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Loving Beth

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Beth McCullough struggles to keep her West Virginia farm and care for two abandoned children, but the bank is threatening foreclosure, someone is threatening her life, and the man she's falling for has closed his heart to love. But God works in mysterious ways.

Times were hard after Beth McCullough's father died in the Civil War, but she and her mother are getting by on their little farm outside Rosewood, West Virginia. The kindly banker holding the loan lets them pay what they can. Then Beth's mother dies suddenly, and the banker's arrogant son gives her only thirty days to pay her full debt. Beth is left alone and lonely and fears losing the only home she's ever known. It would be nice to have someone in her life like Jacob, the handsome man who found her mother. Then to her horror, Beth discovers two small children who've been abandoned. It's one more thing for her to worry about, but Beth has to keep faith in God's ability to work miracles.

Although he has to travel to Baltimore to care for his ailing mother, Jacob Wallace can't stop thinking about Beth, but he'd promised his late wife he'd never love again after her tragic death. After receiving a letter with terrible rumors about Beth, Jacob returns to Rosewood, angry, bitter, and disillusioned, more determined than ever to keep his vow to never love again. He's right to close his heart against Beth.

As Beth struggles to protect the children and keep her farm, she's also defending against Jacob's unfounded suspicions. The danger escalates with an attack and threats to her life. But God moves in mysterious ways. Is there room in Jacob's heart for a new love? Will they learn to trust each other and have faith in God's plan to find their way together?

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2023

57 people are currently reading
2545 people want to read

About the author

Bonnie Rose Ward

5 books148 followers
Bonnie Rose Ward, an award-winning author celebrated for her vivid memoirs recounting life in the Alaskan wilderness, currently resides in West Virginia with her husband. Bonnie's homestead is nestled within the serene foothills of the Allegheny Mountains. The spirit of these mountains and her husband's familial tales from the region breathe life into her compelling narratives of
Appalachian resilience, strength, and the quest for love.

Drawing from her fifteen-years in the wilderness, Bonnie's present lifestyle encapsulates the essence of self-sufficiency. Together with Samuel, she tends to a menagerie of goats, chickens, Zebu cattle, and other barnyard animals, while also cultivating their verdant gardens. When not
immersed in her rural responsibilities, Bonnie transitions into her writer's persona. At her
keyboard, she masterfully weaves new tales echoing the valor of women, the fidelity of men, and the extraordinary miracles that God orchestrates in their lives.
Bonnie Rose Ward is not just an author, but a storyteller—painting vivid pictures with her words that resonate with the human spirit's trials, triumphs, and faith.

Ward's memoirs, chronicling her years living in the Alaskan wilderness, have earned critical acclaim for their authenticity and evocative storytelling. "Loving Beth" promises to deliver the same level of emotional depth, set against the historical backdrop of post-Civil War America.

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5 stars
84 (68%)
4 stars
29 (23%)
3 stars
8 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Madisyn Carlin.
Author 30 books370 followers
January 3, 2024
Loving Beth has one of the prettiest covers I've ever seen. It's gorgeous.

For this review, I'll discuss what I enjoyed and break down each element (faith, romance/sexuality, violence, and concerning content) before wrapping everything up with a conclusion.

What I Enjoyed
I love it when characters are protective of children, and Beth and Jacob definitely were. It was so sweet and heartwarming, and the scenes between Beth and the kids will make you go, "Aww".

The kids are too cute for words. So cute and adorable, and they need all the hugs and cake in the world.

Walter and Ruby-Mae! They're hilarious! I quite enjoyed the scenes including them.

The author did well describing the setting in such a way that I could easily imagine myself walking those trails, entering that mercantile, and viewing Beth's property.

The final chapter is so sweet, and it nicely wrapped up the book.

I liked all the faith (more below), and appreciated Jacob's character arc.

The villains---not the odious snakes themselves, but how well the author wrote them.

FAITH
Bible is quoted; the Lord is discussed; characters pray; a character reads the Bible; a character wrestles with his faith. Like I said, I appreciated the faith element.

