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Reviewed Titles Courting Emma - Little Hickman Creek Series Book 3 Loving Liza Jane Sarah, My Beloved Through Every Storm Interviews Sharlene MacLaren talks with Joyce Handzo about Courting Emma and other works	Sharlene MacLaren Reviews Page Two Added April 15, 2008 Courting Emma Little Hickman Creek Series Book 3 Author: Sharlene MacLaren Publisher: Whittaker House Available At: Bookstores everywhere Publishing Date: April 2008 Genre: Romance: Christian Format: Trade Paper Price: $9.97 ISBN-13: 978-1-60374-020-3 Author Email/Website: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/ Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 9 Gargoyles Courting Emma holds the promise of a beautiful future gently enfolded in a cozy, historical setting. Author Sharlene MacLaren invites readers back to Little Hickman, Kentucky for the next installment in this well written series. This time the focus is on Emma Browning, the proprietress of the local boarding house and the daughter of the town drunk. All her life, Emma struggled to retain some semblance of dignity, while the gossips murmured and shook their heads at her father. At 28, she had practically given up the idea of marrying and having a "normal" life, until her newest boarder, Pastor Jonathan Atkins breathes life into this old dream. It was wonderful to "walk" through the streets in Little Hickman again. Each turn of the page brought back an old friend or memory, and it was great to "catch up" on the lives of characters that appeared in the earlier books. As usual, the author's writing captured the essence of the story with vivid descriptions and sensitive dialogue. Emma's life was sketched through the eyes of the townspeople as well as her own perception, allowing the reader an intimate glimpse into her heartache. The romance was sweet and highlighted the love of Christ. When Pastor Atkins moves into the boarding house, a subtle layer of tension develops between him and Emma. Yet, their feelings for each transcended a purely physical level and touched their spirits as well. Emma's protective outer shell, which was established through years of feeling inferior, slowly opened to allow the truth of the Bible into her heart. Jonathan's sensitive acknowledgment of her emotions and his respectable approach gives this story charm and beauty. The setting and the supporting characters move the story along, adding elements of humor, sadness and suspense. An atmosphere of authenticity rests over this novel, making it a pleasure to read. Emma, Jonathan and the rest of the citizens of Little Hickman seem like old friends. Readers will care about their lives and have a genuine desire to hug them! Courting Emma is like a gentle breeze blowing on a summer day, except that this breeze carries with it the presence of the Spirit, breathing a faith-filled new life into all the people of Little Hickman. Return to top of page. Added October 5, 2007 Sarah, My Beloved Author: Sharlene MacLaren Publisher: Whitaker House Available At: Bookstores everywhere Publishing Date: October 2007 Genre: Romance: Christian/Historical Format: Trade paper Price: $12.99 ISBN-10: 088368425X ISBN-13: 978-0-88368-425-2 Author Email/Website: http://www.sharlenemaclaren.com/ Reviewer: Joyce Handzo Rating: 8 Gargoyles Sarah, My Beloved sensitively captures the spirit of a bygone era while highlighting the timeless strength of love. This second installment in the Little Hickman Creek series takes readers back in time to the 1800s with a story that is able to solidly connect with a contemporary audience. When Sarah Woodward came to Kentucky as a mail-order bride, she expected to make this wilderness country her home. But when she met the man she was to marry, she was shocked to learn he had already married someone else. Disappointed, but determined to stay in this community, Sarah chose to place her trust in God and to wait for Him to reveal His will for her life. The character of Sarah Woodward will endear herself to readers with a charming combination of bravery, honesty and humility. As her past is gradually revealed, readers gain a more intimate understanding of the forces that shaped her personality and behavior. While the rugged land of Kentucky offers a backdrop scattered with struggles and hardships, the author liberally sprinkles this tale with the hope of happiness and faith-filled hearts. Christianity is presented in a realistic and relevant manner, as its precepts carefully guide the characters. Sarah's unflinching faith is a wonderful testimony, as well as a touching illustration of the illuminating presence of God. The author carefully weaves the lives of the characters together with emotional appeal, building relationships simply and sincerely. The romance is both respectful and reverent, creating an atmosphere of genuine love and trust. When the last page is turned, readers will be blessed to have spent time with Sarah, My Beloved. Return to top of page. This page was last updated on June 6, 2008 This page and all its contents are Copyright© 2002-2008 In the Library Reviews and the individual reviewers. Except where noted, all graphics are Copyright© Eos Development and are used with permission. All book covers are Copyright© their respective publishers and are used with permission. The In the Library Reviews logo is Copyright© 2002 by In the Library Reviews/Sharyn McGinty. Site maintained by In the Library Reviews.