Customer Reviews

Sarah My Beloved (Little Hickman Creek Series #2)

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If you are a romance fan and have never read Sharlene MacLaren's books, you are missing out. She is one author that can always be counted on for a great story, great romance and a happy ending. "Sarah, My Beloved" is just one of those great stories.

In book #2 from her Little Hickman Creek series, MacLaren continues her story of the residents of Little Hickman, Kentucky, this time with her focus on Rocky Callahan and the town's newest resident, Sarah Woodward. Sarah has traveled all the way from Boston as a mail order bride to marry Ben Broughton, but discovers upon her arrival that he has fallen in love with the new school teacher. Even though she is certain God has lead her to Hickman, Sarah is now at a loss as to what His plans are for her. Enter Rocky Callahan (a friend of Ben's introduced in book #1) with his two charges in tow. His niece and nephew are now his responsibility after the death of Rocky's sister, and Rocky has his hands full taking care of them and running his farm while dealing with his own bitterness and grief from losing his wife and son. Even though they don't care much for each other, Rocky offers Sarah a marriage of convenience: he provides her with food, shelter and the protection of his name, and she gives him help with the children, prepares meals and other household chores. A bit hesitant at first, Sarah accepts, if for no other reason than to avoid having to marry a childhood friend that doesn't seem to understand she has no feelings for him. As time passes, the two grow fond of each other but always seem to get interrupted as the romance starts to light up. Rocky finally gets his big chance to tell his wife he loves her, in spite of all the interruptions.

I have read three of MacLaren's books and enjoyed each one. Her characters are always very real and deep. "Sarah, My Beloved" is another great story that has it all: good storyline, likeable and believable characters, and plenty of good romance. All of the main characters have lost someone to death but are dealing with their grief in different ways. Rocky's bitterness toward God is understandable, and readers will hurt for him as he struggles with the deaths of his family. Sarah misses her recently-deceased mother terribly, but she also has the assurance of seeing her again in heaven one day and is at peace with God about His plans for her in Kentucky. Rocky's niece and nephew have lost both parents and their grief is still very fresh. Together the four of them learn to cope with their losses and bond as a family. I love the marriage of convenience storyline, and MacLaren's take on the theme is excellent. The romantic tension between Rocky and Sarah is delightful, and readers will keep their fingers crossed hoping things turn out well for them. All of MacLaren's books are wonderful, and the quality of her stories improves from one book to the next. I am anxiously looking forward to her next book, "Courting Emma", which will be released in the spring of 2008 and concludes her Little Hickman Creek series. Till then, be sure to add "Loving Liza Jane" and "Sarah, My Beloved" to your collection!

I've just finished reading this and had to write a review. I read Loving Liza Jane first and really got pulled in. There's something about Sharlene MacLaren's writing style that I especially enjoyed. But, this book was even better! I loved the way the story unfolded and the ending was just perfect, sweet and touching. Her male characters are delicious. Sorry, there's no other way to describe them. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of MacLaren's books. She's now on my must read list.

I have read all 3 of the Little Hickman creek series. I loved everyone of them. I really enjoy reading about what it was like in the 1800's and early 1900's. It gives me a sense of what my ancestors lived through. You can not go wrong with this book.

Finally!!! An Inspirational Historical Romance author who writes "real" romance that quickens the pulse and nourishes the soul! Three cheers for Sharlene McClaren and her Little Hickman Creek Series, a must-read for romance lovers everywhere. Ms. MacLaren is a master at weaving deep and stirring characters into a historical tapestry of rich and rugged pioneer life at its most endearing. Without question, one of my favorite authors!

This is the first book i ever bought from Sharlene Maclaren,and i love it ,It's a very good christian romance story without all the racey stuff ,Would highly recommend it,if you love to read,the first night after i got it i read 12 chapters i just couldn't put it down.I will be buying more books from her,A great author.

S. MacLaren has written an excellent book in "Sarah, My Beloved." Well worth the investment of money and time spent in reading it!

When I see the words "mail-order bride" on the back cover of a book, I get excited. These are my favorite reads, followed closely by marriage of convenience stories. I was in for a treat when I discovered Sarah, My Beloved by Sharlene MacLaren, because this story involves the former turning into the latter. A well-written tale with captivating characters I loved from the start, Sarah, My Beloved exceeded my expectations. The ever-increasing emotion and conflict kept me turning pages eager to find out how two strangers could overcome the obstacles MacLaren throws in their path. It's easy to see why this book has garnered so many great reviews. Like others, I highly recommend the story, confident those who love a historical with heart will enjoy this book from an author who's delivered a moving inspirational romance.

The author does a great job again of reeling you into another 'can't put it down' book,in Sarah My Beloved.This author's work should be approached with caution. Once you start a book by her,if you don't have the privacy,and time to read,you will probably be a grouch,if you do not wait until you do. Another book with a great story and character development. Be sure to do yourself a favor and check out this series of books.

I thought that Sarah My Beloved was PHENOMENAL! Can you imagine coming to a small town as a mail-order bride, only to discover that your groom is taken!? I loved how the relationship between Sarah and Rocky went from pure convenience to a loving marriage. It was great to watch their love bloom. A big thank you to Sharlene MacLaren for providing a great world to escape to!

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. The characters were well developed. The conversations were good. A fun book.