Great Train Robberies of the West by Eugene B. Block

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This book was part of my research for A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 in my “Second Chances” series. My characters take a train journey from Ohio to Oakland, California, in 1884.

Early western trains had express cars where an armed agent guarded the safes. There often carried gold from mines, silver coins, gold bars, bank notes, precious stones, and expensive jewelry. This tempted bandits to rob the train.

Some famous train robbers discussed in the book are Chris Evans, John Sontag, and Jesse James. Butch Cassidy and Kid Curry were the leaders of the Wild Bunch

These robberies took months of planning. Some bandits had previously worked on the railroad.

This book was interesting and easy to read. Recommended for those interested in learning the history of train travel.

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Men of the Steel Rails by James H. Ducker

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This book was part of my research for A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 in my “Second Chances” series. My characters take a train journey from Ohio to Oakland, California, in 1884. On the last leg of their journey, they rode in Palace cars.

This book was especially helpful for learning about the jobs of the train crews and engine crews and were scattered at 100-mile intervals. At division points they had repair crews, blacksmiths, machinists, and painters.

Clerks, train dispatchers, flagmen, baggagemen, and switchmen were a few of the jobs needed at train depots.

An engineer, a conductor, a fireman, and two brakemen made up the typical train crew.

This book provided wonderful details like these and I believe this book would appeal to those desiring to learn more about train travel.

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Cobalt Skies by Pegg Thomas

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

A More Perfect Union, Book 2

Susannah Piper had planned to go to Oregon to start a new life after the War Between the States with her husband. It seemed a good enough goal after he died. She’d head West, find a wagon train to Oregon, and start a new life. But a woman traveling alone faces many dangers.  

When Samuel Hickman, a Union cavalry officer, finally left the army behind, he never wanted to be in charge of anyone again. Rescuing Susannah Piper left him in a quandary. He couldn’t just leave her on the trail for the men who’d shot her to find her again. She wants to go to Oregon didn’t affect his plans to train while horses in the mountains.

But helping Susannah comes with a cost. The pair face danger and judgment and lots of surprises on the journey.

The story pulled me in from the beginning. So many believable, lovable characters with their own tragic stories to tell kept me turning pages. The author weaves the story swiftly from conflict to conflict while keeping the inner struggles of the main characters in focus.

Although this story takes place after the Civil War, I love how the author shows the struggles everyone continued to face because of it.

A beautifully written fast-paced adventure with surprises at every turn. It held my attention so effectively that I read the last half in one sitting. Such a great story. Well-done!

Recommended for readers of westerns and historical romance!

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American Notes by Rudyard Kipling

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Rudyard Kipling’s West American Notes

I checked this book out of the library when doing research for A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 in my “Second Chances” series. My characters take a train journey from Ohio to Oakland, California, in 1884.

I found his experiences interesting but he didn’t take the route I needed my characters to follow. Also, his journey happened five to six years after my story so it wasn’t a research book for me.

Kipling’s excellent writing transported me back in time. His well-written descriptions gave just enough details so that I could see the scene.

Recommended for readers who enjoy learning about the West in the latter part of the 1800s.

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Mr. Pullman’s Elegant Palace Car by Lucius Beebe

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

This book was part of my research for A Not So Peaceful Journey, Book 3 in my “Second Chances” series. My characters take a train journey from Ohio to Oakland, California, in 1884. On the last leg of their journey, they rode in Palace cars.

George Pullman was one of several in the railroad industry who built cars for passenger travel in the 1800s. The Palace car was an elegant way to travel for the more well-to-do guests and there were a variety of designs.

In the West, the Pullman Palace cars were painted canary yellow for a number of years.

One thing I love about this book is the many photos, early ads, and sketches of old cars. The descriptions included with them were quite helpful.

Recommended for readers who want to learn more about early train travel.

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Lucy and Thunder by Bettie Boswell

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Lucy is afraid of Thunder. Whenever a storm comes, her family has a lot of advice on how to deal with it. She tries to follow it, but is still scared.

Then when one of her furry friends is also frightened by Thunder, Lucy finds the courage to confront her fears.

This is a delightful book for adults to read to young children. It’s also a good book for new readers to read.

I love the illustrations! The author is not only a talented writer but also a gifted artist. She illustrated her own book.

The book is geared to children 3 – 7, and a great book for parents to read to their children at bedtime.

I will look for more books by this author!

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The Lieutenant’s Secret Love by Elva Cobb Martin

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Charleston Brides, Book 5

Hannah White’s father orders that his newborn infant be left to die when his wife dies at childbirth. Hannah has no idea that the family who finds and raises her are not her blood relatives until the truth is revealed the first time she meets her father at age sixteen.

Adam White learns that the girl he’s always considered isn’t actually his sister. He’s a lieutenant with the U.S. Navy when he learns differently. His feelings for the sister he’s always adored begin to reshape themselves in the months he is away.

His job is a dangerous one and Hannah prays for his safety. Hannah moves to Charleston where her aunt teaches her nursing skills. She catches the eye of other bachelors, but, her love for Adam changes with the knowledge of her true birth.

This story is so intriguing. It snagged my attention from the tragic prologue and kept me turning pages.

I enjoyed this story! There were twists and turns throughout the story that surprised me. The main story starts in 1800. I loved learning about the U.S. Navy and the job of the marines at the time. Forgiveness is a believable theme throughout the novel.

I will look for more books by this author!

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances.

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

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The Novel Proposal by Susan May Warren

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

How to create an outstanding book proposal

This writing help workbook is packed with helpful hints on strengthening your novel’s story.

Warren shows authors how to dig deeper to understand their story. It helps authors to consider the character’s greatest fear, the lie he/she believes, the motivation, wound, and goal that drives his or her choices.

This book was actually written to help writers create a book proposal. I actually still pull it out for nearly every novel I write. It’s so helpful to look over the questions as an aid to deepening the characters.

I’ve highlighted many sections for easy future reference.

I purchased this book several years at a writers’ conference. I’m so glad I did!

Recommend for authors, especially new ones. Such a helpful tool for writers!

Mary’s Moment by Susan G. Mathis

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Mary Flynn works as a telegrapher and switchboard operator at Thousand Island Park, and in the modern day of 1912, it’s the telephone that keeps her busiest. She lives with her two aunts on the island as the story begins. Though Mary wishes to marry, at twenty-eight, she is resigned to live as an old maid. She’s independent and loves her job.

Mary captures the interest of George Flannigan, a widowed fireman. Soon friendship begins to grown between the couple. Yet he can’t forgive himself for past failures. George worries if Mary will want to help his raise his six-year-old son, should their relationship progress.

A terrible fire sweeps across the island, bringing destruction and tragedy in its wake—and alters their relationship in a way neither could foresee.

I enjoyed this story! It easily snagged my attention with endearing, believable characters—and some readers won’t like. The fires seem to start in mysterious ways. There were some unpredictable twists and turns that I didn’t see coming, which made this a page-turner for me.

I couldn’t put it down. It’s a sweet and gentle romance. The little boy tugged at my heart.

I loved learning a bit of history about the islands as a natural part of the story. I now want to visit Thousand Island Park!

This is a new-to-me author. I will look for more of her books!

Recommended for readers of inspirational historical romances!

I was given a copy of the book by the author. A positive review was not required. The opinions expressed are my own.

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Room at the Table by Stephanie Pavlantos & Starr Ayers

Reviewed by Sandra Merville Hart

Encouraging Stories from Special Needs Families

What an inspiring book!

This book is filled with stories from special needs families.

Some are written by parents. Others are written by grandparents. Several are written by men and women with Down Syndrome or Cerebral Palsy or depression or other health conditions.

Have you ever wondered if their siblings feel neglected? There are several testimonials from siblings of various ages.

And at the end of every story are suggestions of “What You Can Do” to help families. I love these insights.

Each story is short, making it easy to read a chapter or two a day. The book highlights some of the struggles families face on a daily basis.

 Recommended!

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