Monday, January 29, 2018

Book Review, Blog Tour, and Giveaway: "Their Daring Hearts" by Sharlene MacLaren

About the Book
TheirDaringHearts2Author: Sharlene MacLaren
Genre: Christian Historical Romance (Civil War)
Release Date: Jan 9, 2018
Levi Albright rebelled against his Quaker roots to fight for abolition in the Union army in the first year of the Civil War. Two years later, 19-year-old destitute orphan Josephine Winters, with her chopped hair, boy’s clothes, and new name, “Snipp,” enlists in the Union army out of desperation.
Just over five feet tall and barely weighing as much as a newborn calf, Snipp seems to Levi to be barely old enough to hold “his” gun. But despite being teased by the regiment, Snipp quickly earns admiration for skill with a musket and unequaled bravery. When Levi explains one night that he is a Quaker leading a regiment, it leads to a late-night discussion of faith and a developing friendship.
But Snipp’s secret can only be hidden for so long. After an injury forces Josie to reveal her real identity, Levi is angered by her deception. Worse, Josie is marched out of the company without a chance to explain—or even say goodbye. Will their friendship survive? Or will the hatred saturating the war-torn nation affect even the heart of a peace-loving Quaker?
My Thoughts "Their Daring Hearts" is the second book in the Forever Freedom series. This book tells the story of Levi Albright, the brother to the heroine of the first book. Since I got an uncorrected copy of this book from Netgalley, it had formatting issues that are common with books from there. While it was a little distracting to have random hyphenations and page number/author name footers in the middle of the text, I know that these aren't going to be problems with the final book. The book is told from the perspective of Levi, Josie, and the unnamed spy/traitor. I kept having various theories of who the spy was, but they proved incorrect and I was in the dark until the very moment that it was revealed. I thought the faith element was woven through the story well. 

About the Author

SharHS552x784Born and raised in western Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren graduated from Spring Arbor University then traveled nationally with a contemporary Christian vocal ensemble. She married Cecil, with whom she’d grown up in Spring Arbor, and the couple had two daughters. Shar embarked on a teaching career that would span over 30 years. As she contemplated retirement, Shar sought God’s guidance, praying for a vocation that would provide the kind of fulfillment and joy she experienced as a teacher and mother. A lifelong gifted story teller, she began to write Christian romance novels. Her first book, Through Every Storm, published in 2007, was met with critical acclaim and brisk sales. The rest, as they say, is history. Whitaker House’s bestselling fiction author, she’s subsequently published 18 books, mostly historical romances. Shar enjoys reading, singing in her church choir and worship team, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She’s very interactive on Facebook and Twitter. For more: www.sharlenemaclaren.comwww.facebook.com/sharmaclaren, Twitter @ sharzy_lu.

Blog Stops

Genesis 5020, January 25
ASC Book Reviews, January 26
Multifarious, January 26
Remembrancy, January 27
Carpe Diem, January 28
Inklings and notionsJanuary 28
Mary Hake, January 31
Daysong ReflectionsFebruary 1
Pause for Tales, February 2
Cafinated Reads, February 3
Bibliophile Reviews, February 4
My Wrtier’s Life, February 5
Simple Harvest Reads, February 5 (Guest Post from Mindy Houg)
Pursuing StacieFebruary 6
A Greater YesFebruary 6
Texas Book-aholic, February 6
BigreadersiteFebruary 7
Janices book reviewsFebruary 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Whitaker House is giving away:
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Grand Prize Package: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Summer on Sunset Ridge (Forever Freedom Series #1) signed by the author, Sharlene MacLaren, Abba Jerusalem Hyssop 6” Pillar Candle.
1st Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Heart of Mercy (Tennessee Dreams #1) by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.
2nd Place: Their Daring Hearts (Forever Freedom Series) #2 by Sharlene MacLaren; Whitaker House/Anchor Coloring Book with Colored Pencils.!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/c602


"Their Daring Hearts" is available in paperback:
  • Series: Forever Freedom Series (Book 2)
  • Paperback: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Whitaker House (January 9, 2018)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 162911930X
  • ISBN-13: 978-1629119304
  • Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 1 x 9.2 inches

and in Kindle edition:
  • File Size: 3661 KB
  • Print Length: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Whitaker House (January 9, 2018)
  • Publication Date: January 9, 2018
  • Sold by: Amazon Digital Services LLC
  • Language: English
  • ASIN: B07117G2L7


I got a free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own and given voluntarily. No compensation was received.

4 comments:

Lori said...

this seems like one gutsy and strong young lady. love the civil war era. would love to read this story.

Robin in NC said...

This sounds so exciting! Can't wait to read!

SHARLENE said...

Thank you for this wonderful review. It is SO appreciated. Blessings...

Unknown said...

Great blog post