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Hymns of the West #3
Amazing Grace
Caleb hurried to the post office. He had to get in and out before his sister finished at the general store. “Any mail for the Stuarts?” he asked the postmaster.
The postmaster took a lazy look at him over the top of his eyeglasses and gave a heaving sigh as he turned around to check. “Yep. Somethin’ from Ohio and somethin’ from Montana.”
Tapping his foot, Caleb waited until the large man put the letters lazily in his hand. As he left he wondered why Anna had written someone in Montana and who she knew in Montana. It was really none of his business, but he was still curious. He folded the Ohio letter in half and stashed it in his back pocket. It would get wrinkled, but at least Anna wouldn’t know about it.
As Caleb struggles through some inner battles, he secretly starts a correspondence with a widow and her daughter. Their unabashed faith in God convicts him and increases his inner struggles.
Unable to find a steady job, Maggie places an advertisement to become a mail-order bride. Her daughter, Rachel, is her motivation and encouragement, but if Maggie doesn’t find a job or husband soon, Rachel might not survive through the next year.
Can Caleb learn to trust God despite his past? Can Maggie and Rachel hold onto their faith despite all their trials? What will happen when they meet in person?
While this book can be read as a stand alone, it would be easier to understand some portions of the story if you read the second book of the series, Be Thou My Vision first.
The postmaster took a lazy look at him over the top of his eyeglasses and gave a heaving sigh as he turned around to check. “Yep. Somethin’ from Ohio and somethin’ from Montana.”
Tapping his foot, Caleb waited until the large man put the letters lazily in his hand. As he left he wondered why Anna had written someone in Montana and who she knew in Montana. It was really none of his business, but he was still curious. He folded the Ohio letter in half and stashed it in his back pocket. It would get wrinkled, but at least Anna wouldn’t know about it.
As Caleb struggles through some inner battles, he secretly starts a correspondence with a widow and her daughter. Their unabashed faith in God convicts him and increases his inner struggles.
Unable to find a steady job, Maggie places an advertisement to become a mail-order bride. Her daughter, Rachel, is her motivation and encouragement, but if Maggie doesn’t find a job or husband soon, Rachel might not survive through the next year.
Can Caleb learn to trust God despite his past? Can Maggie and Rachel hold onto their faith despite all their trials? What will happen when they meet in person?
While this book can be read as a stand alone, it would be easier to understand some portions of the story if you read the second book of the series, Be Thou My Vision first.
371 pages, ebook
First published April 26, 2015
About the author
Faith Blum
45 books287 followersFaith Blum is a wife, mom, administrative assistant for the Author Conservatory, author, and pianist. She’s published 30+ Christian Historical adventure fiction with light romance that strengthens your Christian faith. When not writing, you can find her cooking from scratch, reading, spending time with her husband, homeschooling her elementary school son, or caring for her toddler.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
January 30, 2017
The best thing about Faith's books is how Christian they are - Christian in a real, bible believing way. They are are sweet and clean. I also really like the covers.
This is the third book in this series and I was interested to read about Caleb and his mail order bride. I also personally was interested in hearing Caleb's side of the Jed debacle.
Nevertheless despite the presence of characters I was interested in, I struggled with aspects of this book. Firstly the timing of events. The book begins with a recap of the awful day with Jed and his father Iain, fleshing it out a bit more and we see why Caleb didn't go straight after Jed, which was ok, but then the actual story starts before Anna's wedding which totally confused me as she got married at the end of the second book.
I honestly want to like these books but I struggle with the editing. There are too many times I'm pulled out of the story because of little aspects that could have been easily fixed.
Otherwise this series is suitable for girls who want a genuinely Christian romance to read.
This is the third book in this series and I was interested to read about Caleb and his mail order bride. I also personally was interested in hearing Caleb's side of the Jed debacle.
Nevertheless despite the presence of characters I was interested in, I struggled with aspects of this book. Firstly the timing of events. The book begins with a recap of the awful day with Jed and his father Iain, fleshing it out a bit more and we see why Caleb didn't go straight after Jed, which was ok, but then the actual story starts before Anna's wedding which totally confused me as she got married at the end of the second book.
I honestly want to like these books but I struggle with the editing. There are too many times I'm pulled out of the story because of little aspects that could have been easily fixed.
Otherwise this series is suitable for girls who want a genuinely Christian romance to read.
April 24, 2015
Stories about mail-order brides always intrigue me. Not being very romantic, I'm not really sure why (maybe it's the history or unusual concept); but I was happy to realize that Amazing Grace incorporated the story of a mail-order bride and found the first portion of the story very interesting as it bounced between several correspondents.
As the story progressed, I got to know Caleb, Anna, Iain, Maggie, Rachel, Miles, John, James, and Toby, and enjoyed following their story. There is definitely a strong Christian emphasis in the story (which I appreciate) and a lot about seeking God for His direction in your life.
A few things I really appreciated:
~I appreciated how Miles would just break out into prayer during tough times.
~I appreciated the realistic conclusion that though we may present man with the Gospel, we cannot force him to accept it. Though I almost didn't want to read it, it is very true that some people, though we witness to them, we may never know in this life whether or not they accepted that Gospel for their own.
~I appreciated that the salvation message was very clearly presented.
A few things that I was hesitant about:
~I will admit that I was very cautious in reading about a Christian woman corresponding with (and practically courting) an unbeliever. Though it turned out well (and it was very clear that Maggie was not the reason for Caleb's profession of faith), I know that such is not always the case. It is easy for our emotions to run away with us and a Christian girl might hope for the same results as Maggie and Caleb, and before she realizes it, gets swept into an unbiblical marriage. This is pretty much the main point that I cringed in reading the book. I think the author handled the situation well, with the characters bathing the situation in prayer and getting godly counsel, but at the same time, would caution girls not to take Maggie's story as their pattern for courtship/dating.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Hold that thought. I have a ring to buy."
(I'll admit, this one had me laughing out loud [which doesn't happen often while I'm reading] and my family had to know what was so funny)
"My caution to you is to not get so caught up in the romance you lose sight of God. God should always come first in any relationship."
"As good as she may be for him, it is never good to go contrary to God's will and in this case, His will is very clear."
As the story progressed, I got to know Caleb, Anna, Iain, Maggie, Rachel, Miles, John, James, and Toby, and enjoyed following their story. There is definitely a strong Christian emphasis in the story (which I appreciate) and a lot about seeking God for His direction in your life.
A few things I really appreciated:
~I appreciated how Miles would just break out into prayer during tough times.
~I appreciated the realistic conclusion that though we may present man with the Gospel, we cannot force him to accept it. Though I almost didn't want to read it, it is very true that some people, though we witness to them, we may never know in this life whether or not they accepted that Gospel for their own.
~I appreciated that the salvation message was very clearly presented.
A few things that I was hesitant about:
~I will admit that I was very cautious in reading about a Christian woman corresponding with (and practically courting) an unbeliever. Though it turned out well (and it was very clear that Maggie was not the reason for Caleb's profession of faith), I know that such is not always the case. It is easy for our emotions to run away with us and a Christian girl might hope for the same results as Maggie and Caleb, and before she realizes it, gets swept into an unbiblical marriage. This is pretty much the main point that I cringed in reading the book. I think the author handled the situation well, with the characters bathing the situation in prayer and getting godly counsel, but at the same time, would caution girls not to take Maggie's story as their pattern for courtship/dating.
Some of my favorite quotes:
"Hold that thought. I have a ring to buy."
(I'll admit, this one had me laughing out loud [which doesn't happen often while I'm reading] and my family had to know what was so funny)
"My caution to you is to not get so caught up in the romance you lose sight of God. God should always come first in any relationship."
"As good as she may be for him, it is never good to go contrary to God's will and in this case, His will is very clear."
Did Not Finish
January 22, 2019I was talking with my sister and I decided to not finish this book. I have a huge problem with a Christian choosing to be in a relationship with a non-believer. I've seen it cause so many problems in real life. I decided instead of finishing the book and then ranting, I'd just leave off the book.
On a good note, Blum's writing shows vast improvement in this story.
On a good note, Blum's writing shows vast improvement in this story.
