The Secret Admire Romance Collection by various romance writers was given to me in ARC form thru Netgalley for an honest review. The Cast of the Heart by Amanda Barrett, The Advocate by Lorriane Betty, Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull, Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper, The Last Letter by C.J. Dunham, The Outcast's Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik, Besides Still Waters by Becca Whitman, The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y'Barbo, and Love From Afar by Penny Zellar.
I love short story that revolve around secret admires, love from afar, and just plain romance.
This collection of short stories in a unique blend of romantic, silly, heart-warming, and a tad of mystery. Each story has their own unique way of story telling, and pulling the reader in to their world. Thank you ladies for this unique collection, and thank you Netgalley for the unique read.

Charming collection. Lovely stories with a strong Christian theme, very chaste & sweet. Enjoyable but not as noteworthy as some of the other recent Barbour collections I’ve read recently.

The Secret Admirer Romance collection was an interesting set of novellas that followed different couples as they went from secret, often unknown correspondences to actual love and marriage. An entertaining read.

I really enjoy the themed romance collections much more than the common setting romance collections. With the theme Secret Admirer, I really like how there were so many different takes on the same idea! Made me feel for those shy people! And I liked that they were not your normal storybook stories. Seemed more real maybe? Of course I was also glad it always worked out for the couples, I mean who hasn't secretly admired someone? Great stories!

Generally, I prefer new romances and not ones that begin as an unrequited love. However, the authors of this book did a great job of making these romances very believable in spite of that. I enjoyed watching several of them come together. Yes, as others have commented the stories are a bit predictable, but honestly that's what I'm looking for when I sit down with a pleasant, light, Christian romance. I want a pleasant story, and that's what these provided. Short enough to read in one sitting, yet still have plenty of details and depth to the characters.

Thoughts:

THE SECRET ADMIRER ROMANCE COLLECTION: Can Concealed Love Be Revealed in Nine Historical Novellas? by Amanda Barratt, Lorraine Beatty, Molly Noble Bull, Anita Mae Draper, CJ Dunham, Jennifer Uhlarik, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Penny Zeller uncovers the vulnerability of romance.

Fall in love through history, in spite of the fear of rejection, to gain the promise of hope from beginning to end. Stories will take us from East Coast to the Western Frontier and from 1880’s through early 1900’s to find the desires of your heart. With a sampling inside this review, I will share about two tales where romance dwells, and with the turn of each page, you’ll ponder about each end.

THE COST OF A HEART by Amanda Barratt adds the jolt of an unhappy marriage in Lily Montgomery’s life. Her marriage to a wealthy, prominent man leaves her with an empty heart from the love her husband lacks. However, she was not ready to become a widow. In 1897, mourning takes years, but when Lily emerges, she is ready for a life on her terms. The time cloistered in home brought her to closeness with her servants and that would never have been, and she’s grateful for the friendship. Though the norms of socialites would not have such things, with a lack of close family ties, she dares to cross the blurry lines of class.

What if the lines become so blended that one’s place gets lost?

Nathaniel Evans has always been fond of Lily Montgomery, but her horrid husband made it easier to keep his own place in mind. He wasn’t approving of Mr. Montgomery, as his presence was apt to cause his spouse problems. In fact, when he was not around, Nathaniel could see the real smile that would add light to Lily’s face.

With him deceased, her grief was real, but her strength and spine only multiply as does the light that comes back into her beautiful eyes.

His secret feelings for her leads to a change as he struggles to keep his emotions under control until it becomes near impossible. If he would show his care, he will lose everything. No love. No job. He’s a servant. She is not. Does he dare? They have no future, and he has no ability to love another.

Can he stay on as her servant and be no more to her than this?

LOVE FROM AFAR by Penny Zeller begins with a bashful, shy man who was at one time, a sickly, tired boy. Gabe Kleeman returns to Ellis Creek after a few years absence. The young girl he admired from his school days is now a beautiful woman he admires even more than before. However, his shy, awkward stature of years gone by is still here with him today. A younger sibling notices his stares at the woman, and his life becomes more complicated. He can not let his secret be known. She didn’t notice him years ago, and he is sure Meredith Waller would not like him better today.

As two siblings from two different families concoct a plan, the wedding dress maker is taken into their sites along with a brother who stays by himself to set their lives into a tailspin.

