7 Optimistic Women Walk Various Roads to Reach Their Dreams
Connected to nature and carefree of heart seven historical women would prefer to travel through life without shoes, especially if giving away their only pair would comfort someone else in need. Will these women of faith change their ways under society’s pressures and the lure of romance?
Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland Edgar’s Cove, Arkansas, 1800s Annie Jones was perfectly content with her life on the banks of the muddy Mississippi—or so she thought until the man of her dreams, Doctor Tucker Goodwin, agreed to temporarily fill a void in Edgar’s Cove—but it turned out the void was in Annie’s heart. Could a simple baseball score decide the answer to a lifetime dream?
Castles in the Sand by CJ Dunham Victoria, Vancouver Island, 1899 Carefree Jennie Farrow befriends an orphaned baby seal and a crusty old fisherman. When the seal brings gifts from the sea, they recognize something from a missing boat and set out to find the wreck. A man found on a beach has no memory, and Jennie helps to nurse him back to health. But what will become of a budding love when his wealthy family come and whisk him away?
A Teacher’s Heart by Cynthia Hickey Ozark mountains, 1930s Small Town teacher Mary Jo Stevens yearns to make a difference in her community. As a Demonstration Agent for the Arkansas Welfare Department, Bill Wright travels to every hill and hollow in the Ozarks to teach men and women how to make the best of their situations. But he needs the assistance of someone like Mary Jo. Can she trust an outsider who thinks he knows best?
Between the Moments by Maureen Lang Kansas, 1870 Everyone in Addington, Kansas, knows Eddie Tucker who lived with the Apache for seven years as a child and now keeps to himself—until Mary Elliot arrives in town. As the daughter of missionaries, Mary rejects her grandfather’s wealth, preferring to spend time with the poor. The two outsiders have much in common, but will Mary’s family and Eddie’s deep wounds keep them apart?
Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett Boston, 1890 Adeline McClain’s mother always preached “to thine own self be true.” But when Adeline is orphaned and brought East to live with well-to-do relatives, being herself—caring, down-to-earth, and often barefoot—is getting her into trouble. When it comes to love, could Adeline’s eccentricities cause Everett Brighton to have to choose between Adeline or his inheritance?
Lady Slippers by Kelly Long Pennsylvanian Appalachia, 1920s Local resident Fern Summerson agrees to help a young missionary distribute shoes to her people, but the journey becomes fraught with tension as Jacob Reynolds falls in love with his guide and discovers that her connection with nature is more beautiful than any well shod foot.
Hope’s Horizon by Carolyn Zane Oregon Trail, 1843 Hope Dawson agrees to become engaged to an older man in order to relieve her family of one more mouth to feed. But on the Trail, she is forced to walk while Julius and his mother ride in the wagon. Fellow traveler, William Bradshaw sees her plight, but can he help without losing his heart?
Lori Copeland was born on 12 June 1941. She had a relatively late start in writing, breaking into publishing in 1982 when she was already forty years old. Over the next dozen years, her romance novels achieved much success, as was evidenced by her winning the Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award, The Holt Medallion, and Walden Books' Best Seller award. She has been inducted into the Missouri Writers Hall of Fame.
Despite her success in more mainstream romantic fiction, in 1995, she decided to switch focus. Her subsequent books have been in the relatively new subgenre of Christian romance. She has also collaborated with authors Angela Elwell Hunt or Virginia Smith on a series of Christian romance novels.
Lori and her husband of over forty years, Lance, live in Springfield, Missouri, surrounded by the beautiful Ozarks. They have three grown sons, three daughter-in-laws, and six wonderful grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. She and her husband are very involved in their church, and active in supporting mission work in Mali, West Africa.
This book contains 7 stories from different authors which is a great tool for those looking to find new authors. The other benefit is that each story is short and sweet, so I found it perfect to read between my full novels.
Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland - 3 stars
This story was cute. Annie and Gabe were cute characters and the romance developed sweetly. The names in the description differs from the story though.
Castles in the Sand by CJ Dunham - 4 stars
This story started out slow and I was a bit weary to continue with the story. But I'm so glad I did. It changed into a "must-see-what-happens-page-turner". I feel the focus was more on the main female lead, Jennie, even though both characters had to overcome some obstacles. I really enjoyed Jennie as a character.
