My Dearest Dietrich, A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Last Love by Amanda Barratt

About the book:
Title: My Dearest Dietrich; A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Last Love.
Author: Amanda Barratt
Publisher: Kregel

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison…
Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.
Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.
Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.
With their deep love comes risk--and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.
Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.

Buy a copy HERE!

About Amanda Barratt:

ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. Her novel My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love released from Kregel Publications in June 2019.
She’s also the author of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey, as well as seven novellas with Barbour Publishing. Two of her novellas have been finalists in the FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.

Website || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

I do not have adequate words to do this book justice. It is beautiful, haunting, and reads like a love song with poetic prose. This is one story that I will not forget anytime soon. 

I'd heard of Dietrich Bonhoeffer but didn't know much about him. I definitely didn't know he was a spy and I'd never heard of Maria von Wedemeyer. Their love story is one for the ages and clearly not one that is well known. 

Living in WWII Germany had to be one of scariest places ever, and Ms. Barratt brings that across clearly. Both Dietrich and Maria are portrayed real and in full color for the reader. Ms. Barratt's research is evident on each page. 

In our world today where our history keeps to remove the horror of the Holocaust books like Amanda Barratt's is sorely needed for not only the generation of today but future generations.

I highly recommend this book! It is a definite must read and will be on my list for the top books of 2019.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher as a part of Amanda Barratt's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Author Interview Featuring Amanda Barratt

I am so thrilled to have Amanda Barratt here on my blog to chat about her new book My Dearest Dietrich, A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Last Love. I am currently reading this book and let me tell you it is breathtaking beautiful and you do not want to miss it!!

ECPA best-selling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story—a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes romantic, historical fiction, penning stories of beauty and brokenness set against the backdrop of bygone eras not so very different from our own. Her novel My Dearest Dietrich: A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Lost Love released from Kregel Publications in June 2019.
She’s also the author of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele’s Journey, as well as seven novellas with Barbour Publishing. Two of her novellas have been finalists in the FHL Reader’s Choice Awards.
Amanda lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, where she can be found reading way too many books, plotting her next novel, and jotting down imaginary travel itineraries for her dream vacation to Europe.
Connect with her at Facebook and visit her online at her website.

Hi Amanda, and welcome to Radiant Light. I am so excited to have you here.

Amanda: Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog, Andi!

Me: How about we break the ice with some fun get to know you questions.

If you could hang out anywhere for a week, where would you choose—the mountains or beach? 

Amanda: The beach. But more specifically, a beach somewhere on the coast of Ireland or England. :-)

Me: I'm a beach girl myself, and the coast of Ireland or England sounds like the perfect place to be for a week. 

Me: Are you a night owl or an early bird? 

Amanda: I do my best writing in the morning, so tend to lean more on the early side. Although not 5:30 AM early. Though I admire those who rise at that hour, I’ve not yet achieved that level of early morning excellence! :-)

Me: I'm a definite night owl. My brain does this weird thing where if I'm getting up early the next day I can't get to sleep. It drives me crazy. Like you I envy those who can get up really early. My husband Mark rolls out of bed without a problem at 6am. So unfair. ;)

Me: When it comes to curling up with a good book, what would we find you drinking—coffee, hot or iced tea, water, something else?

Amanda: Tea or water. I have a large selection of teas that I keep handy, and love collecting special teacups and mugs. Peppermint, chai, and green tea are my favorites!

Me: For me it depends when I'm reading. If it's morning it's definitely coffee, the rest of the day and evening I'm a water girl.

Me: I just recently found some classic TV shows on Hulu. Do you have a favorite classic TV show that would lead you to binge watch?

 Amanda: I’m going to be embarrassingly honest, and admit I’m a huge I Love Lucy fan! I can quote entire episodes verbatim, and have even visited the Lucille Ball Museum in Jamestown, New York. Lucy’s zany antics are a great antidote to the drama and angst in my own books! :-)

Me: Oh my goodness, I love Lucy!! I grew up watching her and she is just the best! I had no idea there was a Lucille Ball Museum. That had to be a fun trip!! I'll have to add it to my bucket list!

