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Securing Charity
Has God and all that is good abandoned her? Even when a strapping Swedish man fights off her attacker, the Roma beauty Charity Baldzo flees to the Garo land, the farm her mother has moved them to. With Charity's hidden disability and odd heritage, will she ever feel safe?
As no good deed goes unpunished, Ari Johansson’s sheep are killed in revenge by the man who attacked his lovely neighbor, his brother is sent to jail for a murder he did not commit, and his home and barn are burned. At least the woman he helped has offered to care for his nephew Soren.
As the weeks pass, and his desperation increases, Ari doesn’t want to rely on the kindness of the feisty Roma women who’ve been gracious to care for his young nephew, but his choices have dwindled to none. Should he take the beautiful Charity for a wife, hold the deed to the Garo land to secure a living, and give Soren the care and stability he's never had?
With the toughest choices of his life, attraction to Charity is not a problem, but how will they live? Will their differences create more heartache? Or bring a future back into his life?
Can hope rise from brokenness to create a new family?
PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.
As no good deed goes unpunished, Ari Johansson’s sheep are killed in revenge by the man who attacked his lovely neighbor, his brother is sent to jail for a murder he did not commit, and his home and barn are burned. At least the woman he helped has offered to care for his nephew Soren.
As the weeks pass, and his desperation increases, Ari doesn’t want to rely on the kindness of the feisty Roma women who’ve been gracious to care for his young nephew, but his choices have dwindled to none. Should he take the beautiful Charity for a wife, hold the deed to the Garo land to secure a living, and give Soren the care and stability he's never had?
With the toughest choices of his life, attraction to Charity is not a problem, but how will they live? Will their differences create more heartache? Or bring a future back into his life?
Can hope rise from brokenness to create a new family?
PG- A clean and swoon-worthy historical romance with deep veins of grace, courage and heart-hugging acceptance. Curl up and escape to a happy ending.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2022
About the author
Julia David
15 books76 followersJulia David is an avid reader, writer and communicator. Married and mother to five, Julia works with pregnant and parenting teens. Her first historical series, Mighty One has readers enjoying this fresh voice in Inspirational Romance. When taking time away she enjoys camping around the Pacific Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
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February 2, 2025Securing Charity by Julia David is a story of loyalty and family.
What especially stood out to me was how many hours of research must have occurred in order to accurately portray the Roma culture. This is a fascinating part of the book, as both the good and bad of this culture was discussed. I also liked how it was used to really shape Vadama's and Charity's characters, as well as illustrate how Roma and Swedish customs differ.
Content:
Faith/Religious Aspects - Charity is quite superstitious at times; Bible verses are quoted
Violence: Slaughter of animals due to spite; a man is beaten up; a woman is accosted; a man meets his demise (non-detailed); odious individuals abound; a main character gets into a few fights; people are shot at; arson is committed. Nothing is gratuitous, everything is tastefully handled.
Sexual content: Intimacy out of wedlock is said to have occurred between two separate couples, both times resulting in pregnancy. The marriage bed is hinted at. A scene could be considered as fade-to-black or close to it.
Other:
One account of each: the Lord's name taken in vain; hellfire (not talking about the place); what the devil.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
What especially stood out to me was how many hours of research must have occurred in order to accurately portray the Roma culture. This is a fascinating part of the book, as both the good and bad of this culture was discussed. I also liked how it was used to really shape Vadama's and Charity's characters, as well as illustrate how Roma and Swedish customs differ.
Content:
Faith/Religious Aspects - Charity is quite superstitious at times; Bible verses are quoted
Violence: Slaughter of animals due to spite; a man is beaten up; a woman is accosted; a man meets his demise (non-detailed); odious individuals abound; a main character gets into a few fights; people are shot at; arson is committed. Nothing is gratuitous, everything is tastefully handled.
Sexual content: Intimacy out of wedlock is said to have occurred between two separate couples, both times resulting in pregnancy. The marriage bed is hinted at. A scene could be considered as fade-to-black or close to it.
Other:
One account of each: the Lord's name taken in vain; hellfire (not talking about the place); what the devil.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in conjunction with Celebrate Lit in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 26, 2023
Love overcomes
This story had so much sadness and trauma. I absolutely loved Ari and especially sweet young nephew, Soren. I just wanted to hug that little guy 💞
Charity… she was difficult to like. Especially her hot and cold reactions to Ari. I’m surprised he didn’t give up on this temperamental woman.
This story had so much sadness and trauma. I absolutely loved Ari and especially sweet young nephew, Soren. I just wanted to hug that little guy 💞
Charity… she was difficult to like. Especially her hot and cold reactions to Ari. I’m surprised he didn’t give up on this temperamental woman.
