Sincerely Yours

Sincerely, Yours

by Jane Kirkpatrick, Laurie Alice Eakes, Amanda Cabot

In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

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

384 pages, Paperback

First published March 25, 2014

About the author

Kirkpatrick brings us a story of one woman's restoration from personal grief to the meaning of community."

Reviews

[Sheila Samuelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5 Stars!! (Wish i could rate it 10 stars!!)
Review:
This Book OMG this book was so amazing even tho the first novella bored me a bit (My review is based on stories 2-4.)

Four Stories about Four Women who receive letters from family members that changed their lives unexpectedly forever.

Set in NYC Fall of 1895 Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Easkes is about a highborn English lady fleeing from false accusations to a steamboat where she falls in love with the operator on the way to the New Erie Canal.

Set in Chicago in Summer 1858 Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey is about a woman who writes for a Marriage Advice Column in a Weekly Newspaper even tho she is single BUT when people read her column they all assume the person writing it is a man not a woman but when she gets invited by her editor to an awards banquet she must find a way to go without revealing her real identity.

Set in NYC Spring 1892 One Little Word by Amanda Cabot is about a woman who will lose her deceased families misfortune if she doesnt marry a man quickly til she learns her long lost brother is alive and hopes will be the answer to her problems til she finds a mysterious man and carousal carver whom she starts falling for and turns her life upside down.

Set in Oregan 1900s A Saving Grace is about a woman who must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache and laced with deceit where lives hang in the balance whom you never know who to trust.

All the stories gave me vibes from different genre but the last story gave me not just Historical Fiction vibes but Thriller, Mystery and Contemporary vibes!!

All 4 authors delivered great stories!! Can't wait to read more by these authors in the future!!!

[Sarah]

Well, the first book was gag-worthy and the second story started out with "of course I have to lie about this" and so I just decided this collection was not for me.

[Sanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the concept of this collection of four romance novellas. Each one of the stories is set in a different period of American history (1825, 1858, 1892, and 1911) and each case after reading the story, the reader gets a unique glimpse at what inspired each one of the stories. It is quite rare to be allowed that kind of intimacy with the authors, right after experiencing the world they created. I also noted another common denominator among the four stories - each one featured a strong-willed heroine, whose character and behavior would make her stand out in the society of the historical period she was featured in.

I find that this book will be most appreciated by the true fans of the genre - historical (Christian) romance fiction. I must admit I don't have a wide frame of reference when it comes to this particular genre, but I do tend to throw myself in completely into the books I read, so my input is based primarily on my emotional response to each one of the stories.

The four novellas showcased the writing styles of four very different authors. In Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes, the main protagonist Camilla, fleeing her past(the life of privilege in England) and hiding a few secrets, ends up on a steamboat which might take her in a very different direction than the one she anticipated.

Ann Shorey offers us Lessons in Love - a story of Marigold Montgomery Bentley, a young girl whose intense desire to become a writer lands her in some pretty complicated and funny situations. She gets help from an unexpected source, in an unexpected way.

Amanda Cabot's One Little Word made me fall in love with carousels all over again. This story was definitely my favorite of the four.

Jane Kirkpatrick offers us elements of mystery and suspense in her novella A Saving Grace. An isolated little island holds many secrets which the main character, Grace Hathaway, must uncover in time in order to help her friend.

I must admit to being partial to the last two stories. Jane Kirkpatrick's and Amanda Cabot's storytelling just appealed to me more than the first two stories. However, all four stories are a light and fast read. The beauty of this collection is that the reader does get a variety and writing voices in one places and therefore can pick their own favorite - which will hopefully lead to discovering more works of that writer.

[Tima · Rating 2 out of 5]

Four women receive letters that change the course of their lives in these four novellas. Each story has the common thread of the main female character receiving a letter that sent her on a journey. All of the stories also share the common thread of romance. But otherwise, each novella stands alone and gives a little taste of each author's writing style.

As with any novella, it really takes a talented author to get character development and romance crammed into such a short space. But two of these authors pulled it off nicely. The stories were sweet and the characters were endearing. One of the stories was nice, but felt a bit rushed and I never really connected with the characters. It wasn't a bad story; it just needed a little extra. The fourth story is written by an author that I've not cared for in the past. I've read several of her books and didn't enjoy the characters or plot layout. The author isn't bad, just not my style. So I wasn't surprised when I didn't enjoy the story. It was just too depressing and rushed to be in a romantic novella. But overall, I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it for a summer read or for when you only have a few minutes to pick up a book.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I started one of the novellas in this book I thought, I think this one will be my favorite. When it comes down to it I enjoyed them all equally. What a talented group of authors who contributed to this lovely book.

It amazes me what these writers can accomplish in less than a hundred pages. They can create a beautiful story world, wonderful characters and sweeping romance. Of course it all happens a lot faster than in a full length novel.

I have to say I was drawn a lot to the characters in Ann’s story simply because I write and love music and the heroine writes and the hero loves music. So for that reason I might have been a bit more into that story.

But truly, if you have read any of these authors in the past you will be pleased with these short….but oh-so-sweet….stories.

A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours, a Novella Collection*****
by Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes and Ann Shorey

Sincerely Yours is a collection of four historical romances set in the 1800's, written by four different authors. Each book is a stand-alone book but have a common thread—each young woman in the stories have received a letter that takes them on a journey beyond what they had imaged.

~Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Highborn English lady Camilla Renfrew receives a letter from her girlhood friend, Joanna in New York City asking Camilla to join her and her husband to travel to the Great Lakes via the newly opening Erie Canal. Camilla would be her companion in the wilderness of the Great Lakes, but she must arrive before Joanna leaves. For Camilla, this is an answer to prayer. She has been accused of a crime that she did not commit and must flee England to disappear from the one man who is determined to make her pay. She travels to America and barely misses the steamboat leaving for the Albany where she is to meet Joanna.
However, steamboat Captain Nathaniel Black is not inclined to take her aboard his ship as they do not take passengers. She convinces him to allow her to travel with him as far as Albany. Along the way trouble follows them at every turn. Despite these troubles Camilla and Nate are drawn to each other.
Camilla starts to relax but soon learns that the very man she fled England from, Frederick Conover is on her trail. She must tell Nate everything. But before she finds the courage to tell him, Nate confronts her about a man looking for her—Frederick Conover. Crying she tells him why Conover is looking for her and returns to her room. She leaves the steamboat the next morning not knowing where to go now. Before she can figure out what to do, Conover grabs her and carts her off to a shack where he informs her of his plans for her.
Will Nate find her in time to save her from this evil man? Can Camilla trust God to keep her safe, even from Conover? Will she ever see Nate again?

~Lessons In Love by Ann Shorey
Miss Marigold (Merrie) Montgomery Bentley lives in 1850's Chicago with her Aunt Isabella.
She secretly writes marriage advice for the Kipler's Home Weekly with the initials “M. M.”.
The house keeper Mrs. Wagner and coachman Mr. Peters are the only ones who know of her writings.
All is well until she receives a post from her editor, Mr. Horatio Kepler with a bank draft for her latest
article; however, she also receives a note along with the draft asking to meet with Mr. Bentley to discuss future writings for his weekly. Now what does she do? As she ponders this request Mrs. Wagner reminds her that her music instructor, Mr. Colin Thackery has been waiting for her in the parlor for her lesson. She is so disturbed by Mr. Kepler's request she is unable to concentrate on her lesson.
Colin confronts her about her unusual lack of concentration. Does she dare confide in him? Desperate, she decides to ask for his help in meeting Mr. Kepler. At first Colin is resistant to the idea, but decides to agree to her request. How can he deny her request when he is falling in love with her? The meeting does not go as planned. Mr. Kepler does not allow Merrie, who he believes is Mr. Bently's wife, to join them to discuss her future writings. She is to wait outside the room like a “good little wife”. Fuming she has no choice and pleads with Colin to remember everything Mr. Kepler tells him. Things go from bad to worse as Colin can't remember everything and Merrie falls breaking her right arm, her writing arm! Now what does she do? How can she continue to write and meet her deadlines? Will Colin continue to help her? Will Mr. Kepler find out she is not a he but a she and thereby loose her job? How can Colin not tell her of his love, despite the differences in their stations in life? Does she return his love? Do they have a life together?

~One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
After Lorraine M. Caldwell's parents death she learns that their will states she must marry by September 14th or loose her inheritance to her cousin. Everyone expects her to marry Robert Simms, now even more so. But Lorraine doesn't want to marry him. But should she marry Robert in order to keep her inheritance so her cousin does not inherit it? She doesn't have much time to decide as she only has until September 14th, then she either marries Robert or finds another suitable suitor/husband, one with a fortune of his own. Who else can she marry?
She and her Uncle Ambrose discuss it again and he reminds her that as any well to do family, she was trained to be a wife of a wealthy man, play the piano, paint watercolor, or arrange a party.....which means she can't survive on her own her.
She continues to pray for God to show her the path He has prepared for her. She unexpectedly receives a letter from her brother Mike, whom she has not seen or heard from for two years, asking her to come to Lilac Hall for his upcoming wedding. With anticipation she leaves New York by train to visit her brother. Expecting to see Mike, she eagerly looks for him at the station. However he is not there to meet the train but sent his driver, Jonah Mann. Jonah has a cultured British accent and is wearing a paint-spattered jacket and pants, not the tailored uniform her drivers wear. Jonah takes her to Lilac Hall, a magnificent Greek Revival manor, where Mike now lives/works—works?
As she waits for Mike to return from his honeymoon, she wanders Lilac Hall and tries to figure out what to do. Time is running out. She finds herself thrust into the lives at Lilac Hall and stumbles upon a carousel maker of all things. This carousel maker crafts the most beautiful horses she has ever seen. Will he let her help paint the horses? Can she and this man become more than friends? It certainly would not solve her problem of marrying a man of wealth for this man is not wealthy. Can she forgo her inheritance for love? Does he love her and would he want to marry her? Is this part of God's plan for her life?