Me: Here on my blog I say that it is a radiant light and source of encouragement for both readers and authors. What do you hope radiates from your daily life?  

Amanda: There are so many I could list, but I’m going to pick two: joy and compassion. I want to be someone who is absolutely radiant with the joy of the Lord, so much so that it spills onto those around me. In our dark world, many are parched for joy, and like plants without water, we’re withering because of it. It’s easy to get caught up in our own struggles and worries, and forget to look up and see the brokenness and pain in those around us. I want to be someone who isn’t too busy to encourage a friend, help a stranger, and love the least of these.


Me: Those are great attributes of God to want to spread around, and so very true. Our world is a dark place and like you, I hope to be a light of encouragement and support to anyone who needs it.


Me:What inspired you to write this story about Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Maria von Wedemeyer?

Amanda: They say every story has a seed. The seed for My Dearest Dietrich emerged when I heard the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for the first time. I’m from a very literary family, and our dinner conversations often revolve around the books we’re reading. When my mom read Eric Metaxas’s Seven Men: And the Secret of Their Greatness, she shared the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer with us. But I wasn’t inspired to bring his love story to life until I came across a quote from Love Letters from Cell 92, which is a compilation of the letters Bonhoeffer exchanged with his fiancée during their engagement. When I read the quote, the dots connected in my mind. “Wait. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had a fiancée?” The minute I began reading about Maria von Wedemeyer, I knew hers was a story begging to be told.

Me: I love that! I didn't grow up in a literary family, but I tried to foster that in my daughter's and what a great dinner conversation. I can see how those conversations would spawn ideas for stories. I'm so glad your mom shared the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer with you. 

Me: If I asked Maria von Wedemeyer to describe you what would she say?

Amanda: She’d probably say, “In many ways, she’s like me, although less adventurous and terrible at mathematics!”  We both love those around us deeply, yet struggle at times with feelings of inadequacy and doubt.

Me: I'm definitely not a math person and as for adventurous it depends on the adventure. Haha!


Me: What is your kryptonite as a writer? 

Amanda: Noise! Very philosophical, I know. :-) I do my writing in an upstairs loft, which means I can hear everything going on in the rest of the house. I’ve learned to listen to music and tune out distractions, but I adore the rare times when I’m all alone and can create in blissful silence.

Me: Oh, I agree! I love being home alone in complete silence. I do enjoy sitting outside and listening to my waterfall as I read. It's nice and relaxing.

Me: Is there a quote from My Dearest Dietrich you’d like to share? 

Amanda: Here’s a favorite paragraph from one of the very first scenes in the novel, where Dietrich and Maria are becoming reacquainted.

She tilted her head to look at him. How different he seemed now, simply a man walking beside her instead of the great pastor in the pulpit. And she, no longer the little girl relegated to playing with her brothers and sisters, could be free to converse with him on equal terms.
Tonight had the texture of hope in it, brought on perhaps by the presence of this man who seemed to emanate it.


Me: I love that scene. Thank you for sharing.

Me: Before we say good-bye what's coming up next for you?

Amanda: In 2020 I have another World War II novel releasing with Kregel, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. It’s based on Sophie Scholl and the White Rose resistance group—German college students who took a stand against Hitler. Researching Bonhoeffer led me to Sophie, and I’m beyond excited for readers to discover the story of this amazing young woman in a new way.

Me: That sounds great! I've not heard of Sophie Scholl or the White Rose resistance group. Interestingly Scholl is a name in my mom's family history. So, that makes me even more interested in it.

Me: Amanda, thank you so much for spending some time with me today, I hope My Dearest Dietrich has a wonderful release and readers get a new perspective of this amazing man of God!

Amanda: Thank you, Andi! Your support of this novel is a joy and a blessing!

 Me: It has been both a blessing and a joy helping you promote this novel. I love historical fiction for loads of reasons but mainly because I always learn something. Actually loads of things we were never taught.






