Tag Archive | inspirational

Paper Roses… a Book Review

Paper Roses by Amanda Cabot is a Christian period romance about a mail order bride and her trip to her new life. Nothing is simple in the life of Sarah. Left destitute after the death of her parents, Sarah is dependent on the composer of her Paper Roses (letters). With her toddler aged sister Thea in hand she has left everything behind with the hope of a fairy tale ending only to make it to her destination with the knowledge that her fiance is dead.

Left to mourn her would be husband is his father and brother. With the questions unanswered in the death of Austin, widower Clay is left behind to mourn and wish for revenge on the murderer of his beloved brother. Sarah sees this as her only option and with her own secrets and fractured relationship with God she and Clay have much growth and forgiveness and mercy to apply for.

This is the first in the Texas Dreams series and is a lovely inspirational story. The romance is slow in building, the mystery rather interesting and the characters variable and interesting. If you are looking for a faith based book set in the old West… this could be the book for you!

Paper Roses

Homespun Bride… a Book Review

I don’t usually read historical romances… at least not ones NOT based in the Regency Era but Amazon had this one up for free on Prime. I am glad that I did in this case. Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart is a sweet romantic story about a young woman who has had no luck in love following a wagon accident that took her eyesight and her parents’ lives.

Noelle is living with her aunt, uncle and 2 cousins after the death of her parents and broken engagement. She is dependent on her family as she continues to find her independence without the help of her sight. Strengthened by her belief in God and her teaching piano to the local children, Noelle is content with her life… that is until the snow falls and once again she is the passenger in a wagon gone wild.

When Noelle and her Aunt are saved by a stranger old memories and loves are brought to the surface and Noelle questions her life, choices and future. When the identity of the stranger is discovered we begin the journey of his return to faith and the healing of his broken heart. We learn more about their shared history and the parts each of their parents played in it.

This gentle romance pairs up two journeys of faith with a long ago time period of horse and buggy (or sled) and the beginning of steam powered train. I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. While definitely at a disadvantage due to her lack of sight Noelle does not constantly slip into a pity party. Instead we get a glimpse into the conundrums that come with being disabled in a society without a lot of the resources we now have at hand. If you are on the look out for an inspirational historical romance this could be the book for you!

Homespun Bride