Rebecca DeMarinoRecensioni

I did enjoy this story, but like a lot it wasn’t a favourite. The first half was better, with fair amount of tension and drama, after that it started getting rather repetitive and just felt drawn out with the constant angst and uncertainty over Patience and Jeremy’s courtship.

The details about everyday life were interesting on one level (and I’m a sucker for social history at the best of times), but again, after a while they did become something of a drag. This was probably due to the somewhat repetitive nature of the story. I found myself skimming a number of parts with fast Text to Speech. I was interested in some of the details about Native American customs and way of life, and some of the historical details. Readers should be mindful that as the author’s note says, this book does not have such a solid founding in the history of the family as the others.

I liked Jeremy Horton, but I don’t think I ever warmed to Patience very much. Her faith in Jeremy was touching, and their relationship seemed genuine. Although, her attitude and behaviour at the end of the story seemed very selfish and bratty. As for the language- well it was interesting. The sea captain Harry was meant to be born and raised in London, but had one of those odd, Ham accents that all lower class British characters seem to have in books like this saying ‘Ye’ and ‘Aye’, regardless of where they are from. It sounds vaguely like something out of Yorkshire, but not really like any accent anywhere in the British Isles.

I was also unsure about the ages of the characters. The Epilogue states Barnabas’ age at death, which would mean he was in his 60s when the story was set, and so Jeremy could not have been far off that, but it seemed to be made out that he way younger. I may have that wrong though.
Despite the niggles though, this was a worthwhile read and a good ending to the trilogy which wraps up everything for the characters, and a good reimagining of the early history of the region. I personally just don’t really care that much for stories set in the Colonial Era.

I signed up for the blog tour of this book, and so received a free e-book edition for the purposes of review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.

I've got to confess, Colonial America is not my favourite setting. I just find it hard to get on with and identify with, its not really my favourite period either. To be honest, I've yet to find a book set in this time that has been really immersive.
It was interesting that this book was based on the author's family history, who included some of the earliest settlers on Long Island. I do appreciate stories about real people and their real lives. In that regard, it was not a bad book, and it was in interesting story. It just lagged a bit towards the end.

Some of the historical details were also interesting, such as the interactions with Native Americans, and the the practices and customs that crossed between the cultures.

Personally, I did not find Barnabas convincing as a 17th century puritan. I don't hold to the incorrect view that they were all dour, miserable and solemn, but I think Barnabas seemed to be lacking in real convictions.
All he does is complain about the oppression of the wicked government in the manner one might hear about in a schoolroom- but he does not hold to many of the ideas common to puritanism. Indeed, his ideas are very modern and accomodating.

The langauge is also that strange, eclectic mixture of Archaic and modern American English with 'Prithee' used alongside terms like the modern American 'Bakeshop'- British people would not usually call it that. We would say Bakery, or Baker's shop.

Overall this was a good read, and since I have the third book as a review copy I will read it. For the reader interested in the period of the American founding fathers, and speculative fiction on what the lives of the women of the time would have been like, its a good choice

This book finds a place in your heart! Mary Langton, the main character will take you through every emotion possible. Facing an unbearable marriage to a childhood friend Mary is torn apart. How can she avoid this inevitable tragedy? With her mother gone, she has no allies. She desires love, true love. Will Barnabas Horton be the man of her dreams? What develops over the pages keeps one glued to discover Mary's reality. Her trust in God keeps her hoping and longing. Her eventual marriage reminds me of the way Leah in the Bible must have felt as she watched Jacob grieve Rebecca. As the account moves to the New World I really enjoyed how they made their way in a new colony learning how to live off the land from the Indians. Another move causes them to start all over again. Her new friendships add a deep dimension there yet she still misses the true love she lacks. The way Rebecca DeMarino writes this story each character comes to life . Her words compel you to keep reading until the end. Mary is my favorite and I long with her in her hope for true love. This read has much to offer and I highly recommend it.

To Follow Her Heart is the third novel in The Southold Chronicles and I loved the culmination of the lives of these characters. Patience Terry has stood by all the families she came over to America with plus the natives they all befriended. She has quietly held a place in her heart for Captain Jeremy Horton and now has heard that his ship shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados with no survivors. Her captivating story of faith and patience adds to the beautiful saga that Rebecca DeMarino has weaved throughout the Chronicles.

The rich, authentic history, the beloved characters, and the detailed life of these settlers who left Europe to establish their own religious freedom creates multiple reasons to read To Follow Her Heart. I kept turning the pages in search of Patience's destiny and was deeply satisfied with the final pages.

I received a paperback copy of To Follow Her Heart from the author for my honest review.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016
To Follow Her Heart by Rebecca DeMarino, © 2016
The Southold Chronicles Series, Book 3

Duty and love ~ only one has the power to make Patience Terry’s life complete in a world of high seas, tall ships, daring journeys, and yearning hearts.

Southold, Long Island, 1664
Book 3 can be read as a stand-alone if you haven't met the characters in the previous two books; those you will want to read for the closeness experienced in their lives, so evident here. I especially liked how their daily lives emerged from their love and care of each other within their common good. Mary and Lizzie are strong sisters who are bonded with Patience Terry, a main character in this story. They are a good example of doing the next thing... leading with the welfare of all as their families work together supportive of others, whether it be the bakeshop filled with the warm aroma of baked tarts and apple butter, or the hat shop while sorting beads offered by their close friend, Heather Flower.

The Dutch colony of New Amsterdam was heavily populated at the lower part known as Manhattan. With a surrender of the settlement to the English, we now know this island as part of New York on the East River. I really like the stories of the old and the new together ~ an expansion of history into today.

I like how this author has formed this series around the real lives of her heritage. What fun to incorporate them into a story with heartache and triumph in the new land. It would be hard to leave what you know, yet bring it with you in how you do things. Developing a nation came from interaction in a community dependent upon each other in skills and, most importantly, attitude.

Driven by aiding the country, for some, displaced their home life with their families. Trained to be at ready to serve, their loved ones were left behind until they returned home, if at all. Reading this story I first thought of the rebuilding of the walls where they each restored where they lived, over against their house; baker, merchant, refiner. Daily life and at the ready. Each generation into the next. As Mary's children helped, as a daily what they did, they were taught, able at a young age to come alongside.

Patience nodded. "The faith of a mustard seed. That's what it is. You both make me so grateful for friends like you. Mary, you know you will have a full house come Wednesday. Every woman in the town shows up when the men are gone."
"I know, but 'tis a good thing. I remember all those years it was you and Lizzie and Winnie. I wanted to give assistance to ladies who found it difficult to cope––we were all in this wild, raw land together..."
--To Follow Her Heart, 71

The story is conversational, so you come to know their hearts and feelings. Some faced and dealt with responsibilities differently ~ avoidance, jumping in, yet a desire emerged encouraging each other forward the best they knew. The forming of a country continues each day.

***Thank you to Revell Reads for sending me a review copy for the August 2016 fiction review tour for Rebecca DeMarino's To Follow Her Heart. This review was written in my own words. No other compensation was received.***

To Capture Her Heart is the first book I have read by Rebecca DeMarino. While I enjoyed the premise of the Indians and the English and the Dutch struggling to find their place in the New World, the book did not find a place among my favorites.

I liked DeMarino's characters, but somehow failed to fully connect with them. Given the gravity of some of the situations presented, maybe I felt there wasn't enough suspense.

I did enjoy getting a look at Mary and Barnabas's family and how they came to be a cohesive, loving household. That part of the novel will propel me on to read the next book. Both are worth a reader's consideration. DeMarino has well-presented varying attitudes of the many different peoples towards each other.

I gratefully received a copy of this book from Revellreads in exchange for an honest review.

This is book three in the Southold Chronicles and is just as enjoyable as the first two. In this book you are transported to the sea of the 17th century and feel like you are on the ship, participating in the battles, and a part of the loved ones waiting back at home for news of what has happened. Patience is waiting for news of Captain Jeremy Horton and when she learns that his ship has crashed, she is devastated. In the meantime, Jeremy is actually safe and has been rescued and is making his way back home.
I really enjoyed reading this book and hated leaving the tales of Patience and Jeremy as I could see myself right along with them.
I received a copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.

This was a wonderful ending to a great series. I didn't want to put this down. This is Patience and Jeremy's story. I would not have had the patience that Patience had. I think I would have dumped Jeremy because of his attitude that he had for marriage. I laughed and cried in this historical romance. I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion.

An interesting look at history and friendships. Heather is a princess whose life is changed during her wedding feast. After finding herself kidnapped and then left in the wilderness, she finally finds herself with friends and trying to get on with her life. She meets many during this time including the one show helped her to get home from the wilderness.
I liked seeing how the friendships and more played out in this book. It was well written and it also gave you a taste of what life was like during this time period.
I received this book free to read and review.

This is the second book in the Southold Chronicles and as good or better than the first. This is a time period(1653) that is not written about as much anymore. It is nice to see some Indians and some whites being able to work together. Heather Mflower must decide whether she wants to spend her life with Dirk or her longtime friend Ben Horton. There are many ups and downs for all of them and for the country. This is in the New York area and people are deciding if they want to follow the Dutch or the English. I can't wait for the next book. I received a copy from the author and from Revell Reads for a fair and honest opinion.

In this Christian Historical Romance Rebecca DeMarino beautifully recreates life in 1653 on Long Island. There is a settlement from England living peacefully near the American Indian Montauk tribe, yet uncomfortable with the Dutch settlement nearby. You enter their homes and lives with detail of thought as well as surroundings. It's easy to see yourself there and become part of the characters' lives - some of whom are based on the author's actual ancestors. Her writing style reminds me somewhat of Lorraine Snelling in the Red River series. I have been researching my ancestry and some of my family came over during this time. I try to picture what it must have been like for them, and this helps.

This is the second book in the series. Although I wish I had read the previous book, there was enough fact provided to pick right up on the story. An Indian princess is captured at her wedding by another tribe and forced to watch as they murder her new husband, who was also a lifelong friend and companion. She is then taken into the woods in Connecticut and left to die even though her father paid the ransom. A Dutch Lieutenant tracks and rescues her, and they come to care for one another on the way back to her family, even though the girl is in shock and mourning. She also has friends amongst the English, and two of them intercept their return home to escort her the rest of the way.

The return is difficult for her to come to terms with after the brutal murder of her husband, so she goes to stay with her Aunt who lives near the English settlement. The story is about the girl, Heather Flower, learning about God and regaining her life, being loved by two men whom she deeply cares about. She is at home with the English as well as her own native customs, but there is still a cultural separation between the people. You will feel torn with her as she struggles with her love for both men and learns to live again, finding out where she fits. This was a page turner for me. I eagerly waited to see what would happen next and it was filled with real life happenings in the settlement and other characters lives as well. I very much want to read the next story in the series (there's an excerpt included at the end of the book). Isn't that cover just gorgeous?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Revell/Baker Publishing Group - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html.

Title: To Capture Her Heart (The Southold Chronicles Book #2)
Author: Rebecca Demarino
Pages: 352
Year: 2015
Publisher: Revell
My rating is 4 stars out of 5.
There are some characters originally introduced to readers in book one of the series, A Place in His Heart, that are in the sequel. Of course, new characters are in the story of book two, which takes place in the late 1600’s; the era has a fascinating and rich history that is woven in the story. The timing of the story shows tension between various people groups, different belief systems, and yet in some of the homes there are daily prayer and Scripture reading as a family.
Life is precarious and a day-to-day existence is the norm, and danger from warring Native American tribes brings some action into the story. Included also is the war in England with the Dutch, which is now at an end, and the Southold community is expected to begin living in peace with their neighbors. Some intermarriages between people from different cultures isn’t advocated at first, but the beginning of hearts turning to accept change in marriage decisions is slowly blooming.
The book held my interest because of the rich history of the people and area, which was new to me. I enjoyed reading how fathers would rise early to lead the family in prayer and Scripture reading before members of the family dispersed to complete the daily chores their lives depended on. The growth in the community along with changes in law required new roles mainly for the men. The women took care of hearth and home, gathering together at harvest time to prepare food for the coming winter, or sewing for an upcoming wedding.
I thought much on how in our instant society we have lost in some way a very real awareness of our dependency on God for each day’s food, clothing, etc. America is filled with much history that has its basis in people coming to her shores to leave a place where they couldn’t worship. America is filled with true stories of various peoples learning to live life in peace and in community.
The author ends the book with an opening that I am sure will be continued in book three. I didn’t locate the title of this third book, but I am excited to know that I haven’t read the last of a rich history and faith that came to America’s shores so long ago!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

While I enjoyed catching up with characters in this book, I learned to love them in the first book. I had a hard time getting into this one, but as the pace picked up, I had to find out what happens
The story takes place on Long Island, and we travel easily between the Indian and English communities. We also have the threat of the Dutch, and other Indian Tribes, particularly the Narragansett from Rhode Island. We begin the story with the rescue of Heather Flower by Dirk Van Buren, a Dutchman, and her falling in love with him. There is another love interest involved and that is Benjamin Horton, and I found myself rooting for him.
This story is set in the very beginning of our Country, and life is not easy, I marvel at all that accomplished by the people in their every day lives. We sure have become soft, and would probably starve to death.
I see there is another book in this series to come and I am looking forward to it, and I peeked at the preview and learned more about the end of this book. Come and enjoy the visit with old friends, you won’t be disappointed.
I received this book through Revell Reads, and was not required to give a positive review.

Mending a Broken Heart

A Place in His Heart is a very good read. It is set in the 1600's, which is a time period I have not often read much about. The story begins in England. Mary Langton is seeking love. Barnabas Horton, a Puritan, is living each day with the memory of a love tragically lost. He is a baker whose wife died, leaving him to raise two sons alone.

Barnabas realizes that his sons need a mother, yet he can't love another as long as he carries the pain of losing the love of his life. Mary Langton visits the bakery with her sister, sees Barnabas, and senses that this is the man she must marry. Her father is not pleased, as he has another man in mind for Mary. Barnabas is attracted to Mary and begins to court her. He also longs to travel to America...a dream which he keeps from Mary until after they are married. Mary is heartbroken over leaving her family and following her husband to the new world, but she is devoted to Barnabas and his children, so she crosses the ocean, leaving her father and sister behind.

As Mary and Barnabas journey to a new life together, Mary realizes that Barnabas is so heartbroken over the death of his first wife that he cannot truly love her. Two hears which are broken struggle to find love. The couple faces many difficult times and many tests of faith in America. Will Barnabas ever be able to leave the past behind? Will Mary remain by his side, or will his lack of love drive her away?

I truly enjoyed this book and kept turning the pages to find out how the story would end. Rebecca DeMarino has written a very touching novel, Book One of The Southold Chronicles. After reading A Place in His Heart, I am looking forward to Book Two. I highly recommend this novel.

I received a review copy of the book from the publisher, through The Book Club Network (bookfun.org) in exchange for my honest review.

Those who love novels by Lauraine Snelling and Debbie Macomber will adore this charming new debut author. A story of normal day to day happenings from the towns of England to Long Shore in New England this kept me enthralled even when she wrote about what they served at the elaborate feasts. Most women will be able to relate quite well to Mary, full of doubts and second guesses both in relationships and in her labours, while what we learn of Anne made me thankful that Mary was more like me! And though I wanted to dislike Barnabas I grew fond of him long before the end of the story. Both the hero and heroine have enough flaws and make mistakes that we often see in,ourselves, but as both learn more about each other we can see how they change. All characters were very well developed and true to the character the author gave them. This book will keep you reading into the night just to see what happens next. A Place in His Heart is not a thriller or suspense, but written in such a way to keep you turning pages.

I received this book free from Emily at Graf-Martins through their Nuts about Books program in exchange for an honest review. A positive critique was not required. The opinions stated are my own.

A PLACE IN HIS HEART by Rebecca DeMarino is a wonderful inspirational Historical Romance set in 1630 London and Long Island. A debut for this author. #1 in "The Southold Chronicles" and what a beginning.

"Based on the author's ancestors, who came to Long Island in the mid 1600's to establish a life and a legacy in the New World". To learn on this visit her website.

Follow, Anglican Mary Langton and Barnabas Horton, as they embark on a journey that will test their faith and love. Mary is left at the altar, disgraced and disheartened. Barnabas, a Puritan widower, and father of two young sons, embark on a leap of faith and marry. But when Mary learns her new husband plans to take them across the sea to the New World to escape persecution, her life is turned upside down. For she will be leaving her beloved father and sister and all she has known.

With secrets, faith, hope, and a wish to heal a broken heart, Barnabas and Mary embark to a New World, in more ways than one. Ms. DeMarino is an author to watch for in the future. Well written story of love, trust, secrets and faith. From England to Long Island, the characters are strong, faced challenges head on, to leave behind a legacy. This story spans over a few years. A compelling story of romance,and love, that weaves an old and new world together and love thrives. An enjoyable read! I can hardly wait for the next installment in this interesting series.
Received for an honest review from the publisher.

*Coming in June from Revell Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group*

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Sweet

Reviewed By: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

I enjoy reading books that have a historical background and give me a chance to learn some history within the context of a good story. This book gave insight on crossing over to America and what it was like to live during this time. Many people during this time married for convenience or to help them to survive after the loss of a loved one. Barnabas and Mary marry for this reason but as the book develops, we get to see how their relationship develops as well. I liked seeing how the characters evolve and hope to see some of them again in the upcoming books of this series.
I received this book free to review.

The title of the book and the story, A Place In His Heart, is totally true, and will almost break your heart for Mary as you read this. We are back in the 1600’s, when people who did not agree with the Anglican Church were be persecuted and leaving for America, sometimes sneaking out.
Barnabas Horton has lost his beloved wife Ann, and is left to care for two young sons, and run his business as a baker. I loved the descriptions of his work, never imagined that woman in the village would bring their dough to a baker to put in his oven to bake, so interesting.
Enter young Mary Langton, struggling with whom her father wants her to marry, after having been jilted. Poor young woman, she is adamant she does not want to marry her father’s choice. She is rather content in her life, living in this small village, and being with her Dad, and near her sister and her family. So when she meets Barnabas in a chance meeting, going on the errand to have her dough baked. Mary mentally makes a decision that will change her life forever.
I felt sorry, yes as a young woman’s love is rather blind, and we always think that we can change someone with love. She seems to pours her heart and soul into her marriage, and makes the boys her own, even if the oldest has a hard time accepting her. Sometimes it appears that she is giving everything, and hitting a brick wall, and through out it all, I kept wondering when Barnabas would begin to live his faith.
Travel along with these people who will do anything for a chance to live what they believe, and we literally walk in their shoes on this journey. A real good look at what makes America the melting place it is now.

I received this book through Revell’s Bloggers Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

Title: A Place in His Heart (The Southold Chronicles #1)
Author: Rebecca DeMarino
Pages: 336
Year: 2014
Publisher: Revell
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres as each time I open a new book there is history coming to life in a brand new way. The author has a vested interest in the tale she shares with readers because of her family’s ancestry being part of the foundation. Also, while there are gaps in history for the timeframe and place in the book, the author shares her conviction that there just wasn’t time for writing down or making notes of what was occurring because surviving was top priority.
The setting in the book starts with England in the late 1600s and then travels across the ocean to the upper northwest. The reason families and others were leaving England was due to the increased persecution of those who wanted to bring reform to the Anglican church from within. These reformers wanted to do away with all the outer grandiose vestments and focus instead on reading the Word of God for themselves during the week. How interesting is that today many want to divorce themselves from the Word of God to live their own way. What a change has occurred in society!
The persecution and hope is the larger story that enfolds around the individual characters’ lives within the book. The two main people are Barnabas and Mary who marry after he had become widowed some months prior and needed a helpmate for his two young boys while he worked. Mary’s father, John, wished for her to marry the son of a business partner, but saw that hope dying when the forthright Mary became uncooperative.
Through the trials of crossing the ocean and not knowing what the future would hold, the hardest part was Mary feeling as if Barnabas was withholding his heart form her. The year’s progress and many life experiences have happened, except the one Mary longs to experience the most. All Mary wants is to be loved by Barnabas and hear him say words of love to her, but there is something in the way that keeps him from doing so. As the story continues, readers will be engrossed in the hope Mary has for many things. They will understand her feelings as so much is happening outside her control.
When the family finally decides where to stay and begin their life in the New World, there is an increase in responsibilities for both Mary and Barny as she likes to call him. Jay and Ben are her step-sons and while Ben finds it easy to draw near to her, Jay presents a contrast to his brother and changes his actions from one of love to distance on a whim. The love, hope, faith and endurance required from this family are a reminder that no life is free of hardships or pain, but there is also joy along with choices to make. I couldn’t close the book until the very end. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did, while looking forward to the next installment coming soon!
My rating is 5 stars!
Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Place-His-Heart-Southold-Chronicles/dp/0800722183/ref=sr_1...
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/ . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson.75457