Reviewer: Trudy Smith
Title: Sarah My Beloved - 2nd in Little Hickman Creek Series
Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Publisher: Whitaker House
ISBN: 978-0-88368-425-2
Release Date: October 2007
Genre/Sub-genre: Inspirational Historical Romance
Year/Setting: 1890s/Kentucky
Overall rating: 5.0
Sexual Content Rating: None (kissing)
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Minimal
Sharlene's Website:
www.sharlenemaclaren.com
Sarah Woodward arrived in Little Hickman, Kentucky as the mail-order bride to Ben Broughton. She discovers upon arrival that Ben has fallen in love with another. Disappointed and confused Sarah is sure God sent her to Kentucky and is determined to find out why.
Rocky Callahan, one of Ben’s closest friends, had suffered greatly in recent times. First his wife dies, and then his son suddenly dies. Rocky had relied on God but now believes that God is ignoring him so he’s determined to ignore God. Now Rocky finds out his sister has died and wants him to take care of her two children. What more could go wrong in his life?
When Sarah discovers why these children were brought to Little Hickman, her heart goes out to them and during interesting circumstances Rocky asks her to marry him – in name only. One look at the children and she can’t refuse.
Rocky’s bitter attitude affects them all but soon Sarah’s prayers start working on her new family. But God had to get Rocky’s attention so through a few trials Rocky comes to realize his love for Sarah and his niece and nephew and his own need to rely on God.
Through their trials Sarah is seeing God working with her family and discovers how much she truly loves her husband and the children. However, Sarah is holding her inheritance a secret which could cause the delicate relationship with her husband to crumble. Rocky knows Sarah came from money and wonders if she will leave the hard life of the farm to go back to the comforts she’s known. But just how wealthy is Sarah and how will Rocky react when he finds out?
Rocky loves Sarah and she loves him but can they trust and rely on God though at times it’s hard to understand His ways? Will they all allow God to heal them as only He can?
Sharlene MacLaren’s writing is delightful and inspiring. Again I find that she paints the right amount of detail to make the story unfold before your eyes. I appreciated her references to the characters in Book 1 of the series. I found it enjoyable to see how they were getting along and was delighted to discover that they all remained as genuine and likeable as in the first book. The inspiring message is clear, that though trials sometimes go beyond our human comprehension God is good and merciful to His children if they will trust and rely on Him.
Though Sarah My Beloved can stand on it’s own I found it helpful to have read the first book in the series. If you’re looking for a sweet, inspiring romance, you’ll love the Little Hickman Creek Series. Both books are well worth the time and I look forward to the third in the series.
Trudy
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