Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren

I was burned out on prairie romance novels a long, long time ago. Remember way back when pretty much all we had in Christian fiction was Janette Oke and company? I've read every title by Janette, and a few others...and didn't want anymore.

So, when I was asked to review "Sarah, My Beloved", I was skeptical. But I love Christian fiction, period. And I love authors and helping them promote their books, so I said yes.

Again, this was a VERY good decision:-)

"Sarah, My Beloved" has all the elements of a basic prairie romance...a man (especially if he has children and is widowed), a woman (especially if she was a mail-order bride of some sort)...and a town that would today be called a "one-horse town".

But I was invested in these characters from the first few pages. Sarah isn't your typical mail-order bride. And Rocky isn't your typical widower. I suppose you could say Rachel and Seth aren't your typical orphans either.

Nothing about this story is typical. And that's why I love it! Spunky Sarah has Rocky on his toes from their first meeting, and he has met his match, for sure! I adored Rachel and how she watches over her younger brother, Seth.

This is a match I was rooting for just because they were SO unlikely to work. Do they work? Or does Sarah return to her--whoops!! Almost gave something away there! But it didn't work, and I'm not telling!

I give "Sarah, My Beloved" four out five bookmarks...but only because this kind of story doesn't "rock my world"...but, if it rocks yours...then prepare to be ROCKED!!!

Happy Reading!

Deena