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Newport of the West #1
Safe Refuge
In two days, wealthy Chicagoan, Anna Hartwell, will wed a man she loathes. She would refuse this arranged marriage to Lyman Millard, but the Bible clearly says she is to honor her parents, and Anna
would do most anything to please her father--even leaving her teaching job at a mission school and marrying a man she doesn't love. The Great Chicago Fire erupts, and Anna and her family escape with only the clothes on their backs and the wedding postponed. Father moves the family to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where Anna reconnects with Rory Quinn, a handsome immigrant who worked at the mission school. Realizing she is in love with Rory, Anna prepares to break the marriage arrangement with Lyman until she learns a dark family secret that changes her life forever.
would do most anything to please her father--even leaving her teaching job at a mission school and marrying a man she doesn't love. The Great Chicago Fire erupts, and Anna and her family escape with only the clothes on their backs and the wedding postponed. Father moves the family to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, where Anna reconnects with Rory Quinn, a handsome immigrant who worked at the mission school. Realizing she is in love with Rory, Anna prepares to break the marriage arrangement with Lyman until she learns a dark family secret that changes her life forever.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2018
6 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Pamela S. Meyers
11 books46 followersPamela S. Meyers is the author of two novels and has served for five years as operating board secretary for the American Christian Fiction Writers organization. She grew up in Lake Geneva and now lives in Illinois.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
July 23, 2018
Loved the cover and the story was just as good! Set in Lake Geneva, WI after the Chicago Fire, it’s has a nostalgic feel. But it is also a story of betrayal and forgiveness. I definitely recommend it.
August 7, 2018
Wonderful
This is the kind of book you hate to put down, with unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat!
This is the kind of book you hate to put down, with unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat!
October 2, 2018
I very much enjoyed this fabulous historical novel; it drew me in from the beginning and didn’t let go! Set primarily in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, with scenes in Chicago, elements of the history of both places are related in a manner that is fascinating, credible, and at times, breathtaking. The characters are complex and very likable with few exceptions. There is drama throughout this story that includes romance, family dynamics, and joyful surprises. First in the Newport of the West series, I am looking forward to the next one!
When Anna was a baby, her parents promised her in marriage to Lyle Millard. Each family has a good business, and the marriage would result in stronger business ties for all involved. Lyle would one day inherit his family’s business and provide a secure future for Anna. Her sister Callie had not been promised to anyone, and thinks it is wonderful that Anna is – until she finally learns what kind of man Lyle grew into. He is controlling and abusive; when he injures Anna, the marks he leaves are not where they can be seen. Anna is a woman of substance and grace; she is a teacher at a mission school in Chicago and loves her job and the children. She does not love Lyman and does not want to marry him.
Rory is the janitor at Illinois Street Mission; he wants to go to Irish Woods, near Lake Geneva, where Anna’s father bought land. He has a charming Irish brogue. Since going to DL Moody’s church, he has come to truly believe in the Lord, for which his Da declared him dead to the family. He is a natural with animals and children, the kind of man Anna would want to marry. Status and money mean little to her.
Days before the wedding, the great Chicago fire occurred. I was surprised to see how it travelled and what it meant to individual families. Anna’s family headed for Lake Geneva in hopes of finding a place to rent until their house was built. Anna and Rory, each having gone in another direction, wonder if the other is still alive and if they will see each other again. Anna’s mother, wanting to elevate her social status, stayed in close touch with Lyman’s mother, and tried to find a way to pull off the wedding when their home and church were gone.
I enjoy characters who are strong, three-dimensional, and have impact on their surroundings. I like Anna and her fellow teachers and teacher’s assistants at both schools she works at. They are the unsung heroes, the ones who have grit and grace. I enjoyed seeing Annie’s sister Cassie grow throughout the novel; she is a lovely work in progress. Rory, too, is an excellent person to watch throughout.
All I could think of while reading this is “Thank God we don’t have arranged marriages in this country today!!” The author has woven this novel with care and includes the impact that the historical events have on the characters from various walks of life. We see through a surprising turn of events how the people we love are flawed human beings, fragile clay pots, and often have a huge secret or two in their past. This novel is full of surprises. I like the way Anna’s family is changing, and the way the faith of each person allows them to change and grow. I highly recommend this novel to those who like Christian historical fiction, characters with depth, and a thoroughly intriguing plot.
From a grateful heart: I won a copy of this book from the author and The Book Club Network, and this is my honest review.
When Anna was a baby, her parents promised her in marriage to Lyle Millard. Each family has a good business, and the marriage would result in stronger business ties for all involved. Lyle would one day inherit his family’s business and provide a secure future for Anna. Her sister Callie had not been promised to anyone, and thinks it is wonderful that Anna is – until she finally learns what kind of man Lyle grew into. He is controlling and abusive; when he injures Anna, the marks he leaves are not where they can be seen. Anna is a woman of substance and grace; she is a teacher at a mission school in Chicago and loves her job and the children. She does not love Lyman and does not want to marry him.
Rory is the janitor at Illinois Street Mission; he wants to go to Irish Woods, near Lake Geneva, where Anna’s father bought land. He has a charming Irish brogue. Since going to DL Moody’s church, he has come to truly believe in the Lord, for which his Da declared him dead to the family. He is a natural with animals and children, the kind of man Anna would want to marry. Status and money mean little to her.
