Review of Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~

The strongest love is formed in the crucible of hardship.

As Norah King surveys her family land in Iowa in 1880, she is acutely aware that it is all she has left, and she will do everything in her power to save it--even if that means marrying a man she hardly knows. Days before her wedding, Norah discovers an injured man on her property. Her sense of duty compels her to take him in and nurse him back to health. Little does she realize just how much this act of kindness will complicate her life and threaten the future she's planned.

Norah's care does more than aid Quincy Barnes's recovery--it awakens his heart to possibilities. Penniless and homeless, he knows the most honorable thing he can do is head on down the road and leave Norah to marry her intended. But walking away from the first person to believe in him proves much harder than he imagined.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a book that's the embodiment of a Hallmark romance meets a western, then Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham should be added to you TBR pile! 

Where the Road Bends was a sweet story! I could see the author's nod to the influence that Les Misérables played in inspiring the overall plot, but it was still its own unique tale. While not soulmate characters for me, I enjoyed the loyalty, love, and humor found in Norah and Quincy. I especially loved the way the author incorporated Jane Austen's Persuasion into their romance! I also enjoyed the references from the author's previous stories.

Norah and Quincy go on quite the spiritual journey in Where the Road Bends! Decisions and consequences propel both characters into highs and lows where they must fight for honor, freedom, peace, and -- at times -- their very lives. I liked watching Quincy become a man of honor who continued to display true, transformative repentance while also working to set others free. My heart ached for Norah, for the betrayal and trauma she'd experienced. However, my heart was warmed by the soul-healing love she experienced!

Three Stars ~ Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham is a sweet, romantic western! Where the Road Bends is a standalone novel, but the author has other books in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham

 

About the Book ~

Five years in a New York state reformatory have left a blemish on Hazel's real name. So when she takes a job as Doctor Gilbert Watts's lady in attendance in 1898, she does so under an alias. In the presence of her quiet and pious employer, Hazel finds more than an income. She finds a friend and a hope that if she can set her tarnished past in order, she might have a future after all.

As Gilbert becomes accustomed to the pleasant chatter of his new dental assistant, he can't help but sense something secretive about her. Perhaps there is more to this woman than meets the eye. Can the questions that loom between them ever be answered? Or will the deeds of days gone by forever rob the future of its possibilities?

Rachel Fordham pens a tender tale of a soft-spoken man and a hardened woman, as well the friends who stand by them, as they work toward a common purpose--to expunge the record of someone society deemed beyond saving--and perhaps find love along the way.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If you're looking for a story that will warm your heart with a sweet romance and deep truths, then A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham will give you all the cozy vibes!

The setting of A Lady in Attendance immediately charmed me, largely because I related to Gilbert and Hazel on a vocational level as I was a dental assistant for a time. Seeing a field in which I worked portrayed in a historical era was great fun, being both whimsical and nostalgic! Additionally, the author really kept my attention not only with the unfolding romance but also with mystery, murder, suspense, and a surprising plot twist. While I don't love the particular trope found there, I thought the author showed skill in both the initial shock and resolution surrounding that plot twist.

Gilbert was a sweet, steadfast hero who found himself becoming bolder and braver throughout the story, subtly showing how your God-given spouse can and should influence you for the better. Hazel's past sins, mistakes, and the injustices inflicted on her opened her eyes to forgiveness -- for everyone but herself! She truly struggled with forgiving herself, so her journey to accepting that the past didn't define her AND seeing the good that God wrought from her past brought tears to my eyes a time or two!

Four Stars ~ A Lady in Attendance by Rachel Fordham is a lovely romance with profound truths that will leave a warm feeling in your heart! A Lady in Attendance is a standalone, but the author has other novels in her backlist for readers to enjoy.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~ 

Where you come from matters far less than where you're going

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory. In the shadow of the Black Hills, she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid--despite being only twenty-four. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is precisely the one person who can never know.

Can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham carries the beautiful tune of simpler days -- even though none of the heart-wrenching issues the author tackles can be described as simple!

Set in 1880 in the Dakota territory, A Life Once Dreamed sweeps the reader into Penance, a close community with the grit to thrive in the West. The author's writing style stirred fond memories of Catherine Marshall's Christy and any number of Janette Oke's stories -- the kind of writing that warms you from the inside out!

You can't help but root for James and Agnes' second chance at love! Very romantic! Their journey makes up the primary story, but the author included another character that I'm hoping will the hero of his own tale one day! While the author emphasizes that where a person is going in life is more important that where they came from in James and Agnes' romantic story of reconciliation, the author achieves this through the character's heart-tugging choices to love. Without giving away the plot, each of the characters has to make the choice to love, a choice that may not be convenient, safe, or without sacrifice. Additionally, the author tackles the emotionally-charged topic of unwanted, illegitimate children. Amidst poverty, class prejudice, and a scarlet fever outbreak, the fatherly heart of God shines like a beacon of love in A Life Once Dreamed, a love story that is more than apropos for such a time as this!

Four Stars ~ A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham is beautiful story of love! A Life Once Dreamed is a standalone, but the author has other stories in her backlist for readers to enjoy!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer loves to write romantic and comedic stories that proclaim God’s deep love for us. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and an avid blogger. In her spare time, Joy loves to sing (especially Disney songs), drink large quantities of coffee, and take flowery photos for Bookstagram. When Joy isn’t fighting with fictional people, she’s hanging out with her husband and their adorable little girl. Connect with Joy via www.vjoypalmer.com!

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~

For three years, Penny Ercanbeck has been opening other people's mail.

Dead ends are a reality for clerks at the dead letter office, and she dreams of something more -- a bit of intrigue, perhaps a taste of romance. When she comes across a letter from a brokenhearted man to his one true love, it becomes her mission to place this lost letter into the hands of its intended recipient.

But when Penny's undertaking leads her to the intriguing man who touched her soul with his words, everything grows more complicated. She wants to find the rightful owner of the letter, and yet...she finds herself caring -- perhaps too much -- for the one who wrote it.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

If I had to use one word to describe Rachel Fordham's writing style, characters, and stories, I would say that all those elements are absolutely charming!

I guess that's two words, LOL!

But it's true! Yours Truly, Thomas is a charming read! It's the kind of story that makes your heart smile as you watch the characters fall in love, be spontaneous, end up in some mishaps, and fight for life. In addition to all those endearing facets of the story, I thought the storyline was unique for the era! I loved learning about the dead letter office! And Penny's spontaneous decision to travel to Azure Springs, meet Thomas, and figure out her own life was surrounded by some fun complications -- but I don't want to give away any spoilers!

Grief, regret, and guilt play a big roll in the story as both Penny and Thomas learn how to move forward after tragic loss, fighting to live for the hope of the future. Despite these heavy themes, I felt like the author did a good job balancing them with a sweet romance, heartfelt faith, and an intriguing storyline! Thomas and Penny's respective relationships with God are genuine, coming from a place of where the characters have been and where they want to go with Him.

Four Stars ~ Yours Truly, Thomas by Rachel Fordham is -- at the risk of sounding repetitive -- absolutely charming! Yours Truly, Thomas is a standalone, but it is the second book set in the author's charming town of Azure Springs, introduced to us in the author's debut, The Hope of Azure Springs!

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations, and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Goodreads, and Amazon Author Page!

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

Review of The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham

About the Book ~

Alone in a strange town, can she find healing for her new home . . . and herself?

Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won't be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He's determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn't expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Welcome to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

For more information about Rachel Fordham and her books, check out her website here!

My Thoughts ~

Sweet and quaint equals The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham!

The Hope of Azure Springs gave me some serious Anne of Green Gables vibes, but this endearing tale was completely it's own story, filled with heart-wrenching twists and true love. When you pick up this charming story, be prepared for chuckles, happy sighs, and some tears.

Em 'twas sweet and kind, fragile yet courageous. Her story was truly tragic, but I felt like I could still identify with Em. Who hasn't struggled with their looks or been touched by grief? So much of Em's story revolved around that grief that tore me to pieces, but I cherished the message that we should find the joy in remembering loved ones who have passed. Also, I loved her passion for storytelling because it further showed the significance stories play in our lives - and in the character's lives. ;-)

Caleb 'twas the classic cowboy princely hero that we love to swoon over, but he had a lot to learn about love! Thankfully, he comes to understand the importance of kindness over vain beauty, realizing that when you love someone, then they become the most beautiful to you in all ways. Em and Caleb's love had a nice, organic progression that will leave a happy grin on your face.

The light spiritual thread makes this story appealing to a broader range of people, but Godly truths are clear and present throughout the entire story. And that ending! Oh, how beautiful and romantic and full circle!

Three Stars ~ The Hope of Azure Springs is filled with all kinds of heart! If you love sweet historical romances or Anne of Green Gables, then I think you'd really enjoy this endearing tale.

Disclaimer ~ In accordance with FTC regulations, I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not compensated, nor was a positive review required. All opinions expressed are my own.

Any questions? Check out my Disclosures and Policies Page!

See you next time, and God bless you guys!!!

Hugs!

~V. Joy Palmer

V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.

 

Connect with Joy on her website, personal blog, devotional blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!