Book Review: A Chance At Forever

From the Back:

Determined to protect the children of Teaville, Kansas, from the bullying she experienced as a child, Mercy McClain finds fulfillment working at the local orphanage and serving on the school board. When Aaron Firebrook, the worst of her childhood bullies, petitions the board for a teaching position, she's dead set against his getting the job.

Aaron knows he deserves every bit of Mercy's mistrust, but he's returned to his hometown a changed man and is seeking the forgiveness of those he wronged. He doesn't expect Mercy to like him, but surely he can prove he now has the children's best interests at heart.

Will resentment and old wounds hold them back, or can Mercy and Aaron overcome the past in time to battle the threats against the future of the town's orphans?

My Reflections:

This is the final book of the Teaville Moral Society series. In it, we delve into not only the red light district and helping others better themselves, but also the subject of bullying.
Everyone most likely has experienced the devastating after-effects of bullying. It can devastate self-worth and confidence it is all too common in our society, and I found this topic a great platform to craft a story around. Melissa Jagears always manifests original characters. They are usually not the norm and leave me amazed and entertained all at the same time.

Mercy McClain is no stranger to hurt. Her childhood has been shaped by the wordsand actions of Aaron Firebrook. His hurtful behaviour and vicious verbal attacks still haunt her even as an adult.
Mercy has come a long way with a job she adores. She relishes the ability to have an impact in the lives of children at the orphanage. She has finally left the past where it should be, behind her, that is until Aaron Firebrook walks right back into her life.

Aaron has returned home a different man, he is determined to show the world his improved self Will he be able to shuck the layers of harm he has inflicted?
Is there really a second chance at new beginnings?
Aaron is determined to amend for his past and show Mercy that he is genuinely sorry for his youthful actions.

I have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book in this series. I have read each and every instalment with anticipation I'm sad the journey of this series has come to an end.
Jagears writes with such clarity and depth. I enjoy how she weaves her stories around characters and events, a true masterpiece. Well done. I am eagerly anticipating a new series!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.

Melissa Jagears

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series, the Teaville Moral Society series, and Love by the Letter, a...

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Book Review: Hearts Entwined

From The Back:

Hearts EntwinedFour Historical Romance Novellas of Love (With a Twist of Humor)

The ways of love can be complex. Sometimes a relationship full of unexpected twists and unlikely turns leads to a bond that's strong and secure. Join Karen Witemeyer, Mary Connealy, Regina Jennings, and Melissa Jagears for novellas that follow the winding path of romance in stories that celebrate a love that lasts forever.

The Love Knot- Karen WitemeyerWhen Claire Nevin's troubled younger sibling sends her an unexpected package by rail, the gift and the man who delivers it--an unexpected face from the past--threaten to upend Claire's life forever. Fighting to hold on to all she has built, will she lose what matters most?

My reflections:

Oh, how I wish this were longer. Karen Witemeyer is one of my all-time favourite authors and to have my taste buds wet and not get the full meal was so, so hard on my literary addiction! I'm satisfied only with the knowledge that she will write more books. Once again I will be steeped in her abilities to tie together a string of words so captivating that I will stay up late until the finish.

In this story, the characters are realistically penned along with their many flaws and abilities. I think my favourite part of the book had to have been when the main character Clair gets to the train to pick up a certain parcel that has her whole life upended. I thought she took this shock much better than I would have, seamlessly adapting and rearranging priorities to make it all work out in the end. Throw into the mix past love interest, Pieter Van Duren showing up with the "package!" 

Overall a sweet and tender story filled with human qualities that make you want to sigh and keep reading.

The Tangled Ties That Bind- Mary ConnealyConnor Kincaid returns home determined to win the hand of the woman he was too young for when he left. But Maggie is training to be a doctor in a distant town, while Connor's about to settle on a ranch. Will either be willing to give up their dream? Or will they both have to give up the love of a lifetime?

My Reflections:

Mary Connealy keeps us reading with her "Tangles Ties that Bind." 

I so enjoyed catching up with the Kincaid/ Borden families. Conner Kincaid is home again, but this time he is a man on a mission, and no one will stop him now. Conner will even sacrifice his expectations and dreams to chase after Maggie.Trouble is she seems to have become more headstrong and determined than he remembers her to be. No matter Conner is ready to follow her where ever, even to the big city. Also to take any job to be with her. 

Maggie wants to become a doctor, she has set her mind to it, and no one will stop her now that she finally has a direction. Can these two tie the knot and pursue their dreams? God always finds a way, but it is often not our way!

Bound and Determined- Regina Jennings

As punishment for his recklessness, Private Bradley Willis is sent on an errand to help a retired cavalry officer move a herd across Indian Territory. No one told him the herd would be camels instead of cattle, nor that the officer's headstrong daughter, Ambrosia Herald, would seem to be trying to undermine the whole enterprise. He's definitely been saddled with more than he's bargained for.

My Reflections:

Camels? Wow, I must say I didn't expect that! 

Private Bradley Willis and Ambrosia Herald must work closely to escort these zany animals across the bone-dry Indian territory! This story has its quirks, and right out funny moments, mostly with the camels. Jam-packed with historical detail this story aims to please, who wouldn't love a romance combined with fascinating historical detail and headstrong characters!

Tied and True- Melissa Jagears

Wealthy Marianne Lister is in love with business assistant Calvin Hochstetler, but he can't see past the difference in their social status. When Marianne takes a job to prove that she is prepared for a life of hard work alongside the man of her dreams, will it be enough to convince Calvin to risk it all for love?

My Reflections:

This final novella centres on a series I am very familiar with, the Teaville Moral Society. Marianne Lister's one determined lady, her devotion to her cause is admirable. Despite the looming threat of being disinherited, she runs headlong into her cause, pursuing her love Calvin Hochstetler, no matter the cost. Is she ready to throw her status away? Will Calvin get the hint? A heartwarming story you won't want to miss!

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Book Review: A Love So True

From the Back:

"Jagears' first book in the Teaville Moral Society series has well-written characters, in addition to being an engaging and heartfelt read."--RT Book Reviews on A Heart Most Certain
Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen.

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all?

My Reflections:

Melissa Jagears once again transports us back to Teaville, having read "A Heart Most Certain" not too long ago I was happy to continue on in this series. 
This book delves into very important historical and moral issues, that still are relevant today. Jagears masterfully pulls her readers into the plight of the less fortunate and the ugly realities that come with prostitution and the ensnaring of souls. This book definitely held my attention from page one to page 356.

Evelyn Wisely is wise beyond her years, astonishingly independent and compassionate to a fault. Evelyn's heart yearns to help the women who are enslaved in the red light district, yet she holds people at an arm's length and can come across a little headstrong. 

David Kingsman has a job to do and he wants to get it done. Having been tasked with turning a profit on a local glass factory his father purchased, David has his work cut out for him. In the process, he meets Evelyn and is intrigued with her heart to help those less fortunate. 

Love So True is written with depth and sincerity, this book was a pleasure to read. I loved how Jagears pulled her readers in, her books help to open us up to the realities of life, in a gentle yet strikingly powerful way. This book will encourage you to look at others in a whole new light. How one person can make the difference for another. Simply beautiful, thank you, Melissa Jagears!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

Melissa Jagears

Carol Award-winning author Melissa Jagears is a homeschooling mom who writes Christian historical romance into the wee hours of the night. She's the author of the Unexpected Brides series and Love by the Letter, a free prequel ebook novella. You can...

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Book Review: A Heart Most Certain

From the Back:

". . . a memorable read for fans of redemptive historical romances."--Publishers Weekly on A Bride at Last

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so she joins the Teaville Moral Society hoping to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poorhouse herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that his mother is the moral society's president. Lydia's first task as a moral society member--to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town--seems easy . . . until the man flat-out refuses.

Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresees the harrowing complications that will arise from working together, and when town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs--and hearts--truly align.

My Reflections:

I simply loved this book, everything about it was captivating. Melissa Jagears is a solid writer who can be counted on for producing entertaining and relevant novels, in this day and age that is saying quite a lot!

 I have always had a passion to help out women from all walks of life. This novel made me ponder just how my biased nature could view women and their delicate situations. It was an uncomfortable feeling but a very good reminder that we can not judge, or let our experiences color our judgment. God sees us all exactly the same. No one is better than another, sin is sin be it doing it or thinking about it..

Lydia King is in for a surprise, she thinks she is just going to waltz into Nicholas Lowe's office and come out with a hefty donation for the Teaville Moral Society. Things are rarely easy, however, and Nicholas is alike to Ebeneezer scrooge. Lydia's life is going to be turned upside down as she badgers the man incessantly. Not one to give up she intends to get what she is after, and perhaps a whole lot more!

Nicholas Lowe is used to turning people down, he is as pig-headed and stubborn as they come. However, what is is not accustomed to is a certain Miss King being so endearing and stubbornly beautiful! Nicholas sees potential in Miss King and her kind heart, coupled with unbending perseverance may be just what he needs to help him with his secret acts of charity.

This book can change the way you view life around you, it can open up your eyes to things unseen and unspoken, if you open up your heart and really soak in the underlining significance.

It is not a usual occurrence to come away from a novel and ponder the issues in my surrounding community and the ways I can contribute to society as a whole. This book is so well rounded it is labeled historical fiction but it is oh, so much more than that. We have redemption, self-sacrifice, hypocrisy, charity and deceit all wrapped up in a beautifully done well-flowing story line that melds all these elements perfectly. 

Sigh, I so can't wait for Jagears next edition!

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc

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THE AUTHOR

1. 
   

   Melissa Jagears

   Melissa Jagears, an ESL teacher by trade and the author of A Bride for Keeps, A Bride in Store, and A Bride at Last, is a stay-at-home mother on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. She's a member of ACFW and CROWN...

   Continue reading about Melissa Jagears