Journey now to Niagara Falls, New York, of 1870 where… She avoids danger at all costs. He makes his living by rushing headlong into it. Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband. Having grown up in an overcrowded …
Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister–even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.
On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?
More from My Heart Belongs in Series…
My Heart Belongs in Fort Bliss: Priscilla’s Reveille by Erica Vetsch (January 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Superstition Mountains: Carmella’s Quandary by Susan Page Davis (March 2017)
My Heart Belongs in Ruby City, Idaho: Rebecca’s Plight by Susanne Dietze (May 2017)
My Heart Belongs on Mackinac Island: Maude’s Mooring by Carrie Fancett Pagels (July 2017)
My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma by Andrea Boeshaar (September 2017)
My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna’s Choice by Angie Dicken (November 2017)
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This was such a good story. Adele and Drew were wonderful characters, both doing what they thought they had to do for their family. When Adele and Drew first met, I had a fleeting glimpse of Jack and Rose of Titanic (rich girl, poor boy). That didn’t last long, though, and I loved the way Drew and Adele’s friendship developed. As with any actions, there are consequences, which Adele learned the hard way. I thought this was a sweet story with some heartache along the way. That made the ending better. I would recommend this book.
Adele is a bit of a hot mess. She puts on a good façade, but her desperate circumstances lead her to desperate measures, and even more desperate choices. I appreciated the setting and learning a little history of Niagara Falls, but there was something about the story that prevented me from fully enjoying it. Perhaps it was Adele’s duplicity and hypocrisy- taking the moral high ground over the tightrope walkers “exploiting” the Falls, while she pursues Mr. Conway for his wealth even though she can’t stand him. I liked Drew and his devotion to his invalid sister and her care, but felt like there was a lack of chemistry between him and Adele, even thought they kept coming across each other coincidentally in order to bring two people from separate classes together. Drew’s sister Hope was sweet and I would have liked to see more of her in the book. I was curious to see how the author would bring these two star-crossed lovers together in the end, and it was a bumpy ride- Adele’s choices getting worse and worse until her final attempt to redeem the consequences of her betrayal. There was a spiritual message of trusting God but even though Adele went through the thought process, her actions proved that she still relied on herself and herself alone. While the ending included an epilogue, there were several loose threads that never got tied up, leaving me feeling dissatisfied.
(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)
Will fortune & fame win out…or true love?
When one thinks of Niagara Falls the first word that usually comes to mind is ‘honeymoon’. But My Heart Belongs In Niagara Falls: Adele’s Journey delves into another important and fascinating aspect of the natural wonder’s history. Dozens of people tried to tame the falls, from tightrope walkers to those that attempted to ride the falls in barrels, most did not succeed and some even lost their lives.
It’s not often, especially when they get equal page time, that I like a book’s hero better than the heroine. But I did this time. Drew is genuinely a nice guy, kind, loyal, and a man of faith. Adele loves and will do anything for her family which causes her to make some questionable decisions.
Through key characters readers see both the consequences of wresting control from God, taking matters into one’s own hands, and the opposite, how faith can keep a person going when the going gets tough.
My Heart Belongs In Niagara Falls: Adele’s Journey is an entertaining and surprisingly thought-provoking historical romance. This is Amanda Barratt’s debut as a full-length novelist and it is an enjoyable read. Fans of this fun state inspired historical series will find this book to be a must read!
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Captivating and emotional!!! My Heart Belongs in Niagara
Falls is a well written, deftly described book. You will hear
the rush of the Falls, feel drops of splashing water as if you
accompanied the characters to the Falls.
Intriguing, well plotted book with twists and turns that hold
the reader mesmerized.
Adele Linley leaves her English home to travel abroad with
the facade of visiting her relatives. She plots to live with
them while looking for a rich man to marry who will provide
for her and her English Home where her mother resides.
Drew Dawson grew up in an orphanage. He cares for her
sister who is wheelchair bound. They live in a society
characterized by human misery, as squalor, oppression and
danger around every bend. He made his mark by tightroping
across Niagara Falls. Now his main backer has scheduled
for Drew to cross again.
This story is power packed with emotion and family issues,
fear to love again, loss and grieving, forgiveness, personal
growth, friendship and love.
The story shows with faith in God everything will work out
at just the right moment in time for the good of all.
Highly recommend this story. Be sure to read!!
I volunteered to read My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls. Thanks
to Barbour Publishing for a complimentary copy of the book.
My opinion is my own and under no obligation to be posted.
One would think that, based on the title, My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York is a romance. This is the first novel I’ve read by this author, and it completely blew me away with spiritual lessons and a plot that was beyond anticipation. The depth of love, poor choices when trying to control one’s own life, and forgiveness make this a story that this reader will remember for some time to come.
Adele Linley is a young woman from England who, when 16, watched her father die, and has been trying to keep their estate running since. Trying, despite her mother, who isn’t strong enough to oversee the moneys, property, and staff. Trying, despite her older brother Tony, who drinks and gambles away every penny he can get.
Adele loves her mother and Tony, so it is time for her to change their future or lose their estate. She crosses the ocean to America. It is 1870, when women have few options to make the kind of money needed to repair and keep the property. She is going to her mother’s brother’s home in Buffalo, New York, where she hopes to quickly find a wealthy husband who will allow some of his funds to go to her family.
Drew Dawson and his sister had been left in an orphanage when children. He and Hope escaped when they were old enough to survive in the traveling caravan they found work in. Hope is paralyzed due to an accident, and it the surgery that could restore her mobility is very costly. He is drawing on his skills as a funambulist – a tightrope walker – to work for Franklin Conway. After his first trip across Niagara Falls, Drew trains daily to prepare for a hugely-publicized event that might earn enough money for the surgery. If he makes it across, that is.
Drew is enchanted from his first look at Adele on board a tourist boat by the Falls. A Christian, he is doing his best to provide for Hope and give her a better life. Love wasn’t in his plans, and he doesn’t meet Adele’s financial requirements, yet they become good friends. She is angry when she learns Drew is the daredevil who will cross the falls. When she learns that he is a Christian, and is quite surprised that he trusts God with his future. Drew is willing to risk his life for Hope’s future. Adele is willing to risk never finding a man who might love her so she can secure her family’s future.
Adele and Drew are very well defined. Both are driven, but neither has really thought through the potential cost for their actions. Mr. Conway, captivated by Adele and her pedigree as an English lady is defined well, also. At first, I didn’t like Adele, thinking her mission in America was rather mercenary, but she truly was trying to keep the estate, partly out of love for her mother and brother. I like how well the author puts herself in the shoes of Adele and Drew, showing their feelings on everything from the roar of the crowd and the Falls to Drew’s prayers.
I love the author’s heartwarming dedication of the novel! Her writing style adds greatly to the story, with descriptions and fancies most people wouldn’t think of, bringing color and texture to a scene. The plot has twists that I would not have anticipated, one so stunning and intense that I didn’t know if either could bear up under. The ending was a tremendous surprise! What a great novel with many lessons to learn from – I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.
My Heart Belongs In Niagara Falls, New York a story of rescue (where she, Adele had to find someone who would rescue her and her family who are in a financial fix.) Restoration (Drew doesn’t have much money and he needs it to restore his invalid sister.) Daring (you see Drew is a tightrope Walker and guess what he is daring to cross.) Uniqueness (how Adele and Drew met.) And most of all they trust in the LORD, and let HIM leave their lives. I received a copy of this book from the Publisher and Netgalley; all the opinions expressed in this review are all my own.
In her debut novel, Amanda Barratt delivers a well crafted story rich with deeply developed characters, beautifully depicted settings, and a good amount of plot twists. Set during the late 1800’s there is plenty of danger and romance to be found at Niagara Falls, along Canal Street, and within the homes of high society in Buffalo, New York.
Adele Linley and Drew Dawson…two young souls from different sides of society…struggle to better their situation in life, not for themselves, but for the ones they love. Franklin Conway’s thoughts and actions never travel far from satisfying his own selfish desires, or striving to garner a place in the upper echelons of society.
“Suffering is part of life, is it not? Sometimes a larger part than happiness, or so it seems.” The flow of the story easily moves the reader along Adele’s journey of suffering through a whirlpool of events toward an unexpected resolution to her situation…one neither Adele, nor the reader, ever saw coming.
“A man who possessed a million dollars only realized how grand that million was when he lost it. Drew’s health had been his million dollars.” No longer able to care for himself, let alone his sister, Drew fights to hold onto his faith and find a way to survive in a world bent on destroying any hope he has left.
No matter our lot in life, difficulties will come. But God is faithful, and we can find our hope in Him. My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York is a wonderful story of love and redemption, of hope and faithfulness set around the hypnotizing flow of beautiful Niagara Falls. I loved this book and look forward to more from Amanda.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
With a spectacular setting and lively characters, you just can’t go wrong with this engaging story. A story of heartache, and triumph. Amanda Barratt has penned a story that will linger in your mind long after you’ve read the final words.
Adele is a character that many can easily identify with. She’s independent and strong. However, she is in need of a strength much greater than herself. She puts on a front of strength, yet inwardly she is broken. We could all say we’ve at least felt that way at one time or another.
At first glance Drew is a man on a singular mission, to risk life and limb to make a fortune and a name for himself. However, upon closer inspection, we find that he has a big heart and is trying to make life better for his sister.
The characters became so real that I honestly got quite upset with Adele at one point, and found myself almost talking to the book to give her a piece of my mind. This story doesn’t gloss over the difficult situations and reminds us all that there are always repercussions to decisions made.
I give this story 4.5 stars and I’m eagerly looking forward to reading more stories by Amanda Barrett.
(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
With a spectacular backdrop of Niagara Falls, the most death defying act was soon to astound the audience. Oh my I was hooked as I read what Drew was about to do. Who in their right mind would walk across Niagara Falls on a flimsy pole? I can hear Drew’s heart as the first step was taken. The author draws readers in with the heartpounding adventure of a man who is willing to risk his life . Drew isn’t out to be famous, but to help his sister who he adores. They are desperate for money and he is willing to walk on water for her. I loved Drew so much because he was a humble person who put others before himself.
Adele is a wonderful young lady who had it all; well until her family fell on hard times. The family name was once upon a time worth riches and they had outlandish places to live. That all changed when the family becomes almost penniless. I liked the journey Adele took to America. Her hopes were high as she sought after a husband who could save her family from ruins. What really caught my attention in the story was the faith that Drew had as he became a victim of a terrible accident. He never complained, but became more dependent on what God said. As his feelings become more clear towards Adele, she fights to keep hers under wraps.
The story is a reminder that God loves each of us and sees the beauty in us. Adele needed to trust that God would be with her and help her in her time of need. The scriptures used in the story were so beautiful to read. I love being reminded that if we wait upon the Lord, He will give us strength. Patience is a hard thing for many of us. We try to hurry things along when God is telling us to wait and trust Him. The author also touches on feeling like you are a failure in God’s eyes. One character will learn just how important they are to Him and be free from the guilt and shame they have carried for so long. This is one story that I savored every word and felt every emotion as the characters faced pain, disappointment and redemption.
“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up on wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk , and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31.
I received a copy of this book from the author . The review is my own opinion.
This next book in the “My Heart Belongs” series is truly worth reading. Author Amanda Barratt fully brings her characters to life and the Niagara Falls book has it all. Suspense, tension, romance, and learning to trust in God. Layer upon layer is revealed in this story as the characters grow.
It took be awhile to write a review because I honestly can’t tell you what I enjoyed most about Adele’s Journey. The story was so skillfully crafted that everything flowed together beautifully. All of the feelings were there, and I had to process at the end of the story. Adele is willing to sacrifice all for her family and I had to ask myself if I would be able to do that. Drew also sacrifices all for his family, but in a different way. While the two are at different points on the social economical scale, they are continually drawn together, making for an interesting tale.
While there is a lot of history added to this book, it is by no means dry or boring. Seriously, I couldn’t put it down and I hope to see more from Amanda Barratt.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.