Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher, Book review & Giveaway

BELONGING - Book 1 in The Where the Heart Lives Series

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

Note to Readers: What follows is a review of 'BELONGING', Book 1 in the series and thanks to ZONDERVAN and the featured Author the opportunity to win your own copy! (copy on my desk waiting for the winner! Scroll down for rules!)

Join me tomorrow on 21 Decembre 2012 for a review of 'BETRAYAL', Book 2 in the series and the opportunity to win your copy of the second book as well! (again a copy is waiting on my desk for the winner).

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Publisher: Zondervan

ISBN-13: 978-0310258087

Synopsis:


In the high desert town of Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho, Felicia Kristoffersen has set out to create a future for herself that is better than her painful past. Alone in the world with only her faith to sustain her, she must prove herself as this tiny community's new school teacher. She cannot, must not, fail. But, there are those who never wanted her there to begin with.

Five years after the death of his wife, local merchant Colin Murphy cares about just one thing: raising his daughter, Charity. Colin wants to give her the educational advantages he never had. The new schoolmarm's inexperience doesn't sit well with him, and if this teacher up and marries like the last one did, Charity's heart will be broken once again.

A woman who hasn't known love. A man who lost the love he had. In the midst of the wide, sage-covered plains, each is about to discover that life's bitterest circumstances truly can work together for good. 'Tender, evocative, and beautifully written, Belonging is a journey about love after loss, and about two hearts destined to become one---despite their stubbornness!

My thoughts:

Robin Lee Hatcher is once again bringing us the sort of stories we can never have enough of!
'Belonging' is Book 1 in her series "Where The Heart Lives' and I loved reading her skillfull description of life in the West.

Our story starts in 1881 in the tenements of Chicago where an exhausted Irish lass says goodbye to her three children asking her son to promise he will always take care of his sisters. With her last breath the mother bequeath him to get in contact with a Dr. Cray who promised her orphans could be placed safely in families out West.
Sixteen years later Felicia, the oldest of the two daughters, has applied for a teacher's position in Frenchman's Bluff, Idaho and find an oasis in the little cottage loaned to her by the Mercantile shoppe owner of the town. The latter does not favour her appointment as he fears she will leave her position to be married just like every other female teacher he has dealt with in the past. More than anything else widower Colin Murphy wants stability in his daughter's life.

With her knack for rich details, Robin Lee Hatcher allows her readers to discover a beautiful love story and provides a wealth of information about the notorious orphan trains and life in a small western town. You feel the author has imbued her protagonists with solid faith making this Christian novel a wonderful book for any age (and I might add the perfect Christmas gift for someone on your list!)

Felicia remembers haltingly her life prior to being taken from the train and placed with a loveless family but she never forgot her siblings and hopes to be reunited with them someday.
Charity, her landlord's daughter wins her heart very quickly despite Felicia's wish not to favour her above her other students. It is however Colin himself in whom she finds a kindred spirit.
When confronted with unfounded rumours Felicia decides to leave Frenchman's Bluff and Colin is faced with a decision which changes their lives.

A story to enjoy on a long winter's night and guaranteed to please even the hardest of soul! 5 Stars!

Note to readers: Be sure to join me tomorrow for Betrayal's review & Giveaway!

About the Author:

Robin Lee Hatcher is the author of 65+ novels and novellas. Her home is in Idaho, where she spends her time writing stories of faith, courage, and love; pondering the things of God; and loving her family and friends.
For more information visit her website (HERE)

Now that you have scrolled down, here are the rules for the Giveaway!

Just place a comment on this post and I will enter your name in the drawing!
Using True Random Number Generator a giveaway winner will be chosen and a copy of 'Belonging' will soon finds its way to her! Contest open to US and Canada only. Apologies!
Remember to include your email (i.e. 1234ADA[at]yahoo[period]com) for contact. 
You have 7 days (allowing for the holiday). Contest will end on 27 Decembre 2012 at midnight!

Remember to come back for a chance to win Book 2 tomorrow, 21 Decembre 2012!
 

I received this book free from ZONDERVAN as part of their blogger review program.

I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.