MAGGIE ROSE

Maggie Rose
By Sharlene MacLaren

In a blog/book giveaway that I wrote earlier this year, I stated that historical romance is not my most favorite category. Thanks to acclaimed Christian Fiction author, Sharlene MacLaren, I have been won over. Big time.

Sharlene has written two out of a three book series titled The Daughters of Jacob Kane. I was fortunate to win a copy of Book One Hannah Grace. This book was so enjoyable that when Sharlene requested volunteers to review Book Two, Maggie Rose, I was typing a response as fast as my little fingers would go!

Here’s a brief synopsis:
In 1904, Maggie Rose, the middle daughter of Jacob Kane, feels called by God to leave her beloved hometown of Sandy Shores, to work at Sheltering Arms Refuge in New York City. This orphanage also transports homeless children to towns across America to match them with comparable families. Most of these children have such painful pasts that Maggie can hardly bear it, but she marvels at their resiliency. As she gets to know each child better, she finds her heart full of love and compassion.

When a newspaper reporter arrives to stay at the orphanage to gather research for an article, Maggie is struck by his handsome face and very concerned over his lack of faith. Still, she cannot deny their mutual affections. Will she win the struggle to maintain her focus on God and remain attuned to His guidance?

I had as much trouble putting Maggie Rose down as I did Hannah Grace. Sharlene has a wonderful gift of bringing the reader into the story. I was captivated from page one as I joined Maggie on her train ride to New York City. The orphans’ history was so compelling that I wanted to run to the nearest adoption agency and adopt every child there. Fortunately, my husband is much wiser than I am and in this case, his wisdom prevailed.

As every excellent romance novel should be designed to do, I fell in love with the newspaper reporter hero, Luke. Here is a man who has walked through the “valley of the shadow of death.” Anger and bitterness rule his heart; slowly but surely, his heart is softened by the love of God shown through Maggie and the orphaned children.

A heart-warming story, this book is one that you will want to read and keep in your library to read again in years to come.

Post your comments here and leave your email address to be added to the drawing for a free copy of Maggie Rose. Drawing will be held Monday, August 17!

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who reads my blogs and leaves comments. I am most appreciative!!