Livvie's Song

River of Hope #1

by Sharlene MacLaren

Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie’s Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet—no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she’s determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.
Newly released from a ten-year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand—the only possession he values, aside from his Bible—he makes his way to Wabash, where a late-night meal at Livvie’s Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn’t know is that the “restaurant” was a prison cafeteria.
But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God’s providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers—and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.
 

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Historical, Christian, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Romance

404 pages, Paperback

First published December 17, 2010

About the author

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

Reviews

[Linda Klager · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book # 1 in the new River of Hope Series is read. I enjoyed this story set in Wabash, Indiana. The author described the setting of this town so well. The characters in this small town were very interesting. I loved the story of Livvie and Will so much. Each chapter of the book began with a Scripture verse - very nice indeed.

[Ausjenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book by Sharlene. This book is set in the 1920's in Wabash Indiana and I haven't read alot of books set in this period but enjoyed it. Will is just out of prison and picks Wabash as the place to live. Will ends up in Olivia's restaurant and hired to work in the kitchen. I enjoyed the story of seeing Will coming out of prison a changed man having become a christian and how different things happen to him in the story starting with whether or not to tell Olivia he has been in prison. Olivia also has had tragedy in her live having lost her husband. What I love about this book is as the story goes on the more we learn about both Will and Olivia. I love the way the story builds and the constant building of the story. I would love to say more but do not want to give any of the story away. I also love how Sharlene deals with peoples perceptions of good and bad for example some think going to a dance and listening to the music is evil although they have never actually been to a dance before. Also the perception about once a criminal always a criminal and I admit this book made me think would I have thought differently and to be honest I am not sure I would have but it has made me think about the issue. Looking forward to more in this series.

[Tammy Farlow · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book drew my attention mostly because it is set in a small rural Indiana town of Wabash where I have lived the past 36 years. The author did a good job of including people, sites, and geographical locations true to the history of the town. This was enough to hold my interest but likely not going to have the same appeal for someone who isn't familiar with the area.
The story is rather predictable: good people have good come to them, and the opposite for those who live on the dark side. That might not match real life, yet the story doesn't veer far from it. The author does creatively set the story in a diner, allowing her to share some recipes that were incorporated into the story. This is a light read for anyone who wants a story line based on Christian principles. It has a few twists to keep the reader turning the pages.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another kindle freebie I’ve had forever. I would definitely describe this as a Jesus-loving kind of book, but it worked and didn’t feel overly preachy for the most part. There were plenty of inspiring moments and the romance was well done. It was predictable, a bit cheesy and melodramatic at times, but overall a good fluffy read.

[DonnaJo Pallini · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. Can’t give it 4 stars. To me the story was slow until 60% through then it picked up and kept moving forward. The writing is good and the characters are well developed (maybe too much because so much time is spent delving into every little nuance).
All in all I’m sure I will read the next book in the series.

[debbie lanier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read!

First time I've ever read Sharlene and won't be my last. In fact, I'm going to suggest we read her at my next Inspirational Fiction Book Club meeting.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actual rating - 3.5

[Kristy Hetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Addison · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This inspirational historical romance delivers a gentle, heartwarming tale of second chances. Livvie’s strength as a young widow and Boone’s redemptive journey from ex-convict to cook are both layered and moving. Fans of Christian fiction will appreciate the sweet romance and values-driven storytelling. It’s a clean read with emotional resonance.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title: LIVVIE’S SONG
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Publisher: Whitaker House+
June 2011
ISBN: 978-1603742122
Genre: Historical

Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.

Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.

But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.

LIVVIE’S SONG is an older story from Ms. MacLaren (I am horribly behind on reviews). I’ve been to Wabash, Indiana, and it was fun reading a story set in a town I’m semi-familiar with. Will is a colorful character, hopping boxcars to travel and not getting haircuts to save money—but offering to pay double for meals and staying in a hotel because he had plenty to get by. (That was rather contradictory.)

Livvie took some getting used to. She wasn’t very nice to Will, not at all, at first. She was in mourning for her husband (dead one year) and Will is fresh out of prison. He talks about telling the truth, but won’t tell anyone he was in prison. He lets them believe he worked in a restaurant. There are some bad guys wanting something they believe Will has, which adds some excitement to the story.

Fairly predictable, but some twists. Slow moving, but does get better toward the end. 406 pages. Available in paperback and ebook.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is far from a breeze for Olivia Beckman, owner of Livvie's Kitchen, a favorite of locals in Wabash, Indiana. The widowed mother of two is struggling to make ends meet–no simple feat, especially when her cook turns in his resignation. Yet she's determined to pull through on her own, just as she did when God failed to save her beloved Frank.

