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Little Hickman Creek #2
Sarah My Beloved
Sarah Woodward has come to Kentucky as a mail-order bride. But when she steps off the stage coach, the man who contacted her through the Marriage Made in Heaven Agency informs her that he has fallen in love with and wed another woman. Sarah is disappointed, but she feels that God led her to Little Hickman Creek for a reason. With her usual stubborn determination, she refuses to leave until she finds out what that reason is. Rocky Callahan's sister has died, leaving him with two young children to take care of. When he meets the fiery Sarah Woodward, he proposes the answer to both their problems a marriage in name only. Sarah soon comes to love the children, but Rocky is afraid that she'll never survive as a farmer's wife with her privileged upbringing. Can he let go of the pain in his past and trust God's plan for his life? Will she leave him or will they actually find a marriage made
in heaven?
in heaven?
365 pages, Paperback
First published September 11, 2007
About the author
Sharlene MacLaren
36 books227 followersAfter 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)
Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!
Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.
Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!
Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 27, 2021
I picked up this book in one of the little free librarys and loved it from the first page. I intend to read the other two books in this trilogy and also some of the other books by this author. Set in 1896, Sarah arrives in Kentucky as a result of answering a mail order bride request. Unfortunately the man who sent for her has changed his mind and has called off the marriage. Sarah feels that God has sent her to Kentucky and she plans to stay. She meets Rocky who is a widower and has recently had his sisters two small children join him after her death. Sarah decides to marry Rocky to help out with the children. Even though the marriage is in name only of course they find themselves falling in love with each other. This is the second book of the trilogy so I am looking forward to reading number one and number three.
August 18, 2019
Book 2 continues the saga of the small Kentucky town of Little Hickman Creek. Sarah Woodward arrived at the end of Book 1 to be a mail order bride to find that her groom has married someone else. Rocky Callahan has become a bitter, disillusioned man due to the death of this wife and young son. Now his widowed sister has died and her 2 young children have been sent to him to raise. Sarah does not want to return to Boston and the pursuit by a lawyer she does not want to marry. So when Rocky asks her to marry him and take care of his niece and nephew, she agrees.
MacLaren once again writes a realistic plot line of life in the late 1890's in a small farm town. Everyday life in the late 1800's with epidemics of disease, barns burning, and freak storms while the towns' citizens pull together and support one another carry this story from start to finish. Sarah's faith plays an important role in her marriage of convenience that becomes more as Rocky once again finds his trust in God. Seth and Rachel, Rocky's niece and nephew, play special roles in the plot.
I look forward to reading Book 3 which will focus on Emma the owner of the Boarding House.
MacLaren once again writes a realistic plot line of life in the late 1890's in a small farm town. Everyday life in the late 1800's with epidemics of disease, barns burning, and freak storms while the towns' citizens pull together and support one another carry this story from start to finish. Sarah's faith plays an important role in her marriage of convenience that becomes more as Rocky once again finds his trust in God. Seth and Rachel, Rocky's niece and nephew, play special roles in the plot.
I look forward to reading Book 3 which will focus on Emma the owner of the Boarding House.
July 17, 2018
2.5 stars.
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't the best I've read either. Still on the plus side, it was quick and easy. Very smooth, even the conflict i was expecting wasn't much of a conflict. Which actually wasn't a bad thing. I liked the fact they sat down and talked things out like mature adults. Seriously talking it out is a great resolution for conflict.
The characters were alright. I didn't hate them or love them, they were just there. Although I love the fact the children didn't irk me in this story.
Plot wise there wasn't a lot going on. Although Rocky's insistence Sarah was going to leave at the drop of a hat got a bit old.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when starting it, but it can standalone. I think you probably get the back story of Ben in the first one and Jon in the third one. But sadly I have no real desire to track them down and read them. However if I do run across them I may pick them up if I'm in need of a quick read.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
It wasn't a bad book, but it wasn't the best I've read either. Still on the plus side, it was quick and easy. Very smooth, even the conflict i was expecting wasn't much of a conflict. Which actually wasn't a bad thing. I liked the fact they sat down and talked things out like mature adults. Seriously talking it out is a great resolution for conflict.
The characters were alright. I didn't hate them or love them, they were just there. Although I love the fact the children didn't irk me in this story.
Plot wise there wasn't a lot going on. Although Rocky's insistence Sarah was going to leave at the drop of a hat got a bit old.
