunky women who make the best of situations and get the job done while relying on their Faith and God’s Word to see them through. Life is hard and survival in the wilderness takes dedication and a strong work ethic. I found this book refreshing and inspiring as the women and Gideon were fighters to not let their afflictions cripple them but to find inner strength to survive. The characters are raw and real and the story is engaging and easy to read. Even in the midst of the storms of life God still has a plan and it shines through the pages and gives us hope. I look forward to reading more in this series as I found it interesting and enjoyable.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly is a Christian Historical romance. A visually impaired veteran comes to California to become a cook for a ranch. Bridget “Biddie” Davidson comes to California to find her long-lost older sister. She comes west with her adopted father and her best friend. When the two meet, their lives become a little complicated. I loved the interactions and storyline development.

From the moment I picked up this book, I found myself unable to put it down. With stubborn tenacity and determination, Biddie and her long-lost sister kept this book interesting. Gideon adds an interesting dimension to this story as well. The author illustrates how people often can overcome huge obstacles and, in the process, find the faith God intended for us along with the person God intended for us as well.

So if you enjoy Christian Historical Romances, check out Murmur in the Mudcaves by Kathleen Denly for yourself. I definitely recommend it.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.

“If you doubt God’s forgiveness, then it seems to me, you’ve been listening to the wrong voice. “

Kathleen Denly brings us back to eastern San Diego County, CA, in Murmur in the Mudcaves(#4 Chaparral Hearts). The year is 1873, and Biddie Davidson, whose adoptive parents and story we read in a previous book, has become a young woman, ready to start her own bakery. But God and her biological sister, Ginny Baker, whom she hasn’t seen since she was four, have other plans for her, or at least, in Ginny’s case, her money.

Biddie meets the war-damaged hero, Gideon Swift, when he shows up to cook for Oliver Baker and his ranch, neither still in existence. When Gideon discovers three women in the middle of the desert with no real shelter, his sense of gentlemanliness will not let him leave the three women alone. But can a man who is damaged from the war really be the protector the women need in this wild place? Gideon has a lot to learn about blaming himself for circumstances beyond his control and also about forgiving himself for false guilt. I love one of the characters who ends up helping him learn this!! Not one I would have imagined.

I love the way Matthew helps interpret Scripture correctly for Gideon, both stealing his argument that he wasn’t strong enough and and offering hope for his spiritual condition as well. That’s what Jesus does. While He may or may not offer physical healing, that healing is never without spiritual healing also offered freely.

I did question one part of the story. “Even as kids, Ginny had always felt she had something to prove.” How would Biddie have understood this at 4 yrs old, since that was the last time she had seen her sister?

I liked that there are some issues and relationships left unresolved, and we are promised another book. I really hope Ginny and Clyve get their own story. Clyve slowly morphed into my fave secondary character. Denly drew him such that I despised him at first, so that is really saying something!

Of course, sometimes Denly just makes me smile. For example: “Biddie could talk a camel into trying to swim the Gulf of Mexico.” What a great word picture!!

With great discussion questions at the end and Denly’s obvious research, Murmur in the Mudcaves is a book I recommend. The Chapparal Hearts Series should probably be read in order.

Notable Quotables:

“God’s voice convicts us when we’ve done wrong, but it sounds like you’ve been living with a heap of shame clogging your ears.”

"Being a man isn’t about what you can’t do, it’s about what you choose to do.”

A lovely story set in 1873 in the southwest, full of adventure, danger and more. Biddie has a dream - to open a bakery and help her adoptive parents with their charity. Will this dream ever become a reality? Gideon was in the war and returned healthy, except for the debilitating migraines that followed him home. He has not been able to accept the forgiveness of the Lord after all those war experiences and thus also cannot forgive himself. Feeling like less than a man, will he ever let faith and hope return to his life?

True joy came from true love and true love couldn’t be earned - it was a gift! But who was worthy of such a gift? Would any of the well developed characters learn that true joy?

An ARC of Chaparral Hearts Book 4 was received through WildHeart Books, BookFunnel and CelebrateLit. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

Murmur in the Mud Caves was an intriguing, suspenseful, historical romance. It’s my first book by Kathleen Denly and I’m excited to read more. Set in the late 1800’s in the wilds of the Southern California desert, a young woman journeys to help her sister, but finds unexpected danger and love.

I enjoyed “Biddie.” She’s a positive, thoughtful, ambitious woman who wants to repay her adoptive family by opening her own bakery. When she receives a letter from the sister she hasn’t heard from in 18 years needing money, she travels from San Francisco to the wild Southern California desert. She and her friend Lucy along with her adoptive father make the journey, but when her father is injured in an accident, Biddie and Lucy go on alone. Biddie’s sister Ginny isn’t what she remembers. Her manners are gruff and unwelcoming. It’s clear she’s been through unspeakable things and her ranch is completely destroyed.

