An Unexpected Grace (The Jewels of Kalispell, #3) by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can unexpected grace lay the foundation for a second chance at love?

After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can't help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.

Widowed for three years, Johanna devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she desires to move on, but reconnecting with her past love leaves her unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God's distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite, and when strange things start happening around town, their second chance at a life together seems more unlikely than ever.

MY THOUGHTS.....

Individually, they are awesome authors, but together, Tracie Peterson and Kimberly Woodhouse are a fantastic writing team! Their latest joint effort is a captivating historical fiction story that is an excellent finale to their series, The Jewels of Kalispell.

An Unexpected Grace has a beautiful Montana setting, a second-chance romance, and an inspiring faith thread woven into the plot. There's also history, suspense, and a cast of well-developed characters. Johanna, Parker, and Johanna's little girl Emily are certainly appealing, but Marvella Ashbury was my absolute favorite! Who wouldn't love someone who believes in the power of love and isn't afraid to use all of the matchmaking skills she's developed over the years? This heartwarming story kept me delightfully engaged, and the epilogue featuring happy victims of Marvella's matchmaking schemes is perfect!! Fans of historical Christian romance, grab a copy of An Unexpected Grace. You won't be sorry!

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and NetGalley. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Tracie Peterson is the award-winning author of over 100 novels, both historical and contemporary. Her avid research resonates in her many bestselling series. Tracie and her family make their home in Montana. 

Learn more by visiting her Website or following her on    Facebook     Instagram

Kimberley Woodhouse is the best-selling author of more than twenty-five books who loves the JOY of story. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past, and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate. She's spoken to more than 2 million people at more than 2,500 venues and has taught the craft of writing around the country. Married to the love of her life for thirty-plus years, she makes her home in the Poconos. 

You can connect with Kimberley at her Website     Facebook     Instagram    Twitter

THE JEWELS OF KALISPELL

The Heart's Choice

With Each Tomorrow

An Unexpected Grace

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The Pursuit of Elena Bradford by Ann H. Gabhart

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

At twenty-two, Elena Bradford has never met a man who made her consider marriage. But when her father dies and leaves the family deeply in debt, Elena becomes their only hope. Her mother uses their last funds to take Elena and her younger sister to Graham Springs, Kentucky, where people find healing by drinking the mineral spring water and healthy recreation through the many daily activities--including dances almost every evening.

As her mother schemes to find Elena a wealthy husband, Elena finds herself drawn to two men her mother would never consider. Charming artist Kirby Frazier spends his days drawing and painting the guests, but his real mission is to find a wealthy bride to finance his dream to go west. Melancholy Andrew Harper has come to Graham Springs in need of healing after a broken heart.

When a beautiful young lady shows up at the Springs with no chaperone and a story that seems suspicious, nearly everyone is charmed and intrigued. But when an unexpected tragedy occurs, Elena, Kirby, and Andrew will all be faced with decisions of life, love, and loyalty.

AMAZON

MY THOUGHTS.....

I love historical fiction, and what could be better than being wrapped up in an entertaining and educational story about my home state? I've lived in Kentucky my entire life, but never knew that people from all over the country once visited Mercer County because of the healing powers associated with its mineral water. This book is set at Graham Springs, a once popular resort near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and it features the mystery and suspense surrounding the life and death of a beautiful young woman who visited the resort in 1842. Her identity remains unknown, and the true cause of her death is still uncertain, but her existence is a compelling backdrop for The Pursuit of Elena Bradford!

From the beginning sentence to the satisfying ending, I was captivated by the title character, Elena Bradford. Remember, in 1842, a twenty-two-year-old woman was considered a spinster. What better way to find a wealthy husband than to visit a popular resort? Author Ann H. Gabhart vividly portrays Elena's dilemma as her mother sets out to find her a husband, and three men appear to be interested in her! Poor Elena, she only wants to be loved and cherished by one good man! I loved the beautiful setting, sweet romance, and Elena's willingness to sacrifice love so that she could help her family. Gabhart's descriptive powers and the ability to weave facts with fiction have never been better! I recommend The Pursuit of Elena Bradford to all who enjoy historical Christian romance!

I received a copy from the author and publisher. There was no obligation for a positive review.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart grew up on a farm in Kentucky. By the time she was ten she knew she wanted to be a writer. She's published over thirty novels. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren and she still lives on a farm not far from where she grew up. She loves playing with her grandkids, walking with her dog, reading and, of course, writing. Her Shaker books, set in her fictional Shaker village of Harmony Hill in the 1800's, are popular with readers. The Outsider was a Christian Fiction Book Award Finalist in 2009. Her Heart of Hollyhill books are Small Town, America books set in the 1960's. Angel Sister, a Rosey Corner book set during the Great Depression, will be followed by Small Town Girl. She has also written two books about Mary Breckinridge and the Frontier Nursing Service: These Healing Hills and An Appalachian Summer. 

To learn more visit Ann's Website      

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