A Teacher’s Heart by Cynthia Hickey- 3 stars
This was a lovely story during the depression and how to change small things to better your life. There was some funny scenes. This was cute but not a favourite.
Between the Moments by Maureen Lang - 4 stars
Even though the synopsis was different to the story, this was a favourite. I enjoyed Mary's character a lot. Except for the love story, there was also a message of forgiveness, love for the "different" and repentance.
Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett - 4,5 stars
Definitely my favourite of all the stories. A dashing gentlemen, a lovable lady, forbidden love and some unlikable characters. The relationship between Adelaide and Everett developed sweetly and I really wanted a happy ending for them.
Lady Slippers by Kelly Long - 2 stars
This story was just ok for me. I liked it the least from all the stories. Even though Fern were likable, I didn't connect with the characters and didn't care for Jacob.
Hope’s Horizon by Carolyn Zane - 2.5 stars
This started out as okay, but I ended up liking this. The characters of Hope and William was interesting and I enjoyed their friendship, they had an easy connection and their interaction was fun to watch. I loved William. Hope I liked, but I got irritated with her decision to marry Mr Ditschworth. The reason the book leaned more towards okay for me is due to the Ditschworh characters, the author did a good job (almost too good) of creating characters who everyone disliked, but my dislike towards them overpowered my liking of the story to such a point where I actually didn't want to continue.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.*
A fun collection of historical romances full of great characters! The barefoot gals in these tales were all from different times and places, but shared a stalwart character, and a free spirit, putting others needs first. Moments of humor and colorful side characters in some of the stories made this a delightful read. Many spiritual insights came naturally through the stories and settings. Loved the humble missionary Jacob who had a tough job of passing out shoes along with the gospel in a poor area in 1920's Appalachia, and his willingness to meet people on their terms. "The Lord taught with grace. And people need grace the most when they deserve it the least." It reminded me a little of Christy. My other favorite was the Oregon trail story by Carolyn Zane. William was a stellar hero. I enjoyed them all! Recommend! 4.5 stars
(An e-book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
Seven unique, independent and exocentric women find the men of their dreams. These seven men love, are intrigued, and help their women adjust to a world where they aren't the norm. These stories by some of todays popular Christian writers are funny, heart breaking and filled with the love and respect that the women are looking for from others. The stories take you from 1843 Oregon Trail to the Depression era 1930s. You are caught up in these people's lives and wonder if they will figure out God's plans for them. Travel through time to see if God's love & true love will be found for these seven couples.
Barefoot Hearts Lori Copeland Arkansas 1876 Annie is about the youngest person in town. One of her weekly chores is to take her elderly friends for a walk including a very large cat named Big'uns. When a fast moving horse almost runs over the cat and Annie she is introduced to the temporary town doctor. There is an immediate connection. Dr. Gabe Jones is on his way to St Louis to open his practice when he's talked into working the small town. Gabe wants to see more of Annie so he makes an excuse that he needs to keep seeing the cat. Annie realizes that its just an excuse but likes Gabe so she keeps coming for visits. Another accident sends them back to see Gabe. When Annie quits coming around Gabe tries to tell her she doesn't need an excuse. They can't stop thinking about each other. A doctor comes to see about the position and Gabe realizes he wants to stay. Annie and Gabe tell each other about their pasts. It leads to Annie telling the local baseball team about Gabe's past. He gives in and comes to pitch in the game. They finally win. They propose to each other.
The Castle Made of Sand CJ Dunham 1920-30 Jennie is a free spirited young woman who never wants to grow up. She loves living on the island and one wakes up with her eyesight becoming less bright. Going down to the small dock, Jennie makes friends with a seal and a fisherman. They work together to keep the sea lion fed. When word is received that there was a ship wreck they have the seal take them to the missing man. Jennie helps to take care of him and when he wakes up has amnesia. Thomas was trying to get away from his domineering father and wakes up not knowing who he is. Jennie explains what happened to him and they start to call him Gavin. Gavin & Jennie become friends and fall in love. Gavin becomes an apprentice to her father. When Jennie comes looking for Gavin at the hospital she's told that his family has come and taken him to her dream house, the castle on the island's hill. He asks for Jennie and has someone go bring her to him. Being drugged by his father's doctor he doesn't know if she is real. They just miss each other but with the help of the daughter of the house Jennie follows Gavin to his home. Only she can't find him because she finally can't see anything at all. Thomas remembers everything when he sees his mother's grave. Thomas confronts his father. They make their way to the docks separately and Thomas saves Jennie from drowning. They come back to the island and Jennie adjusts to her new life. She thinks that she won't see Gavin again. He comes back and proposes and they make plans for the house behind her parent's house.
A Teacher's Heart Cynthia Hickey Ozark Mountains, Arkansas 1932 Mary Jo is coming home to teach in her hometown. When she falls off the wagon taking her up the mountain. She starts walking and jumps out of the way when a car comes by. Bill picks her up and takes her up the mountain and explains what he's doing there. They immediately feel an attraction. Bill asks Mary Jo to help him to win over the people on the mountain. Mary Jo helps a student who takes advantage and takes in her child as well. Bill helps out all over the mountain and earns the trust of the people. He even helps Mary Jo. Mary Jo must decide if she'll accept an marriage proposal. Bill ends up staying at Mary Jo's house after an accident. Bill is torn about leaving to go back to his job. Their feelings grow. Mary Jo gets attached to the baby but the mother takes her away only to return her. Bill leaves to talk with his boss. Mary Jo doesn't think he's coming back. He returns after having an accident. Returning a proposal is made and a marriage takes place. Bill finds a business and job.
Between the Moments Maureen Lang Kansas 1879 Mary steps off the train coming to visit her grandfather. Eddie is at the train station to pick up the mail. Not seeing her party Mary begins talking to some newly arrives Africans. Eddie gives her some information and offers to give her a ride to her destination. Mary gets a rude welcome from her grandfather. She tells him he's been rude. Eddie and Mary run into each other the next day and he takes care of a snake bite for her. Her grandfather treats Eddie rudely again. Mary and Eddie keep seeing each other and become closer. Mary makes some new friends. A soldier from Eddie's past shows up in town. Mary is to go for supper to Eddie's house but her grandfather stops them. Everyone comes to the barn dance at her grandfather's house. Eddie confronts his brother and the soldier from his past. Apologies and explanations are made. Eddie is offered a job working for Mary's grandfather. Mary and Eddie marry and go to visit his Apache mother.
Promise Me Sunday Cathy Liggett Massachutes 1890 Adeline is living with her Uncle's family since her mother died. She's always kind to everyone and takes the nastiness of her aunt and cousin. Everett is the one his parents and Adeline's family has picked for her cousin. Everett is curious about Adeline. They are having a conversation when her cousin interrupts them. It just gets her into trouble. Adeline tries to abide by her family's wishes At her cousin's birthday party Everett helps Adeline with her shoes and that only gets her into trouble and sent from the party. She realizes she'll never do anything right in her aunts eyes. Everett gets a speech about Adeline. Adeline goes to Everett for help so that she can earn money to go home. They start spending time together and fall in love. The money from Everett's family restaurant goes missing. Everyone including Everett believe it's Adeline. She leaves for the train station to head home when it's revealed who the actual people behind it were. Everett finds Adeline and they declare their love for each other. Acceptance and forgiveness are made along with a proposal.
Lady's Slipper Kelly Long Summerton Mountain 1922 Jacob is on a missionary trip to give shoes to the people of the mountain. Fern is the one to be his guide. Fern gives Jacob advice and he goes back down the mountain for supplies. They like each other from the start. Jacob apologizes for somethings he says. Jacob must prove himself to the next family. Fern heads home and Jacob stays with an elderly lady nd hears about Fern's past. Her sister unexpectedly shows up while they're picking blueberries, since she's supposed to be watching their young brother. A search is started. Jacob is injured saving the brother. Fern helps to nurse him back to health. They become closer. Fern has to stop her father from going after Jacob after her sister tells a lie. Fern is injured in the confrontation. They declare their love for each other. A wedding is held and the bride is barefoot and carrying Lady's Slippers.
Hope's Horizon Carolyn Zane Oregon Trail April 1843 Hope is working in a millinery shop to help her family. William is a scout for the OEC (Oregon Expedition Company). He notices Hope when he walks by the shop and catches her watching him. An older man comes in to buy his mother a hat. He invites hope for dinner and then starts coming around her family home. While they're eating a fight breaks out and her companion disappears for a short while. She and William have a conversation and are attracted to each other. A betrothal is made between Hope and her suitor. Her family is promised help and a trip west. Hope doesn't want to become betrothed but feels she doesn't have a choice because of her family. From the start of the journey Hope is treated like a servant instead of a fiancé. William is always around because their wagon needs help, her fiancé and his mother don't know what they're doing. William thinks Hope is the daughter. They try to fight the attraction but its hard. There are several mishaps that bring them closer together. When Hope is injured William makes sure she's taken care of and promises to always to so. The final straw comes for William when a young Indian brave tries to buy Hope and her fiancé actually considers it. When the truth about Hope's fiancé's family comes to light William and the men on the council make sure they are taken care of. Hope and William declare their love and promise to raise some orphaned children. A wedding and a family are made and a promise kept.
These stories are uplifting and show what determination and love can do with the help of God. Seven men and women find love when they least expect it and work through hardships and realize that God has found the right person for you even though you don't think you'll ever find them.
The Barefoot Brides Collection is a collection of seven stories. These stories include: Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland The Castle Made of Sand by CJ Dunham A Teacher's Heart by Cynthia Hickey Between the Moments by Maureen Lang Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett Lady's Slipper by Kelly Long I enjoyed this collection. Each woman in the stories were so much fun. My favorite of the seven would be Cynthia Hickey's A Teacher's Heart. I give this book 4 1/2 stars.
Castles in the Sand, Between the Moments and Promise Me Sunday were the stand-out stories for me in this collection, and the ones I found myself going back to over and over to re-read
This was a cute collection of stories. The premise was interesting. My favorites were Barefoot Hearts and Lady Slippers. All the stories were sweet short reads full of romance and likable characters. An enjoyable collection of historical stories.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I’m barefoot in the kitchen so incredibly absorbed in The Barefoot Brides Collection and its seven A.M.A.Z.I.N.G romance stories that I’ve forgotten to start dinner. Hey, Honey, we’re going out tonight. You can blame it on Barbour Publishing! 5/5
Pub Date 01 Jul 2018
Thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.
A collection of stories about seven women who would sacrifice all, even their shoes, for their dreams. This collection of romance stories are written by seven different authors who each highlight a character that has the unorthodox habit of not wearing shoes. These stories are Christian-based stories that will warm your heart with their sweet stories.
The Barefoot Brides Collection by Lori Copeland is available from Barbour Books/ Barbour Publishing. An egalley of this book was made available by the publisher in exchange for a honest review.
This book took me for ever to finish. All of the other collection of bride novellas I have enjoyed. I think it was the story line of fitting a barefoot bride into the story that might have not been to my preference. Some of the novellas were good and didn’t seem like the storyline was forced. Where as other novellas felt like the storyline was very forced and not easy to follow. I did finish the book and you may like this book very much.
This was a very enjoyable set of stories that cleverly addressed the theme of a barefoot heroine. There was a lot of diversity in setting , plot, and time period. I have found that these sweet romance novellas are perfect for a quick read. I am really enjoying the many varieties of anthology series by this publisher. I will be reading more.
This collection of eccentric women tales in different locals is a great escape from the happenings today. Each story had a strong heroine where they wanted the best for others despite their own sacrifice to see other succeed. I enjoyed the historical aspect of the stories and the Biblical truths that were presented in some.
The majority of the Barbour Romance collections I have enjoyed. Sadly, I cannot same the same for this one. The writing of the first five stories did not flow well for me. I just couldn't get into them. I enjoyed the last two stories.
The Barefoot Brides Collection 7 Eccentric Women Would Sacrifice All—Even Their Shoes—For Their Dreams by Lori Copeland, CJ Dunham, Cynthia Hickey, Maureen Lang, Cathy Liggett, Kelly Long, Carolyn Zane Barbour Publishing, Inc. Barbour Books Christian , Romance Pub Date 01 Jul 2018 I am reviewing a copy of The Barefoot Brides Collection through Barbour Books and Netgalley: In the first Novella in this collection Barefoot Hearts by Lori Copeland we are taken back to Edgar's Cove Arkansas where we meet Annie Jones who at one time was perfectly content with her life on the Mississippi , until she meets the man of her dreams Doctor Tucker Goodwin. He had agreed to fill a temporary void in Edgar's Cove but the void was actually in Annie's heart! Will a baseball score be the answer to a lifelong dream! In the Second story in this collection The Castles Made Of Sand: we are transported to 1899 Vancouver Canada where we meet Jennie Farrow, a carefree young woman who befriends an Orphaned Baby Seal and an old fishermen whose crusty. When the Seal brings something back from the sea, they recognize something from a missing boat and soon find themselves looking for the missing boat. Jennie finds a man on the beach who has no memory so she helps to nurse him back to health? What will happen if his wealthy family comes to take him away? A Teacher's Heart by Cynthia Hickey takes us to the Ozark Mountains in the 1930's! Mary Jo Stevens is a small town teacher who wants to make a difference in her community. Bill Wright is an agent for the Arkansas Welfare Department, he travels every hill and hollow to teach men and women to make the best out of what they have. He needs the assistance of someone like Mary Jo, who isn't an outsider. Can Mary Jo trust this man, despite the fact he thinks he knows best?
In Between the Moments by Maureen Lang we are transported to 1870 Addington Kansas where we meet Eddie Tucker a man who lived with the Apache as a child for seven years. Now though he keeps to himself that is until Mary Elliot comes into town. She's the daughter of missionaries. Mary does not embrace her Grandfathers wealth and would much rather spend time with those in need. These two outsiders have a lot in common but will it pull them together or keep them apart?
In Promise Me Sunday by Cathy Liggett we are transported back to Boston in 1890 where we meet Adeline McClain who was orphaned and brought to Boston to live with her wealthy relatives, but her caring, down to earth, barefoot ways tend to get her in trouble. Will Adeline's eccentricities leave Everett Brighton having to make a choice between his inheritance or her?
What will he choose?
In Lady's Slippers by Kelly Long we are taken to Pennsylvania Appalachia in 1920's where we meet Fern Summerson a local resident who agrees to help a missionary pass out shoes to those who need them in her community. The journey soon becomes fraught with tension as Jacob Reynolds falls in love with his guide and discovers her connection with nature is beautiful.
Hope's Horizon by Carolyn Zane transports us to the Oregon Trail back to 1843 where we meet Hope Dawson a woman who agreed to become engaged to an older man just so her family does not have to feed her, but she is forced to walk alongside Julius while his Mother rides in the wagon. A fellow traveler, traveling on the Oregon Trail William Bradshaw sees this and wants to help but can he help without losing her heart.
I give The Barefoot Brides Collection five out of five stars!
This book was provided to me in exchange for my honest opinion.
A collection of stories that range from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s. All the women featured prefer barefootedness over shoes. The main characters, each have a serving spirit and along with that era, seem to always be willing to lend a hand,
Quick stories make this book fly by. The romance and spiritual insight came through on each story and was very heartwarming to me.
A great collection of inspirational romance novellas. Each selection is well written with a good plot. I enjoyed each one. Fans of historical romance will enjoy this.
A wonderful collection of stories that range from the mid 1800’s to the early 1900’s. All the women featured prefer barefootedness over shoes. Each one has a gentle, serving spirit and are always willing to lend a hand, or more. Short and sweet, with quick wrap ups of the plot. Perfect for those times you don’t have much reading time.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. There was no obligation to leave a review and all thoughts are my own.
The Barefoot Brides Collection is a compilation of stories about seven strong-willed, free-spirited women who would sacrifice everything -including their shoes-for their dreams. As readers can imagine, giving up one's shoes in the late 1800s and early 1900s was not easy given that people were conscious consumers.
Readers will meet female characters who have a strong attachment to nature and are willing to take the less trodden paths in order to fulfil their dreams. The seven authors shared intriguing plots with diverse characters that would make this book perfect for summer days. This would be a comforting read for readers who are struggling with being true to themselves and need to know their unconventional dreams by God's grace are attainable.