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Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico
All that glitters is not gold. It’s 1890, and Golden, New Mexico, is a booming mining town where men far outnumber women. So when an old wealthy miner named Philip Smith finds himself in need of a nursemaid, he places an ad for a mail-order bride—despite the protests of his friend Jeremiah. Hoping to escape a perilous situation back East, young Madeleine Mercer answers the ad and arrives in town under a cloud of suspicion. But just as she begins to win over Philip—and Jeremiah himself—the secrets she left behind threaten to follow her to Golden...and tarnish her character beyond redemption.
349 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2010
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881 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
March 21, 2019
2.5 stars
It started out really strong and interesting, but ended up fizzling. There was a lot of really intriguing stuff going on the beginning, but the ending was more just pages and pages of kissing in the last couple chapters, as well as a good bit of thinking of what fun the marriage bed would be and a man being sleepless from desiring his true love. I didn’t like that the two of them leaped into marriage so quickly after his profession of faith, with no time for him to mature in it...well, mainly, it was fun but not as much at the end. I’m not sure if I’ll try another by this author or not.
It started out really strong and interesting, but ended up fizzling. There was a lot of really intriguing stuff going on the beginning, but the ending was more just pages and pages of kissing in the last couple chapters, as well as a good bit of thinking of what fun the marriage bed would be and a man being sleepless from desiring his true love. I didn’t like that the two of them leaped into marriage so quickly after his profession of faith, with no time for him to mature in it...well, mainly, it was fun but not as much at the end. I’m not sure if I’ll try another by this author or not.
September 21, 2010
Title: LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Publisher: Summerside Press
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-935416-74-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Philip Smith is old and decrepit, needing help from his mining friend, Jeremiah, to take care of things. But Jeremiah is flabbergasted when Philip decided to write for a mail order bride. Jeremiah is determined to send the woman right back home on the train. What use does Philip have for a woman? She’d only be a gold digger, out for the wealthy man’s money.
Madeline Mercer came from old Boston money, but when her father dies, then his business partner starts trying to force her to marry him. When Maddy’s friend dies and leaves Maddy to care for her newborn daughter, Maddy knows she must flee Boston to keep her adopted daughter alive. But her father’s business partner makes it sound as if Maddy is penniless. Where can Maddy go?
When Maddy’s trusted servant comes home with an ad for a mail order bride in Golden, New Mexico, Maddy is doubtful that this is the answer. But with the threats from the business partner growing, fear for her safety encourages her to flee. But what will she find in Golden? And will she even be allowed to stay?
LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO is a very good read by Ms. Dooley. I think this is the best book I’ve ever read by this author. I loved getting to know Maddy, her servants, Philip and Jeremiah, and the situations that dictated their decisions.
Golden, New Mexico is a real town that prospered during the gold rush days, but nowadays there is little more than a church there. It was interesting to read about this town and the people that might have inhabited it. The characters are very realistically developed and the story line compelling. If you enjoy historical romances then pick up a copy of LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO. $12.99. 349 pages.
Author: Lena Nelson Dooley
Publisher: Summerside Press
May 2010
ISBN: 978-0-935416-74-6
Genre: Inspirational/historical
Philip Smith is old and decrepit, needing help from his mining friend, Jeremiah, to take care of things. But Jeremiah is flabbergasted when Philip decided to write for a mail order bride. Jeremiah is determined to send the woman right back home on the train. What use does Philip have for a woman? She’d only be a gold digger, out for the wealthy man’s money.
Madeline Mercer came from old Boston money, but when her father dies, then his business partner starts trying to force her to marry him. When Maddy’s friend dies and leaves Maddy to care for her newborn daughter, Maddy knows she must flee Boston to keep her adopted daughter alive. But her father’s business partner makes it sound as if Maddy is penniless. Where can Maddy go?
When Maddy’s trusted servant comes home with an ad for a mail order bride in Golden, New Mexico, Maddy is doubtful that this is the answer. But with the threats from the business partner growing, fear for her safety encourages her to flee. But what will she find in Golden? And will she even be allowed to stay?
LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO is a very good read by Ms. Dooley. I think this is the best book I’ve ever read by this author. I loved getting to know Maddy, her servants, Philip and Jeremiah, and the situations that dictated their decisions.
Golden, New Mexico is a real town that prospered during the gold rush days, but nowadays there is little more than a church there. It was interesting to read about this town and the people that might have inhabited it. The characters are very realistically developed and the story line compelling. If you enjoy historical romances then pick up a copy of LOVE FINDS YOU IN GOLDEN, NEW MEXICO. $12.99. 349 pages.
June 4, 2010
This is a beautiful love story set in the old west of New Mexico. Lena puts a twist on the old story of mail-order brides that kept me turning the pages. I cared immediately for all her characters and wanted things to work out for them so badly as the story progressed. Also, Lena did her homework. I really felt like I was there in New Mexico! I recommend this book if you love a good historical romance.
June 28, 2015
While this one started out good, it soon went downhill, at least for me. I’m sure there are a lot of people who would enjoy this story. I could probably go on and on about things that just rubbed me the wrong way, but I wont. Below are just a few things that I had to get out. Again, some would probably enjoy the story, it had a good premise, the execution just wasn’t for me.
• It was just way too preachy for me. It overpowered the story and really caused it to drag. I ended up skipping pages and pages of religious material and about halfway through I just got bored, not only with the preaching, but with the characters and the plot. I just wanted to be done.
• I totally believe in forgiveness. I don’t think forgiveness equals trust though. You can forgive someone and know that it is not wise to trust that person. The whole storyline with Mr. Johnston was ludicrous. So, after talking with a preacher for a few days he repents, everyone forgives him and he is put in charge of Maddy’s business again? What?? Then Pearl’s grandparents shows up and want forgiveness and to be a part of her life. That all seemed too convenient.
• For the first part of the book it almost felt like I was reading two separate stories. When Jeremiah and Maddy finally meet, he is instantly distrusts her and spends most of their time together doubting her intentions. Then he finally hears about her past and instantly believes in her and suddenly loves her. Their relationship would have been MUCH more believable if he had fallen for her at the beginning and stood by her, without knowing her past. As it was (and I’m not sure how much time is supposed to have passed), from the time he suddenly believes her and they are in love is just too fast.
Content: Clean.
• It was just way too preachy for me. It overpowered the story and really caused it to drag. I ended up skipping pages and pages of religious material and about halfway through I just got bored, not only with the preaching, but with the characters and the plot. I just wanted to be done.
• I totally believe in forgiveness. I don’t think forgiveness equals trust though. You can forgive someone and know that it is not wise to trust that person. The whole storyline with Mr. Johnston was ludicrous. So, after talking with a preacher for a few days he repents, everyone forgives him and he is put in charge of Maddy’s business again? What?? Then Pearl’s grandparents shows up and want forgiveness and to be a part of her life. That all seemed too convenient.
• For the first part of the book it almost felt like I was reading two separate stories. When Jeremiah and Maddy finally meet, he is instantly distrusts her and spends most of their time together doubting her intentions. Then he finally hears about her past and instantly believes in her and suddenly loves her. Their relationship would have been MUCH more believable if he had fallen for her at the beginning and stood by her, without knowing her past. As it was (and I’m not sure how much time is supposed to have passed), from the time he suddenly believes her and they are in love is just too fast.
Content: Clean.
November 2, 2020
Once again, success in finding a dreamy romance from Summerside Press' Love Finds You series. LFY in Golden, New Mexico is my first novel from author Lena Nelson Dooley and excitedly not my last. The romance just melts off of the pages. Another prairie mail-order-bride story, but different from any other and worth every turn of the page. I was entertained and enlightened. It's a great story where the bad people are bad, but Christ shines through and just might win some in the end. Listening to the characters and their prayers and seeing each of them learn and grow is an internally reflective experience. From the riches of Boston to the heat of New Mexico riches are discovered in a plethora of different ways and shown to be more than just finances. I highly recommend this read as I do so far all the historical Love Finds You novels that I have read thus far. I look forward to adding both more LFY and Lena Nelson Dooley books to my TBR lists in the future.
*Thanks to Summerside Press for providing a copy for review through CFBA.*
*Thanks to Summerside Press for providing a copy for review through CFBA.*
June 24, 2016
Seriously good romance
When Madeline thought she had lost everything, including her own free will, she went out west for protection and a fresh start. What she found was a better life and wonderful new Christian friends.
When Madeline thought she had lost everything, including her own free will, she went out west for protection and a fresh start. What she found was a better life and wonderful new Christian friends.
January 6, 2020
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I liked how Maddy was trying to follow what God wanted of her, yet needed to learn how to be independent after her father's death. I also really enjoyed the more minor characters of Phillip, Sarah, and Frank. They were sweet, Godly people who were intent on helping however they could.
I admit to having mixed feelings about Jeremiah. It seemed that he was learning to behave himself with regards to jumping to conclusions about Madeline, but then he'd be absolutely certain again that she was up to no good. Once he finally figured all that out, though, he grew on me.
Since this book was set in a fictionalised setting of an actual area of New Mexico, I thought it was fun to look at a map and see exactly where in the state Golden is, etc.
I admit to having mixed feelings about Jeremiah. It seemed that he was learning to behave himself with regards to jumping to conclusions about Madeline, but then he'd be absolutely certain again that she was up to no good. Once he finally figured all that out, though, he grew on me.
Since this book was set in a fictionalised setting of an actual area of New Mexico, I thought it was fun to look at a map and see exactly where in the state Golden is, etc.
July 9, 2015
I signed up for a review copy of this book for two reasons, one, because I’d never read anything by Lena Nelson Dooley before and the second, I’d also never read a Love Finds You… book. I was quickly drawn into this sweet inspirational historical fiction story. I became fascinated by this time period in Boston and felt for Madeline, her fight and the mystery to be solved about her father’s death. Maddy learns from her father’s former business partner, Horace Johnstone that they are to wed within the week, just like her dad wanted. There was no way she was going to marry Horace, her father never mentioned those wishes to her. Horace was a mean spirited man she wanted no part of.
With her fathers business coming to a holt, Frank Sneed, one of only two servants she could afford to keep, discovers a hopeful possibility - a mail order bride ad in the Boston newspaper. The advertiser was a miner in Golden, New Mexico. Maddy feels lead to answer the ad.
Lena has likeable characters that drew me in and had me rooting for Maddy to escape the clutches of the evil Horace Johnstone. I liked Madeline; she’s a strong woman on a mission. She could hold her ground and didn’t need to marry a man to survive. She’d make her own way and do what God called her to do, but she knew she couldn’t stay in Boston one more day.
Philip is a Christian man and the only reason she responded to the ad. He’s requested a mail order bride to live with him in Golden, New Mexico. Philip is convinced that Madeline is the one God chose for him. Madeline isn’t sure she is to be his bride, but options were limited, she was fearful for her life in Boston, things had to be better in New Mexico..
Jeremiah, is Philips’ closest friend, he couldn’t see why a beautiful young lady would want to marry an old man like his friend. It had to be for his money, right? Philip trusted too much, he had to protect him from himself. Philip kept telling Jeremiah that the Lord would work it out. Madeline was the one for him. He would keep a close watch on this Madeline, which was easier said than done. Ever since Jeremiah met Maddy, it was hard to be around her. He got the weirdest, feelings in her presence. It about undid him and his conviction.
This definitely was a fun, enjoyable summer read.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
With her fathers business coming to a holt, Frank Sneed, one of only two servants she could afford to keep, discovers a hopeful possibility - a mail order bride ad in the Boston newspaper. The advertiser was a miner in Golden, New Mexico. Maddy feels lead to answer the ad.
Lena has likeable characters that drew me in and had me rooting for Maddy to escape the clutches of the evil Horace Johnstone. I liked Madeline; she’s a strong woman on a mission. She could hold her ground and didn’t need to marry a man to survive. She’d make her own way and do what God called her to do, but she knew she couldn’t stay in Boston one more day.
Philip is a Christian man and the only reason she responded to the ad. He’s requested a mail order bride to live with him in Golden, New Mexico. Philip is convinced that Madeline is the one God chose for him. Madeline isn’t sure she is to be his bride, but options were limited, she was fearful for her life in Boston, things had to be better in New Mexico..
Jeremiah, is Philips’ closest friend, he couldn’t see why a beautiful young lady would want to marry an old man like his friend. It had to be for his money, right? Philip trusted too much, he had to protect him from himself. Philip kept telling Jeremiah that the Lord would work it out. Madeline was the one for him. He would keep a close watch on this Madeline, which was easier said than done. Ever since Jeremiah met Maddy, it was hard to be around her. He got the weirdest, feelings in her presence. It about undid him and his conviction.
This definitely was a fun, enjoyable summer read.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St.Laurent
The Book Club Network www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
January 3, 2011
I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novel by Lena Nelson Dooley. It's now one of my favorite Love Finds You titles. The story structure reminded me of Tracie Peterson's style, but this author added her own personal touch to make it uniquely hers.
The writing style was smooth and intelligently put together. It was easy to read without feeling choppy. I got a bit misty-eyed a few times as well, which is not a frequent occurrence for me. That only happens when my heart is engaged, and in this case the author did a great job of making me care. The baby in the story was a big part of that bonding process. The author used that character well in connecting various situations and thus making my eyes water.
The theme of forgiveness was strong and beautifully written. I didn't see any flaws or downsides to this novel. The spiritual thread was strong and flowed naturally, which is not often the case with historical fiction. The church setting enhanced the novel and I adored the elderly man, Phillip.
The hero, Jeremiah, was dreamy. Though he had his weaknesses, they didn't feel contrived and just made him more intriguing and heroic to me. The heroine was strong in her own way, while remaining somewhat dependent like women tended to be in those days, especially women who had limited financial resources. Sometimes when I read a historical novel I get annoyed when the women seem atypically strong for that time period. This heroine was perfectly constructed in this case. I enjoyed spending time getting to know these characters. I highly recommend this book.
The writing style was smooth and intelligently put together. It was easy to read without feeling choppy. I got a bit misty-eyed a few times as well, which is not a frequent occurrence for me. That only happens when my heart is engaged, and in this case the author did a great job of making me care. The baby in the story was a big part of that bonding process. The author used that character well in connecting various situations and thus making my eyes water.
The theme of forgiveness was strong and beautifully written. I didn't see any flaws or downsides to this novel. The spiritual thread was strong and flowed naturally, which is not often the case with historical fiction. The church setting enhanced the novel and I adored the elderly man, Phillip.
The hero, Jeremiah, was dreamy. Though he had his weaknesses, they didn't feel contrived and just made him more intriguing and heroic to me. The heroine was strong in her own way, while remaining somewhat dependent like women tended to be in those days, especially women who had limited financial resources. Sometimes when I read a historical novel I get annoyed when the women seem atypically strong for that time period. This heroine was perfectly constructed in this case. I enjoyed spending time getting to know these characters. I highly recommend this book.
May 28, 2010
I had been eagerly waiting for this book and was not disappointed.
The characters in this book were very well crafted. Each one was a welcome escape into the world of Golden, New Mexico. The setting played a fine role and I liked how it was incorporated into the novel.
The story moved at a good clip and I was never bored with the story. It did take a while for the hero and heroine to meet, not until after page 100, but the story up to that point was still good.
My favorite part of the book was the hero. His growth was genuine and at times I wondered if he was ever going to come around, but everything about his faith journey and the love story interwoven throughout was genuine and a pleasure to read.
The villain was truly despicable. And I rooted for Madeline to beat him at his wicked game.
All in all a good book. I enjoyed it and hope I get to enjoy more soon. Recommended for “Love Finds You” fans, this book is a great addition to that collection and one of the best I have read in that specific genre.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
The characters in this book were very well crafted. Each one was a welcome escape into the world of Golden, New Mexico. The setting played a fine role and I liked how it was incorporated into the novel.
The story moved at a good clip and I was never bored with the story. It did take a while for the hero and heroine to meet, not until after page 100, but the story up to that point was still good.
My favorite part of the book was the hero. His growth was genuine and at times I wondered if he was ever going to come around, but everything about his faith journey and the love story interwoven throughout was genuine and a pleasure to read.
The villain was truly despicable. And I rooted for Madeline to beat him at his wicked game.
All in all a good book. I enjoyed it and hope I get to enjoy more soon. Recommended for “Love Finds You” fans, this book is a great addition to that collection and one of the best I have read in that specific genre.
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers through CFBA for my copy to review.
May 16, 2010
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico, is the emotional tale of a kind-hearted woman on the run from a cruel man determined to marry her. Maddy is a great heroine—gentle, generous, and godly. Jeremiah is staunchly protective, determined, and certain that Maddy is an opportunist, out to marry his good friend so she can gain access to his wealth.
I enjoyed this interesting story, especially the second half when the hero and heroine are together more. There’s fabulous chemistry between Maddy and Jeremiah, even when he thinks she’s a charlatan. Lena Nelson Dooley sets the scene so well that you’ll feel dust on your lips and hear the continually pounding of the gold stamping machines of Golden. Dooley’s book effectively illustrates the providence of God working behind the scenes to direct peoples’ live. For a mail-order bride story with a twist, check out Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.
I enjoyed this interesting story, especially the second half when the hero and heroine are together more. There’s fabulous chemistry between Maddy and Jeremiah, even when he thinks she’s a charlatan. Lena Nelson Dooley sets the scene so well that you’ll feel dust on your lips and hear the continually pounding of the gold stamping machines of Golden. Dooley’s book effectively illustrates the providence of God working behind the scenes to direct peoples’ live. For a mail-order bride story with a twist, check out Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico.
Read
July 30, 2012Poor Madeline! Her father died. His business partner goes into Snidely Whiplash mode and demands he marry her. Her friend dies, leaving her baby for Madeline to raise. When the business partner threatens the baby, Madeline and the couple who staffed her house head for Golden, New Mexico to answer a hearts and hands ad. The man who placed the ad is old enough to be her grandfather. His friend Jeremiah is her age, but he's angry, suspicious of her intentions, and not a believer. Will Madeline figure out what to do before her money runs out?
I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the desert, the rhythm of the gold stamping plant, and the community of Golden.
I especially enjoyed the descriptions of the desert, the rhythm of the gold stamping plant, and the community of Golden.
February 28, 2012
I didn't have to write a review for this book, but wanted to say how much I enjoyed reading it.
Love Finds you in Golden, New Mexico is full of suspense, compassion and great love.
The characters are so vivid and full of life to me.
This is the first book I've read of Lena Nelson Dooley and hope to read many more.
It was so easy to fall in love with all of the characters in Love Finds you in Golden, New Mexico.
Lena is a wonderful, popular storyteller and can't believe this is the first book I've read of hers.
I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Love Finds you in Golden, New Mexico is full of suspense, compassion and great love.
The characters are so vivid and full of life to me.
This is the first book I've read of Lena Nelson Dooley and hope to read many more.
It was so easy to fall in love with all of the characters in Love Finds you in Golden, New Mexico.
Lena is a wonderful, popular storyteller and can't believe this is the first book I've read of hers.
I highly recommend this fantastic book.
September 9, 2018
This is a mini ‘Books For Christian Girls’ review. It is not a full content review and will not receive one. These mini-reviews are years old and just for clarity on the rating the book received on Goodreads.
3/23/2015-
"Different plot, but very lovey-dovey."
*Main Content-
Touches (semi-detailed); a semi-detailed and three detailed kisses; Mentions of women being used and abused by Jeremiah's father; A mention of the process of having children.
3/23/2015-
"Different plot, but very lovey-dovey."
*Main Content-
Touches (semi-detailed); a semi-detailed and three detailed kisses; Mentions of women being used and abused by Jeremiah's father; A mention of the process of having children.
May 4, 2013
2.5
This book started out pretty good but by half way through I found myself just skimming through part of it to try and help it move along. It was very clean and had a good message, but pretty preachy. Glad I finally made it through it but wouldn't read again. The happily ever-after end is always a good thing. ;)
This book started out pretty good but by half way through I found myself just skimming through part of it to try and help it move along. It was very clean and had a good message, but pretty preachy. Glad I finally made it through it but wouldn't read again. The happily ever-after end is always a good thing. ;)
May 31, 2010
This is a great book. Ms. Dooley captured New Mexico and made it come alive. A must read.
August 17, 2011
i loved it!
December 7, 2022
Maddy was from Boston before moving to Golden, New Mexico. Her father passed and she has faithful servants, Frank and Sarah, who never leave her side. Her father crooked business partner named Mr. Horace Johnstone is trying to force Maddy to marry him. Maddy has a homeless pregnant friend named Loraine. Loraine's husband has passed and parents who had turned their back on her. Will she survive her pregnancy? With Johnstone demanding marriage proposal, the servants, move quickly on a mail order bride proposal leading Maddy to Golden, New Mexico. What will happen to Maddy? Will she find peace? Will Johnstone find her? Who else will be in her life to guide her? What happens to Lorraine and her baby? Does Maddy find love? Better yet ... a family?
November 26, 2017
This is a different twist on the typical mail-order bride story. Madeline Mercer comes from a family with money, she's used to servants and fancy things. When her father dies, she is in a very different situation. Jeremiah agrees to help his elderly mentor, Philip, even though his scheme of writing back east for a bride seems crazy. When Jeremiah meets Madeline, he knows she's trouble. He just doesn't realize how much.
Good, solid characters and description of the setting. The ending was a little too neat and tidy for me, but it wasn't bad and it didn't detract from the overall story.
Good, solid characters and description of the setting. The ending was a little too neat and tidy for me, but it wasn't bad and it didn't detract from the overall story.
January 13, 2024
For some reason I have been reading some really good books lately. This one is about Madeline who lives in Boston. Her father owns his own business and suddenly dies. Madeline has to release all but two of the servants in her house due to lack of money and the lawyer not reading his will. Also she has been helping a pregnant lady who is destitute providing food for her. Not only that but the man claiming to be her father's business partner tells her she must marry him in one month. They find an ad for a mail-order bride, and she writes back.
April 30, 2019
Sweet, but corny. A quick read with clean language.
July 30, 2019
I liked these characters, especially Philip. But the timing felt off and the last 60 pages, I found myself wishing the novel was over.
November 30, 2019
This was an unexpected delight. I'm not so sure I love the idea of this series, but I sure love this author and this book. Very good stroy.
January 1, 2021
An easy reader that I enjoyed. A wonderful story where God's hand was at work.
November 3, 2022
Just okay.
January 9, 2023
I enjoyed this marriage of convenience story with a twist. The ending kind of felt rushed though and a few parts were a bit contrived. Otherwise an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars
April 22, 2010
As a confirmed armchair traveler, I love visiting new places via the page. I was excited about the “Love Finds You” premise of romantic adventures in unique historical settings (some of which are no longer in existence). I have read several nonfiction books about the plight of mail-order brides in the nineteenth century, so was anxious to read Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley.
Dooley excels in making the setting come alive. As I read Love Finds You in Golden I was immediately transported to the mining camps of New Mexico. After reading Dooley’s lush, evocative descriptions I wish I could plan a vacation to this now quiet town.
The characters’ faiths are a very real part of the novel. I really appreciated the fact that the characters live out their faith from day-to-day. Jeremiah finds the loving father figure he never had in devout Philip. Philip seeks God’s guidance moment-by-moment in every situation he faces. Madeline’s faith allows her to forgive in extraordinary circumstances. She is truly a mother to the motherless and brings her faith to bear in every situation. I appreciated the fact that the Christian message was proclaimed so clearly throughout every chapter of this novel. Madeline, Philip, Jeremiah, and Mr. Johnstone demonstrate the power of forgiveness and through God how we can forgive even the seemingly unforgiveable.
On the whole I enjoyed this historical romance, however there were a few issues that marred my opinion of Dooley’s story. I found the villain, Mr. Johnstone not as clearly developed as some of the other characters and throughout the book I felt he came off as the “stereotypical” villain. I suppose it didn’t help that I had read the dedication of the book and so immediately knew that Johnstone would be the villain. Since I didn’t feel I got to know Johnstone as a person, even his transformation seemed less than believable.
Although I appreciated the way the characters’ faith was present throughout the novel, I think there were times when the way this faith was demonstrated might be difficult for a non-Christian to understand. For instance, the way Philip “knows” exactly which letter to open. Throughout the novel God speaks to Philip in a way that is understandable to the believer, but may appear mysterious to the unbeliever because it is not explained fully.
Despite some difficulties, I still found myself wanting to pick up this book and continue to read to find out what was going to happen to the characters. I feel that Dooley’s work has merit and I look forward to see what the future holds for her.
Dooley excels in making the setting come alive. As I read Love Finds You in Golden I was immediately transported to the mining camps of New Mexico. After reading Dooley’s lush, evocative descriptions I wish I could plan a vacation to this now quiet town.
The characters’ faiths are a very real part of the novel. I really appreciated the fact that the characters live out their faith from day-to-day. Jeremiah finds the loving father figure he never had in devout Philip. Philip seeks God’s guidance moment-by-moment in every situation he faces. Madeline’s faith allows her to forgive in extraordinary circumstances. She is truly a mother to the motherless and brings her faith to bear in every situation. I appreciated the fact that the Christian message was proclaimed so clearly throughout every chapter of this novel. Madeline, Philip, Jeremiah, and Mr. Johnstone demonstrate the power of forgiveness and through God how we can forgive even the seemingly unforgiveable.
On the whole I enjoyed this historical romance, however there were a few issues that marred my opinion of Dooley’s story. I found the villain, Mr. Johnstone not as clearly developed as some of the other characters and throughout the book I felt he came off as the “stereotypical” villain. I suppose it didn’t help that I had read the dedication of the book and so immediately knew that Johnstone would be the villain. Since I didn’t feel I got to know Johnstone as a person, even his transformation seemed less than believable.
Although I appreciated the way the characters’ faith was present throughout the novel, I think there were times when the way this faith was demonstrated might be difficult for a non-Christian to understand. For instance, the way Philip “knows” exactly which letter to open. Throughout the novel God speaks to Philip in a way that is understandable to the believer, but may appear mysterious to the unbeliever because it is not explained fully.
Despite some difficulties, I still found myself wanting to pick up this book and continue to read to find out what was going to happen to the characters. I feel that Dooley’s work has merit and I look forward to see what the future holds for her.
May 20, 2010
I've really enjoyed every Summerside romance I've read so far, and this one is no exception. The "Love Finds You in. . ." series has given me a glimpse of places to which I may never travel, with lovely descriptions of the land and architecture and history of the towns featured.
Golden, New Mexico is a desert mining town, set in 1890 after the initial gold rush. Jeremiah Dennison is a former mine owner turned rancher who looks after an elderly friend and mentor, Philip Smith. Philip's health is failing, and he seeks a caregiver to ease his last days, so he asks Jeremiah to take out an add for a mail order bride for him. But there is more to his motivation than wanting a bride for himself.
Madeline Mercer is a privileged young lady from a wealthy Boston family. When her father died, the Mercer estate is left up in the air when one of his business associates makes a claim to his business and Madeline's hand. Meanwhile, Madeline's charitable heart leads her to help an impoverished young lady about to give birth in a freezing shanty. The girl dies but not before she makes Madeline promise to raise the child. When Mr. Mercer's colleague presses his suit and threatens the baby, Madeline must flee Boston. Enter Philip's mail-order-bride ad.
When Madeline reaches Golden, will it be a golden opportunity for a fresh start, or will she have toughened ore to pick through before she finds the vein? I enjoyed Madeline's determination and pluck as she endeavors to raise a child, navigate a new town, minister to Philip, and hold her finances together, all the while deciphering her confusing feelings for Jeremiah.
I loved the tender portrait of elderly friendship and faith, and the unique personality the author gave to the infant. Characterization is a well-honed skill of Lena Nelson Dooley, and her three-dimensional people really add a depth to the book.
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico is one of those romances that was so much more than a romance--it is a story of the love of a land, love that surpasses generations, and the forgiveness that makes a love relationship between God and man possible. A beautiful read.
June 8, 2010
An expert historical author, Lena has woven a beautiful story of redemption into the fabric of life in 1890 New Mexico. It’s a tale of love and forgiveness without making you feel like you’ve been on an extreme emotional roller coaster.
It starts when an old miner sends away for a young mail-order bride much to the consternation of Jeremiah, the young friend who looks after him. Jeremiah doesn’t understand old Philip’s faith in God or that the right woman will appear. And when a woman steps off the train and stirs Jeremiah’s heart, the realization that she’s Philip’s intended just doesn’t sit right with Jeremiah at all. Add to that, the woman shares Philip’s religious beliefs.
Madeline Mercer needs to escape Boston. Without waiting for confirmation after answering an ad for a mail-order bride, she heads to New Mexico with a new baby and 2 servants in tow. But, her steadfast faith in God falters when she meets Jeremiah and his barely concealed animosity. Frustration mounts when she overhears him profess her to be nothing but a gold-digger. She didn’t travel all the way to marry Jeremiah, though and just being in Golden gives her more peace than she’s felt in a long time.
This is a good book to curl up with and spend a satisfying afternoon on a rainy day.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of review. And boy, am I glad I did.
It starts when an old miner sends away for a young mail-order bride much to the consternation of Jeremiah, the young friend who looks after him. Jeremiah doesn’t understand old Philip’s faith in God or that the right woman will appear. And when a woman steps off the train and stirs Jeremiah’s heart, the realization that she’s Philip’s intended just doesn’t sit right with Jeremiah at all. Add to that, the woman shares Philip’s religious beliefs.
Madeline Mercer needs to escape Boston. Without waiting for confirmation after answering an ad for a mail-order bride, she heads to New Mexico with a new baby and 2 servants in tow. But, her steadfast faith in God falters when she meets Jeremiah and his barely concealed animosity. Frustration mounts when she overhears him profess her to be nothing but a gold-digger. She didn’t travel all the way to marry Jeremiah, though and just being in Golden gives her more peace than she’s felt in a long time.
This is a good book to curl up with and spend a satisfying afternoon on a rainy day.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of review. And boy, am I glad I did.
June 16, 2010
Love Finds You in Golden, New Mexico by Lena Nelson Dooley is a sweet entry in the ongoing series. Wealthy, but elderly miner Philip Smith has had a message from God: he is to send for a mail order bride to join him in his home in Golden, a mining town obsessed with gold. He puts an ad in the Boston Globe, despite his friend, Jeremiah's concerns. Madeline Mercer has been struggling to make ends meet since the death of her father. With the help of her family servants, she's been caring for Loraine, a poor single pregnant woman, but when her father's partner threatens Madeline if she doesn't marry him, an ad in the paper for a mail order bride seems like the perfect solution to get out of town to escape. Jeremiah takes one look at Madeline with her beauty, elegant city clothing, and an infant to care for and decides that she is trying to scam Philip out of his money. Madeline and Jeremiah both fight their feelings for each other, but Philip knows that when God has a plan, it's best not to fight it. While the book has many stereotypical characters, Dooley uses them to great effect, and the twist with the villain is an unexpected, but pleasant, surprise. It's an enjoyable romance with tons of faith.
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