Lily of the Manor

Lily Broadbent isn't what society would deem as a proper English lady. To begin with her appearance is striking that those that see her believe she is a witch or something other than a woman based on her pure white hair, pale complexion and blue eyes. She also lives alone as a widow in Broadbent Manor with her servants and a collection of children she has taken into her home from orphanages. She believes that since she has been left with all her wealth and no heir to take over, she will do her best to ensure that every child she feels God has placed in her path will get a good education, food and a place to live where they can be loved. She only needs to find a tutor that can handle her brood of 11 orphans.

Frederick Woodstone is hoping to get the job as a tutor at the Broadbent Manor since leaving his vocation as a vicar. He only hopes that he can make a good enough impression that will win him favor to become an employed again. Unfortunately with no money to his name, he is forced to walk to Broadbent Manor in all his finery and wouldn't you know it, it begins to pour. He only hopes that the head of the house will understand why he couldn't afford to take a carriage. He is surprised to learn that Lily is the head of the house and even more surprised that he will not be teaching her children but a group of orphans in what can only be described as an ideal school room filled with everything he could possibly dream of to teach these young wards.

He just doesn't plan on falling in love not only with Lily, but also each of the eleven children, now under his tutelage. However when Lily's generosity garners the best of her intentions of taking food and supplies to a local family, she learns they all have the chicken pox, but she has not. Knowing that if anything should happen to her, she would lose custody of all the children she makes plans to put everything in Frederick's name, but even that won't curb her anxiety of losing everything she has worked so hard for. Is there another way?

I received Lily of the Manor by Anita Stansfield compliments of Covenant Communications. In accordance with the new FTC Guidelines for blogging and endorsements, you should assume that every book reviewed here at Reviews From The Heart was provided to the reviewer by the publisher, media group or the author for free and were received, unless specified otherwise. This is such a brilliantly written book that conveys what the meaning of forgiveness really means according to the ideas outlined in the Bible. Lily learns from Frederick how to communicate openly and how to draw people into a conversation with honesty and compassion and in time Frederick learns what truly motivates Lily to be so generous not only with her wealth but in the way she treats anyone she comes into contact with. Truly a beautiful story of unconditional love and forgiveness. I can't wait to read more by this author and this one deserves a 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion.

For more information about Lily of the Manor, Anita Stansfield, or where you can pick up a copy of this book today, please click on the links below:

Lily of the Manor by Anita Stansfield

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What Once Was Lost

Just looking at the title makes me want to think of the lyrics from Amazing Grace and the missing part is what you'll find in the latest novel from Kim Vogel Sawyer, What Once Was Lost. My husband even commented when I got this novel that I sure do have quite a few from Kim Vogel Sawyer and he's definitely right about that. She truly gets to the reader's heart once you enter the world of her historical novels. This one is definitely geared for fans that love a western flair and takes you back to the late 1890's in Brambleville, Kansas.

Christina Willems has taken over the care of Brambleville Asylum for the Poor, a home for those who need a place to live and a safe haven from the world around them that sees them as the outcasts of society. She inherited the position after the death of her parents, most recently her father and was raised in helping out those less fortunate than herself. She offers comfort to a group of poor and displaced individuals until something better comes along. Tommy Kilgore is the only blind boy and it seems he receives the worst kind of treatment by the people of Brambleville, who see him as the burden to society since he was in a boiler explosion and lost not only his eyesight but also disfigured part of his body. His parents abandoned him long ago with Christina and she's been trying to find a way to reach the part of his soul that lies buried deep inside. If only she could find a way to help.

When tragedy strikes the home through a fire that destroys the kitchen, Christina is forced to find temporary housing among the town's residents until the mission sends her the required funds to repair the home. She has found housing for everyone except Tommy and the last person on her list is the most unlikely of people to ask, mill owner Levi Johnson who prefers to be left all alone. Thankfully she manages to convince Levi it will only be temporary until she can find something else and it's during this time alone with Mr. Johnson, that Tommy is able to finally feel something more than simply a burden on anyone. Just what is it that Mr. Johnson does that draws Tommy out of his shell and will he be able to keep him there long enough for him to turn his life around? Just what caused the fire in the first place? Is it possible the reason Tommy fears returning back to the poor farm is that he has a secret he doesn't want revealed?

To find out, you'll have to pick up this heartwarming and emotionally moving story of renewal and restoration by Kim Vogel Sawyer. I received What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer compliments of Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for my honest review and received no monetary compensation for a favorable one. I whole heartily give this one a well deserved 5 out of 5 stars in my opinion because the story is such a compelling one to immerse yourself in. You have to understand the timing in history in the late 1890's where a woman's place was not in running a business so the town isn't exactly thrilled that a poor farm in located in their small town and much worse that it is being run by a woman. Yet Christina is a fighter and a firm believer that God will give her whatever she needs to keep the poor house running and the family together despite whatever odds are against her, but can she fight the mission board as well? Is this God's true purpose in her life after all or one merely that Christina wants? You'll love exploring the answers in this wonderful novel.

For more information about What Once Was Lost, Kim Vogel Sawyer or where to pick up a copy of this novel today, please click on the links below:

What Once Was Lost by Kim Vogel Sawyer

You can also find Kim Vogel Sawyer on Facebook to stay up to date with all her latest novels.

To read more reviews on What Once Was Lost on the Waterbrook Multomah Publishers website, please click here.