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Hearts of Honor #3
Her Guarded Heart
At age twenty-one, Anna Hansen has had more than her share of hardship. Her mother died when she was eleven and her father just passed away under mysterious circumstances, leaving her to care for her ten-year-old brother, Billy Ray. She struggles to hang onto the family farm but it’s facing foreclosure and things are looking grim.
Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.
In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.
Next door, Jesse Fuller’s drive, work ethic, and skill ensure that his family’s farm is a growing success. His brothers think he should marry Anna to help out her and her kid brother…while also enabling the Fullers to expand their operation. But Jesse has never had romantic feelings for Anna and the idea doesn’t appeal to him.
In the meantime, Horace Blackthorn is hell-bent on acquiring the Hansen farm for reasons of his own. And he’ll do whatever it takes to get it—lie, cheat, steal…even murder.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 15, 2022
3 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Sharlene MacLaren
35 books225 followersAfter 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
March 19, 2022
1865 Lebanon, Ohio
In this final book of the series, it's youngest brother Jesse's story. He lives with his mom and has no desire to get married. However, his brothers and mom are pressing him to consider neighbor Anna Hansen.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the unraveling of villain Horace Blackthorn throughout the novel. Horace is relentlessly wanting to get his hands on Anna's land.
Canine Rex was a wonderful inclusion in the novel.
In this final book of the series, it's youngest brother Jesse's story. He lives with his mom and has no desire to get married. However, his brothers and mom are pressing him to consider neighbor Anna Hansen.
What I enjoyed most about this novel was the unraveling of villain Horace Blackthorn throughout the novel. Horace is relentlessly wanting to get his hands on Anna's land.
Canine Rex was a wonderful inclusion in the novel.
March 4, 2022
Her Guarded Heart was a captivating story! I felt so sad for Anna and her younger brother, Billy Ray. Not only had they lost their father, but they lost their land, as well. Anna felt completely trapped into the situation that she and her brother ended up in. She was simply so scared and felt so powerless. Yet, she was clearly a very strong young woman. I respected her work ethic.
I really liked Jesse and the way he stepped up for Anna and Billy Ray. Even when things were difficult between he and Anna, due to her fear and the walls she placed between them, he did all he could to let her know that he liked her and wanted what was best for her and her brother.
The story was extremely interesting and I really enjoyed watching as things fell into place and all became clear. The villain of the book was very believable and the power he was able to wield due to his connections, blackmail, and money was definitely a driving force in the novel. This book is the third in its series, yet is easily read as a stand alone novel.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I really liked Jesse and the way he stepped up for Anna and Billy Ray. Even when things were difficult between he and Anna, due to her fear and the walls she placed between them, he did all he could to let her know that he liked her and wanted what was best for her and her brother.
The story was extremely interesting and I really enjoyed watching as things fell into place and all became clear. The villain of the book was very believable and the power he was able to wield due to his connections, blackmail, and money was definitely a driving force in the novel. This book is the third in its series, yet is easily read as a stand alone novel.
(4.5 stars)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
February 21, 2022
Poignant and Inspirational Story!
There was so much to like about Her Guarded Heart, Book 3 in Sharlene Maclaren’s Hearts of Honor series. Anna Hansen and her brother had suffered numerous hardships and losses in their lives, most recently their father’s mysterious and sudden passing. It was heartening to watch their character growth and development unfold, each displaying a maturity beyond their years. The nearby Fuller family offered much support and friendship. These wonderful characters, ongoing mystery and suspense, budding romance and inspirational messages all combined to make this a book I had trouble putting down and couldn’t wait to get back to. Anna and Jesse’s relationship was so realistic, unrushed and heartfelt. It had its ups and downs, doubts and frustrations, and many sweet and tender moments. Interactions with the town nemesis added much drama and suspense, waiting to see what would happen next. Elements of faith were a natural part of the story with themes of trust and waiting upon God. This book can easily be read as a stand alone and having just met the Fuller family for the first time, I look forward to catching up and reading the previous two books!
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
There was so much to like about Her Guarded Heart, Book 3 in Sharlene Maclaren’s Hearts of Honor series. Anna Hansen and her brother had suffered numerous hardships and losses in their lives, most recently their father’s mysterious and sudden passing. It was heartening to watch their character growth and development unfold, each displaying a maturity beyond their years. The nearby Fuller family offered much support and friendship. These wonderful characters, ongoing mystery and suspense, budding romance and inspirational messages all combined to make this a book I had trouble putting down and couldn’t wait to get back to. Anna and Jesse’s relationship was so realistic, unrushed and heartfelt. It had its ups and downs, doubts and frustrations, and many sweet and tender moments. Interactions with the town nemesis added much drama and suspense, waiting to see what would happen next. Elements of faith were a natural part of the story with themes of trust and waiting upon God. This book can easily be read as a stand alone and having just met the Fuller family for the first time, I look forward to catching up and reading the previous two books!
I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher via Celebrate Lit. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions expressed here are completely my own.
March 3, 2022
I am a fan of Sharlene MacLaren books and have read a few of them. The newest novel is Her Guarded Heart, which is Book 3 in Hearts of Honor Series. I have been enjoying this series, having read the first 2 books already. I was excited to read Book 3!
Anna Hansen is 21yrs old and she has had a rough life and now she is going through some super hard times. She has been left to be the sole guardian of her 10yr old brother after her Dad recently died under mysterious circumstances. They lost their mom when she was 11yrs old. She is also facing the fact that she may lose the Family Farm due to Foreclosure. Jesse Fuller is Anna's next door neighbor and also a Farmer. He has a GREAT work ethic and very knowledgeable about running a farm. Jesse's brother encourage him to marry Anna to help raise her brother and allow Anna to avoid foreclosure. The brothers are hopeful that it happens, but Jesse doesn't have feelings for Anna. Ohh, then there is Horace Blackthorn, who seems to be an evil person and wants to get the Hansen Farm for himself. Will Jesse and Anna be able to save the Farm? Does Jesse agree to marry Anna? Will Anna ever find out how her Dad died?
WOW, for a book that sounds like a Romance book from the synopsis, this book is that and soo much more. The Historical time period was well written and researched. I really love how the author makes the reader be engaged from Beginning to End. The characters were soo sweet and loving, except for Horace. I was not expecting all the twists and turns in the storyline and that is the reason I could not put this book down once I became engaged in the book. Jesse and his Family really show Christian LOVE and Support to Anna and her little brother during these trying times. Although this is Book 3 in the series, it reads well as a Stand Alone. I HIGHLY recommend reading the entire series as they are all good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!
Anna Hansen is 21yrs old and she has had a rough life and now she is going through some super hard times. She has been left to be the sole guardian of her 10yr old brother after her Dad recently died under mysterious circumstances. They lost their mom when she was 11yrs old. She is also facing the fact that she may lose the Family Farm due to Foreclosure. Jesse Fuller is Anna's next door neighbor and also a Farmer. He has a GREAT work ethic and very knowledgeable about running a farm. Jesse's brother encourage him to marry Anna to help raise her brother and allow Anna to avoid foreclosure. The brothers are hopeful that it happens, but Jesse doesn't have feelings for Anna. Ohh, then there is Horace Blackthorn, who seems to be an evil person and wants to get the Hansen Farm for himself. Will Jesse and Anna be able to save the Farm? Does Jesse agree to marry Anna? Will Anna ever find out how her Dad died?
WOW, for a book that sounds like a Romance book from the synopsis, this book is that and soo much more. The Historical time period was well written and researched. I really love how the author makes the reader be engaged from Beginning to End. The characters were soo sweet and loving, except for Horace. I was not expecting all the twists and turns in the storyline and that is the reason I could not put this book down once I became engaged in the book. Jesse and his Family really show Christian LOVE and Support to Anna and her little brother during these trying times. Although this is Book 3 in the series, it reads well as a Stand Alone. I HIGHLY recommend reading the entire series as they are all good. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance Fiction. FANTASTIC BOOK!
February 14, 2022
Her Guarded Heart by talented storyteller Sharlene MacLaren is Book 3 in her Hearts of Honor Series. All three of these Christian historical romance novels are extraordinary. Each may be read as a stand-alone, but the series is too captivating to miss even one of the stories.
Set in Ohio, Her Guarded Heart is the story of Anna Hansen and her young brother, Billy Ray. These two siblings have experienced so much loss. Both parents have died, the bank is repossessing their farm, and without help from neighbors they would not have enough food.
It is also the story of youngest Fuller son, Jesse. He wants to help their neighbors, Hansen family. Something not quite right is up with the bank’s repossession and sale of their property. Jesse comes up with a solution, but Anna is not certain it is the right one.
Author MacLaren has a gift of bringing timeless life and spiritual lessons to life in her books. This one was especially moving. The characters were relatable and authentic. It took me a chapter to become invested in the story, and once I did there was no putting this book down. I loved the growth and development of the characters. Most are lovable, but when it comes to villains, MacLaren can pen a doozy.
This lovely novel contains romance, adventure, mystery, danger, hope, faith, and twists and turns. It was nice to visit with the friends from Book 1 & 2, also. I hope Laura (Ma) Fuller gets her own book next. She has become one of my favorite people in this series.
I very highly recommend this book and entire series. There are discussion questions at the end, and it would make a captivating book club choice. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest thoughts.
Set in Ohio, Her Guarded Heart is the story of Anna Hansen and her young brother, Billy Ray. These two siblings have experienced so much loss. Both parents have died, the bank is repossessing their farm, and without help from neighbors they would not have enough food.
It is also the story of youngest Fuller son, Jesse. He wants to help their neighbors, Hansen family. Something not quite right is up with the bank’s repossession and sale of their property. Jesse comes up with a solution, but Anna is not certain it is the right one.
Author MacLaren has a gift of bringing timeless life and spiritual lessons to life in her books. This one was especially moving. The characters were relatable and authentic. It took me a chapter to become invested in the story, and once I did there was no putting this book down. I loved the growth and development of the characters. Most are lovable, but when it comes to villains, MacLaren can pen a doozy.
This lovely novel contains romance, adventure, mystery, danger, hope, faith, and twists and turns. It was nice to visit with the friends from Book 1 & 2, also. I hope Laura (Ma) Fuller gets her own book next. She has become one of my favorite people in this series.
I very highly recommend this book and entire series. There are discussion questions at the end, and it would make a captivating book club choice. It receives 5 out of 5 stars from me. A copy was provided by Celebrate Lit, but these are my honest thoughts.
March 2, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this story about a young woman who goes through many trials while still trusting God. I loved Anna and how determined she was to take care of her little brother. After losing her father she has the burden of trying to save their farm. Someone is very anxious to buy her farm and will do anything to get it.
Jesse is a good guy with a big heart. His hair brained scheme to help Anna out doesn’t go over well but he is not one to give up easily. I thought it was funny that his brothers teased him constantly and you could tell they had a great bond between them. I loved his family and especially his mother. She gives Jesse sound advice and reminds him that he should pray about his situation.
I’m not sure how to describe Horace but must say he was an evil and greedy man. He is selfish and treats others with unkind words. He is definitely an example of the scripture, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The rumors about a buried treasure on Anna’s farm drives him to commit the unthinkable. The author uses Horace as a good illustration of how God love everyone. The treatment he has shown to Anna is horrible but in a moment when she could have turned against him she shows him grace.
The story is filled with adventure, a mystery surround a death and a lesson in trusting God. The author also uses Anna to show how forgiveness can change someone’s life. There is much more to the story but I will stop here so readers can discover for themselves how love conquers all.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Jesse is a good guy with a big heart. His hair brained scheme to help Anna out doesn’t go over well but he is not one to give up easily. I thought it was funny that his brothers teased him constantly and you could tell they had a great bond between them. I loved his family and especially his mother. She gives Jesse sound advice and reminds him that he should pray about his situation.
I’m not sure how to describe Horace but must say he was an evil and greedy man. He is selfish and treats others with unkind words. He is definitely an example of the scripture, “the love of money is the root of all evil.” The rumors about a buried treasure on Anna’s farm drives him to commit the unthinkable. The author uses Horace as a good illustration of how God love everyone. The treatment he has shown to Anna is horrible but in a moment when she could have turned against him she shows him grace.
The story is filled with adventure, a mystery surround a death and a lesson in trusting God. The author also uses Anna to show how forgiveness can change someone’s life. There is much more to the story but I will stop here so readers can discover for themselves how love conquers all.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
February 23, 2022
Sharlene MacLaren is one of my favorite Christian Historical Fiction authors. Her stories are always so historically accurate. She writes a lot of her books during my favorite time periods, the Civil War and right after. This is also set in my home state of Ohio. So I was excited to see this. Her Guarded Heart is book three in the Hearts of Honor series. I have read one other book in the series, and they can all be read as stand alone books.
Anna and her brother Billy Ray have gone through a lot of hardships. Their mother died and their father passed away under mysterious circumstances. Anna is doing everything she can to try and save their family farm, which is now facing foreclosure. My heart just went out to Anna. She is a likeable character.
Jesse Fuller is Anna's neighbor. They have the farm next door. He is encouraged to court and marry Anna. His family wants to combine the farms. Jesse does not see Anna in that light. However, you will see both of these characters grow and evolve through the story.
One character that I was not found of was the town pain in the butt, Horace Blackthorn. He is convinced there is treasure that is on Anna's family farm and will not stop until he gets it. Could have been behind her father's death?
I loved the balance of romance, mystery, and all the historical richness. The author wrote some realistic characters. The story flows nicely. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
Anna and her brother Billy Ray have gone through a lot of hardships. Their mother died and their father passed away under mysterious circumstances. Anna is doing everything she can to try and save their family farm, which is now facing foreclosure. My heart just went out to Anna. She is a likeable character.
Jesse Fuller is Anna's neighbor. They have the farm next door. He is encouraged to court and marry Anna. His family wants to combine the farms. Jesse does not see Anna in that light. However, you will see both of these characters grow and evolve through the story.
One character that I was not found of was the town pain in the butt, Horace Blackthorn. He is convinced there is treasure that is on Anna's family farm and will not stop until he gets it. Could have been behind her father's death?
I loved the balance of romance, mystery, and all the historical richness. The author wrote some realistic characters. The story flows nicely. I received a copy of this book through the Celebrate Lit Blogging Program, all thoughts are my own.
February 23, 2022
Anna and Jesse’s story was a heartwarming and family oriented story. Anna had many hardships in her short life. The latest was finding her father dead in their barn. That left Anna and her younger brother Billy Ray orphans.
Jesse was the youngest of three brothers and was continuously teased about still living with his mother. His older brothers were both married with children. Anna and Billy Ray’s farm adjoined the brother’s property. Jesse was taken aback when his brothers suggested he court and marry Anna.
Rumor has it that a treasure is buried somewhere on Anna’s farm and villain Horace Blackthorn is salivating to get his greedy hands on it. The farm is about to go into foreclosure and Horace is rubbing his hands together. Just how far will he go?
Where will Anna and Billy Ray go? Was their father’s death suicide or was he murdered? Faith played a big part in the story as well. Both main characters were believers but Anna was struggling with her’s after her father died.
This was a quick read for me because of the situations that were present and I was wanting to find out the outcomes. Well worth my time.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
Jesse was the youngest of three brothers and was continuously teased about still living with his mother. His older brothers were both married with children. Anna and Billy Ray’s farm adjoined the brother’s property. Jesse was taken aback when his brothers suggested he court and marry Anna.
Rumor has it that a treasure is buried somewhere on Anna’s farm and villain Horace Blackthorn is salivating to get his greedy hands on it. The farm is about to go into foreclosure and Horace is rubbing his hands together. Just how far will he go?
Where will Anna and Billy Ray go? Was their father’s death suicide or was he murdered? Faith played a big part in the story as well. Both main characters were believers but Anna was struggling with her’s after her father died.
This was a quick read for me because of the situations that were present and I was wanting to find out the outcomes. Well worth my time.
I received a complimentary ebook from the publisher through Celebrate Lit but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise.
March 21, 2022
What a great ending to this awesome series!
McLaren sure knows how to go out with a bomb!
Poor Anna. My heart really hurt for her. Grief can come out of no where and hit you at anytime.
I admired her ability and determination to overcome this time in her life. I found myself wanting to comfort her at times.
Thank goodness for God and friends.
Friends for moral support and God for comfort, strength and trust.
Trusting God is so very important as Laura points out to Jesse and Anna. Especially Anna.
Jesse and his family is a family I'd love to have! I couldn't imagine a big family like that.
I love how the author's reminder that God is always there for us no matter what and that we should always trust Him.
I sure didn't like Horace Blackthorn! But again, McLaren shows us that when we do something bad it will come back and bite us in the butt.
I give this book 5 stars!
For the wonderful writer that McLaren is and an awesome plot that made me turn the book's pages.
I just had to see what happened next.
This book left me feeling full and satisfied.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
McLaren sure knows how to go out with a bomb!
Poor Anna. My heart really hurt for her. Grief can come out of no where and hit you at anytime.
I admired her ability and determination to overcome this time in her life. I found myself wanting to comfort her at times.
Thank goodness for God and friends.
Friends for moral support and God for comfort, strength and trust.
Trusting God is so very important as Laura points out to Jesse and Anna. Especially Anna.
Jesse and his family is a family I'd love to have! I couldn't imagine a big family like that.
I love how the author's reminder that God is always there for us no matter what and that we should always trust Him.
I sure didn't like Horace Blackthorn! But again, McLaren shows us that when we do something bad it will come back and bite us in the butt.
I give this book 5 stars!
For the wonderful writer that McLaren is and an awesome plot that made me turn the book's pages.
I just had to see what happened next.
This book left me feeling full and satisfied.
I can't wait to see what she writes next!
My thanks for a copy of this book.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
March 8, 2022
I love a good historical fiction novel. What a good one this is. The Civil War is one of my favorite time periods in history and I really enjoy reading books about this time period. This book takes place just after the Civil War.
Anna has to take care of and protect her brother now that their parents are dead. Plus she needs to maintain and care for their farm. Can she do that without sacrificing herself? Will she be able to make the correct choice and keep everything going as it should?
This was such a fun book to read. It read quickly and kept me from trying to set it down. I look forward to reading more books by this author and hopefully this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Anna has to take care of and protect her brother now that their parents are dead. Plus she needs to maintain and care for their farm. Can she do that without sacrificing herself? Will she be able to make the correct choice and keep everything going as it should?
This was such a fun book to read. It read quickly and kept me from trying to set it down. I look forward to reading more books by this author and hopefully this series.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
March 9, 2022
Anna is devasted after her father’s death when she discovers the financial situation of her family farm. She tries to find a job but is unable to find a way to save her farm. Meanwhile, Jesse is trying to figure out the best way to prevent Blackhorn from getting the farm next to his. As he spends time with Anna in order to help her save the family farm, he becomes intrigued in the mystery of why Blackhorn would want the farm so badly. How will things work out for Anna and her brother?
I enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting the book down. Anna was a strong character that tried to do the best for her brother, even if that meant doing things she didn’t want to do. As a reader, you start to cheer for her and want the very best for her. This story is book three out of the series. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.
I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
I enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting the book down. Anna was a strong character that tried to do the best for her brother, even if that meant doing things she didn’t want to do. As a reader, you start to cheer for her and want the very best for her. This story is book three out of the series. It can be read as a stand alone or as part of the series.
I would recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.
February 24, 2022
Sometimes life hands us situations that cause us to revert to ourselves. Such an experience happens to Anna Hansen and her brother Billy when their father dies unexpectedly. Horace Blackthorn sets out to steal the family farm from under them. Jesse Fuller and his family attempt to help the Hansens in any way they can.
Rediscovering faith while trying to find the truth about why Horace Blackthorn fixates on getting the farm. Forced off her farm and to work for Horace, Anna discovers through things that occur that guarding her heart against Jesse may prove a useless endeavor.
I must say, I love the way the author weaved this story together and how the characters come to life. Truly this work of Christian historical fiction captured my attention and my heart. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Rediscovering faith while trying to find the truth about why Horace Blackthorn fixates on getting the farm. Forced off her farm and to work for Horace, Anna discovers through things that occur that guarding her heart against Jesse may prove a useless endeavor.
I must say, I love the way the author weaved this story together and how the characters come to life. Truly this work of Christian historical fiction captured my attention and my heart. So check out this book for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
March 1, 2022
The story takes place in Lebanon, Ohio in 1965. Through the vivid descriptions of the town and the Hanson & Fuller farms, I felt as though I was there with the characters.
The main characters of Jessie & Anna each had their different backgrounds, but then faith in God drew them together. I admired Anna's strength, determination, and compassion for others. Jessie, I also admired for his ability to care for others and for his love of God & family.
The story will make you run the gamut of emotions; you will cry, laugh, and feel the character's hurt and joy. The book is about learning to trust in God's path for your life in the midst of terrible circumstances, learning to love and trust God in his choice of lifetime partners, and how God can heal an aching heart. A must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
'
The main characters of Jessie & Anna each had their different backgrounds, but then faith in God drew them together. I admired Anna's strength, determination, and compassion for others. Jessie, I also admired for his ability to care for others and for his love of God & family.
The story will make you run the gamut of emotions; you will cry, laugh, and feel the character's hurt and joy. The book is about learning to trust in God's path for your life in the midst of terrible circumstances, learning to love and trust God in his choice of lifetime partners, and how God can heal an aching heart. A must read.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
'
March 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. My heart broke for Anna and Billy Ray with everything they had been through and were going through. Anna let it all get to her (and reasonably so) but she was still such a strong character. I really liked her.
Jesse was a great guy and I liked him as well. He is good to Anna and her brother and honest. I think it was great the way the story unfolded and came about. I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
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Jesse was a great guy and I liked him as well. He is good to Anna and her brother and honest. I think it was great the way the story unfolded and came about. I really enjoyed it from start to finish.
5/5
Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book via Celebrate Lit. I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.
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February 21, 2022
Her Guarded Heart" by Author: Sharlene MacLaren is a great read! It is a story about betrayal and faith and love. I had to keep reading this novel because I had to see how it all end up. I am glad I took the time to read this book, yes it dealt with death and murder but it was such an inspirational read.
This is the third book in the series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone but it does mention a few characters from the other two books. This is a "Rags to Riches" story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
This is the third book in the series and it can be enjoyed as a standalone but it does mention a few characters from the other two books. This is a "Rags to Riches" story.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
February 26, 2022
Anna and her brother have had their share of trials, with the passing of both their parents leaving them with only each other to rely on. I enjoyed their story as they work through their grief and the mystery surrounding their dad's sudden passing. I also enjoyed the sweet romance that blossoms between Anna and Jesse. This is a wonderful addition to the series, but can be enjoyed without reading the previous two books.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
I received this book from Celebrate Lit. This is my honest review.
March 31, 2025
Great story...my favorite in this series! Angst, romance, adventure, mystery...everything a good story needs! This story has more interaction with the antagonists and the protagonists (as compared to the other 2 books in the series).
I LOVED this series and I ADORE this author. My daughter introduced me to her recently and so far, ALL her stories are wonderful!!
I LOVED this series and I ADORE this author. My daughter introduced me to her recently and so far, ALL her stories are wonderful!!
April 16, 2022
This was a great series, and I liked this one the best of the three books...possibly because it leaned more toward the suspense side.
April 1, 2023
This book is the third in a series of three. I loved the way the author, continued the story by writing about the lives of the grandchildren.
February 25, 2024
Great book with mystery and a love story set back in the time Lincoln was assinated
May 28, 2025
Absolutely loved this series!!
January 25, 2022
Her Guarded Heart is the third installment and my favorite from Sharlene MacLaren’s Hearts of Honor series. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I adored this story so much. I loved Anna right from the first page and enjoyed her interactions with Jesse. I loved that the plot included some mystery and suspense. I thought it was a great story that had me intrigued from start to finish.
Her Guarded Heart will be getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I can not wait to see where else Sharlene MacLaren’s stories will take me to in her upcoming releases.
I received a digital copy of Her Guarded Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Her Guarded Heart will be getting five stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical romance. I can not wait to see where else Sharlene MacLaren’s stories will take me to in her upcoming releases.
I received a digital copy of Her Guarded Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
April 28, 2022
Loved this one!
All of Sharlene’s books are wonderful but I loved the mystery element in this latest one. This is the last of a 3 book series with lots of history thrown in and, of course, romance. Shar’s books are also Christian books with scripture and the message of forgiveness and salvation intertwined with the storyline. I highly recommend this book, as well as Sharlene’s other books!
All of Sharlene’s books are wonderful but I loved the mystery element in this latest one. This is the last of a 3 book series with lots of history thrown in and, of course, romance. Shar’s books are also Christian books with scripture and the message of forgiveness and salvation intertwined with the storyline. I highly recommend this book, as well as Sharlene’s other books!
May 6, 2022
Wonderful read!
Love this book. Was hard to put down. Mystery and romance and a little bit of action all in one book.
Love this book. Was hard to put down. Mystery and romance and a little bit of action all in one book.
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