ROMANCE/SEXUALITY
The romance between Beth and Jacob was light and gentle.

Characters kiss.

Readers should note that a secondary character whom they'll find quite distasteful is hanging off Jacob, in actions too forward and flirtatious. This is portrayed as indecent, as it should be, although it did bother me that Jacob kept silent when he knew he should speak up about the subject.

An age gap between the main characters is implied.

VIOLENCE
There are rattlesnake bites; children are harmed (nonsexually); rape is attempted—interrupted after a bodice is destroyed (tastefully handled); a character is attacked; a character is kidnapped; the nasties get roughed up (good riddance).

NEGATIVE CONTENT
Hard cider (alcoholic cider) is brought out at a gathering for the adults and characters willingly drink it despite knowing the alcoholic content; two female characters get drunk and act foolishly; a character suffers from a hangover. Children and a baby are present.

There are some potential Lord's name in vains (pages 17, 24) and a definite Lord's name in vain (page 271). I say this with all respect to the author, but this should never be included in a Christian book.

"Arse" is used twice. (page 71, page 277)

A male character saw a female character naked, with only her hands covering her privates, and his first thought was she's beautiful. He then bolts from the scene (to the author's credit), but I did not find that part of plot necessary, and it felt like her beauty was dwelt upon too often during that scene.

CONCLUSION
Loving Beth features a gorgeous cover, good faith content, a sacrificial heroine, and adorable children. You'll laugh, feel mournful, and root for the characters, and eagerly await the villains' downfall. However, there are a few concerning elements as well with the drinking, nudity scene, and Lord's name in vain.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with CelebrateLit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kristin.
88 reviews12 followers
August 12, 2023
We have family in Appalachia that are so dear to us, and it has been a treasure hearing their stories and experiencing one of the most beautiful parts of the country. It has been a while since we could visit, but this lovely story took me right back. I’ve tried to learn more about Appalachia history and vernacular that gets lost over time, so naturally I was thrilled to see and understand some of that in this book!
The story itself was beautiful. It had me weeping, excited, anxious in suspense, and smiling… I just loved Beth and I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Nyla Kay.
Author 1 book24 followers
January 21, 2024
Loving Beth by author Bonnie Rose Ward is a Christian historical romance. Set in Appalachian West Virginia after the Civil War this is an engaging tale of endurance, faith, love, and family.

The author has a nice style of writing and a is a fascinating storyteller. Her words are easy to read and had me imagining the characters and their actions easily. The faith message is heavily woven throughout the entire book. I appreciate that in a Christian book.

Characters are carefully crafted and authentic for the period and location. I fell in love with quite a few, but there are others that were horrible. Children and animals made me smile in multiple parts. There are twists and turns, heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, and a story that made me keep turning page after page.

This is the story of Beth McCullough. She lives alone in her family’s cabin. Her distant neighbors check on her and help. I adored her neighbors, Walter and Ruby Mae. Scenes with them always put a smile on my face. Beth sells eggs at the store in town to make money for her supplies. This is also the story of Jacob. His character is a bit of a mystery for some of the story.

The story is emotionally charged and gave me all types of feelings. Unfortunately, there were some major things that bothered me when reading this book. The Lord’s name is taken in vain. I could reason it out by saying the time and region play a part in that, but the bottom line is it is never acceptable. I was unpleasantly surprised to find that in a Christian book. There is also a scene where characters drink hard cider. I was surprised to find one drunk. Violence is also part of this tale.

I recommend this historical romance with caution. Because of the above, I do not think young teens should read it. The story is really entertaining and interesting. It gets a 3.5 out of 5 star rating from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest words.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 23 books140 followers
January 13, 2024
Loving Beth is a wonderfully written story filled with some heartbreaking moments, but has tender loving times also. The character of Beth is my favorite. She is incredibly courageous and is such an inspiration. The community in the small town where she lives looks out for each other.

The story kept me engaged from the first chapter and wondering what would happen next.