I didn't realize this was the second book in a series when starting it, but it can standalone. I think you probably get the back story of Ben in the first one and Jon in the third one. But sadly I have no real desire to track them down and read them. However if I do run across them I may pick them up if I'm in need of a quick read.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrow? Borrow
December 9, 2021
A 3 star read. The pacing was a little slow in places, overall an ok read. The Both the H and the h had some personal issues although it worjed out in the end. I may or may not read other books in this series.
April 3, 2018
I think so enjoyed this book even more than the previous one in the series. The proselytizing seemed less, though perhaps I just expected it more. I enjoyed Sarah and look forward to finding out whether she gets her wish in the sequel.
January 22, 2018
What a sweet story of a how a christian mail order bride situation turned out.
June 15, 2019
Loved it!
July 29, 2020
I enjoyed this book. A clean ,fun family with historic .
January 12, 2021
4.5 stars
October 27, 2025
Loved it!!!
June 27, 2013
Sarah comes to Hickman Creek to be a mail-order bride, but when she arrives, Ben Broughton informs her he is in love with another, and offers to pay her way back to Boston. But Sarah refuses, insisting she was sent to Kentucky from God, for a purpose. Determined to overcome the obstacles that repeatedly present themselves, she puts her best foot forward and waits for God to direct her steps. She doesn't have long to wait.
Rocky Callahan was married once, with a fine son, but for reasons he doesn't care to understand, they were taken away. As if that weren't enough, his widowed sister dies, leaving behind two children that have no where else to go. Though unwillingly, Rocky takes the children in, disgruntled with his responsibility from the first day they arrived on the stage with the mail-order bride, Sarah. Drowning in self pity and despair, Rocky asks Sarah for a marriage of convenience, simply wanting a help for his dire straights. Sarah accepts, wanting to accept the will of God even when she cannot even begin to understand. Will their marriage in "name only" remain just that? Or will Sarah's unending faith and constant devotion win Rocky's hard heart and restore his faith in the Father?
So far, this is my favorite book in the Little Hickman Creek series. Sarah shows remarkable devotion to a man and family she owes nothing to, and quickly assimilates to the hard life of living in the country. As a refined, pampered city girl, I was surprised how she took to it like duck to water, with nary a complaint. Even though Rocky has become cynical and depressed, Sarah has a way of touching even the hardest person with her love and trust in God. I admire how MacLaren puts forth characters that are so easy to love, and very hard to forget.
Rocky Callahan was married once, with a fine son, but for reasons he doesn't care to understand, they were taken away. As if that weren't enough, his widowed sister dies, leaving behind two children that have no where else to go. Though unwillingly, Rocky takes the children in, disgruntled with his responsibility from the first day they arrived on the stage with the mail-order bride, Sarah. Drowning in self pity and despair, Rocky asks Sarah for a marriage of convenience, simply wanting a help for his dire straights. Sarah accepts, wanting to accept the will of God even when she cannot even begin to understand. Will their marriage in "name only" remain just that? Or will Sarah's unending faith and constant devotion win Rocky's hard heart and restore his faith in the Father?
So far, this is my favorite book in the Little Hickman Creek series. Sarah shows remarkable devotion to a man and family she owes nothing to, and quickly assimilates to the hard life of living in the country. As a refined, pampered city girl, I was surprised how she took to it like duck to water, with nary a complaint. Even though Rocky has become cynical and depressed, Sarah has a way of touching even the hardest person with her love and trust in God. I admire how MacLaren puts forth characters that are so easy to love, and very hard to forget.
July 30, 2013
Sarah by Sharlene MacLaren is book two in the Little Hickman Creek series. I read and reviewed book one a while back. Here is my review link if you would like to read that one. The title is Loving Liza Jane. http://thelifeandtimesofwanda.blogspo...
The book Sarah is about a very strong, independent woman who is so close to the Lord. She came to Little Hickman Creek as a mail-order bride. She’s a very wealthy woman, but doesn’t want to continue living where she was born. She feels God has a reason for her to be a mail-order bride. The man she was suppose to marry fell in love with another woman and sent a message for Sarah not to come. Of course she didn’t get the message. Sarah continues to feel God has her here for something. Then Sarah sees two children whom their Uncle is taking care of and he doesn’t seem to love them. That gets to Sarah and she helps them out anyway she can. So starts the way Sarah and Rocky meet and begin their lives.
