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With a Trusting Heart
Will trust be the winning ticket to mending two wounded hearts?
The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place in Seattle with participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently.
Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction.
A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother?
When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they open their hearts to trusting again?
This story was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
The 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition is taking place in Seattle with participants from all over the world when Lizzie Clark accepts a position at an orphanage in the city. After suffering heartbreak and loss, she is determined to make a life for herself independently.
Jack Butler’s mother abandoned their family when he was a young boy. Loyalty to his father cost him fulfilling his own aspirations, so Jack strives to take their family farm in a new direction.
A newborn is left at the orphanage with a note asking Lizzie to take care of him. Why did the woman abandon her child? And why is Jack, a handsome local farmer so interested in helping Lizzie search for the infant’s mother?
When shocking revelations disrupt their plans, Lizzie and Jack are faced with life-changing decisions. Will they open their hearts to trusting again?
This story was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2022
58 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Dawn Kinzer
16 books119 followersDawn Kinzer writes fiction because she believes in the power of story to comfort, challenge, and inspire.
Her work has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home.
Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsin hometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. "Maggie's Miracle," is a historical short story that takes place in Riveron. By All Appearances is her contemporary romance set in Seattle, which is followed by the sequel, A Night Divine. The historical romance, With a Trusting Heart, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Her work has been published in the Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Backyard Friends magazine, The One Year Life Verse Devotional, A Joyful Heart: Experiencing the Light of His Love, and featured on the radio ministry, The Heartbeat of the Home.
Dawn’s historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton, takes place in the early 1900s. The setting and some of the characters were inspired by her rural Wisconsin hometown. Sarah’s Smile is the first story in the series, Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. "Maggie's Miracle," is a historical short story that takes place in Riveron. By All Appearances is her contemporary romance set in Seattle, which is followed by the sequel, A Night Divine. The historical romance, With a Trusting Heart, was inspired by events that took place at the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, cinnamon, popcorn, strong coffee, good wine, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2022
History and romance
I truly enjoyed this history lesson from the northwest. A place I have yet to visit, set in a time long before my birth, kept me turning the pages to see what the outcome would be.
Well Written with fun characters, this story makes me want to read more by this author.
I recommend it highly.
I truly enjoyed this history lesson from the northwest. A place I have yet to visit, set in a time long before my birth, kept me turning the pages to see what the outcome would be.
Well Written with fun characters, this story makes me want to read more by this author.
I recommend it highly.
February 5, 2022
It's natural to read a Dawn Kinzer historical and feel like you’re watching an episode of When Calls the Heart or Little House on the Prairie. She has a way of bringing hope and sweet charm to the pages. With a Trusting Heart is no exception.
What happens when a baby shows up at an orphanage in Seattle, Washington during the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition? Not an unusual occurrence, but the arrival sets new orphanage employee Lizzie Clark and farmer Jack Butler on a quest to find the mother, a woman they both know. Each has reason for wanting to reunite mother and son.
Lizzie is an independent woman with firm plans for her future, and they don’t include marriage. Unable to move past his mother’s abandonment, Jack sees marriage as asking for a woman to desert him. But a surprising announcement (based on a historical incident) leaves the baby’s future up for grabs and forces Lizzie and Jack to rethink their convictions.
With a Trusting Heart is the inspiring story of two people called upon to face their fears of love and loss for the sake of someone else. As an added bonus, the reader is reunited with Sarah and Peter from Sarah’s Smile.
I highly recommend reading this engaging novella.
What happens when a baby shows up at an orphanage in Seattle, Washington during the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition? Not an unusual occurrence, but the arrival sets new orphanage employee Lizzie Clark and farmer Jack Butler on a quest to find the mother, a woman they both know. Each has reason for wanting to reunite mother and son.
Lizzie is an independent woman with firm plans for her future, and they don’t include marriage. Unable to move past his mother’s abandonment, Jack sees marriage as asking for a woman to desert him. But a surprising announcement (based on a historical incident) leaves the baby’s future up for grabs and forces Lizzie and Jack to rethink their convictions.
With a Trusting Heart is the inspiring story of two people called upon to face their fears of love and loss for the sake of someone else. As an added bonus, the reader is reunited with Sarah and Peter from Sarah’s Smile.
I highly recommend reading this engaging novella.
February 16, 2022
Dawn Kinzer has written a refreshing historical fiction that will warm your heart. With A Trusting Heart Heart is based on Seattle’s first world fair, The Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. It is an encouraging and inspiring story of heartache, loss, friendship, love and trusting in God’s ultimate plan he has for all. It is Lizzie and Jack’s story, and an infant that drives them to overcome their hardest obstacles. These characters are truly wonderful and you will feel what they are feeling! I very much enjoyed this captivating story and highly recommend it! I know I will read more by this wonderful author……just make sure you have some tissues nearby!
Thank you Dawn Kinzer and Morningview Publishing for an advanced copy of this amazing story in exchange for my honest review.
#withatrustingheart #dawnkinzer #morningviewpublishing #arc
Thank you Dawn Kinzer and Morningview Publishing for an advanced copy of this amazing story in exchange for my honest review.
#withatrustingheart #dawnkinzer #morningviewpublishing #arc
February 11, 2022
What a beautifully written heartwarming read! I loved how the author wove fact with fiction into a wonderful story. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Historical fiction. I loved it!
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 17, 2022
Enjoyed this historical Christian romance by Dawn Kinzer. Marriage of convenience stories are some of my favorites and this had an interesting twist. Set in Washington State in 1909 during Seattle’s first World Fair, the author weaves fascinating historical facts into the story while entertaining a budding romance between two people sworn off marriage.
Both characters had much to overcome on the road to happily ever after. Lizzie’s extremely independent and wants to take over her family’s restaurant business. When her father refuses, she goes to work at the orphanage where her brother teaches. She’s a suffragette who’s vowed never to get married after the death of her fiancé.
Jack gave up his dream for his family’s farm. He has big plans to expand if only he can convince his father. He’s determined never to give his heart or have his trust broken again after his mother’s abandonment. When a childhood friend leaves her baby at the orphanage, he and Lizzie do all they can to find her and care for her son.
The premise was definitely interesting and held my attention. I loved learning about Seattle’s first World Fair, the inventions, some of the strange practices that surprisingly were true, and how other cultures were treated and viewed. There was quite a lot packed into this short novel with several surprises along the way.
The characters were complex and the side characters added an enjoyable touch to the story. I especially liked Helen and Lizzie’s brother Timothy. While this can definitely be read as a standalone, those who’ve read Ms. Kinzer’s previous novels may recognize some familiar characters.
I enjoyed Jack and Lizzie’s slow burn romance. I loved Jack and the way he supported Lizzie’s dreams. The scene at the fair with the gondola ride and fireworks was definitely romantic. Their relationship isn’t without angst. There were several conflicts needing to be resolved and I was pleased to find out why Jack’s mother left. I honestly expected it to play a bigger role than it did.
The historical aspects were really interesting. I would have preferred to have them introduced through more “show” rather than “tell.” Some of the few conversations where facts were introduced were a little awkward for me and didn’t seem to flow naturally.
All in all, a delightful romance with interesting history, and uplifting messages of forgiveness and learning to trust in God. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of her book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
Both characters had much to overcome on the road to happily ever after. Lizzie’s extremely independent and wants to take over her family’s restaurant business. When her father refuses, she goes to work at the orphanage where her brother teaches. She’s a suffragette who’s vowed never to get married after the death of her fiancé.
Jack gave up his dream for his family’s farm. He has big plans to expand if only he can convince his father. He’s determined never to give his heart or have his trust broken again after his mother’s abandonment. When a childhood friend leaves her baby at the orphanage, he and Lizzie do all they can to find her and care for her son.
The premise was definitely interesting and held my attention. I loved learning about Seattle’s first World Fair, the inventions, some of the strange practices that surprisingly were true, and how other cultures were treated and viewed. There was quite a lot packed into this short novel with several surprises along the way.
The characters were complex and the side characters added an enjoyable touch to the story. I especially liked Helen and Lizzie’s brother Timothy. While this can definitely be read as a standalone, those who’ve read Ms. Kinzer’s previous novels may recognize some familiar characters.
