Sarah, My Beloved

okay

overall enjoyed it

Mail-order Bride Story with a Twist

Mail-order Bride Story With a Twist

When I see the words "mail-order bride" on the back cover of a book, I get excited. These are my favorite reads, followed closely by marriage of convenience stories. I was in for a treat when I discovered Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren, because this story involves the former turning into the latter. A well-written tale with captivating characters I loved from the start, Sarah, My Beloved exceeded my expectations. The ever-increasing emotion and conflict kept me turning pages eager to find out how two strangers could overcome the obstacles MacLaren throws in their path. It's easy to see why this book has garnered so many great reviews. Like others, I highly recommend the story, confident those who love a historical with heart will enjoy this book from an author who's delivered a moving inspirational romance.

Sarah is a great book!

Sarah Woodward was no stranger to making the best of difficult situations, whether it¿s traveling to Little Hickman, Kentucky and leaving her life of ease behind her. Or finding out the man she was supposed to marry once she got there was marrying another. Sarah is determined to stay come fire or storm, positive God wants her there. And fire and storm do come in the form of Rocky Callahan. Left to take care of his deceased sister¿s children, Rocky is battling a pain of his own. Having no use for God or anyone else, Rocky is as cold and hard as his name. Sarah has little use for a man who is as heartless to his niece and nephew as Rocky seems to be, but when he offers a solution to Sarah¿s problem and his own, can she marry a man who stays hides behind such a gruff exterior? Agreeing to a marriage in name only Sarah and Rocky embark on a marriage that will take both of their determination and God¿s to make work. Sharlene MacLaren pulled me into Sarah¿s story with the first few lines. I admired Sarah¿s determination to stay in a place where she knew no one because she felt God had called her there. If not for the original reason she thought, then for another she had yet to discover. Just that fact about Sarah made me want to finish the story. But when you throw in a man who desperately needs to return to God¿s love, and two adorable children, I couldn¿t put the book down. Sarah, My Beloved is the second book in the Little Hickman Creek Series.

Another Great Historical Romance

If you are a romance fan and have never read Sharlene MacLaren's books, you are missing out. She is one author that can always be counted on for a great story, great romance and a happy ending. 'Sarah, My Beloved' is just one of those great stories. In book #2 from her Little Hickman Creek series, MacLaren continues her story of the residents of Little Hickman, Kentucky, this time with her focus on Rocky Callahan and the town's newest resident, Sarah Woodward. Sarah has traveled all the way from Boston as a mail order bride to marry Ben Broughton, but discovers upon her arrival that he has fallen in love with the new school teacher. Even though she is certain God has lead her to Hickman, Sarah is now at a loss as to what His plans are for her. Enter Rocky Callahan (a friend of Ben's introduced in book #1) with his two charges in tow. His niece and nephew are now his responsibility after the death of Rocky's sister, and Rocky has his hands full taking care of them and running his farm while dealing with his own bitterness and grief from losing his wife and son. Even though they don't care much for each other, Rocky offers Sarah a marriage of convenience: he provides her with food, shelter and the protection of his name, and she gives him help with the children, prepares meals and other household chores. A bit hesitant at first, Sarah accepts, if for no other reason than to avoid having to marry a childhood friend that doesn't seem to understand she has no feelings for him. As time passes, the two grow fond of each other but always seem to get interrupted as the romance starts to light up. Rocky finally gets his big chance to tell his wife he loves her, in spite of all the interruptions. I have read three of MacLaren's books and enjoyed each one. Her characters are always very real and deep. 'Sarah, My Beloved' is another great story that has it all: good storyline, likeable and believable characters, and plenty of good romance. All of the main characters have lost someone to death but are dealing with their grief in different ways. Rocky's bitterness toward God is understandable, and readers will hurt for him as he struggles with the deaths of his family. Sarah misses her recently-deceased mother terribly, but she also has the assurance of seeing her again in heaven one day and is at peace with God about His plans for her in Kentucky. Rocky's niece and nephew have lost both parents and their grief is still very fresh. Together the four of them learn to cope with their losses and bond as a family. I love the marriage of convenience storyline, and MacLaren's take on the theme is excellent. The romantic tension between Rocky and Sarah is delightful, and readers will keep their fingers crossed hoping things turn out well for them. All of MacLaren's books are wonderful, and the quality of her stories improves from one book to the next. I am anxiously looking forward to her next book, 'Courting Emma', which will be released in the spring of 2008 and concludes her Little Hickman Creek series. Till then, be sure to add 'Loving Liza Jane' and 'Sarah, My Beloved' to your collection!

Top notch historical fiction with romance

I really enjoyed Loving Liza Jane, but I adored Sarah, My Beloved even more. It's one of the most enjoyable marriage of convenience stories I've ever read. Totally believable and very deep. The characters were delightful and three dimensional and the tension had me turning the pages. Unlike some historical novels, the conflict in this one doesn't feel at all contrived and I loved every minute of it. Funny thing is I've read similar type plots in many secular novels, but nothing beats a well-done inspirational novel like this one. The growing relationship between husband and wife will warm you to your toes and when they finally realize they love one another, you know it's coming, but it still makes you want to sigh. And that first kiss...wow! I think Rocky is the most intriguing hero the author has come up with thus far. He and Sarah were perfect for each other. Plus, the way he resolved his issues with God made sense and was totally realistic. This novel would be great resource for someone who is angry with God. Highly recommended!

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.