A very, very good book that I loved reading. It is full of love, romance and family with sickness, tragedy and blessings. I highly recommend Sarah book two in the Little Hickman series.
Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
The book Sarah is about a very strong, independent woman who is so close to the Lord. She came to Little Hickman Creek as a mail-order bride. She’s a very wealthy woman, but doesn’t want to continue living where she was born. She feels God has a reason for her to be a mail-order bride. The man she was suppose to marry fell in love with another woman and sent a message for Sarah not to come. Of course she didn’t get the message. Sarah continues to feel God has her here for something. Then Sarah sees two children whom their Uncle is taking care of and he doesn’t seem to love them. That gets to Sarah and she helps them out anyway she can. So starts the way Sarah and Rocky meet and begin their lives.
A very, very good book that I loved reading. It is full of love, romance and family with sickness, tragedy and blessings. I highly recommend Sarah book two in the Little Hickman series.
Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255
November 14, 2008
Sarah Woodward leaves her home in Boston to travel to Little Hickman Creek, Kentucky as a mail order bride. When she arrives the man she was planning to marry has fallen in love with someone else. Sarah decides to stay in Little Hickman, feeling that God has led her there for a purpose. Rocky Callahan is a widower that has recently lost his own little boy, and is now saddled with caring for his newly arrived and orphaned neice and nephew. He needs a mother for the children so he proposes a marriage in "name only" to Sarah to help him with his new family.
I liked this book, it was a nice easy read, the Christian theme was fine and the relationships developed nicely. I just felt like it had a rather abrupt ending.
I realized after I started that it is the second book in a series. It stood alone, and I'm thinking about reading the third book.
I liked this book, it was a nice easy read, the Christian theme was fine and the relationships developed nicely. I just felt like it had a rather abrupt ending.
I realized after I started that it is the second book in a series. It stood alone, and I'm thinking about reading the third book.
February 2, 2011
I really enjoyed this book! It was a clean, fun romance with the historic setting I like. The whole mail order bride scenario has always appealed to me. I really liked how this started with the whole plan not working due to her intended finding a wife locally before she even makes it out to him . It was a fun twist-plus the fact that she was not desperate to find a husband but to get away from another suitor! Found out after reading it that this is th middle book of a trilogy. I liked it so much that I ordered the other 2 -so if you are interested , I have them all. I am starting the first book now.. This book stood on its own so I dont think it mattered that I read it first but I will see if it spoils the ending for the first book.
October 28, 2008
This book was very cute, but very predictable. And squeaky clean which I love. About a mail order bride arriving to Little Hickman to find the man she was coming to marry had already fallen in love and was getting married. Her strugle to find her place in Little Hickman.
Christian romance - has some good bible versus in it.
Christian romance - has some good bible versus in it.
March 29, 2014
I really enjoy the books from this light, Christian romance series. I loved the "family" story. (However, I really disliked the book cover because this young woman is very sweet and plain looking, whereas the woman in the book was beautiful and sophisticated. I'm silly, but I like the cover picture to match the image in the book.)
May 30, 2013
I love marriage of convinience turn marriage of love novels.. They never fail to have enough fight to have you sceam at characters or enough attraction to have you scream harder attheir blindness!!!
Adorable true love story!!! Verry touching funny and captivating. Perfect ending to the series!!
Adorable true love story!!! Verry touching funny and captivating. Perfect ending to the series!!
August 4, 2008
Enjoyable story but predictable.
October 23, 2008
Romance: teaches you that God is always in control if you let Him and sometimes you might not understand why He takes you down a certain path but in the end all works out for your good in Christ.
December 29, 2008
This book is absolutely amazing I could not put it down!
Read
February 27, 2009This is the wonderful good clean romance it is the second book in the series and I really enjoyed the story and the romance.
Read
March 27, 2009This book, I found, was something that pulled you in! I loved every minute I read it and didnt want it to end!
May 26, 2009
This is the 2nd book in the series. This series is just a really easy read. I have really enjoyed it.
August 1, 2015
I really enjoyed this story. Sharlene's characters really came to life and I loved how they all grew!
November 23, 2009
For a book writen in the 1800 era it was easy reading and a must read book about a womens love for a husband she never started out loving
May 3, 2010
Fun and easy to read.
June 25, 2010
I read this book in three days. I could not put it down. Stayed up till 1am just to finish it!!!
July 28, 2014
Book 2 of 3
September 13, 2014
loved it.
April 9, 2015
Awesome read...I love Sharlene!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews