Historical Fiction Review: The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephania H. McGee

What it’s About:
A gifted trainer in a time women are not allowed to race, Nora Fenton prefers horses to men. They're easier to handle, they're more reliable, and they never tell her what to do. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than unseating her in the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed reading this well-written and thought-out story. Nora is a woman before her time, living in the early 1900s when arranged marriages kept families prosperous and women in the home. Instead of marriage, Nora has her heart set on training horses and running the family farm. Silas, a man who loved and lost his parents is out to find out what happened when his dad died. Nora’s Uncle Amos is determined to fight against them both. The story has mystery, romance, secrets, and an amazing horse. The Secrets of Emberwild will take you on an adventure into the early days of horse racing. I’m a fan of Heartland, so this book was a great read for me. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fiction Review: The Fashion Designer by Nancy Moser

Book Description:

The American Dream thrives in 1912 New York City

Annie Wood, the housemaid-turned-pattern designer in The Pattern Artist, jumps at the chance to design her own clothing line when a wealthy New York couple offers to finance her endeavor. Joining the project is Annie’s new husband, Sean Culver, her best friend at Butterick, Maude Nascato, and a mother figure, Edna Holmquist.

Annie and her colleagues give up their careers, risking everything to follow a shared passion: clothes that are both fashionable and functional for modern, busy women in 1912.

Personal and financial setbacks test old relationships and new romances while threatening to keep the business from ever selling a single dress. No one said it would be easy. But the promise of the American Dream holds a deep hope for those who work hard, trust God, and never give up.

My Review:
I was delighted to read, The Fashion Designer, the follow-up story to Annie's journey into the world of design. Nancy Moser sews her research of the fashion industry in the early twentieth century into a perfect pattern of hope and determination. I loved the camaraderie of the entrepreneurial ladies and their desire to grow a business. There are many ups and downs in the story, but regardless of the situation the characters faith shines in the face of controversy. This is a book filled with excitement for women at the turn of the century, love among the wonderful characters, and hope for family and friends. I highly recommend this beautiful story. If you haven't read book one of the series, The Pattern Artist, check it out too. I received this book for free with no expectation of a good or bad review. This book is available July 1, 2018. Pre-order on Amazon.