Gideon Swift lost much during the war. Suffering from partial vision, migraines, and guilt over the past, he’s come to the same ranch to serve as cook. With a destroyed ranch and surly proprietress, he hangs around to make sure she’s taken care of. When two other young women arrive with no man in sight, he’s determined to offer his help and protection. As the four work to rebuild the ranch, they face snakes, bandits, and other dangers which threaten to destroy all they’ve worked for.

I loved learning more about the mud caves through this story. They’re definitely worth Googling. The messages of hope and second chances with a touch of faith were expertly woven through the story. Biddie is the glue that binds them all together & offers love and hope to both her sister and Gideon. I loved her optimism and faith which served to lift those around her. The romance was enjoyable and left me wanting even more. I loved Gideon and his perseverance through his pain and suffering.

This delightful story is easily read as a standalone. I suggest reading on a full stomach as descriptions of Biddie’s delightful confections will make you hungry. Highly recommend to Western Christian romance fans and those who enjoy Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, and Tracie Peterson. I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

The book is filled with adventure as we travel to the rough terrain where ranching is hard work and women were thought to not be strong enough to run a ranch alone. I liked how the author gives us characters that are flawed and broken. Gideon is a great example of what it was like after fighting in a war. He came back alive but with an impairment that causes him not to be able to do things other men can do. His strength is not there and because of vision problems and debilitating headaches he feels useless.

Biddie is on the brink of seeing her dream of owning her own bakery when she gets word that her sister needs help. I liked how Biddie dropped everything to go help even though they have not spoken in a long time. What she discovers when she arrives breaks her heart. Her sister’s ranch has been destroyed and she is bitter and prideful. I admired Biddie for sacrificing her dream to help someone who needed to see what unconditional love feels like.

Ginny was my favorite character because I could relate to her in many ways. Growing up around an abusive father has made her dislike men and her lack of trust is evident. She knows her sister is there to help but Ginny is angry because her sister has never had to do without like her. I sometimes wondered if she would ever surrender to God or allow the enemy to continue to destroy her life.

The story illustrates how hard it was to start over after experiencing a loss. Ginny is determined to get her ranch back to where it was but she will need to swallow her pride and let go of bitterness. Gideon who thinks he isn’t valuable has a hard road ahead as he struggles with his faith.

I loved the message of who you are in Christ and how easy the enemy can whisper lies to you that allow you to become discouraged. The book delivers a strong message of trusting God and letting go of bitterness. If you are looking for a book with danger, rustlers, flawed characters and faith this is the perfect story.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Campo, California 1873

Interesting story about Biddy who had been adopted, heading into desert area to help her natural sister and brother save their ranch. Gideon had been hired as a cook for the ranch, but it had all turned into a mess just before he got there. Each character had self image problems and made lots of mistakes. They learn from a God of second chances how they are together as a team. Wildy unexpected circumstances arise. I skipped over a lot and found some plot holes and drops. Overall it was a good story where I wanted to see what was going to happen.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#MurmurInTheMudcaves #KathleenDenly #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit

Murmurs in the Mudcaves is book four in the Chaparral Hearts series. Having not read the previous book in the series, I was able to enjoy this story as a stand alone story. This is a well written story that shows the strength and endurance women can have when it comes to their home and livelihood. It also shows the length one will go to connect with family they have not seen in a long time and how determined they may be to help them. The story also give a look into some of the lingering effects war has on the soldiers who participate in it.

This is an easy to read story with strong characters. When Biddie receives a letter from her older sister, her adoptive family agree to help her sister. Her best friend is there beside her as she travels and helps work her sister's land. Gideon hires on to be a cook as he can no longer do physical jobs, but when he is needed he steps in to the point of making himself violently ill. I enjoyed the way he and Biddie become friends and how their relationship grows. I also enjoy how Biddie finds a way to put her baking to use in helping out financially.

I voluntarily received a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.

I’m always excited when a new Kathleen Denly book comes out! Murmur in the Mud Caves is the final book in the Chaparral Hearts 4-book series. If you enjoy Historical Romance, this series is a wonderful choice.

Prior to this book, I had zero knowledge of the mud caves. It’s so exciting when works of fiction incorporates actual history and teaches me something new! I was fascinated and surprised by this story.

It’s so easy to connect with Biddie, though I struggled a bit with Ginny. And I could relate to Gideon’s migraines, as I have experienced them—some very severe-since I was a teen. He is a flawed man with wonderful, protective traits—perhaps my favorite character.

This tale of romance, faith, and finding our way is riddled with danger, conflict, perseverance, and courage. A satisfying read!

First Line: Bridget “Biddie” Davidson’s future might hinge on the next bite.
Series: Chaparral Hearts book 4
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Author: Kathleen Denly
Page Count: 336

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.

Imagine being on the edge of having everything you desire, including a courtship with the new beautiful teacher. Everett Thompson finds himself in that position. Then some investments go bad, and a blackmailer tries to destroy everything.

Margaret Foster, a Northern abolitionist, comes to San Diego to teach after Everett Thompson offers her the job. But she finds herself under scrutiny when she fails to meet the expectations of several parents and board members.

The author does an excellent job of creating a story where relying on and discovering a relationship with God proves the only path to having the desires of one’s heart. The supporting characters in this story provided a large portion of creating a story I could not put down. So check out this book for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own

Wow! Harmony on the Horizon, Kathleen Denly’s third book in her Chaparral Hearts series, is just amazing!! While Harmony is set in 1865 San Francisco and San Diego, the issues presented are just as relevant today as they were then. Prejudice in many forms, false rescuer mentality, gossip and mob pressure, self-importance, and the list goes on. I could not believe how many issues Denly covers, including salvation, while creating a very riveting and action-packed storyline.

Fletcher Johnson is one heroic, young man we meet, whose aim in life is to right wrongs, one person at a time. Fletcher believes the end justifies the means, as he defends the downtrodden. Sometimes I liked Fletcher, and other times I really wanted to set him straight.

Katie Mizedale, a hapless, daydreaming maid, shares my sentiments about Fletcher. Katie’s faith is astounding, especially given her background.

Enter center stage the main heroine of the novel, Margaret Foster. Bravely coming west from Boston to teach, the year she ends up with in no way resembles what she had been expecting.

Part of that is due to Everett Thompson, who is determined to build a great city out of San Diego. A floundering businessman, he finds that the school teacher he hires may be more than he bargained for.

A historical western romance not to be missed!!

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher through Celebrate Lit. No positive review was required and all opinions are my own.

Notable Quotables:

Several children rushed past her to pick up jellyfish and toss them into the water, but Rosa hung back, wringing her hands. “But they're so dirty and gross.” Margaret bent low to meet the girl's eyes. “Sometimes we have to get messy to show that we care.”

God's changes don't imprison us, they set us free. They help us to become better and give us strength and joy, even when the world would try to steal those things from us.

Why must doing right so often come at great cost?

How could these people hear God’s Word and yet be so hardened as to nurture hatred in their hearts? Did they not know they were in the presence of the One who offered unconditional love?

The story was at complete odds with Fletcher's idea of God as an angry judge waiting to criticize and condemn everyone for failing to live up to His impossible standards…Had he misunderstood who God truly was?

This is a nice story set in the late 1860s. The author takes us on a journey to San Diego when the town was barely surviving. Margaret’s plans have changed since her teaching job she thought she had in San Francisco does not work out. I’m not sure that her accommodations in San Diego were ideal when she first arrived. The food in the hotel was not something I would want to eat. Her room is beyond safe, warm or clean. In the midst of all this, she still finds strength to overcome her obstacles. I admired her ability to find good when things looked so dark.

Everett is a man with a mission to succeed. He has several businesses that he hopes will help him maintain a steady income. I didn’t think he quite had the business sense he needed and it sure came to pass when things started going wrong. Now he has to make tough decisions that will cause others to lose their jobs or even their homes. I wondered why he made such poor choices at times. Maybe he has gotten in over his head.

I liked how Margaret stands up when people in the town have a problem with who she dines with. The color of the person’s skin makes some of the townspeople uncomfortable but it does not bother Margaret. Little does she know that her job of a teacher is now in jeopardy. How narrow minded some of the people are. Her teaching ability is good but I think jealousy and pride were causing some of the women to judge Margaret harshly.

The story touches on subjects we still face today like poverty and racism. The author does a good job of talking about this in the story with grace. The use of faith in the book is well done and adds compassion to those who need it. Throughout the story you see how trusting God and standing up for those who are mistreated affect several characters. I must mention Katie and Fletcher. I liked them but for some reason I didn’t connect as well with them as I did Margaret and Everett. Overall the book is good and has many lessons to learn from.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

If you enjoy historical fiction with strong leading women, you’ll love Harmony on the Horizon! I connected with Margaret and Everett and Katie and Fletcher. I related to Margaret the strongest, though. I admired her appetite of teaching and her faithful and passionate strength. Her teaching is inspiring, and her romance is sweet, sweet, sweet.

I love to travel, and enjoyed visiting the mid 1800s. Though life wasn’t easy in this era, these characters are easy to love and root for. 1860s California was a challenging place, corruption prevailed, dreams were threatened, and yet faith and love conquered.

Although this book can be read as a stand-alone, I recommend reading all three stories in order. It’s exciting to see these characters bloom, grow, and inspire.

I'm excited for others to receive the blessings within these pages! Harmony on the Horizon overflows with great characters and scores of emotions.

#ChaparralHearts #HarmonyontheHorizon #ChristianRomance #ChristianFiction #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance

Disclosure: #CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book.