It's a very loving, romantic story but not without times when the main characters would need to have strong faith. I loved the ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for DevotedToHope.
668 reviews98 followers
December 20, 2023
Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward is an enthralling Appalachian saga tale that seamlessly weaves together love, faith, and the determined spirit of a young woman facing insurmountable challenges. From the very first page, Beth McCullough's story grabbed hold of my heart, and I found myself transported to the post-Civil War era in West Virginia.

Ward's storytelling skill is evident as she crafts a narrative that is both captivating and emotionally engaging. The characters are beautifully fleshed out, and Beth, in particular, emerges as a heroine whose strength and resilience leave an indelible mark. As Beth navigates the threats of foreclosure, the shadows of her past, and the responsibilities of caring for abandoned children, readers are taken on an emotional rollercoaster—weeping, cheering, and anxiously turning the pages in anticipation.

The Appalachian backdrop comes alive through Ward's vivid descriptions, effortlessly drawing readers into the heart of the incredible landscape. The author's commitment to historical authenticity shines through, enriching the narrative with a deep sense of time and place. I appreciated the meticulous attention to detail and the subtle incorporation of regional history and vernacular, creating a truly immersive reading experience.

One of the standout elements of Loving Beth is the beautiful infusion of genuine Christian-faith elements and actions. Ward gracefully integrates moments of prayer and faith, exceptionally enhancing the storyline. The result is a harmonious, underlying blend of romance, adventure, and the Christian lifestyle that sets this book apart in the genre.

Regrettably, I noticed instances where the Lord’s name appears to be taken in vain, and towards the story’s conclusion, there was a moment involving the swift unintentional exposure of a naked body to the opposite sex. I’m perplexed as to why these elements were included, and if not for these aspects, my rating would have remained unblemished with a full five stars.

The supporting cast, from the kindly banker to the enigmatic Jacob, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. Ward masterfully navigates the challenges faced by Beth, creating a tapestry of emotions that range from laughter to tears. The villains infuse the novel with crucial tension, adding a chilling layer of conflict that heightens the story’s intensity.

As I turned the pages, I felt a genuine connection to the characters and the community of Rosewood. The immersive experience was reminiscent of sitting among neighbors and friends, sharing in Beth's triumphs and tribulations. Ward's ability to evoke such a visceral response speaks volumes about her skill as a storyteller.

In conclusion, Loving Beth is much more than a simple love story; it's a testament to the power of hope, resilience, and the mysterious ways in which God Almighty hears our prayers and responds with His infinite wisdom and power. Bonnie Rose Ward has crafted a masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of Christian fiction, delivering a tale that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the final page. I eagerly await the next installment in the Daughters of Appalachia Series and highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a soul-stirring and uplifting reading experience. Thank you, Bonnie Rose Ward, for bringing Beth's story to life in such a marvelous way as it will echo in my heart for a long time!

I received a digital copy of Loving Beth from Celebrate Lit. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on this story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Profile Image for Anna  Smartt.
1 review1 follower
July 14, 2023
There's never a dull moment in this great story! Bonnie Rose Ward is a great writer, whether it’s fact or fiction. I can’t wait for her next book! You should check out her true stories of her Alaskan adventures, too!
Profile Image for Regeina White.
7 reviews
August 9, 2023
Amazing!!! Loved the characters and how descriptive everything was to make me feel like I was right there. I just kept wanting to read. Can’t wait for the next one.
Profile Image for Cover Lover Book Review.
1,478 reviews86 followers
January 19, 2024
Loving Beth” is a soul-stirring story exemplifying faith in God’s plan and the healing power of love. From its stunning cover to the incredible setting in the heart of Appalachia, the story unfolds with unforgettable characters that touch the heart. It’s a must-read for those who enjoy heartwarming and inspirational stories!

The two main characters, Beth and Jacob, feel so authentic. It is effortless to connect with their hearts and root for their journey. And the secondary characters are far from cookie-cutter, with some of them providing stark contrast and an intriguing dynamic.

