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Hearts Unlocked #1
Of Needles and Haystacks
A young woman inherits a farm she isn't meant to have and uncovers a secret her neighbor planned to keep forever...
After her parent's untimely deaths, Dorothy Trafton has nowhere to go but her uncle's Kentucky farm, a place she's never visited. Uncertain of her surroundings, grief festers. It doesn't help that war-scarred neighbor, James Bleu, knows more about her mother's secret life--and family--than she does. And why does he lie about his involvement with her father?
When news of her inheritance, the contents of an old trunk, and a disaster upend her life, Dorothy must forge ahead by making a home for herself in a dilapidated cottage--alone. Yet, she can't ignore Mr. Bleu's change of ways. His kindness runs deeper than she ever imagined...
After her parent's untimely deaths, Dorothy Trafton has nowhere to go but her uncle's Kentucky farm, a place she's never visited. Uncertain of her surroundings, grief festers. It doesn't help that war-scarred neighbor, James Bleu, knows more about her mother's secret life--and family--than she does. And why does he lie about his involvement with her father?
When news of her inheritance, the contents of an old trunk, and a disaster upend her life, Dorothy must forge ahead by making a home for herself in a dilapidated cottage--alone. Yet, she can't ignore Mr. Bleu's change of ways. His kindness runs deeper than she ever imagined...
310 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2021
390 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
March 10, 2021
Written in an interesting mix of diary, prose, and dialogue, Of Needles and Haystacks is a story of a grieving family torn further apart by the secrets that divide them. Ann E. Fryer does a superb job connecting the reader to the main characters, Dorothy and James, but Dorothy especially will pull at the heart. I worried about her situation and the intentions of the people around her, and I understood the struggles she faced in a world and society so different from today. The pages of this novel are packed with feeling, the reflections on life are thoughtful, and Dorothy’s faith in God is both inspiring and believable for a young woman of 1880. I enjoyed reading this book. Certain stories have something to them that leaves a lasting emotional impression, and this is surely one of them.
August 27, 2021
TLDR: A wonderful debut novel with a sweet romance.
I was blown away by this book. I loved Fryer’s writing style. It immediately drew me in and made this an easy read. Both the diary entries and the third person POV sections blended so well I hardly noticed the transitions.
The characters were so real it felt as though I was reading my great-grandmother’s diary and they could have been my own neighbors. Dorothy was a good mc and interesting to follow as she discovered her new life, dealt with her grief, and tried to handle everything thrown at her in a Godly manner. I also enjoyed getting to watch James slowly open up and change his initial assumptions.
Dorothy’s uncle and the rest of his family, minus Ernest, really made me mad. Their assumptions, prejudices, unwillingness to admit their own wrongdoings and weaknesses truly irked me. Especially when it affected Dorothy negatively through no fault of her own.
The romance was sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it play out. Though the ending didn’t resolve everything, I still felt satisfied and as though the story had reached its end point.
5/5 stars
I was blown away by this book. I loved Fryer’s writing style. It immediately drew me in and made this an easy read. Both the diary entries and the third person POV sections blended so well I hardly noticed the transitions.
The characters were so real it felt as though I was reading my great-grandmother’s diary and they could have been my own neighbors. Dorothy was a good mc and interesting to follow as she discovered her new life, dealt with her grief, and tried to handle everything thrown at her in a Godly manner. I also enjoyed getting to watch James slowly open up and change his initial assumptions.
Dorothy’s uncle and the rest of his family, minus Ernest, really made me mad. Their assumptions, prejudices, unwillingness to admit their own wrongdoings and weaknesses truly irked me. Especially when it affected Dorothy negatively through no fault of her own.
The romance was sweet and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it play out. Though the ending didn’t resolve everything, I still felt satisfied and as though the story had reached its end point.
5/5 stars
July 7, 2022
This novel drew me in and didn't let go! Late 19th century rural Kentucky is the setting for this angsty-sweet romance that digs deep--a profoundly Christian story that is never trite.
Lots of secrets, interesting characters, what's not to love? I won't give away any spoilers!
Lots of secrets, interesting characters, what's not to love? I won't give away any spoilers!
March 19, 2021
Of Needles and Haystacks is an incredible story of resilience and courage. Uprooted from her life by tragedy, Dorothy travels to live with her family in Kentucky. It’s here she must learn to face her grief while uncovering secrets and lies that risk tearing her new family apart. Beautifully written, partly from Dorothy’s diary, I was pulled into her story from the beginning. Her faith in God, woven throughout, is a beautiful testament to finding peace and healing during the most difficult of seasons. The intricate relationship between Dorothy and James, the delicate balance with her family, and the mysteries to uncover kept me enthralled to the very end. The story, and depth of each character is so well thought out and well written, I found myself completely immersed. Ann Fryer has written a fantastic book that I will enjoy over and over again as a beloved favorite!
July 19, 2021
Such a wonderful read! Fryer has a beautiful way with her words and created such captive scenes. From the dynamic of the Hammonds, to the James Bleu and Ruthie, and then all the other folk of Paris, KY - it was like being transported into another time. I greatly enjoyed the setting, right after the Civil War, and the deep mysteries that were scattered throughout the novel. I initially thought it would be a surface level romance, girl loses family, girl moves, girl finds new family, new life, a husband but it wasn’t that at all! The journey was splendid and I devoured most of the book in one setting. If you enjoy a slice of farm life, a beautiful narrative, and the foundation of a beautiful new series - you will love this book!
March 27, 2021
I had the opportunity to be an early reader for Of Needles and Haystacks by Ann Elizabeth Fryer and am so glad I did! It was such a good story that I stayed up way too late and read the whole book in one sitting. A beautiful story, if perhaps a bit unconventional in the telling of this historical tale since it primarily follows the journal entries of Dorothy Trafton when she moves to Kentucky after the unexpected death of her parents.
James Bleu is not excited about the arrival of Miss Dorothy Trafton, but as her uncle’s friend, he doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities, which include informing Miss Trafton of her place in her new home. Dorothy only wants to be accepted by her family, especially coming on the heels of losing the only family she knew about. But as revelation after revelation hits her, she wonders if she knew anything at all.
What drew me most to Of Needles and Haystacks was Dorothy’s voice in her entries. She has the best storytelling ability as she sprinkles in bits of humor while talking about her adventures and misadventures in her new community. Of course this comes at the hands of the author and makes Of Needles and Haystacks the most endearing of novels.
If you’re looking for a book to wrap you in a blanket and drag you away to a different time and place, you must pick up a copy of this book. I’m so glad I got a chance to read it and am hoping you’ll love it as much as I do.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
James Bleu is not excited about the arrival of Miss Dorothy Trafton, but as her uncle’s friend, he doesn’t shy away from his responsibilities, which include informing Miss Trafton of her place in her new home. Dorothy only wants to be accepted by her family, especially coming on the heels of losing the only family she knew about. But as revelation after revelation hits her, she wonders if she knew anything at all.
What drew me most to Of Needles and Haystacks was Dorothy’s voice in her entries. She has the best storytelling ability as she sprinkles in bits of humor while talking about her adventures and misadventures in her new community. Of course this comes at the hands of the author and makes Of Needles and Haystacks the most endearing of novels.
If you’re looking for a book to wrap you in a blanket and drag you away to a different time and place, you must pick up a copy of this book. I’m so glad I got a chance to read it and am hoping you’ll love it as much as I do.
---
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with FTC guidelines.
September 21, 2021
This review may seem unconventional, but I prefer to wait weeks or months and review a book based on how it made me feel, what thoughts it spurred and how the characters resonated with me after a while. As a fellow writer, it's easy to get caught up in "editing" mode and lose sight of what makes a story a great story.
There are many secondary characters in this story that brought layers and facets to the choices both Dorothy and James Bleu made throughout. Others have summarized the premise, so I won't go into detail.
