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Souls of Indenture #2
A Trusting Heart
WILL THE HORRORS OF THE PAST EVER ALLOW HIM TO TRUST HER WITHOUT RESERVE?
The untimely death of Susannah Smith’s dear husband left her fumbling to pick up the pieces and mend her broken heart. With her financial situation growing increasingly desperate, Susannah finally determines to sell her late husband’s candle shop. Never could she have anticipated what she would find within its walls when she entered the abandoned building. Nor could she erase from her mind the image of the stranger’s dark, haunted eyes staring back at her. Will he prove to be the answer to her prayers, or the cause of her complete and utter destruction?
Josiah Richards is a man with a past. The horrors he has seen and endured shadow every step he takes. When a vibrant, young widow tries to heal his wounds and his black heart, the pain is nearly unbearable. Will he ever be able to trust her with his darkest secrets? Or will his past catch up to him and end his only chance at happiness and love?
The untimely death of Susannah Smith’s dear husband left her fumbling to pick up the pieces and mend her broken heart. With her financial situation growing increasingly desperate, Susannah finally determines to sell her late husband’s candle shop. Never could she have anticipated what she would find within its walls when she entered the abandoned building. Nor could she erase from her mind the image of the stranger’s dark, haunted eyes staring back at her. Will he prove to be the answer to her prayers, or the cause of her complete and utter destruction?
Josiah Richards is a man with a past. The horrors he has seen and endured shadow every step he takes. When a vibrant, young widow tries to heal his wounds and his black heart, the pain is nearly unbearable. Will he ever be able to trust her with his darkest secrets? Or will his past catch up to him and end his only chance at happiness and love?
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2014
20 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Mary Andersen
3 books7 followersI was raised on a farm in northern Alberta, Canada. Some of my fondest memories are of time spent with my parents and siblings hauling hay, working with the cattle, or just goofing around. We would often gather around the piano and sing together, and sometimes neighbors and friends would join us in this, and we would sing into the wee hours together. We didn't have running water or indoor plumbing, and, for quite a while, we also did not have electricity, but it did not matter a whit to any of us. Those are not the kinds of things that really matter. In the evenings sometimes we gathered around the kitchen table and had contests of who could do math questions in our head and get the answer the quickest. Our accompaniment was the whir of the gas lantern. Such great memories! Sometimes, even now, I light a kerosene lamp and turn the other lights off, just for the comforting atmosphere of it. We spent a lot of quality time together, and I think that's one of the reason's we're such a close-knit family.
My love of traveling started very early on. Most of our relatives lived in the States and so we would take a road trip to visit them in the summertime whenever we could. If the 5-day forecast called for rain so that we couldn't be out haying, Dad would announce that we were to pack up and that we would be heading out the next morning. I always loved those trips. That probably had a lot to do with my eventually moving to the US. I spent almost 5 years down in southern Nevada in a wonderful, irrigating farming valley, and that is where I met my dear husband. We eventually ended up back in Canada, and now live with our three children near my childhood farm in Alberta.
As for how I became an author, I guess it started with writing blurbs about my ancestors. I'm big into genealogy, you see. It wasn't long before I ventured past the names and dates, and started trying and determine what their lives might have been like. I also read a lot of inspirational romance novels. One night, after finishing such a book, I had this strong impression that I needed to get out of bed and start writing a tale of my own. I did so, and that book (A Willing Heart) is now complete, and the next in the series is done as well except for some editing. I have grown to love the characters and it amazes me to think they would not exist, for me or anyone else, if I hadn't started typing that night. It has been a beautiful journey so far.
My love of traveling started very early on. Most of our relatives lived in the States and so we would take a road trip to visit them in the summertime whenever we could. If the 5-day forecast called for rain so that we couldn't be out haying, Dad would announce that we were to pack up and that we would be heading out the next morning. I always loved those trips. That probably had a lot to do with my eventually moving to the US. I spent almost 5 years down in southern Nevada in a wonderful, irrigating farming valley, and that is where I met my dear husband. We eventually ended up back in Canada, and now live with our three children near my childhood farm in Alberta.
As for how I became an author, I guess it started with writing blurbs about my ancestors. I'm big into genealogy, you see. It wasn't long before I ventured past the names and dates, and started trying and determine what their lives might have been like. I also read a lot of inspirational romance novels. One night, after finishing such a book, I had this strong impression that I needed to get out of bed and start writing a tale of my own. I did so, and that book (A Willing Heart) is now complete, and the next in the series is done as well except for some editing. I have grown to love the characters and it amazes me to think they would not exist, for me or anyone else, if I hadn't started typing that night. It has been a beautiful journey so far.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 8, 2014
An emotional story about learning to trust your instincts, trusting others and how to love again after a broken heart. Mary Andersen has an amazing talent for writing loving, complex and lifelike characters that you can't help fall in love with and relate to. I couldn't put this book down (just like the first book)! It brought great joy to me to be able to read about Sarah a little bit but even more so to learn more about Susannah's background. I laughed and cried with her, felt her hear wrenching sadness and her highest joys! The Souls of Indenture series has become one of my all time romantic series I have ever read!
August 26, 2014
There are no words for how this book has impacted me. I thought I enjoyed the first book in this series, A Willing Heart, but this one surpassed it. To be presented with a story of people and all they have endured in life, yet still somehow strive to a better one is amazing to me. Again, I could not put this book down. It is a treasure to be kept on your real bookshelf, not just on your digital one.
July 30, 2014
Good read
Good read
Every time I came to a place where I thought I could put it down, I couldn't stop reading it.
Good read
Every time I came to a place where I thought I could put it down, I couldn't stop reading it.
January 28, 2015
While I enjoyed certain aspects of Mary Andersen’s first novel, A Willing Heart, which review you can read here, her second novel, A Trusting Heart, sucked and pulled me in from the start. Andersen is developing a style that is not only raw and gritty, but chock full of historical facts and details, from the dialogue to the food and clothing to the historical events of the time. I really felt immersed in the late 17th century of the young British Empire.
In A Trusting Heart Andersen brings us recently widowed Susannah Smith and Josiah Richards, a young man who carries his torments with him and believes he can never be free of his past. His transformation into a man who can finally trust Susannah is excellently done. It is particularly poignant that he cannot stand her touch at the beginning, even as that is the very thing he needs to heal him, not only physically but mentally as well. The courage he finds later to face his past is admirable, and his spiritual journey is believable and not trite or over blown.
The dialogue was particularly impressive. It has an “old feel” but still flows naturally and lends itself to the story. Dialogue in historical fiction will literally keep us writers up at night. The trick, of course, is to sprinkle enough words and phrasing in our characters' mouths to give the reader a flavor of the times but not cause a burden when reading. In this instance, Andersen hit a fabulous balance that enhances the setting.
The plot was tight and moved quickly. There were a number of times I just couldn’t really determine in my mind where Andersen was moving next with the story as it didn’t seem there were any possibilities of a resolution towards a happily-ever-after. This book literally kept me guessing at every turn, so naturally I had a hard time putting it down. In a genre that relies on happily-ever-afters, messing with a reader’s mind can be difficult. Andersen did not disappoint.
This is a gritty, Christian novel about the power of healing a human heart and the need for forgiveness, both from others as well as ourselves. There are some birthing scenes that are rather realistic. There is a description of an Indian attack, and there is a murder and near hanging. Josiah’s issues are real. He’s not a Christian at the beginning, and he has led a worldly life. This is never detailed in specifics, but it is mentioned and discussed among the characters.
If you are looking for a sweet historical romance, this is not it. If you are looking for a raw, emotional experience that will touch your heart, then you will not be disappointed. An easy 5 stars on this one!
Now, to wait for the third in the trilogy. But waiting is so hard . . .
In A Trusting Heart Andersen brings us recently widowed Susannah Smith and Josiah Richards, a young man who carries his torments with him and believes he can never be free of his past. His transformation into a man who can finally trust Susannah is excellently done. It is particularly poignant that he cannot stand her touch at the beginning, even as that is the very thing he needs to heal him, not only physically but mentally as well. The courage he finds later to face his past is admirable, and his spiritual journey is believable and not trite or over blown.
The dialogue was particularly impressive. It has an “old feel” but still flows naturally and lends itself to the story. Dialogue in historical fiction will literally keep us writers up at night. The trick, of course, is to sprinkle enough words and phrasing in our characters' mouths to give the reader a flavor of the times but not cause a burden when reading. In this instance, Andersen hit a fabulous balance that enhances the setting.
The plot was tight and moved quickly. There were a number of times I just couldn’t really determine in my mind where Andersen was moving next with the story as it didn’t seem there were any possibilities of a resolution towards a happily-ever-after. This book literally kept me guessing at every turn, so naturally I had a hard time putting it down. In a genre that relies on happily-ever-afters, messing with a reader’s mind can be difficult. Andersen did not disappoint.
This is a gritty, Christian novel about the power of healing a human heart and the need for forgiveness, both from others as well as ourselves. There are some birthing scenes that are rather realistic. There is a description of an Indian attack, and there is a murder and near hanging. Josiah’s issues are real. He’s not a Christian at the beginning, and he has led a worldly life. This is never detailed in specifics, but it is mentioned and discussed among the characters.
If you are looking for a sweet historical romance, this is not it. If you are looking for a raw, emotional experience that will touch your heart, then you will not be disappointed. An easy 5 stars on this one!
Now, to wait for the third in the trilogy. But waiting is so hard . . .
August 6, 2014
Why I Decided To Read This...
I am a member of Goodreads and found this wonderful game named Scattegories. Its all about finding and reading books with a certain criteria. I decided to read A Trusting Heart because the heroine's name is Susannah Smith and our categories criteria was Female Main Character Name and the letter S. So I get two points baby!
Yep, thats the reason I'm reading it. Nothing to do with the cover, athough I like it. Nothing to do with the back cover description, although it sounded like a good read. Nope, none of the typical things most readers look for in a book. Sorry if that diappoints you.
What I Loved...
I loved how deep and profound Susannah loved. She was a wonderful heroine to read. Continue
I am a member of Goodreads and found this wonderful game named Scattegories. Its all about finding and reading books with a certain criteria. I decided to read A Trusting Heart because the heroine's name is Susannah Smith and our categories criteria was Female Main Character Name and the letter S. So I get two points baby!
Yep, thats the reason I'm reading it. Nothing to do with the cover, athough I like it. Nothing to do with the back cover description, although it sounded like a good read. Nope, none of the typical things most readers look for in a book. Sorry if that diappoints you.
What I Loved...
I loved how deep and profound Susannah loved. She was a wonderful heroine to read. Continue
December 1, 2014
A Trusting Heart (Souls of the Indentured, #2 )- This is another good book in the series, both books #1 and #2 could be stand alone books. An indentured slave was scarred inside and out from his slave master in his early life. He had strength and courage to keep living and not give up. He finds unconditional love, faith and trust. An excellent story, well written, the author defined each character and situation in detail. I loved the end when the author described what was fiction and what was historical facts in the story. A great read.
November 21, 2014
Loved this second novel in the series even more than the first. Mary Anderson has a wonderful gift of writing edgy inspirational romance. Joe was a "to die for" hero, and Susannah's story was fantastic. I also enjoy the way Mary adds minor characters to her books and gives you a taste of their stories as well - Tessa and Jacob in A Trusting Heart. Catching up with John Clark and Sarah was equally fun. Can hardly wait to read the next installment. Keep it up Mary!
October 25, 2014
Well written and excellent reader/character rapport
Mrs. Anderson is an exceptional author. she wrote with her audience in mind as is evidenced in her thorough character development and continuity of plot. She has the ability to flesh-out her characters so that the reader feels what the characters are feeling. such rapport with characters is what makes the difference between a good writer and an exceptional one. I look forward to her next book!
Mrs. Anderson is an exceptional author. she wrote with her audience in mind as is evidenced in her thorough character development and continuity of plot. She has the ability to flesh-out her characters so that the reader feels what the characters are feeling. such rapport with characters is what makes the difference between a good writer and an exceptional one. I look forward to her next book!
November 27, 2014
I loved this second book in the Indentured Series even better than the first. what an adventure of redemption, love, trust and faith. The only complaint I have is that the plot in some areas was a little choppy. I would have liked to know more about how they got rid of Mr. Davis, for example. It was barely grazed over. I still gave this book 5 stars, though. it had a depth of characters and feelings that you didn't want to leave when you were done. LOVED it!
August 28, 2014
Great second book in the Souls of Indenture series.
Loved this great second book in the Souls of Indenture series. Great story with believable characters and lot of historical facts throughout the storyline. I highly recommend this read.
Loved this great second book in the Souls of Indenture series. Great story with believable characters and lot of historical facts throughout the storyline. I highly recommend this read.
July 27, 2014
I SO liked the first one in this series that I got the second. Sadly something went wrong with this one and it's not as good. The author seems to have switched styles and, although the storyline is good, the way Ms. Anderson wrote it isn't great. Too much internal dialog per character and a lot of explaining what they are thinking, saying the same thing over and over in slightly different ways... Page fillers I call that. Unnecessary and boring. You just want to say, "Get on with it already!"
I was also bothered by all the lying. Established Christians lying, or perpetuating a lie someone else started was rampant in this book. Even Susannah's mother, a Puritan, who was unhappy with Susannah for lying about her marital status eventually told a whopper when the love of Susannah's life came back to find her...all because the mother wanted her daughter to marry another.
Ugh.
Shame, because the first one was so good.
I was also bothered by all the lying. Established Christians lying, or perpetuating a lie someone else started was rampant in this book. Even Susannah's mother, a Puritan, who was unhappy with Susannah for lying about her marital status eventually told a whopper when the love of Susannah's life came back to find her...all because the mother wanted her daughter to marry another.
Ugh.
Shame, because the first one was so good.
October 24, 2014
I rather liked the idea of someone writing a story about the early indentures scarred by the hardship of that experience, but going forward to make a new life and become a cornerstone of the colony's strength and courage. It is a huge and fascinating segment of American history that played such a significant role in the founding of this nation, but so many books are written about the slave experience and so few about the indenture experience. So there were many things I liked about this story and its originality but found many other places that seemed poorly developed, like when the heroine runs to explain to the hero that the person who told him she was married lied and then lets the poor guy go on and on in torment because she forgets to tell him! Seriously, Ms. Andersen, what were you thinking? Parts of the story worked, parts didn't, but a good edit would have made it a much better novel.
May 6, 2015
Book 2
I did not enjoy this book it seemed to mostly center around the private intimates of the marriage bed and the fleshy desires of both male and females involved in each relationships prior to and after the marriage vows were spoken. This book is not suitable for young people or teens. I would not recommend it to anyone and do not think it should be classified as a christian book, I was very disappointed
I did not enjoy this book it seemed to mostly center around the private intimates of the marriage bed and the fleshy desires of both male and females involved in each relationships prior to and after the marriage vows were spoken. This book is not suitable for young people or teens. I would not recommend it to anyone and do not think it should be classified as a christian book, I was very disappointed
June 14, 2016
Enjoyable
This was an enjoyable story of both love of God and of one another. It was well written historically accurate. I enjoyed the research about the times at the books end. I look forward to more books by this author.
This was an enjoyable story of both love of God and of one another. It was well written historically accurate. I enjoyed the research about the times at the books end. I look forward to more books by this author.
September 21, 2014
So the beginning was slow... The middle was pretty good and then the ending was slow. Worth 99cents.
Read
September 24, 2014Good book
May 16, 2015
I think this was my favorite of the two books by Mary Andersen. Something about a bad boy turning good is always appealing to me. Can't wait for her third book.
March 21, 2016
Awesome
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was really really really really really really really really really really really really good.
I absolutely enjoyed reading this book. It was really really really really really really really really really really really really good.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews