Love's Eternal Breath

An Eagle Harbor Novel

by Naomi Rawlings

Description

The bestselling Eagle Harbor Series continues with Book 4, Love’s Eternal Breath. Lindy Marsden once dreamed of having a husband, a house, some children, and maybe even a sewing machine. But since she grew ill five years ago, those dreams have become too much to hope for. Now she just wants to provide for herself and help the abandoned children she found living in the woods until their father returns… and avoid doctors for the rest of her life. Their medicine never leads to any good, and she has the scars to prove it. Seth Harrington loves being a doctor, but treating patients in the small town of Eagle Harbor is nothing like working at a prestigious Boston hospital, especially with the other doctor in town trying to steal Seth's patients. When he's called to treat a reluctant woman, Seth finds Lindy Marsden's fiery dislike for him rather insulting. He has the ability to help her, but she wants nothing to do with him. Until she shows up on his doorstep one night... When the plight of a young abandoned boy brings Seth and Lindy irrevocably together, Seth finds himself in the most difficult situation of his career. His expertise can help him heal the sick, but will his love be enough to soothe Lindy's wounded soul? Come visit the rugged yet beautiful coast of Lake Superior and the remote historical town of Eagle Harbor that readers can’t get enough of. Eagle Harbor Series--Where Love Finds Its Anchor Book 1: Love's Unfading Light (Mac and Tressa) Book 2: Love's Every Whisper (Elijah and Victoria) Book 3: Love's Sure Dawn (Gilbert and Rebekah) Book 4: Love's Eternal Breath (Seth and Lindy) Book 5: Love's Constant Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn) Book 6: Love's Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen--winter 2018) Prequel Novella: Love's Violet Sunrise (Hiram and Mabel) Short Story: Love's Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)

Biography

Naomi Rawlings is the author of seven historical Christian novels, including the Amazon bestselling Eagle Harbor Series. While she'd love to claim she spends her days huddled in front of her computer vigorously typing, in reality, she spends her time homeschooling, cleaning, picking up, and pretending like her house isn't in a constant state of chaos. She lives with her husband and three children in Michigan's rugged Upper Peninsula, along the southern shore of Lake Superior where they get 200 inches of snow every year, and where people still grow their own vegetables and cut down their own firewood--just like in the historical novels she writes.

My thoughts ~

In the Eagle Harbor Series, families from previous novels are interwoven throughout each new novel. These books become a story of life connections in the small town of Eagle Harbor. Lindy Marsden is a featured character in this story. Very well described, Lindy is compassionate and shares her love and life with a family of four abandoned children. Her health restricts her, but the author portrays her situation with sensitivity and sincerity in spite of her affliction.

Seth Harrington is the new doctor in town, and struggles with his practice as the old doc in Eagle Harbor has taken care of the town's residents for years. Seth is having a hard time making his way. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a very dedicated young man whose main focus in life is doctoring. As friends mingle through one anothers' lives, Seth's skills become a necessity, and particularly to Lindy as she struggles to breathe. She's convinced she is dying. Seth does his best to convince her otherwise but her past fears of doctors make treating her nearly impossible until he earns her trust.

I have enjoyed every novel in this series, and Love's Eternal Breath is as well written as its prequels. I love that the author has brought so many familiar characters together. After reading the entire series to date, I feel as much a part of the series as the residents of Eagle Harbor. Being a Michigan native contributes to a warm and welcome feeling, as I've been there, and can relate to the life and surroundings of the area. I'm excited to read the next book from Naomi Rawlings. I find myself wrapped up in life in the northern upper peninsula of Michigan, along the shores of Lake Superior.

"The Message in a Bottle

Romance Collection"

by authors Joanne Bischof,

Amanda Dykes, 

Heather Day Gilbert,

Jocelyn Green,

& Maureen Lang!

"Hope Reaches Across the Centuries in One Single Bottle, Inspiring Five Romances."

Description

Five historical romances inspired by a messaged passed down through time.

Join the journey as one word etched in Latin on an ancient bronze bottle travels through the centuries to reach five young women who are struggling to maintain their faith in God and love. An Irish princess, a Scottish story weaver, a Post-Colonial nurse, a cotton mill worker, and a maid who nearly drowned each receive a message from the bottle just when they need their hope restored. But will the bottle also bring them each to a man whose love will endure?

The Distant Tide by Heather Day Gilbert
1170: County Kerry, Ireland
When a Viking bent on revenge mistakenly raids the castle of a bookish Irish princess, will she cast her fears aside to befriend the enemy, finally realizing God’s plan for her life?
 
A Song in the Night by Amanda Dykes
1717: Scotland and England
When a Scottish story-weaver loses her family in a clan war, she finds herself aided by a handsome, secretive bagpiper in a race against time to reunite with someone she never dared hope she'd see again.
 
The Forgotten Hope by Maureen Lang
1798: New York
As a champion of the sick, a young New Yorker never doubted her worth until a new doctor arrives to work with her father, one who believes her to be nothing more than a social butterfly. Can she gain his respect—and his love?
 
A River Between Us by Jocelyn Green
1864: Roswell, Georgia
When a Georgian cotton mill worker is arrested and sent North, the Union officer who tries to protect her is the last person she wants to forgive—and the only man who can bring hope and healing to her heart.
 
The Swelling Sea by Joanne Bischof 
1890: Coronado Island, California
After washing ashore on the California coastline, a young woman’s yearning to discover her past leads her to the courageous oarsman who helps her find the key.

Biography

HEATHER DAY GILBERT, a Grace Award winner and bestselling author, writes novels that capture life in all its messy, bittersweet, hope-filled glory. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, generational story-telling runs in her blood. Heather writes Viking historicals and Appalachian mystery/suspense. Publisher's Weekly gave Heather's Viking historical Forest Child a starred review, saying it is "an engaging story depicting timeless human struggles with faith, love, loyalty, and leadership."

Find Heather on Pinterest (heatherdgilbert), Instagram (@heatherdaygilbert), Twitter (@heatherdgilbert), and Facebook (heatherdaygilbert). You can find all her books on woodhavenpress.net.

My Thoughts ~ The Distant Tide by Heather Day Gilbert 

Almost fairy tale-like, Ms. Gilbert has penned an exciting, fast paced adventure of life in an Irish castle, and the dangers the family faces. Defending their castle and property is a monumental challenge. The young princess is the beautiful essence of intrigue and enchantment. As the castle is in peril Princess Britta is faced with daunting choices. Trust, truth and hope are at the crux in a romantic and redemptive tale. Beautifully written!

Biography

Amanda Dykes is a drinker of tea, dweller of Truth, and  spinner of hope-filled tales. She spends most days chasing wonder and words with her family, who love a good blanket fort and a stack of read-alouds. Give her a rainy day, a candle to read by, and an obscure corner of history to dig in, and she’ll be happy for hours. She’s awed by the strong thread of God’s grace and provision woven through every era, and hopes her stories reflect that grace. A former English teacher with a B.A. in English Education, she is the author of the critically acclaimed Bespoke: a Tiny Christmas Tale, and enjoys connecting with her readers at www.AmandaDykes.com.



My Thoughts - A Song in the Night

Created with a poetic feel, A Song in the Night is heartbreaking but with very strong characters. A wedding is thwarted and the bride's famly and castle are lost to her by another clan. This is a fast paced, bravehearted novella that reveals the character of one strong man and  a brave woman who are truly heroes. Excellent tale of bravery and loss.

Biography

Maureen Lang writes stories inspired by a love of history and romance. An avid reader herself, she’s figured out a way to write the stories she feels like reading. Maureen’s inspirationals have earned various writing distinctions including the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest, a HOLT Medallion, and the Selah Award, as well as being a finalist for the Rita, Christy, and Carol Awards. In addition to investigating various eras in history (such as Victorian England, First World War, and America’s Gilded Age), Maureen loves taking research trips to get a feel for the settings of her novels. She lives in the Chicago area with her family and has been blessed to be the primary caregiver to her adult disabled son.

My Thoughts - The Forgotten Hope

A tale of difficult times this poignant story is sometimes heartrending and at other times joyous. A doctor and his daughter who has become a doctor, work together to help those who are needy and sometimes destitute. I loved Abigail, who not only has a heart for people, but can also fit into the high society world as much as she feels out of place. All of the characters in this book are distinctive and engaging. Excellent story of hope and resolution.

Biography

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the author of more than ten books to date, including The Mark of the King, and the award-winning Heroines Behind the War Civil War series, which includes Wedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013; Widow of Gettysburg; Yankee in Atlanta; and Spy of Richmond. She also co-authored The 5 Love Languages Military Edition with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. A former military wife herself, her passion for military families informs all of her writing as well as her numerous speaking opportunities. Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University with a BA in English and now lives with her husband and two children in Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

My Thoughts - A River Between Us

Georgia during the Civil War has torn families apart and threatened the lives of both the north and the south. This is one of my favorite times in our country's history, and I enjoyed this story very much. Characters are deep and evoke a number of emotions. Ms. Green has researched her topic well, as it reflects in the events of this time period.

Biography

Joanne Bischof has a deep passion for Appalachian culture and writing stories that shine light on God’s grace and goodness. She lives in the mountains of Southern California with her husband and their three children. When she’s not weaving Appalachian romance, she’s blogging about faith, folk music, and the adventures of country living that bring her stories to life. She is a Christy Award-finalist and author of Be Still My Soul, Though My Heart is Torn, and My Hope is Found (WaterBrook Multnomah). www.joannebischof.com.

My Thoughts - The Swelling Sea

A beautiful young maid working at a magnificent hotel off the coast of California has captured the attention of one of four boaters who are on a quest to prove themselves. Jonah discovers Rosie on the beach as they both seek the same object. A poor match, Jonah comes from wealth where Rosie doesn't even know her past. A tale of two from different worlds, woven together through various incidents. This is a beautifully told story of innocence and hope.


My thoughts regarding the entirety of books contained in The Message in a Bottle ~

Five talented authors have created beautifully crafted and original novellas of diverse characters and time frames. They share the quest for hope in difficult times. The lives of the characters in each of the books contained in The Message in a Bottle are complex and diverse. Each tale is told from the perspective of different time periods throughout the book. Well researched and creative, each story holds secrets and questions regarding their respective positions.

The commonality that each tale holds is the discovery of a bronze bottle, beaten and scarred, engraved with the Latin word meaning "hope." As diverse as these novellas are, there are common basic needs that rises to the surface.

I thoroughly enjoyed each of these novellas that make up the entirety of The Message in a Bottle. There are a couple of stories that really impressed me and touched my heart in different ways, but the complete book is very impressive and worth reading. I highly recommend this interesting and mystifying book.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift, and was not required to write a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.