About the book:

Title: My Dearest Dietrich; A Novel of Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Last Love.
Author: Amanda Barratt
Publisher: Kregel

A staggering love illuminating the dark corners of a Nazi prison…
Renowned German pastor and theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer is famous for his resistance to the Nazi regime and for his allegiance to God over government. But what few realize is that the last years of his life also held a love story that rivals any romance novel.
Maria von Wedemeyer knows the realities of war. Her beloved father and brother have both been killed on the battlefield. The last thing this spirited young woman needs is to fall for a man under constant surveillance by the Gestapo. How can she give another piece of her heart to a man so likely to share the same final fate? Yet when Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an old family friend, comes to comfort the von Wedemeyers after their losses, she discovers that love isn't always logical.
Dietrich himself has determined to keep his distance from romantic attachments. There is too much work to be done for God, and his involvement in the conspiracy is far too important. But when he encounters a woman whose intelligence and conviction match his own, he's unprepared for how easy it is to give away his heart.
With their deep love comes risk--and neither Dietrich nor Maria is prepared for just how great that risk soon becomes.
Based on detailed historical research, this true love story is at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life.

Purchase a copy HERE.

The King's Mercy by Lori Benton - Reviewed

About the book:

Title: The King's Mercy
Author: Lori Benton
Publisher: Waterbrook

For readers of Sara Donati and Diana Gabaldon, this epic historical romance tells of fateful love between an indentured Scotsman and a daughter of the 18th century colonial south.
When captured rebel Scotsman Alex MacKinnon is granted the king's mercy--exile to the Colony of North Carolina--he's indentured to Englishman Edmund Carey as a blacksmith. Against his will Alex is drawn into the struggles of Carey's slaves--and those of his stepdaughter, Joanna Carey. A mistress with a servant's heart, Joanna is expected to wed her father's overseer, Phineas Reeves, but finds herself drawn instead to the new blacksmith. As their unlikely relationship deepens, successive tragedies strike the Careys. When blame falls unfairly upon Alex he flees to the distant mountains where he encounters Reverend Pauling, itinerate preacher and friend of the Careys, now a prisoner of the Cherokees. Haunted by his abandoning of Joanna, Alex tries to settle into life with the Cherokees, until circumstances thwart yet another attempt to forge his freedom and he's faced with the choice that's long hounded him: continue down his rebellious path or embrace the faith of a man like Pauling, whose freedom in Christ no man can steal. But the price of such mercy is total surrender, and perhaps Alex's very life.

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Christian Books

About Lori:

Lori Benton was raised east of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by early American history going back three hundred years. Her novels transport readers to the eighteenth century, where she brings to life the Colonial and early Federal periods of American history. When she isn't writing, reading, or researching, Lori enjoys exploring and photographing the Oregon wilderness with her husband. She is the author of "Burning Sky," recipient of three Christy Awards, "The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn," Christy-nominee "The Wood's Edge," and "A Flight of Arrows."

Blog || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

Lori Benton's latest book is what good inspirational historical fiction is made of. Rich detail that makes you feel like you are right there in colonial North Carolina with Alex MacKinnon as he is begins his indentured life at Severn Plantation. 

This story is captivating in all the great ways a good story does. Even with the difficulties the characters struggle to overcome there is hope. The wonderful hope that can only come from our Heavenly Father. The main themes that run through the story like a beautiful woven thread is grace and mercy. 

Ms. Benton has written another beautiful story wrapped with grace and mercy. This would be a great addition for any historical fiction fan to add to their summer reading list. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Far Side of the Sea by Kate Breslin Reviewed

About the book:

Title: Far Side of the Sea
Author: Kate Breslin
Publisher: Bethany House

In spring 1918, Lieutenant Colin Mabry, a British soldier working with MI8 after suffering injuries on the front, receives a message by carrier pigeon. It is from Jewel Reyer, the woman he once loved and who saved his life--a woman he believed to be dead. Traveling to France to answer her urgent summons, he desperately hopes this mission will ease his guilt and restore the courage he lost on the battlefield.
Colin is stunned, however, to discover the message came from Jewel's half sister, Johanna. Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence, found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust begins to grow between them.
When their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot, danger and deception turn their search for answers into a battle for their lives.

