Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Christian Romance Past and Present

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The Memory Garden by Jessica Brodie — A Faith‑Filled Story of Healing and Hope

Posted on October 13, 2025October 13, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Life doesn’t always hand us easy beginnings. The Memory Garden starts with heartbreak—but blooms into a story of faith, purpose, and quiet redemption.

When a Story Begins with Brokenness

Some stories start with pain, and The Memory Garden by Jessica Brodie opens right there—with heartbreak and honesty. Rebecca wakes up in a hospital bed after taking a bottle of pills, convinced her life no longer has worth.

Honestly, I almost closed the book. I didn’t want more sadness. But something inside urged me to keep reading, and I’m so glad I did.

Christian Fiction About Healing and Grace

What unfolds is a tender, transformational story of faith, healing, and hope. This Christian fiction novel follows Rebecca as she returns to her grandmother’s home in Dahlia to recover and rediscover herself.

Parallel to Rebecca’s journey runs another thread—the story of Devon, an eleven‑year‑old boy also living with his grandmother. His life is drastically different, marked by need and struggle, but Devon shines with a faith many adults long for. Through his eyes, both Rebecca and the reader witness how God can bring light into even the darkest corners.

Clean Christian Fiction that Touches the Heart

There were moments when my heart truly ached for Devon. I wanted to scoop him up, take him home, and show him kindness and warmth. That, to me, is what makes The Memory Garden so moving—it reminds us that even in fiction, compassion changes lives.

This isn’t a preachy Christian fiction book. It doesn’t lecture; it gently illustrates that salvation comes through believing Christ died for us. More beautifully, it reminds believers that we’re called to be His hands and feet—to live faith through simple acts of love.

woman wearing hat, looking at home with a big front porch
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Small Acts of Faith Make Big Differences

The Memory Garden nudged me to look around my own life and ask, What small thing could I do today? We don’t need grand gestures. God often multiplies our smallest acts into something greater than we can imagine.

The story becomes a gentle call to action: to stop waiting for “someone else” to make a change, and instead to step forward in love, however quietly.

Why This Book Is Worth Your Time

Despite its difficult beginning, this is a novel of redemption, faith, and new beginnings. If you love clean Christian romance or faith‑filled novels that dig deep but leave you filled with hope, you’ll find The Memory Garden both tender and transformative.

This emotional and inspiring Christian fiction review might change how you view compassion and remind you of the unshakable grace God weaves through every story—including yours.

Let’s Chat

Have you read The Memory Garden or another faith‑based book about healing that touched you deeply?
Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear how stories of hope have shaped your faith journey.

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7 Heartwarming Christian Historical Christmas Novellas to Bless Your Holiday Reading List

Posted on October 10, 2025October 10, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Christmas is the perfect time to slow down, sip cocoa, and wrap yourself in a story filled with hope and faith. If you love heartwarming tales about redemption, family, and God’s love shining through the season, these Christian Christmas novellas will bless your heart and strengthen your spirit.

These are short, meaningful reads you can enjoy by the tree—or tuck into a stocking for a thoughtful gift! Yes! You can gift ebooks!

woman with hair sweeping to the side of her face, two horses pulling sled in snow

A Christmas Wish

When life doesn’t go as planned, a single prayer can still change everything. A Christmas Wish brings faith, second chances, and the miracle of love to one snowy Christmas night. Readers looking for hope and joy will find this a story they’ll remember long after the lights come down.

Perfect for fans of faith-based romance and small-town miracles.

farm in snow with a tree and fence

Mistletoe and Memories

An anthology of romance and nostalgia, Mistletoe Memories captures multiple generations discovering the real meaning of Christmas. It’s a cozy, reflective collection that weaves together history, faith, and love.

steam engine going through snow covered tracks

Destination Christmas

Amid the bustle of a frontier railway station, two travelers discover that God’s plans outshine their own. Pam Hillman weaves frontier grit, heartfelt faith, and festive warmth into an unforgettable historical love story.

book cover with a woman, snow and pine tree

Christmas Comes to Little Hickman Creek

In 1890s Kentucky, a devoted schoolteacher and a newcomer doctor discover that God’s timing—and His love—bring the truest Christmas miracles.

book cover, train with snow on the tracks

A Wreath of Snow: A Victorian Christmas Novella

On a snow‑bound train in 1890s Scotland, a young woman unexpectedly reunites with the man who broke her heart—and learns that forgiveness can light even the coldest Christmas night.

book cover for an ivy hill Christmas, man with top hat looking at mansion

An Ivy Hill Christmas: A Tales from Ivy Hill

Returning to his hometown for the holiday, a reluctant gentleman finds that love, generosity, and faith can transform even the most stubborn heart this Christmas.

cover for snow angel A high-Country Christmas

Snow Angel: A High-Country Christmas

In the rugged Colorado high country, a widowed cowboy and a resilient young woman discover that God’s grace can heal past wounds and bring new love beneath the Christmas snow.

Why You’ll Love These Christian Christmas Novellas

Each of these stories shines a light on God’s faithfulness in the season of miracles. Whether you want something romantic, reflective, or inspirational, you’ll find comfort and joy in each page.

So grab a blanket, brew some tea, and let these stories remind you of why Christmas hope never fades

*book links are affiliate links. I might earn enough for—good question! I can say not enough to buy a postage stamp in the US.

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10 Cozy Christian Romances Perfect for Fall Reading

Posted on October 1, 2025October 1, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

When the air gets crisp and pumpkin spice starts showing up everywhere, I always find myself reaching for cozy reads. For me, fall and fiction go hand in hand—there’s just something about autumn romance that reminds us of change, second chances, and God’s grace during every season.

If you’re like me and you want your autumn TBR pile to be filled with heartwarming, faith-driven romance, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ve gathered a list of 10 Christian romance novels set in the fall (and yes, a few of my own are making an appearance too). These stories will give you all the cozy feels while also pointing you back to the One who authors the greatest love story of all.

Small-Town Contemporary Romance

These stories give you golden leaves, cozy hometowns, and plenty of small-town charm.

  • Autumn Skies by Denise Hunter — A mountain inn, a growing attraction, and the healing kind of love only God can orchestrate.

  • Fall Flip by Denise Weimer — If you love fall festivals and fresh starts, this contemporary romance is for you.

Seasonal Wedding & Novella Collections

If you like shorter reads that you can cozy up with in one sitting, these fall wedding romances are the perfect escape.

  • Autumn Brides by Kathryn Springer, Katie Ganshert & Beth K. Vogt — Three delightful novellas celebrating new beginnings in autumn.
victorian woman on top, railroad tracks on the bottom
  • From a Distance by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer — Set against the backdrop of a small Tennessee town, a romance blossoms from afar, but trust and faith must bridge the gap before love can take root.

Historical Romances

Looking for something with a historical twist (but still clean and faith-friendly)? These will sweep you back in time while still keeping that autumnal warmth.

woman looking at man in field

A Bride’s Dilemma in Friendship, Tennessee by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer— When a spirited woman and a determined man find themselves caught between duty and desire, will God’s plan for their lives be bigger than the secrets they’re hiding?

book cover woman looking away from the reader at an old town

A Promise in Haste in Knob Creek by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer — Rushed vows made in uncertain times spark a marriage of convenience—will hurried promises deepen into a lasting love built on trust and God’s grace?

woman holding a valise stepping out of a stagecoach

A Promise Given in Knob Creek by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer— In a town where everyone knows your name, one promise could change the course of two lives forever—if they have the courage to follow God’s leading.

  • An Autumn Kiss by Laura Rollins, Annette Lyon, and Sarah M. Eden — Three cozy Regency-era romances filled with autumn settings and sweet love stories.

Devotional + Fiction Inspo

For when you want your reading time to be refreshing for the heart and soul.

  • The Prayer Jar Devotional: Autumn by Wanda E. Brunstetter — Blends inspiration, devotional encouragement, and fiction excerpts for your cozy fall quiet time.

Contemporary Christian Romance with Autumn Vibes

Sometimes the season is more subtle—but the cozy themes and faith-centered love stories will still give you all the fall feels.

  • Falling for You by Becky Wade — A heartfelt tale of family, faith, and second chances with a cozy seasonal atmosphere.
  • Second Chance for Love in Summit County by Katherine Karrol–In Summit County, even broken hearts find new beginnings under autumn skies.

A Final Thought

Whether you’re curling up under a blanket with hot cider, or sneaking in a few chapters while waiting at soccer practice, these Christian romance novels set in fall are sure to bless your reading season. They’re warm, cozy, faith-filled, and perfect for reminding us that even in seasons of change, God is always faithful.

And don’t forget—alongside these amazing authors, I’ve be shared a few of my own fall-themed Christian romances in this list too. I can’t wait for you to meet my characters, fall in love with their journeys, and see how God weaves hope and redemption into their stories.

So grab your blanket, your favorite warm drink, and let’s make this fall our coziest, most faith-filled reading season yet!

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When Promises Shape the Heart: Sadie’s Journey in A Promise Given in Knob Creek

Posted on September 15, 2025September 5, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
woman with long dress petting horse in a field at sunset

When Love Meets Faith on the Frontier

Writing A Promise Given in Knob Creek was a surprise—even to me. You see, Sadie wasn’t supposed to have her own story. She first appeared back in A Bride’s Choice in Central City (Book 3 of the Frontier Legacy Brides Series), and I figured that was it. A side character, a mention, a thread in someone else’s journey.

But Sadie had other plans. She kept nudging me. Her thoughts, her questions, her stubborn determination would not leave me alone. How desperate does a girl have to be to answer a mail‑order bride request—one that offers a one‑legged husband in exchange for nothing more than a horse and a home? What is it inside her that would cause her to take that kind of chance instead of turning back to her family?

I tried to ignore her (truly, I did). While I was writing A Promise in Haste in Knob Creek (Book 4), I thought surely that would close the door on Sadie’s part in this series. But she refused to slip quietly away. And, honestly? Those Cooper men needed wives, and Sadie seemed like just the right match for one of them.

The Weight of Words

Sadie’s persistence led me into questions I didn’t expect: Can promises really hold when hearts are uncertain? What do words mean when the price of failing to keep them is so high?

On the frontier, promises were more than polite agreement. They could determine survival, shape reputations, or seal futures. In Knob Creek, the keeping—or breaking—of a promise could mean the difference between loneliness and love.

Working through those questions made me consider how powerful words are in my own writing. Every sentence carries weight. Some words can belong in Sadie’s world; others cannot. During research, I discovered that the word okay—so common on our tongues today—wasn’t actually in use in 1873. That meant even in the flow of everyday dialogue, I had to pull back, ask myself, and carefully choose so the reading experience would feel authentic.

What This Story Offers

More than the details of wagons and lantern light, what I hope you take away from Sadie’s story is the heart that beats behind it:

  • Love that is not always easy, but deeply worthwhile.
  • Faith that steadies when life feels impossible.
  • Family, trust, and a reminder that God’s promises hold firm even when ours fail.

Behind the Pages

Researching the time and place of 1873 was an anchor for me—yet as much as I enjoy uncovering historical details, what always keeps me writing are the people. The spirited women who answered impossible calls. The men who carried both physical and emotional scars. Communities who were stitched together out of shared burdens and fragile hopes.

Knob Creek is more than a setting. It’s a place where faith is tested, promises prove their worth, and love carves a home out of uncertainty.

If you’ve been walking through the Frontier Legacy Brides series with me, you already know how deeply I care for these characters. A Promise Given in Knob Creek is another step in that legacy—a story pulled forward because one quiet woman refused to stay quiet.

And if you are just joining us, welcome. Sadie’s journey is one of courage, stubborn faith, and the discovery that even when our words fail, God’s promises never do.

I hope you’ll step into this story with me, and find yourself reminded—just as Sadie reminded me—that promises are sacred, and love is worth the risk.

A Promise Given in Knob Creek

woman holding a valise stepping out of a stagecoach
Get it here
Read the series

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Monday Review: City Girl, Country Bull: A Cowboy Church Novel

Posted on August 25, 2025August 25, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer


First of all the story is just fun. But more than that there are goats! I love goats, and Gunner’s goats from A Sweet Deal for the Cowboy are getting a nice little role here. Reading about goat yoga and baby goats makes me want to sign up for a class. I don’t think we have them where I live.


Back to the book
Willow White has brought back characters from her Bannan Ranch series, and if you love that series, you’re going to be excited about the Cowboy Church series. I so want to read book 2 already!


In City Girl Country Bull, you get to meet Iris, who is an adrenaline junkie on overdrive. Just reading a tiny bit about her made my heart race. She’s gone too far with her life as a New York paramedic and her credit cards.


Her parents give her the option of figuring it out on her own or moving to South Dakota to help her uncle. Seeing no real way out of her predicament in New York, she gives it a try, knowing she will probably die of boredom from small-town life.


Ha. Far from it! After she attends the Cowboy Church and meets Bull, she finds out adrenaline comes at a price, but will she be willing to accept that price?

I enjoyed escaping into this sweet romance. I think you might too. I don’t have any friends like Iris, so I have a new respect for first responders.

book cover field, two people and a fence
https://amzn.to/3JPgzOB

book cover with the cute face of a goat looking out from behind it, stumps
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Where Charles Dickens Stayed

Posted on August 11, 2025August 11, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Welcome to Lebanon, Illinois, founded in 1814, and then became a city in 1874. If you want to sound like a native use ‘none’ instead of ‘non’ at the end of the city’s name. A lot happened in that time. It was a brewing, manufacturing, and milling town, with flour mills, distilleries, five hotels, nine saloons and saw mills.

I have a great fondness for the paver street because my husband and another worker laid all of those pavers (by hand!) on Main Street. At the end of the street, there are bricks with my children’s names printed underneath. It was a big day for them. We took them out of school for the laying of the last row and the newspaper took their photo!

two story buildings brick street small town
Do you see the ‘fake’ trolley tracks? Lebonon had a trolley.

Charles Dickens made his way to America in 1842, traveling as far west as St. Louis—a big adventure for the time. Later that year, he published his book American Notes, about his experiences during the trip. On April 12, 1842, Dickens and his 13 companions stayed at the historic Mermaid House Inn before heading out the next morning. During his visit, he explored the town and wrote about his “Jaunt to the Looking Glass Prairie and Back,” capturing the charm of the area in his notes.

Just a year later, in 1843, Dickens penned what would become his most beloved work, A Christmas Carol. Some believe his visit to Lebanon sparked inspiration for the story—a fun piece of local lore that adds to the magic of his time here. A Christmas Carol is performed every holiday season at Lebanon’s own Looking Glass Playhouse, keeping the connection alive and well.

I wonder if Dickens went through this door. I find the architecture of the town fascinating.

Wooden door
Is DNA from Charles Dickens on this door?
finial on building post
You can’t see this detail without a telephoto lens.
Upper view of a building with supports
Looking up in towns like this often holds a surprise.

three story brick housse
Someday I hope to go inside this place!

Lebanon is also home to Illinois’ oldest college and Methodist-affiliated university in the United States, McKendree University.

sign for McKendree University by tall trees
It’s a pretty campus.

If you’re ever driving on I-64 in Illinois, this is a fun town to explore. It’s rather fun to think you’re walking the same streets as Charles Dickens. *It’s not far from Scott Airfield Base.

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So how does this town play into what I’ve written? So glad you asked! The Small Town Series have novellas related to a town not far from here. Trenton, Illinois.

old train in the background, book covers
Check them out here!
ebook on lake background, click to read for free All in Good time
https://dl.bookfunnel.com/axeondy2km

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Surviving Husband’s Hip Surgery: Entertainment, Tech Upgrades, and Desk Decluttering!

Posted on July 26, 2025July 26, 2025 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

If you’re a newsletter subscriber, you already know my husband recently underwent hip surgery. This isn’t a man accustomed to desk work; he’s constantly active, juggling multiple projects. Just before surgery, he was jackhammering and installing flooring! So, the question became: how does a wife keep a highly active husband entertained and prevent boredom during recovery?

Week 1: Entertainment to the Rescue

The first week was all about finding engaging distractions. Here’s what kept us (him!) entertained:

  • YouTube Binge: We explored various YouTube channels, including:
    • The Perkins Builder Brothers
    • Foresty Forest
    • Matt’s off-road recovery
    • Travel with a Wise Guy
    • Ghost Town Living
    • Sports highlights–not linking to those because you might not like the same teams
  • Quiz Channels: We discovered some fun quiz channels, such as:
    • Name That Theme Song
    • Things Your Grandparents Said
  • Puzzles—crosswords and sudoku both of these are apps on the phone
  • Classic TV Nostalgia: MeTV, an over-the-air antenna channel, became our go-to for classic TV shows. GRIT—lots of westerns

Week 2: Upgrading Tech and Decluttering the Office

By the second week, he was feeling more mobile and ventured into our shared office space. This led to a much-needed tech upgrade!

  • New Laptop Time: His ancient laptop, long overdue for replacement, finally got an upgrade. (This might not be a typical post-surgery activity, but it was necessary!)
  • Desk Decluttering: The new laptop project spurred him to clean out his desk drawers and cabinets. I’m slightly ashamed to admit his side of the office is now tidier than mine!

Improved Comfort and Productivity

The new, more compact laptop inspired some purchases to enhance comfort and productivity:

  • Laptop Stand: We invested in a laptop stand to improve ergonomics.
WALI Computer Monitor Stand for Desk, Adjustable Laptop Riser, Desk Monitor Stand Underneath Storage for Office, Home, School Supplies (STT003), 1 Pack, Black
https://amzn.to/4o5dv0u
  • Portable Laptop Desk: A portable laptop desk allows him to comfortably use his computer while watching TV.
AboveTEK Portable Laptop Lap Desk w/ Retractable Left/Right Mouse Pad Tray, Non-Slip Heat Shield Tablet Notebook Computer Stand Table w/ Sturdy Stable Work Surface for Bed Sofa Couch or Travel
https://amzn.to

We’re going into week three, and he is doing so well that I won’t have to find things for him to do. He’ll be sorting tools, I’m sure, and dreaming of the day he can get back to work. I wonder if I can get him to go through his closet before then?

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/axeondy2km

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Monday Review: The Paris Dressmaker

Posted on August 30, 2022August 30, 2022 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

We can sum up The Paris Dressmaker by Kristi Cambron up in one word—hope.

This book has been on my to-be-read list for quite a while and to be honest, it was because of the cover. I love that dress against the backdrop of the Eiffel tower. One shouldn’t judge a book by the cover, so they say, but we all know that’s not 100% true. The cover invites us to come in and discover what’s inside, a gift to be unwrapped.

This book settles you right into the lives of two women in Paris. The timeline weaves between before the Germans invade Paris and during the occupation. I found that confusing because it’s only a difference of a few years, not centuries, like most time-slip books. Cambron writes beautiful, and the story is compelling enough that I had to keep reading.

At the beginning, two normal women see what’s happening to their city but don’t really believe Paris will be involved. Before long, they discover no matter how much you hope evil things do happen.

Both women end up working for the resistance in different ways. They are called upon to dig deep for courage and hope for things they aren’t sure will happen.

One woman hopes she’ll see her French husband again. The other hopes to rectify a wrong she’s caused a man she loves.

To live in such a time that you don’t know if your neighbor or even your friend is someone you can trust, fearful that even an uttered phrase could endanger you and your family is unthinkable. Cambron shows you it isn’t. Using history and fiction, she brings us an awareness that we must be strong in our conventions and never fall asleep to what is happening around us.

What struck me while reading this is how my view of rationing has changed. Before 2019, I would read about food being hard to find and not have a vehement reaction. Reading this book now, I have a much different perspective on how scary and tiresome it would be to stand in long lines for a loaf of bread.

I said this book is about hope, and it is. Evil doesn’t succeed. This is a book I will recommend reading to anyone who enjoys a clean read, history and women of strength.

Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II—from fashion houses to the city streets—comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight an evil they could not abide.

Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Light slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hotel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and to bolster the fight for liberation.

Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant facade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.

Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.

Buy it or read in KindleUnlimited

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Monday Review of Welcome to the Hamilton

Posted on August 16, 2022August 16, 2022 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Tanya E. Williams gives us a gift in Welcome to the Hamilton. One would think the story of a family close to being evicted in 1927 as something tragic, and it is for sure. But Williams gives us so much more with her tale of Welcome to the Hamilton.

The Hamilton Hotel is a character in its own right. Imagine fighting to work at a brand new grand hotel in Vancouver, Canada. It’s the opening of the hotel and what goes on inside that intrigues the reader with how things work, how maids do their work and no one ever sees them. How fast must they work? What are the rules? Are they impossible to manage?

Then there are the two sisters, one who will do everything she can to keep her family from being kicked out of their home. The other sister seems to not notice there are problems at home with their father.

When both sisters try to get a job at the Hamilton, Clara is sure her beautiful, somewhat fanciful sister, Louisa will be offered the position. What then? Clara knows she can’t count on Louisa to save the family. Only Clara can do that.

The depth of the characters in Welcome to the Hamilton kept me reading. The setting had me thinking how much I’d love to stay at the Hotel Hamilton. I’d even get a passport and fly to stay there and meet these sisters. Fortunately, one doesn’t have to, just buy the book or request it from your library. Then soon you’ll be welcomed through the doors of the Hamilton and meet the sisters. Get the book here https://amzn.to/3QyfWrw

Welcome to the Hamilton has an ending that will satisfy the reader. There are no cliff hangers, nor tragic ending which I prefer. This well-written book is not only clean but shows the author’s skill in language, as she doesn’t resort to using curse words. Williams does not take the easy way out when writing difficult scenes. A mark of an intelligent writer.

maid with a hotel key strung with red ribbon.  It's time to book your room...

A family fallen on hard times. Two sisters with different dreams. Can a luxurious hotel forever change their lives?

Vancouver, Canada, 1927. The Roaring Twenties are anything but extravagant for seventeen-year-old Clara Wilson. With her family struggling to make ends meet and under the threat of eviction, she applies for a job at the soon-to-be-opened Hotel Hamilton. But with her impulsive, adventure-seeking sister quick on her heels, she may find herself battling more than she anticipated.

Feeling the intense burden of responsibility and doing her best to navigate the opulent hotel’s rigorous training program, her hopes for survival crumble when she encounters rivalry from an out-of-place socialite. And as both women strive to win the coveted position, Clara fears she could be losing the only way to keep her family afloat.

Will Clara overcome extreme adversity and save her loved ones from ruin?

Welcome To The Hamilton is the heartwarming first book in the Hotel Hamilton historical fiction series. If you enjoy resilient protagonists, illustrious backdrops, and blossoming sibling relationships, then you’ll adore Tanya E William’s tale of strength.

Buy Welcome To The Hamilton to step into an era of grandeur today!

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Monday Review of Memories of Glass

Posted on July 4, 2022July 8, 2022 by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer

Memories of Glass by Melanie Dobson is a time-slip novel set in 1942 Holland. I picked this one up to read because I was taking time off from social media reading. It was a better choice and one I think I’ll do more of. It’s always nice to read the entire story rather than fragments of thoughts on social media. 🙂 No worries, I’ll still show up there, just not ALL THE TIME.

Back to this book. First let me say that I loved Dobson’s writing so much that I went on to read a lot of her books, even though time-slip novels are not my favorite kind of read.

Memories of Glass is the story of Jose van Rees and Eliese Linden, childhood friends whose lives were upended by the war. While this is a tough story to read—families torn apart and sent to camps, children taken from their parents—all awful. Yet, Dobson was able to write this in a way that it was tolerable to read and absorb.

Josie becomes a nursery worker and Eliese, hoping to save her own family, becomes a register, keeping track of where Jewish families are taken. The courage these two women show throughout the story is to be celebrated.

The time-slip comes with the introduction of Ava. That took me a while to figure out the connection, but once I did it was a wild ride to redemption and justice.

There are some emotional parts to this book which one should expect when reading about this war. So if you only like to read happy books this might not be for you. Or if you are triggered by Holocaust stories, stay away from this one.

IF not… then pick this one up to read. Knowing the history of such events can only enrich your life and your beliefs, along with making you question what would you do? https://amzn.to/3bI9m27

Woman holding suitcase and holding hand of young Jewish boy.
https://amzn.to/3OXn9jG

Reminiscent of Diane Ackerman’s The Zookeeper’s Wife, this stunning novel draws from true accounts to shine a light on a period of Holland’s darkest history and bravest heroes.

1942. As war rips through the heart of Holland, childhood friends Josie van Rees and Eliese Linden partner with a few daring citizens to rescue Eliese’s son and hundreds of other Jewish children who await deportation in a converted theater in Amsterdam. But amid their resistance work, Josie and Eliese’s dangerous secrets could derail their friendship and their entire mission. When the enemy finds these women, only one will escape.

Seventy-five years later, Ava Drake begins to suspect that her great-grandfather William Kingston was not the World War II hero he claimed to be. Her work as director of the prestigious Kingston Family Foundation leads her to Landon West’s Ugandan coffee plantation, and Ava and Landon soon discover a connection between their families. As Landon’s great-grandmother shares the broken pieces of her story, Ava must confront the greatest loss in her own life—and powerful members of the Kingston family who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

Illuminating the story and strength of these women, award-winning author Melanie Dobson transports readers through time and place, from World War II Holland to contemporary Uganda, in this rich and inspiring novel.

READ IT NOW!

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