Aileen Brogan wants a place to call home. After leaving Ireland for America and losing her father and brother within a year of each other, she feels lost and alone. No matter how hard she tries, she just doesn’t seem to belong in the quaint town of Eagle Harbor. However, Sheriff Isaac Cummings is determined to help her fit in—into town and into his arms—if only she’ll say yes to his courtship. … But if he knew her secrets, he’d surely rescind his offer.
Isaac is determined to serve the people of Eagle Harbor in a way that will do his family proud, but he’s haunted by past mistakes. When a band of criminals threatens his beloved town’s safety, he doesn’t want to fail the people he loves like he did four years earlier. But if he doesn’t turn out to be the hero the town needs, what chance does he have of winning Aileen’s resistant heart?
When old wounds reopen, can Isaac and Aileen figure out how to move past their brokenness and find the promise of a bright tomorrow?
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 Christmas Hope (Thomas and Jessalyn)
Book 6: Love’s Bright Tomorrow (Isaac and Aileen)
Prequel Novella: Love’s Violet Sunrise (Hiram and Mabel)
Short Story: Love’s Beginning (Elijah and Victoria)
Note: Love’s Bright Tomorrow contains a character who was previously sexually abused. No instances of sexual abuse occur in the novel.
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THE MERCY OF THE LORD IS FROM EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING
The sixth story in the Eagle Harbor series can read as a stand-alone, and even better as part of the series. As with this series, each story has people from previous books and adding new ones as the saga continues. This is a clean Christian based historical that has imperfect people, with human emotions, mistakes, and redemption. Each story has moral lessons of seeking God’s will, learning to trust and accept God’s guidance. Just be aware, that once you start reading, you don’t want to put it down, the story will keep you captivated as the tale unfolds.
Aileen Brogan has had a life of hardships, but she keeps moving forward. After the death of their father, she and her brother, Conan, left Ireland for America and settled in Chicago. Then over a year ago, she received word that Conan was killed in a shipyard accident leaving her all alone. A job working in the Sinclair’s home will leave her a shell of a woman with a painful secret, one that haunts her nightly.
Sheriff Isaac Cummings has tried for six months to get Aileen to accept his courtship, but she refuses. Isaac is still haunted after four years with the drowning death of his father. He has trouble coping with his brother, Elijah going on his life-saving rescues during storms. Since the death of their father, he can’t get in a boat and even avoids the water. He is a man whose fears have affected him personally and even with his family.
The plot will have some strange happening in Eagle Harbor that includes the body of a man found that leaves unanswered questions as to who he was and was it murder or suicide? Another boat rescue will lead to more questions about the mystery and before long, overheard conversations, mysterious notes, and it seems that maybe Eagle Harbor is now being used by smugglers. Sending a telegram to customs agents will have a new man showing up in town to become involved in the investigation.
Eventually, Aileen will tell Isaac that he needs to forget her, that even God has forgotten her and she is unworthy. While she doesn’t tell him her whole story, it is enough, and he doesn’t judge her.
“I’m ruined, and I’m broken inside, and I’m just plain not worthy of you. Or any man, for that matter.”
As the story unfolds with more details of the criminal activity, it will also take on a more sinister plot that will include life and death, kidnapping, and scandal. When Aileen comes up missing, it becomes a scramble to find her before it is too late. In this story, age doesn’t equity bravery and an unlikely source will become a hero.
“Worry about what you can change. Not about what you can’t.”
Aileen and Isaac have a way of helping to heal each other from the past so that they can move forward to the future. For another person, Ellie Spritzer, she has been working to support her family, with a missing father, sickly mother, and too many siblings to feed. Exchanging letters through a mail-order bride service has her corresponding with a man in Texas, and it will lead to a new series called Texas Promise.
Will Aileen and Isaac find their happily ever after ending? What about the Brogan men missing from the smuggling operations? With the help of Gilbert Sinclair, will his agent be able to find Brenna and her children and bring them to Eagle Harbor?
“God had it planned better than we realized.”
As with all these stories in this series, it is inspirational to take this journey in Eagle Harbor.
Love’s Bright Tomorrow is a historical Christian fiction book, the sixth and final book in the Eagle Harbor series by Naomi Rawlings. Though this is the first book I’ve read in the series I feel it stood well as a stand alone but I really look forward to reading the others in the series and seeing their stories. I have been hearing a lot about Eagle Harbor through reviews of this book and the others in the series and am so glad I finally had a chance to visit it myself.
Sad and lonely after the loss of her father and brother within a short time period she just doesn’t feel as though she fits in with life in Eagle Harbor . Struggling with her lack of self worthiness Sheriff
Isaac Cummings wants her for his woman but she is very hesitant. Issac has a monkey on his back though as he is haunted by past mistakes that he feel he could have prevented. There was just enough suspense in it to keep me reading. I loved seeing how to two broken people helped each other heal.
Beautiful book about dreams. We all have dreams and should do all we can to keep those dreams alive.
I look forward to seeing what Naomi Rawlings has in store for us next.
Published February 5th 2018
I received a review copy from the author and was not required to write a favorable review.
Love’s Bright Tomorrow, sixth in the Eagle Harbor series, is so good! I love it! It can be read as a standalone; it is the first one I’ve read in the series and was able to keep up well with the wonderful background seamlessly woven in by the author. I have to start at the beginning now and read every one. It’s that good!
Aileen is from Ireland; she and her brother had immigrated to Chicago. After his death and other life-changing events, she came to Eagle Harbor at the insistence of her friend, Rebekah Sinclair. She works at a bakery and lives in the upstairs rooms. Her goal is to save enough for passage back to Ireland and her only close family, cousin Brenna and her children. Brenna’s brother Morley is a sailor, still working in Chicago.
Isaac is Sheriff of Eagle Harbor, the very north point of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He asked Aileen if he could court her, but she turned him down. He is Rebekah’s twin brother, and Aileen’s secrets are safe with her. She has secrets that can’t ever be discovered. Isaac also has a closely-guarded secret, one that could cost him being sheriff.
Vandalism is occurring. One night, Aileen hears men in the alley below her window over the bakery. She tells Isaac the next morning as it looked like cash being moved and she is concerned that the bank had been robbed. It wasn’t from the bank, but Isaac is going to keep a closer eye out at night. Two boys then report they found a dead body when going through the woods. Isaac does not recognize the man, isn’t even sure if it was murder or homicide, but he is concerned about smugglers.
Rebekah’s husband Gilbert is one of the wealthiest men in Eagle Harbor and has purchased two huge homes. He is turning one into a hotel, offering Aileen the job of getting the hotel ready for opening, then, when it opens, managing it. The salary is much more than she earns now. She may return to Ireland by the time the hotel opens, as she just received word that her cousin’s husband died, leaving her alone with four young children.
The characters are endearing, well-defined with realistic dialog and behaviors. I like Aileen best, and Isaac. They are perfectly imperfect people, honorable yet with facades covering their brokenness. I really enjoy the men and women in this novel; most are kind and hard-working, yet able to celebrate with their neighbors.
Descriptions of 1884 Eagle Harbor and surrounding woodlands are rich and lustrous. It is hard to imagine such pristine timberland and beaches. There are surprises throughout the novel; I loved it! The author has brought to life a place and its people who make us long for the simplicity these industrious folks lived with. They are strong in ways we couldn’t imagine, but many are people of faith. My favorite quote is from (approx. ebook location 2196) Psalm 103:17: “… the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him…”. It resonates with me as much as it impacts the ones discussing it. I like the simple prayers offered and how faith is tested and shared – no preaching, but encouragement from one to another. The end had good surprises this reader enjoyed. I highly recommend Love’s Bright Tomorrow to those who appreciate Christian historical suspense/ romance.
From a grateful heart: I was given this eBook by the author, and here is my honest review.
It was a little different writing style than ones I usually have read but I got pulled into it and enjoyed it .It was not a book that I could totally figure out the ending until I got there.A good read
I have read the Eagle Harbor series from almost the first book; each one has featured different main characters, but those who live in the community weave in and out of each novel. The result is that the reader gets updates on how earlier couples have fared and, as in this book, favorite characters from previous books get their own storyline. This time Isaac gets the chance to have his own happy ending, even though the events leading there are filled with difficulties.
This really is a book about healing from the past, whether the wounds happen through the character’s choices or as a result of things that have been inflicted on them. Both the hero and the heroine are wounded, which makes them ideally suited for one another, if they can allow the healing to happen. Interestingly enough, each of them has a key piece of the puzzle for the other, a solution that comes from personally understanding the damage done. For example, Isaac is able to point Aileen to God’s mercy, to help her see that there is enough there to cover her.
The irony here is that, while he understands God’s mercy for Aileen, Isaac has trouble seeing it for himself, feeling immense guilt over his father’s death. He has been carrying around that burden for the entire series, and this book allows us to see him deal with those issues. I loved watching the other characters, Aileen in particular, rally around him—it is a great illustration of how we need each other, how believers can support and speak into other lives, also receiving encouragement when necessary. No one can be strong all the time.
There is one particular character that did not get an ending to her story, which left me a little frustrated at the end of this novel as I know this is the final book in this series. Thankfully, though, Rawlings gives us a note telling us her story begins the next series, set to debut next year.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story of healing and hope rather than unattainable perfection. The characters are ones I have grown to love, and while I’m sorry to see the series end, I close this book with a happy sigh, knowing I can revisit any time I like. I highly recommend this book, this series, to those who enjoy historical romance with realistic, engaging characters, though to readers 16 and up, due to some elements in one of the character’s backstory.
I received a review copy of this book from the author but was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are both honest and my own.
I received a copy of the book from the author for review. All opinions are my own.
When I read the book I didn’t realize it was a series, but I did manage to read the first book in the series before I read Love’s Bright Tomorrow. This book was a great book, but since I hadn’t read books 2-5 I didn’t have the full backstory. However, I felt that all the most necessary pieces of the backstory were supplied, but I probably would have enjoyed the book even more than I did If I’d read the entire series in order.
I felt that the story was unique and very entertaining. I definitely didn’t want to put the book down. I felt that some delicate issues relevant to today were dealt with in a very appropriate way. I loved the way spiritual truths were woven into the story without making me feel like I was sitting in church listening to a sermon. I also loved the way historical facts were woven into the story. I very much felt like I was in Eagle Harbor observing everything that was happening.
I am definitely putting this entire series on my list of books to purchase (in the print version since that’s my preferred way to read). This was a wonderful book that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved this book and the characters, and of course Eagle Harbor!
I loved catching up with the characters in Eagle Harbor and especially Issac’s story! He’s one who I’ve been most looking forward to getting to know. Harboring guilt since his Pa’s death and blaming himself for not rescuing him when he had the chance had fueled him to sign up for the Sheriff’s job. But trying to catch alleged smugglers has been a challenge he’s not sure he’s up to. Add to it the attraction to Aileen and you got the makings of a great story!
This deals with past hurts & mistakes on both sides of Isaac and Aileen, some much darker than others. She doesn’t feel worthy of love and he can’t open his heart to love, which causes quite a few sparks to fly! The author deals with so many human issues with the grace & sensitivity that I’ve come to expect while reading her stories. I’ve enjoyed each of the Eagle Harbor books and know I can count on the author to not only bring me a story with heart, but also over-lace it with a strong and abiding faith. I loved learning Isaac & Aileen’s character background more and it gave me a deeper understanding of what made them the people they were. And a deeper appreciation for the work of the Lord through them! They faced things I would not want to in my own life & not only showed the vulnerability of us as people, but also how strong we can be when we let the Lord heal us & bask in His grace and mercy. I also loved the romance played out between these two! Love forged through fire is oftentimes strong as pure gold.…a beauty for ashes story that made me sigh at the end!
I’m sad to leave this wonderful town and these characters I called friends! But I’m glad I got to know them through the pages of well-written stories penned by an author who knows how to tell them! Why not get caught up yourself and read the Eagle Harbor novels? You’ll be glad you did!
* I received a complimentary copy provided by the author and no favorable review was required. This is my personal opinion of this book. *
This family saga was heartwarming, tragic, triumphant, sad, joyful and here in the last book, of survivors with an ending we all hope for. History, romance and suspense was all tied together with family, faith and future for a wonderful read! Yes, I would recommend…
Love’s Bright Tomorrow by Naomi Rawlings
Eagle Harbor Series Book Six
Sheriff Isaac Cummings didn’t ask to be sheriff, but here he is. Suddenly, instead of breaking up bar brawls…he has more serious issues. Including a possible murder. Even with the extra pressure of his job and his continued fear of his brother Elijah’s water rescues—he still hopes that Aileen will change her mind and agree to court him.
Aileen Brogan is still just trudging through life. If only her move to Eagle Harbor a year ago would have helped. But, she still feels out of sorts. As if she doesn’t belong. Her cousin in Ireland needed her, but she wasn’t sure that Ireland would feel like home anymore either. And the handsome sheriff wanted to court her, but he deserved so much more than someone like her.
Through trials and tribulations…the characters learn to depend on God and Him alone. I like how the author gives the point of view from other characters along with adding previous characters into the story. Wonderful series, I really enjoyed it.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/2017/04/naomi-rawlings.html
What a wonderful story! This is the final book in the Eagle Harbor Series. This is the second one that I have read and I have enjoyed reading them. This story is a great reminder of God’s grace and mercy, and how he is always there for us no matter what. The characters are very well written, they seem real. The setting is described to where you feel like you are there. Aileen has left her homeland for America and has some very important decisions to make in her life. I love that this is a story of an immigrant who comes to America and wants to live the American Dream. The author has done a phenomanel job of winding a story with a Message.
I received a copy of this book from the author, all thoughts are my own
Love’s Bright Tomorrow (2018) by Naomi Rawlings is the sixth and final book in the Eagle Harbor series. This novel will release on Monday, February 5, 2018. It will be available in all forms including eBook, and is 316 pages in length. With a full-time job, and a very vibrant five-year old at home, this book took me four days to read. I received a copy of the novel in eBook format from the author to review. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this excellent story 5+++ STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance.
Disclaimer: Prior to this story, Aileen was brutally assaulted. In Love’s Bright Tomorrow, she deals with the terror and trauma of sexual assault after the fact. She does have to confront the man who hurt her in this story. I don’t want to give any spoilers away, but I do want to warn any of my blog readers that if sexual assault, abuse, abortion, and/or the severe trauma and pain inflicted by these issues is too sensitive a topic for you right now, you may want to place this book on your TBR pile and come to it when you are more emotionally ready. Naomi Rawlings does an excellent job of treating Aileen and her trauma with respect, dignity, and honesty.
Love’s Bright Tomorrow is a FANTASTIC book. Aileen and Isaac’s story hooked me from page one until the very end, and I am so sad my time with them is over. This redemption story has everything: a beautiful but broken heroine who feels she’s beyond God’s mercy and forgiveness, a hero who made a mistake in his past but who now wants to protect everyone he loves and save them all from any danger possible, many evil villains who are so awful you pray God delivers wrath upon their heads immediately, a murder mystery, an extremely dangerous smuggling ring that seems to be unstoppable, kidnapping, and so much more. You cannot get bored reading this book!
One aspect I LOVED about this book is its formatting. I know that may be kind of odd, but I found the formatting of this book to be beautifully symbolic. I noticed about a 1/4 of the way into the book that not a single mention of God had occurred except for when Isaac mentions in an inner monologue that he saw Aileen in church one Sunday. What struck me was the seeming absence of God. Usually in a Christian novel it is clear right off the bat how the main characters feel about God. Sometimes one or all are totally for God and sing His praises even through troubles, sometimes they start off angry at God and come to forgiveness and a right relationship with Him by book’s end, or sometimes it’s some kind of variation of these extremes. But in this book, there was just silence. It was very noticeable, at least to me.
BUT, I want to say nearing the half-way mark, Isaac and Aileen begin to share their stories with each other. And, it becomes clear that Isaac definitely is a man of faith. Aileen, while she does believe in God, feels she is too broken for Him to ever forgive or heal her. Isaac has an amazing moment where he knows Aileen needs to hear God’s Words not his, and he plants a little seed in her that God is BIG enough for her problems, feelings, sins, and brokenness. After this point in the story, the characters slowly open themselves to God and His love. They both pray more. They both enter into a better relationship with God, which allows them the opportunity to enter into a better friendship/relationship with each other. Both Isaac and Aileen begin to hope, and they begin to forgive themselves.
So now back to the symbolic formatting. In some of my darkest moments, when I was POSITIVE God would not want me and could not forgive me, I stopped. I became silent, just like the first 1/4 of this book. I didn’t mention Him. I didn’t pray. Maybe I went to church and looked like I was a good Christian girl, but in my heart I was silent. And then, I also had a moment as Aileen does where someone planted a tiny seed in me that God is BIG enough, and it sprouted. Now, I pray to God throughout the entire day. I hold conversations in my head with Him as I go about all the things I need to accomplish in a day. I am not silent anymore, just like Isaac and Aileen. I truly can’t imagine my life without God in it. He is my strength through everything, even the seemingly insignificant things!
This book is SO good, and I haven’t even mentioned anything about the story. This is one of those novels that wheedles into your heart and sticks with you for a long while after the last page is read. I am definitely going to miss Isaac and Aileen. If you are looking for an excellent, but deep, story line, amazing characters, adventure, intrigue, sweet romance, and a beautiful Christian message, than I cannot recommend Love’s Bright Tomorrow enough. When this book comes out on Monday, run to your nearest store and purchase this book. You will not be disappointed that you did!
I’ve fallen in love with Eagle Harbor and the Cummings family over the course of this series! Each book can be read on its own or out of order, but I recommend reading them all and in order if you can for max enjoyment 😉 Isaac has been haunted and hurting and ornery since the beginning of the series, so I was especially looking forward to seeing him get a happy ending. He comes into his own as the new sheriff of Eagle Harbor and experiences a level of danger that matches his brother Elijah’s rescue missions during the storms. I loved seeing him and Elijah come to terms with the risks each other takes in order to protect the members of the community. There is plenty of suspense and intrigue as he hunts down the dangerous smugglers.
Aileen is another wounded character that we meet earlier in the series, and I was just as happy to see her find love- even though she didn’t want to! Isaac’s patience and caring pays off as she learns to trust him and slowly allows herself to begin to hope. She has a tragic background and Isaac and his loving family support her and encourage her to find true healing through the Lord. The spiritual thread was inspiring and Isaac also benefits from relying on God to help him through his fears and sorrows. The romance is sweet and while not without some bumps in the road, they have a lovely relationship that develops a strong foundation.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
I LOVE this book! I have loved the entire series! I think this is the most intense book of the series. The drama and raw emotion had me laughing, in tears and holding my breath. I do believe I gasped aloud a few times too. My husband tells me I get too involved with the books I read.
All my favorite people from the previous books make an appearance here but this is Isaac and Aileen’s story. Whew! What a story it is too. My heart ached for Aileen and Isaac. Aileen Brogan felt she was ruined and broken, and unloveable even by God. Isaac Cummings believes himself a failure because he didn’t save his father from drowning. Isaac is sheriff of Eagle Harbor, he takes his job very seriously.
Despite Aileen refusing his proposal, Isaac still loves her and has vowed that he will make sure Aileen knows God loves her, and there is nothing that He won’t forgive. “God’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting”.
In the midst of a crime wave, Isaac and Aileen are forced to spend time together. They do have some private moments where they talk and try to help each other, Isaac shares verses with her, she teaches him how to breathe during times of anxiety. Through this built up trust, they share the dark secrets they’ve hidden.