~A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway receives a letter asking for her help from her 8 year old goddaughter Caroline Holmes. It appears her mother is in trouble and needs her Aunt Grace to come quickly. Included with Caroline's letter is a letter from a lawyer explaining where her mother, Rebecca is now. Rebecca Holmes has left her daughter in the care of a friend, Jenny in Dalles, Oregon, near the Columbia River and checked herself into a facility, a sanatorium in Olalla, where she is hoping to get treatment for her despondency after her husband's death.
Grace takes a leave from her employer at the Oregon's Roaring Springs Ranch and travels three days by stage to Dalles where Caroline is staying. After speaking to Caroline she learns from Jenny that Olalla is very isolated requiring ferries and boats to reach it. The sanatorium is even more remote and harder to reach. They frown on visitors and even check to make sure visitors do not bring in food. Jenny had visited Rebecca and found her to be in so emaciated and lethargic she fears for her life.
The next morning Grace left Dalles, traveling by steamship past Portland, by train to Seattle then finally by ferry to Olalla. During her travels she reads the book by the doctor treating Rebecca,
Fasting For The Cure of Disease, by Dr. Linda Burfield Hazzard. On arriving in Olalla, she is met by William who takes her by carriage to the Olalla Hotel. She learns from William that she can only reach the sanatorium by boat. William tries to discourage her from going there, “there are strange goings on there” he informs her. She also learns from William that Dr. Hazzard's husband, Sam helps at the sanatorium. Once at the hotel a tall man reaches out to help and helps with her trunk. She learns he is Dr. Claude Millikan and works at the sanatorium. He invites her to dinner and she accepts in hopes to learn all she can about Dr. Hazzard and her treatments.
Over the course of the next days Grace is more and more concerned about Rebecca and the other patients at the sanatorium. She is convinced that something is very wrong. How can she get Rebecca out of that place without the Dr. Hazzard or her husband Sam seeing her? What role does Claude play in these treatments? Is he part of this horrible place or is involved in something else? Can she trust him to help her? Does she have any choice? As she prays for direction she makes plans to get Rebecca out of there and hope she is within God's plans.
~~~~~
I loved the way each author created a historical romance story that brings the past to life through their characters. We see clearly the contrast between women lives of today and how the lives of women in the 1800's was so very different as well as what the expectations were for these women. Women had a hard time if they wanted to be a writer as we see in Lessons of Love. The choice of a woman's husband was often controlled by her parents leaving her little choice in the matter as in One Little Word. In Moonlight Promise we get a glimpse of what happens when a woman is forced to flee to another country when she is falsely accused. In A Saving Grace we see how in the mist of heartache, a woman can be deceived in thinking a certain “diet” promises healing and may very well endanger their very lives. Each story takes us on a journey filled with mystery, adventure, romance, surprises, suspense, humor, deceit, love and faith. I like the way each author filled in some history about the time of their story at the end of that story.


~I won a copy of this book from Goodreads via the author/publisher (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~

[Kathleen E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Sincerely Yours ~ Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes, and Ann Shorey ~ © 2014
A Novella Collection

A Moonlight Promise ~ by Laurie Alice Eakes

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

New York City ~ 1825
With the rain pelting down, Camilla Renfrew ran down the dock to the last steamboat blowing its whistle to leave shore. Not heeding her cries to wait, she jumps onto the moving gangway swaying as it rose, landing her at the feet of Captain Nathaniel Black. Clearly stating that his was not a passenger boat but carrying supplies that needed to arrive at the Erie Canal opening to the Great Lakes two days hence. Fortunate, indeed. That is where she also is trying to arrive in Albany to meet her future employee per the post she had received.

Captain Black himself has an urgency to sell his goods to be able to maintain his share in the Marianne and buy his partners' shares. Otherwise, he will be back to piloting another man's vessel. He is trying to stay ahead of the boat trailing him to avoid any further delay. Camilla also has a past she is trying to leave behind.

I loved this story! So in-depth, you can feel the waves hitting the boat and the mist coming up around you. Very well written, it retained my interest to find out their destination which is halted by paddle wheel damage and waiting for repairs. Captain Black finds he must rescue Miss Renfrew more than once, with her continued adventuresome ways.
~*~

Lessons in Love ~ by Ann Shorey

Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
1 Corinthians 12:4–6

Chicago ~ 1858
Piano lessons become more important as Merrie Bentley receives a letter addressed to Mr. M.M. Bentley requesting an in-person meeting to discuss further the writings of matrimonial advice she is sending in to Mr. Kipler's magazine, Kipler's Home Weekly.

Merrie pleads with her piano teacher, Mr. Colin Thackery, if he will just this once go with her. As "his wife" she will just listen in to the discussion between he and Mr. Kipler. But... she is not invited in for the meeting and by the time her piano lesson comes again, Colin is not so sure he remembers exactly what was said. He arranges to meet with her an additional afternoon each week to go over what she writes to see if he can recall the directions given him.

Merrie has been sent by her father to her aunt's to take part in the season's social calendar. She is not all that sure that sounds good to her with her shyness. She finds Colin at one gathering as part of the paid entertainment and the gap between them widens, or so it seems.

I really liked Mrs. Daintree, Merrie's aunt. As much as Merrie hesitated to confide in her, she turns out to be a little more cordial than might have been expected. Open communication brings changes beyond what Merrie would have thought possible. This was a fun read and I would like to follow them further!
~*~

One Little Word ~ by Amanda Cabot Amanda Cabot

I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 32:8

New York City ~ 1892
Lorraine Caldwell receives a letter from her older brother, Mike, whom she hasn't heard from in two years, to come to Lilac Hall in Plato Falls by train. Jonah Mann comes to the railway station to pick her up, disturbing to her in his paint spotted clothes. But look what he does! Carves carousel horses!! What wonderful memories I have of spinning around, on a horse going up and down with a brass ring above it and the many colors floating off the mirrors and small light bulbs against the organ grinder music ending the one thin Liberty dime ride far too soon for me! So, I am anxious to see where this story is going to lead.

Mindful of Jonah's admonition, Lorraine did not touch them, but she walked slowly around the room, admiring each horse. "Some of them are smaller than the others," she said.

Jonah looked up from his carving. "That's because they'll be part of the second row. The platform is smaller there than on the perimeter. If the inner row horses were the same size, they'd be out of proportion." His attention once more focused on the block of wood that was rapidly taking shape, Jonah continued his explanation. "This is going to be a small merry-go-round--only twelve horses--but I wanted it to have two rows. Some people like to ride together."
--One Little Word, 217

Part of why I love historical fiction; so many interesting facts to learn about earlier times ~ craftsmanship made by hand with such detail.

It was a glorious morning, a time to enjoy the sights and scents of the country, and for the first time she could recall, Lorraine felt free. Here there were no expectations, no servants waiting for her commands, no friends wanting her to make afternoon calls with them. While it was true that her hair was not as well coiffed as if Annie had arranged it, Lorraine didn't mind. Life at Lilac Hall was more relaxed than at home.
--One Little Word, 221

Lorraine finds there is another world outside her door, as she enjoys the sunlight and trill of birds as she walks in the fresh morning air. By being herself, the skills and talents she has brings Lilac Hall guests together furthering the enjoyment of their stay.

Jonah Mann has a deadline to finish for the merry-go-round that will be installed for his painted ponies. Refreshing to find someone easy to talk with however distracting to the work he must accomplish. Lorraine and Jonah find out more about themselves beyond the traditions of their families. A richness that makes them truly alive.

I liked this story for the relationship development and growth. I would like to hear more about them in a further story.
~*~

A Saving Grace ~ by Jane Kirkpatrick

They shall not hunger nor thirst; . . . for he that hath mercy on them shall lead them, even by the springs of water shall he guide them.
Isaiah 49:10

The Dalles, Oregon ~ 1911
Grace Hathaway receives a letter from her friend Rebecca's young daughter to come and help her mother. Rebecca in her grief over the drowning death of her husband, has admitted herself for treatment at a facility in Olalla, a town in Washington on Puget Sound. Grace takes leave from teaching piano to children of ranchers in Oregon to respond to her godchild Caroline's letter. She travels by stage, arriving at the town of The Dalles beside the Columbia River three days later. Further travel by steamship to Portland and then railway to Seattle, to the ferry to arrive at Olalla, Grace settles at the hotel there. She is told there is a passenger boat that goes in the mornings to the remote sanatorium-like building, Wilderness Heights.

There is much suspense in this story as Grace tries to rescue her friend, Rebecca, from the agony and despair and bring her home to health and restoration. Grace meets a doctor at the hotel who is working in the lab at the sanatorium. Together they are forming a bond, but it is uncertain which side of influence he is on. Can he be trustworthy to enable Grace to share her concerns and aid in helping Rebecca?

I was astonished at the background revealed by the author to this chilling tale of medical procedures "for the cure."

***Thank you to Revell Reads Fiction for sending me a copy of Sincerely Yours to review these four stories. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

About this book:

“Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.
Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote hospital, you'll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.”


Series: As of now, no.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Book #1:

“Moonlight Promise” by Laurie Alice Eakes


“Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?”



Spiritual Content- 2 Corinthians 12:9 in the beginning; Prayers are said & Faiths grow stronger.


Negative Content- N/A



Sexual Content- 2 Semi-detailed kisses





-Camilla Renfew

-Nathaniel Black
P.O.V. switches between them

Set in 1825
103 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pre Teens- One Star

New Teens- Two Stars

High School Teens- Three Stars

My personal Rating- Three Stars





~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Book #2:
“Lessons in Love” by Ann Shorey


“Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler's Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that "M. M." is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?”



Spiritual Content- 2 Corinthians 12:4-6 in the beginning; Prayers & Scriptures are said.


Negative Content- N/A



Sexual Content- 1 semi-detailed kiss and two not-detailed kisses.





-Marigold Bentley

-Colin Thackery
P.O.V. switches between them

Set in 1858
94 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pre Teens- Two Stars

New Teens- Three Stars

High School Teens- Four Stars

My personal Rating- Four Stars





~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Book #3:
“One Little Word” by Amanda Cabot

“Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn't marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she's found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.”



Spiritual Content- Psalm 32:8 in the beginning; Talks about God’s Hand & His Gifts.


Negative Content- N/A



Sexual Content- Two not-detailed kisses.





-Lorraine Caldwell

-Jonah Manderley
P.O.V. switches between them

Set in 1892
94 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pre Teens- Two Stars

