The Scarlet Pen (True Colors Series) by Jennifer Uhlarik

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Title: The Scarlet Pen (True Colors Series)

Author: Jennifer Uhlarik

Pages: 256

Release Date: July 1, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Barbour Fiction

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

Note: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

About the book:

     Enjoy a tale of true but forgotten history of an 19th Century serial killer whose silver-tongued ways almost trap a young woman into a nightmarish marriage.

     In 1876, Emma Draycott is charmed into a quick engagement with Stephen Dee Richardson after meeting him at a church event in Mount Pleasant, Ohio. But within the week, Stephen leaves to “make his fame and fortune.” The heartbroken Emma gives him a special fountain pen to write to her, and he does with tales of grand adventures. Secret Service agent Clay Timmons arrives in Mount Pleasant to track purchases made with fake currency. Every trail leads back to Stephen—and therefore, Emma. Can he convince the naive woman she is engaged to a charlatan who is being linked to a string of deaths in Nebraska?

My review:

     This is an incredible historical romance based on a true crime!

     I absolutely love both Emma Draycott and Clay Timmons. The entire Draycott family is wonderful. I thoroughly enjoyed their interactions with each other. At first I wasn’t sure about the father because he seemed too stern. Then when he talked with Emma about his reasons I recognized his goodness.

     One of my favorite aspects of this story is the amount of scripture and reliance on God that is included. Both Emma and Clay lean heavily on their relationship with the Lord. This is what helped them as they were making their way through a very dark and trying time that was filled with evil and danger.

     I am giving this fantastic story a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it. I do want to give a warning that there are some very gruesome scenes in this book.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I have done. All thoughts and opinions 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.*

To Find Her Place (Redemption's Light #2) by Susan Anne Mason

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Title: To Find Her Place (Redemption’s Light #2)

Author: Susan Anne Mason

Pages: 368

Release Date: June 8, 2021

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: Bethany House

Format: eBook (also available in paperback)

About the book:

     In the midst of WWII, Jane Linder pours all her energy and dreams for a family into her career at the Toronto Children’s Aid Society. As acting directress, Jane hopes for a permanent appointment so she can continue making a difference in the lives of troubled children. But if anyone were to find out she is divorced, everything would change.

     Garrett Wilder has been hired to overhaul operations at the Children’s Aid Society. He hopes to impress the board members with his findings and earn the vacant director’s position. A war injury ended his dream of taking over his parents’ farm, but with the security of the director’s job, he’d be able to contribute financially and help save the family business.

     Despite their competing interests, feelings begin to blossom between them. But then Jane’s ex-husband returns from overseas with an unexpected proposition that could fulfill her deepest desires. Suddenly at a crossroads, can Jane discern the path to true happiness?

My review:

     This is a marvelous historical romance novel!

     I love both of the main characters in this story. They are extremely well developed. Their personal problems are presented clearly and then processed individually over the course of the book. There are also a number of great secondary characters who have very important roles in the progression of the plot.

     I thoroughly enjoyed the strong emphasis on prayer and trusting God that runs throughout this book. It truly served to remind me that this is way I should constantly be living my life.

     It was very interesting to see how the Children’s Aid Society was run during WWII and how the war affected their important work providing homes for the children. I was very interested by reading the way the families handled the absence of their husbands and sons who were overseas fighting.

     I’m giving this wonderful book a rating of 5 stars. I highly recommend it.