Be Still My Soul ~ Review

Be Still, My Soul

Mysteries of the West #1

By Faith Blum

Read by Brantley Brumley

Be Still, My Soul is an intriguing read. The story is told primarily from Carsten's viewpoint. As a young boy, Carsten was taught thievery by his father. Carsten was skilled at it until the night he was caught in the act. Since that day, Carsten has changed for the better. But after his father is caught and convicted, the townsfolk view Carsten with suspicion, and when a robbery occurs, Carsten is the one and only suspect. What's worse, the marshal seems to have no intention of finding the true criminal. 

Carsten is determined to clear his name, but accepting help isn't easy for Carsten, even when his friends offer it. When it becomes clear that more is going on than theft, Carsten and his friends soon find themselves in even more danger than they had ever expected and need help. But will the help they need arrive in time? Or will Carsten be convicted of a crime he didn't commit because of the crimes of his father? Trust is a two-way street and is a lesson that Carsten and his friends need to learn.

This book would, in my opinion, appeal to homeschoolers. The main characters are all young adults who are trying to figure life out but with a faith-based support system. I feel that Susan K. Marlow is the author whose work I would most closely compare the style and feel of this story to. Anyone familiar with her Circle C and Goldtown series should enjoy this first book in the Mysteries of the West series. 

I enjoyed this book in the audio edition, which was read by Brantley Brumley. The reading was well presented, though I played it 1.5 times the normal speed as I read faster than the playback speed. At less than 4 hours, this is a perfect road trip companion, especially for those "Are we there yet?" riders. 

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: Be Still, My Soul
Series: Mysteries of the West #1
Author: Faith Blum
Publisher: Wild Blue Wonder Press
Release Date: November 20, 2023
Genre: Christian Western

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour." - Ephesians 4:28

When Carsten Whitford is arrested for a robbery he didn't commit, he struggles to clear his name that's already stained by his father's arrest from four years ago. Carsten is the sole supporter of his mother and he works the farm he has lived on his whole life.

The day after his arrest, Carsten's mentor gets him released until the trial. Carsten and his three friends work together to prove he didn’t rob the store since no one, especially the town marshal, seems interested in finding out who is truly guilty. The townspeople assume he is guilty because of his father’s past, including the girl Carsten wants to court.

Will Carsten and his friends find out who truly robbed the store or will they find something more sinister that could even lead to their own deaths? 

Chasing the Horizon ~ Review

Chasing the Horizon

A Western Light #1

By Mary Connealy

Chasing the Horizon is the first book in Mary Connealy's new series A Western Light. Beth and Ginny are escaping. It's the only way to live their lives free. But to do so they need to leave behind their identities and leave no hints behind of where they are going. As women of wealth, they must become common. And take a wagon train West rather than the train. And knowing the man they're trying to escape from they'll need to avoid any and all towns, and people. Which is a little problematic because wagon trains mean people, but fewer people than trains.

This story is told mostly through Beth's perspective, but we get periodic glimpses of Thaddeus's efforts to find his wayward and rebellious wife and daughter. And the extremes he goes to are awful. He is a character that has no redeeming qualities. While Beth, on the other hand, finds someone who is the total opposite of her father in Jake Holt, the wagon-train scout. But can she trust him with the secret she is keeping? 

I haven't read all of Mary Connealy's books, but of the ones I have read, this is, in my opinion, the best. This is a historical fiction that uses, as its primary focus, the very obvious lack of rights that women had. This truth is driven home by Elizabeth Rutledge's act of helping her mother, Eugenia, escape from an asylum. An asylum her father, Thaddeus Rutledge, committed her to for having opposing viewpoints from him, and even more disturbing, she refused to turn over the money in her trust fund. I know it is shocking behavior and a clear sign that she is not to be trusted (cue eye roll). 

This is an excellent read and one not to be missed if you are into Historical Western Fiction. This book is one that you won't want to put down. You'll be rooting for Beth and Ginny to succeed in their escape attempt. And hoping that someone, somewhere will thwart Thaddeus.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

                                                        

QUICK FACTS

 Title: Chasing the Horizon

 Series: A Western Light (Book 1)

 Author: Mary Connealy

 Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Western & Frontier Romance

 Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (February 13, 2024)

 Length: (304) pages

 Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook 

 ISBN: ‎ 978-0764242656

 Tour Dates: February 12 – 26, 2024

About the Book:

Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon

Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.

Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step?

PRAISE FOR CHASING THE HORIZON

 "Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, Chasing the Horizon, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."—Sophia Rose, The Reading Frenzy

 5 STARS "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire

time I read it.” — Camille Dayton, Fostering Literacy

 5 STARS “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— Melissa Goss, Christian Books and Coffee

Purchase Links

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

About the Author:

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is Loving the Texas Lawman. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with The Accidental Guardian. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's Daughters, and has many other books.

She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren. 

Connect with her online at:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Wyoming Wild ~ Review

Wyoming Wild

By Sarah M. Eden

Liesl Hodges had tried her best to protect the citizens of Sand Creek from her father's murderous violence. But she can only do so much before his anger is turned toward her. But when she overhears him plotting to kill a respected US Marshal, she has no choice but to send out a warning.

When John Hawking receives an anonymous warning that his life is in danger, he has no choice but to investigate. Sand Creek seems peaceful enough, but once you look beneath the surface, everything isn't as it first appears. But finding the source of his warning may take more effort than Hawk first anticipated, but he hopes that Sheriff Hodges's daughter may help him find the answers he seeks.

When Hawk learns the truth about his warning, he discovers that stopping the injustice and evil that have made a home in Sand Creek just might be his hardest case ever because his stone-cold heart is involved.

Wyoming Wild is a delightful visit to 1876's Wyoming Territory. This book is a Western Proper Romance, and it is an excellent addition to the Proper Romance series. Liesl and Hawk are well-suited in their attempt to stop injustice and protect those under their care. Both have trouble with not acting, but this is one time when time and planning can't be rushed, not if they hope to stop the man who is plotting to end their lives.

As this is a Proper Romance, you are assured of a sweet romance that is most definitely in the Clean Romance zone. There is a bit of a mystery as to who is involved in what is happening in Sand Creek, but the main focus is on Hawk and Liesl and their connection. But can a young woman with every reason to distrust lawmen and a lawman who has hardened his heart have a chance at a happily ever after? If you are a fan of Sarah M. Eden's work you'll enjoy this newest offering. Or if you've never read her before, this is an excellent one to start with.  

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Hearts collide when a sheriff’s daughter asks a hardened US Marshal

to join her fight for justice and rid a small town of her corrupt father.

Wyoming Territory, 1876

US Marshal John “Hawk” Hawking is one of the most respected lawmen in the West, so when a telegram arrives from the small town of Sand Creek warning him of a death threat against him, he immediately begins an investigation.

Posing as a farmer, Hawk heads to Sand Creek, a town ruled by a violent and corrupt sheriff. Only one person is trying to stop him—Liesl, the sheriff’s own daughter. When she meets the self-assured and attractive new farmer, John, she hopes he might help her in the fight for justice.

John is completely unfazed by Sheriff Hodges’s attempts at intimidation, and Liesl is quickly swept up by Hawk’s courage and integrity. Just as quickly, Hawk finds himself falling for Liesl’s strength and bravery, as well as her grace and beauty.

When Liesl discovers John’s true identity, she feels betrayed. Despite her lingering distrust of him, Liesl agrees to work with him to enact a dangerous plan that will put the criminals away forever. Liesl must put her life, and her heart, in the hands of this lawman if she has any hope of saving her family and her town.