Delightful And Charming

First Love Forever Romance Collection is a delightful mix of nine stories set from 1858-1905. They are all unique and totally wonderful. They are united by themes of second chances, restoration, trust and the love of a Father whose timing is always perfect. A really charming collection. I could not pick a favourite as they were all delightful.

First Things First by Susanne Dietz is delightful. It is about second chances, the love of a family, trust and having correct priorities. “Choose to trust God rather than fight Him.” We need to surrender our lives to God and trust Him with our loved ones. “And you can handle it better than God can?” Do not pick up burdens you were never meant to carry. God needs to be first in our lives, everything will then slot into place. The story also shows we are not destined to repeat the sins of our parents and cannot be held responsible for them. A sweet and wise read.

A Most Reluctant Bride  by Cynthia Hickey is a delightful tale about dreams, hard work, trust and God. The heroine is very modern and feisty. She knows what she wants and pursues it. There is a beautiful bond between her and her horse. This story is amusing at times and warms the reader’s heart.

Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver is a wonderful story about love, loss, loyalty and hope. Set during the American Civil War it has its focus on the cruelty of slavery that divided the north and south. The forward thinking, big hearted heroine realises that slavery is wrong. “One day they would all share heaven.” We are all equal. Her love for her childhood servants is huge. She realises that the old order of things is wrong. “Just because things have always been this way doesn’t make it right.” She lives with love and hope in her heart. My favourite quote was “She up and ran off with Jesus.” A heart warming tale.

His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels is a most delightful romance, very reminiscent of a Cinderella rags to riches story. There is a wonderful, warm family atmosphere. Being a big fan of all Carrie Fancett Pagels novels, it was wonderful to have familiar faces pop up from other books. The story is about love and caring for family. The reader is reminded of the command to take care of the widows and orphans. A mysterious benefactor brings a smile to the reader’s face. Positively wonderful.

After The Ball by Martha Rogers is a wonderful light romance about knowing and following your heart and being true to yourself. It warns against the dangers of malicious gossip. The novel is about treasures. We need to decide where our heart and our treasure lie. Do we put our trust, hopes and dreams into money? Or people? A positively delightful read.

Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad is a real heart warming story. Set in 1900 the world is changing as new discoveries are being made. Teaching is important. “What we teach… could change the world.” Science opens up minds and new possibilities. It is an age to be brave. We need to surrender to God’s plans. “Safe doesn’t make you lean on God. It makes you lean on yourself.” God has far more planned for us than we could ever dream or imagine. There is a time for playing safe and a time for taking a risk for God. Such a wonderful read.

In Due Season by Connie Stevens is a story about loss, regret, second chances and forgiveness. The story shows how no one is ever out of reach of God’s love. There is the free gift of grace for all who wish to receive Him. Life is too short for regrets. We need to keep the past in the past and live in the present. Family is important, so is building bridges. God’s timing in all things is perfect. A sweet read.

Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik is a great story about second chances, New creations, love and sacrifice. We all have scars. Some are visible, others not. Our scars do not define us. It is who we are in Jesus that matters. The story surrounds two characters who are deaf but that does not hold them back. This is a story of suspense that will have you on the edge of your seat. A wonderful and entertaining read.

Prescription For Love by Erica Vestch is a delightful story exploring dreams, callings and missions. We all have dreams but we must not put pressure on others to fulfil our dreams. That is a burden they were not meant to carry. Our mission field may be overseas or it may be our own neighbourhoods. Wherever we are is our mission field. Modern medicine and new methods were used to fight old diseases. Hospitals were springing up but poor immigrants viewed them with suspicion. The story surrounds an outbreak of yellow fever in New Orleans. It shows how education, kindness and working together were needed to beat the illness. “Sometimes you have to trust others to do what you can’t.” It is also a story of restoration. A delightful read.

I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

JULIA WILSON