I enjoyed Jack and Lizzie’s slow burn romance. I loved Jack and the way he supported Lizzie’s dreams. The scene at the fair with the gondola ride and fireworks was definitely romantic. Their relationship isn’t without angst. There were several conflicts needing to be resolved and I was pleased to find out why Jack’s mother left. I honestly expected it to play a bigger role than it did.
The historical aspects were really interesting. I would have preferred to have them introduced through more “show” rather than “tell.” Some of the few conversations where facts were introduced were a little awkward for me and didn’t seem to flow naturally.
All in all, a delightful romance with interesting history, and uplifting messages of forgiveness and learning to trust in God. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of her book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
February 3, 2022
With a Trusting Heart – I love historical books and this book was a winner -- definitely heart warming …
It made me root for every single character – even when I knew that some of their outcomes were at odds with each other and everyone couldn’t be “winners.” I felt like I knew them right from the start. I could feel their struggles – their desires to help others – their growing friendships and feelings.
It was amazing knowing that parts of the storyline were actually based in fact – things that had actually happened. I wanted to know more. It made me more invested. The facts and the World’s Fair setting were woven throughout intricately, and it never seemed like you were reading just pages of background information – I could picture it all in my mind as if I was there.
Dawn also seamlessly included some crossover characters from her other books. You didn’t have to know the characters or have read the previous books to enjoy their parts in this one … but, since I had - it was like running into an old friend in an unexpected place! She did an excellent job connecting them to this story – they had a real purpose and they added great depth.
I would definitely recommend getting this book! It’s Dawn’s best one yet!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author without any obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
It made me root for every single character – even when I knew that some of their outcomes were at odds with each other and everyone couldn’t be “winners.” I felt like I knew them right from the start. I could feel their struggles – their desires to help others – their growing friendships and feelings.
It was amazing knowing that parts of the storyline were actually based in fact – things that had actually happened. I wanted to know more. It made me more invested. The facts and the World’s Fair setting were woven throughout intricately, and it never seemed like you were reading just pages of background information – I could picture it all in my mind as if I was there.
Dawn also seamlessly included some crossover characters from her other books. You didn’t have to know the characters or have read the previous books to enjoy their parts in this one … but, since I had - it was like running into an old friend in an unexpected place! She did an excellent job connecting them to this story – they had a real purpose and they added great depth.
I would definitely recommend getting this book! It’s Dawn’s best one yet!
*I received a complimentary copy from the author without any obligation to write a review. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2022
An inspiring book that I loved. When I read the blurb I knew immediately that I would enjoy. Lizzie and Jack’s story along with the orphanage and baby Ernest touched my heart. I have always had a soft spot for babies in foster care. I loved that the orphanage had loving people that watched after the children because you hear of so many that don’t have that. I got close to the characters and felt their heartbeat for baby Ernest.
I loved visiting the World’s Fair through the eyes of Jack and Lizzie. Real happenings like the fair makes me always enjoy a book even more. I love when authors combine truth and fiction because it makes it so real.
Don’t miss this book if you enjoy historical fiction and want to feel you’re actually going through this story with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I loved visiting the World’s Fair through the eyes of Jack and Lizzie. Real happenings like the fair makes me always enjoy a book even more. I love when authors combine truth and fiction because it makes it so real.
Don’t miss this book if you enjoy historical fiction and want to feel you’re actually going through this story with the characters.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.
April 14, 2022
From the beautiful cover to the heartwarming ending you will be drawn into 1990 and Seattle’s first world’s fair and historical events. I enjoyed reading about Brown Hall an orphanage and the characters there were so heartwarming. I loved how Jack and Lizzie both grew in faith and dealt with the hurts in their pasts to find trust and love. I enjoyed the twists in the story to keep you engrossed. All in all a well rounded story that I enjoyed.
I won a copy from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
I won a copy from a blog. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
September 21, 2024
Because of a baby
Jack and Lizzie meet at an orphanage where she works and he delivers produce from his family’s farm. What seems a casual acquaintance becomes more when Lizzie’s new friend, who happens to be a childhood friend of Jack’s, leaves a newborn baby in Lizzie’s care. Set in Seattle in 1909 around an exposition, a lot of action takes place in a two-month time frame. Will the baby’s mother return? Who will take care of him long term? Will Lizzie realize she does not have to do everything by herself, that asking for and taking help can be good? Will Jack learn to trust women despite being deserted by his mother at a young age? Are both willing to let God guide them?
I enjoyed the story and the historical setting.
Jack and Lizzie meet at an orphanage where she works and he delivers produce from his family’s farm. What seems a casual acquaintance becomes more when Lizzie’s new friend, who happens to be a childhood friend of Jack’s, leaves a newborn baby in Lizzie’s care. Set in Seattle in 1909 around an exposition, a lot of action takes place in a two-month time frame. Will the baby’s mother return? Who will take care of him long term? Will Lizzie realize she does not have to do everything by herself, that asking for and taking help can be good? Will Jack learn to trust women despite being deserted by his mother at a young age? Are both willing to let God guide them?
I enjoyed the story and the historical setting.
December 20, 2024
To Sacrifice
In 1909 the world was a different place. Though the excitement of the Seattle World Fair was the subject on most people’s mind, the hardships of life still remained. Orphanages were common place. Too often they were run improperly.
In ‘With a Trusting Heart’ we find people ready to sacrifice their lives for the sake of a child. DAWN KIZNER has done a lovely job of fleshing out true characters in this story. The type of people you may want to be your friends.
This book is for a reader who enjoys the 1900’s and a story of true love.
March 8, 2022
Interesting Descriptions and a Sweet Romance
I loved learning more about the Seattle World Fair through the character's eyes. I also enjoyed the orphanage scenes. The main characters had a fun and relatable relationship. If anything, I wish the novel was longer -- that we saw more of the angst of taking care or a newborn and orphanage life. I also would have liked more time between the marriage of convenience/sacrifice to build up to that love moment.
I loved learning more about the Seattle World Fair through the character's eyes. I also enjoyed the orphanage scenes. The main characters had a fun and relatable relationship. If anything, I wish the novel was longer -- that we saw more of the angst of taking care or a newborn and orphanage life. I also would have liked more time between the marriage of convenience/sacrifice to build up to that love moment.
June 17, 2024
Great Christian Historical Fiction!
A 1900's love,forgiveness story during a Worlds Fair in Washington state! They even raffles off a baby as a prize, and it was legal.
I just couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next! However this is a short story loaded with excitement . I highly recommend "With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer!
A 1900's love,forgiveness story during a Worlds Fair in Washington state! They even raffles off a baby as a prize, and it was legal.
I just couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next! However this is a short story loaded with excitement . I highly recommend "With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer!
July 1, 2024
I didn't know what expect when I started this story. It didn't take long for me to get invested in the story and it' characters. I had to force myself to stop reading long enough to do tne things I had to do, but I was back into.it as soon as I could be. I loved Lizzy and Jack. I hope you do too!
August 27, 2024
I enjoyed reading With a Trusting Heart by Dawn Kinzer. The characters are well-defined and a strong spiritual theme runs through the story.
February 16, 2022
Lizzie Clark is tenacious. She doesn’t allow any obstacle to keep her from what she wants. After hearing her younger brother will run the family business, she doesn’t whine about it. Instead, she moves to Seattle, Washington, and uses her culinary skills at the Brown Hall Orphanage. There, she meets a friend who asks for a life-altering favor. When Lizzie agrees, she soon realizes she must trust God to do what’s best for everyone involved. Even if the outcome breaks her heart.
Jack Butler is a visionary. He wants to help build the future. But that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten the past or his debt to a friend. His life is forever changed when he meets Lizzie. When he discovers she’s involved with an old friend, he makes it his business to learn more about the charming cook. With time running out, Jack recognizes only God can help their situation if they are to have a future together.
I enjoyed how Jack’s and Lizzie’s friendship blossomed as they overcame personal struggles and worked together to help a friend and her child. When they visited the Expo with Peter and Sarah Caswell, characters from the Riverton Series, I felt like a group member. I experienced the excitement of the crowd, the tantalizing food aromas, and the mesmerizing exhibits on display.
Dawn Kinzer ripped the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition from the history pages and created her best story yet. She did an excellent job building her 1909 world and populating it with well-rounded lovable people. With a Trusting Heart was an adventure I didn’t know I wanted to take. But once I arrived, I didn’t want to leave. It’s that good. And at 170 pages, it is the perfect weekend read!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. I have pre-ordered my own copy.
Jack Butler is a visionary. He wants to help build the future. But that doesn’t mean he’s forgotten the past or his debt to a friend. His life is forever changed when he meets Lizzie. When he discovers she’s involved with an old friend, he makes it his business to learn more about the charming cook. With time running out, Jack recognizes only God can help their situation if they are to have a future together.
I enjoyed how Jack’s and Lizzie’s friendship blossomed as they overcame personal struggles and worked together to help a friend and her child. When they visited the Expo with Peter and Sarah Caswell, characters from the Riverton Series, I felt like a group member. I experienced the excitement of the crowd, the tantalizing food aromas, and the mesmerizing exhibits on display.
Dawn Kinzer ripped the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition from the history pages and created her best story yet. She did an excellent job building her 1909 world and populating it with well-rounded lovable people. With a Trusting Heart was an adventure I didn’t know I wanted to take. But once I arrived, I didn’t want to leave. It’s that good. And at 170 pages, it is the perfect weekend read!
I received a copy of this book from the author. I was under no obligation to post a favorable review. I have pre-ordered my own copy.
March 2, 2022
The 1909 world’s fair in Seattle has local orphanage worker Lizzie Clark excited to tour its sights. When a baby is left at the orphanage with a note to Lizzie, she takes her responsibility toward the infant seriously but searches to find the mother.
A local farmer Jack Butler joins Lizzie’s search and wishes to reunite child and mother, but can she be found? Dealing with issues from his own past, Jack struggles to understand what possible reason would make a mother abandon her baby.
When an unthinkable circumstance pairs the child’s fate with the world’s fair, both Jack and Lizzie consider crossing the boundaries they have erected to keep love at bay, but in the end will they step past their fears and open their hearts to trust again?
With a Trusting Heart portrays an exciting time at the beginning of the twentieth century. Readers will be delighted and transported back in time through Jack and Lizzie to the sights, inventions, and tastes the world’s fair in Seattle had to offer and journey with them as a tiny orphan steals their hearts and puts them on a path neither of them had bargained for. A slice of history with a side-order of sweet romance, Kinzer weaves a well-told, faith-filled story that warms the heart.
A local farmer Jack Butler joins Lizzie’s search and wishes to reunite child and mother, but can she be found? Dealing with issues from his own past, Jack struggles to understand what possible reason would make a mother abandon her baby.
When an unthinkable circumstance pairs the child’s fate with the world’s fair, both Jack and Lizzie consider crossing the boundaries they have erected to keep love at bay, but in the end will they step past their fears and open their hearts to trust again?
With a Trusting Heart portrays an exciting time at the beginning of the twentieth century. Readers will be delighted and transported back in time through Jack and Lizzie to the sights, inventions, and tastes the world’s fair in Seattle had to offer and journey with them as a tiny orphan steals their hearts and puts them on a path neither of them had bargained for. A slice of history with a side-order of sweet romance, Kinzer weaves a well-told, faith-filled story that warms the heart.
February 8, 2022
Another savory historic romance by Dawn Kinzer set in the Pacific Northwest, this one featuring the 1909 Alaska-Yukon World Expo—Seattle’s first world’s fair. Well researched and inspired by true events, With a Trusting Heart will have you wondering how the unexpected appearance of an abandoned baby will affect the relationship between the fiercely independent heroine, who takes a job at an orphanage, and the hero, who seeks to manage his family farm. It takes courage to face love after loss and great fortitude to marry for the sake of a little baby. This is a sweet and engaging story of two unlikely souls with opposing agendas who search their hearts and overcome situational opposition to find love again.
January 12, 2022
With a Trusting Heart is a fascinating story based on real-life events in Seattle around the time of the 1909 World's Fair. I loved the characters of Lizzie and Jack and felt a genuine connection to them. This story was obviously well-researched and it was interesting learning more about this time period and life in the Pacific Northwest. It was also fun to see a couple of characters from another of Dawn Kinzer's books I enjoyed appear in the story. I was encouraged by the underlying message about trusting God with life's circumstances and I highly recommend this book.
April 13, 2022
Exciting plot. Interesting characters. History comes alive.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews