Hannah Grace

Daughters of Jacob Kane #1

by Sharlene MacLaren

Growing up in the west Michigan resort town of Sandy Shores in the early 1900s, Hannah Grace, the eldest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is feisty and strong–willed, yet practical. Between working at her father's general store and courting the town's physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Or so she thinks.
Hannah's world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken, and a Christian, to boot–but he's sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in money and apathetic about God.
Determined to ignore the newcomer's handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a shy, runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who's living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?

Genres: Christian Fiction, Romance, Christian, Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Romance

432 pages, Paperback

First published June 16, 2008

About the author

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain—God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies. She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

Reviews

[Kristy J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first encounter with Sharlene MacLaren and I have to say I am so glad I picked it up. Sharlene's writing captivated me and really drew me into the story and brought it to life. I fell in love with all the characters and I can't wait to read about the other two Kane sisters, Maggie Rose and Abbie Ann, in the next two books of the series. I found myself getting so wrapped up in the story that I couldn't put it down. The plot was exciting and I felt myself having such empathy for the little boy, Jessie, as well as Hannah.

Along with Sharlene's brilliant writing, a captivating storyline, and well-developed characters, I was so glad that I could take away some real Christian lessons from this book. This story is about trusting God and putting Him above all else. It is also about having strength and courage, trusting that God will determine your path and give you comfort in times of trouble and uncertainty. It is also about having a personal walk with Him, praying about all things, and studying His word. This was so refreshing!

I absolutely loved Hannah Grace's story and if you too like a good, uplifting story about faith and love, you should read this. It's about having and building faith, love for each other and God's love for us.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like Christian fiction and you like romance novels, you will probably like this story, set in 1903 in Sandy Shores, a Michigan town on the Lake. Hannah Grace, the oldest of three sisters (I guess there are going to be two more books in the series), has been keeping company with the town's doctor. She is fond of him and believes they are headed toward marriage, yet she thinks something is missing. Then the new sheriff comes to town, and with him, an orphan boy who stowed away in his wagon. As she and the sheriff work together to care for the boy, guess what happens? There is another plot thread about the boy's origin and the criminal activity he witnessed, so the book is a little more than a standard romance novel.

This book is on the more religous end of the Christian fiction spectrum. Both Hannah and the sheriff pray often and mull over scripture. However it is not one of those "get saved and live happily ever after" books either -- though it does have a happy ending.

[Lindsey (Books for Christian Girls) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.


4/14/2015-
“I really enjoyed all the Spiritual Content in this book, but all the mentions of dead people and blood were a bit much for me.”


*Main Content-
Dead people (semi-detailed); Mentions of killing, robbing, saloons, drinks, guns, & shooting, & blood (up to semi-detailed); Minor cussing (biddy, blast, bloomed, drat, dumb, hush up, idiot, shoddy, shoot, shut up, stinkin').
Cheek and forehead kisses, two barely-above-not-detailed kisses, a semi-detailed kiss & a detailed kiss; Touches & Warmth (up to semi-detailed); Noticing; Mentions of kisses & kissing; A few mentions of a harlot; Love, falling in love, & the emotions.
Hannah mentions that she has very little up front to prove her womanhood.

[Lisa Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. The sheriff reminds me so much of the sheriff on Roswell New Mexico that I visualized him in that role from the first page almist. This is a murder mystery, love story, and adventure all rolled together.

As with most readers, I get involved in the story. I shed tears at the end, and laughed out loud in several places, which I don't do with every book I read. This was a great read. Now on to the next in the series.

[GJ S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. It has a lot of different dramas. It has a good message for Christians and non Christians about having a personal relationship with Jesus and to follow Him by putting Him first. I recommend the book and the author

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful start of a series and looking forward to the rest. It was the first book I’ve read by this author and I truly enjoyed it. This story kept me reading well into the night. Loved the characters and clean, romantic story. Overall: Enchanting.

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I've read it a few times.

[Abby Breuklander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story! God has a remarkable plan for each and every one of us. We may not understand the reasoning for why certain things happen to us, but He will never let us go.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice historical fiction set in 1903 Michigan

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Nancy Peverill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about family & love with a touch of humor, danger, community and faith. Reminds us to include our Heavenly Father in all of our decisions.

[Teresa Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy good read.

[Dorothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a bad read and very interesting book from an error term.My first time reading her book

[Angie H · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars 🌟

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back Cover:

1903 Sandy Shores, Michigan

A new century, a new sheriff, a new love.

Many things are about to change in the town of Sandy Shores...

Raised in the resort town of Sandy Shores, Michigan. Hannah Grace, the eldest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. Between working at her father's general s tore and courting the town's physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in a orderly, meaningful way. Or so she thinks.

Hannah's world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken, and a Christian, to boot-- but he's sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in money and apothetic about God.

