About the Book
Book: Harmony on the Horizon
Author: Kathleen Denly
Genre: Christian Historical Romance
Release date: January 4, 2022
Her calling to change the world may be his downfall.
On the heels of the Great Rebellion, Margaret Foster, an abolitionist northerner, takes a teaching position in 1865 San Diego—a town dominated by Southern sympathizers. At thirty-seven years of age, Margaret has accepted spinsterhood and embraced her role as teacher. So, when Everett Thompson, the handsomest member of the School Board, reveals his interest in her, it’s a dream come true. Until her passionate ideals drive a wedge between them.
After two decades of hard work, Everett Thompson is on the verge of having everything he’s dreamed of. Even the beautiful new teacher has agreed to his courtship. Then two investments go south and a blackmailer threatens everything Everett has and dreams of.
As Everett scrambles to shore up the crumbling pieces of his life, Margaret unwittingly sets off a scandal that divides the small community and threatens her position as teacher. With the blackmailer still whispering threats, Everett must decide if he’s willing to risk everything for the woman still keeping him at arm’s length.
Click here to get your copy!
My Review
The story takes place in 1865 San Francisco & San Diego. The main characters from each city cross paths and the author did an excellent job at portraying each. The time period is represented well and due to the descriptions of each city, I felt like I was there.
There are heart-wrenching scenes where the main character's strength is tested. Scandal, lies, and bribery, as well as, an ample amount of faith and struggles to do God's will kept me engaged.
I loved Margaret's courage, conviction, and ability to keep her faith. Also, Katie with a terrible family life still stood strong in her faith and I admired her resolve. They were both strong women. Fletcher and Everett both had to come to terms with their past and struggled.
I thoroughly enjoyed following the characters' growth and highly recommend the book. It will stay with you and get you pondering as you read the message.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily choose to review it.
About the Author
Kathleen Denly lives in sunny California with her loving husband, four young children, and two cats. As a member of the adoption and foster community, children in need are a cause dear to her heart and she finds they make frequent appearances in her stories. When she isn’t writing, researching, or caring for children, Kathleen spends her time reading, visiting historical sites, hiking, and crafting.
More from Kathleen
Who Invented Romance?
I don’t know if you’ve heard, but romance novels are sometimes viewed as the black sheep of the fiction industry. For various reasons, some people view romance stories with a disdainful eye. Knowing this, I still choose to write romance stories and some may wonder why.
First and foremost, I’ve had a passion for romance for as long as I can remember. I was absolutely one of those typical little girls who played dress-up in her mother’s clothes (or in my case, her lingerie. Eek! I had no idea. LOL) and planned my future wedding day. For reasons I can’t explain, the idea of a man and woman falling in love and pledging their life to one another has always enthralled me.
Or perhaps I can explain.
You see, I was raised in a Christian family and have always been exposed to the Bible. Have you ever looked at your Bible from a romantic perspective? When you stop to consider it, there is more than enough romance in God’s Word to justify placing it on the Romance Novel shelf in a bookstore. At least there would be if novels weren’t inherently fiction and the Bible wasn’t entirely true. (And aren’t we grateful that the Bible is completely true?)
So, in a way, one could say that God is the first romance author. After all, what is more romantic than a groom sacrificing his life for his bride? It even has the requisite happy ending, because He rose from the dead and will return for His bride.
The thing is, God isn’t just a romance author, He’s the inventor of romance. He was the first to demonstrate what love truly is. He is the one who defines it and describes its fruits so that we can recognize it when we see it. It’s His love that gives us life.
And the thing about romantic love is that it has a unique power to change people, to break down their emotional walls in ways that might not happen otherwise. There is a reason God designed man and woman to be together. Many reasons, in fact. But I am convinced that one of them is His ability to use that beautiful relationship to draw His children closer to His own heart.
So yes, some may look down on romance novels and those who read or write them, but I stand tall and proud, because I know that true romance–the kind God authors–is something to cherish and honor. I am blessed to be able to share God’s truths through the wondrous stories of two hearts joining together as one.
Blog Stops
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 6
Bizwings Blog, January 7
Austen’s Angle: Jane Austen’s Influence in Modern America, January 7
Texas Book-aholic, January 8
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, January 9
The Christian Fiction Girl, January 9
Inklings and notions, January 10
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 11
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 11
deb’s Book Review, January 12
For Him and My Family, January 13
Mary Hake, January 13
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, January 14
Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, January 15
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 16
Blossoms and Blessings, January 16
Connie’s History Classroom, January 17
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 18
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 19
Book Butterfly in Dreamland, January 19
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Kathleen is giving away the grand prize package of a Kindle Fire HD8 Plus, a custom Harmony on the Horizon Kindle case, a Harmony on the Horizon altered notebook, a Chaparral Hearts pen, a pair of earrings, a pin, and a scripture keychain!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
https://promosimple.com/ps/17190/harmony-on-the-horizon-celebration-tour-giveaway