Amazon || B&N || Christian Books 

 About Kate Breslin:

A Florida girl who migrated to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Kate Breslin lives on a small bay in Washington State with her guitarist husband and family. Kate has written travel articles, published award-winning poetry, and her fourth novel, Far Side of the Sea, released with Bethany House Publishers in March of 2019. When she’s not writing inspirational fiction or spending time with author friends, she’s reading books, watching anything Jane Austen on BBC, or following hubby John’s musical career as his #1 fan. An avid nature lover, she enjoys long walks in Washington State’s beautiful woodlands or working in her rose garden. Kate’s also a traveler–she and John have toured much of the U.S. and with her intrepid mom as traveling companion, Kate’s also been abroad–Paris, Munich, Rome, Pompeii, Athens, and Barcelona, just to name a few. She’s always looking for the next story idea!

Website || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

Spies, secrets, and carrier pigeons . . . Oh MY! And they make for a great WWI novel. Ms. Breslin takes us back to WWI, a time period I don't know much about. 

Venturing to Spain from France, fans of Breslin will be thrilled to see Lieutenant Colin Mabry from Not by Sight get his own adventure. 

Twists, turns, and deception fill these pages keeping the reader glued to the page. Breslin’s attention to research is evident on each page, and woven throughout the treacherous plot is the theme of trust that will encourage reader’s hearts.

Disclaimer:

I received a copy of this book via the publisher in association with Ms. Breslin's street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill Review with Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog & Review Tour - and Giveaway - for Within These Lines by Stephanie Morrill, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Within These Lines  

Author: Stephanie Morrill  

Publisher: Blink YA  

Genre: Historical Young Adult Fiction  

Release Date: March 5, 2019

When Evalina Cassano and Taichi Hamasaki are torn apart by the events following the attack on Pearl Harbor, they must fight if they want any hope of returning to one another before World War II steals their future together. Within These Lines is one unflinching, haunting, historical novel you don’t want to miss; perfect for fans of Monica Hesse, Ruta Sepetys, and Elizabeth Wein.

Evalina Cassano’s life in an Italian-American family living in San Francisco in 1941 is quiet and ordinary until she falls in love with Taichi Hamasaki, the son of Japanese immigrants. Despite the scandal it would cause and that inter-racial marriage is illegal in California, Evalina and Taichi vow they will find a way to be together. But anti-Japanese feelings erupt across the country after the attack on Pearl Harbor, and Taichi and his family are forced to give up their farm and move to a Japanese-American internment camp.

Degrading treatment makes life at Manzanar Relocation Center difficult. Taichi’s only connection to the outside world is treasured letters from Evalina. Feeling that the only action she can take to help Taichi is to speak out against injustice, Evalina becomes increasingly vocal at school and at home. Meanwhile, inside Manzanar, fighting between different Japanese-American factions arises. Taichi begins to doubt he will ever leave the camp alive.

With tensions running high and their freedom on the line, Evalina and Taichi must hold true to their ideals and believe in their love to make a way back to each other against unbelievable odds.  

Within These Lines:

• Is a young adult historical novel set in the World War II era
• Contains themes of love, separation, social justice, war, and diversity
• Perfect for junior high and high school students
• A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Christian Book | iTunes

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephanie Morrill writes books about girls who are on an adventure to discover their unique place in the world. She is the author of several contemporary young adult series, as well as the 1920s mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street, and the WWII era romance, Within These Lines. Since 2010, Stephanie has been encouraging the next generation of writers at her website, GoTeenWriters.com. She lives in the Kansas City area, where she loves plotting big and small adventures to enjoy with her husband and three children. You can connect with Stephanie and learn more about her books at StephanieMorrill.com, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.  

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR: website | facebook | twitter | instagram

---

My Thoughts:

This book made me angry and sad while giving me hope that American's can be better and do better!

I loved both Evalina and Taichi. I related to Evalina. In fact her being an Italian-American teenager is one of the things that drew me to the story, because I am also Italian-American. Her fiery, spunky personality is one of my favorite type of female character. I loved that she was a political science major, and one that went against the grain of political correctness and fought for the injustice done to Japanese-Americans.

Taichi was the sweetest. He has integrity, courage, and a heart for others. His care and concern for not only Evalina, and his family; but everyone at the camp, other families that rode the same bus to the Manzanar. There wasn't anyone he wouldn't help.

The story of these two young adults was raw, gritty, real, inspiring, and one I won't forget anytime soon. It depicts a horrible time in American history. One that I don't believe is talked about or even taught much. I don't remember learning much about this period of time in American history class. This is just one of many reasons I love historical fiction. No history class can teach us everything about each time period and historical fiction gives us a great story and a more personal view of history than any text book.

I highly recommend this book! I had a great opportunity to talk about this book with our server at a restaurant the other day and she was so interested in it she said she was going to get a copy!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in association with Just Read Publicity Tours. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY

(1) Grand Prize winner will win a release copy of Within These Lines & a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

(5) First Prize winners will each with a special designed poster of Within These Lines from the publisher, Blink YA. Featured quote on poster: "Be Brave Enough to Care and Bold Enough to Act"

Be sure to check out each stop on the Bookstagram Tour and (upcoming) Takeover Tour, as well as this tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway began at midnight March 5, 2019 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on March 18, 2019. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Due to shipping cost, only US mailing addresses valid. For our giveaway rules and policy, click HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Be sure to stop at the following tours for more chances to win!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Handmade Hearts Blitz

Welcome to the Blog Blitz & Giveaway for Handmade Hearts by June McCrary Jacobs, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Handmade Hearts  
Author: June McCrary Jacobs  
Publisher: JMJ Story Stitcher Books  
Release Date: December 18, 2018  
Genre: Historical Romance 

'Handmade Hearts' is an historical romance short story set in New Orleans during World War II and was inspired by a true story.

Toward the end of his life, the author asked her Uncle 'Allen' how he met his wife. He shared about how he met 'Irene' at a church social in their neighborhood in New Orleans in the early 1940s. He had been seriously wounded in Guadalcanal in the South Pacific as a young Marine and was using crutches to get around as best he could.

He had many inner wounds which needed time to heal, too. He had no way of knowing when they first met that Irene had suffered her own wartime tragedy. She bravely sought to keep her grief locked away deep inside because thinking about her loss caused her even more sorrow. She needed to be strong because she was the breadwinner for her small family.

Times were tough, but these two unique individuals made it through each day with inner fortitude, determination, and the sincere hope of something greater just over the horizon.

This inspirational short story follows the growth of Allen and Irene's relationship beginning with their chance meeting and leading forward to a lifetime spent together. 'Handmade Hearts' was created to honor this unique couple's love for and devotion to each other in a relationship which spanned seven decades.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon

'HANDMADE HEARTS' – EXCERPT

 New Orleans, Louisiana

October 20, 1944

Allen wrestled with his heavy wooden crutches. Each step was agonizing. He grimaced as he labored up the stairs of the church's fellowship hall proudly wearing his uniform—a uniform he’d dreamed of wearing since learning of the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

In addition to the almost intolerable and constant pain, the three bullet wounds received from a sniper in Guadalcanal two months ago had wreaked havoc with his plans for his life. Well, at least I still have a life . . .

Dozens of his fellow Marines had not made it out of Guadalcanal alive on that horrendous, life-altering night. Allen felt himself slipping into the abyss of traumatic memories once again. The vivid memories that plagued him daily flashed in front of his eyes. His pulse quickened, and his heart pounded loudly in his ears. He felt clammy and nauseous, and both legs began to tremble.

A woman's melodic voice roused him from his memories of the ambush.

 "Good evening, Lance Corporal. May I hold the door for you?"

 Allen wondered how long she had been speaking to him before her voice drifted through to his subconscious. He blinked as the details of her face came into focus.

"Uh, what? Yes, I guess you'd better," Allen snapped.

When he recognized the hurt expression on her face, he turned toward her.

