Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane, Book 1) [Paperback]

Sharlene MacLaren (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 21, 2008

Growing up in the west Michigan resort town of Sandy Shores in the early 1900s, Hannah Grace, the eldest of Jacob Kane's three daughters, is feisty and strong–willed, yet practical. Between working at her father's general store and courting the town's physician, Ralston Van Huff, Hannah has her life planned out in an orderly, meaningful way. Or so she thinks.
Hannah's world turns upside down when the new sheriff comes to town. Gabriel Devlin is strong, outspoken, and a Christian, to boot–but he's sworn off women, having met ones mostly interested in money and apathetic about God.
Determined to ignore the newcomer's handsome looks, Hannah is drawn to him nonetheless by a shy, runaway orphan boy named Jesse. While Hannah works to befriend the shy vagabond, who's living with Gabriel until other arrangements can be made, God works in her heart. What plans does He have in store for this young woman who thought she had it all together?

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born and raised in west Michigan, Sharlene MacLaren attended Spring Arbor University. She traveled married one of her childhood friends and together they raised two lovely daughters. Now happily retired after teaching elementary school for 31 years, "Shar" enjoys reading, writing, singing in the church choir and worship teams, traveling, and spending time with her husband, children, and precious grandson. Shar is a regular speaker for her local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS' HOPE USA, a mentoring program for at–risk children, counsels young women in the Apples of Gold program, and is active in two weekly Bible studies. She and her husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with their lovable collie, Dakota, and Mocha, their lazy fat cat.

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: Whitaker House; 1ST edition (November 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603740740
• ISBN-13: 978-1603740746
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #50 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Women's Fiction > Domestic Life

More About the Author

After 31 years of teaching second and fourth grades, Shar decided to say, "Bye-bye, Students!" and "Hello, Writing World!" and it's been an interesting, exciting, challenging, and inspiring adventure. One thing she knows for certain--God dropped a seed of passion for writing in her heart back in the summer of 2000, and He's been growing it ever since. (Who else in her right mind would jump out of bed in the middle of the night just to run to the computer and finish a scene that all of a sudden comes together in her head?)

Shar started her publishing career with Whitaker House in December of 2006 when she launched the release of "Through Every Storm", a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year in 2007. On the wings of that, came her first three-book historical set called "The Little Hickman Creek Series" with an 1895-96 Kentucky setting. As a result of that series, Shar won the "Road to Romance" Reviewers' Choice Award in 2007 and 2008. and also picked up a third place award in the "Inspirational Readers' Choice Contest" in both 2008 and 2009.

In the fall of 2008, Whitaker House released a stand-alone contemporary titled "Long Journey Home", and in January of '09 launched her 3-book historical series, "The Daughters of Jacob Kane". Especially exciting to Shar about this series is its 1904-1908 West Michigan setting. Watch for titles: "Hannah Grace", "Maggie Rose", and "Abbie Ann", all available at Amazon.com or in most Christian bookstores near you! In the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 Shar was awarded second and third place standings in the "Inspirational Reader's Choice Contest".

Also made available in 2009 are the SPANISH Editions of "Long Journey Home" ("Un Largo Camino a Casa") and "Through Every Storm" ("En Medio De La Tormenta"). Please check these out through Amazon. You'll discover them when you locate all Shar's other titles. Beginning in September 2010, "Tender Vow" hit shelves, and in 2011, the three-book series, River of Hope, launched with its first title, "Livvie's Song".

Shar has had numerous speaking engagements, countrywide book-signings, television and radio appearances, and countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December 1975 and together they enjoy their two daughters, sons-in-law, and beautiful grandchildren.

Besides her involvement at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, has enjoyed involvement in KIDS' HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the APPLES OF GOLD program, and attends two bi-weekly Bible studies.

She and her darling husband, Cecil, live in Spring Lake, Michigan with Peyton, their lovable, sometimes naughty, collie, and Mocha, their lazy cat.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars HANNAH GRACE, December 18, 2008

By 

Tamara Tilley (Hume Lake, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane, Book 1) (Paperback)

HANNAH GRACE by Sharlen MacLaren is an enjoyable historical novel set in 1903. Hannah Grace, along with her two sisters, help her father run the family general store. Hannah is spunky, strong, and not afraid to say what is on her mind. Engaged to the town doctor, she feels her life is pretty much planned out for her. That is, until Gabriel Devlin, the new sheriff shows up in town.
Gabe Devlin shows up in Sandy Shores to take his post as the new sheriff. Unbeknownst to him, a runaway boy has stowed himself in Gabe's wagon. Jesse is disheveled, undernourished, and mute. Gabe spreads word of the imp in hopes of finding his parents, or at least an explanation for his runaway tendencies.
Hannah and Gabe get off on the wrong foot when Gabe brings Jesse to the general store. Hannah immediately assumes that Gabe is an unfit parent as she spies Jesse's ragged clothes and holey shoes. Gabe is instantly frustrated by Hannah when she treats him like yesterday's trash. But, he doesn't let on that he's the new sheriff, leaving Hannah to completely humiliate herself when she seeks out the new sheriff to raise a complaint about the man she met in her store and his neglected son.
The instant dislike that both Hannah and Gabe feel for each other begins to blur as they spend more time together, as they both decide to look after Jesse. Confused by her feelings, Hannah doesn't know what to do about her pending engagement. She realizes she's not in love with Ralston Van Huff but has an even harder time convincing herself that the growing feelings she has for Gabe is indeed love.
The pace of the book takes off as you learn Jesse's story and why it is he's on the run. It's up to Gabe to protect the little boy he's come to think of as a son, and Hannah Grace, the woman he's falling in love with.
HANNAH GRACE was a pleasure to read. The spirited characters MacLaren created were fun and believable. Though historical romance books often have the same plot outlines, HANNAH GRACE had some interesting twists that made for a fresh read.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic new series!, December 12, 2008

By 

Janna R. Ryan (Nebraska) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane, Book 1) (Paperback)

One of my favorite series of books is Shar MacLaren's Little Hickman Creek series. In the first book, "Loving Liza Jane", I was just captivated with her writing style, the storyline, the settings and the characters. She didn't disappoint in the following books either. I was sad to see that series end. So when I heard that she was writing the Daughters of Jacob Kane series I knew I wanted to check it out right away! So I delved into Hannah Grace and am so pleased to say that the settings, characters and storylines have changed - but Shar's writing style is fully intact and she has another series that is sure to be a winner. I really liked Hannah Grace and can't wait to see where she takes us with Maggie Rose and Abi Ann. She has picked another unique time and place and put a cast of characters around Hannah that made for a delightful jaunt everytime I opened the book. A new sheriff, a mute orphan, dad, 2 sisters, a band of murderers and thieves - a general store (I've always been delighted by general stores, maybe it's a Little House on the Prairie thing, I don't know), a growing town and the year 1904. It's fantastic. I'm already looking forward to the next one!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun, Spirited Inspirational Historical Fiction With a Bang!, December 15, 2008

By 

W. Barker ""http://wendisbookcorner.blogs... (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hannah Grace (Daughters of Jacob Kane, Book 1) (Paperback)

Perfect for : Personal reading, book club read

In a nutshell: This is a very enjoyable book. I was instantly pulled into the story. The Kane family is wonderful, and Hannah Grace (the eldest Kane daughter) is a wonderful and spirited young woman. She meets the new sheriff, Gabe Devlin, under strange circumstances, basically accusing him of abusing the boy he is with, who quickly runs out of the family store, Kane's Whatnot, causing Gabe to run after him, and Hannah to later storm into the Sheriff's office where she comes face to face with Gabe. I just love the pace of the book. It kept my attention riveted from start to finish. This is a fun read.

Extended Review:

Characters: I fell in love with the Kane family: daughters Hannah Grace, Abbie Ann and Maggie Rose , father Jacob Kane, and grandmother Helena. Gabe is the new sherrif in town, and he unknowingly brings Jesse Gant with him. Each character is wonderfully different from the others and helps the story to unfold in a way that keeps the reader's attention.

Story-Line: The book starts with a spirited discussion in the Kane household, and maintains its momentum throughout the book. I loved the intrigue surrounding Jesse, and the position it put Hannah Grace and Sherrif Devlin into.

Readability: I thought this book was an easy read and enjoyable from start to finish.

Overall: I absolutely love the cover! Isn't it beautiful?? I really enjoyed the book, and will be recommending it at my next book club. I will also keep my eyes out for the next book in the series!