A first love is never easily forgotten… and coming face to face with that person again can be awkward when the heartstrings are still holding on to the “what ifs.” In settings from 1865 to 1910, nine couples are thrown back on the same path by life’s changes and challenges. A neighbor returns from law school. An heiress seeks a quick marriage. A soldier’s homecoming is painful. A family … soldier’s homecoming is painful. A family needs help. A prodigal son returns. A rogue aeronaut drops from the sky. A runaway bridegroom comes home. A letter for aid is sent. A doctor needs a nurse. Can love rekindle despite the separation of time and space?
First Things First by Susanne Dietze
1877 – South Texas: Texas rancher’s daughter Georgie Bridge mourned when her first love, Ward Harper, left town to study the law, but now he’s back–as opposing counsel in a case against her father.
A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey
1880 – Ozark foothill ranch: Maggie Spoonmore marries her father’s former foreman, Zach Colton in order to salvage her reputation, yet struggles to believe he married her for love and not her inheritance.
Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver
May of 1861 – Port Royal, Virginia: In Civil War Virginia, tables are turned for Willow Bates when Julian Finney, her childhood crush and steadfast defender, returns from the war a broken man in need of rescue.
His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1894 – Mackinac Island, Michigan: Robert Swaine, a ship captain, returns to Mackinac Island where his first love, Sadie Duvall struggles to support her siblings. Will she anchor him to the island he has vowed to leave behind?
After the Ball by Martha Rogers
1910 – Dallas, Texas: Chase Thornton, a wealthy oil man yearns for the life of a cowboy and his first love, Susannah King, but can she trust him to keep his word to leave the city and stay on the ranch?
Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad
1900 – St. Louis, Missouri: After Titus Knott crashes his hot air balloon behind Ella Mason’s boarding school, he must convince his former sweetheart that his words are true and not full of hot air.
In Due Season by Connie Stevens
1901 – Whitley, Kansas: Leah Brown accepts her role of town spinster until Gareth Shepherd unexpectedly steps back into her life. Now she’s faced with a choice. Can she forgive the man who jilted her?
Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik
1875–Virginia City, Nevada: A short, urgent letter mentioning his childhood love, Millie Gordon, forces deaf Travis McCaffrey to turn to his estranged birth father for help rescuing the woman he can’t forget.
Prescription for Love by Erica Vestch
1905 – New Orleans: Erstwhile fiancée Natalie Morrison is the last person Dr. Mackenzie wants as his new nurse, but when an epidemic hits, Phin finds she’s come back into his life at the perfect time.
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I received a copy of the First Love Forever Romance Collection from one of the authors, Carrie Fancett Pagels courtesy of Just Read Tours Blind Read tour. It was requested that I read and review her novella, His Anchor in particular as well as any or all of the other titles. Each of the novellas feature a couple who were in love at one time (or at least one of them was) and have received a second chance at renewing that love. Due to a family health crisis, time restraints have prevented me from reading all the included stories other than His Anchor at this time. I hope to find more time later to read the others.
His Anchor is set in the late 1800s on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Sadie has always loved Robert Swaine, the young uncle of one of her best friends. When he returns to Mackinac Island, Robert learns of the dire circumstances Sadie and her sisters have found themselves in after the death of their mother and the disappearance of their father. Always a caring and generous man, Robert endeavors to do everything he can to make life easier for Sadie and her family. Of course in a story of this type readers know to expect a sweet romance to develop.
Both Sadie and Robert were strong and likeable characters who deserved a chance at happiness. The setting was vividly described and the plot contained just enough action to keep things interesting. My only complaint would be that the short length necessary for a novella left me wanting to know more about the characters than time allowed. I hope that reading the companion novel will satisfy that desire. If the other novellas included in this collection as as good, it will definitely be a satisfying read.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Just Read Tours. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own.
First Love Forever Romance Collection Is 9 Novella’s and boy are they fantastic. They are about re connection of love, marriage of convenience, slavery and the Civil War and the separation from that, hesitation in love, dual love( but of what you asked? That you have to find out) , love crashing in, forgiveness and learning to trust again, saving someone you love from something bad( What you asked? Again that is something you have to find out – it is heartbreaking ), A serious disease and love that comes from trying to heal. All of these are incredible and emotional the most of all full of Faith in CHRIST. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all of the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
if you would like to read more of my Christian book reviews go to christianlybookreviewers.blogspot.com – look forward to seeing you there.
Once again, a couple of favorite authors bring lovely stories to life with engaging plots, fleshed out characters, and vivid scenery. Dietze and Pagels routinely contribute to these collections and I was pleased with the charm and charisma of their novellas. All of the stories in this collection have a solid faith theme and are enjoyable. I think fans of historical fiction will be happy to while away a few hours immersed in First Love Forever Romance Collection. I was provided an electronic copy of the book by the publisher through Netgalley with no expectation of a positive review. No compensation has been received.
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of novellas! Each story was sweet and unique in it’s own right, some bringing laughter, some bringing tears, all with the connecting thread of being first loves.
This was a pretty cute set of stories. I liked the premise of revisiting and rekindling first loves.
My favorite stories included “First Things First” by Susanne Dietze, “After The Ball” by Martha Rogers and “Lighter Than Air” by Lorna Seilstad. All in all, the stories were short, sweet and entertaining. All the stories are set in historical times and most if not all are companions to other books. So if you find one you really like, I’d investigate to see if there are more stories connected to it.
I received this book through NetGalley and was not required to post a positive reveiw.
First Love Forever Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Where First Loves are Rekindled
I enjoy reading Christian historical fiction novellas, and the era the authors’ write about. I always learn something of our history, so they are, in effect, an enjoyable “history lesson”. Each novella is as unique as the 9 gifted writers in this collection and spans the years of 1865-1910. The story-lines are a little different than the mail-order brides novellas, (which I also enjoy), in that the heroine and hero knew each other sometime in their past and lost contact for whatever reason or were estranged. Now, they have been brought “back together” through life’s circumstances and changes. Not always a pleasant experience at first…there are challenges to overcome, hurt feelings to resolve, reconciliations, learn to trust…each other as well as God and His plans for them and forgiveness that must take place in each heart before they can renew their friendship and possibly find love.
1…First Things First by Susanne Dietze
1877, South Texas…Georgie Bridge certainly got a surprise when her first love, Ward Harper, now a lawyer, returns to town after being gone for some years. That was surprise enough but to have him as the opposing counsel against her father, that was an even bigger surprise. I wasn’t too sure about Ward as a lawyer at first but he soon showed his worth in many ways…not saying how. Georgie is an independent woman who I really liked and wanted to see her and Ward together, but things did not look like that would ever happen. There are other surprises in the story that I was happy to see. A cute story about second chances, love of family, trust and putting first-things-first…priorities.
2…A Most Reluctant Bride by Cynthia Hickey
1880, Ozark foothill ranch…Maggie Spoomore is grieving after the death of her father. Zach Colton, her father’s former foreman, and Maggie marry…however, Maggie is not sure why Zach married her…was it for her inheritance or does he truly love her? I really like Maggie and Zach and their interactions as they learned to live as husband and wife. There was a certain person that I wanted to tell Maggie to be wary of as they were up to no good. They face some challenges on the ranch and in their personal lives. A cute story about dreams, working hard, trust and faith.
3…Weeping Willow by Marcia Gruver
May 1861, Port Royal, Virginia…Willow Bates and Julian Finney are long time childhood friends but Willow longs for Julian to see her as more than a “friend”. The country is on the verge of Civil War and Julian decides to enlist. When Julian goes missing and is presumed dead, will Willow give in to her mother’s pleading and marry another or will she wait for him to return? Slavery and the treatment of slaves is touched on and Willow’s heart for all people….slave or free. A touching story of heartaches, loss and sorrow, loyalty and hope, faith and love.
4…His Anchor by Carrie Fancett Pagels
1894, Mackinac Island, Michigan…Sadie Duvall is one of my favorite characters in this novella. She does not have an easy time of it as her father has left her siblings in her care, for how long she does not know….nor does she know where he is or if he plans on returning. She longs for things to be different and for love. Her boyfriend is not all he appears to be…or who she hopes him to be…but she soon learns his true character. Will she ever find someone to love her?
Robert Swaine is another favorite character. As a ship’s captain he has been away from Mackinac Island for long stretches at a time. There seems to be a mystery of some sort as to why he stays away. He returns at the right moment to save Sadie from a bad situation…whew, I am glad he showed up when he did! I like the interaction between Sadie and Robert as they figure out exactly where their relationship is headed…if anywhere. But there are challenges they both face and need to overcome. Sadie is an overcomer and a strong woman, stronger than she thinks she is. Robert is an honorable man of integrity and strength.
I enjoyed the author’s notes at the beginning of the story giving some information about the history of Mackinac Island and Lake Michigan, etc. It also explains the relationship between this novella, His Anchor, and the author’s book, My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring…great book! I like that some of the characters from Maude’s Mooring appear in His Anchor…especially young Jack! A heartwarming story of second chances, forgiveness, love of family and caring for them, hope, faith and love. I appreciate the elements of faith woven within the story-line and characters lives.
5…After the Ball by Martha Rogers
1910, Dallas, Texas…Oil man Chase Thornton would rather be a cowboy on his grandfather’s ranch than in a big city office behind closed doors. Can he convince his father that is where his heart is? In addition to the ranch, his heart is set on Susannah King, who is not one of the many “high-society ladies” his mother has chosen for him. Will he go against his mother’s wishes and marry the woman he loves or give in and marry someone of his mother’s choosing?
Susannah is not so sure Chase will ever leave the big city behind and stay on the ranch for good. So, she sets her heart to be content with the few months each summer he works on his grandfather’s ranch. But as her love grows, will her heart be broken if he decides he really prefers the city to the ranch…and her? I really like Susannah and Chase as a couple and hoped they could work things out. A cute story of knowing and following your heart, hope, faith and love.
6…Lighter Than Air by Lorna Seilstad
1900, St. Louis, Missouri…Ella Mason is the headmistress of an exclusive girls boarding school, and propriety must be maintained at all times. Even when a hot air balloon comes crashing onto the grounds of the school property…along with a man she loved long ago. What a shock that must have been to her heart. I could hear the young girls snickering in the background, as young girls are wont to do.
What a surprise Titus Knott received when his hot air balloon crashed and the woman who stole his heart all those years ago stands before him. Will they work out their differences of the past as he repairs his balloon or does she still see him as “all hot air”? Will Titus and Ella allow God to show them the path He has for them?
We are in the flight path of hot air balloons and often see them fly over my house, sometimes so low I can see the people in the balloons and wave to them. So, I enjoy reading stories with hot air balloons like this one.
7…In Due Season by Connie Stevens
1901, Whitley, Kansas…I enjoyed Leah Brown and Gareth Shepherd’s story. Leah has accepted her role as spinster…I am not sure she likes it, but she has come to terms with it. Then Gareth waltzes back into her life…the man who jilted her. Well now, she has a choice to make, can she forgive him? And what of Gareth, why does he come back now and what does he expect? A cute story of loss and regret, second chances, choices, forgiveness, hope, love and faith.
8…Heartfelt Echoes by Jennifer Uhlarik
1875, Virginia City, Nevada…I enjoyed this story for various reasons. I like that the heroine and hero both are overcomers despite their deafness. Millie Gordon and Travis McCaffrey are favorite characters in this novella. I like the spunk, bravery and faith that Millie shows in the face of harsh circumstances at home. I love that Travis comes running to her rescue when he receives an urgent letter saying she is in danger. I did not care for his estranged father at first but as the story develops I see a change in him and find that I like him after all. This change shows the power of God’s love and Grace in ones life turned over to Him. I like the way communication between Millie and Travis; their families, friends and businesses was shown (this is before ASL…American Sign Language…is widely used) and the difficulty and challenges they faced. I took several years of ASL, had a childhood friend who was deaf and have family members who are deaf or hard of hearing, so I was drawn to this story. A heartwarming story with second chances, new beginnings, life turned over to God and His leading, sacrifice and love.
9…Prescription for Love by Erica Vestch
1905, New Orleans, Louisiana…I enjoyed Natalie Morrison and Dr. Phineas Mackenzie’s story. I can imagine the surprise for both Natalie and Phin when they realize they would be working together. But as professionals, they put their past aside…as much as they can…during working hours caring for the sick. However, after hours they had to deal with the hurtful past and the resurfaced feelings swirling around. When an epidemic hits they soon loose themselves combating yellow fever. Can they keep it from spreading? What of their future…is there one for them? What plans, mission field does God have for Natalie? Will she head His calling on her life? As a retired RN, I enjoy reading about the medical field of the early 1800-1900’s and the treatments of illnesses and epidemics. A fun story dealing with forgiveness, hopes and dreams, missions and callings on ones life, restoration, love and faith.
~I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author/NetGalley (no monetary gain were exchanged), this is my honest review~
9 wonderful stories of first loves reunited. My heart hurt for some of these couples as they faced their past. My heart also soared in other parts of the stories.
There are some very suspenseful moments in a few of these stories that caused me to hold my breath as I read. I loved every minute of it!
Very well written collection. Each story imparts a message of hope and healing.
Highly recommended!
HIS ANCHOR
Thank you Carrie for taking me back to my beloved Mackinac Island. I immediately felt at home with all of my old friends.
Even though some are gone, some have moved on and some are still there.
I’m so glad that you’ve brought Robert back!!
He still to me is the same person deep down always looking out for others.
Sadie still pines for him. I think I felt a deep kinship with her on that motive but I’ve learned to move on.
I had a first love and I have never forgot him.
I guess God had other plans for me like He did for my friends in the story.
Might I say that God is our anchor to hold onto? He is our refuge and strength in times of trouble. All we need to do is ask Him.
I love knowing that I can do that.
My first love I thought hung the . I miss him and sometimes wonder what has become of him. I seen him when I first got married to the man I have now but oh how hard it was!! We’ve made peace with one another but I still miss him at times. I often wonder what it would have been like for him to be my husband.
Sadie girl, you have a 2nd chance go for it! It’s not often that we get those. Stop being so stubborn and digging in your heels!!
I love ya girl. Especially since you’re living in my favorite place!!
I loved this story and didn’t want it to end!! Carrie your writing style and storytelling are just fantabulous!! Thanks for taking me home!! I hope that you will write many more stories about our favorite place!
I went ahead and read the other stories that went along with this one. I just couldn’t help myself since they were just begging to be read too!!
There’s something in here for everyone.
I used to not like reading stories like this until I realized that this is a good way to meet new to me authors and read some new stories!!
My thanks goes to #Justreadstours#CarrieFancettPagels. NO compensations were received and all opinions are my own.