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Virginia: Four Inspiring Stories of Valor, Virtue, and Victory
One coastal Virginia home shelters generations of searching souls
Go back in time to Virginia's age of tall ships, across the turn of the century, and through the victory of World War I in four romantic novels that combine to form a compelling family saga.
John Newcomb shoulders his brother's sins when a woman brings her sister and nephew to his doorstep. How far will his charity extend?
Captain Duncan Newcomb is an eligible bachelor at this sister's matchmaking mercy, but the only woman he wants is an immigrant maid. Then precious things are stolen. Will prejudices dictate who is worthy of love and trust?
Rose Masterson holds tight to secrets about her past—living eccentrically and generously. When her secret—and heart—are threatened by a new man in town, will she flee or call a truce?
Russell Diamond hopes to escape his war memories by moving to the house he inherited form his uncle. But when the enemy becomes his neighbor, will bitterness consume what is left of his ravished soul?
Where will this family find the grace they need to face the challenges of tomorrow? Can love and faith fill their souls?
Go back in time to Virginia's age of tall ships, across the turn of the century, and through the victory of World War I in four romantic novels that combine to form a compelling family saga.
John Newcomb shoulders his brother's sins when a woman brings her sister and nephew to his doorstep. How far will his charity extend?
Captain Duncan Newcomb is an eligible bachelor at this sister's matchmaking mercy, but the only woman he wants is an immigrant maid. Then precious things are stolen. Will prejudices dictate who is worthy of love and trust?
Rose Masterson holds tight to secrets about her past—living eccentrically and generously. When her secret—and heart—are threatened by a new man in town, will she flee or call a truce?
Russell Diamond hopes to escape his war memories by moving to the house he inherited form his uncle. But when the enemy becomes his neighbor, will bitterness consume what is left of his ravished soul?
Where will this family find the grace they need to face the challenges of tomorrow? Can love and faith fill their souls?
461 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2005
3 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Marie Hake
91 books622 followersAs a child, Cathy Marie Hake had an imaginary playmate. Now "grown up," she indulges in a host of imaginary friends as she writes. She teasingly says she decided if those voices in her head were talking, she might as well write down what they said and make a living by doing it. She met her sweetheart in the High School department at church and married him after finishing nursing school. They live in Southern California and have two children and two dogs (one of them even moos - one of the dogs that is, not the kids). Faith in God, a loving family, and a wacky sense of the ridiculous keep her going.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
Known for surfing across the kitchen on a dropped dill pickle slice, waterskiing on sea anemone spit, and using Right Guard® as hair spray; she considers herself living proof that God does, indeed, possess a healthy sense of humor.
Cathy loves classical music, romantic getways with her husband, and Diet Pepsi Free®. "I need chocolate to survive, love my friends, and enjoy a deep personal relationship with the Lord. Although an extrovert, I'm very conservative on a personal level."
In her writing, Cathy attempts to capture a unique glimpse of life and how a man and woman can overcome obstacles when motivated by love. In her inspirational pieces she enjoys the freedom of showing how Christ can enrich a loving couple's relationship.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 18, 2022
Here’s what this book is about:”Go back in time to Virginia's age of tall ships, across the turn of the century, and through the victory of World War I in four romantic novels that combine to form a compelling family saga. John Newcomb shoulders his brother's sins when a woman brings her sister and nephew to his doorstep. How far will his charity extend? Captain Duncan Newcomb is an eligible bachelor at this sister's matchmaking mercy, but the only woman he wants is an immigrant maid. Then precious things are stolen. Will prejudices dictate who is worthy of love and trust? Rose Masterson holds tight to secrets about her past - living eccentrically and generously. When her secret - and heart - are threaten ed by a new man in town, will she flee or call a truce? Russell Diamond hopes to escape his war memories by moving to the house he inherited form his uncle. But when the enemy becomes his neighbor, will bitterness consume what is left of his ravished soul? Where will this family find the grace they need to face the challenges of tomorrow? Can love and faith fill their souls?”
I finished reading this book last night at 2:30 AM and I really enjoyed it even though I don’t usually read short story collections. I liked one story better than the others. Other than that, this isn’t a bad short story collection and I would recommend it if you like Christian Romance. Below, I’m going to share my thoughts and my star ratings for each story.
Precious Burdens - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It has drama, romance and a happy ending. This one talks about the Newcomb Family. It’s not a bad story and I still enjoyed reading it but it’s not my favorite.
Redeemed Hearts - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending. This one also mentions the Newcomb Family. It’s not a bad story and I enjoyed reading it but it’s not my favorite.
Ramshackle Rose - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending. I found this one very entertaining. I even laughed a few times while reading this one. This one is my favorite one. This is the best story in this collection. If I had to choose which one to reread, it would be this one. I probably wouldn’t reread the other stories.
Restoration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending and the Newcomb Family is mentioned in this one. It also mentions WWI a lot. The other stories don’t mention WWI at all like I thought they would. This isn’t a bad story and I enjoyed reading it but this one isn’t my favorite either.
I finished reading this book last night at 2:30 AM and I really enjoyed it even though I don’t usually read short story collections. I liked one story better than the others. Other than that, this isn’t a bad short story collection and I would recommend it if you like Christian Romance. Below, I’m going to share my thoughts and my star ratings for each story.
Precious Burdens - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It has drama, romance and a happy ending. This one talks about the Newcomb Family. It’s not a bad story and I still enjoyed reading it but it’s not my favorite.
Redeemed Hearts - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending. This one also mentions the Newcomb Family. It’s not a bad story and I enjoyed reading it but it’s not my favorite.
Ramshackle Rose - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending. I found this one very entertaining. I even laughed a few times while reading this one. This one is my favorite one. This is the best story in this collection. If I had to choose which one to reread, it would be this one. I probably wouldn’t reread the other stories.
Restoration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I liked this one. It had drama, romance and a happy ending and the Newcomb Family is mentioned in this one. It also mentions WWI a lot. The other stories don’t mention WWI at all like I thought they would. This isn’t a bad story and I enjoyed reading it but this one isn’t my favorite either.
March 24, 2025
This book was a long-ago gift from a friend that had been sitting on my to-read shelf for years. As I work through the ever-growing pile of books waiting to be read, I finally pulled this one out—and I’m so glad I did. I love short story anthologies, and this one was especially compelling, featuring interconnected stories that followed a family through multiple generations.
Filled with faith, romance, and emotional depth, this book was far more inspiring than I expected. The historical elements were beautifully woven into the narrative, adding richness to the stories. The characters felt so real and vivid that by the time I finished, I was emotionally exhausted—in the best way possible. The journey took me from heartbreak to healing, leaving behind a gentle scar as a reminder that, in the end, everything works out for the good.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—This is a truly beautiful collection, perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong emotional and spiritual themes. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page.
Filled with faith, romance, and emotional depth, this book was far more inspiring than I expected. The historical elements were beautifully woven into the narrative, adding richness to the stories. The characters felt so real and vivid that by the time I finished, I was emotionally exhausted—in the best way possible. The journey took me from heartbreak to healing, leaving behind a gentle scar as a reminder that, in the end, everything works out for the good.
Rated: 4.25/5.0—This is a truly beautiful collection, perfect for anyone who enjoys historical fiction with strong emotional and spiritual themes. It’s a book that lingers in your heart long after you’ve turned the final page.
August 29, 2017
Beautiful stories of faith and depth....very inspiring. Enjoyed them thoroughly.
August 31, 2018
Excellent story, Good writing. Hard to put down.
August 5, 2019
Interesting
February 9, 2020
Loved the stories. Excellent book!!
December 6, 2020
Four stories - first was pretty good; second was not great; somehow missed third and fourth was not good
May 2, 2024
Cute little stories
January 6, 2021
The four romantic novels in this book follow generations of a family in a coastal Virginia home, beginning in Precious Burdens with charity extended to a poor but hardworking immigrant family in 1846. The eligible bachelor in the second novel, Redeemed Hearts, taking place in 1860, makes a choice between an immigrant maid and the high society women that his sister introduces to him. In Ramshackle Rose in 1897, there is a Secret Giver who mysteriously blesses the town with timely and generous gifts. In the final book, Restoration, Rose’s son Russell inherits his uncle’s dilapidated home and works to restore it.
I picked up this book from my shelf for some light reading during our current pandemic and was surprised to find that in the last book, dated 1918, the flu epidemic unfolds in the story. The newspaper reported that Boston canceled its Liberty Bond parades and sporting events, and New York closed the theaters and symphony halls. “The influenza is awful in Europe, too. They’ve canceled schools!” That Sunday they decided to stay at home to worship, because “public gatherings help spread the disease”. When they needed to go in to the town for supplies, they noticed that the cemetery had multiple new graves, black crepe or black wreaths hung on many doors, and everyone was wearing a mask. Russell tied a bandana over the lower portion of his face and folded a piece of cotton gauze to make a mask for Lorelei. The pastor told Russell which families needed food, and he began dropping off bread and soup on their porches and picking up the jars from the previous day. “Folks didn’t stop to visit—they scurried away, eyes big with fear above the ever-present gauze masks.” As I reached the end of the story, I felt a kinship with the characters in this book. Though we live in a more technological world today, some things are still the same!
I picked up this book from my shelf for some light reading during our current pandemic and was surprised to find that in the last book, dated 1918, the flu epidemic unfolds in the story. The newspaper reported that Boston canceled its Liberty Bond parades and sporting events, and New York closed the theaters and symphony halls. “The influenza is awful in Europe, too. They’ve canceled schools!” That Sunday they decided to stay at home to worship, because “public gatherings help spread the disease”. When they needed to go in to the town for supplies, they noticed that the cemetery had multiple new graves, black crepe or black wreaths hung on many doors, and everyone was wearing a mask. Russell tied a bandana over the lower portion of his face and folded a piece of cotton gauze to make a mask for Lorelei. The pastor told Russell which families needed food, and he began dropping off bread and soup on their porches and picking up the jars from the previous day. “Folks didn’t stop to visit—they scurried away, eyes big with fear above the ever-present gauze masks.” As I reached the end of the story, I felt a kinship with the characters in this book. Though we live in a more technological world today, some things are still the same!
May 31, 2015
This is another five star book in my opinion. I felt so close to these characters that I was emotionally exhausted once I finished. From completely having my heart ripped out to journeying through the process of healing to the gentle scar left behind to remind me that everything will work out for the good, it was a beautiful ride. This book is and always will be one of my favorites.
October 9, 2012
Four very individual romance/family stories spanning three generations. It was fun to start into the later stories and find that a few of the characters had grown up. I enjoyed reading all of them, but the first one was my favorite.
September 19, 2008
I absolutely love this book!
January 29, 2011
wonderful book, reminds you of true love and how God should guide you in all you do.
December 23, 2011
This book is marvelous. so wonderfully written .i love it so far.
it's a beautiful collection.
it's a beautiful collection.
September 16, 2011
There's no way you can't just love this series :)
February 16, 2012
It's almost like a fairy tale, everyone turns to God and all their problems vanish. They are nice stories, but I'm not sure the Christian life isn't still messier than the author would like.
July 8, 2012
I couldn't even finish the book. Intriguing at first, but as I continue to read. I feel so disturbed... Like as if I was reading a "twisted" version of bible.. Just not my book.
January 6, 2015
To this day, this is still one of my all time favorite collections. I LOVE Cathy Marie Hake. Such a huge fan and every book in this collection is just as good as the one before it :)
April 20, 2017
This book had 4 short stories and it's hard for me to pick the best - they were all good. I loved this nice, clean romance.
Precious Burdens - John Newcomb owns a rich shipping company but finds love with an almost penniless woman as she struggles to provide for her sister, baby and her brother.
Redeemed Hearts - extends Precious Burdens because the baby Duncan has grown up and is sailing the ships of John's. He comes home after a voyage and while there falls in love with a servant girl. Things are stolen from the house and all signs point to Brigit but Duncan is determined to prove her innocence. He does and they marry.
Ramshackle Rose - was really cute in that Garret is the new mercantile owner and Rose orders out of the Sear Roebuck Catalog. Garret is determine to win over Rose's loyalty. Then he finds out she is the secretly buying things for people in the town - big purchases (washing machine) anonymously. He becomes her partner. Rose is always doing for others. Garret falls in love with Rose and almost losing Rose when he has Cordelia try on a ring to see if it would fit Rose's finger and Rose thinks he's marrying her. All's well that ends well though...she says yes. After they arrive home from their honeymoon, they find her house is painted and yard is cleaned up - the townspeople had been over to spruce the place up since Rose was always doing for others.
Last one - Restoration - Russell is home from the war and has a war injury and has bad dreams and flashbacks about the war. He leaves Buttontown (his parents are Garret and Rose) and moves to the mansion from the first book - Precious Burdens. There he finds Lorilei and her mother living in the cottage on the property. One thing leads to another - the mansion needs updated and Russell hires workers but need Lorilei and her mother to cook for them every day. Lorilei falls in love with Russell but his bitterness from the war stands in their way. He doesn't believe in God anymore. By the end of this story, Lorilei and Russell have found true love.
It was such a nice, clean romance book without all the sexual innuendos. It was refreshing to read.
Precious Burdens - John Newcomb owns a rich shipping company but finds love with an almost penniless woman as she struggles to provide for her sister, baby and her brother.
Redeemed Hearts - extends Precious Burdens because the baby Duncan has grown up and is sailing the ships of John's. He comes home after a voyage and while there falls in love with a servant girl. Things are stolen from the house and all signs point to Brigit but Duncan is determined to prove her innocence. He does and they marry.
Ramshackle Rose - was really cute in that Garret is the new mercantile owner and Rose orders out of the Sear Roebuck Catalog. Garret is determine to win over Rose's loyalty. Then he finds out she is the secretly buying things for people in the town - big purchases (washing machine) anonymously. He becomes her partner. Rose is always doing for others. Garret falls in love with Rose and almost losing Rose when he has Cordelia try on a ring to see if it would fit Rose's finger and Rose thinks he's marrying her. All's well that ends well though...she says yes. After they arrive home from their honeymoon, they find her house is painted and yard is cleaned up - the townspeople had been over to spruce the place up since Rose was always doing for others.
Last one - Restoration - Russell is home from the war and has a war injury and has bad dreams and flashbacks about the war. He leaves Buttontown (his parents are Garret and Rose) and moves to the mansion from the first book - Precious Burdens. There he finds Lorilei and her mother living in the cottage on the property. One thing leads to another - the mansion needs updated and Russell hires workers but need Lorilei and her mother to cook for them every day. Lorilei falls in love with Russell but his bitterness from the war stands in their way. He doesn't believe in God anymore. By the end of this story, Lorilei and Russell have found true love.
It was such a nice, clean romance book without all the sexual innuendos. It was refreshing to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews