Hannah Grace

I loved this book it was a really good read. There were a lot of humorous moments in this story. I have always loved histroical fiction and westerns and this book includes both. Seeing the interaction between Hannah and Gabe and the little runaway was really good to watch unfold. Add a bunch of outlaws and we have the makings of a wonderful story. I cant wait to read more of this series.

Hannah Grace, eldest daughter of Jacob Kane, has her life planned. She works at her father's general store with a mind to own it in the future. She's courting the town's physician. She's feisty and strong-willed, yet practical. And then comes Sheriff Gabriel Devlin, strong, outspoken, and a Christian to boot. Both Hannah Grace and the Sheriff have sworn off romantic entanglements, but a little boy from the historic Orphan Train moves in and untangles those intentions. You cannot put the book down. MacLaren weaves a well-written tale, full of intrigue and surprises, that climaxes in an unexpected twist at the end. You will enjoy this story, and you'll never forget the urchin who grabs your heart from first mention. MacLaren's career with books, including her acclaimed Through Every Storm, a finalist for Book of the Year (2007) by American Christian Fiction Writers, follows her 30-year career as a teacher. She's a native of Michigan, with a husband, two daughters and three grandchildren.

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read In a nutshell: This is a very enjoyable book. I was instantly pulled into the story. The Kane family is wonderful, and Hannah Grace (the eldest Kane daughter) is a wonderful and spirited young woman. She meets the new sheriff, Gabe Devlin, under strange circumstances, basically accusing him of abusing the boy he is with, who quickly runs out of the family store, Kane's Whatnot, causing Gabe to run after him, and Hannah to later storm into the Sheriff's office where she comes face to face with Gabe. I just love the pace of the book. It kept my attention riveted from start to finish. This is a fun read. Extended Review: Characters: I fell in love with the Kane family: daughters Hannah Grace, Abbie Ann and Maggie Rose , father Jacob Kane, and grandmother Helena. Gabe is the new sherrif in town, and he unknowingly brings Jesse Gant with him. Each character is wonderfully different from the others and helps the story to unfold in a way that keeps the reader's attention. Story-Line: The book starts with a spirited discussion in the Kane household, and maintains its momentum throughout the book. I loved the intrigue surrounding Jesse, and the position it put Hannah Grace and Sherrif Devlin into. Readability: I thought this book was an easy read and enjoyable from start to finish. Overall: I absolutely love the cover! Isn't it beautiful?? I really enjoyed the book, and will be recommending it at my next book club. I will also keep my eyes out for the next book in the series!

This is a wonderful historical. I was happy to see it is the first in a series about Jacob Kane's interesting daughters. The first book focueses on Hannah Grace. She loves working in the family's store and is courting the town doctor Ralston Van Huff. Is he the one she is supposed to spend her life with? Then the new sheriff, Gabriel Devlin, moves to town and just happens to be cute and godly. He discovers a stowaway little boy who cannot speak in his stuff. Hannah Grace finds herself loving the little boy and questioning her feelings for the new sheriff. There is the problem of what the boy's name and history is of course. Gabriel means to discover both and in the process uncovers more than just facts. This is not just a love story. I loved Long Journey Home (contempary story) by this author and I have two more of her historicals on my TBR shelf. Definately recommended. :)

One of my favorite series of books is Shar MacLaren's Little Hickman Creek series. In the first book, "Loving Liza Jane", I was just captivated with her writing style, the storyline, the settings and the characters. She didn't disappoint in the following books either. I was sad to see that series end. So when I heard that she was writing the Daughters of Jacob Kane series I knew I wanted to check it out right away! So I delved into Hannah Grace and am so pleased to say that the settings, characters and storylines have changed - but Shar's writing style is fully intact and she has another series that is sure to be a winner. I really liked Hannah Grace and can't wait to see where she takes us with Maggie Rose and Abi Ann. She has picked another unique time and place and put a cast of characters around Hannah that made for a delightful jaunt everytime I opened the book. A new sheriff, a mute orphan, dad, 2 sisters, a band of murderers and thieves - a general store (I've always been delighted by general stores, maybe it's a Little House on the Prairie thing, I don't know), a growing town and the year 1904. It's fantastic. I'm already looking forward to the next one!