New Teens- Three Stars

High School Teens- Four Stars

My personal Rating- Four Stars




~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

and Book #4
“A Saving Grace” by Jane Kirkpatrick


“Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?”


Spiritual Content- Isaiah 49:10 in the beginning; Prayers are said & Hymns are sung.


Negative Content- Dr. Hazzard tricks & starves her patients.



Sexual Content- Sam Hazzard flirts with Grace; Three not-very-detailed kisses.





-Grace Hathaway
P.O.V. of just Grace

Set in 1911
86 pages

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Pre & New Teens- One Star

High School Teens- Two Stars

My personal Rating- Two Stars



~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Overall Ratings:

Pre Teens- One Star

New Teens- Two Stars

High School age Teens- Three Stars

My Personal Rating- Three Stars



I don’t normally read novella because they’re normally short & rushed...Two and a half of the stories in this novella collection didn’t feel like novellas. Let’s break them down;

The first book, “Moonlight Promise”, was pretty good, I liked it but it felt like a novella.

Book Two, “Lessons in Love”, was my favorite because of the writing style and it felt (in a good way!) a lot longer than 94 pages.

Number #3, “One Little Word”, was my second favorite because I enjoyed reading about the making of the carousel.

And the last book “A Saving Grace”'s story-line was just plain odd to me. Find out at the end of that novella that it’s based on the true story! Say what?! Creepy!

These novellas gave a little bit size taste of the author’s work were you can read them and decided if you want to read more of that author’s work. Like me, I’m looking forward to reading Ann Shorey & Amanda Cabot’s other works soon!





*BFCG may (Read the review to see) recommend this book by this author. It does not mean I recommend all the books by this author.

*I received this book for free from the Publisher (Revell) for this review.

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 2 out of 5]

These gentle novellas were not quite my cup of tea. I normally enjoy historical romance, but I struggled connecting with the characters and finding interest in the stories. For some it was the deception or secrets, and others it was the odd or senseless choices they made, but overall it was difficult to relate to the characters and plot. I appreciated the historical accuracy and details that were woven into each story, and they covered a variety of settings and personalities.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours
A Novella Collection
by Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes and Ann Shorey
Pub DateApr 01 2014
Revell
Christian| Women's Fiction




Revell and Netgalley sent me a copy of Sincerely Yours: A Novella Collection for review:


There are four young women receiving letters that will change their lives in Sincerely Yours, a collection of historical romances. Four novellas in one.


Each Novella takes place in a different time era from the mid 1820’s to 1911, and each weaves a story of love snd faith.


I give Sincerely Yours Five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Kim - Inside the Wong Mind · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours ~ Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.
Rating: 3.5/5

Meet four incredible women living in different times in America as they struggle to find their place and find love along the way. With each letter, each young woman begins a new adventure that launches them into their destiny.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
After Camilla Renfrew receives a letter offering her a job, she leaves everything she has ever known in England to escape to America. She must find a way to connect with her friend before she leaves her behind. After she barely manages to gain passage on a Hudson River steamboat to the new Erie Canal, she finds herself in a strange world and with a need to survive. She fears for her life as the boat seems to attract mishap after mishap. Will she make it to her friend on time? Will she escape those who are wrongly in pursuit of her? Can she trust the captain? Can she allow herself to fall in love with someone she just met?

I could not stop reading until I reached the end of this novella. The pacing was great and the story was captivating – I now want to ride on a steamboat on the Hudson River. (Does Disneyland count?) I felt Eakes’ characters were great, despite the fact that there wasn’t as much time for character development. Definitely a fun, fast-paced read!

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
When Marigold Montgomery Bentley, aka M.M. Bentley, receives a letter offering her the job for Kipler’s Home Weekly as the marriage advice columnist, she is overjoyed but realizes the editor thinks she’s a man. She manages to get her piano teacher to help her, so she can find a way to do what she loves – write for a living. Will she be able to keep up this deception? Will spending the extra time with her piano tutor blossom into something more?

As a fellow piano player and lover of music, I love almost any story that involves music. I read the story quickly, inevitably knowing how it would end, but still anxious to see if I was right. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for women of that time and I like how Marigold finds out who she is and what she believes about marriage.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
When Lorraine Caldwell receives a letter from her long-lost brother, she immediately sets off to find him. Lorraine is being pressed to marry a man she does not love. As a New York socialite, she is unaccustomed to work, but when she arrives at Lilac Hall to find her brother engaged, she is determined to help out while he goes on his honeymoon. She finds herself unusually attracted to a lowly artisan, a carousel carver. As one of “the New York Caldwells”, can she fall in love with him? Can she find love and uncover what God has planned for her and her family?

I think this story was my favorite of the four. I really enjoyed learning about carousels. I had no idea how fascinating their history was and I want to thank the author for opening up a whole new world for me to explore and research. I love how God’s perfect plan is evident through the story. Such an enjoyable read!

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
When a young girl asks Grace Hathaway to bring her mother back to her, Grace quickly rushes off her see her friend. She is appalled to find that her friend is living in an isolated clinic that seems to be starving its patients. She meets a doctor named Claude doing research there and finds herself attracted to a man that is supporting such a terrible setup. Can she find a way to rescue her friend before it’s too late? Can she trust Claude? Will she be able to help the rest of the patients who are slowly dying and being taken advantage of?

Honestly, this story was creepy. Some might say intriguing. I couldn’t stop reading because I was so appalled at what was taking place. As someone who wants to be a doctor someday, it was hard to read what Dr. Hazzard was doing to her patients. Only at the end did I find out that the story is based on the real Dr. Hazzard and her practices. When I was reading, I kept thinking this story was in the wrong genre. I loved Grace’s determination and love for her friend. She’s a beautiful character who stands up for justice.

I definitely recommend reading this novella. If you would like to have a chance to win a copy from Jane Kirkpatrick, check out her blog here: http://janeswordsofencouragement.blog....

I received this book for free from Revell and NetGalley but was not required to give a positive review.

[Michelle Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours is a collection of four novellas. Four unexpected letters lead to four lives changes forever. I really enjoyed all four novellas and found them all to be great historical Christian Fiction books. This is the first book I have read by each author, I found all the novellas to be compelling and well thought out with an enjoyable historical aspect. I give Sincerely Yours 5 stars and recommend it to all lovers of Christian Historical Fiction.

A Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
May 1825, Camilla Renfrew finds herself running down Barclay Street in New York City. The Marianne has just pulled from the shore of the East River and Camilla knows she has to be on it. She risks all to jump from the wharf onto the rising gangway of the moving steamboat. Camilla knows her only hope running from false accusations is to reach her friend Joanna and take the job she wrote about.
Captain Nathaniel Black is none to pleased to have a lone unprotected female on his boat and is determined to return her to the shore the first chance he gets. That changes when he sees rival Riley Lancaster’s boat headed into the river after them. Riley will do everything in his power to make Captain Black miss his deadline and have to sell his beloved boat.
What Camilla did not expect was to fall for the kind handsome boat captain. Read this great novella to see if she is able to prove the accusations wrong and if Captain Black is able to save his boat.
The author Laurie Alice Eakes did and outstanding job brining the characters to life. She created a beautiful story out of the opening of the historic steamboats of the Erie Canal that brought travel from Albany to Lake Erie in 1825.

Lessons in Love by Anne Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley finds herself in Chicago in 1858, training to be a high society wife. She dreams of being a published author. Her dreams come true when Kipler’s Home Weekly starts publishing her articles on marriage advice. The only problem is the publisher thinks she is married and male but she is single and female. Piano teacher Colin Thackery comes to her aide when the editor wants to meet Mr. Bentley in person. He acts as Mr. Bentley for the meeting and helps her with future articles. That is until he gets cold feet and starts to develop feeling for Merrie, who he thinks is out of his league.
Author Anne Shorey does a great demonstrating how society viewed the roles of wives and women in those days.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell finds herself reading a letter in May of 1892 from her long lost brother. On the verge of losing the family fortune if she does not marry soon she decides to visit her brother at Lilac Hall. She is hoping to find answers to her problems there. The only skills Lorraine has is water painting, playing the piano and hosting parties. How can she survive without the family money or a husband. Once at Lilac Hall she meets Jonah Mann, but he is not all he seems to be. Trying to prove her worth she does odd jobs around the mansion, but her skills are a royal mess. Just when she has given up all hope she has a chance at love but Johan is determined to fulfill family tradition. Will she lose all or gain everything while helping Jonah paint the carousel he is building.
The author Amanda Cabot did a grand job bringing the carousel to life with her vivid descriptions. She will have you wanting to hop on the nearest carousel for a spin.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway is summoned by the young child of a friend, hoping she can save her mom and get her to come home. Her friend went to the sanatorium like facility to heal after the death of her husband. As Grace investigates the sanatorium undercover, she discovers they are starving patients to death by fasting as a way to heal. With the unknown help of Dr Claude Millikan they set out to save Rebecca and other patients.
The author Jane Kirkpatrick did an outstanding job of bringing history and mystery together in a fantastic novella about the real life Linda Hazzard of Wilderness Heights. I found the story so intriguing I had to find about more about the true story.

I want to give a high-five to the authors Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes and Ann Shorey and publisher for bringing compelling Christian books that are entertaining and give hope to the reader with stories of faith. I highly recommend this great book to anyone that enjoys historical fiction. I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: SINCERELY YOURS
Authors: Laurie Alice Eakes, Jane Kirkpatrick, Ann Shorey, Amanda Cabot
Publisher: Revell
April 2014
ISBN: 978-0800722043
Genre: Historical novella collection



Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote hospital, you'll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

This was a cute novella that had some unexpected surprises. I enjoyed getting to know Camilla and Nate and the perilous road to their romance, fraught with fear. I was intrigued with the brief history of steamboats included at the end in the author's notes.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler's Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that "M. M." is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?

Ms. Shorey is one of my favorite historical writers and this story about a simple piano teacher and a woman pursuing her writing dreams is intriguing. I loved Merry and Colin, such a sweet romance. Quiet, like the characters, it was well-written and engaging. I found it hard to put this one down. The history of a real-life woman writer, Sarah Jospha Hale is included in the author's notes.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn't marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she's found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.

This was a real sweet story. Ms. Cabot is also one of my favorite historical writers and this one doesn't disappoint. Lorraine is a bit of a snob, pampered and spoiled but when she discovers her brother is about to marry a common servant girl she quickly rallies and offers her support and friendship. Lorraine believes Jonah to be a commoner as well, but he is anything but. He's titled and in America under an assumed name to build carousels. Ah, who doesn't love carousels! I suffer from carousel fever the same as Ms. Cabot. I loved this story.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?

This was a rather poignant and creepy story. The heroine's friend in a rather iffy sounding hospital, that promoted fasting as a means of healing. Her young daughter misses her mommy, but she won't come home, and more people seem to die than are healed in the hospital. The hero is a 'doctor', one who appears to be on the side of the famed Dr. Hazzard in the hospital. But things are not always as they seem. The is based around a real Dr. Hazzard who practiced in a hospital.

This is a great collection of historical romance novellas by four talented authors. I enjoyed the whole collection and hope Revell plans to do more of these in the future. This was an easy read with four books in one story and each was complete, well done, and didn't leave the reader dissatisfied with an incomplete story.

Great book. Beautiful cover. The stories are tied together by letters that bring the heroine out of her comfort zone and help her to find herself and love. Don't miss this book. $14.99. 384 pages. 4.5 stars.

[Mardell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a new volume of novellas titled Sincerely Yours written by Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes and Ann Shorey. I like the format of the novella; shorter than a novel but longer than a short story. The stories in this book have one thing in common: a letter received that can forever change the life of the one who receives it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes is about a young woman from England who lost her rank and fortune and came to America to begin a new life. America offers much at a time when the Erie Canal is about to open, offering a pathway to the unsettled west. Camilla, the heroine, misses her connection and is short on funds when she literally jumps aboard the Marianne, raising the ire of one Captain Nathaniel Black who'd just as soon toss her overboard than provide safe passage to find her friends. Raised as a lady with no skills to make her way, she is surprised at the gifts she receives on this ride to her new life. The captain is beset with troubles of his own as he fights to keep the Marianne and secure his future. He has no use for women and it is a wonder how he allowed Camilla to remain on board. The surprises do unfold though and there are twists that kept me turning pages until the end.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey tells of M.M. Bentley, a marriage advice columnist applying for the weekly newspaper. The arrangement is a happy one until the columnist receives a letter from the editor who wants to meet Mr. Bentley and offer him a permanent assignment for the paper. The letter was a dream come true for Marigold Montgomery Bentley, who is a young, single woman. Marigold (Merrie) quickly enlists her piano teacher, Colin Thackery to act as her husband, so that she can keep writing for the paper. What follows is a warm hearted story of a time of calling cards, debutantes and balls. Ann Shorey is very good at writing about independent spirited young women, and Merrie is no exception.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot is a good story about mistaken identity and how sometimes first impressions can be misleading. Lorraine Caldwell, our heroine stands to lose her fortune if she misses a deadline for marriage and the only prospect is a man that makes her skin crawl. She receives her letter from her brother, whom she feared dead asking her to come to him by train for some important news. She jumps at the chance to see him and makes a hasty trip to Lilac Hall. Lorraine is met at the station by one Jonah Mann, an English carousel artist. I love historical fiction and this one gave me good insight into carousels. Fictional Jonah trained under Charles Looff, the renowned carousel carver and creator of the carousel I have ridden on since childhood in Spokane Washington. I loved the history that is interspersed in this story. The next time I go downtown for a ride I plan to take a closer look at the horses he carved so lovingly.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick is a story of friendship. Friendship stemming from the Dalles Oregon to a desolate health clinic on the Puget Sound of Washington State. Grace Hathaway receives her letter from 8 year old Caroline asking Grace to find her mother, Grace's friend Rebecca. Rebecca was despondent after the drowning death of her husband and after a time, she entered a secluded sanatorium run by Dr. Linda Hazzard. Dr. Hazzard and her husband offer special treatments that promise to restore health. Grace intends to visit Rebecca and have her come back to Oregon with her. Grace meets Mr. Milliken at her hotel and discovers he is surrounded by mystery and a connection to the Sanatorium. This is a story of bittersweet courage on Grace's part in persisting in the challenge of helping her friend Rebecca find her way back to Caroline. After reading this story I looked up Dr. Linda Hazzard and her clinic in Olalla Washington. I am always amazed to learn of things that happened in our state long ago that seem like they couldn't happen but did happen.

I look forward to reading more books by each of these authors.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurie Alice Eakes, Amanda Cabot, Ann Shorey, and Jane Kirkpatrick work together to compile a collection of novellas spanning a century - stories in which each begins with a letter . . .

Laurie Alice Eakes' "Moonlight Promise" begins with an invitation - for the destitute Camilla of England to join an American friend on a journey through the newly completed Erie Canal. Unfortunately, Camilla has to make a certain deadline, and the debt collector on her trail is not helping matters, nor the rivalry between Nathaniel, her handsome steamboat caption, and his partner. The theme for Camilla and Nathaniel - where both feel like God is denying them everything they ask for at every turn, and that nothing in their lives ever goes right - is easy to relate to. Trusting God in spite of that and continuing to rely on Him whatever the circumstances is the hard part.

In Anne Shorey's novella, "Lessons in Love," a formal request arrives for "Mr. M. M. Bentley" to appear in person to discuss his articles written for publication - which would be fine, except that Mr. Bentley is really a Miss. Wanting to pursue her dream of writing, Merrie convinces her piano teacher, the young and handsome Colin, to pretend to be Mr. Bentley for the day, but soon the charade gets out of control. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Merrie is not the stereotypical bold and brash female pursuing an uncommon career; rather, she is more the retiring and nearly reclusive sort, who gets into her situation from lack of boldness more so than over-boldness. It is a sweet and light-hearted tale.

A petition from her long missing brother in Amanda Cabot's "One Little Word" convinces Lorraine to hop a train and meet him at a quaint resort. Lorraine hopes to find a solution to saving her inheritance from an unscrupulous cousin, but instead she ends up being challenged by a carousel carver to find her place in life instead. While I do not have carousel fever like the author, I did enjoy learning the carousel lore that the author included. Of the four, this story contains the least (in truth, pretty much no) references to God and faith.

In "A Saving Grace" by Jane Kirkpatrick, Grace receives a plea from her goddaughter, along with a formal letter from a lawyer, begging that she come take care of the child and help her friend who is wasting away in a remote sanitarium. Unsure whether to trust Claude, a doctor who is helping out at "Starvation Heights," Grace decides to go undercover as a patient and rescue her friend. Shockingly, this story is based on a real clinic that touted extreme fasting as a cure of all ills, where many patients died of starvation under the care of the unlicensed Dr. Linda Hazzard. Though perhaps the least romantic of the four, I found it the most compelling for its suspense and the historical atrocity it describes.

As I have typically found with novellas, most of these stories I would prefer to be full-length novels. The first and last I would especially have liked to be longer, since their historical settings were both clever and fascinating. Of the four, "Lessons in Love" best fits the length. While the novellas have nothing in common other than romance and that they begin with the receipt of a letter, I found the premise to be more creative than I had been expecting - the letters each have a different purpose, and as such each story spins off in its own radical direction. They form a nice historical collection, though, printed in order time period (1825-1911). 4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you Revell for providing a free copy for the purpose of review; I was not required to make it positive, and all opinions are my own.

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home run!!! I jumped at the chance to read this book because I knew and love two authors, wanted to read one, and the other is new to me! :) I was not disappointed!

First it begins with Laurie's great tale on a steamboat! :) I love her way with words, and as she always does for me Laurie grabbed me from the beginning with a GREAT start and then wouldn't let go! The characters and circumstances are great. Some secrets lie within this story as the main characters come to learn what is truly important. The spunk and strength of these characters really fleshes out the story and I love their whole relationship from start to finish. The authors note just ties it all up, going into the history behind the story. Laurie is becoming on of my favorite authors! Steamboats, danger, enemies, jewels, and love await in this first tale.

Next was Ann Shorey's Lessons in Love. This one is lovely! I love Ann's writing! The overall concept of a women journalist attempting to hide here identity is highly entertaining to me as you, as the reader, see where problems may arise, and in many cases they surely do! I love the characters in this one as well. Merrie is a smart character whose articles are fantastic! And her love interest Colin is a sweet and lovable character. I loved the end, love this author, love the pace, and love the history within the story. Excellent second novella.

Then there's Amanda Cabot's One Little Word! It is Excellent! I have wanted to read Amanda's work before, but hadn't had the pleasure. I have been missing out! Her style is wonderful and her descriptions are fantastic! She infected me with carousel fever!!! LOL! And then in the authors note I found out that was her intention all along!!! :D This is the occupation that really peaked my interest in the overall book description, and I love all that I learned about carousels and what went/goes into them! But that's not the only thing that intrigued me in this. From a beautiful and fun inn to discovering God's great provisions and plans One Little Word is great!

And Finally Jane's A Saving Grace. This was the first book from Jane I've read. What a story!!! This is a VERY high suspense thriller that I couldn't put down! I HAD to get to the end to see what would happen and how it would happen. Grace is an amazing friend that is The Lord's instrument in taking down horrible foes! I was, however, haunted to find that the villains in this novella actually lived and did the things depicted here. This is a sweet and awesome tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat! I am SO happy it wasn't any longer though! LOL! I'm not sure I could have taken the suspense for even a few more chapters! From twists to anticipation I highly enjoyed this read.

