A Gift Freely Given

Her Rebel Heart by Sharlene MacLaren is a marvellous Christian historical novel set in 1863 at the height of the American Civil War.

The novel is about the faithfulness of God. He is there in the good and the bad times. “You’ve got the hand of God on you, protecting you.” Even when we do not know God, He is there, knowing, loving and protecting us.

Within the book we witness the birth of a new Christian. It is beautiful to watch as a character opens her heart to God. “Why should God – if He existed – pay her any mind? She had nothing to offer Him in return.” The free gift of grace is sometimes something people cannot comprehend in a world where everything costs something. We need to come to God just as we are and He will transform us from the inside out.

In building a relationship with God, we need to talk to Him in prayer, read our Bibles and meet with other Christians at church. A new Christian has awe, wonder and excitement at all these things. May we never become stale and lose our passion for God. Each time we read our Bibles, it is a fresh word from God. We may read familiar passages over and over but God will bring new insight just when we need it.

There is a wonderful community feel to the whole novel. Needs are met. Fellowship and friendship extended to those in need as we remember the instruction to take care of the widows and orphans.

Sharlene MacLaren has produced a delightful set of characters. I loved her portrayal of the children. She perfectly captured their mannerisms.

Her Rebel Heart was a powerful read about a faithful God who loves us, hears our prayers and never leaves us.

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

JULIA WILSON

About the Book

Book:  Her Rebel Heart

Author: Sharlene MacLaren

Genre:  Christian Historical Romance

Cristina Stiles is left to fend for herself and her two young children while her husband goes off to fight in the Confederate army. She also has to deal with two rogue Yankee soldiers who’ve beaten her, stolen her food, and keep coming back to cause more trouble.

Jack Fuller is a God-fearing Christian fighting for the Union. During a surprise encounter, he shoots and kills a Rebel soldier. In his final breaths, the Rebel asks Jack to deliver a letter to his wife—and he agrees. But when he arrives at Cristina’s small farm in West Virginia, she assumes Jack is one of the Yankee trouble-makers, trains her rifle on him, and fires. As he lies on the ground bleeding, he explains the purpose of his visit, and out of a sense of obligation, she decides to nurse him back to health.

What will happen when Cristina discovers Jack is the one who made her a widow? Will her rebel heart forgive him—or finish him off?

Click here to get your copy.

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. Upon graduating with an education degree in 1971, she taught second grade for two years, then accepted an invitation to travel internationally for a year with a singing ensemble. After traveling for a year, she returned to her teaching job, then in 1975, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, and they married that very December. They have raised two lovely daughters, both of whom are now happily married and enjoying their own families. Retired in 2003 after thirty-one years of teaching, Shar loves to read, sing, travel, and spend time with her family—in particular, her adorable grandchildren!

Shar has always enjoyed writing, and her high school classmates eagerly read and passed around her short stories. In the early 2000s, Shar felt God’s call upon her heart to take her writing pleasures a step further, so in 2006, she signed a contract with Whitaker House for her first faith-based novel, Through Every Storm, thereby launching her professional writing career. With more than twenty published novels now gracing store shelves and being sold online, Shar gives God all the glory.

Shar’s novels have won numerous awards. Most recently, Their Daring Hearts was named a 2018 Top Pick by Romantic Times and her last book, A Love to Behold, was voted “Book of the Year” in 2019 by Interviews & Reviews.

Shar has done numerous countrywide book signings and has participated in several interviews on television and radio. She loves to speak for community organizations, libraries, church groups, and women’s conferences. In her church, she is active in women’s ministries, regularly facilitating Bible studies and other events. Shar and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan, with their beautiful white collie, Peyton.

More from Sharlene

Dark-haired, independent, and tough to the bone, Christina cares for her two young children in a ramshackle cabin in Ripley, West Virginia. When the Yankee who killed her husband pays her a visit, she has to decide whether to forgive him—or finish him off. Will this tough Southern woman find grace in her rebel heart?

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, March 4

My Devotional Thoughts, March 4

Genesis 5020, March 5

Emily Yager, March 6

Texas Book-aholic, March 7

KarenSueHadley, March 7

Christian Bookaholic, March 8

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 9

Rebecca Tews, March 9

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 10

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 10

For the Love of Literature, March 11

For Him and My Family, March 12

deb’s Book Review, March 12

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 13

Betti Mace, March 14

Blossoms and Blessings, March 15

janicesbookreviews, March 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 16

Artistic Nobody, March 17 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Bigreadersite, March 17

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sharlene is giving away the grand prize package of a $20 Starbucks gift card and a finished copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/f6fc/her-rebel-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway