A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason - a book review

This is the second book in the author’s series, Courage To Dream.  The author does a very good job of filling us in on what we need to know to make this a good stand-alone book.

I’ve never read a book by this author before and look forward to reading more from her.

This is a story about a family of Irish immigrants.  Maggie and Gabe Montgomery have left their home and family in Ireland to visit their older brother, who had emigrated a few years before.  Gabe is hoping to learn new fire fighting skills to take back with him, while Maggie has left to escape a persistent former fiancée.  

Their brrother, Rylan and his wife Colleen, run an orphanage and Maggie, being a teacher back in Ireland, agrees to help out. One day, as she is outside helping with the children, she sees a strange man “lurking” around.  It turns out to be Colleen’s brother, Adam, recently released from prison.  Adam and Colleen’s family is one of the wealthier families in New York, and their father doesn’t want much to do with him.  There are a lot of characters to keep track of in this book and several side stories.  All in all, I enjoyed this book.

This is from the back cover:

“Will Maggie Listen to the Warnings of Those She Trusts Most or the Leadings of Her Heart?

The answer to Maggie Montgomery's dream of seeing America has arrived at just the right time. Not only will she be reunited with her beloved brother Rylan, but she'll finally be able to escape Neill Fitzgerald and his increasingly unwanted attentions. She's intent on never returning to Ireland, hoping to build her future in the land of opportunity and perhaps find the love of her life.

While visiting Irish Meadows, she meets an intriguing man she thinks is a stable hand. Only when her brother demands she stay away from Adam O'Leary does she learn he's Rylan's brother-in-law, recently released from prison. Nonetheless, Maggie can't seem to make her stubborn heart conform to her brother's request.

Adam O'Leary has never felt worthy of his place in the family. Now a free man, Adam's only desire is to earn back his family's trust. Falling in love with the newly arrived Maggie, however, was never in his plans. Despite everyone's efforts to keep them apart, the two develop a bond it seems nothing can break--but they soon discover the past isn't easy to overcome.”

This book has faith, love, conflict and suspense and, since many of my ancestors were Irish immigrants, the historical aspect was especially appealing to me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

You can read an excerpt HERE.

Go HERE to learn more about the author.

Love Everlasting by Tracie Peterson - a book review

Abrianna Cunningham, a young girl raised in a school for young girls to prepare them for marriage, has suddenly found out that she is an heiress.  She also has two men sparring for her affections.  Her neighbor and childhood friend, Wade, is a down to earth, hardworking man of integrity. Priam Welby is a smooth talking, money hungry businessman who uses his business contacts to encourage Abrianna to court him by promising to help her start a facility for the homeless.

Abrianna is a spunky character who  “…has always been given to speaking first and rushing in to take charge of a matter.”  She is a delightful character and brings a sauciness to the story.

This is from the back cover:

“Growing up in a Seattle bridal finishing school never prepared Abrianna Cunningham to become one of the brides, but now Wade Ackerman, who has always been the reliable boy next door, is indicating he wants to be more than friends. And even the people closest to Abrianna believe Wade is the man she should marry. So why is she having such a hard time choosing between Wade Ackerman and Priam Welby?

Watching Welby's relentless pursuit of Abrianna is making Wade's blood boil. Welby can offer her wealth and security, but what about character and integrity? Surely Abrianna can see past Welby's smooth tongue and fine clothes. Can't she?

Caught between the devil and the boy next door, either choice she makes will change Abrianna's life forever.”

I really liked this book.  It was interesting and historically accurate.  The dialog moved along at a pace that kept my interest.  This is the third book in the Brides of Seattle series but is a very stand-alone book.  While it would be helpful to read the first two in the series, it isn’t necessary.

You can read an excerpt HERE. 

Learn about the author, Tracie Peterson, HERE.  

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House and Baker
Publishing Group through their book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”