Overall I LOVE all of these stories! I really enjoy novella collections like this. But usually I have a favorite among them, one that stands out from the rest, but not so with this one! I LOVED them all and couldn't choose a favorite if I tried. Revell hit a home run with these four authors and their stories!!! The only thing that really bothered me is my personal pet peeve; He when referring to God isn't capitalized. But I digress.

*Songs: "Nocturne in E Flat Major, Op. 9, No. 2" by Chopin, "Butterfly Waltz - Piano and Cello" by Wedding Day Music, "Chopin - Preludes - Sostenuto - Db major - Rain Drop" by Chopin, "All Through the Night" by Melanie Hoffman***, "Softly And Tenderly" by Alan Jackson, "Be Thou My Vision"**, "Before the Morning" by Josh Wilson, and "Standing On The Promises" by Alan Jackson

2 Corinthians 12:9, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 49:10,

~ASC

[Sarah Vanscoyoc · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book! 3 1/2 stars
I should probably start by saying that I don’t generally care for novellas that much, so you should keep that in mind while reading my review.
This is Revell’s (a division of Baker Publishing Group) first historical novella collection, featuring the well-loved authors Amanda Cabot, Laurie Alice Eakes, Jane Kirkpatrick, and Ann Shorey. I had only read 2 of the authors’ books, so I wasn’t sure what to anticipate. I’m sorry to say that I didn’t enjoy it as much as I had hoped. The stories, while well written, did not connect at all. The only similarity in each novella is that the heroines received letters that send them on an adventure.
Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes
While this novella was quite good, I wanted a little more character development, and I struggled with the two main characters falling in love in such a short time. The romance was rather unbelievable at times, while being sweet at others. I had a hard time with Camilla’s character. I didn’t like her very much, which meant I didn’t connect with her like I normally do. She was lying by omission and when found out, both her and Captain Black’s reactions seemed a little unrealistic. On the positive side, the descriptions were excellent, the story was fast paced, and it held my attention.
Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
This one I believe was my favorite. I loved Merrie and her quirks, and Colin was sweet. The romance was also believable, because the characters had known each other for some time and it wasn’t rushed or forced.
The spiritual aspect was also there, though it was a little underdeveloped, in my opinion. I did like that each of them struggled with the situation and that Merrie finally made it right in the end. The ending was a little rushed. I wished the story could have been a few pages longer, in order to make it seem more complete.
One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Amanda Cabot did an excellent job with this story. The characters were well rounded, the descriptions vivid, and it didn’t lag anywhere. I liked Lorraine and Jonah, each character had their quirks, which just made them more believable. The romance wasn’t rushed and I liked their relationship and sparring.
My only complaint about the novella is that it was so predictable. I just wanted them to figure it out and get on with it.
Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
If Ann Shorey’s gets the label of being my favorite, then this one gets least favorite. I didn’t care for it at all and wasn’t able to finish it. At first I just couldn’t get into it, then Grace was such a ninny! She kept changing her mind, her thoughts made little sense, and we never get to see Claude’s point of view. I honestly don’t know how he fell in love with her. She was loony and kept getting into trouble. This story actually ruined the whole book for me. I won’t be able to read any of them again, simply because I disliked this one so much.
Over all, this book was okay. I really wanted to love it, but I couldn’t. I recommend this book if you really enjoy historical books and are looking for a few quick reads.
I received this book through The Book Club Network for my honest review, which I have given. I was not require to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Edythe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Year of 1895. Camilla Renfrew has been invites to join her best friend, Joanna, for a journey to the Great Lakes. She has been offered a position in Joanna’s household. She must find a way to reach her before they leave from Albany. Camilla jumps onto a rising gangway, almost missing it. Captain Black, co-owner of the ship Marianne, is not at all pleased with her antics. Camilla has a secret that puts her life in danger. Captain Black has his problems keeping the Marianne afloat. Both having personal issues, try to keep their faith alive as they overcome obstacles at every turn.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Year of 1858. Merrie Bentley writes articles for Kipler’s Home Weekly. Merrie has received payment for her article, along with a note from her editor who requests to meet with her. Merrie panics because the editor believes her to be man. She convinces Colin Thackery, her piano teacher, to pose as her husband Mr. Bunting and take the meeting with her editor. Colin thinks she should tell the truth. After all, he is the son of a preacher. The farce continues until another meeting is requested. Colin has resigned and Merrie’s twisted truth is about to unravel.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Year of 1892. Lorraine Caldwell must marry by September 14th or she will lose her inheritance to her cousin, Alan. She takes a trip to visit her brother, Mike. Maybe he can help her sort things out. When Lorraine arrives to Lilac Hall, the hotel where her brother lives, she meets his friend, Jonah. They form a friendship which becomes much more. Things become complicated when Jonah admits his love for Lorraine. He cannot marry her because of family traditions. She is heartbroken and returns home. Jonah goes after her, but will not go against his parents. Is there another way they can be together?

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Year of 1911. Grace Hathaway’s godchild, Caroline, needs to be comforted. Her father died in a drowning accident and her mother, Rebecca, has been in a sanitarium ever since. Grace meets a pharmacist, Dr. Milliken who works at Wilderness Heights, but is not sure he is to be trusted. After visiting Caroline, Grace goes to Wilderness Heights to see her friend, Rebecca. Rebecca weak from starvation, is being brainwashed into staying at the sanitarium. In the attempt to save her friend, Grace slyly gets herself admitted to the hospital. Grace knows she has made a mistake, especially after she and Rebecca are caught while trying to escape. Grace’s worst fear is happening; no one knows they are locked in a dark room in the basement.

These four stories are well written, have interesting plots, and are easy reads. My favorite was A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick. The story line is based on a real sanitarium, Wilderness Heights. In a note to the readers, it is explained what happened to the owners, their patients, and the facility. I recommend this four-story novella for readers of historical literature.

I received this book free from Revell Books through the Net Galley Review Program for an honest and unbiased review.

[Deb Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours is the first anthology from Revell Books, but hopefully not the last. With four award winning authors all writing a short piece based on "letters," this is book that will captivate and introduce readers to each authors style and voice. Each story is Christian based and incorporates issues of faith as well as an entertaining historical background. Fans of Jane Kirkpatrick, Amanda Cabot, Ann Shorey and Laurie Alice Eakes will love this one and new readers will find four new authors to try. A great new book from Revell.

What I liked:

Revell has finally decided to do an anthology. I was really excited to be able to review this book for that reason. Main stream genres have been doing anthologies for a long time. I like to read them though they are sometimes harder to review. I like the fact that each of the stories follows a specific theme, in this case that theme is "letters" and each author does their own take on it. I think anthologies give new fans a chance to see what each author has to offer and if they want to read more and old fans a chance to catch up with their favorites. I hope to see many more from Revell in the future.

Moonlight Promise is Laurie Alice Eakes offering for this anthology and follows the adventure of an English lady on a Hudson River riverboat. I liked the characters and thought Eakes did a great job of incorporating the letter theme.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey was my favorite of the anthology. It took letter writing in a different direction than any of the other authors. Making the heroine an advice columnist. I loved the fact that the lead character was a writer and found her dilemma with her editor comical and entertaining.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot brought out some great historical detail with carousel making and made me want to know more. She did a wonderful job of adding her Christian message as well.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick was based on a true story and that gave it an all the more eerie feeling to it. I was surprised at the kinds of things that went on in the name of science and found this one really intriguing.

I liked all four stories and had it been the first story I had read from each author I think each would have been represented very well. I thought that it was easy to see that each story was showed each authors voice and style and how they chose to incorporate their beliefs into their writing. I am looking forward to more books from each one of them.

What I didn't like:

As always with an anthology and short fiction in general I find myself wanting more. The novella format just isn't long enough in my opinion but it is a good showcase of each authors work. I just think it's hard to pack a romance into so few pages.

Bottom Line:

All four stories are exceptional. The writing is crisp and full of historical detail. The Christian message is presented well and does not overwhelm the reader, while still being that 'still small voice.' A great preview of what each author has to offer readers.

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

In this collection of brand-new historical novellas from four outstanding storytellers, four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path toward a changed life--and perhaps lifelong love. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver's workshop to a remote and controversial hospital, readers will love being swept into the lives of four young women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

About the Authors:

Jane Kirkpatrick is the award-winning author of many novels, including A Flickering Light. She is a frequent speaker at conferences and lives in Oregon. Visit www.jkbooks.com for more.

Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. She lives in Wyoming. Visit www.amandacabot.com for more.

Laurie Alice Eakes is the author of The Midwives series and The Daughters of Bainbridge House series. Laurie Alice writes full-time from her home in Texas, where she lives with her husband. Visit www.lauriealiceeakes.com for more.

Ann Shorey is the author of the At Home in Beldon Grove series and the Sisters at Heart series. Ann and her husband make their home in southwestern Oregon. Visit www.annshorey.com for more.

My Review:

Moonlight Promise-

Camilla is aboard a steamboat, with an unknown destination. Though she should be worried about where she would be taken, Camilla becomes quite amazed by a certain man on the boat with her. Little does she know that he to is trying to find a new place to start over.

Lessons In Love-

Marigold has a problem, a big problem. She enjoys writing for a newspaper, problem is the editor thinks she is a man which she definitely isn't. And the editor wants to meet the man behind the writings. How is she going to pull this one off? That's when she calls on the help of her handsome piano teacher, which of course cares greatly for her. She tells him of her brilliant idea, but he quickly turns her down. What will she do now?

One Little Word-

Lorraine must marry a man she doesn't love or lose her families fortune to her scoundrel of a cousin. She must choose between doing what is expected and making a new life for herself. When she learns that her long lost brother is still alive, she can't wait to ask him for help. But what she finds may change her life forever.

Saving Grace-

Grace knows she must rescue a friend from a widely known clinic.But she doesn't know how she can possibly do this on her own. With a promise to a little girl, Grace is off the save her friend, all alone. If she is to get in trouble also, who will be there to help her?

Jane Kirkpatrick is having a giveaway and she would love for her readers to take part, just follow this link.



**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Revell.

[writer... · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed the ease of reading these four historical novellas. Each is a standalone story that has been combined to form one historical novel offering a variety of faith based inspy reading. Providing the perfect reading break when your time is limited!


A MOONLIGHT PROMISE by Laurie Alice Eakes {completed April 29}
Steamboat romance finds our heroine, Camilla Renfrew,
when she responds to a letter inviting her to a position in America. On the run from a dismal and dangerous turn in her English family's noble standing, Camilla accepts. Her leap to board the departing steamboat perfectly symbolizes the leap of faith her future requires. Consequences of her late destination arrival turn suspenseful when the boat is targeted, damaged, and delayed by Captain Black's unscrupulous competition. A perfect combination of Ms Eakes' trademark of intriguing adventure and romance.

LESSONS in LOVE by Ann Shorey {May 2.14 completed}
Twenty year old Merrie Montgomery prefers spending her time writing than marriage market socializing. Complications abound when her signature is mistaken to be that of a male by the publisher of her writing who invites 'Mr' MM Bentley to meet him at the publishing co.
I shuddered at the Kipler's Home Weekly advice single Merrie wrote for married women, yet realize it was in keeping with the era.
Colin, her piano teacher and romantic interest, is well drawn and though of a lower life station, he is definitely providing an attractive though complicated addition to Merrie's life...


ONE LITTLE WORD by Amanda Cabot {completed May 3.14}
Not accustomed to failure, being compared to a 'useless ornament' incenses Lorraine to prove herself. With her inheritance and future hanging in the balance, her motivation gains strength.
A beautiful progression as Lorraine develops from the socialite who received her brother's invitation with that secret plea to then become a woman of depth and dignity with a heart that's willing to defy convention for what she's come to believe in.


A SAVING GRACE by Jane Kirkpatrick {completed May 4.14]
Grace receives a note from her 8 year old goddaughter appealing for Grace to help her mother who's gone away for a health program, but isn't getting well. Can she deny a friend in need?
Grace is unprepared for the true condition of her friend
and, wary of those running the sanatorium, escape becomes her plan.
Unsure of the hotel guest who's captured her attention,
she's unwilling to let him in on her plans.
Though that might not have been such a bad idea
when Grace finds herself under lock and key at midnight...

Very satisfying collection of novellas, each offering
a unique plot, resulting from that simple act
of opening an unexpected letter received in the post. . .


*Appreciation to Revell for providing an ecopy for reading and reviewing without compensation.

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Cabot, Ann Shorey, Laurie Alice Eakes and Jane Kirkpatrick team up in their new book, “Sincerely Yours” published by Revell to bring us A Novella Collection.

From the Back Cover: Four unexpected letters. Four intrepid women. Four lives changed forever.

Spanning a century and a continent, these romantic novellas will lead you on a journey through the landscape of love. Four young women find their lives altered after each receives a letter that sets her on a new path. From a Hudson River steamboat to a lush drawing room, from a carousel carver’s workshop to a remote hospital, you’ll be swept into the lives of women who are making their way in the world and finding love where they least expect it.

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew is a highborn English lady fleeing false accusations when she runs smack into love on a steamboat bound for the new Erie Canal. But can this unexpected attraction survive the treacherous journey?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Marigold Montgomery Bentley writes marriage advice for Kipler’s Home Weekly even though she is single. Everyone assumes from the initials that “M. M.” is a man. When the editor asks to meet Mr. Bentley, can Merrie come up with a ruse to keep her writing job?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell will lose her family fortune to a reckless cousin if she doesn’t marry quickly. When she learns her long-lost brother is alive, she hopes she’s found the answer to her problems. What she finds instead is a mysterious carousel carver who turns her life upside down.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway must rescue a dear friend from a remote and notorious clinic that promises healing but delivers only heartache. In a place laced with deceit, where lives hang in the balance, whom can she trust to help her?

History and romance, not just one story but four of them by four authors. What can be better than this? Each story is well researched and, of course, well written. Each of these ladies does an excellent job in bringing their characters to life and their stories go by all too quickly. At the end of each story there is a Dear Reader from each author that gives some of the real history behind what they have written. You cannot go wrong with reading the stories in this book. The only problem is that when you finish the fourth story there isn’t anymore. I hope that these authors can get together and bring us another round. That would be wonderful.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers. 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.”

[Larik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours
I love historical novellas, but this collection has overpasses many of which I have read. Though romantic, touching, and funny at some parts these four stories were set in a specific historical event. The brief note from the authors, with the true events of the history set right after each novella, were very informative and greatly appreciated. A Moonlight Promise Camilla is running from the consequences of the death of her wasteful brother and his debts. So the letter from a friend inviting her to come to America and be her companion is lifesaving. Following the instructions in the letter she asks harbormaster which of all captains is trust worthy and could take her the last leg of this treacherous trip to New York. Harbormaster directs her to a certain captain of a cargo boat, poor her she jumps his boat the last second, barely surviving. Only, the captain Black besides being rude doesn’t want her on his ship. He is trying to turn around and leave her. Only God has his own plan in this and circumstances force him to keep her on the boat and later gets them stuck in port for days on end. Love blooms on this steam boat but danger still follows them full force. How will they save themselves and everything they worked for, including these tender feeling.
Lessons in Love Miss Bentley is a writer for the journal and in her writing she is advising women on successful marriage. Apparently you don’t need to be married to be an expert on the subject. Mr. Thackery in teaching her to play piano, but after some confused gender and a letter from the publisher requesting to meet Mr. Bentley to discuss the detail of the article, her only way to save her career is to beg Mr. Thatcher to act as her husband. What a web they spin, it takes a load of courage to break convention and be honest about more than just her writing.
One Little Word She has only two options: to marry the man who wants her wealth her wealth to pay off his debts or to pass over her inheritance to her cousin who will waste it on opening a string of saloons. But after receiving a letter from her brother who didn’t write for two years. She travels to meet him, only to find herself trying to prove her worth to a commoner who loved carousels just as much as she did. What a surprise a waits on both of them.
A Saving Grace Traveling to the west Oregon to save her best friend from a certain sanatorium Grace meets a charming gentleman that just might wake up feelings in her that no one else could before. Only to find out that he is a doctor working for the despised sanatorium. Sometimes saving someone requires more than just words and kind actions, even more than just love and force. Sometimes it takes the great sacrifice of self.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from Publisher, through NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of novellas, I am particularly fond of these books that contain a collection of stories. It is also fun when the novellas have some kind of common thread. Sincerely Yours is a collection of four novellas and their common theme involves a letter received by the heroine of each story. The novellas are in no other way connected – they stand alone. In each story, a woman receives a letter that impacts her life in some way and drives her to an action that becomes the storyline of the novella. I enjoyed each novella in this collection.

In Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes, I enjoyed following Camilla’s journey on a cargo steamboat. There is mystery, danger and a really wonderful romance! Even though I liked all of the stories in Sincerely Yours, I believe that Moonlight Promise was my very favorite.

In Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey, I enjoyed watching Merrie and the hero of the story as they developed feelings for each other. I really like these situations that involve the different classes in society. It always seems hopeless that these two people from different walks of life could ever end up together. This novella also brings up the question of exactly what constitutes deceit and works on the heroine’s heart about that issue as well.

In One Little Word by Amanda Cabot, Lorraine begins the story as a rather uppity society girl. I enjoyed watching as she began to realize that people’s values don’t come from their position in society. Both main characters had a lot to learn about trusting in God while making decisions based on whom they love and not on certain society position or family name. A sweet story.

In A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick, we are thrust into a very worrisome situation. Grace is trying to save her friend from a sanatorium that does not seem to be helping, but is instead hurting its patients. This story does have a light romance laced throughout, but is more focused on the mystery of exactly what the doctor and her husband are up to at this clinic. There is a lot of good, suspenseful tension running through it. And I was absolutely amazed to learn that this novella is based on real events!

I had a lot of fun reading these well-written stories. I was also able to discover two new authors through this collection. I had not read anything by Jane Kirkpatrick or Amanda Cabot before, and I am always happy to read a new-to-me author! I definitely recommend Sincerely Yours.

I received a copy of this book from Baker Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review, which I have given.

You can read this review on my blog and enter a giveaway hosted by Jane Kirkpatrick at:
http://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.co...

[Abbie Riddle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four of my favorite historical fiction writers all in one book...what more could one ask for? This is a neat little compilation of novellas based on letters. Each one unique and wonderful in it's own right and short enough to read in one setting or two at tops. This makes the stories perfect for the mom on the run!

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
Camilla Renfrew boards a steam ship wanting to leave behind her drama and suspense only to find herself tangled in the midst of it. This book is packed with love, and suspense as the characters discover that life moves as quickly as the river and has many turns and twists that take us by surprise.

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorrey
This novella is filled with little deceptions that lead to large amounts of mischief and trouble. A lesson in the fact that the truth is almost always better - and is certainly easier to keep up with. Merrie learns quickly that leading a double life can lead to double the trouble as she tries to keep her true identity hidden so that she can keep her writing career. What will be the end result? - Well, you'd have to read this fast moving novella to find out how love, writing,and truth all work together to weave a story of wonderful proportions.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Amanda Cabot is really one of my very favorites because of her easy writing style. This novella to me is classic Cabot style of ease and flow. Faced with a need to marry in order to save her fortune Lorraine finds out she has a brother she has never met. A letter to him finds her on the way to meet him and embark on an adventure that will forever change her life.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
This is the one novella based less on love and romance and based more of the love of a friend and saving that friend from a dangerous place. I found this to be an interesting twist and was rather intrigued to find out later that this was based on a true story. Filled with suspense and a certain amount of heart ache this one will leave the reader in awe that such places could have really existed or that this school of thought could have been bought into all.

Each novella is wonderfully and masterfully written by authors used to writing much longer pieces. I would imagine it was a challenge for each to write a complete story in such a small amount of space when they are used to writing complete works that span hundreds of pages with detailed story. I thought each one pulled together their story very well and presented the needed information to make the story great.

Thanks to the publisher Revell for this review copy

Visit http://janeswordsofencouragement.blog... for a give away of this book and other

[Donna Mcginnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to read novellas and enjoyed all of these. Each author is very talented and have included historical information, some humor, suspense, adventure, romance and more with well developed characters. Each story evolves around a letter which each of the women receive that leads them down an unknown path that changes their lives.

Moonlight Promises by Laurie Alice Eakes
The setting is on the Hudson River in 1825. Camilla Renfrew has been sent a letter from her friend offering her a position. She boards a stream boat and heads for Albany. She meets Captain Nathaniel Black who is not happy that she is on his boat. Neither expected the trip to involve so much danger, suspense and adventure. Will they develop feelings for each other?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
The setting is July, 1858 in Chicago. Marigold Montgomery Bentley (Merrie) is single and writes a column under the name of M. M. Bentley giving marriage advice for the Kipler's Home Weekly. Camilla receives a letter from her editor stating that he wants to meet with her but he thinks she is a man. A problem for Merrie. What will he say when he finds out she is a woman. Camilla enlists her music teacher Colin Thackery to help her. Will this lead to more than a student-teacher relationship? How will she deal with her editor?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
The setting is May, 1892, in New York City. There is a deadline and unless Lorraine Caldwell marries right away she will lose her family's fortune. She receives a letter from her long lost brother Mike asking her to come to Lilac Hall. What a surprise is in store for her when she arrives. She meets Jonah Mann and thinks he is a servant. Jonah is a carver and painter of Carousel horses. Lorraine wants to help and paints some of the horses with Jonah. Will they become romantically involved? What is Jonah's family's background?

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
The setting is March, 1911 in Olalla, Washington on Puget Sound. Grace Hathaway received a letter from her god-child Caroline asking her to help bring her mother home. Another letter follows from a lawyer stating her friends situation and condition. Grace sets out on a rescue mission to take her friend Rebecca away from a remote and unconventional sanatorium called Wilderness Heights. It is amazing the lengths Grace went to in order to try and rescue her friend and the people who helped.

A great collection of historical fiction novellas.

I received this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours is a delightful read. It is a collection of four
historical Christian fiction novellas. Each of the four sections
develops after the principal character in each novella receives
a letter. The letters set each young woman on a path that will
alter their lives.
The book has adventure, suspense and surprise situations. It is
combined with mystery, historical descriptions, some laughable
moments and romance. A smorgasbord of writing talents
showing how the four young women discover how to find their
way,make themselves useful and lead their lives.
The history behind the story is briefly explained at the end of
each individual novella.
The novellas are as follows:

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
This novella takes place on the Hudson River about 1825.
Camilla Renfrew boards a merchant steamboat to ride upriver
to Albany to meet the sender of a letter offering her a
position. This trip will hold adventure & suspense accompanied
by romance & humor.


Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Welcome to Chicago about 1858 to where Marigold Montgomery
Bentley is living with her aunt. Although she is unmarried,
she is writing marriage advice articles as Mr. M.M. Bentley.
Then she receives a letter requesting Mr. M.M. to meet the
editor. That’s when the adventure and shenanigans begin.

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Lorraine Caldwell receives a letter from her estranged brother
requesting her to visit him at Lilac Hall. The year is about
1892.When she arrives she is greeted by a man she thinks is a
servant only to find out he is a carousel carver. It was
neat following the building of the carousel carving and
painting plus following the adventures of Lorraine as she
tries to cook and wash. With God’s guidance she finds her
calling and future.

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Grace Hathaway receives a letter from her God-child so she’s
off to Pugent Sound. The year is 1911.Grace needs to find out
the status of her God-child’s mother who went to a remote
clinic to recover from grief. Grace needs to rescue the mother
from this clinic which is nicknamed Starvation Heights. How
will she accomplish this? Who will help her? Who can she trust?
The story told is what happened in a real clinic in Washington
state in the beginning of the 1900’s.
I received this book from bookfun.org. My opinion is my own.

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Moonlight Promise
This was my first story by Laurie Alice Eakes and I sincerely enjoyed A Moonlight Promise. It was a sweet story with just enough danger to make it a satisfying read. Camilla and Nathaniel's reliance on faith in God in the face of difficult circumstances is worth admiring. I absolutely loved the historical steamboat details, who knew that the Mark Twain steamboats were nothing like the earlier ones at all?

Lessons In Love
A gentle love story about a shy girl with a secret – she is a writer – and the lessons she learns in honesty, in life, and in love. One of the things I liked about Lessons In Love is how Ann Shorey tells it realistically; the women in the story believe both in women's rights but also in family and happiness in the home. A truly sweet and enjoyable novella.

One Little Word
I think this is one of my favorite stories in the book, I LOVE carousels! I got my first carousel ride at age 8 and I have been in love ever since. This story is not only filled with fascinating details about the musical horses but it also a delightfully sweet romance. Amanda Cabot has a winner in One Little Word and readers will find themselves rooting for Lorraine and Jonah.

A Saving Grace
Darker than the preceding stories A Saving Grace tells the story of a woman's love for her friend. Grace will do whatever it takes including endangering her own life to save her friend and the other women under “treatment.” While the romance is muted, I think the friendship and loyalty displayed by Jane Kirkpatrick's characters was my favorite part of this story.

Overall
A nice collection of diverse stories from four talented authors. The theme of receiving a life changing letter weaves these stories together in a most interesting way. Life, love, and the power of the written word are what these stories are all about. These stories are perfect for lovers of historical fiction and will only whet the appetite for more by these lovely ladies.

(I received a copy of this book through the Revell Reads program in exchange for my honest review. I received no financial compensation for this review. All opinions are entirely my own)

[Julie Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sincerely Yours
Anthology by 4 different authors.
A Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes
1850's This tale is about the adventures of Camilla and she has come all the way from England in hopes of catching up with her friend.
She jumped onto a ship and went up north heading towards Albany. Many mishaps along the way that delay them in arriving in time for her to meet her friend. Captain finds out more details of her past....
She becomes friends with the Captain, Captain Black over many a night. When she finally does arrive she finds her friend has left but has left a note for her. She has many choices to make and any number of solutions to her problems.
.
Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey
Merrie Bentley has been writing a column about marriage and now the editor wants to meet with her, thinking M.M. is a man, to discuss further employment. She tries to talk her music teacher into pretending to be her husband, acting as the one the editor wants to speak with but he declines.
She needs to find a temporary husband...Her aunt who she lives with is trying to set her up with eligible men to marry...
Liked hearing of the "Godly topics" and after she injures her hand she seeks advice from others as to their views...
She knows she must come clean with the editor....
.
One Little Word by Amanda Cabot
Jonah designs and makes carousel horses and he knows he must return to his country and rule his family's land soon.
After the wedding of a friend he meets the grooms sister Lorraine and he figures she's too high and mighty to do menial tasks. She goes about and learns how to do them as her brother and new wife are not there to do them.
She then even helps him with the painting of the horses. Loved learned all about the finer workings of them. She knows her family will never let her marry just a commoner...
.
A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick
Love how Grace comes up with a treatable disease so she can spend more time with her friend Rebecca at the hospital. Love her idea of what can help cure others...But Dr. Hazard has other plans...Such a surprise to see who people really are in this book.
.
Really liked this book and finding out new things and locations and time frame.
I received this book from Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

[Marilyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moonlight Promise by Laurie Alice Eakes - Camilla is running from things beyond her control. Raised as a true Lady, she is not really prepared for what is ahead. She never imagined running into the handsome Captain Black. She is a determined girls who knows she is not the best catch around. Captain Black is an opinionated Captain good at his job, yet needs to make a good run this trip and does not need the distraction of a woman. Can they keep their thread of faith and trust each other and the Lord with their uncertain future?

Lessons in Love by Ann Shorey - Marigold is not looking forward to being introduced into society. She would be much happier writing her articles. Can she keep her secrets from her producer and Aunt? Can she keep her feelings for Colin hidden, especially when he is not in her ‘class’ of people. Colin is a master at the piano yet knows he is not in the same class as his favorite pupil. His heart doesn’t seam to understand the difference in the classes. Can love cross the classes, and will society accept a woman writer?

One Little Word by Amanda Cabot - Lorraine is running from her future. She travels to see her brother in hopes of finding some answers. She has been raised to be a proper lady in the high class society, so some consider her just an ‘ornament’. She only has talents befitting a true lady. She wishes she can marry for love yet realizes that that is not a possibility. She meets Jonah, whom seams to be of the household servants, he does not seam to be properly mannered in the distinction of the servants and their masters. He has fascinated her from the get go. Will his secret ever come to light and can they ever find true love and happiness and keep both families happy?

A Saving Grace by Jane Kirkpatrick - Grace is called upon to help her dear friend realize that she is being mistreated from the doctors that are suppose to be helping her. Can she rescue her in time? What depths must she go to to be able to help her friend? She also has to battle these feeling she is having for Dr. Claude. Is he with the “bad” doctors or is he there to help? Can she trust him or is her heart leading her down a bad path? Will he be the hero or is he up to no good?

I enjoyed this novella and would recommend it. I was given a copy from www.bookfun.org (The book Club network) for my honest opinion.