The Shenandoah Valley, Virginia in 1816 is the setting and time period of the novel, “My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley” by Andrea Boeshaar. In this novel, we follow Captain McAlister Albright who has purchased land from Silas Everett. His friend, John Blake has quit the sea temporarily to accompany his Cap’n to his new holdings. Unfortunately, Miss Lilyanna Laughlin and her family have owned this land for as long as she can remember. Upon her father’s death Mr. Everett, her father’s “dear” friend took over as guardian to her and her two young brothers, along with Aunt Hilda, who clearly despises Mr. Everett. Is it legal that he sold their land out from under them? Mr. Everett had designs on Lily. She is aware of it, but would rather be snake-bitten then succumb to the likes of him. Mac and Lily find a friendship together as they sort out the legalities of their land ownership.

I thought the interaction among the main characters of this story were engaging, funny, and lent the novel some substance. Mac’s own family is hesitant to back him because of allegations that he fought for the British in the war past. His patriotism is suspect along with his family’s opposition to his new profession. This is a good, light read.

I was given a complimentary print copy of this book by Barbour publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

I was really drawn into this story from the beginning and enjoyed each twist and turn as they played out. It had both my emotions and imagination held captive and the characters were ones I could see my self meeting. I connected with each one differently and there was one I loved to despise. But even he added his own layer to the story! Rich, lush scenery made me want to visit the Shenadoah Valley and especially Haus am Bach (house by the creek), walking it's grounds, smelling the sweet fruit trees in summer and enjoying dangling my feet in the water on a hot day. This was the first book I've read by Andrea Boeshaar and I'll definitely be looking for more by her. I loved the historical details, vivid scenery, emotion and depth of character she evokes in this novel. Let's not forget the sweet romance between Lily and Captain Mac and the journey it took to get them to their happily-ever-after! Sweet inspirational historical I highly recommend along with all the other My Heart Belongs books.

Middletown, Virginia - 1816

Captain McAlister Albright (Mac) had left his life on the waters some years ago and now is looking forward to growing fruit trees and other crops in the Shenandoah Valley. Along with him, he has brought his good friend, John Blake.

As Mac is walking around the land he has just purchased, he happens upon Miss Lillyanna Laughlin. She disputes that he owns the land claiming that it is hers. But when she examines the deed that Mac has, she sees that the seller is Silas Everett, a friend of her father’s who had promised to care for her and her family after he father died. Her family members are her aunt, Hilda, and her two younger brothers. How could this man sell property that he doesn't own? As her father died without a will, the magistrate appointed Everett as executor and he sold their land. But as their manor home was not included in the sale, they can remain in their home.

Everett has become very bossy and is trying to squeeze Lilly and her family so that she will agree to marry him. He tells them that their father left no money and that they are at his mercy. The man shows up for dinner every night acting like he is the head of their family. When Lilly invites Mac and John to have dinner with them, Everett is furious. But Mac is kind to the family and willing for them to stay where they are.

Lilly and Mac soon become friends. Mac is smitten by her and soon Blake and Hilda find an attraction as well.

Mac is trying to prove to his family back in Alexandria that he is a strong man and can make his own way in life and do well.

Will Mac be able to do what he wants? Will Lilly be able to get away from Everett?

There are a lot of events in this book that will surely be of interest to readers. I think the author did a good job with keeping the food, clothes, crops, etc. to the time period. I’m sure readers will enjoy this clean, Christian novel.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was an enjoyable historical romance. I went through so many different emotions over the course of the story. I loved most of the characters, but couldn’t stand Mr. Everett (but he was meant to be disliked). I loved how Lily was strong and able to hold her own against Mr. Everett, he deserved to have to face the consequences for the things he did to her and her family. The Aunt and Blake were such a sweet couple it was fun to watch this relationship bloom. But the relationship between Mac and Lily was the reason I was unable to put the book down. I loved their banter and sweet moments, I really liked both these characters and so badly wanted them together, I had to know what was going to happen and if my wishes were going to come true. The addition of other elements throughout kept the story compelling and engaging. Topics such as dealing with deception, overcoming fear and building trust were integrated into the story. The descriptions of the setting were wonderfully done and I could very easily picture the orchids and swimming hole. I really enjoyed this one and would recommend it to those who enjoy stepping back in.

The pages flew as I read this historical story set in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and the time is just after the Revolutionary War, and before the Civil War, 1816.
This book sure has its hero’s and villains, and I sure would have loved to have smacked Everett, he sure gave off a lot of bad bibes.
Can you imagine being on your own land, and then having a stranger show you the deed he has that he now owns your property, yes this happens here, and then you are in for quite an adventure?
I enjoyed this fast paced read, all except the ending which was surprising, but felt a bit rushed, and quite unexpected.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

I've found another place that I want to go visit. Anybody up for a road trip? I've been to Virginia before but once was when I was little driving through on my way elsewhere and not really seeing any sights and the other was when I went to visit my sister who just had a baby. She lived in D.C. so I did a little exploring but mostly just explored within the walls of her home with little kiddos and a baby. So I'm ready to go back and visit some plantations, tour the beautiful homes, let's go.

McAlister or "Mac" has just purchased himself a beautiful piece of land with an orchard and gardens. He can't wait to build his sprawling home and make a living and love having the freedom of being his own master. All his dreams are ready to set sail, especially since he doesn't have to set sail again as a seaman, he can be a landlubber now.

Lily is still struggling from her father's death and trying to balance life with a large orchard and two younger brothers who are constantly finding trouble, and Mr. Everett's belittling and demanding views as their guardian. If only she could find the Will her father left naming her as their heir then she could breath easier and feel safe and secure.

This story was a fun historical fiction. I enjoyed the characters a lot. There was some back and forth on their feelings. Not necessarily just for each other, but for their circumstances and the changes and struggles those circumstances brought with them. I thought the author did a good job at keeping the story flowing and building up to the climax of the angst of the story.

Anybody want a snake bite? I honestly wouldn't. Yuck, yuck, yucky yuck!!!!! I HATE snakes! Sorry to you snake lovers but after years and years of nightmares of snakes it just is one of those things that I can't think about kindly. Too many bad memories. Yuck! As much as I hate snakes, I did like the scene, or I should say scenes leading up to and after the snake bite in this story. Now I don't wish a snake bite on anybody but yeah I'm glad the bite happened. You'll have to read it to understand why I am saying that.

I loved Mac's quick mind. His ingenious thinking saved many a bad situation. Lily and her aunt are pretty spunky and quick on their feet too and had me cheering them on in their moments of spunk and quick thinking. Everett had me cringing every time he came on the scene. I wanted to slap him or punch him or something. Grrrrr!!! I think you'll feel the same way as you read this one. He did make a good bad guy though.

I loved the descriptions of the area, the culture, the formalities, the homes, the clothing, the orchard, the swimming hole. This is definitely a book I would recommend for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, christian fiction or just a good ol' love story full of peril, humor, and lots of angst.

The Christian aspect wasn't overly preachy. There were a few spots that the author spoke more than others about redemption and Christ but I felt that amount was just right and fit in with these characters and their lives and most especially with what it would have been in that time period.

Content: Clean. Some mild innuendos, a character is caught bathing in the pond, some kisses. Remembrances of a few war time moments of peril.

I received a copy from the publisher, Barbour Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

I have read several novels by Ms Boeshaar...and was thrilled to discover that another book was penned by her. I love her writing style, her story telling and her character development. This book was a wonderful reading experience for me. Thank you for the opportunity to read it...and share it w/ others.

I enjoyed reading Lily’s story, it is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, it kept me engaged and turning pages to find out what would happen next. Andrea Boeshaar has penned a story abundant with historical detail, and characters so rich with emotion and descriptive detail you feel as if you were right there living the story along with Lily and Mac.

This sweeping story takes place in 1816, Virginia. The Virginia colony was dominated primarily by rich planters. But what do you do when your father dies and your younger brothers are too young to shoulder the heavy lifting?

Lillyanna Laughlin had good reason to feel discouraged and angry, but she didn’t. She was kindness and graciousness all wrapped in one. Her father died, leaving her responsible for her two younger brothers. She struggles to do her best to bring in the harvest and keep food on their table. Then a court appointed guardian, one who is supposed to be her father’s closest friend, sells a majority of the property claiming that her father left them “penniless”. I appreciated the strong faith in God that is evident in Lily. Even when things look bleak, she continues to have faith.

Captain McAlister “Mac” arrives in the Shenandoah valley looking for a quiet life on the farm, with hard work and the solid earth beneath his boots instead of the rolling sea. He is determined to start fresh in this new town and leave behind the baggage of old. However, baggage seems to have a habit of not getting lost when we want it, and old issues left un-resolved creep back demanding attention. Can Mac let go of his need for control and give it all to God?

If you enjoy reading historical stories with richly developed characters and a story full of emotion, you won’t want to miss out on this book.

(I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

Mac is trying to shake off the moniker of 'traitor' and is hoping for a fresh start in the small town of Middletown, Virginia. After buying some land to start a farm, he meets his intriguing new neighbor who promptly informs him that he's trespassing on her land! Finding out that her land has been sold right out from under her, Lily is understandably distressed and wonders how her family will survive without the the income from the crops. Will she have to resort to a accepting a marriage proposal from a horrid man, or might there be another solution to her dilemma?

I felt transported back in time to 1816 Virginia with descriptions that were full of detail. Middletown was a lovely place and the vast majority of townspeople were so nice and helpful. There was a good balance of humorous and serious moments mixed with just a dash of danger. Mac and Lily's first meeting was quite... memorable! What a way to make a first impression! Mr. Blake, Mac's first mate, added quite the entertaining element to the story and I absolutely adored Aunt Hilda. She was probably my favorite character. Now, on the other hand, Mr. Everett had to be one of the most distasteful and infuriating villains I've read about in awhile. Grr, it was super easy to dislike him.

There was a lot jam-packed into the last part of the book which made the ending feel a bit rushed, but I really enjoyed the majority of this story. I'd recommend this story for people who enjoy sweet historical romances.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

I enjoy Andrea Boeshaar's books and this one is just as good as the others I have read. My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley is a great addition to the My Heart Belongs series. In this book Lillyanna has to decide if she is going to save her property by marrying an man who is twice her age and after her and the property he says belongs to him through a gambling debt. She meets the new neighbor, Mac, who has bought most of her land. Can she keep herself and her brothers safe and can Mac help them? There is deception, lies, romance and learning to trust. A good story.

I received this book from NetGalley and Barbour books for my honest opinion.

Another enjoyable story in this fun historical romance series!
A young woman finds herself in a difficult posiotion of dependency after her father dies, leaving her to care for her younger brothers and farm. Things get worse when her land is sold without her knowledge by her father's friend. The new owner may be friend or foe, a former sea captain returned home from the war.

Set in the lovely Shenandoah Valley on a large plantation just after the War of 1812, a perfect setting for a romance. I enjoyed the banter and romantic tension between Captain Mac and sweet Lily, starting out from their awkward meeting up to the exciting ending. He was a study in conflict, warring with himself over redeeming his name, and not giving in to his affections. Poor confused Lily had to be brave and patient, holding her own against the dastardly Mr. Everett. There are two romances in this one, developing slowly, but sizzling in the end. A few discussions of faith added some depth and inspiration to the characters' struggles.

Recommend for readers who enjoy historical romances with some faith elements.

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley by Andrea Boeshaar is a Christian novel that integrates historical events as well as romance. It is set in the year 1816.
Captain Mac Albright has returned after the war and branded a traitor even though his ship was overtaken and he was forced to work for the British. He and his friend Blake were the only survivors from their ship. Like the prodigal son he asks his father for his inheritance and relocates to the Shenandoah Valley where he purchases an orchard and grain fields. He plans to ship the harvest by working with his father’s shipping company. His new neighbor, Lily, is shocked to find that her family’s land has been sold without her knowledge. Her father has recently passed away and everything is being handled by the court appointed executor, Mr. Everett, since there seemed to be no will. Lilly is sure there is a will and has been searching for it diligently while caring for her two teenage brothers- Jed and Jonah. Her aunt, Hilda also lives with them. Mr. Everett, a friend of Lily’s late father, wants to control her and eventually make her so dependent on him that she will marry him and then he will own the house and remaining land. Will he get his wish or will romance develop between the Mac and Lily? Is there a missing will and can it be found?
I found this story to be very engaging. There are lots of twists and turns throughout the story line. I did not understand why the older aunt wouldn’t have been the logical one to be the guardian for Lily and her siblings. Perhaps women weren’t allowed that role in those days; it wasn’t explained. Of course, Mr. Everett made it a much more interesting story; he was an unlikeable villain, in my opinion. The other characters were all very likeable and seemed to act in ways that would be expected. The author’s style of writing keeps the story line moving along at a good pace; nothing boring in this book. I give it a solid 5 of 5 stars and recommend it to everyone who likes to read Christian romance novels.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I didn't hate this book, but I didn't really like it either. It reminded me too much of the melodrama plays put on by the students in the school where my mother used to teach. In those melodramas, there are heroines who are very likable, heroes who have to overcome significant obstacles to achieve the love of the heroine. and dastardly ne'er-do-wells who try to take advantage of the heroines.

Lily is the heroine who is about to lose her family home.

Mac is the hero who is the unwitting pawn of the bad guy.

Mr. Everett (I think is his name, but I can't be sure), is the bad guy, and his description type cast him into the role.

I've read several other books by Andrea Boeshaar and found her writing style to be compelling, but this book reads rather formulaic. I am sure I have read books that are like this but I enjoyed the book anyway because it took place some place I've lived. I am sure readers from the Shenandoah Valley will find something to connect to in the book, but I can give the book only two stars.

My thanks to Barbour Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

I’ve really been enjoying all the books in the My Heart Belongs series. The stories are written by various authors, evoke many emotions, are easy to sink into, and are fast reads.

My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley: Lily’s Dilemma takes place during the 1800s (as do the others in the series.) It is a neatly crafted story, dealing with life’s challenges, unexpected romance, and making consequential choices.

Lily Laughlin’s world is turned upside down when she discovers what her father’s wagering ends up costing her. She finds herself in quite a dilemma (as the title suggests) shortly after Captain Mac spies her bathing in a creek. Her entire life begins washing away before her eyes. Her future is at stake and she ultimately has to choose between financial security and the refuge of love.

The author’s writing style is smooth and the imagery she creates is vivid. The historical ‘feel’ is palpable, and there isn’t a single element of the story that drags. I love an inspiring, easy read that makes me wish the story could continue.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

I had only read one or two books by Andrea Boeshaar. I looked forward to reviewing this book. I found it to be a good one time read. It had some good Bible passages and points in it. The characters were, for the most part, likable. The plot was good. My Heart Belongs in the Shenandoah Valley is the story of Lily, an underage woman, being boxed in a corner by her older guardian. He continues to make her dependent on him so she will marry him.

After selling off her father's land without telling her, she abruptly meets the new neighbor, Mac. Sparks and teasing fly between the two.

My only complaint is the big reveal about the father's missing will toward the end of the book. Throughout the story, Lily becomes very desperate to escape her overbearing guardian. In these desperate situations, I find it hard to believe that she forgot to look in her father's secret desk drawer. It's convenient for the plot that she finally find her father's missing will at the very end, but really! She "forgot" her father's desk had a secret drawer that just might contain the will that has been missing for a year? She could have saved herself the last twelve months of hardship and torture? "Face plant"

I felt kind of let down at the end.

This is a very well written historical romance. The book has a good plot and believable characters. I enjoy this author's writing and hope to read more of her books in the future.