April 23, 2015
Recommended for: Ages 10-Adult
Rating: PG (a drunken character and some clean romance)
I had heard about the Hymns of the West series and even interacted with Faith a little online, but I didn't actually read any of her books until we started doing each others' blog tours. I actually interviewed her on my author blog today. Amazing Grace is the only one I've read so far and I really enjoyed it. I read the prologue one day, but once I actually sat down to read more a few days later, I finished it in an evening and a morning. And despite being book three, it really can be read as a standalone. I'm sure I would get more out of it by reading the others too, but it didn't prevent my understanding this book to have not read the others first.
Writing: 4/5
Faith's writing gave me a really good idea of the story and all that was going on. It definitely held my attention and kept me in the story. There were some points where the writing style seemed rather unpolished, and it was hard at the very first to figure out who Duncan, Maggie, and Rachel were, and what their relationship to one another was. It didn't take long for me to figure it out, though. The only other thing I wasn't sure about with the writing was that it and the dialogue didn't seem quite old fashioned enough for the era. I did really love how many of Maggie and Caleb's letters were included. That was a neat touch.
Setting: 5/5
The setting seemed fairly realistic, not out of place with other books of similar genre like Little House or Sarah, Plain and Tall. Nothing stuck out to me as being out of place historically, and it felt like a real place. It was interesting when a certain character had an "apoplectic fit" as they called it, but I could identify it as a stroke. It really made me think about medicine in the old days and how they really didn't know all the things we do today.
Plot: 4/5
I've been fascinated with the concept of a mail order bride ever since I read Sarah, Plain and Tall. Not that I would ever want to be one, I certainly wouldn't, but it's a very interesting concept. I supposed it's sort of the pioneer equivalent of internet dating, but it has a completely different feel. Now, while that is a major part of the plot, it's really more about faith. The characters go through a lot of uncertain situations, some involving becoming a Christian, some involving a congregation that doesn't like the pastor to preach convicting sermons, some with drunken family members, some just life and carrying on through hardship and sorrow. There is also a bit of a clean romance side to the story, as it does involve two weddings. The part of the story involving the pastor reminded me sadly of the church today. People don't want to hear the hard convicting stuff that's in the Bible. Occasionally the story would skip and it seemed like something interesting would be left out, like Rachel reaching out to Toby and getting him to stop being a bully, but I still really enjoyed the story. I don't know why I waited so long to read Faith Blum. After all, it's more of a pioneer story like my beloved Little House than like a western movie that would bore me less than halfway in.
Character Development: 4/5
I really liked the characters. Caleb was certainly interesting, I liked Maggie a lot, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Rachel was a very sweet little girl, though very stubborn, and I loved how she used her stubborn nature in the right way. I enjoyed getting to know Miles and Anna, and now I've read the description of book 2, Be Thou My Vision, I want to read it to get to know them better. I kind of felt sorry for Iain, though also a little scared of them. I felt like the characters could have had a little more depth, but they were still plenty well developed for me to enjoy the story. And I can be picky about character development.
Amazing Grace was a really good story and I definitely recommend it.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Rating: PG (a drunken character and some clean romance)
I had heard about the Hymns of the West series and even interacted with Faith a little online, but I didn't actually read any of her books until we started doing each others' blog tours. I actually interviewed her on my author blog today. Amazing Grace is the only one I've read so far and I really enjoyed it. I read the prologue one day, but once I actually sat down to read more a few days later, I finished it in an evening and a morning. And despite being book three, it really can be read as a standalone. I'm sure I would get more out of it by reading the others too, but it didn't prevent my understanding this book to have not read the others first.
Writing: 4/5
Faith's writing gave me a really good idea of the story and all that was going on. It definitely held my attention and kept me in the story. There were some points where the writing style seemed rather unpolished, and it was hard at the very first to figure out who Duncan, Maggie, and Rachel were, and what their relationship to one another was. It didn't take long for me to figure it out, though. The only other thing I wasn't sure about with the writing was that it and the dialogue didn't seem quite old fashioned enough for the era. I did really love how many of Maggie and Caleb's letters were included. That was a neat touch.
Setting: 5/5
The setting seemed fairly realistic, not out of place with other books of similar genre like Little House or Sarah, Plain and Tall. Nothing stuck out to me as being out of place historically, and it felt like a real place. It was interesting when a certain character had an "apoplectic fit" as they called it, but I could identify it as a stroke. It really made me think about medicine in the old days and how they really didn't know all the things we do today.
Plot: 4/5
I've been fascinated with the concept of a mail order bride ever since I read Sarah, Plain and Tall. Not that I would ever want to be one, I certainly wouldn't, but it's a very interesting concept. I supposed it's sort of the pioneer equivalent of internet dating, but it has a completely different feel. Now, while that is a major part of the plot, it's really more about faith. The characters go through a lot of uncertain situations, some involving becoming a Christian, some involving a congregation that doesn't like the pastor to preach convicting sermons, some with drunken family members, some just life and carrying on through hardship and sorrow. There is also a bit of a clean romance side to the story, as it does involve two weddings. The part of the story involving the pastor reminded me sadly of the church today. People don't want to hear the hard convicting stuff that's in the Bible. Occasionally the story would skip and it seemed like something interesting would be left out, like Rachel reaching out to Toby and getting him to stop being a bully, but I still really enjoyed the story. I don't know why I waited so long to read Faith Blum. After all, it's more of a pioneer story like my beloved Little House than like a western movie that would bore me less than halfway in.
Character Development: 4/5
I really liked the characters. Caleb was certainly interesting, I liked Maggie a lot, and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Rachel was a very sweet little girl, though very stubborn, and I loved how she used her stubborn nature in the right way. I enjoyed getting to know Miles and Anna, and now I've read the description of book 2, Be Thou My Vision, I want to read it to get to know them better. I kind of felt sorry for Iain, though also a little scared of them. I felt like the characters could have had a little more depth, but they were still plenty well developed for me to enjoy the story. And I can be picky about character development.
Amazing Grace was a really good story and I definitely recommend it.
I received a free ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 9, 2019
This book felt a bit more scattered than the last one as we're dealing not only with Caleb and Maggie's relationship but the questions left over for Anna and Miles from the last book. I did enjoy the story, but it was a little hard to focus with so many things going on. Also, it was a bit disconcerting to go back to scenes from Anna's perspective from before the conclusion of the last book--I understood backing up for Caleb's and Maggie's perspectives, but Anna's left me wondering why these bits hadn't been mentioned in her own story. Maybe that was just me, though. :)
I did have some concerns about Maggie's continuing to write Caleb when she knew he wasn't a Christian. Yes, everyone fully acknowledged the problem, and she made it clear she couldn't actually marry a non-Christian, , but it just seemed pretty close to the line for me to be sharing so much personal information and growing closer in a potentially-romantic way to someone you know you can't marry as things are. Maggie did feel like the Lord was leading her to continue the relationship, but it's just a really fine line to walk. Probably something best left up to an individual and the Lord, but probably not the kind of thing I'd use as an example for someone with a similar relationship.
I did really enjoy getting to know Rachel, especially seeing her reach out to Iain . And to be honest, I was a bit torn between which ending I was hoping for for Anna and Miles, but I won't give any spoilers for the way it turned out. ;) Definitely planning to go on to the next book.
Content--mentions of drinking and making moonshine; mentions of cursing; mentions of men making inappropriate advances to a woman; mentions of deaths; mentions of various issues surrounding Jed from the first book of the series (see my review); gossip and unkind treatment
I did have some concerns about Maggie's continuing to write Caleb when she knew he wasn't a Christian. Yes, everyone fully acknowledged the problem, and she made it clear she couldn't actually marry a non-Christian, , but it just seemed pretty close to the line for me to be sharing so much personal information and growing closer in a potentially-romantic way to someone you know you can't marry as things are. Maggie did feel like the Lord was leading her to continue the relationship, but it's just a really fine line to walk. Probably something best left up to an individual and the Lord, but probably not the kind of thing I'd use as an example for someone with a similar relationship.
I did really enjoy getting to know Rachel, especially seeing her reach out to Iain . And to be honest, I was a bit torn between which ending I was hoping for for Anna and Miles, but I won't give any spoilers for the way it turned out. ;) Definitely planning to go on to the next book.
Content--mentions of drinking and making moonshine; mentions of cursing; mentions of men making inappropriate advances to a woman; mentions of deaths; mentions of various issues surrounding Jed from the first book of the series (see my review); gossip and unkind treatment
September 7, 2015
Faith did a wonderful job of introducing Maggie and Caleb in the beginning of the book. I identified with them right away and found myself cheering for both of them as the book progressed. I also appreciated how Faith developed their relationship over time and involved many of their friends and family members to bring more depth to the story.
My favorite interactions were between Rachel and Iain. Their relationship was wonderful and the author did an exceptional job with it.
I do prefer a more personal perspective in writing and I think it might have made the characters even more lovable. That said, it was an excellent book and I had a difficult time putting it down once I began reading it! If you enjoy a good, clean mail order bride story, Amazing Grace is the book for you!
** I received a free copy of Amazing Grace from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. **
My favorite interactions were between Rachel and Iain. Their relationship was wonderful and the author did an exceptional job with it.
I do prefer a more personal perspective in writing and I think it might have made the characters even more lovable. That said, it was an excellent book and I had a difficult time putting it down once I began reading it! If you enjoy a good, clean mail order bride story, Amazing Grace is the book for you!
** I received a free copy of Amazing Grace from the author in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. **
Read
March 25, 2017Originally posted in the April 2017 Mini Reviews
I was really looking forward to this book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. First, the timeline was confusing. There were flashbacks (which, to me, are usually a no-no), and it started before the last book ended, which was quite confusing. I also felt like the actual plot ended and the book just kept going on. However, it was very sweet. I really liked Rachel and Caleb.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
I was really looking forward to this book, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would. First, the timeline was confusing. There were flashbacks (which, to me, are usually a no-no), and it started before the last book ended, which was quite confusing. I also felt like the actual plot ended and the book just kept going on. However, it was very sweet. I really liked Rachel and Caleb.
~Kellyn Roth, Reveries Reviews
May 25, 2015
I liked this book, but book 2 has been my favorite of this series so far. :) Getting to know Caleb more deeply was fun. Iain was also an important person in this story. Rachel is a fun girl...I think she and I would get along well. Well done, Faith!
April 29, 2015
Amazing Grace is the 3rd in Hymns of the West series by Faith Blum. The first two followed the stories of siblings Jed and Anna Stuart. This third one continues on with that of the 3rd sibling, Caleb, picking up about 2/3 of the way into the second book, Be Thou My Vision, and relating from his perspective.
Caleb is carrying on a correspondence with a young widow, with the prospect of marriage in view. There’s just one problem. She’s a believer and he’s not. How will the Lord use their correspondence along with the influence of his family to reach into his heart?
Iain Stuart has held a bitterness in his heart towards God ever since his wife died in the birth of their youngest child, Jed. Through the years, he has become harder and harder. What will it take to soften his heart and bring him to the realization of his need for a Savior?
This was a really good book! I thought Blum handled each of the situations very well, and brought them to a satisfactory conclusion. I think she did a good job of balancing the principles of being led by the Holy Spirit, but also realizing that He will never lead you to do something contrary to the Bible with the issue of the relationship between Caleb and Maggie. Also, I loved the theme of persevering love and service that was portrayed in the relationship between Rachel and Iain.
The one thing I did think a little unrealistically portrayed was the fact that Rachel at only 10 years old has such superior spiritual wisdom (at times more than her elders), and that she was given almost complete care of her grandfather during his illness. She seemed more like a 13 year old or older.
Overall, I really appreciated the principles that the author put forth in this, and the focus on following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and trusting Him with all our concerns.
Caleb is carrying on a correspondence with a young widow, with the prospect of marriage in view. There’s just one problem. She’s a believer and he’s not. How will the Lord use their correspondence along with the influence of his family to reach into his heart?
Iain Stuart has held a bitterness in his heart towards God ever since his wife died in the birth of their youngest child, Jed. Through the years, he has become harder and harder. What will it take to soften his heart and bring him to the realization of his need for a Savior?
This was a really good book! I thought Blum handled each of the situations very well, and brought them to a satisfactory conclusion. I think she did a good job of balancing the principles of being led by the Holy Spirit, but also realizing that He will never lead you to do something contrary to the Bible with the issue of the relationship between Caleb and Maggie. Also, I loved the theme of persevering love and service that was portrayed in the relationship between Rachel and Iain.
The one thing I did think a little unrealistically portrayed was the fact that Rachel at only 10 years old has such superior spiritual wisdom (at times more than her elders), and that she was given almost complete care of her grandfather during his illness. She seemed more like a 13 year old or older.
Overall, I really appreciated the principles that the author put forth in this, and the focus on following the leading of the Holy Spirit, and trusting Him with all our concerns.
July 19, 2020
4 stars. These books get better and better. The language is still unrealistic to the period, but it hardly bothers me anymore—I’m so caught up in the story. This book totally hooked me. I love Caleb & how much of a honest, upright man he was even before he was saved. I’m not sure what to think of the whole Christian-&-unChristian courting... it turned out okay but in real life it seldom does and people don’t always keep that in mind. I appreciated how the salvation of “Grandpa” wasn’t fully resolved—that’s what it’s like in real life. There was a passing mention of brothels, a couple mentions of a girl not being safe in a city, & of a widower asking a widow to take “comfort” with him. Other than that, there was no content. I really appreciated the humour... and how the title and hymn are worked into the story.
A Favourite Quote: “‘God chose to love you just because He could. God chose to forgive you because He could. God chose to give you Maggie and salvation and forgiveness because He could.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Anna laughed and started to push Caleb and Maggie out the door.
“‘Why do I get the feeling you don’t want us near you?’ Caleb asked.
“‘You two have lots to talk about and I want Maggie as my sister-in-law. Therefore, you need to get started talking now so I can have you married off sooner.’”
A Favourite Quote: “‘God chose to love you just because He could. God chose to forgive you because He could. God chose to give you Maggie and salvation and forgiveness because He could.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Anna laughed and started to push Caleb and Maggie out the door.
“‘Why do I get the feeling you don’t want us near you?’ Caleb asked.
“‘You two have lots to talk about and I want Maggie as my sister-in-law. Therefore, you need to get started talking now so I can have you married off sooner.’”
March 17, 2015
I loved the last book in this series so I was really looking forward to reading this one! The plot and details were nicely done, and I really enjoyed getting to read the letters that the characters sent to each other. And even though the formatting of the time line is different than what I normally read, I really enjoyed it! It was really neat when the first part of the story begins back in time during the same time frame that the last book about his sister was taking place in. And I loved getting to see the story from the views of different characters.
I think one of the few things that I did not like was when a small piece of the story jumped. [Like when some small thing happened or changed and I did not know about it until afterwards.] But it was not a big deal, and I definitely want to read more books in this series. I am looking forward to the next one coming out!
I received this book free from the author, Faith Blum, for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
I think one of the few things that I did not like was when a small piece of the story jumped. [Like when some small thing happened or changed and I did not know about it until afterwards.] But it was not a big deal, and I definitely want to read more books in this series. I am looking forward to the next one coming out!
I received this book free from the author, Faith Blum, for my honest review. The opinions are my own.
October 28, 2016
Amazing Grace was another wonderful addition to the Hymns of the West series! Focusing on God's grace, Faith weaved another wonderful story with a combination of old and new characters. I loved Rachel! She was strong willed and spirited, yet lovable and fun! The last page of the book made me cry. Did it really have to end? Faith Blum is an incredibly talented author! I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Lily of the Valley!
April 27, 2015
Excellent read
I thurily enjoyed all three books!! I highly recommend reading them! I hope to read more in the future!! Enjoy!!
I thurily enjoyed all three books!! I highly recommend reading them! I hope to read more in the future!! Enjoy!!
July 29, 2018
Love Changes Everything
Maggie McDougal's life comes undone when her husband dies from a fall, leaving her with an 8-year-old daughter in a church family that doesn't take the command to care for widows and orphans to heart. After two years of barely scraping by, Maggie follows God's leading and puts an ad in the paper to be a mail order bride. Her one non-negotiable quality...he must be a Christian. Caleb Stuart was raised by a mother who loved the Lord, but when she dies in childbirth, Caleb leaves God behind and over the years, he is convinced that God could never welcome him into the fold given the blood on his hands. Through thoughtful letters back and forth, it becomes clear that Maggie and Caleb are meant for each other, but Maggie won't be unequally yoked. Can Caleb find a path back? And is it possible for his bitter, drunk of a father to change before it's too late?
Maggie McDougal's life comes undone when her husband dies from a fall, leaving her with an 8-year-old daughter in a church family that doesn't take the command to care for widows and orphans to heart. After two years of barely scraping by, Maggie follows God's leading and puts an ad in the paper to be a mail order bride. Her one non-negotiable quality...he must be a Christian. Caleb Stuart was raised by a mother who loved the Lord, but when she dies in childbirth, Caleb leaves God behind and over the years, he is convinced that God could never welcome him into the fold given the blood on his hands. Through thoughtful letters back and forth, it becomes clear that Maggie and Caleb are meant for each other, but Maggie won't be unequally yoked. Can Caleb find a path back? And is it possible for his bitter, drunk of a father to change before it's too late?
December 7, 2018
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was very well written. And the characters of the book were most enjoyable. The interaction between each of the characters is what made this story so interesting. My favorite character was Rachel. She was a strong willed girl of faith with a heart of gold. I especially liked her interaction with her cantankerous step grandfather. She loved him like she always knew him and despite him trying to push her away. I also enjoyed the others as well especially Rachel's Mother Maggie. I liked the letters they wrote getting to know each other and the connection she established between herself and Caleb. I enjoyed the book enough that is my intention to read more of this author's books.
February 6, 2019
4 stars
I purchased a copy of the Christian novel Hymns of the West book 3: Amazing Grace by Faith Bloom and this review was given freely.
A faith filled mail order bride story and good Christian drama filled with multiple letters as well as excerpt of family life. Book three continues in Tennessee but reverts briefly to the time of Jed's violent departure, is focused on the Stuart family,Caleb's romance with Maggie, Maggie and her daughter Rachel's story which starts prior to the death of Maggie's husband, Iain's struggles with alcoholism, Anna life with the Pastor,and Anna's correspondence with Hester Brookings from Montana.
I purchased a copy of the Christian novel Hymns of the West book 3: Amazing Grace by Faith Bloom and this review was given freely.
A faith filled mail order bride story and good Christian drama filled with multiple letters as well as excerpt of family life. Book three continues in Tennessee but reverts briefly to the time of Jed's violent departure, is focused on the Stuart family,Caleb's romance with Maggie, Maggie and her daughter Rachel's story which starts prior to the death of Maggie's husband, Iain's struggles with alcoholism, Anna life with the Pastor,and Anna's correspondence with Hester Brookings from Montana.
September 26, 2020
Book three in the series brings changes for Anna and her brother Caleb. As Caleb continues his search for a wife he meets mail order bride. Maggie is a strong character, who is searching for a God fearing Christian man to be a husband and a father to her 10 year old daughter Rachel. Can Caleb fill this void. Meanwhile Anna and Miles face an uncertain future when Miles displease members of the
Congregation and loses his job. Rachel is happy to finally have a grandfather but struggles with his unwillingness to embrace Christianity
The families grow in their family dynamics and new changes are on the horizon.
Congregation and loses his job. Rachel is happy to finally have a grandfather but struggles with his unwillingness to embrace Christianity
The families grow in their family dynamics and new changes are on the horizon.
September 24, 2017
In choosing shelves for this book christian-lit should really have read !!!!!!CHRISTIAN-LIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! in neon flashing lights.
I have enjoyed many Christian-lit books but this one was very in your face religious reading. After a while it began to feel like one big sermon to me and I lost enjoyment of the plot. I finished the book but wouldn't have felt all that bad at not seeing how it turned out if I'd set it aside instead.
So basically, if you enjoy a heavy handed religious read than you might like this one very much but it was too much for me to really like the book.
I have enjoyed many Christian-lit books but this one was very in your face religious reading. After a while it began to feel like one big sermon to me and I lost enjoyment of the plot. I finished the book but wouldn't have felt all that bad at not seeing how it turned out if I'd set it aside instead.
