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To Be a Mother: Mountain Rose / A Family of Her Own
Mountain Rose by Cheryl St.John
Teacher Olivia Rose knows what it's like to grow up alone and unwanted. But convincing reserved rancher Jules Parrish he can give his orphaned niece a real home won't be easy--unless Olivia seizes the chance of love and motherhood she never expected....
A Family of Her Own by Ruth Axtell Morren
War and tragedy destroyed Rianna Bruce's chance at happily ever after...or did it? Reuniting with her first love, Noah Samuels, proves that her feelings haven't gone away. In helping his young daughter, can Rianna show the disillusioned Noah the blessing of a second chance?
Teacher Olivia Rose knows what it's like to grow up alone and unwanted. But convincing reserved rancher Jules Parrish he can give his orphaned niece a real home won't be easy--unless Olivia seizes the chance of love and motherhood she never expected....
A Family of Her Own by Ruth Axtell Morren
War and tragedy destroyed Rianna Bruce's chance at happily ever after...or did it? Reuniting with her first love, Noah Samuels, proves that her feelings haven't gone away. In helping his young daughter, can Rianna show the disillusioned Noah the blessing of a second chance?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Cheryl St. John
72 books562 followersCheryl is the author of more than fifty historical and contemporary romances. Her stories have earned numerous RITA nominations, Romantic Times awards and are published in over a dozen languages.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
In describing her stories of second chances and redemption, readers and reviewers use words like, “emotional punch, hometown feel, core values, believable characters and real-life situations.”
With a 4.9 star rating on amazon, her bestselling non-fiction book, Writing With Emotion, Tension & Conflict by Writers Digest Books is available in print and digital.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 14, 2018
MY FUTURE IS AS UNCERTAIN AS MY PAST—I HAVE TO FOCUS ON TODAY
I enjoyed this Christian based historical story that brings in faith and seeking God’s guidance during the trials that the main character, Olivia Rose, will endure.
With the hardships brought on after the ending of the Civil War, the Hedward Girl’s Academy in Mercerville, Pennsylvania is closing, and most of the girls and teachers have now left with their respective families coming to retrieve them. But left behind, besides the headmistress, Mrs. Hugh, is Miss Olivia Rose, one of the longtime students and now a teacher, and one pupil, Emily Sadler. With no answer or reply from Emily’s family, it will come to light that she has an Uncle in Corbin’s Bend, Montana.
The plot of the story will take on the task of Olivia leaving Pennsylvania with Emily and taking her by train to Montana to locate her uncle, Jude Parrish. What a shock to Jude to come home to his ranch and find a young woman and child and to learn that he is Emily’s uncle. Looking at Emily, he knows that she is his sister, Meredith’s child.
The trials along the way and the indecisions of what the future will hold for both Emily and Olivia plague these two, but Olivia’s first concern if helping Emily find family, and then she will see where life will take herself. Part of the school closing was getting to see not only Emily’s personnel file but her own. What a shock to learn of her own fate as a blank slate and lack of any family or history.
“She may have been unwanted, but she’d known how to be useful and she’d always known what to expect from one day to the next. Now the uncertainty wore her composure to a frazzle.”
No matter what befalls Olivia, she seeks comfort in the scriptures and God’s promises, and she isn’t bitter. Her concern is she doesn’t know affection or how to show affection towards Emily. Will Emily’s uncle give her a home? What will happen once she has Emily settled? What will Jude learn about himself, by the attitude of Olivia and Emily?
God has kept his eyes on his children, just as his word has promised. While this is a Christian based story, it does have prayers and quotes from scriptures; it isn’t a preachy story, but an uplifting story of faith, hope, and love.
I enjoyed this Christian based historical story that brings in faith and seeking God’s guidance during the trials that the main character, Olivia Rose, will endure.
With the hardships brought on after the ending of the Civil War, the Hedward Girl’s Academy in Mercerville, Pennsylvania is closing, and most of the girls and teachers have now left with their respective families coming to retrieve them. But left behind, besides the headmistress, Mrs. Hugh, is Miss Olivia Rose, one of the longtime students and now a teacher, and one pupil, Emily Sadler. With no answer or reply from Emily’s family, it will come to light that she has an Uncle in Corbin’s Bend, Montana.
The plot of the story will take on the task of Olivia leaving Pennsylvania with Emily and taking her by train to Montana to locate her uncle, Jude Parrish. What a shock to Jude to come home to his ranch and find a young woman and child and to learn that he is Emily’s uncle. Looking at Emily, he knows that she is his sister, Meredith’s child.
The trials along the way and the indecisions of what the future will hold for both Emily and Olivia plague these two, but Olivia’s first concern if helping Emily find family, and then she will see where life will take herself. Part of the school closing was getting to see not only Emily’s personnel file but her own. What a shock to learn of her own fate as a blank slate and lack of any family or history.
“She may have been unwanted, but she’d known how to be useful and she’d always known what to expect from one day to the next. Now the uncertainty wore her composure to a frazzle.”
No matter what befalls Olivia, she seeks comfort in the scriptures and God’s promises, and she isn’t bitter. Her concern is she doesn’t know affection or how to show affection towards Emily. Will Emily’s uncle give her a home? What will happen once she has Emily settled? What will Jude learn about himself, by the attitude of Olivia and Emily?
God has kept his eyes on his children, just as his word has promised. While this is a Christian based story, it does have prayers and quotes from scriptures; it isn’t a preachy story, but an uplifting story of faith, hope, and love.
December 27, 2009
"To Be a Mother" is a Mother's Day Anthology containing two excellent novellas. Both stories are very inspirational and wonderfully illustrate the fact that you do not need to be a "biological" mother to have a very special place as a "mom" in the life of a child, especially if god plans it that way. Any woman will be encouraged by the faith and strength of these exceptional ladies. Too often we tend to think of "mother" in the traditional sense, but you probably won't after reading this book.
Review of "A Family of Her Own" by Ruth Axtell Morren:
This story is set in 1870 just after the Civil War. The aftermath of that war leaves Rianna Bruce feeling as if her life will never be what she dreamed it might, but running into an old acquaintance could possibly change that if doubts snd fears can be overcome. Melanie, the child in this story, will warm your heart and take a piece of it with her. You can see God's plan for this special child developing as the plot unfolds. This narrative reads quickly, and it leaves one feeling very satisfied that it was time well spent.
Review of "Monuntain Rose" by Cheryl St. John:
This is a very inspiring, heartwarming story which takes place in 1866. The three main characters each have things from their backgrounds that they need to work through, and seeing them struggle with those weaknesses and insecurities, attempting to change for the better, make those characters seem very approachable and real. Teacher Olivia Rose and rancher Jules Parrish have very different ideas of what the best future for a delightful young girl should be and who should play a prominent role in her life. You will find yourself admiring Olivia's courage to try to do the right thing no matter what the consequences might be in her own life. Depending on which person you most empathize with, you may take different messages from this saga, and to me, that is a sign of good writing. This is a quick, easy read, but yet has substance and is well worth the time.
Thank you to both authors for offering me a pre-release pdf copy for review.
Review of "A Family of Her Own" by Ruth Axtell Morren:
This story is set in 1870 just after the Civil War. The aftermath of that war leaves Rianna Bruce feeling as if her life will never be what she dreamed it might, but running into an old acquaintance could possibly change that if doubts snd fears can be overcome. Melanie, the child in this story, will warm your heart and take a piece of it with her. You can see God's plan for this special child developing as the plot unfolds. This narrative reads quickly, and it leaves one feeling very satisfied that it was time well spent.
Review of "Monuntain Rose" by Cheryl St. John:
This is a very inspiring, heartwarming story which takes place in 1866. The three main characters each have things from their backgrounds that they need to work through, and seeing them struggle with those weaknesses and insecurities, attempting to change for the better, make those characters seem very approachable and real. Teacher Olivia Rose and rancher Jules Parrish have very different ideas of what the best future for a delightful young girl should be and who should play a prominent role in her life. You will find yourself admiring Olivia's courage to try to do the right thing no matter what the consequences might be in her own life. Depending on which person you most empathize with, you may take different messages from this saga, and to me, that is a sign of good writing. This is a quick, easy read, but yet has substance and is well worth the time.
Thank you to both authors for offering me a pre-release pdf copy for review.
December 8, 2009
Cheryl St. John is one of my very favorite Harlequin authors so when I was offered an e-copy of her upcoming release, "Mountain Rose" to review I jumped at the chance! "Mountain Rose" is one part of the special Mother's Day anthology, To Be a Mother, which also features a short novella from Ruth Axtell Morren entitled, "A Family of Her Own."
"Mountain Rose" is a very sweet and uplifting story of a young woman who was orphaned at a very young age who must learn to accept as well as give love. Along with the themes of love and acceptance is that families are made up of all types not just mothers and fathers but those who may have influenced and loved us.
Even though it was only 140 pages long I felt that I was able to connect with Jules, Olivia, and Emily in a way that rarely happens when I read a novella. I loved the themes of this story and even though the romance didn't develop immediately I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one!
*I received my pre-release PDF copy from the author for review.*
"Mountain Rose" is a very sweet and uplifting story of a young woman who was orphaned at a very young age who must learn to accept as well as give love. Along with the themes of love and acceptance is that families are made up of all types not just mothers and fathers but those who may have influenced and loved us.
Even though it was only 140 pages long I felt that I was able to connect with Jules, Olivia, and Emily in a way that rarely happens when I read a novella. I loved the themes of this story and even though the romance didn't develop immediately I really enjoyed this story and can't wait for the next one!
*I received my pre-release PDF copy from the author for review.*
June 7, 2020
To Be A Mother:
Overall:
3-3.5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mountain Rose By:Cheryl ST. John
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Olivia Rose knows what it feels like to grow up alone. When one of her students is left behind at the closing academy, Olivia makes it her mission to help. She is determined to find Emily the family she never had. Olivia only now has to convince Jules Parrish that he is capable of providing the home his orphaned niece so desperately needs.
Review:
This was such a cute romance. I loved Olivia Rose from the very first page. I enjoyed watching how the story played out. It was amazing to see how much the characters grew and developed throughout this short story. Cheryl ST. John really packed a punch is just 128 pages! My only criticism would be the romance between Olivia and Jules. I found it to be very off and on again, lots of mixed signals.
A Family Of Her Own
By: Ruth Axtell Morren
3.5-4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Rianna Bruce feels that war and tragedy destroyed her chance at a happily ever after. But reuniting with her first love, Noah Samuels proves that her her love for him hasn’t gone away. Perhaps she can still have a happily ever after?
Review:
I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I had hoped, although I enjoyed it more than the first one. The plot was different from what I had thought. I felt the story should’ve taken place in WW1. I’m not sure why, it just had that feel about it. I liked the characters, especially Melanie and her relationship that she had with Rihanna. I would be interested in finding other books by this author since I really liked the writing style.
That’s one thing I love about reading anthologies, you discover potential new favourite authors.
Overall:
3-3.5Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mountain Rose By:Cheryl ST. John
3 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Olivia Rose knows what it feels like to grow up alone. When one of her students is left behind at the closing academy, Olivia makes it her mission to help. She is determined to find Emily the family she never had. Olivia only now has to convince Jules Parrish that he is capable of providing the home his orphaned niece so desperately needs.
Review:
This was such a cute romance. I loved Olivia Rose from the very first page. I enjoyed watching how the story played out. It was amazing to see how much the characters grew and developed throughout this short story. Cheryl ST. John really packed a punch is just 128 pages! My only criticism would be the romance between Olivia and Jules. I found it to be very off and on again, lots of mixed signals.
A Family Of Her Own
By: Ruth Axtell Morren
3.5-4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Summary: Rianna Bruce feels that war and tragedy destroyed her chance at a happily ever after. But reuniting with her first love, Noah Samuels proves that her her love for him hasn’t gone away. Perhaps she can still have a happily ever after?
Review:
I didn’t enjoy this story as much as I had hoped, although I enjoyed it more than the first one. The plot was different from what I had thought. I felt the story should’ve taken place in WW1. I’m not sure why, it just had that feel about it. I liked the characters, especially Melanie and her relationship that she had with Rihanna. I would be interested in finding other books by this author since I really liked the writing style.
That’s one thing I love about reading anthologies, you discover potential new favourite authors.
March 19, 2021
I searched high and low for this book -it was well worth the effort. Great read! Faith-filled and wholesome. Must have read it thrice now. :0
May 2, 2011
I bought this because Ruth Axtell Morren is one of the authors. She is a wonderful writer and even at novella length where there is less time to develop the characters A Family of Her Own is a lovely story.
Noah tried courting Rianna 10 years ago but she wanted to "see the world" and ended up in Boston where she worked in a factory and met and married her husband who quickly enlisted in the Union army where he was fatally wounded. She had the opportunity to nurse him before he died. She ends up becoming a nurse during and after the Civil War. It is that profession that brings her back to her hometown. She has also become a Christian and her faith is a bright and joyous one.
Meanwhile Noah has also married and had a daughter. His wife died while he was deployed with the army. He doesn't think much of God.
That is the background for the story and it is well worth reading the way they reconnect and how Noah comes to feel he can risk loving her again and how he finds faith in God.
I believe the other story, Mountain Rose by Cheryl St.John was nominated for a RITA and while it is a good story, I think it is the weaker of the two. I would like to have read something more about Jules' faith and what impact that had on him. He seems to be going along for the ride faith-wise.
Noah tried courting Rianna 10 years ago but she wanted to "see the world" and ended up in Boston where she worked in a factory and met and married her husband who quickly enlisted in the Union army where he was fatally wounded. She had the opportunity to nurse him before he died. She ends up becoming a nurse during and after the Civil War. It is that profession that brings her back to her hometown. She has also become a Christian and her faith is a bright and joyous one.
Meanwhile Noah has also married and had a daughter. His wife died while he was deployed with the army. He doesn't think much of God.
That is the background for the story and it is well worth reading the way they reconnect and how Noah comes to feel he can risk loving her again and how he finds faith in God.
I believe the other story, Mountain Rose by Cheryl St.John was nominated for a RITA and while it is a good story, I think it is the weaker of the two. I would like to have read something more about Jules' faith and what impact that had on him. He seems to be going along for the ride faith-wise.
March 15, 2013
I enjoyed both of these stories. The plots were good and kept me wanting to turn the page. Not bad at all for short stories. It must be really difficult to create a good story and give the characters depth in so few pages. Both did a good job of this.
Mountain Rose was a nice story but a bit preachy I thought. Most people I know couldn't even recite one verse of scripture. So when I get a book where everyone seems to know their scripture by heart I find it to be a bit unrealistic. That being said, I did enjoy the story and would read more by Cheryl St. John.
I enjoyed A Family of Her Own a even more than Mountain Rose. I thought it was a bit more realistic (not as preachy). I like both characters, especially the hero (of course). I really felt his pain and uncertainty about the heroine. I also liked the setting of Harbour Maine and the thought of owning a cottage near the water. There was a modern day feel to the story (for me) even though it took place in 1870. A charming story and well written. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. So far my favorite by RM is Winter Is Past, an awesome story of conversion.
Mountain Rose was a nice story but a bit preachy I thought. Most people I know couldn't even recite one verse of scripture. So when I get a book where everyone seems to know their scripture by heart I find it to be a bit unrealistic. That being said, I did enjoy the story and would read more by Cheryl St. John.
I enjoyed A Family of Her Own a even more than Mountain Rose. I thought it was a bit more realistic (not as preachy). I like both characters, especially the hero (of course). I really felt his pain and uncertainty about the heroine. I also liked the setting of Harbour Maine and the thought of owning a cottage near the water. There was a modern day feel to the story (for me) even though it took place in 1870. A charming story and well written. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. So far my favorite by RM is Winter Is Past, an awesome story of conversion.
January 4, 2010
I loved both the stories in this one! They were quick reads and kept my attention the whole time. Loved both of the main characters in each and the children were adorable! Cheryl's story of two lonely orphans who find a place to belong and Ruth's story of two people who were once long lost loves are a perfect read for mother's day stories! Both learn the hardships, joys and struggles of becoming a family and what it means to those around them. Great stories overall.
March 1, 2010
I really enjoyed both stories by two authors. it about Mothers. I think both authors Cheryl St. John and Ruth Axtell Morren does wonderful job on writing historical stories.
October 28, 2010
A book that you can't put down. The three authors complimented each other and added a flair. Cheryl St. John adds romance, excitement and mystery to her heartwarming story. A must read!
May 16, 2012
Both romances are wonderful!!! Perfect for mother's day!!
The stories are very touching, relaxing and inspiring! I couldn't put this book down!!!
The stories are very touching, relaxing and inspiring! I couldn't put this book down!!!
April 20, 2015
Just nice feel good stories. Similar to what you might have found in a woman's magazine a few years ago.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews