A Heart Most Worthy by Siri Mitchell

I thought this was a very interesting story about three young Italian immigrants living in Boston.  Julietta is a headstrong, rule-breaker who has plans to do as she pleases, and love who she pleases.  Annamaria is the ultimate "good girl" who always does as she is told, and knows her place in her family.  Luciana is struggling with her fall from fortune, and trying to survive the assassin who killed her father.  All three young ladies come together at Madame Fortier's dress shop, where they work on the third floor using their talents to create gowns for the wealthy.   Julietta, Annamaria, and Luciana overcome their fears, turn to God, and realize the plans He has for their lives in very different ways.  There is a history lesson to be learned from this story on how Italian immigrants were viewed in the early 1900's, along with a fantastic tale of romance, danger, faith, and family all rolled into one.   I thoroughly enjoyed the author's writing style and storytelling, and would recommend this book to my friends!

Bethany House Publishers sent me this book for free so that I could write a non-biased review.

Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate

Larkspur Cove is a fantastic read!  Andrea and her 14 year old son have returned to her childhood home in Moses Lake, Texas after suffering through a rough divorce, not to mention a deep humiliation caused by her ex-husband in her former church.  She lived the "perfect" life back in Houston, and is hurt that God was not there for her during her turmoil.  In all actuality, she has turned her back on God and deprived her son of a relationship with Him as well.  Through meeting Mart, who has baggage of his own, and her new job as a counselor for CPS referred cases, she finds her way back to the God that never left her or forsake her, but led her through her pain and grief to find joy and meaning on the other side.   There are so many wonderful characters in this book that have their own unique imprint on the lives of Andrea and Mart, but none greater than Len and Birdie.  Through this story, the reader will look at Len not just as a slow-witted, hygiene challenged old man, but as a caring and compassionate person who has much to give and share with his granddaughter, Birdie.  Birdie has been through too much in her short life, and the only safety she finds is with Len.  I highly recommend this book!  It made me think twice about judging outside appearances and really looking at the heart of a person.
I received this book free fron the publisher in order to write a review.  The opinions expressed are my own and I have not been asked to write a favorable review.