Can she find joy where there has only been defeat and dishonor?Tricked into indentured servitude, Joy Richards finds herself working for an abusive innkeeper. Her life is so destitute, she feels God has forsaken her. After one last desperate cry to God, a kind stranger steps in to take her away.Can she trust this new circumstance?Andrew Lloyd-Foxx abhors injustice. He can’t walk away from it. … can’t walk away from it. When he steps in on the young woman’s behalf, his own life is turned upside down. Burdened with his own loss, he has no room for anyone else.
Will the journey prove too difficult?
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A new-to-me author that took me back in time, with this heartfelt journey!
This book pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me flipping pages late into the night.
I loved that the author Incorporated the history around the Godolphin Arabian, and how it came to be a huge part of Thoroughbred history. She even mentioned Charles Finney, one of my favorite preachers!
I loved all the horses, and it even mentioned the Morgan horse (one of my favorite breeds!).
It was great to find a new indie author that writes engaging historical fiction.
The romance was sweet and it develops gradually.
I recommend to anyone who wants a faith filled story that you can curl up with.
Disclaimer: I received this book as an advance copy from the author. All my opinions are my own.
This novel offers a unique historical tale filled with difficulties and dilemmas and plenty of pain from the intriguing characters’ pasts. And the compelling story involves horses, so horse lovers should enjoy that. The author knits together a strong young woman who had been “sold,” Joy Richards, and the wealthy estate owner and horse breeder who rescues her, Andrew Lloyd-Foxx. Note the title’s word play using her first name and foretelling the search for true joy. The story also deals with the growth of their faith and trust in God. The characters have many lessons to learn, and they bring the readers along on the journey. The powerful drama will touch the heart and possibly draw tears. The intricate plot just keeps finding another obstacle to place in the path of finding joy, which keeps the readers’ attention to find out what could possibly happen next. All opinions are my own.
This has been a delightful story that had me turning pages quickly. I had to know where Joy would end up. Her life has been one of despair. I was a little upset when her family decided her fate in order for them to get money. The theme of the book is trust and that is tested many times. Is it possible to rescue a character from her environment? Well I wanted to run into the story and scoop Joy up and take her to safety. The thought of men treating her so disrespectful angered me. Joy has this spirit of survival and I loved how she never gave up.
Andrew was Joy’s knight in shining armor. He found her at her darkest moment and took her in. That was a turning point for Joy. Her battered body needed mending and Andrew opened his home for her to recuperate. Andrew was a fascinating character and I absolutely adored reading about his horses. I could picture the horses as they run around the track with their mane flying in the wind. The author has definitely done her homework with details about horses and what it takes to care for them.
The story was fun to read and I thought Andrew’s mother was kinda funny. I know she was all prim and proper but still there was a bit of mischievous side to her. It is easy to guess that she is transforming Joy into a woman who will catch her son’s attention. I loved how we witness Joy realizing that she is important and not something to be used and tossed away. There are some emotional scenes in the story where Joy pours her heart out to God. I liked the secret that Andrew had which changed many lives. His heart is full of love for others and to me he is an example of being God’s hands and feet to help others. It is a wonderful story that shares unconditional love, pride, trust and finding God in the darkness.
I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.
The depth of emotional turmoil drew me in from the start and kept me reading. The storyline flowed nicely and kept my interest. The desire for a safe home and a place to belong shines through this book. The faith-based aspects of this book complete the package of this book beautifully.
This Christian work of historical fiction deserves to be read and appreciated. So check it out for yourself.
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but it in no way influenced my review. All opinions are my own.
Journey to Joy is a wonderfully written book with some hard topics discussed. Plus of course, there are horses and romance. I really enjoyed reading this book and its take on the slavery/indentured servant debate. Plus of course the wonderful horses!
We raise Quarter Horses here but we do have one gorgeous Egyptian Arabian on our farm. Knowing how regal and majestic he is helped me to know just what these horses looked like and definitely gave me a visual.