Dorothy has lost everything and finds herself among strange family and the customs of farmlife. She writes extensively of her experiences in journal-like fashion, which threw me off a bit at first, but eventually I grew to be drawn to Dorothy's voice. Her perspective and often hilarious thought process reminds me a lot of my own! Back and forth on the events that transpire, what they mean for her, and how she should respond. To please herself or others is a constant battle!
Then Mr. Bleu doesn't make it easy! He's mysterious and distant, yet makes several gestures that hint at the depth of his character. Which of course confuses Dorothy to no end until the end... but I won't spoil it!
I took too long to read this the first time through, but have no doubt that for those who can devour it in a single weekend, they will glean more and feel blessed to have had a glimpse into the lives of Dorothy, James and the homestead life of Paris, Kentucky.
There are many secondary characters in this story that brought layers and facets to the choices both Dorothy and James Bleu made throughout. Others have summarized the premise, so I won't go into detail.
Dorothy has lost everything and finds herself among strange family and the customs of farmlife. She writes extensively of her experiences in journal-like fashion, which threw me off a bit at first, but eventually I grew to be drawn to Dorothy's voice. Her perspective and often hilarious thought process reminds me a lot of my own! Back and forth on the events that transpire, what they mean for her, and how she should respond. To please herself or others is a constant battle!
Then Mr. Bleu doesn't make it easy! He's mysterious and distant, yet makes several gestures that hint at the depth of his character. Which of course confuses Dorothy to no end until the end... but I won't spoil it!
I took too long to read this the first time through, but have no doubt that for those who can devour it in a single weekend, they will glean more and feel blessed to have had a glimpse into the lives of Dorothy, James and the homestead life of Paris, Kentucky.
March 17, 2024
I will be honest, the low scoring is mostly because it is a hard book to get into. The narrative switches from third person to journal entries (first person technically, but different from most first person narratives). The heroine can be annoying at times and the hero has his moments as well.
That being said, once the plot progressed and the romantic elements commenced, the book became easier to read and I didn't think about the format so much. All in all, I left the book satisfied with a fairly sweet couple and a happy-ever-after but none of those happy sighs that would have given it more stars.
That being said, once the plot progressed and the romantic elements commenced, the book became easier to read and I didn't think about the format so much. All in all, I left the book satisfied with a fairly sweet couple and a happy-ever-after but none of those happy sighs that would have given it more stars.
January 20, 2022
Great story line, good prose, but it could have been so much better. I felt it was very jumpy in places and almost felt like entire sentences or paragraphs were deleted. I spent a lot of time rereading sections trying to figure out what I missed but it seemed I missed nothing. Characters would just come to conclusions or respond to things that just seemed to be very assumed. A little more care in fixing those areas and I would have rated it 5 stars but it just seemed like it was a rough draft to me.
May 11, 2023
Felt like reading a classic novel. I loved every bit of it!
From start to finish, I loved the writing style and the story. Ann Fryer does a superb job of illustrating how human lives and emotions are formed and improved by God's word. I couldn't put it down. It reads like a classic of Olde. I have become a huge fan of Ann Fryer.
From start to finish, I loved the writing style and the story. Ann Fryer does a superb job of illustrating how human lives and emotions are formed and improved by God's word. I couldn't put it down. It reads like a classic of Olde. I have become a huge fan of Ann Fryer.
May 23, 2023
Page turner!
Loved this book! Ms. Fryer has done a fine job of presenting human nature at it's best and worst. True depictions of prayers and how they are answered according to God's plan. Thank you.
Loved this book! Ms. Fryer has done a fine job of presenting human nature at it's best and worst. True depictions of prayers and how they are answered according to God's plan. Thank you.
June 2, 2023
Pulled in and along
I found this book hard to put down, intrigue and secrets abound. Lessons learnt and left still to learn. The descriptive manner in which the author describes the surroundings brings the book alive in my imagination.
Eagerly downloading the next.
I found this book hard to put down, intrigue and secrets abound. Lessons learnt and left still to learn. The descriptive manner in which the author describes the surroundings brings the book alive in my imagination.
Eagerly downloading the next.
July 11, 2023
Slow complex dull
The first 70% of this book was conceived of twisted assumptions. Not until a plot twist I was not expecting then 85% of the plot twists were understandable but I am still confused about a few things that maybe others aren't.
The first 70% of this book was conceived of twisted assumptions. Not until a plot twist I was not expecting then 85% of the plot twists were understandable but I am still confused about a few things that maybe others aren't.
October 12, 2023
Of Needles and Haystacks
This is such a powerful book. Sorrow, misunderstanding, and love in this book. I highly recommend but plan on a late night because you won't be able to put it down.
This is such a powerful book. Sorrow, misunderstanding, and love in this book. I highly recommend but plan on a late night because you won't be able to put it down.
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed this story
Ann has a very interesting way of conveying her character's thoughts and actions. She tells like she feels it. I hope she has more for all of us to enjoy. Happy reading.
Ann has a very interesting way of conveying her character's thoughts and actions. She tells like she feels it. I hope she has more for all of us to enjoy. Happy reading.
March 6, 2025
Love is right and right is love!
Love and doing the right thing is such a powerful draw. Because I think deep down we all want to do the right thing at every opportunity and this book illustrates that doing right is it own reward! Such a sweet story!
Love and doing the right thing is such a powerful draw. Because I think deep down we all want to do the right thing at every opportunity and this book illustrates that doing right is it own reward! Such a sweet story!
December 8, 2025
This is a great “middle of the night” read for those sleepless in menopause like me lol
The writing is really good… the plot moves along without too much drama or suspense that would otherwise keep you reading when you should have fallen back to sleep.
The writing is really good… the plot moves along without too much drama or suspense that would otherwise keep you reading when you should have fallen back to sleep.
September 29, 2022
Such depth. Ann's writing remind me of Thomas Hardy - soul searching, relationship challenges and immense character growth.
March 8, 2023
Tender
Started off difficult to read but grew on me as the characters grew. Would have preferred a happier ending but it was satisfactory. God’s work was evident but not clear.
Started off difficult to read but grew on me as the characters grew. Would have preferred a happier ending but it was satisfactory. God’s work was evident but not clear.
May 2, 2023
great read
Took me a few chapters to get into this book. When I did I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful and insights about family and forgiveness.
Took me a few chapters to get into this book. When I did I couldn’t put it down. Wonderful and insights about family and forgiveness.
June 20, 2023
a good read
A refreshing read for the first soul. The characters come to life as the reader comes to care for them
A refreshing read for the first soul. The characters come to life as the reader comes to care for them
August 18, 2023
Heartfelt
I liked the Christian applications. It reminds me of When Calls the Heart. There were twists and surprises and of course, a happy ending.
I liked the Christian applications. It reminds me of When Calls the Heart. There were twists and surprises and of course, a happy ending.
September 23, 2023
Wonderful book, couldn’t put it down.
I didn’t want this book to end, couldn’t put it down. Well written, good character development, many twists an turns.
I didn’t want this book to end, couldn’t put it down. Well written, good character development, many twists an turns.
October 26, 2023
Very good
Very well written on how the choices of people affects everyone's life around them. Loved the ending . very good book
Very well written on how the choices of people affects everyone's life around them. Loved the ending . very good book
Read
December 9, 2023DNF the writing was boring as were the characters. No storyline, just talk.
May 19, 2024
Superb
A wonderful story and very well written. The human condition of post civil war; families and hearts described so that you feel each one in your heart.
A wonderful story and very well written. The human condition of post civil war; families and hearts described so that you feel each one in your heart.
August 21, 2024
A good read
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about life's hard ship and pain. Thank goodness everything works out in the end.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories about life's hard ship and pain. Thank goodness everything works out in the end.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews