EmpowerMoms

“A Rebel Heart” (Daughtry House) by Beth White

It was interesting to read about the war between the states in the eyes of the characters on both sides in this story. Although there were tragic war events that happened during this book, there were also some great moments and events. I loved Selah’s determination to keep up with her family plantation and family name despite the losses in their home. I liked the mystery and suspense element of this historical romance book.

Great characters and steady story line. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more in this series!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Five years after the final shot was fired in the War Between the States, Selah Daughtry can barely manage to keep herself, her two younger sisters, and their spinster cousin fed and clothed. With their family’s Mississippi plantation swamped by debt and the Big House falling down around them, the only option seems to be giving up their ancestral land.

Pinkerton agent and former Union cavalryman Levi Riggins is investigating a series of robberies and sabotage linked to the impoverished Daughtry plantation. Posing as a hotel management agent for the railroad, he tells Selah he’ll help her save her home, but only if it is converted into a hotel. With Selah otherwise engaged with renovations, Levi moves onto the property to “supervise” while he actually attends to his real assignment right under her nose.

Selah isn’t sure she entirely trusts the handsome Yankee, but she’d do almost anything to save her home. What she never expected to encounter was his assault on her heart.

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“Creating Your Forever Family” by Rachel A. Sullivan

This book is a great resource to study The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Ffamily Proclamation” that was released by their church years ago. The Family Proclamation was released by President Gordon B Hinckley and has been an important document that has been displayed in my home and talked about as a family many times.

This book breaks down specific sections of The Family Proclamation” in 10 chapters: Faith, Prayer, Repentance, Forgiveness, Respect, Love, Compassion, Work and Wholesome Recreational Activties.

At the end of each chapter are “application” ideas so readers can apply the doctrine and ideas taught in the specific chapter. I LOVED this!

At the end of the book are interview questions that can be asked and discussed one-on-one or as a family. Also included is 25 weeks of family fun ideas and family dinner conversation starters.

This book was very well written and easy to read. I really enjoyed going through it and will definitely be using it as a resource in the future.

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. It has been decades since the family proclamation was first presented to members of the Church by President Gordon B. Hinckley. But despite the passage of time, the counsel provided in the family proclamation is ever more vital in these tumultuous last days. Creating Your Forever Family is an indispensable resource, providing practical application of the nine principles outlined in the family proclamation. Featuring counsel from Church leaders and stories of these principles in action, this book offers ways to incorporate these values in everyday life, from interview questions to help kids open up, to game night ideas, to fun family dinner conversation starters. Families will be strengthened as each member gets involved in the discussions and applications. Now is the time to fortify families and truly embrace the principles of this great proclamation.

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“The Hope of Azure Springs” by Rachel Fordham

I really enjoyed this book set in the town of Azure Springs, Iowa and I hope there will be other books set in this same town! I really liked the main character Em and her determination to have a good life despite her past, and to help others around her. I liked her determination to find her long lost sister and her unfailing love and devotion to her. Readers will learn more about that time period and the orphan trains which was really interesting to read about.

I loved reading about Sheriff Caleb getting to know Em and protecting her from an unknown enemy. Great story line and characters-highly recommend!

I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.

About the Book:
Seven years ago, orphaned and alone, Em finally arrived at a new home in Iowa after riding the orphan train. But secrets from her past haunt her, and her new life in the Western wilderness is a rough one. When her guardian is shot and killed, Em, now nineteen, finally has the chance to search for her long-lost sister, but she won’t be able to do it alone.

For Azure Springs Sheriff Caleb Reynolds, securing justice for the waifish and injured Em is just part of his job. He’s determined to solve every case put before him in order to impress his parents and make a name for himself. Caleb expects to succeed. What he doesn’t expect is the hold this strange young woman will have on his heart.

Debut author Rachel Fordham invites historical romance readers to the charming town of Azure Springs, Iowa, where the people care deeply for one another and, sometimes, even fall in love.

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