Secrets and Wishes

by Kathleen Rouser

346 pages, Paperback

Published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[DevotedToHope · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Kathleen Rouser's Secrets and Wishes, readers are whisked away to the enchanting town of Stone Creek, Michigan, where the delicate dance of love and loss unfolds against the backdrop of the early 1900s.

Maggie Galloway and Thomas Harper, both widowed and grappling with the challenges of single parenthood, find their lives intertwined in unexpected ways. Their initial clashes, driven by their differences and past struggles, lead them on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and, ultimately, love.

Rouser's masterful storytelling draws readers into the heart of the narrative, where every emotion is palpable and every character feels vividly real. From Maggie's unwavering strength to Thomas's quiet resilience, each character is beautifully crafted, their struggles and triumphs resonating with authenticity.

As Maggie and Thomas navigate the complexities of their budding relationship, they are confronted with unforeseen obstacles, including the return of an old flame and the threat of a charlatan preying on their community. Yet, amidst the turmoil, their bond deepens, fueled by mutual respect, understanding, and a shared faith in God’s providential and guiding hand.

Secrets and Wishes includes the power of love, forgiveness, and second chances highlighting their transformative power when obeying God. Rouser seamlessly weaves themes of the Christian faith and redemption throughout the narrative, reminding readers of the healing that comes from opening one's heart to God and His love.

With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and compelling storyline, Secrets and Wishes is a captivating read. Whether you're a fan of historical romance or simply love a beautifully told story, this book is sure to capture your heart and leave you longing for more.

I wholeheartedly recommend Secrets and Wishes to anyone seeking a beautiful reading experience filled with emotion, depth, hope, love, and faith. Kathleen Rouser has crafted a truly unforgettable tale that will stay with readers long after they’ve finished the tale.

I received an eBook version of Secrets and Wishes from the author, Kathleen Rouser, Celebrity Lit Publicity Group. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own and focuses on this story’s fabulous content, ensuring transparency and reliability.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed following Maggie on her journey of making a new life for herself after her husband passes away. It was interesting to read about a pharmacist during this time period. Maggie’s husband has taught her a lot about medicine while they were married. Now that he is gone she has to rely on the local pharmacist in town. There is a slight problem though when her son and his son have a fight. It is hard to swallow our pride sometimes.

Thomas has his hands full with all his kids running around out of control that not even their housekeeper can control them. He is left on his own trying to run the pharmacy, set up the soda fountain, take care of his kids when they get the measles and deal with Maggie who is upset. I liked how the author brought these two together when Thomas becomes very ill and Maggie is asked to help. It is the perfect solution since she is familiar with medicines but will they be able to get along?

There are moments in the story that reminded me of a movie with Doris Day in it. The kids try everything they can to make this strange lady leave, but she is determined to get the upper hand. All she needs to do is show them love , grace and understanding. The boys in this story were exasperating at times but Maggie knows what is really going on. They are missing their mother.

I loved the baking contest in the story and hints of a romance blossoming between two unlikely people. With faith as the front runner, this story is sure to please those who love historical fiction. The children are the highlight in this book as we see how losing a parent can affect them. They need love and encouragement as they deal with their grief.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What happens when a widow and widower first meet, and they clash? How about their second and third? Maggie Galloway and her young son Philip have moved to be close to her preacher brother, Ian. Now that he is happily married, Maggie's dreams and aspirations are making her seriously think about moving back near her in-laws and opening a bakery. However, her plans are foiled, for a time, when she is needed to nurse the pharmacist back to health. Not only that, but also to help care for his four young children.

Pharmacist Thomas Harper has moved to Stone Creek for a fresh start for himself and his children. He desperately misses his late wife and her influence on his children and business. He himself is a bit disorganized and he can't keep a housekeeper in his employ due to his rambunctious and wild children. When he meets Maggie sparks fly. But he doesn't realize just how much he will need her and very soon.

Can they see a way to happily ever after between them? Both are a bit stubborn and understandably mourn their first loves. They need one another more than they know. Maggie and Thomas have many challenges and dangers to get through for the sake of their children and the town's. I was glad to get Maggie's story and watch her find love again.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

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[Kendra Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kathleen Rouser is one of my favorite Christian Fiction Authors, so I was excited to be able to read another new book by Kathleen. Secrets and Wishes is Book 2 in the Stone Creek Brides series.

Secrets and Wishes has 3 main characters, Maggie Galloway, Thomas Harper and Giles Prescott. Maggie and Thomas are both widows and singled parents living in Michigan. They begin a friendship when their sons are in a fistfight with each other. The friendship flourishes when Maggie has to take care of Thomas when he becomes deathly ill. Maggie is also trying to support herself with a baking business. Along comes a old boyfriend who wants her to come to Chicago to work in his Test Kitchen. All that sounds good to Maggie, but she feels drawn to stay in Michigan with Thomas. What will she decide? How will the love story end? I cannot spoil the ending, as the book is soo good it is a must read!

I really like the time period that this love story took place, in the early 1900's! The way health care was in that time is quite interesting. Also, the fact that when Maggie became a widow she had to be creative in how she would support her family due to the fact that women had a difficult time gaining employment during that time. Her baking skills and her knack for concocting things could just be the remedy for her peaceful life. Secrets and Wishes is a GREAT stand alone book and I HIGHLY recommend it. Kathleen Rouser is a wonderful author and she proves it once again in this FABULOUS book!

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the series, but it can be a standalone. The first book's characters are in this book, but their story is explained enough in this book, and it isn't really that relevant to this book. Maggie is a widow with a young son and Thomas is a widower with 4 children. They mix like oil and water in the beginning! Their personalities are very different! Thomas is a pharmacist and Maggie's late husband was one also but they did things differently. Maggie's character was a little too strong-willed in my opinion. She was very caring and compassionate but also a little too set in her ways. She needed to see things from Thomas' point of view at times. Thomas had is hands full with his rambunctious children and didn't know how to handle them after his wife's death. He had also lost his faith. When he gets gravely ill, Maggie is asked by the town doctor to take care of Thomas and that's when things begin to turn. I liked the introduction of a former beau and how people kept trying to warn Maggie of his slimy character but she had to experience it for herself! Our humanness! The medicine man and subsequent danger to the community was a nice touch too!

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to book two in the Stone Creek Brides series where I was glad to see Maggie get her own story after being a lesser character in book one. You will become immersed in 1901 Stone Creek Michigan and won’t want to leave. As a widow with a young child trying to navigate life and find the way God has planned for her, Maggie wants to open a bakery. Her plans get derailed when a widowed pharmacist and his four ornery children move to town and turn her well laid plans topsy turvy. Maggie and Thomas butt heads and the children create chaos that makes for a great story that gives you several laughs amidst the seriousness of losing your spouse and trusting God in the difficulties that follow. I love the town folk, the characters, and the way the story flows and sweeps you right into Stone Creek. A great historical tale that leaves you anticipating the next book. I highly recommend.
I received a complimentary copy from CelebrateLit. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning to the Stone Creek Brides series, Rumors and Promises, and was excited to have the opportunity to find out what Kathleen Rouser had in store for her characters in Secrets and Wishes. I loved getting to know the main characters, Thomas and Maggie. I thought their scenes were fun together while their personalities clashed at times. It was great catching up with the previous main characters, as well.
I am giving Secrets and Wishes four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading quick and clean historical romance. I am looking forward to reading the third installment from the Stone Creek Brides series, Scandals and Mercies, to see what happens next.
I received a paperback copy of Kathleen Rouser's Secrets and Wishes from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an interesting book to read. It covers the old time practice of traveling medical shows( that sells unsafe portions ). This is a story about a grieving widower and widow , that are enemies when they first meet. It is a tale about a second chance at love. If a reader likes clean romance novels with Biblical themes that I strongly recommend this series. I have read the first book in this series and so I say read it first but I think a reader would enjoy this book even if they didn’t read the first one. I am eagerly awaiting the next book. I am waiting to see if Maggie’s dream of owning her own bakery happens.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and Celebrate Lit and these opinions are my own.

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a good story about two people learning to open up their hearts to love again. I liked how both Thomas and Maggie were single parents and doing the best they could as parents but discovered that they could help each other out. I liked how the romance was gradual and that they learned to love each other as they served each other and their children. I also liked seeing how they still kept their dreams but were willing to have them be adaptable as they tried to figure out how to blend two families. I thought the story was well written and had engaging characters.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

[Robin Willson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice romance story for the new apothecary in town and the Preacher's sister. Has some twists and turns, with brushes with dangers and illnesses. Each has been widowed and they're protecting themselves and family. Then an old beau comes to town, spicing things up a bit. Great ending, nice town.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

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[Wendy Andrus]

This is an enjoyable read. I understand it's the second book in a series, and I haven't read the first, but it seems to work as a stand alone quite nicely.

Having been a single parent myself for several years, I understand the struggles that Maggie and Thomas experience, raising children on their own.

If you enjoy Christian historical romance set at the beginning of the 20th century, add this one to your to-read list!