Tag Archive | Sharlene MacLaren

Her Rebel Heart by Sharlene MacLaren

Mar8

A Gift Freely Given

Her Rebel Heart by Sharlene MacLaren is a marvellous Christian historical novel set in 1863 at the height of the American Civil War.

The novel is about the faithfulness of God. He is there in the good and the bad times. “You’ve got the hand of God on you, protecting you.” Even when we do not know God, He is there, knowing, loving and protecting us.

Within the book we witness the birth of a new Christian. It is beautiful to watch as a character opens her heart to God. “Why should God – if He existed – pay her any mind? She had nothing to offer Him in return.” The free gift of grace is sometimes something people cannot comprehend in a world where everything costs something. We need to come to God just as we are and He will transform us from the inside out.

In building a relationship with God, we need to talk to Him in prayer, read our Bibles and meet with other Christians at church. A new Christian has awe, wonder and excitement at all these things. May we never become stale and lose our passion for God. Each time we read our Bibles, it is a fresh word from God. We may read familiar passages over and over but God will bring new insight just when we need it.

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Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren

Jan27

Following Your Calling

Their Daring Hearts by Sharlene MacLaren is a delightful Christian historical romance. It is the second book in the Forever Freedom series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Set at the height of the American Civil War, the reader sees the futility of war. “Both sides of this ugly war think they’re right.” There are no winners in war. Both sides have mothers losing sons. Children losing fathers. Civil war seems even more futile. Fighting over the issue of freedom, both sides are locked into war.

Spies appear in war. The novel explores this topic, as well as the issue of appearances and trying to live as someone else.

The novel is about duty. The call to do the right thing.

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Summer On Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren

Jan28

God’s Perfect Plans

Summer On Sunset Ridge by Sharlene MacLaren is a Christian historical romance and I loved it.

Set in 1855, America is divided over the question of slavery. The South upholds this abhorrent practice whilst the North kicks against it, with pockets of people helping escaped slaves. Men are all created equal and should never be divided by colour. “It is not right for human beings to be treated as personal property just because of their skin colour.” Sharlene MacLaren shows just how awful this practice is. There are some uncomfortable moments in the novel. Sharlene MacLaren does not sugar coat the attitudes of the South who were uncaring at best and brutal at worst.

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