Meredith Waller accepts that she will be a spinster. Her talents of making perfect wedding dresses are stretching everywhere in a town where all of her friends either are now married or are getting married. Things are going about on the same course as it has been until an unsigned letter arrives for her in the mail.

Who could be her secret admirer? The scrawl and poetry do not lend a hand to identify the man, and Meredith is setting herself up to know this person for real.

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

Inside THE SECRET ADMIRER ROMANCE COLLECTION: Can Concealed Love Be Revealed in Nine Historical Novellas? by Amanda Barratt, Lorraine Beatty, Molly Noble Bull, Anita Mae Draper, CJ Dunham, Jennifer Uhlarik, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and Penny Zeller, the risk of romance can be great, but the consequences of staying safely hidden away may become greater!

Facing life’s challenges alone is not easy, but to face them alone while pining for another is heart-wrenching and more difficult with every passing hour.

These novellas bring history inside life on Christian terms but sets out on a road littered with broken people and shattered hearts.

Hmmm...nope. Another one that is not for me. It's a different take on romance stories, so I suppose it will have it's fans. This has a more Christian bent to it, so it's a safe one for younger women. Nothing scandalous , just nice historic, chaste love.

I loved all of the stories in this book...They all captured my attention and put a smile on my face while reading this publication. A wonderful collection of authors....and stories. I have recommended this book to my reading circles. A winner !!!!

The Secret Admirer Romance Collection is a book that makes you want to cuddle up on a couch or a window seat, boil a nice big cup of hot chocolate and spray a ton of whip cream on top and cuddle up next to your cuddliest pillow, teddy bear, boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse and start reading these touching, historical romances - each one - believe me or not - better than the other. There are 9 stories that set my heart aback. I was so absorbed in the reading I didn't hear my phone go off - now that's a book - it is a boundless in the differentiation in love stories. Not one was similar to the last - don't you get so sick of the same ole same ole? That isn't here - the authors are brave in their stories and how they tell them - the heart is the clear - cut subject object of the affection of these 9 stories. Your heart will be touched. You have stories of freedom and restarting of life and love it opens the heart and eyes of the characters, in some, some need a little extra help but these stories open hearts that have been closed or just lost - GOD uses all things to open or as a so called compass - lol - to love, or feel again or for the first time or for the right person. GOD is good - AMEN?

It's always hard to read a collection of novellas written by multiple authors and review it. Barbour Publishing and the authors usually do a good job of holding the theme of the novellas together and generating a collection worth reading.

All the featured authors in this collection are new to me. I particularly enjoyed Beside Still Waters by Whitham and Love From Afar by Zeller. Both short stories were well-written and the characters were well-defined and well-portrayed. Both storylines carried themselves well and didn't feel rushed or incomplete.

All the novellas had a strong component of faith and prayer in them. Some storylines had interesting twists to what a "secret admirer" may be. The book was a quick and enjoyable read.

I received ARC of the book from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. I was not required to write a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

I so enjoyed this collection of nine novellas! I loved the unpredictability of who the secret admirer might be. I liked that it wasn't always a main character. Each novella is a stand-alone story. They are just the right length to read one novella in the evening before bed or in a waiting room for the doctor or car repair as I did.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Inspirational, Historical fiction.

The Secret Admirer Romance Collection
This is a fun set of historical stories that take place in the late eighteen hundreds. Each has their own whimsical air that allows for smiles and a few happy tears. I enjoyed reading them and discovering love with nine different couples.
The first story is The Cost of a Heart by Amanda Barratt. In this story, Nathaniel Evans, chauffeur to Lily Montgomery, knows that they can never be together because they are of two different social classes. However, he has watched her struggle for years with loneliness at the hands of her late husband and after his passing. He vows to be her friend and hides his feelings. However, when she begins courting someone else, he discovers that she may be falling into a new painful trap. Can he help her overcome this or will their social differences remain between them?
In the next story, The Advocate by Lorraine Beatty, Hannah Davis journeys west to live with her aunt and help at her local newspaper. She had once read an article about the town sheriff, Mitch Kincaid, and couldn’t wait to meet him. The man she discovers is not the same one described in that long ago article though. This man is stubborn and doesn’t seem to like her, no matter how nice she tries to be. She decides to anonymously help him in his run for reelection as sheriff. She sends letters into the newspaper talking about what a great man he is and how the town should choose him. Will these letters finally bring her closer to her heart or will she head back home with her heart in her hands?
In Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull, Abigail travels with her younger siblings to become a mail order bride. When she arrives in town, her soon to be husband’s neighbor, Luke, drives her out to her new home, where she discovers that her intended is in his nineties. While they wait for the preacher to come to town, she spends time in town and gets to know Luke more. However, she made a promise and she will stick to it. But oh how her heart longs for more. What will she do? How will her heart survive?
Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper is about a shopkeeper named Adam and a young lady who secretly admires him from afar. Janet decides to write him secret notes and leave them about his store in different places. At first, he believes they are for someone else, but soon realizes that they are meant for him. What will he do? He is not the marrying type, believing God can’t forgive him for his past. Will Janet help him find healing and love?
In The Last Letter by CJ Dunham, Emilia Davis has lost everyone she loves in the Civil War: her father, brother, and fiancé. The day the war ends, she receives a letter from her long dead fiancé, telling her that he wants them to live together in the west and create a new life for themselves. She sets out for the frontier, intent on fulfilling her last wishes. Along the way, she adopts a young boy named Josiah and meets Cyrus, a man with his own past and secrets to hide. Will the frontier bring new love or only more heartbreak for Emilia?
The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik combines cattle stealing, heartache, and romance in a tale to warm the heart. Maisie is the daughter of the former sheriff in town and, with the passing of her father, she works at a restaurant to help her family. Lucky is the quiet farmhand who comes to see her, but can’t ever get any words out when in her company. When cattle go missing in the area, Lucky’s past finds him. He was once a young boy who helped some cattle rustlers, but got through jail by writing back and forth with Maisie’s father. Now, he must prove his innocence and protect the girl he loves.
The next story, Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham, is my favorite of them all. In the story, Sarah Maffey, an heiress, decides that she wants to head west. She sets out, against her father’s wishes, after learning of her fiancé’s infidelity. She discovers that homesteading is much harder than she anticipated. Only with the help of her neighbor, John, is she able to make a dent in the wilderness. When she starts to receive threatening notes, John, who is a former Texas Ranger, promises to keep her safe. Together, they try to determine who is responsible and what they want. Along the way, feelings begin to develop between them. When she is kidnapped, he must save her and pray that she can return his love.
In The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo, Pearl has loved Deke for as long as she can remember. When he left for college he promised to return for her and she has held tight to that promise. However, the two families have had a falling out over the years and her father forbids it. Deke’s family is also against it, hiding letters that she writes to him and keeping him away from her. When they finally meet again, unforeseen circumstances force them into marriage. She is ecstatic, he is worried. How can the two of them find the past they once shared and turn it into a future they both desire?
The final story, Love From Afar by Penny Zeller, is about Gabe and Meredith, who both secretly like each other, but don’t think the other could feel the same way. When their younger sisters decide to take matters into their own hands by writing love notes between them, will they finally find each other? Or will they be further apart? This story was also one of my favorites!
Lovers of historical fiction with a happy ending will enjoy these nine stories of romance. They are sweet stories and will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

"The Secret Admirer Romance Collection" (2017, Barbour) is approximately 25th in Barbour’s " Love & Romance Collections" series. The cover asks, “Can Concealed Love Be Revealed in 9 Historical Novellas?” Whether this is the subtitle (as Goodreads indicates) or merely a question posed on the cover, I think it would have been better to simply note “Nine historical novellas by nine authors” or something like that. I chose to read this book because I was looking for two Kindle books with authors whose last names begin with “Y” and “Z.” It’s anal, I know. NetGalley delivered for me in the form of this collection of Christian novellas - in exchange for an honest review, of course. Happily, novellas by Ms. Y’Barbo and Ms. Zeller are at the end of this collection. Peachy! Except…. With Ms. Barratt, Ms. Beatty, and Ms. Bull, now I’m way ahead on “B” authors…… Oh, dear.

How many of my Goodreads friends will admit to reading alphabetically, I wonder?
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Overall rating: 4 1/3 stars

*All novellas in this collection are very clean/chaste and in some way or another, includes a secret admirer aspect to the story.

Be warned that this is a very long review. I tried to limit myself, but reviewing each of the nine novellas makes this long overall! Please feel free to skim for the information you’re looking for!
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Novella #1: 4 stars

"The Cost of a Heart" (2017) by Amanda Barratt,
Newport, Rhode Island, 1897

The heroine: Socialite Lily Montgomery’s husband of one year is unfaithful, and he expects her to grin and bear it. He dies unexpectedly, freeing Lily from an unhappy marriage. The story jumps ahead to two years later, when Lily feels ready to move on with her life.

The hero: Nathaniel Evans is Lily’s chauffeur, footman, and friend. He “had been her [Lily’s buoy, helping to keep her afloat during her tenure as Jackson’s wife” and has continued to do so. He has cared for Lily for the last two years.

Christian elements: “But now, instead of her own clumsy efforts to bind together with schoolroom paste what needed to be fused with steel, she sought comfort in the refuge of a Father who would never leave, nor forsake.”

What I liked: Ms. Barratt makes an extremely unlikely hero/heroine pairing a possibility. I liked both protagonists very much.

What I didn’t like: Most of the time that Lily spends with Nathaniel seems not only extremely unrealistic, but they occur in a very unlikely manner.
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Novella #2: 4 stars

"The Advocate" (2017) by Lorraine Beatty,
Out west, in an era “on the cusp of great change for women.”

The heroine: Hannah Davis has come to visit her aunt, who owns the "Riverton Chronicle". Hannah has two objects: to meet the town’s heroic sheriff and to get a “real job as a reporter.”

The hero: Mitch Kincaid is the “famed sheriff of Riverton” as as touted by Hannah’s father in an article he wrote the previous year. Hannah boldly introduces herself to him in his office under the guise of offering him a newspaper.” His response? “I know who you are, and I don’t need a copy of the "Chronicle".” He then expresses doubts about her staying power and predicts that she will return home within two weeks.

Christian elements: “No man is [a hero, Hannah, and as soon as you put a man up on that pedestal, you’ll be disappointed every time.” This is good advice. No matter who we are admiring, dating/courting, or married to, we need to remember Romans 3:23: “Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory.” (God’s Word Translation)

What I liked: The election for the sheriff as a backdrop for the story was very interesting, and I enjoyed being privy to the newspaper articles about it.

What I didn’t like: “She wasn’t sure when she’d realized she was in love with Mitch. Maybe she had been since she’d first read the article about him.” Umm. No. She had never met him! Some may consider that thought to be romantic, but we are not, in fact, “in love” with someone merely by seeing someone for the first time, or in this case, reading about the person!
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Novella #3: 4 stars

"Too Many Secrets" (2017) by Molly Noble Bull,
Texas, 1882

The heroine: Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Miss Abigail Willoughby has come as a mail order bride for Mr. Ambrose Franklin in Frio Corners, Texas. Abby’s brothers and sisters are dependent on her, and they have come to be with their sister in her new home.

The hero: Luke Conquest is neighbor to Mr. Franklin, an ailing nonagenarian. Abby is “the most beautiful girl Luke had ever seen.” However, he is very concerned that “Miss Willoughby was nothing more than a gold digger out to marry a rich and ailing man.”

Christian elements: There is reference to “the sin of omission,” and I came up blank for a supporting Bible verse. I looked it up, and found: “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” (James 4:17, NLT)

What I liked: I was not expecting any narration from anyone other than the hero and heroine. When it came, I was surprised, and I enjoyed seeing where it went. There were a couple of other things that didn’t go as I predicted, and that was fun.

What I didn’t like: Instalove was very much a part of this story. Prior to Luke and Abagail’s first meeting: “Luke breathed a sigh of relief. She isn’t married.” And very shortly after their first meeting: “Conquest was a thoughtful person, and she would call him Luke -- at least in her dreams.”
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Novella #4: 4 stars

"Love in Store" (2017) by Anita Mae Draper,
Miles City, Montana, 1890

The heroine: Janet Smith, 22, admires Adam Hazelton, yet he won’t ever look at her when she comes into his store. Janet decides to take an unusual approach to rectify the situation: she leaves him an anonymous poem, expressing her admiration. (I consider this to be flawed logic. I don’t see how she can expect this to work when the letter will be anonymous. Maybe she expects him to figure out who the writer is, but unless I missed something, the story doesn’t indicate this. Her letters DO end up helping, but not in the way that I would have expected as a reader, and that was pretty cool.)

The hero: Adam Hazelton is a very close-mouthed general store shopkeeper. He doesn’t want to get close to people or to share details about his past.

Christian elements:

*This story opens with 1 John 1:9: ”If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

*A bit farther in, there’s a likable preacher imparting wisdom and kindness.

What I liked: The author made Adam’s integrity shine through, and the characters felt realistic. I also just really enjoyed the plotline.

What I didn’t like: There were a couple of very small details that I thought needed some explanation. Also, at the end, there seemed to be too large of a leap forward in the hero and heroine’s relationship compared to the rest of the story.
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Novella #5: 5 stars

"The Last Letter" (2017) by C.J. Dunham,
Canandaigua, New York & Manhattan, Kansas in 1865

The heroine: The story opens on April 10th, 1865 to the joyous news that the American Civil War is over. But Emilia Davis is in mourning and cannot enjoy it. Her father, brother, and fiance all died in the war a year or more ago. When Emilia goes to the post office that day, she is shocked to receive a delayed letter from her fiance Asa. There were several surprises in this story, so I don’t want to say any more. I thought it was fantastic.

Christian elements:

*”...when God opens a door, sometimes we have to act swiftly before it closes again.”

*”Doesn’t the Lord call upon us to lift up the hands that are weary? Not slap them down for their emptiness?”

What I liked:

*The dialogue, surprises, and emotions were all so very well done!

*Specific laws about what women did or did not have the right to do were interesting. There were other well-incorporated historical details as well.

What I didn’t like: I didn’t find anything to object to except one verb with an incorrect tense. I consider this to be an ideal novella.
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Novella #6: 4 1/2 stars

"The Outcast’s Redemption" by Jennifer Uhlarik,
Blackwater, Texas, 1872

The heroine: Margaret Ann Blanton, more comfortably known as Maisie, works at a cafe. She is experiencing raw grief from her father’s death as well as inner turmoil over his unexplained behavior before he died. Her father’s strange behavior caused her family to be the subject of gossip, and continues to affect how the townspeople view treat Maisie and her family.

The hero: Lucky Tolliver is a cowhand at the Rocking D ranch and anonymously leaves a gift of flowers for Maisie. The usually garrulous man becomes tongue-tied around her. His friend notes, “You can talk the ears off a cornfield, but you walk in here [the cafe and forget how to string more than two words together.”

Christian elements: “Lord, I can only hope we might be good for each other one day, but what do I have to offer her?” Lucky sets a good example for us. We can (and should) talk to God about our current problems as well as our hopes for the future. Also, Maisie’s father (before he passed away) encouraged Lucky in his Christian walk with Bible verses, encouraging Lucky to turn from his old ways.

What I liked: Maisie and Lucky are already fond of each other at the beginning of the story, unbeknownst to one another. I always think this works very well for a novella-length story. Maisie and Lucky are both extremely likable, which makes for a pleasant read.

What I didn’t like: “He loved her, had from the first time he’d laid eyes on her.” I am ALWAYS going to object to statements like that! I’m not a fan of instalove.
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Novella #7: 5 stars

"Beside Still Waters" (2017) by Becca Whitham,
Massachusetts & Oklahoma, 1901

The heroine: Sarah Maffey is an heiress preparing for her wedding. She breaks off the engagement after learning that her fiance is unfaithful and is planning to abandon her after the wedding. What kind of a father says, “A man needs an outlet,” defending such behavior? I don’t blame Sarah at all for leaving Boston to claim some land in Oklahoma on her own!

The hero: Widowed John Tyler, a former Texas Ranger, has also gone to Oklahoma for land. He becomes Sarah’s nearest neighbor, and offers her occasional assistance, which she grudgingly accepts. When he first meets Sarah, he is very perceptive about her emotional state: “Yes, he knew grief. And the woman standing before him still considered it her enemy.”

Christian elements: “"God, you know I only acted the way I did because I was hurt!" Truth struck hard. Of course, she’d been hurt. Everyone got hurt at some point in life.” Nice Biblical application here! We need to behave in a godly manner, regardless of the situation. Easier said than done, right?

What I liked: I liked Sarah’s spunk!

*Sarah’s father: “Stop bluffing, princess. A woman alone would never succeed at homesteading.”
Sarah: “We’ll see about that.”

*Sarah (to self): “It’s only a tent. You are smarter than a piece of fabric.”

What I didn’t like: Sarah is sometimes suspicious of John’s motives for his friendship with her. It’s understandable, giving Sarah’s background, but I didn’t enjoy those parts.
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Novella #8: 4 stars

"The Princess of Polecat Creek" (2017) by Kathleen Y’Barbo,
Texas, 1886

The heroine: Pearl Barrett, 21, has loved Deke Wyatt since childhood, and for a while, it was assumed between the two families that Pearl and Deke would marry. This didn’t last, because the heads of the families came to be in constant dispute with each other. Pearl still wishes to marry Deke regardless of the family dispute - and regardless of the fact that Deke left home years ago. Now Pearl’s father is arranging a beneficial marriage, and she wants no part of it! She prays for God to intervene, and I like the way that goes down!

The hero: Deke Wyatt has come home to “settle his father’s affairs.” He has no intention of staying, and does not seem to have the long-held affection for Pearl that she has for him.

Christian elements: “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth.” I like this verse. It makes me think of Maria in "The Sound of Music".

What I liked: I liked the unique storyline which the premise (not mentioned above) made possible, and think it had a natural feel to it. (But see below.) I also really enjoyed discussion of the application of Bible verses between two characters, which I haven’t frequently seen in Christian fiction.

What I didn’t like: I think that the premise of the story is somewhat far-fetched. I also think the resolution was a bit too immediate, unfortunately. (I don’t have an objection to the resolution otherwise.)
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Novella #9: 4 1/2 stars

"Love from Afar" (2017) by Penny Zeller,
Ellis Creek, Montana Territory, 1884

The heroine: Meredith Waller, 20, has made several exquisite wedding gowns… all for others. She longs to make her own and to marry a “man with a strong faith in the Lord and a kind and gracious nature.”

The hero: Gabe Kleeman has been gone for three years to assist on his aunt and uncle’s farm after his uncle met with an accident. Meredith vaguely remembers him as a “sickly fellow” who “missed a lot of school.” He is now very healthy and has purchased a ranch next to his father’s. “From the beginning, that had been Gabe’s dream - to own his own ranch.” Gabe has always admired Meredith. “She hadn’t known he existed then, and she certainly didn’t know now.” Gabe’s “tongue got tied into hopeless knots” when trying to talk to Meredith, so he’s hesitant to try now.

Christian elements:

*At the very beginning: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.”

*Meredith is very conscious of the Lord and frequently communicates briefly with Him. Gabe has his share of prayerful talking to God as well.

What I liked: I thought the letter writing scheme was very cute, and was glad it didn’t go south! I enjoyed the gossip between Meredith’s and Gabe’s younger sisters.

What I didn’t like:

*I thought it was a bit strange that Meredith would only “vaguely recall” Gabe when he’s been gone for only three years, when they were in the same school.

*Meredith’s rationale for a conclusion she makes is not 100% plain.
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The bottom line: This secret admirer themed collection is great fun, and I was surprised that every single one was a 4 star or higher read for me. I recommend this book to historical Christian romance fans. I would be happy to read more by every one of these authors!

This 9-book compilation starts out with a great one, a chauffeur that is in love with the Lady of the house, Lily. A great read! Another story is a love romance with the town sheriff. There’s a story with repentance and salvation, one dealing with bitterness and the harm it does to the person allowing it to fester in their soul, and some with love notes that were passed. There’s a woman who travels West after purchasing a store unseen. She finds the love of a little boy and a man in this one. A quote I love from one of them says, “Just thinking how the prettiest gal in Blackwater is wearing my last name.” And “Perhaps pitied wasn’t exactly the right word, for no matter what sort of orders her groom would be receiving, he would still be putting his boots under the same bed where that woman slept.” It’s got you swooning at one moment and laughing-out-loud at the next. Check out these funny quotes from the book. “Sarah Maffey was a mystery wrapped in porcupine quills. Trying to figure her out was like trying to solve a crime, and the Texas Ranger in him was intrigued.” “Sakes alive! From nothing to jackrabbit speed in an instant.” And “Sarah no longer cared two bean or a pickle for the man. Not when men like John Tyler lived and breathed.” Of course, you have the usage of the new married name in “welcome home Mrs. Wyatt.” and the funny use of “Fiddlesticks!” A great read all around. Check it out for yourself at the links below.
I received a copy of this from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Oh my! What an absolute delight it was to read The Secret Admirer Romance Collection! This is a collection of short stories by 9 Christian fiction authors. What I love about the stories is that they are clean christian fiction and I don't have to worry about hiding what I am reading when my younger children come into the room. I even approve of my teens reading these stories. I love that I can read as much or as little at a time as I want to with these shorter stories yet that they are full stories and you don't feel like you are missing out on a complete story.
Highly recommended to all!
Pub Date 01 May 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Barbour books for providing me with a review copy in exchange for my honest review!

A wonderful collection of love stories which capture your heart! I adored the first story in particular and have even re-read it because it is so sweet. A lovely book with great authors.

A delightful collection of new romantic novellas with a wide variety of people and settings. Ranging from the 1860's to early 1900's, in New York and Boston to Kansas and Montana, with elite rich down to some with very little. Fun scenarios created by one person having a crush on another, but not knowing how to overcome a barrier, sometimes class, or past mistakes, shyness or family differences. Many of these would make good full-length novels!

I enjoyed them all, especially the ones with the gentlemen who were the strong, quieter solid type, looking out for the ladies who needed help and protection sometimes; the tongue-tied shy ones like Gabe in the last story, and cowboy Luke Tolliver, were especially endearing. Cyrus Holden in The Last Letter was my favorite though, with his quiet, sacrificial, faithful qualities, patiently helping Emilia. What a guy! The Advocate was a fun western too, with a mystery and action. Loved the ending on that one especially. Some sigh-worthy moments in them all when they reveal their true feelings.
Recommend for fans of Christian historical romances! 4.5 stars

The secret admirer Romance Collection Can Concealed Love Be Revealed in 9 Historical Novellas? by Amanda Barratt, Lorraine Beatty, Molly Noble Bull, Anita Mae Draper, CJ Dunham, Jennifer Uhlarik, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y'Barbo, Penny Zeller is a book published by Barbour this May 1 and a treasure of old romanticism and at the same time great love-stories with courageous women and strong feelings!
The stories are all beautiful.

I loved the most was the one of Miss Emilia Davis and Ava. Ava was the fiancee of this girl but he died. He died during the Secession War but although he died during the war, Emilia every few days went at the local post office of her town and sent a letter to him. This one was their favorite way of communication. But the day the war of Secession ended up she receives a last letter from Ava apparently written on June 2 1864 the day Ava lost his life. Emilia devastated from this news.

Emilia lost everyone during the war: his parents, siblings, the same man he loved the most. And now she should give also away Downy Lane the estate where she was living and working in.


She doesn't know what to do, but then she goes at a meeting and she understand that there is the possibility of buying a store in Kansas.

Emilia think that she doesn't lose anything or anyone behind and she can buying this store. But there will be other problems....Bureaucracy.

The tale will follow the historical days of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln with all the turmoil that this unwanted news brought with it.

She decides to adopt a kid. She needed a company someone to grow up waiting for a final stabilization although once arrived to Manhattan, Kansas, she discovers that the papers she signed were "fraudulent" in most parts, that she didn't have anything in that store.

Slowly slowly thanks to some local "guardian angels" Emilia will sort out the problems, bringing her also back some memories from the past.

But problems are not yet finished, because someone thought that well Emilia maybe had an illegitimate son comparing her at the heroine by Nathaniel Hawthorne: The Scarlet Letter.

At the same time Emilia started to analyze the two men she was interested in and the differences between them.

But there will be other problems. With the little boy, German. The end is a final confession and the best happy ending you could wish for Emilia and all the protagonists of this short, but absolutely tender, wonderful and strong story.

I suggest to every woman this book. It's relaxing, positive, you will love these stories and you will be at the same time transported in another time.

The cover of this book is romantic, enchanting.


I thank NetGalley and Barbour for this beautiful book!

The Secret Admirer Romance Collectionis an entertaining anthology of short stories by Amanda Barratt, Lorraine Beatty, Molly Noble Bull, Anita Mae Draper, CJ Dunham, Jennifer Uhlarik, Becca Whitham, Kathleen Y'Barbo, and Penny Zeller. I have said this before but find this to be a wonderful way to try out new authors’ work. There is sure to be something for everyone.

Each story takes you back in time to a period where life may have been simpler but love was just as complex. The titles are as follows:
The Cost of a Heart by Amanda Barratt
The Advocate by Lorraine Beatty
Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull
Love in Store by Anita Mae Draper
The Last Letter by CJ Dunham
The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik
Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham
The Princess of Polecat Creek by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Love from Afar by Penny Zeller

The size of the stories limited the author from truly developing the characters or expanding the plot. There were a couple I would have liked to see expanded into full novels such as Kathleen Y’Barbo’s The Princess of Polecat Creek and Too Many Secrets by Molly Noble Bull.

I dislike none of the novellas, but like some more than others. My favorites were the poignant The Last Letter by CJ Dunham, and The Outcast’s Redemption by Jennifer Uhlarik which is exactly as the title implies. My last favorite is a pioneer story, Beside Still Waters by Becca Whitham. All three are different from each other by relatively new authors for me to read their books. I love finding new authors to enjoy their writing.

I can recommend without reservation this Christian Historical Romance Anthology to others.

This is a lovely collection with a wide range of settings and historical time periods and plot lines.

The Cost of a Heart-- Lily Mongomery is a rich, high society widow, she befriends her driver Nathan, talking to him about her daily life. When she discovers that the man she is courting is only after her money, she makes a bold choice.

The Advocate-- Hannah Davis comes to Riverton for two reasons. 1) To write for her aunt's newspaper, 2) To meet the legendary, Mitch Kincaid. Neither of her plans work out the way that she had planned. So helps Mitch by writing anonymous letters to the paper to get him re-elected, because he is too stubborn to do it himself. One of my favorites of the collection with great characters, action, interaction, and a fantastic ending!

Too Many Secrets -- Abigail agrees to be a mail-order-bride to give her 4 younger siblings a chance at a better life. But her groom-to-be never mentioned his age, and things don't go as planned, as rumors begin to run rampant. Will Abigail find a happily ever after?

Love in a Store -- Janet writes letters to Adam and leaves them hidden in his store. Adam has no idea who is ending him the notes. He also finds faith, as he begins reading the Bible for himself.

The Last Letter-- Emilia keeps her promise to her fiance even after his death in the war, after receiving his last letter she travels to Kansas to start again. Along the way she meets an orphan boy, who is deaf. Cyrus is the sheriff, and he does what he can to help them. But Cyrus has a secret, but he fears that it will change the course his growing friendship with Emilia. A great story with well developed characters, a lot going on, and a dramatic rescue!

The Outcast's Redemption -- Maisie has some mysteries to solve, as she tries to unravel the past of what happened when her father was sheriff, who is really behind the crimes that the sheriff is accusing Lucky of, and who is leaving gifts for her porch. Lucky really likes Maisie, but he get's tongue tied around her. But when the time comes will he be able to find his voice and help Maisie get to the bottom of everything?

Beside Still Waters -- John is a former Texas Ranger looking for a fresh start homesteading in Oklahoma. He does his best to make friends and help his prickly new neighbor, Sarah. She doesn't trust men. John keeps offering, and he's there for her when strange things start happening.

The Princess of Polecat Creek-- A series of mishaps bring Pearl Barrett and Deke Wyatt together though, despite the fact that their families have been feuding for years. I liked Pearl's determination, and that Deke doesn't stop looking for the truth. A great ending, and surprises along the way!

Love from Afar-- This was one of my favorites. I like that Meridith's sister, Tillie and Gabe's sister, Lula, plot to get their siblings together. Gabe needs all the help he can get because when he is around Meridith, he loses the ability to speak. This was a sweet and humorous read, and I enjoyed every minute.

This is a great compilation, with strong men of faith, and women who make bold choices and follow their hearts.


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