THE DESIGN OF PROVIDENCE: AN ANTHOLOGY CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250 YEARS, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise

TEN AUTHORS: LYNNE TAGAWA, JAYNA BASS, AVELLINA BALESTRI, JOHN M. CUNNINGHAM Jr, TED LAMB, LYNN DEAN, SHANNON McNEAR, PATIENCE O'BRIEN, NATHAN STONE, RICHARD TUCKER

PAULA'S REVIEW:
This is a group of stories set from 1770 to 1785 during the American Revolution. It was chosen to be released in honor of the 250th Anniversary celebration of America.
 

These were diverse tales based on records of events and documents that shaped our nation. While they are fictional, they are well crafted with the purpose of showing both sides of the conflict and the bravery of those involved as well as their faith in God.
 

The stories help to awaken us to our heritage and caused me to be grateful for those who formed our country and fought for our freedom. This book showcases how God moved through and in the lives of our founding fathers. And pointed out that there were people of faith on both sides of the issues. 

 

I appreciate the research that went into this book and the variety of stories that were portrayed. All were well written and interesting to read. Perfect for the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
 

Recommended for those who enjoy this time period.
*A complimentary copy of the book was provided by Blue Rock Press on behalf of one of the authors. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are mine alone.* 5 stars and a solid faith thread

BackCover Blurb:
Before there was a United States, there was a dream forged in the crucible of revolution—and a steadfast belief that a divine hand was shaping the nation’s destiny. From the bloody snow of the Boston Massacre to the treacherous battlefields of the South, the path to liberty was fraught with peril, heartbreak, and impossible choices.

Intertwining fact and fiction, each story masterfully explores the personal cost of allegiance, the agony of families divided by war, and the quiet, persistent thread of faith that wove through it all.

Celebrate America's 250th birthday with this immersive, faith-filled journey into the soul of a nation's founding. 

 

Blue Rock Press, May, 2026

Available to buy in digital ebook and hardcover

at Amazon 

HEARTS OF GOLD by Grace Hitchcock, Reviewed by Paula Shreckhise #NewRelease

 

What a fun trio of stories from the late 1880s!

The Bridal Shop
I loved visiting Charleston and King Street where Alice has her shop. She is a strong woman who has overcome much. Giles is also hard working and would rather play tennis but chooses to honor his obligations. This was a sweet romance with obstacles of disapproving relatives and a few pasts to hide or overcome. I like the lyrical prose and descriptions of the bridal shop, playing tennis and life on the river.

Miss Beaumont’s Companion
Sweet romance with a Cyrano vibe. A masquerade ball and a companion to a rich spoiled girl. But the tables turn and the upright lawyer does the right thing instead of what his politically minded father wants. Great story.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche
A Harvey Girl story with breathtaking setting of the Montezuma resort in Las Vegas. I like the way the author weaves real historical events into the story. A patient and caring but brave hero, a determined heroine, both with a solid faith are well developed characters. The contrast between good and evil is well written.

Ms. Hitchcock is a reliable and relatable author in my favorite historical genre.
*I received a complimentary ecopy from the author. I was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.*5 stars and an underlying faith thread 

 

BackCover Blurb:

The Bridal Shop

Alice Turner, the owner of one of Charleston’s finest bridal shops, is determined never to be dependent on a man for anything after the disgrace of her father’s prison time. When her best friend requests Alice to be her maid of honor, she reluctantly sets aside her feelings on marriage and dons a stylish bridesmaid’s gown, never intending to catch the eye of the handsome groomsman. Will he be able to convince Alice to open her heart again?

Miss Beaumont’s Companion

When Italian lady’s companion Aria St. Angelo is coerced into posing as her political employer’s absent daughter for the evening at the Louisiana Governor’s masquerade ball, she wasn’t planning on falling for Byron Roderick—the most eligible bachelor in the capitol. But, when he pays call at the Beaumont’s home, Aria is quickly shuffled into the shadows once more, forced to watch him fall in love with another woman.

The Becoming of Miss Blanche

Content to remain a Harvey Girl forever, fiery Tacy Blanche has worked in nearly every Harvey House down the Santa Fe line. But, when she accepts the position of second waitress at the new Montezuma resort, Tacy isn’t expecting her former fiancé’s brother to return to her life—

Pinkerton Jasper Caffery had long abandoned hope of ever finding Tacy again, but while on holiday in New Mexico, Jasper collides with the woman who had never noticed him before. He decides to take his chances and attempt to woo her. However, when Tacy’s past catches up with her, more than Jasper’s heart is at stake.

Valmont House Publishing, August 2023

Available in digital ebook, paperback, and hardcover 

 

Buy HEARTS OF GOLD at Amazon