 "Sorry if I sounded gruff. I just feel so helpless being dependent on these blasted crutches!"

"No need to apologize or explain," she answered in a soothing voice.  "Let me introduce myself. I'm Irene Carston."

 

---

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

June McCrary Jacobs was the winner of Cedar Fort Publishing's 2013 Holiday Tale Contest for her debut novella, 'A Holiday Miracle in Apple Blossom'. 'Robin's Reward', her first full-length novel, was set in her favorite location in California—the Mendocino coastal region. This book is the first installment of the 'Bonita Creek Trilogy'.

June's debut middle-grade novel, 'RES-Q Tyler Stop', an historical novel set in Sonoma County, California, in 1968, will be released in the spring of 2019. The second installment of the 'Bonita Creek Trilogy', 'Penny's Promise', will be released in late 2019 or early 2020.

June's original sewing, quilting, and stitchery designs have been published in over one hundred books, magazines, and on sewing industry blogs in the past decade. When she's not writing, reading, blogging, or sewing, June enjoys cooking, walking, visiting art and history museums, and touring historic homes and gardens.

CONNECT WITH JUNE: Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Goodreads Blog | Amazon

---

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will win an ebook copy of Handmade Hearts + $15 Amazon Gift Code 

(2) additional winners will each receive an ebook copy of Handmade Hearts

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight January 15, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm January 22, 2019. Open internationally except where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

---

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Searching for You (Orphan Train #3) by Jody Hedlund Reviewed

 About the book:

Title: Searching for You (Orphan Train, #3)
Author: Jody Hedlund
Series: Orphan Train
Publisher: Bethany House

Despite years on the run, Sophie Neumann is determined to care for two young children. She won't abandon them the way she thinks her older sisters abandoned her. But times are growing desperate, and when she falls in with the wrong crowd and witnesses a crime, she realizes fleeing 1850s New York is her only option.
Disappearing with her two young charges into a group of orphans heading west by train, Sophie hopes to find safety and a happy life. When the train stops in Illinois for the first placement of orphans, Sophie faces the most difficult choice of her life.
Reinhold Weiss has finally purchased his own small farm. With mounting debts, a harvest to bring in, and past scars that haunt him, he's in no position to give his heart away . . . but can he say no when his long-lost friend shows up on a nearby train pleading for his help?

Amazon || B&N || Christian Books

About Jody Hedlund

Winner of the 2016 Christian Book Award and finalist for the Christy Awards, best-selling author Jody Hedlund writes inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. Although Jody prefers to experience daring and dangerous adventures through her characters rather than in real life, she’s learned that a calm existence is simply not meant to be (at least in this phase of her life!).

When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.

Website || Facebook || Twitter 

My Thoughts:

Series books and I have a love/hate relationship. I love series because the story continues from one book to the next, and we get a more intimate look at each character. However, like with Searching for You, the series must come to an end, which this reader is not a fan of. 

The more and more I review the harder and harder it is to put the emotions the story evokes into words.

I've been looking forward to Sophie's story since reading Together Forever, and Miss Hedlund does not disappoint with her final installment of this series. 

This quote "Sometimes God allows us to sink down in our own misery until we reach a low place where we're finally ready to look up and reach out for Him." is the theme of the story. 

Sophie struggles with her situation, lack of control, and her inability to fix the circumstances that both  Nicholas and Olivia are in. Through these struggles Ms. Hedlund places the reader smack in the middle of all that is going on which makes them feel like they are experiencing everything the characters are.

The research that Ms. Hedlund puts into this story is evident with her care to the true story of orphan trains. Reinhold is a swoony hero. Not only is he handsome, he is a man of integrity, and his care, devotion, and concern for Sophie and the children is just what you want a hero to be. Sophie is a spitfire which is one of the many qualities I enjoy in a heroine. 

Overall this is a great finale to a wonderful series. You can read this as a stand alone, however I recommend you read the entire series from beginning to end so you can enjoy the series more fully.

I highly recommend this book!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book via the publisher as a member of a street team. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.