Heart of Stone was a heartwarming read. Set in the 1870's in Texas, this novel had me under its spell from the first pages. The characters were proper and gentile, but still with the strength that you would expect from living it a tough time and place. I loved the main characters. Laura Foster was a hurt woman with a tarnished past, but she overcame it, and developed into a strong woman. Brand McCormick was the town preacher who had strong morals and a family. Both had strengths that were put to the test, making this story more that just a good read. It held two very distinctive messages... One - you can't hide the past, and two - practice what you preach.
I really enjoyed the storyline, the morals and lessons that were presented and the Faith that was talked about. It was an excellent example of what I would expect from Christian Historical Fiction. Jill Marie Landis wrote a beautiful story, and I'm really looking forward to book two!
Why I rated this as for older teens through adult - There are scenes and discussions of prostitution, abortion, and selling children into prostitution.
Oh, before I forget, I must warn you...you might want to keep a box of tissues handy. :)
I really enjoyed the storyline, the morals and lessons that were presented and the Faith that was talked about. It was an excellent example of what I would expect from Christian Historical Fiction. Jill Marie Landis wrote a beautiful story, and I'm really looking forward to book two!
Why I rated this as for older teens through adult - There are scenes and discussions of prostitution, abortion, and selling children into prostitution.
Oh, before I forget, I must warn you...you might want to keep a box of tissues handy. :)
Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed Heart of Stone (Irish Angel, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
I love books that are full of suspense, especially when I don't expect it. Historical romance novels are not typically known for suspense, but this one had just the perfect dose to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire book. Most everyone had a secret of some sort, and all I could do was patiently wait as they were revealed and the reactions to those secrets shared.
Laura's character had such a genuine quality about it. I loved that she stuck to her guns about creating a new life for herself after the horrible circumstances in her childhood....even though her new life was a lie. She was deadly serious about no one learning that she had been forced into prostitution as a child because she knew as soon as her secret got out, her new life would crumble all around her. The author did a great job of subtly sharing Laura's feelings of unworthiness, but equally sharing how she would love to one day have a man care for her, and not because of what she could offer them physically.
The relationship that developed between Laura and Brand was slow and gradual, but very beautiful. There were lots of bumps along the way, none of them pleasant. Brand had to deal with a huge secret from his past, and Laura got a couple of threats from men that are ready to expose her for what she used to be. In spite of all the roadblocks, their attraction for each other became stronger and stronger. But for it to last, they had to overcome each others' past and the secrets that it held.
Since reading Heart of Stone, I cannot wait to read what Ms. Landis has in store next in this series! There were several moments when I noticed a similarity to Julie Lessman's style of writing. Julie is known for her passionate storytelling, but also for some of the heated scenes that her characters find themselves in. Ms. Landis, by comparison, also had several scenes in this book that just crackled with intensity, whether it was a romantic scene or one where the suspense was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Ms. Landis is a very talented author, and one I'll be watching for a LOT more in the future!
Laura's character had such a genuine quality about it. I loved that she stuck to her guns about creating a new life for herself after the horrible circumstances in her childhood....even though her new life was a lie. She was deadly serious about no one learning that she had been forced into prostitution as a child because she knew as soon as her secret got out, her new life would crumble all around her. The author did a great job of subtly sharing Laura's feelings of unworthiness, but equally sharing how she would love to one day have a man care for her, and not because of what she could offer them physically.
The relationship that developed between Laura and Brand was slow and gradual, but very beautiful. There were lots of bumps along the way, none of them pleasant. Brand had to deal with a huge secret from his past, and Laura got a couple of threats from men that are ready to expose her for what she used to be. In spite of all the roadblocks, their attraction for each other became stronger and stronger. But for it to last, they had to overcome each others' past and the secrets that it held.
Since reading Heart of Stone, I cannot wait to read what Ms. Landis has in store next in this series! There were several moments when I noticed a similarity to Julie Lessman's style of writing. Julie is known for her passionate storytelling, but also for some of the heated scenes that her characters find themselves in. Ms. Landis, by comparison, also had several scenes in this book that just crackled with intensity, whether it was a romantic scene or one where the suspense was enough to make my heart skip a beat. Ms. Landis is a very talented author, and one I'll be watching for a LOT more in the future!
3.5 stars
When the Potato Famine hit Ireland, Laura Foster came to New Orleans with her family to find a better life. What they found was more poverty. When her parents died shortly after, Laura and her 3 sisters were divided up by her uncle, the two youngest were sent to an orphanage, Laura and her sister Megan were sold elsewhere.
Years later Laura has invented a new life, name and history and is living in Texas as a successful business owner and widow. When Reverend Brand McCormick begins courting Laura, she fears her past will ruin him and her.
Honestly, had I known this was an inspirational or religious historical romance I never would have ordered it; its just not my thing. I thought I was getting a regular historical romance and the story blurb on the back intrigued me. Moments before reading I stumbled on a review stating the religious aspect of the story and I was not happy, but I decided to read it anyway.
Three quarters of the book I was happy with, the religious part of it really didnt overwhelm me or color my enjoyment. I was loving the story, the characters and the shady past of Laura and Brand. Its a very human story, emotional, heart breaking and real. I was so enjoying it I had made up my mind to order the next book in the series so I could find out what happened to Lauras sister Megan.
Then the last quarter of the book, the church got in my way. It just got too religious and saccharine for my tastes and that made the story drag for me and I started to lose interest.
That being said, had God and a few of the hypocritical church people been left out of the story I would have absolutely loved it. And I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the religious and inspirational romances. It has a great message about pasts shaping who we are now, and how forgiveness in oneself is essential before you can seek and get forgiveness elsewhere.
Cherise Everhard, March 2010
When the Potato Famine hit Ireland, Laura Foster came to New Orleans with her family to find a better life. What they found was more poverty. When her parents died shortly after, Laura and her 3 sisters were divided up by her uncle, the two youngest were sent to an orphanage, Laura and her sister Megan were sold elsewhere.
Years later Laura has invented a new life, name and history and is living in Texas as a successful business owner and widow. When Reverend Brand McCormick begins courting Laura, she fears her past will ruin him and her.
Honestly, had I known this was an inspirational or religious historical romance I never would have ordered it; its just not my thing. I thought I was getting a regular historical romance and the story blurb on the back intrigued me. Moments before reading I stumbled on a review stating the religious aspect of the story and I was not happy, but I decided to read it anyway.
Three quarters of the book I was happy with, the religious part of it really didnt overwhelm me or color my enjoyment. I was loving the story, the characters and the shady past of Laura and Brand. Its a very human story, emotional, heart breaking and real. I was so enjoying it I had made up my mind to order the next book in the series so I could find out what happened to Lauras sister Megan.
Then the last quarter of the book, the church got in my way. It just got too religious and saccharine for my tastes and that made the story drag for me and I started to lose interest.
That being said, had God and a few of the hypocritical church people been left out of the story I would have absolutely loved it. And I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the religious and inspirational romances. It has a great message about pasts shaping who we are now, and how forgiveness in oneself is essential before you can seek and get forgiveness elsewhere.
Cherise Everhard, March 2010
A good story of a woman with a past and the preacher who loves her. Of course her secrets will be revealed and it turns out he also has a secret past. The character of Laura is interesting and well written. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Laura Foster had escaped from an unspeakable childhood and come to Glory, Texas four years ago to start her life over. She had cultivated the persona of a wealthy widow to a tea, and had gained respectability and standing in the town. However, she realized that her past was just a step behind. When Reverend Brand McCormick comes calling on her, Laura does everything she can to dissuade his attentions, worried for his reputation. What she doesn't know is that Brand has his own dark secrets.When a stranger arrives in Glory threatening to reveal certain secrets, Laura faces a heartbreaking choice: leave Glory forever or trust in God's forgiveness and in Brand's love to hold onto her life. I really enjoyed this book and give it an A+! It had me crying because it was so touching. I want to thank Ms. Landis' publisher for sending me a copy.