So basically, if you enjoy a heavy handed religious read than you might like this one very much but it was too much for me to really like the book.
August 27, 2018
Love in the old west
I don't usually enjoy stories based on the old West but I did find myself enjoying this one. It is a lovely story about a mail order bride taking a chance on a new life for herself and her young daughter after her husband passes.
This story has a strong Christian theme so you will find love and joy. This is clean reading so if you are looking for more this may not be the book for you.
I don't usually enjoy stories based on the old West but I did find myself enjoying this one. It is a lovely story about a mail order bride taking a chance on a new life for herself and her young daughter after her husband passes.
This story has a strong Christian theme so you will find love and joy. This is clean reading so if you are looking for more this may not be the book for you.
May 26, 2017
Amazing Grace
This was an interesting story. It was a little unrealistic that everyone in this story were so outspoken in regards. to their fAith.. unfortunately some people react to the loss of their loved ones as Iiam did and become bitter. Rachel's determination enabled her to finally reach him when no one else could. I would give it 4 stars
This was an interesting story. It was a little unrealistic that everyone in this story were so outspoken in regards. to their fAith.. unfortunately some people react to the loss of their loved ones as Iiam did and become bitter. Rachel's determination enabled her to finally reach him when no one else could. I would give it 4 stars
March 23, 2017
Wonderful
This book was a great walk with two families before the entrance of the twentieth century. It provided a light story and yet one that also includes death. I truly recommend this book.
This book was a great walk with two families before the entrance of the twentieth century. It provided a light story and yet one that also includes death. I truly recommend this book.
July 2, 2017
Wonderful
This book is wonderful. The story is full of love-love for family, love as husband and wife and most of all love for our Lord and Savior. I hope you will read this book. May God bless you!
This book is wonderful. The story is full of love-love for family, love as husband and wife and most of all love for our Lord and Savior. I hope you will read this book. May God bless you!
July 28, 2017
Lifted up
Struggling through loss and the post-Civil War South, the Stuart family is led to Christ by love. Rachel, at 10, is a strong witness to a bully at school as well as her new step grandfather. Well written and a joy to read.
Struggling through loss and the post-Civil War South, the Stuart family is led to Christ by love. Rachel, at 10, is a strong witness to a bully at school as well as her new step grandfather. Well written and a joy to read.
January 4, 2018
Exceptionally spiritual. It is books like this that help me have a closer personal relationship with our almighty God the father
And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a amazing. And I can't find the court book in your amazing grace series.
And I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are a amazing. And I can't find the court book in your amazing grace series.
July 26, 2018
More than a Christian romance
This is a story about faith and family. My favorite character was the daughter, Rachel, a girl who embodied a Christ-like love for those who were difficult to love. Rachel, like Christ, loved the broken ones.
This is a story about faith and family. My favorite character was the daughter, Rachel, a girl who embodied a Christ-like love for those who were difficult to love. Rachel, like Christ, loved the broken ones.
January 2, 2019
Didn't suck me in. Not a gripping novel, but a sweet story of finding God and forgiveness. There is a LOT of religious talk in this book. It's more a story of faith than anything else, which can be good, but at times it did feel a little over to top for me.
September 14, 2020
Book 3
The book is third in the series. I would highly recommend reading the first two books before starting this one. It is a true continuation of the previous books. Wholesome quick read about a family serving God during pioneer times.
The book is third in the series. I would highly recommend reading the first two books before starting this one. It is a true continuation of the previous books. Wholesome quick read about a family serving God during pioneer times.
September 13, 2017
Oh for the days when men and women wrote handwritten letter to each other. 10-year-old Rachel is the star of this novel.
December 27, 2017
Uplifting
A heart wrenching, but totally uplifting, story set just after the war between the states. Rachel is my new model of faith.
A heart wrenching, but totally uplifting, story set just after the war between the states. Rachel is my new model of faith.
June 6, 2018
I really enjoyed this
This was a good book. The characters were interesting. I liked all the twists and turns. Liked the way God's ways were represented.
This was a good book. The characters were interesting. I liked all the twists and turns. Liked the way God's ways were represented.
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