It is in times of immense danger and darkness that the bible verses learned in childhood come to the surface, bringing light, strength, courage, and hope to each of them.
One of the things I highlighted is “Worry about what you can change. Not about what you can’t.” And my favorite quote from the book is “…I don’t dread tomorrow anymore. I look at it, and it is full of hope, and new things, and…” I won’t say who says those things or when, no spoilers from me.
Despite the drama and danger, there are plenty of laughs and touching moments found in these pages too. Naomi Rawlings is a gifted storyteller.
I highly recommend this book. It can be read alone, but why not read the whole series, it is very much worth the time. Eagle Harbor and its residents will live on in my heart. And I am certain to reread the entire series.
I’ve been eagerly awaiting Book 6 in the Eagle Harbor series. And while I hate to see it end, this was a great way to go out!
As always, Author Naomi Rawlings has written characters that are so life like you’ll want to take a trip to Michigan’s UP just to meet them. And her descriptions of Eagle Harbor are incredibly colorful. Both of these things work together to create a wonderful story.
The good, bad, and ugly are all represented in Love’s Bright Tomorrow. We see the heartache of an immigrant from Ireland. The care and love from the local sheriff. So many different personalities, including some favorites from other books in the series. Rawlings doesn’t shy away from tough situations, but handles them with grace and mercy.
If you enjoy historical fiction, with romance and adventure, you’ll love this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
This was my favorite of all the books in the Eagle Harbor Series!! But I have said that about every book in this series. There are five other books and you’ll learn about Isaac and Aileen from those and all the other characters who have been in this whole series. But you can also read this as a stand-alone.
Isaac and Aileen had such bad experience in their past.
They both can’t live for today because they are stuck in the past. What an awesome story of smugglers and how Sheriff Isaac has to keep the woman he loves safe.
A terrible man from Aileen’s past and the love of our Father was woven all through this book. Sometimes I caught myself holding my breath and others times I felt so happy to actually feel as though I was right there in Eagle Harbor.
I highly recommend this to readers who love a lot of action and a great love story. Oh how I wish I was better at reviewing this book so others would know how great Love’s Bright Tomorrow really is.
This book deserves more than five stars and I will be rereading it over and over.
**I received a copy of this free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion. I wasn’t required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own or those of my family.**
Love’s Bright Tomorrow is a well written book. A wonderful story of faith, family, hope, courage and love. The characters are very well developed. You truly feel like you know them. I got drawn into this book and did not want it to end although I rarely read historical romance. It keeps you on the edge of your seat; definitely a page turner. Throughout this story the author weaves God’s wondrous words and love along with lessons about trusting God while navigating through trials and tribulations.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This is my honest opinion.
It is last in a series but can stand alone. It offers mystery, adventure and Romance. “God’s mercy is from everlasting to everlasting ” is the theme throughout the novel. Very encouraging. In full discourse I was given a complimentary copy all comments are my own.
Leaving her homeland for America and experiencing troubles along the way, Aileen has to make important decisions for herself and her family. This is a touching story of devotion and bravery. Each page is filled with emotions and action. The author writes with such descriptions that I felt as if I was right there. I enjoyed this story. I received a complimentary copy of this book and this review is my own personal opinion.
Filled with romance, mystery, and sometimes terrible heartbreak, Love’s Bright Tomorrow, kept me turning page after page. I also was reminded of how poorly women and children could be treated during that time period with the history that was scattered within the pages of this book. Naomi Rawlings brings all that to life but gently reminds God is there to protect us, forgive us,and help pick up the broken pieces.
I fell in love with Eagle Harbor Michigan after reading about how pretty it was and the peaceful surroundings. Located in the UP of Michigan it sits along the shore of Lake Superior. Naomi describes the rugged shoreline and the high waves coming off Lake Superior perfectly. I putting this on my list to visit someday!
At times I worried that maybe I should have read the previous book in this series, but all my questions were eventually answered.
A great read!
I received this book from the author and was not required to give a positive review.