I loved the Appalachian setting! The scenery is vivid and kept me immersed in both its beauty and its complexities. It’s remarkable that this is the author’s fiction debut due to how easy it is to sink into these characters’ lives. I’m excited this is the first in a series, promising more Christian stories of struggles and fortitude.

This beautiful story, with thematic elements of faith, trust, and hope, kept me absorbed to the very last page.

First Line: Esther straightened and blew a wisp of graying brunette hair from her face.
Series: Daughters of Appalachia, book 1
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Author: Bonnie Rose Ward
Page Count: 314

#CoverLoverBookReview received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions are 100% mine.
Profile Image for Dawn.
2 reviews
June 28, 2023
Loving Beth is a captivating, easy read that pulls at the heartstrings. I finished it in 2 days and it left me with anticipation and excitement for future fiction books from Bonnie Rose Ward!
2 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2023
Excellent read

Loved this book.from beginning to end.Being from West Virginia probably just made me love it more. Looking forward to the next one.
37 reviews1 follower
August 29, 2023
Heartwarming Love Story

I absolutely adored "Loving Beth" by Bonnie Rose Ward. Even though it's not my usual genre, I found myself completely drawn into the story. The book follows Beth McCullough as she battles to save her farm and care for two abandoned children. The author beautifully captures the post-Civil War era and explores the challenges faced by many during that time. The characters are incredibly well-developed, and their strength and faith are truly inspiring. The plot is full of unexpected twists that will keep you hooked until the very end. Overall, "Loving Beth" is a heartwarming love story with a powerful message of hope and redemption. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction.
951 reviews3 followers
July 5, 2023
such a sweet read

This was a very nice read written by Bonnie Rose Ward. Beth’s mother had died, so what was she to do? Jacob found Beth’s mother and brought the body to Beth. Then he had to leave to see his own mother, who was Ill. Many things happen, children are found abused and hungry. No one with them. Beth takes them home for her to care for them. Only to have Jacob show up and accused her of kidnapping them. So what happens. This is a very enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,087 reviews134 followers
January 22, 2024
As I read the opening pages, I knew this would be a story filled with loss, determination, survival and faith. Beth has seen tragedy in her young life but now losing her mother was almost too much for her. All she had was her sweet mother who did her best to provide for them. Now Beth is alone and must face challenges that seem overwhelming. She has to fight to keep her home before the bank forecloses on it. You can feel Beth’s desperation as she seeks God for answers. The town tries to help but there is little money in this small community. Times are hard in the town but their closeness to each other is very inspiring. Will Beth be able to save her home?

Life was hard for the people in this small community but I admired how they helped each other out. Churning butter to sell along with fresh eggs would help Beth for now but what happens when the chickens stop laying ? How will she provide for herself? I love how Beth is a strong young woman who is always looking for ways to help her situation. I wonder how I would have done in this time period?

When Beth stumbles upon a young boy and his baby sister her heart is full of compassion for them. Now she understood why eggs had suddenly gone missing from her coop. She wants to help the children and knows she can’t turn her back in them. Who in the world are these people who are mean and seem to not care about their children? Their harsh language made me cringe when they turned on Beth in a rage.

Beth is startled awake by a loud knock on her door. Who would be here on a cold night banging so loudly? To her surprise it is the sweet little boy Tommy. He is freezing and needs Beth to go get his sister. Those mean people left them all alone at the cabin with no food or heat. Beth sure has her hands full when she takes them in. There is no way she will let those horrified people take the children ever again. The children have been abused and my heart hurt for what they had been through.

Jacob has challenges of his own as he leaves his precious children with his cousin. He has been called home because his mother is very ill. He still remembers how strong his mother was. Now as he sits with her, he sees how frail she has become. His heart is breaking as his mother seems to be slipping away. The story is filled with a little intrigue when Jacob learns that the fire that destroyed his mothers house was arson. Who would be so heartless to burn down a home that his sweet mother lived in?

