A Love Forbidden, a review

Moved by the desire for adventure and a yearning to help the Ute Indians, twenty-year-old Shiloh Wainright impulsively accepts a teaching position at the White River Indian Agency in northwestern Colorado. The new job, however, isn't what she imagined it would be, and Shiloh soon finds herself caught in the cross fire between the Utes, their unyielding Indian Agent, and the unrealistic demands of the US government. Her unexpected encounter with Jesse Blackwater, an embittered half-breed Ute and childhood friend, only complicates matters as they battle their growing feelings for each other amidst the spiraling tensions threatening to explode into a catastrophic Indian uprising.

Set amongst the wilds of the Colorado Rockies in 1879, this is a tale of a forbidden love and a faith tested in the cauldron of intolerance and the harsh realities of life on the untamed frontier. Bestselling author Kathleen Morgan deftly explores themes of mercy, fidelity to one's beliefs despite what others think or do, and compassion for those different from oneself as she plumbs the depths of the human heart and the healing power of God's love.

Several different things set this book apart from many others I've read.   First, the premise is unusual.   Even if you've read books indulging in the fight between cultures, so to speak, I don't believe many can focus so well as this book.   It is real, raw, challenging, and even sweet.   Secondly, there is a unique cast of characters.   You have Shiloh...who really didn't want to be in this part of the world.  And then Jesse.   And Jesse may or may not be able to help her along her way as missionary. You will have to see for yourself!  Lastly, the location- I thought settling the scenes in the Rockies was unique, and well done.   I loved all the challenges they met in the sense that they seemed to be a part of life, truly and realistically.    It was not easy to do what Shiloh did, and to be the people the Utes were.   I cannot wait until I can read this book again. Definitely a favorite!  

As a side note, I have always wanted to work on a reservation, with Native Americans. I am an anthropology major, and this book spoke to my heart on many levels. I will gladly share my enjoyment with it! 

Thank you to Revel/Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy in return for my honest review!

The Pursuit of Lucy Banning

Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work--and the classes she is secretly taking at the newly opened University of Chicago. When she meets an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

 Lucy Banning may live on the exclusive Prairie Avenue among Chicago's rich and famous, but her heart lies elsewhere. Expected to marry an up-and-coming banker from a respected family, Lucy fears she will be forced to abandon her charity work and squeeze herself into the mold of the well-dressed wife who spends most of her time and money redecorating.

When she meets Will, an unconventional young architect who is working on plans for the upcoming 1893 World's Fair, Lucy imagines a life lived on her own terms. Can she break away from her family's expectations? And will she ever be loved for who she truly is?

Get swept away into the lavish world of Chicago's high society as Olivia Newport brings to life an age of glitz and grandeur, stark social contrasts, and one woman who dares to cross class lines for what she believes.

*I was indeed swept away by this romantic, adventurous novel.   Olivia Newport is now on my list of favorite authors! I thought the setting brilliant, especially the World's Fair.   I loved the story lines involved...from the new love interest, Will, to other secondary characters you find your heart tied to as well.   Lucy is such a strong, enchanting woman- I kept wanting to know what she would do next, what was next in her life. Such anticipation!!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  Looking forward to the next installment!!!! Thank you to Revell/Baker Publishing for a complimentary copy, in return for my own review!

A Sweet Recollection

Our announcements, back in 2001 and early 2002!

The dress I DREAMT of, body and soul. It cost a mere $3350, however.

Just for fun, I'm pulling some memories out of my wedding, January 5, 2002.  One particular reason for doing this is to recall that dress I had wanted so very badly to wear.   But, that is okay, for I LOVED the dress I wore that special day, nonetheless. It complemented everything else about the wedding. It was romantic, soft, sweet.

This photo above I remember, clearly, dreaming of this dress.   It is still a dream I will hold on to..to wear something close to this look, even for a photograph costume/prop.   Isn't the lace wonderful? The bodice lines? The sleeves?  Simple, but breathtaking.   Classic, but more than just endearing....promising and pure.  

A recently engaged couple in Nashville, TN. Summer 2001

My infamous Bridal Book, in which I prepared lists, samples, things that inspired me along the journey.

Yes, that is an advertisement clipping which said "Rich & Creamy" but is covered to say "Rich & Amy." :)

A closer look to the exquisite nature of that dreamy dress....

This dress is VERY similar to what I ended up with! Layers, rosettes, candlelight color, semi-cathedral length, and strapless

A clipping in my notebook to inspire.  I remember I had loved the bouquet, especially.

A closer look at the dress similar to the one I wore that very special day!

Another clipping in my notebook, to inspire my decision on bridesmaid dresses. Those ended up being black, and had that draping look you see here.   They were not strapless, however, and we accented the dresses with pearl bracelets.