January 17, 2023
Unique Story
Good character development, hopeful, difficult, lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed this book once I got past the evil, hopelessness, and sadness! Unique story, interesting details.
Good character development, hopeful, difficult, lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed this book once I got past the evil, hopelessness, and sadness! Unique story, interesting details.
February 6, 2025
I found this story of neighborly love and compassion in 1866 Iowa an interesting look at two different cultures being mixed and giving our country that mixing pot nickname. Charity is a young Roma woman who has finally found a more stable living arrangement with her ailing mother instead of moving around all the time. Charity was also born with one of her arms shorter than the other, and though it doesn't slow her down, she is ashamed and wrestles with her deformity a lot through this story.
Their closest neighbors are Swiss brothers, Nohl and Ari, and Nohl's little boy Soren. They are immigrants who are trying to make a living with sheep farming. However, there is an evil in their town that is bent on keeping control and destroying anything good. As Ari and Nohl find out after Ari saves Charity from an attack, the vengeance upon the brothers is swift. Nohl is taken away for a murder he did not commit, and Ari and Soren lose everything else. Being a good neighbor, Charity's mother takes the two lost souls in.
Now Ari and Charity will need to work together to not only save Nohl, but also their livelihood. And little Soren needs the love and care that Charity and her mother can give him. Ari is falling for Charity rather quickly; however, Charity is a bit standoffish. She has plans for her future that not even her mother likes. When Charity's mother considers marriage between the two of them, will Charity listen and open her heart?
This was quite a drama filled story of danger, family, and romance. I was quickly pulled into the survival of all of these characters and so wanted a happily ever after for them. Now, we don't quite get a resolution for Nohl in this story. I am happy to say that the second book is his story, and I look forward to reading that one.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
Their closest neighbors are Swiss brothers, Nohl and Ari, and Nohl's little boy Soren. They are immigrants who are trying to make a living with sheep farming. However, there is an evil in their town that is bent on keeping control and destroying anything good. As Ari and Nohl find out after Ari saves Charity from an attack, the vengeance upon the brothers is swift. Nohl is taken away for a murder he did not commit, and Ari and Soren lose everything else. Being a good neighbor, Charity's mother takes the two lost souls in.
Now Ari and Charity will need to work together to not only save Nohl, but also their livelihood. And little Soren needs the love and care that Charity and her mother can give him. Ari is falling for Charity rather quickly; however, Charity is a bit standoffish. She has plans for her future that not even her mother likes. When Charity's mother considers marriage between the two of them, will Charity listen and open her heart?
This was quite a drama filled story of danger, family, and romance. I was quickly pulled into the survival of all of these characters and so wanted a happily ever after for them. Now, we don't quite get a resolution for Nohl in this story. I am happy to say that the second book is his story, and I look forward to reading that one.
I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review, and all views and opinions are my own.
https://pausefortales.blogspot.com/20...
February 7, 2025
Christian Historical Romance is a favorite genre of mine. Securing Charity by Julia David is the most recent book in this genre that I read. It is Book 1 in the Place to Belong series.
The 2 main characters are Charity Baldzo and Ari Johansson. The setting is 1866 in Iowa. Charity is a Roma Gyspy, she doesn't like to stay in one place for long, but finally decides to move to help her mother who has medical ailings. She has a disability that she prefers to hide from others. Ari Johansson is a Swedish Man who rescues Charity when she is attacked by another man. Ari experiences devastion to his property and his family when the attacker takes revenge on Ari. Ari is also now helping to raise his nephew, while his brother is in prison for crimes he didn't commit. He is lost as to what do next, and Charity's mother offers Ari and his nephew Soren, to stay at house. Ari and Charity are now working together to help Soren and take care of him. Charity's mother has a plan, a Marriage between Ari and Charity. Will the pair decide on a Marriage of Convenience to help both families from the recent trauma? Can they help Ari's brother prove his innocence?
WOW, a very enjoyable book from beginning to end. I REALLY LOVE Marriage of Convenience storylines. I think this has been one of my favorite. The author really took the reader back to the Historical times and I really enjoyed the characters. Charity and Ari really helped one another through the devastions. I really LOVE that Ari didn't see Charity's disability as a bad thing, and Charity never let that hinder her from doing things. The book is one of Faith, Family, Romance, Mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!
The 2 main characters are Charity Baldzo and Ari Johansson. The setting is 1866 in Iowa. Charity is a Roma Gyspy, she doesn't like to stay in one place for long, but finally decides to move to help her mother who has medical ailings. She has a disability that she prefers to hide from others. Ari Johansson is a Swedish Man who rescues Charity when she is attacked by another man. Ari experiences devastion to his property and his family when the attacker takes revenge on Ari. Ari is also now helping to raise his nephew, while his brother is in prison for crimes he didn't commit. He is lost as to what do next, and Charity's mother offers Ari and his nephew Soren, to stay at house. Ari and Charity are now working together to help Soren and take care of him. Charity's mother has a plan, a Marriage between Ari and Charity. Will the pair decide on a Marriage of Convenience to help both families from the recent trauma? Can they help Ari's brother prove his innocence?
WOW, a very enjoyable book from beginning to end. I REALLY LOVE Marriage of Convenience storylines. I think this has been one of my favorite. The author really took the reader back to the Historical times and I really enjoyed the characters. Charity and Ari really helped one another through the devastions. I really LOVE that Ari didn't see Charity's disability as a bad thing, and Charity never let that hinder her from doing things. The book is one of Faith, Family, Romance, Mystery and intrigue. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Christian Historical Romance. GREAT BOOK!
February 5, 2025
What a sweet romance but also a bit of suspense thrown in as well. I loved reading this historical fiction novel. The Roma’s had a hard time in history. In fact, they still do today. I think a lot of it is that people don’t understand their culture but also that people don’t like differences. We should have learned from history by now that this never ends well.
This is a Christian book. However, there is fighting, bits of language that while not actual curse words are close to it, and there is also intimacy out of wedlock resulting in babies, and illusions to those acts as well. I would still consider it clean fiction, just not “as” clean as I normally read.
The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed getting to know them. The author did amazing research into the Roma culture and the history of the time she chose. It’s a great read for sure.
Charity is attacked. Ari saves her. The man who was thwarted is set on revenge. And that’s the main premise of the story of the acts that man commits and how they affect others. And then could there be a marriage of convenience? Oh and an adorable little boy!
I loved the novel and highly recommend it.
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.
This is a Christian book. However, there is fighting, bits of language that while not actual curse words are close to it, and there is also intimacy out of wedlock resulting in babies, and illusions to those acts as well. I would still consider it clean fiction, just not “as” clean as I normally read.
The characters are wonderful. I enjoyed getting to know them. The author did amazing research into the Roma culture and the history of the time she chose. It’s a great read for sure.
Charity is attacked. Ari saves her. The man who was thwarted is set on revenge. And that’s the main premise of the story of the acts that man commits and how they affect others. And then could there be a marriage of convenience? Oh and an adorable little boy!
I loved the novel and highly recommend it.
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.
February 2, 2025
Charity has always felt unsure of herself. Because of her disability she tends to stay to herself. She comes from a background where the people are proud people. When an attack on her is stopped while in town she can’t believe that someone would stand up for her. I liked that Charity found a way to repay the man who rescued her. But there is one catch ; she has to tell about the man who attacked her. There is one thing I didn’t like about Charity. She is bitter at times and takes it out on people who care about her.
Ari is a great character who stops an attack on Charity. He didn’t hesitate to help the young woman, but his actions anger someone. Revenge comes quickly to his family and ends with a member of his family behind bars. I like how Ari was humble when accepting help from Charity and her mother. Ari is determined to get his brother out of jail and will do whatever he needs to get him freed.
I enjoyed the story and liked how faith was weaved throughout. The characters learn to trust God and build a good relationship with each other. It was interesting to learn about the different customs that Charity and Ari grew up with. Is it true that opposites attract?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
Ari is a great character who stops an attack on Charity. He didn’t hesitate to help the young woman, but his actions anger someone. Revenge comes quickly to his family and ends with a member of his family behind bars. I like how Ari was humble when accepting help from Charity and her mother. Ari is determined to get his brother out of jail and will do whatever he needs to get him freed.
I enjoyed the story and liked how faith was weaved throughout. The characters learn to trust God and build a good relationship with each other. It was interesting to learn about the different customs that Charity and Ari grew up with. Is it true that opposites attract?
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
February 10, 2025
Securing Charity by Julia David is an Inspirational Historical Romance. Carrying a disability and secrets from her past, Charity Baldzo, a Roma beauty, finds herself forced to accept help from a stranger when someone attacks her. Ari Johansson protects a woman from harm, but it turns his world upside down in many unexpected ways.
The author combines emotions, the past, and the present to draw you into the story. Ari’s nephew and Charity’s mother also add dimension to this story. Add in Charity’s mother’s determination to see Charity married, an evil marshall, an accidental hanging, and more, and this story packs a lot into its pages.
Once I began reading, I could not put this book down. How Ari and Charity’s lives intertwine builds into a love story. Sometimes, love comes from unexpected places and surprising people.
I look forward to reading Ari’s brother’s story when it comes out. If you want an Inspirational Historical Romance, check out Securing Charity by Julia David.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
The author combines emotions, the past, and the present to draw you into the story. Ari’s nephew and Charity’s mother also add dimension to this story. Add in Charity’s mother’s determination to see Charity married, an evil marshall, an accidental hanging, and more, and this story packs a lot into its pages.
Once I began reading, I could not put this book down. How Ari and Charity’s lives intertwine builds into a love story. Sometimes, love comes from unexpected places and surprising people.
I look forward to reading Ari’s brother’s story when it comes out. If you want an Inspirational Historical Romance, check out Securing Charity by Julia David.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but this in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
January 14, 2025
Securing Charity is a great start to A Place to Belong series. I thought it was a wonderful introduction to Julia David's writing. I loved going back in time and meeting Charity and Ari. That two had to endure so much trauma and struggles that they must learn to rely on one another. I wanted to keep reading to see what would become of the two. A beautiful story of faith and love.
I am giving Securing Charity a very well deserved five plus stars. I have no doubt lovers of clean historical romance will love it as much as me. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from A Place to Belong series, Freeing Nohl.
I received a paperback copy of Julia David's Securing Charity from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
I am giving Securing Charity a very well deserved five plus stars. I have no doubt lovers of clean historical romance will love it as much as me. I am looking forward to reading the next installment from A Place to Belong series, Freeing Nohl.
I received a paperback copy of Julia David's Securing Charity from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
February 8, 2025
Many of us have been bullied or shunned for no fault of our own. Charity was born with a deformed arm. She is from a family of Roma Gypsies. Ari is from Sweden and is much different in many ways. As neighbors they join together to help each other and they learn each other's differences, accepting them through the friction. There's trouble with the town and the person who owns and controls it, with an underlying twist. Interesting story that kept me hooked to the very end. They're people you'd like to know.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#SecuringCharity #JuliaDavid #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FieldRunnerPress
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#SecuringCharity #JuliaDavid #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #FieldRunnerPress
September 30, 2024
Out of ashes comes beauty!
The plot is one tragedy after another. Ari’s brother is sentenced to prison for a crime that he didn’t commit; his nephew is now without father and mother with only Ari as his family; his house roof and barn are intentionally burned, all because he helped a woman being attacked by a wicked man.
Charity has lived her life without acceptance from others or herself, always feeling unworthy and unwanted. Now she must help her neighbor, Ari, who has suffered much. They both learn that good comes through even bad times, if we trust our God.
There is an element of Bible truths woven into the story. There is also the use of “hellfire” as an interjection that I didn’t prefer, but the overall story was good.
The plot is one tragedy after another. Ari’s brother is sentenced to prison for a crime that he didn’t commit; his nephew is now without father and mother with only Ari as his family; his house roof and barn are intentionally burned, all because he helped a woman being attacked by a wicked man.
Charity has lived her life without acceptance from others or herself, always feeling unworthy and unwanted. Now she must help her neighbor, Ari, who has suffered much. They both learn that good comes through even bad times, if we trust our God.
There is an element of Bible truths woven into the story. There is also the use of “hellfire” as an interjection that I didn’t prefer, but the overall story was good.
February 10, 2025
I liked how this story was about Charity learning to accept herself as she is and to realize that not all people will look down on her because she is different. I liked how Charity was able to understand Soren’s pain and help him to feel loved even while his father was in prison. I also liked how Ari showed Charity respect and love. I liked how Ari and Charity both had strong personalities but they helped to even each other out. I thought they were a good couple and I liked how by the end of the book they felt like they found their place to belong.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
February 1, 2025
This was such a inspiration read. It is a clean love story. Charity was a gypsy and had an deformed arm. At the beginning of the book Charity was attacked by a man and was saved by another. To get revenge the attacker killed sheep and was caught and then was killed and a man was sent to prison. Charity has vowed never to marry. Does she change her mind and why. This is a clean love story. Soren's plight made my heart pained for him. This is a book for anyone that likes a clean love story that the characters have to overcome many obstacles first. I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.
June 19, 2024
Well written story about 2 cultures different from each other and definitely different from the community in which they find themselves. Vigilantes and hatred matched against hard work and love for others. A gentle love story which slowly grows.
November 30, 2023
Cute one
This one is different than any of other stories I read ,but it was so well written, and such a sweet story, I could not put it down
This one is different than any of other stories I read ,but it was so well written, and such a sweet story, I could not put it down
March 4, 2024
FREE today (February 26, 2024) on Amazon.
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