I loved how the author illustrated how people in town came to help both Beth and Jacob when they faced trials. The townspeople were comforting and showed compassion. With a few unsavory characters in the story we witness how greed and jealousy can turn someone into doing ungodly things. The author gives us a glimpse into how faith overcomes tragedy as trust leads to a new beginning.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Kendra Neal.
1,785 reviews47 followers
January 23, 2024
Christian Historical Romance Fiction is one of my favorite Genres. Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward is the most recent book in this genre that I have had the opportunity to read. I was excited to read this book as it is by a "new to me" author. The book is Book 1 in the Rosewood Chronicles.

Beth McCullough has lost both of her parents. Her Dad died in the Civil War and her mother recently passed away. Beth and her mother were struggling to pay the loan on their farm in Rosewood, West Virginia before her death. The Son of the Banker gives Beth 30 days to pay everything in FULL after her mother passes away. Beth is really worried that she is going to lose the only home she has ever known. She is wishing she had a handsome man to be alongside her, someone like Jacob, the man who found her mother deceased. Beth finds 2 children abandoned and takes them into her home to help them. Jacob Wallace has gone back to Baltimore to take care of his mother who is ill and his mind is on Beth. He has growing feelings for her, but he wants to keep his promise to his late wife to never love again. He goes back to Rosewood after receiving a letter with some info about Beth that has him angry and bitter. He returns with more determination to not let his heart have feelings for Beth. Beth is now facing 3 battles: Saving the farm, caring for the Children, and defending herself against Jacob's bitterness. Beth is attacked and it changes things for Beth and Jacob. Will Beth be able to save the Farm? Will Jacob allow his heart to accept Beth and will there be a relationship between the pair?

WOW, I am in AWE of this book and storyline. I was immediately drawn into the book and did not stop reading until i finished 5hours later. Beth had gone through a lot and then to have the burden of trying to save the farm and home should have been enough. The Abandoned children really warmed my heart that Beth took them in to love and care for them. Jacob is a wonderful man and it was a little heartbreaking that he believed what he read in the letter about Beth. i am glad that Beth was able to defend herself and Jacob's heart softened. I really LOVE that the characters rely on their faith throughout the book. The book is one of Faith, LOVE, Forgiveness. It has many twists and turns which bring a wonderful ending. I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Fiction. GREAT BOOK!
Profile Image for Literary Reviewer.
1,302 reviews105 followers
July 2, 2023
Upon landing in the serene town of Rosewood, nestled within the bosom of West Virginia, Jacob’s tranquil existence is abruptly upended by an urgent call to Baltimore, to be at the side of his sickly mother. Jacob is called away, and he can’t stop thinking about Beth, but he promised his late wife that he’d never love another.

Beth, the female protagonist, is sparingly described physically, yet her luminous spirit resonates throughout the narrative. Her innate warmth and approachability towards all those she meets, even in the wake of unsettling egg theft, make her character immediately likeable. It is through this thread of events that her intricate involvement with a couple unsavory characters wishing her harm and finding two abandoned children, begins to unravel.

The author’s narrative progresses with an almost effortless flow, maturing into a sophisticated and engrossing tale as the plot thickens. With skillful brushstrokes, the author paints a vibrant tableau of the breathtaking landscape, drawing readers into the very soul of the scenery while simultaneously endearing them to an ensemble of captivating characters, whose charisma and essence linger in the readers’ memories long after the final page. “Loving Beth” stands out for its subtlety in spiritual elements, which is woven into the narrative primarily through moments of prayer, enriching the storyline without dominating it. The villains of the piece, while not excessively sinister, add a necessary dash of conflict, without resorting to graphic violence or distasteful acts. This delicate balance perhaps underscores its alignment with the Christian genre.