Days before the wedding, the great Chicago fire occurred. I was surprised to see how it travelled and what it meant to individual families. Anna’s family headed for Lake Geneva in hopes of finding a place to rent until their house was built. Anna and Rory, each having gone in another direction, wonder if the other is still alive and if they will see each other again. Anna’s mother, wanting to elevate her social status, stayed in close touch with Lyman’s mother, and tried to find a way to pull off the wedding when their home and church were gone.
I enjoy characters who are strong, three-dimensional, and have impact on their surroundings. I like Anna and her fellow teachers and teacher’s assistants at both schools she works at. They are the unsung heroes, the ones who have grit and grace. I enjoyed seeing Annie’s sister Cassie grow throughout the novel; she is a lovely work in progress. Rory, too, is an excellent person to watch throughout.
All I could think of while reading this is “Thank God we don’t have arranged marriages in this country today!!” The author has woven this novel with care and includes the impact that the historical events have on the characters from various walks of life. We see through a surprising turn of events how the people we love are flawed human beings, fragile clay pots, and often have a huge secret or two in their past. This novel is full of surprises. I like the way Anna’s family is changing, and the way the faith of each person allows them to change and grow. I highly recommend this novel to those who like Christian historical fiction, characters with depth, and a thoroughly intriguing plot.
From a grateful heart: I won a copy of this book from the author and The Book Club Network, and this is my honest review.
September 12, 2019
Christian Historical Romance set in 1871 when the Chicago fires destroyed the homes and businesses of wealthy and poor alike. Anna is from a wealthy family, set to marry an abusive man by her family's arranged marriage. The fire provides a delay she welcomes as they flee their burning, prestigious home to safety in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. She had assisted at a mission school in Chicago and was pleased to find a similar school in Lake Geneva. She hoped that a special little girl at the school was still alive, as so many had died in the fire. Anna was even more happy that this girl's Uncle Rory, who had been a janitor at the school in Chicago, had survived as well and that he came to make his way in Irish Woods near the lake. The story takes a rough turn as Anna and Rory pray for a way that they can be together. Her wealthy family has financial issues that would be solved by the arranged marriage, so the pressure is on. As they pray and wait on God's will for them, their lives take a surprising roller coaster ride. Fabulous read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#SafeRefuge #PamelaSMeyers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #5Stars #ChristianHistorical
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
#SafeRefuge #PamelaSMeyers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #5Stars #ChristianHistorical
October 14, 2018
3.5 stars
This is the first book I've read by Meyers, but I doubt it will be the last. The author's latest is an enjoyable historical romance, with well-drawn (flawed, but relatable) characters and descriptive scenes. A few surprises are thrown in along the way. The cover is a beautiful complement to the story. There are a few minor editing errors, but they don't distract from the overall enjoyment of Anna's tale. This is the first in a new series, and I look forward to reading the next book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
This is the first book I've read by Meyers, but I doubt it will be the last. The author's latest is an enjoyable historical romance, with well-drawn (flawed, but relatable) characters and descriptive scenes. A few surprises are thrown in along the way. The cover is a beautiful complement to the story. There are a few minor editing errors, but they don't distract from the overall enjoyment of Anna's tale. This is the first in a new series, and I look forward to reading the next book.
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.
January 31, 2021
Wonderful end to a wonderful series. Obedience isn't easy, especially when it goes against what your heart wants. Esther finds herself in a place of denying love and living in a land that feels like home in order to honor her mother. This is a beautifully told story of Esther learning to obey God's leading and trusting that He will do what's best for all involved, even if that doesn't look like what she first imagined it would.
December 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this historical novel that began the day of the great Chicago fire. Set in both Chicago and Lake Geneva, the terrain comes to life in late 1800's, as do the wonderful characters that span social classes and heritage. Loved the faith aspect and how it was woven into strained family relationships and some romance. Looking forward to reading the other three books in this series!
August 1, 2023
My Musings
A lovely Christian romance with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot. I wish there was more about the great fire since that was the reason I downloaded this book. Nonetheless, an enjoyable heartfelt story. Happy reading!
A lovely Christian romance with endearing characters and an emotionally charged plot. I wish there was more about the great fire since that was the reason I downloaded this book. Nonetheless, an enjoyable heartfelt story. Happy reading!
June 1, 2024
After the fire in Chicago Anna and her family relocate to Lake Geneva and while Anna has a
family arranged marriage she is in love with another man and Anna's life may be forever changed when a secret comes out about her father's past.
Loved this book.
family arranged marriage she is in love with another man and Anna's life may be forever changed when a secret comes out about her father's past.
Loved this book.
July 28, 2020
Beautiful story.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful love story. The characters were strong and believable. This is my first read by this author and it won't be my last.
I enjoyed reading this beautiful love story. The characters were strong and believable. This is my first read by this author and it won't be my last.
January 7, 2021
This story is full of fun and interesting history, with romance and a few twists. I would have loved a few more questions answered, but the end was perfectly satisfying even without it.
January 8, 2025
Okay Irish men
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews