Sarah My Beloved

I've just finished reading this and had to write a review. I read Loving Liza Jane first and really got pulled in. There's something about Sharlene MacLaren's writing style that I especially enjoyed. But, this book was even better! I loved the way the story unfolded and the ending was just perfect, sweet and touching. Her male characters are delicious. Sorry, there's no other way to describe them. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of MacLaren's books. She's now on my must read list.

I have read all 3 of the Little Hickman creek series. I loved everyone of them. I really enjoy reading about what it was like in the 1800's and early 1900's. It gives me a sense of what my ancestors lived through. You can not go wrong with this book.

Sarah Woodward thought she had her life all planned. She came all the way from Massachusetts to marry Ben Broughton, as arranged by the Marriage Made In Heaven Agency. Then she finds her prospective bridegroom is already married. Sarah could go back home and marry Stephen Alden, her mother's lawyer, but she's not interested, even though her mother's will stipulates she must marry in order to inherit. Rocky Callahan is trying to raise his deceased sister's children, and like most single parents, he's overwhelmed, trying to be everything to everybody. He sees Sarah as the solution to both their problems. He proposes,offering a marriage in name only, but he can't help noticing that Sarah is a mighty pretty woman. Sharlene MacLaren's caracters are real and convincing and she tells an intriguing story that pulls the reader in from page. Reading one of her books is like a visit with homefolks. A real treasure.

I really enjoyed Loving Liza Jane, but I adored Sarah, My Beloved even more. It's one of the most enjoyable marriage of convenience stories I've ever read. Totally believable and very deep. The characters were delightful and three dimensional and the tension had me turning the pages. Unlike some historical novels, the conflict in this one doesn't feel at all contrived and I loved every minute of it. Funny thing is I've read similar type plots in many secular novels, but nothing beats a well-done inspirational novel like this one. The growing relationship between husband and wife will warm you to your toes and when they finally realize they love one another, you know it's coming, but it still makes you want to sigh. And that first kiss...wow! I think Rocky is the most intriguing hero the author has come up with thus far. He and Sarah were perfect for each other. Plus, the way he resolved his issues with God made sense and was totally realistic. This novel would be great resource for someone who is angry with God. Highly recommended!

Sharlene MacLaren has done it again...provided an enticing romance that keeps you wondering if the two main characters will ever work out their differences. Sarah was expected to marry Stephen Alden and her mother even stipulated that the family inheritance would be hers only after marriage. Sarah has run away from the stuffy lawyer who does not attract her as a man should if he is to be her husband. A rough and rugged man, who has had his own set of woes, presents himself to Sarah as a way to escape the fate she is trying to escape. He has a niece and nephew who need some mothering. A marriage of convenience is the solution. Little did he realize that she would also fill a void in his own life. Rocky lives up to his name throughout this story, but he develops a soft and tender side as he observes a lady who is both beautiful in countenance, as well as in spirit. This warm and cozy romance takes you back to times that were free of the high-tech, noisy, and cluttered life that stifles the spirit. I eagerly look forward to the next book in this series. - Sylvia, from the Sunflower State