“Loving Beth” serves as an entrancing entry into the mesmerizing world of the ‘Daughters of Appalachia Series’, deftly sculpted by Bonnie Rose Ward. Its harmonious blend of romance and adventure, against the backdrop of awe-inspiring natural beauty, makes it a truly compelling read.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,117 reviews18 followers
January 26, 2024
Loving Beth is a sweet historical fiction romance novel that you’re going to want to read! It’s sweet and flows well. Plus you’re going to get some fun history as well. As someone who does a lot of homesteading things and has a large farm, I can relate to quite a bit of the novel. Oh and then there’s all the love aspects. I can relate to some but not all as I’ve never lost a spouse.

I was pleased to see that this is the first book in the series. Yeah, for more to come! This was a nice novel to read. It read quickly. The characters and words seemed to flow well. I didn’t have any trouble keeping up and never felt lost. It was a wonderful reading experience! This is one of those wonderful novels that make a good read no matter what you’re going through or when you want to read it. You’ll always be able to just simply pick up where you stopped without feeling lost.

The children are adorable! I loved getting to know them and would love to see more of their stories come out in subsequent books. I think the author did a good job portraying what life was really like. As someone with a lot of children, I love seeing children being loved well in books as well.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
1,889 reviews
January 23, 2024
Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward is a Christian Historical Romance work of Fiction. Beth McCullough’s father died during the Civil War, but she still had her mother. When her mother unexpectedly dies, she finds herself alone. The kindly banker allowed her mother to pay what she could on their loan, but when he went away on a trip, his arrogant son and scheming daughter-in-law gave her thirty days to vacate the premises.

Jacob Wallace, a widow and father, travels back home when his mother becomes ill. On his way out of town, he discovers Beth’s mother and returns the deceased woman’s body back to Beth. The author does an amazing job of building interesting, multi-dimensional characters and a storyline that kept me reading. As he gets to know Beth during the course of the book, we learn he promised his deceased wife he would not fall in love again.

Jacob’s children, his horrible cousin, and other points kept the story moving along at a good pace that was enjoyable to read. I found myself unable to put this book down. Truly, the children are an amazing addition to this story. The author reflects on the difficulties and trials people faced during that time.

So, if you are looking for a Christian Historical Romance work of fiction, check out Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward for yourself.

I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Gail Hollingsworth.
1,005 reviews51 followers
January 23, 2024
I really enjoyed this visit into 1878 West Virginia. The hardships weren’t glossed over, keeping fires going in the wood burning stove and fireplace, heating water for baths in a small round washtub, outdoor toilets, transportation in all kinds of weather via horse or horse and buggy and growing or killing your own food. Of course there was also bartering with neighbors or the mercantile. But these were the least of Beth McCullough’s problems. Losing her mother, her only living relative, at a young 17 years old, bank coming down hard on her mortgage, finding two small children that had been abandoned, and staring down the barrel of a shotgun by two unscrupulous characters. She was brave, loving, caring, faith filled and built of “strong lumber”.
Jacob Wallace finds Beth’s mother and brings her home and has a short encounter with Beth. Only he leaves town right after. Will he come back? She relies on close neighbors and townsfolk that are eager to help her any way they can. But it seems she can never get ahead.
I was really rooting for Beth and I loved the two small characters of Tommy and Sissy. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!
I received a Complementary copy of this book from the author through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review.
2,043 reviews
January 23, 2024
Beth, at only seventeen, is dealing with a world of grief and responsibilities that have fallen on her shoulders due to the sudden death of her mother. Beth is not a stranger to a hard life; she and her mother have been scraping by the best they could since her father's death during the Civil War some years ago. But this time, she is all alone. Not only must she deal with her grief, but also the foreclosure of her home.

Jacob Wallace is a widower who is trying to run from his grief. He has made a promise to his late wife that he will never love another woman. He is doing pretty good with that promise until he meets Beth and becomes involved in her circumstances. And when their paths come to halt due to rumors and outright lies, well Jacob finds it all too easy to turn away in anger.

These two have quite an uphill battle and many revelations that they need to get through. There is danger and secrets that come to life and many twists and turns that I was not expecting. Jacob realizes it is quite an honor and a task to love Beth.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
1,290 reviews
January 5, 2024
Loving Beth, by Bonnie Rose Ward, is the first book in the Daughters of the Appalachia series. This is a well written Christian historical fiction story. This is an enjoyable story with the two main characters having lost someone close to them and learning to move forward. I enjoyed reading this story as the writing is so clear it is easy to imagine the story, from the neglect the children receive from extended family to the terrain that Beth must take to get to the children.

I enjoyed how quickly Beth took care of the children and provided for them, even when she didn't know their real situation. It's enjoyable to see how having something to do and someone to care for helped Beth work through the grief of losing her mother. I especially liked how the neighbors and community came together to help her in time of need and to celebrate her birthday. I also enjoyed how Jacob easily understood the truth behind what happened while he was gone. Having not read anything from this author before, I quickly enjoyed her writing and look forward to reading more in this series.

I voluntarily recieved a complimentary copy of this book, this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Lucy.
1,168 reviews117 followers
January 16, 2024
A beautiful book from the captivating cover to the story within. From the beginning I was pulled into Beth’s world and the pain and sorrow she felt. I could definitely identify with the character as she grieved and being from WV it brought to life the characters and the specific language to the area. I read in some reviews it contains cursing, but in knowing older mountain folk it is just specific to how they communicate and isn’t meant in an offensive way. They love fiercely whether it is their neighbor, family, or God and that is shown in the writing skills of this fiction debut author. Although as a Christian we want to be spotless, people are flawed and sometimes do things they regret and the drinking of hard cider that is depicted shows her vulnerability, even though I don’t condone it. I loved the children and the depth they brought to the story. I was thankful they had Beth to love and protect them from unscrupulous villains. I felt this had all the elements to make an interesting and enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more in this series.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,885 reviews47 followers
January 26, 2024
Loving Beth is written by Bonnie Rose Ward. This is a well written story that is set in Appalachian West Virginia right after the Civil War. Beth's father was killed in the Civil War. Beth and her mother are struggling to keep their farm afloat. Thankfully the banker in charge of their loan has been letting them pay. However, when her mother dies, the banker's son makes the loan due in 30 days

Jacob Wallace is a widower who promised his late wife that he would never love another woman. However, when he meets Beth, under unfortunate circumstances, he has a hard time getting her off his mind. Rumors start to swirl about Jacob and Beth - so he leaves angry. Life does not get easier for Beth. She finds two children that are abandoned and she wants to raise them.

Despite all the circumstances, Beth keeps her faith in God. Jacob has been running from his grief. I really liked these two characters. The author has created a wonderful story with realistic hardships. She has brought post Civil War history to life.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and Celebrate Lit for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.

Profile Image for Jimnlori.
1,012 reviews47 followers
January 27, 2024
Loving Beth by Bonnie Rose Ward is the first book in the Daughters of Appalachia series. It is a wonderful inspirational historical romance that you don't want to miss.
In Beth's very young age she has gone through a lot starting with the death of her father during the Civil War when she was just a child, the loss of her mother more recently, having to live on her own and taking in two young children who are being treated horribly by family members, but through it all she finds guidance, peace and determination from the Lord. Her faith never waivers no matter what life throws at her.
Meeting Jacob changes her life in more ways than she ever expected, some ways for the better and some not. She knows God has a plan and believes that He brought Jacob and his children in her life for a reason, but doesn't know what that will mean for all of them. They must both learn to trust each other and have faith in the plan that God has for them.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!

I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
407 reviews7 followers
January 25, 2024
First, I do not provide a synopsis of the story, it's already provided. I will provide what I think about the book itself.

I enjoyed the book and for a first attempt at Christian fiction, it was quite well done. I personally don't like books with a lot of grammatical errors and I am happy to say I only noticed a few, missing words, extra words, or wrong words were noticed at the beginning but few. What I did find annoying was the excess of local dialect making a few of the characters sound foolish.

The characters were not fully fleshed out but enjoyable nonetheless. The story mostly flowed well. It was not truly believable but that's what fiction is, fiction. The ending was a bit disappointing. Too many unanswered questions and questions thrown in at the end. If the story continues that will be good. I'm not sure if it will as the title of the next book features a new name.

Overall, I give this book a solid 3 out of 5-stars. This review is fully my own opinion and a positive review is not required. I received this book to read and review through CelebrateLit.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,270 reviews
January 4, 2024
The series title Daughters of Appalachia drew my attention, that I knew I needed to read Loving Beth. This will not be my last book by the author. I look forward to the next installment in the series.

This is a beautiful and captivating tale set in the West Virginia Appalachia area. The tale unfolds where there are tears, smiles, victories and disappointment as life is not an easy road. Beth’s faith, perseverance, and compassion for others showed that God is always present even when the times are unpleasant. The characters were realistic with a couple of them very uncouth, but then that’s life. Ward weaved a gentle faith message that trust in God, letting go of the past and finding new beginnings is available when faith is held onto.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Celebrate Lit Bloggers tour, without any obligation to write a positive review. I have shared my own thoughts.
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,565 reviews4 followers
January 17, 2024
Loving Beth” by Bonnie Rose Ward is a really enjoyable read. It is a love story. It is a tale about a widower finding love for a second time. It is also about a young woman finding purpose and love after her mother’s death. This story has scences of child abuse and violence but not in a really graphic way. I think readers of fiction and romance would like this book. There isn’t much in the way of preaching so I believe that even nonbelievers would love this tale. While reading this book my heart really ached for little Sarah and Tommy. Ok, my heartstrings was pulled at because of the all the issues, most of the characters had to face. I have to admit there were two characters I didn’t like at all. They were just horrible people. I really think you need to get a copy of this book and read it for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
6,167 reviews
December 14, 2023
Loving Beth is the first book I have read by author, Bonnie Rose Ward. After reading this, it will not be the last. I adored Beth and Jacob’s story. It was full of love, faith, hope, forgiveness, and trust. I love the details that made me feel as though I was right there with the two. There was some light suspense that had me intrigued and it continued right up to the end.

I am giving Loving Beth five stars. Fans and lovers of clean historical romance will want to pick it up and read it for themselves. I highly recommend it and I would love to read more from Bonnie Rose Ward. She has earned herself a new fan to her stories.

I received a paperback copy of Bonnie Rose Ward’s Loving Beth from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
1 review1 follower
June 16, 2023
I’m so not surprised: Bonnie Rose Ward did it again. This book sucked me into the past and held me there beside Beth as the pages turned. I felt among neighbors and friends as I read Beth’s story. I laughed out loud, cheered her on, wanted to reach in the pages and smack a few characters and cried. I’ll not share the ending, but I will say I can’t wait to see what adventure the next book brings and admit that knowing there’s a sequel on the horizon is the only salve to surrendering the last page and closing the book. Beth will stay with me and will definitely be reread and additional copies gifted (because I’m keeping this copy).
Thank you Bonnie Rose Ward for bringing the past to life in such a marvelous story. I can’t wait for book 2! This was so good!!!
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,364 reviews26 followers
January 15, 2024
I thought this story was well written with lovable main and secondary characters. I liked how at the beginning of the book, the community gathered around Beth and supported her through the death of her mother. I liked seeing that people cared about her. I also liked how this book showed how different people handled their grief after the loss of a loved one and how they got through that grief. I also liked how kind Beth was even when going through hard things. I liked seeing the romance between Jacob and Beth grow. I look forward to other books in the series.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
203 reviews3 followers
January 27, 2024
Loving Beth begins with so much tragedy that the readers instantly feel for Beth. As Beth is trying to find her way without her mom’s presence, she is faced with many more obstacles in her path. One includes a little boy and baby girl that captures her heart instantly. How can she help them when she is trying to save her farm at the same time?

The book drew me in because I could not figure out where the book was going to take Beth. I enjoyed getting to know Beth as the book continued. She was faced with very difficult obstacles but she handled it with grace and poise.

I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
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