Besides just the wonderful horses we have a young girl who is rescued from a horrid situation. She’s not sure what’s she’s getting into when the young man buys her from her captor. Only this current master isn’t her captor, he’s just one of a string since she was initially pushed into indentured servanthood with no way out.
Andrew is from wealth and it seems it’s his pet project to rescue those who can’t rescue themselves. But it will take a lot before Joy trusts him. Plus the fact that she wants to get back to her family because she needs to know how they fared.
This book read quickly for me and I enjoyed it all. You’ll love it too I’m sure.
I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received through Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
I loved how the author weaved the Christian faith so effortlessly in the story of this book. The book gets right to the point. The story starts off with a great punch and the pace flows well all of the way through. The characters keep you interested and the writer does a great job of making you feel like you are a there with the people as they overcome their obstacles. Great read!
This is the first book I have read by Anne Perreault and it was one I enjoyed. It was a quick and easy read but one that kept me dialed in right from the beginning and wanting to finish the story. I fully enjoyed the love for horses that was a large part of this story.
I loved reading Joy and Andrew’s story!! It’s definitely not like most books of this period!! I love the way Anne weaves the tale and the way Joy is led to search her heart to see how her perception of God has to change. Andrew has to grow some in his outlooks, too, especially toward his mother and women in general! It was a treat to see how he and Joy both did their maturing in these areas, and that it just brought them closer together and more accepting of what they were both feeling, and how they both wanted to respond. Our worth is only found in God, not in things, not in people, not in feelings. This is definitely a book you’d want to read!!!
I received an advance copy of this book, and was not required to leave a review. The opinion expressed is my own.
Rating: 4.5 stars
I will not summarize this story because it was already given in the description of this book. The purpose of this review was to give potential readers information to make an informed decision about reading this book.
What I liked:
• The author caught my attention right from the beginning and drew me into the story with Joy’s predicament.
• I am a horse lover and the thoroughbreds were a major plus to the story, because they played a major role.
• The minor players in the story added depth to the storyline and were well developed.
• Andrew and Joy were characters that you wanted to discover more about as you read.
• Their romance grew at a believable pace.
• The descriptions of locations and emotions were well done and easy to visualize and to feel. I felt a part of the scenes.
• I admire the author’s historical accuracy.
• The pacing of the story was neither too slow nor too fast.
• There was a smooth, coherent flow to this book and it was well edited (I read a mobi copy)
• This story had a satisfying ending.
• This novel was a clean read.
• I did not find this Christian historical romance preachy. Religion was just a natural part of the characters’ lives. No lectures.
I was given an ARC by the author. My review was voluntary and my opinions were my own.
This is one of the most beautifully written stories I’ve read! I love how the author brings to life situations that can be and are so real! The “journey” that Joy took, along with Andrew, his mother, and Laura was truly captivating; so full of love. I loved the relationship that Andrew and eventually Joy had with his horses. The description of these fine animals and their loyalty, personality and admiration for their owner is beyond remarkable! What a wonderful read by a tremendous author!
When Joy finds herself far from home as a barmaid and a slave, she feels as if she will never feel joy again. Unexpectedly, a stranger comes to her rescue and sets her free. Where should she go from here?
Andrew Lloyd-Foxx is not your typical high society man with a love for horses, his way of treating every person the same, and fights slavery. He helps Joy as he has helped many other people who now work at his home and stables. Their relationship begins to look much different when they both seek more than happiness but true joy.
One might think that it would be predictable with the one saved would fall in love with their rescuer but there are so many more levels to their story. Their story consists of a journey of growth from both characters as they learn how to look towards the future. I loved the way they always tried to put others first.
This was the first book I read by Anne Perreault but it will not be the last. I enjoyed the interactions of the characters as well as their stories. She made the scenes come alive with imagery and well written dialogue.
I would really recommend this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to leave a positive review.