Determined to ignore the newcomer's handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who's living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?

About author:

Sharlene MacLaren is quickly becoming Christian fiction reader's favorite new author. Her first series sold more than 42,000 copies (Little Hickman Creek Series titles: Loving Liza Jane, Sarah, My Beloved, and Courting Emma).

She was a 2007 American Christian Fiction Writers finalist.

Sharlene MacLaren is a retired elementary school teacher who speaks occasionally for her local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) organization, is involved in KID'S HOPE USA, and counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program.

My Review:

Sharlene has done it again. She has created a book with lovable, believable characters that make you want to keep on reading and you never want the book to end.

Hannah Grace is a strong willed woman who thinks she knows what she wants, but never really thought about what God wants her to do, that is until the new Sheriff arrives in town. Now Hannah is faced with all sorts of different emotions and learning that she needs to give her all to God so that he can give her the desires of her heart.

This book is a keeper.

[Tamara Tilley · Rating 4 out of 5]

HANNAH GRACE by Sharlen MacLaren is an enjoyable historical novel set in 1903. Hannah Grace, along with her two sisters, help her father run the family general store. Hannah is spunky, strong, and not afraid to say what is on her mind. Engaged to the town doctor, she feels her life is pretty much planned out for her. That is, until Gabriel Devlin, the new sheriff shows up in town.

Gabe Devlin shows up in Sandy Shores to take his post as the new sheriff. Unbeknownst to him, a runaway boy has stowed himself in Gabe’s wagon. Jesse is disheveled, undernourished, and mute. Gabe spreads word of the imp in hopes of finding his parents, or at least an explanation for his runaway tendencies.

Hannah and Gabe get off on the wrong foot when Gabe brings Jesse to the general store. Hannah immediately assumes that Gabe is an unfit parent as she spies Jesse’s ragged clothes and holey shoes. Gabe is instantly frustrated by Hannah when she treats him like yesterday’s trash. But, he doesn’t let on that he’s the new sheriff, leaving Hannah to completely humiliate herself when she seeks out the new sheriff to raise a complaint about the man she met in her store and his neglected son.

The instant dislike that both Hannah and Gabe feel for each other begins to blur as they spend more time together, as they both decide to look after Jesse. Confused by her feelings, Hannah doesn’t know what to do about her pending engagement. She realizes she’s not in love with Ralston Van Huff but has an even harder time convincing herself that the growing feelings she has for Gabe is indeed love.

The pace of the book takes off as you learn Jesse’s story and why it is he’s on the run. It’s up to Gabe to protect the little boy he’s come to think of as a son, and Hannah Grace, the woman he’s falling in love with.

HANNAH GRACE was a pleasure to read. The spirited characters MacLaren created were fun and believable. Though historical romance books often have the same plot outlines, HANNAH GRACE had some interesting twists that made for a fresh read.

[Malory · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I have to say I was super excited to find out that the sheriff, Gabe Devlin, was from my neck of the woods in Ohio! Rarely do I find myself instantly connecting with a character in that way. I also enjoyed Hannah Grace Kane's character. I thought she was a pretty no-nonsense young woman with a good head on her shoulders, until it came to her beau Dr. Van Huff (or Huffy as her sister's describe him). It was interesting how she went from arguing and standing up for herself in front of Gabe, but in front of Ralston she hid her faith and became an entirely different person. How often do we find ourselves doing that? Many times I have edited my words in front of non-Christian friends for fear of them not liking me anymore or not being able to connect. But I can definitely say that is not what God wants from us. He doesn't want children who are embarrassed by Him but ones who are proud to stand firm for him.

The main issue Hannah and Gabe found themselves in was knowing what God's will for our lives are. It is hard to walk a line that is invisible. We don't know exactly the plan God has for us but we can walk in a way that is in line with His word. Hannah struggled with fear of praying for herself because she thought it selfish. But if God is our true Father wouldn't He want to be involved in our lives? Through much prayer, God led her in the direction He wanted for her. We can't go wrong if we are praying diligently and we are honestly seeking Him!

Great book. The characters were easy to connect to. I loved all the secondary town folk. It made me want to be a part of the town. The McCurdy's were great (not really but they were written very well). Their accents were well written as well. Can't wait until the second book.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the series The Daughters of Jacob Kane. This is the first book in that series and it started out beautifully. Jacob Kane has three daughters and the oldest is Hannah Grace. I became quite partial to her, but will probably feel the same about the others as I read their stories. I’m really glad I got the whole series to read and review.
I really love Hannah’s attitude about the little orphan boy Jesse. How both Hannah and Gabe take care of him, her during the day and him in the evenings and nights. First Jesse won’t talk because he’s been through some awful things, but Hannah and Gabe love him anyway and give him the security and peace he needs.
Both Hannah and Gabe aren’t looking for love with each other, but sometimes when you aren’t looking for something it gets you.
Hannah at first is really serious about the Dr. in town, but she hasn’t asked the Lord if he was the one. I like this book because it tells us that God is interested in our little lives and He cares about every little thing we go through. He just wants us to talk to Him and really listen for His answer.
This is a sweet love story, but also has a lot of danger and adventure in it. I love how the criminals are after Jesse and how God takes care of them. You won’t put Hannah Grace down until you are finished. It is an excellent book to read and keep on your book shelf. Easily a 5-star book. I highly recommend Hannah Grace.



Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Wendi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read

In a nutshell: This is a very enjoyable book. I was instantly pulled into the story. The Kane family is wonderful, and Hannah Grace (the eldest Kane daughter) is a wonderful and spirited young woman. She meets the new sheriff, Gabe Devlin, under strange circumstances, basically accusing him of abusing the boy he is with, who quickly runs out of the family store, Kane's Whatnot, causing Gabe to run after him, and Hannah to later storm into the Sheriff's office where she comes face to face with Gabe. I just love the pace of the book. It kept my attention riveted from start to finish. This is a fun read.

Extended Review:

Characters: I fell in love with the Kane family: daughters Hannah Grace, Abbie Ann and Maggie Rose , father Jacob Kane, and grandmother Helena. Gabe is the new sherrif in town, and he unknowingly brings Jesse Gant with him. Each character is wonderfully different from the others and helps the story to unfold in a way that keeps the reader's attention.

Story-Line: The book starts with a spirited discussion in the Kane household, and maintains its momentum throughout the book. I loved the intrigue surrounding Jesse, and the position it put Hannah Grace and Sherrif Devlin into.

Readability: I thought this book was an easy read and enjoyable from start to finish.

Overall: I absolutely love the cover! Isn't it beautiful?? I really enjoyed the book, and will be recommending it at my next book club. I will also keep my eyes out for the next book in the series!

[Homewood Public Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabe accepted the job of sheriff in Sandy Shores, Michigan in 1903. On his way there he acquired a stowaway in his wagon. The boy remained a mystery because he wouldn't talk. By the time they arrived at Gabe's destination he had decided the boy would stay with him. As sheriff he would make contacts to learn of missing children hoping to reunite a family. Hannah Grace helped run her father's store and library. That is where she first met Gabe and his charge. She assumed the boy was Gabe's son and from the bruises on the child that Gabe was an abusive parent. When she learned the truth she volunteered to care for the boy during the day while Gabe was on duty. Fortunately they soon discovered a name label in his clothes so now they knew the boy's name-Jesse Gant. Another piece in the puzzle for Gabe to check on. Each day Jesse stayed with Hannah Grace and sometimes her two sisters or grandmother. As time went on Jesse was able to trust Gabe and Hannah Grace enough to relax and enjoy his surroundings. It became apparent that he had experienced or witnessed something awful and did not trust anyone easily. Hannah was almost engaged to Ralston, the doctor in town. He had definite ideas of his future and how he wanted Hannah to fit into them. Caring for a "street urchin" was not part of what was proper. But she cared deeply for Jesse and became friends with Gabe, too. What would they do when Jesse would be returned to his family?

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Grace starts off the series, as she is the oldest of the 3 Kane sisters, and she's a real "outspoken" gal -- her story happens to be my favorite. ;)

When we first meet Hannah, she's being courted by the town doctor, Ralston Van Huff, or "Huffy" as Maggie Rose calls him. LOL Her family really can't understand why she spends time with him as they are completely mismatched. He is very self-centered and spends every spare moment talking about himself, and his plans for his practice.

Hannah enjoys spending time with her family, but especially running her father's general store, Kane's Whatnot. It's here that she first meets Gabriel Devlin, and Jesse, under some pretty exciting circumstances. However, her first impression of Gabriel has her judging him quite harshly. It was so much fun watching Hannah and Gabe's relationship unfold, as well as Gabe and Jesse's.

Gabe and Jesse's budding relationship adds quite a bit of excitement to the story, and will keep you on the edge of your seat at times. It all goes back to something Jesse saw in his past, but has buried so deeply that he doesn't remember the intimate details for quite some time. He's such a sweet boy that I couldn't help falling in love with him from the very beginning -- in fact, the whole Kane family will work their way into your heart if you'll let them!

[Janna Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite series of books is Shar MacLaren's Little Hickman Creek series. In the first book, "Loving Liza Jane", I was just captivated with her writing style, the storyline, the settings and the characters. She didn't disappoint in the following books either. I was sad to see that series end. So when I heard that she was writing the Daughters of Jacob Kane series I knew I wanted to check it out right away! So I delved into Hannah Grace and am so pleased to say that the settings, characters and storylines have changed - but Shar's writing style is fully intact and she has another series that is sure to be a winner. I really liked Hannah Grace and can't wait to see where she takes us with Maggie Rose and Abi Ann. She has picked another unique time and place and put a cast of characters around Hannah that made for a delightful jaunt everytime I opened the book. A new sheriff, a mute orphan, dad, 2 sisters, a band of murderers and thieves - a general store (I've always been delighted by general stores, maybe it's a Little House on the Prairie thing, I don't know), a growing town and the year 1904. It's fantastic. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

[Holly (2 Kids and Tired) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming book. I wasn't familiar with Sharlene McLaren before I received her novel Abbie Ann for review. When I realized that book was the third in a trilogy, I knew I'd better read the first two books before reading the third!

Hannah Grace is a strong, feisty young woman and someone you like, right off the bat. With a compelling story, this was a book that I didn't want to put down. It's an easy, enjoyable read. Hannah's Christian faith is a driving force in her life, but I didn't find it at all preachy. With her intended, Ralston, Hannah is stifled and even oppressed, with her opinions and thoughts treated with little regard. With Gabe, Hannah's personality shines and she's allowed to be the bright, intelligent woman she is.

With a bit of drama from the protagonists and a charming little orphan, this was a delightful story and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I put this books on my 23 in 23 list because I thought I hadn't read it yet but turns out I had! The more I read the more I realized how familiar the story was, so I got to enjoy it all over again. I love Sharlene MacLaren's stories, they're cosy small town dramas with a bit of Western flair and adventure. And always filled with comforting spiritual truths. The only reason this book didn't get the 5 stars is because I really, really hate love triangles! There's always some sort of crossover and I don't like how unfaithful it makes the characters I'm rooting for. Other than that, Hannah, Gabe and Jesse, along with a host of side characters, were very lovable characters. I loved the theme of building a personal faith with God and making sure the person you love believes as strongly as you do. I enjoyed the small town setting and you just can't go too wrong with a handsome sheriff and a fiesty red-headed woman! I can't wait to read about the other Kane sisters!

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.5 star because I didn't like the bad guys. I never quite bought that they would travel all over creation searching for a boy who saw them commit a crime when they were clearly responsible for several other crimes that the law already knew about and could sentence them for, if caught. Their plan was to kidnap the kid then kill him because could testify against them. Why do they want to bother to kidnap the kid first when they show almost no qualms about shooting/ killing other people on sight? They were portrayed as almost stupid criminals (it mentions more then once they can't read and the father thinks they have no brains). Hence I suppose part of the story seemed a bit contrived.

Other then that... I really liked Hannah and Jacob and Jesse (the main characters) and the story in general.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This author is new to me. I'm excited I discovered her! She is a Christian writer and I enjoyed this book. It was an easy read, what I consider my cotton candy, but it was fast paced and did not drag. It is about Hannah Grace, who is the oldest of 3 daughters, and their father is Jacob Kane. Hannah is currently dating the town doctor but is not sure if he really has a relationship with God. Enter Gabe, the new sheriff in town. He comes to town with a boy who has stowed away on his wagon. Hannah thinks Gabe is an abusive father and goes to find the sheriff to turn him in. There is a small mystery in the plot and I really did enjoy finding out what happened. A good, clean read.

[Zette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed all of Sharlene Maclaren's books and am now anxious to read the rest of this series! Hannah Grace kept my interest and made me want to keep reading to the end. I enjoyed all the characters in this book with the exception of the villains. I thought it was a bit far fetched for them to chase a little boy who was a witness to their crime when they could have just left the area but it really didn't impact my enjoyment of the story. You will finish this book wanting to belong to the Kane family or at least move to Sandy Shores and become their close friends :0)

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading Sharlene MacLaren's Little Hickman Creek series I was thrilled to find there was yet another series by this amazing author. This first book in the Daughter's of Jacob Kane did not disappoint me. I very much enjoyed the romance between Hannah Grace and her hero. The author drew me in from the first chapter. I would love to live in a town like this and be a part of a family like the Kanes. I can't wait to start the 2nd book, Maggie Rose. I just know this is going to be another series by Sharlene MacLaren that I will hate to see end.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read with this author. Loved it! Cannot wait for the next in series. Sheriff Gabriel Devlin's compassion and protective love for orphan, Jesse is heart-touching. Hannah Grace Kane is a little slow in dumping the town doctor to my way of thinking. The outlaws chasing Jesse are not the sharpest knives the drawer almost unbelievabley so, but I guess just helps keep the story light and slightly humorous.

[Strawberry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to find out what happened, I had to stay up all night to finish it. I think that pretty much gives my opinion. This book displayed all the things I like best in a historic romance novel.I usually only take time to rate/review books that were 4 or more stars and those that disappointed me (2 stars). It has to be a book I have or will reread and that I can't put down to get 5 stars. This was definitely a 5 star book.