Newly released from a ten–year prison sentence, Will Taylor is ready for a fresh start. With harmonica in hand–the only possession he values, aside from his Bible–he makes his way to Wabash, where a late–night meal at Livvie's Kitchen turns into a job opportunity when the outgoing cook learns about his restaurant experience. What he doesn't know is that the "restaurant" was a prison cafeteria.

But Will became a new man behind bars, thanks to a Christian friend, and he credits God's providence with landing him a job he loves. Soon, he cooks and bakes his way into the stomachs of his customers–and the heart of his employer. Both are hesitant, though, still healing from past hurts. A recipe for love between them will require sharing secrets, braving dangers, and believing God for a bright future.

I enjoyed reading this book. Putting lives back together, and forgiving oneself with God's help.
I loved the interaction of Will with Alex and Nate, once he comes to the dinner, he becomes a Father figure for them. He truly loves them and they know it.

I also enjoyed the way Livvie and Will begin to act around each other. Of course, there are always problems, and it seems that people who are not quite right in the mind have found them. There are answers to questions about things that happened years before.

This is the first book in the River of Hope Series and I'm glad there will be more!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from of Whitaker House. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed 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.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have heard of Sharlene MacLaren’s books in the past, but this is the first one I have read by her. Livvie’s Song was a very nice read that had both fun moments and wonderful lessons.

Olivia, who is known as “Livvie” throughout this book, was fun to get to know. While she had many hardships during her life—two of them being losing her husband and keeping her restaurant afloat—she still met everything with determination and strength. Then stranger and ex-convict Will Taylor shows up in town and she doesn’t know what to make of him. Almost from the very first scene with Will, I liked him. He had such a fun, teasing character! I loved the way that Livvie and Will badgered each other.

The setting for this story—Wabash, Indiana—was homey and inviting. It gave the whole book a relaxing and appealing feel to it as I read. If I had a problem with this book at all, it was that the writing was a bit long winded and dragged out at times. Not very much, but several times I found myself skimming the pages, wanting to get to the next part. The plot was great, though, and so unpredictable. Just from looking at the book and reading the back, I would never have guessed what really happens within this book. And the story of healing—for both Livvie and Will—was tender and sweet.

Livvie’s Song is the first book in Sherlene’s new series, River of Hope. With a wonderful beginning, I am sure that this series will be great. Mixed with humor, healing, danger, and a bit of suspense at times, this is a fun read for any teenager. :-)

[Trinity Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Livvie’s Song by Sharlene MacLaren is a really excellent book. It has so many things in it, but mostly it’s a book about second chances. It lets you know no matter what happens in life you can start over and life can be fantastic.
I really like how close Will is to the Lord and how he helps others come into a better relationship with the Lord. Even when you are down and out you can learn something and make your life better. When bad things happen keep going, because good things are just around the corner.
Livvie is widowed with two sons and is trying to keep her restaurant afloat, Will just got out of prison after ten years and he happens to get a job at Livvie’s restaurant. At first Will tries to keep his prison sentence a secret, but the past always catches up to you.
You will see the struggles, heartaches, joys and finally peace that come from this adventure-laced book. The ending of this book is packed with action and suspense. I really, really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the rest of the series. Sharlene is such a fantastic story teller. I highly recommend that you read this book.



Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Rachelle Sperling · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my profile for my star rating system. Thank you to Whitaker House for sending me a digital copy of this book for review.

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One thing that I particularly appreciate about Sharlene MacLaren’s writing is that she knows people and incorporates depth of character and emotion into her novels. The plot of Livvie’s song was well thought through and interesting, but the characters were what really kept me engaged in the story. Will’s doubts, his struggle to find redemption, his longing to be seen as a new man in Christ and his fear that he will never be able to move beyond the mistakes of his past all captivated my emotions. This is my heartbeat, to see others walk in redemption, standing tall as new creations in Christ, calling others to come and walk in the light. Livvie’s struggles, skepticism and frustration with God and faith were equally real and engaging.

Weave together real characters with honest struggles into the changing times of a growing town the 1920′s, throw in a couple of villains, some down home cooking and you have an altogether enjoyable novel.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this book! Livvie’s Song is one of those books that I fell in love with right away and did not want it to end. The theme of redemption and starting over runs throughout the story and gives it a hopeful and uplifting feeling. The characters were wonderful and likeable. The setting of the small town of Wabash, Indiana and Livvie’s restaurant make for a warm and homey feeling. There is simply nothing I did not like about this book.

I have not read many books by Sharlene MacLaren, but the ones I have read have been very good, but Livvie’s Song is definitely my favorite of hers so far. I am so glad this book is just the beginning of a series and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I just can’t find enough good to say about this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone who enjoys a nice, relaxing romance that tugs on the heartstrings. I loved it!

[Lynne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Sharlene MacLaren! This one grabs you from the first page. A young mother of 2 very much in love with her husband becomes widowed suddenly and is left to make her way, running the small restaurant that was her husbands dream. Just scraping by she is forced to hire a man who is new in town and she knows nothing about to be her new cook. What will happen when she finds out the truth? What will happen when his past catches up with him? That is what makes this such a good book. It is a story about fighting your feelings, going with your feelings, forgiveness, and God's redeeming Grace.

If you have ever read one of Sharlene MacLaren's books you will not be disappointed in this one, the first in a new series. If you have not read one of her books please read this one. You will fall in love with her writing and want to read everything she has written.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just at a time I was discouraged, I picked up this book to read. Every chapter lifts you and encourages you.
Olivia lost her beloved Frank and is struggling to keep restaurant going. Then along comes Will with a past he does not want to reveal. He gets a job as a cook as current one is leaving.
Will comes up with a way to keep restaurant afloat. But eventually his past is revealed.
Yet there is forgiveness beyond God's forgiveness. I wish I could say all churches forgive like one in this story. I have been in some that do and some that don't.
If you are struggling, read this book. There are three books in the series. This one can stand along but recommend you read it before moving on to others. Experience God's forgiveness anew and encouragement.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unlikely pair. A young widow maintaining the dream of her deceased husband; running a local restaurant; struggling to make ends meet and needing a cook. An ex-convict, seeking an honest future in a small town; determined to put the past behind him and proficient in the kitchen. I absolutely loved this book! Livvie and Will are engaging characters; the dialogue between them was so well written and Will's transformation into someone willing to love and forgive was humbling. Not only is there quiet, subtle, powerful romance, but the dramatic ending makes this book a story to remember! A well deserved four-stars!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Sharlene MacLaren! This book was no disappointment either. Livvie is living in Wabash, IN. Her husband was killed a year previous. She is trying to keep her life together by running her restaurant and taking care of her 2 boys. She needs a cook to help her with this restaurant. Will Taylor just got out of prison for a theft gone bad and he ends up in Wabash and gets the job as the cook. There is some conflict when the guys Will did the theft with, follow him to Wabash. I really liked this book!

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like some of the end of the story revelations took away from the story overall. It was unnecessary to spin things that way. So, for me, the story slipped from a sweet 4 stars to a sort of mediocre 3. Having the unfaithfulness be real, rather than the product of Marva's or her father's twisted mind, really stunk. I had hoped it was more a, 'he's going to kill you, so we'll try to help you escape,' type thing. Marva could/would still have believed the worst. Anyway, I felt Luke I needed a shower after I finished it.

[Cindy Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Widow Olivia Beckman and Reformed ex-con Will Taylor's lives intersect at Livvie's Kitchen in the growing town of Wabash. Lots of delightful twists in this plot as their lives move from employer/employee to something more. The author did her research to bring to her readers life during the early 1900s. Very believable scenarios. Well-written secondary characters move the plot along to an exciting conclusion. A must read for everyone who loves a little intrigue mixed with their romance.

[Charity U · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-1-11: I loved it. :)

9-2-11: I loved it again. This is one of those books that I can read again and again. The love story is beautiful. I love the cover. The adventure is just adventurous enough, and I am so attached to all the characters...I'd love to meet them! If you haven't read this yet, you need to.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book, but mostly a typical romance, though it did have a slight twist to it. I enjoyed it as a light read, but it also gives you a little to think about involving God, which is usually a good thing. Not one of the best books ever written, but if you're looking for a light read, it is a good choice.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Strong message of redemption and God's grace. Ex-convict as the hero made it different than any Christian fiction I've ever read. I also enjoyed the setting - the town and time period. I downloaded this book for free on Kindle (no longer free ) - a neat way to find new authors. I'll try another of Sharlene MacLaren's books because this one was so fun to read.

[Deliasue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharlene knows how to make a story interesting and to the point. I loved the way she used the cafe setting for livvie to meet the ex con, after her husband died. This is a truly tear jerker in places and smiling and laughter in others. I will read more of Sharlene's books.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice light read. Based in 1926 but not enough history for my to consider it Historical Fiction. I could have done without so much "he was SO masculine" "she was the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on" sappy stuff but some like that I guess. Contains distinctly Christian content.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of 2...
*Very good.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. This author is new to me and I enjoyed her style and will b getting more books by her, that's for certain.

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. 4 stars!