Courting Emma

Little Hickman Creek #3

by Sharlene MacLaren

Twenty-eight-year-old Emma Browning has experienced a good deal of life in her young age. Proprietor of Emma s Boardinghouse, she is mother to an array of beefy, unkempt, often rowdy characters. Though many men would like to get to know the steely, hard-edged, yet surprisingly lovely proprietor, none has truly succeeded. That is, not until the town s new pastor, Jonathan Atkins, takes up residence in the boardinghouse, affecting not only her with his devout faith and strong convictions, but her clientele as well. Emma clings desperately to her stubborn ways, refusing to acknowledge God s love until all of Little Hickman witnesses a miracle the conversion of her abusive and alcoholic father, Ezra! Only then will Emma begin to experience God s transforming power at work.

Genres: Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Romance, Fiction, Inspirational, Historical Romance, Christian Historical Fiction

400 pages, Paperback

First published July 11, 2007

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. She signed on with Whitaker House Publishers in early 2006 and in December of that same year released Through Every Storm, a general fiction title that finaled in the American Christian Fiction Writers Book-of-the-Year. Another general fiction title, Long Journey Home, hit shelves in 2008. (It is her pleasure to announce that both of these titles are also available in SPANISH.)

Sharlene’s beloved, bestselling “Little Hickman Creek Series” released in 2007-08. This 3-book series set in 1895 KENTUCKY won the “Road to Romance” Reviewers’ Choice Award and a third place standing in the Inspirational Readers’ Choice Contest in 2008 and 2009. Also, in 2009, her historical series, “The Daughters of Jacob Kane”, began hitting bookshelves in stores countrywide. In late summer of 2010, Tender Vow, another general fiction stand-alone, will release, and following that, a 1920s 3-book set called “River of Hope”. The first in that series, River Song, should become available in the spring of 2011. Yep, you guessed it – Shar is BUSY!!!

Shar has done numerous book-signings across the country, appeared on many national television and radio shows, and participated in countless interviews. She has been married to the love of her life since December of 1975, has two wonderful daughters and two handsome sons-in-law. The joys of her life, however, are her adorable grandchildren. Besides her involvement in music at her local church, Shar has been a speaker for the local MOPS organization, is involved in KIDS’ HOPE, USA, a mentoring program for at-risk children, counsels young women in the international 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 loveable collie, and Mocha, their big, lazy cat.

Reviews

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final book in the Little Hickman Creek series focuses on Emma, the young owner of the town boardinghouse. Emma left home at 16 after being belittled and abused by her widowed father for most of her life. Her father, Ezra, is now the town drunk; and Emma is ashamed to be associated with him. She has no faith and is angry at God for all she went through growing up. But can the young pastor, Jonathan Atkins, show Emma a different path and forgiveness?

This was a wonderful conclusion to this series. MacLaren creates endearing characters who bring the small town to life. Each is realistic with their strengths and weaknesses and yet all come together to make a wonderful mix of town residents. Again the author infuses the story with a strong spiritual thread. Bind this together with a touch of romance and a bit of mystery, and the result was a really good read.

[Jennie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book of the series in which I had already read number two and loved it. I wanted to love this book too but it just seemed like it was very hard to get into. It is a story about Emma who runs a boarding house. Her father is the town drunk. The preacher who rents a room from Emma has taken it on himself to rehabilitate her father. The book just seem to drag on but I finally finished it.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Emma brought tears along with some moments of laughter. This historical Christian romance will show a true pastor’s heart through Jonathan Atkins actions and compassion as Jesus instructed in His Word. Emma’s father was an alcoholic and her life had been difficult. But Jonathan’s actions through acts of caring may just bring a change that will surprise everyone, including Emma, in the town of Little Hickman Creek This book is filled with unexpected twists and turns, mystery, romance, surprises and a beautiful faith message. This is the third book in the Little Hickman Creek series but it definitely can be read as a standalone book.

I received an ARC of this book from the author in a giveaway she had in December. I was not required to write a review, but I have expressed my own thoughts.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the Christian values examples shown in this wonderful story

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

liked it!

[Jenn H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Terri]

Could not get into this book

[Lisa Downard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a deep, rich, wonderful story of forgiveness and redemption....and romance!

[Jennifer Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting Emma is a moving story set in the late 1800's in a small town that touches on forgiveness and overcoming a painful past to live a future of promise. When you first meet Emma she appears hard and tough because she's had to be. Surviving a childhood of abuse and learning to make do on own, Emma doesn't trust others easily. So when Pastor Jonathon sets his sights on her, he has his work cut out for him in winning Emma's heart.

The characters have great depth and a reader can't help but care about them. While reading this book I could sympathize with Emma and I wanted to see her emotionally healed. I cheered Jonathon on in his pursuit of her, enjoying his patience and endurance as he slowly wore down her defenses. The pacing of this book is perfect, the story unfolds in a rhythm that will keep readers turning the pages. This is a keeper!

Description (backcover blurb)

Twenty-Eight year old Emma Browning has built a barricade around her heart to survive the pain of growing up with her alcoholic father, Ezra. As she runs Emma's Boardinghouse, she plays host to an array of unkempt, earthly characters while trying to maintain a protective emotional distance from people. No one has succeeded in getting to know the beautiful yet steely edged proprietress. That is, not until Little Hickman Creek's handsome new pastor, Jonathon Atkins, takes up residence in the boardinghouse and begins to dismantle her carefully controlled world.

Clinging desperately to her stubborn ways and unable to forgive her father, Emma begins receiving letters from a mysterious sender who somehow knows about her and has secret information about Ezra's past. Admist all this, she is surprised--and unsettled--by the attentions of both Jonathon and Billy, the smooth-talking traveling showman.

When the town of Little Hickman Creek is stunned by an unexpected turn of events, will Emma risk removing her protective shell to accept the love of God--and the love of a man?

[Lacy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boardinghouse owner Emma Browning may be an old maid, but she's no slouch. She runs the sharpest institution

in town, although her boarders might be a tad on the rough side. She's spent almost her entire lifetime trying

to overcome the stigmas associated with being the child of the town drunk.

That's why, when her new boarder tries to convince her that her dad needs a second chance, she balks.

Reverend Jonathan Atkins has been attracted to Emma since their schoolhouse days, but he's never let her know.

It's even more of a challenge to keep his feelings secret in the close quarters of Emma's boardinghouse. He

knows he can't marry someone who doesn't believe the same way he does, so why does God continue to "bless" him

with feelings for Emma?

When a storm traps Jonathan out in the elements, Emma's true feelings for him come to light. But how can she

trust him when the only man she's ever trusted - her father - let her down?

MacLaren's third book in the Little Hickman series is a touching addition, and one you won't want to miss.

Both Jonathan and Emma fight their feelings for each other, but it's no use because they seem to be destined

to end up together.

The adorable country/small town setting crafted by MacLaren in the first two books is still present, and

readers will enjoy interacting with other beloved characters.

This is a fun historical read. Recommended.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emma Browning is the owner of the only boardinghouse in Little Hickman Creek, Kentucky, and has been the proprietor for ten years. She plays housekeeper to several rowdy, uncouth characters, but lets no one past the tough exterior of a hardened facade. After enduring years of endless abuse from her father, Ezra she has been careful to ward off anyone and anything that tries to get past the impenetrable armor that stands guard of her heart. Will she ever let anyone in?

A new boarder shows up at her door in the form of the preacher, Jonathan Atkins. Will she be able to see past what she believes is his ministerial obligations and believe someone can love her? Or will Ezra's abuse forever scar her from being able to love?

This story was a first for me on the subject matter of child abuse. The setting in a prairie town in Kentucky just made me more willing to crack this book open and give it a go. One thing I'd like to note about this last book in the Little Hickman Creek Trilogy is that the characters are breathed life and seeped in realism because of their pasts. Reality dictates that everyone has a past - and more often than not, it is not a bed of roses. MacLaren brings this truth to fruition in this novel, and it is masterfully done. I even learned a thing or two....but then you'll just have to read the book.

[Trinity Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting Emma is book three in the Little Hickman Creek Series by Sharlene MacLaren. I really did enjoy this book. It was full of very nice surprises, twists and turns. I was intrigued by how Emma and the Pastor Jonathan became friends and how they see each other. I was also really involved in finding out what happened between Emma and her father. Also finding out Emma’s fathers background was an eye opener.
The love story between Emma and Jonathan was very sweet and enduring. Not really what I expected.
This story shows us how hard it is to forgive some people in our lives and also to think we aren’t worthy of God’s love. Many life lessons to be learned in Courting Emma.
It is sad, happy, exciting, full of suspense and loads of fun that can be found in this book. I highly recommend this series Little Hickman Creek and this wonderful book of Courting Emma.


Thank you to Whitaker House for providing this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although this book takes a long time to get to the point with the love interest, it was still a nice easy read that kept me interested and wondering if they were ever going to figure it out.

Emma and Jon have grown up in the same town. Both are the products of alcoholic parents, except Jon has forgiven and moved on, becoming a Christian minister. Emma runs the town boarding house and begrudgingly gives Jon a room not wanting to be around a man who is christian, or who is so handsome.

Jon helps Emma with her own drunken father who she has yet to forgive for her abusive childhood.

I like the theme of forgiveness and understanding in this book.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is Sharlene's third book in the Little Hickman Creek novels. While it was clean and very Christian (meaning lots of Bible verses and save your soul type stuff) I thought it could have been 100 pages shorter and been just fine. A lot of repetition, and few surprises. But a quick, clean read.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third in a series of Christian romances. I found the characters a little flat and some of the loose ends not tied up well. I found the conversions a little missing in substance, too. But, it was a pleasant, quick, clean read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was a clean, sweet love story. Just right for summer time reading!

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did a lot of skimming with this book. I finished the series because I wanted to find out what the story was behind the final character in book 1.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This last book in the series was a little slow for me. It was a cute story, but seemed to take a really long time to develop.

[Shunammite · Rating 5 out of 5]

so far so good

[Kali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clean, Christian story that was an easy read. Very predictable, but I still enjoyed it. To me it was similar to Love Comes Softly, but I enjoyed the story more than Love Comes Softly.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the series. I really enjoyed this series and would love to pick up more of her books.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 of 3

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put these books down until I finished all three!

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved watching the main character come to the Lord in this book, well written, I give this book five out of five stars!!!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this last book in the trilogy. A light but uplifting story that finished out the women in the Little Hickman Creek trilogy.

[Jennifer HOot · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's was really interesting story that a girl forgiven her father for abusing her when she was little.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

In spite of this being one of MacLaren's earlier novels, its story of love, forgiveness and redemption in this book is timeless!

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the stories and characters in all three books are good, I thought Courting Emma (third in the series) was best.

[Cara Grandle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun series. Worth the time.