A Journey to Joy
A story of a young Victorian woman's continuing faith and hope in the midst of ongoing trials.
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No," said Bethany, taking a step back.
Bethany Stillwater, a young heiress living in Victorian England, has her life forever altered the moment she refuses to give her stepbrother any more money from the family estate. Howard Stillwater, steeped in gambling debts, is outraged and hatches a plan to have Bethany framed for theft. Through his manipulation of the justice system and Bethany's trial, he has her sentenced to seven years in prison. Soon, Bethany finds herself sailing on a convict ship to Fremantle Gaol in colonial Australia, wondering why God has seemingly deserted her in her hour of need. Unbeknownst to Bethany, while she endures the hardships in living in a crowded steerage compartment, an acquaintance from London society, Samuel E. Yardley, is occupying a cabin just above her head. The second son of the Duke of Yardley, Sam is on his way to find sources of premium Australian wool for the British markets. As Bethany boards the ship, Sam catches a glimpse of her that intrigues him. Her presence troubles him as he is sure he as seen her before. But where? It is a mystery he would like to solve before their voyage has ended. However, that is not to be. Howard, meanwhile, will stop at nothing--not even murder--to ensure Bethany never returns to England. This would allow him to do as he pleases with Stillwater Estate, even if it means selling it to pay off all his debts. Bethany continues to look to God for strength and hope, even when her faith is weakest. She finds peace and hope in Him, sharing the source of her hope with her fellow inmates. Confined to a dismal prison cell, her very life at stake, she prays for the day of her release, never dreaming the day will come sooner than expected. A Journey to Joy is a missive of God's grace and mercy, and an inspiring love story. Hopefully it will capture your hearts and leave you wanting more. Wondering if it’s worth the read. Check out this review by https://theprairiesbookreview.com/. |
Alva's Redemption
Forsaken, Forgiven, Freed
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Alva is furious. She is being banished because she almost had her beloved foster brother, Torben, and his future bride, Eislyn, murdered. Now she is condemned, by her family, to live as a widower’s new wife high in the mountains for the rest of her life. However, once she has lived there for a short time, she realizes the emotions she had experienced in the past had been selfish and immature, not a true lasting love. Repentant at last, she finds forgiveness and peace with God.
Then tragedy strikes and Alva’s life is shattered once more. She is forced to face her family again for the welfare of her adopted children. Although Alva is now a changed woman, will that be evident to her family? Will they forgive her or will she forever bear the guilt and shame of her sin? On the road to forgiveness and freedom, Alva has many trials, including attacks by wild animals, and an accidental fire that could have ended her life. Each time something terrible happens, she wonders if she will ever be free of the consequences of her past. It takes many months, and a final test of her faith, before she is fully forgiven; freed to live, and love, again. |
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A Viking's Heart
Nancy Young's debut novella
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They had come! The men in the dragon ships from the North.
After the death of her father, Eislyn is left to manage her family estate on the coast of Wales, a role she enjoys but knows she can’t keep forever, as tenth century protocol dictates that she must marry so there is a lord of the manor. But there is a problem. Eislyn is unwilling to marry for duty, only love, and her most persistent suitor is her nearest neighbor. Widowed and considerably older than Eislyn, Sir Jonas will stop at nothing to acquire her as his bride, but most importantly her prosperous estate as his own. Meanwhile, a young Viking named Torben, is heading across the Irish Sea to meet Eislyn, carrying with him a marriage contract signed by her father and blessed by the king of Wales. Torben seems charming enough, but Eislyn is on guard; after all, Vikings are all ruthless enemies. Or are they? As Torben and Eislyn get to know each other—and she continues to refuse to marry for any reason but love—there are those plotting to keep them apart, including Alva, the new lady of the manor, and the vengeful jilted suitor Sir Jonas. And at times even Eislyn herself thwarts her own chances at happiness. It is ultimately her trust in God that gets her through each trial and circumstance. Will Eislyn be forced to marry Sir Jonas? Will Torben realize that having a family with Alva will not bring him happiness, and that only by marrying his Celtic princess will he find true joy? And will Eislyn finally discover that home is not a place but a Viking’s heart… |