My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is such a heartwarming, touching, sweet, amazing showing Faith book. It is about precious Leanna, who by the way lost her husband-he passed away. She is constantly harassed by this big nasty looking man. She is very low on money and she was contemplating getting back into her parents graces so she could move back home. But you see, her parents want nothing to do with her because she married a man they did not approve of. He was below their class. She didn't know if she belonged in Castle Gate anymore-when all of a sudden a knock comes at the door-guess who it was? It was the man who tried to save her husband from the mines. He came there to ask her to....... I will not ruin this fantastic book for you. People, you will so enjoy this lovely book.

I have enjoyed all of the My Heart Belongs books so far and My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah was no different. Dicken masterfully weaves in cultural and historical aspects while not deterring from Alex and Leanna’s story. I found myself celebrating with them and grieving with them. I also found myself wanting to give a couple misinformed characters a good what-for to correct their historically accurate, but rather ignorant stereotypes and treatment of others. My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is enjoyable and makes you think about how you treat others without being preachy or overly religious. Kudos to Dicken for a job well done.

I was actually somewhat surprised by my enjoyment of this story, as I didn't think I would enjoy it from reading the blurb. I really liked seeing Leanna's heart start to thaw toward the Greek miners and the mining town in general. I also enjoyed seeing Alex's family in action as well. However, what I liked most about Leanna also wound up being what I hated most about the entire book, though hate is a strong word. The town's prejudice was something I railed against the injustice of while reading the book, and it ultimately made the story drag, because of Leanna's constant waffling and whining about it all. Don't get me wrong, I can see the relevance of it, even in today's times, I just think that it could have been handled differently to make the book still accurate and relevant, but much more interesting to this reader.

While I am not sure I'd read the author again, I do think that this is a book worth reading at least once!

“Do you expect us to give up on our chosen life because of ignorance?”

Angie Dicken’s novel My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah may be shining a spotlight on immigrant issues and prejudice in 1910 but it’s just as timely for today. People persecuted and segregated for no other reason than that they were born in Greece. Much like immigrants from several different countries are treated in the US today.

Nestled in the midst of the heartbreaking struggle is Leanna McKee, a widowed schoolteacher nursing a grudge toward her late husband. I really liked her character – even though we are very different, I could still relate to her and I think we would be friends were she … you know … real… and alive today.

Agreeing to tutor a couple of (adorable) Greek children leads her into the path of Alex Pappas, a widowed miner with a grudge against God. Alex is swoony and wounded and he has a heart of gold, in spite of his anger at God and his wariness of the Americans (who are upset at his family’s success as restaurateurs). My heart ached for his family and the persecution they endured just for being Greek. In fact, I fell in love with the Pappas clan and would love to interact with them in more books!

As Leanna and Alex strike up an unlikely romance – and maybe something more – tensions in their mining community turn volatile. Dicken has done a fabulous job of establishing the tension and maintaining the electric-crackle of emotions without veering into melodrama.

Bottom Line: My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken is at times heartbreaking, at other times heartwarming – but always inspiring. Despite being a reflection of 1910 Utah, it has many timely insights for us today. Leanna and Alex’s story teaches us to pray -and strive – for a day when we see other for our hearts as well as our origins. It teaches us to appreciate cultural differences and to take the time to discover another person’s story, especially if that person is completely different from you. And above all, it reminds us that God is always good and He always has a plan, even if we can’t see it in the moment of our deepest pain. A great read for fans of historical fiction!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

In this crazy world we live in, we all have a plan of how our life is going to be. Leanna had a plan. She married for love, followed her husband, and planned her future. But what happens when our plans don’t work out? What happens when God has something else in mind for us? That is exactly what this story is about. Leanna became a widow at a young age. She had some difficult choices to make, not only regarding how to carry on after the loss of her husband, but where to live, work, and how to forgive (I won’t get into that, you’ll have to read to understand what I’m talking about). I thought she really handled herself the best that she could given the circumstances, and I found myself instantly drawn to her character.

There is a lot going on in this book. Sure, there is romance, but there is also the struggles of an immigrant, and prejudice in this time period. Ms. Dicken brought this difficult topic to light in a way that I didn’t realize would have happened. I think so often we think of the general prejudices that were happening in the early 1900’s, but never stopped to think about the Greek immigrants and how they may have been affected. Although a fictional story, the truth of the matter was evident in her writing. You can tell when an author has really poured their heart and soul into a book, and I felt that in this story.

The characters in this book were great. The children that Leanna helped out were so sweet, and my favorite characters in the book. But what really spoke to me was the way Leanna interacted with them. And later, the way she interacted with Alex. The subtleness of their attraction was nice to read. I don’t always like when a historical novel only concentrates on the romantic aspect, I like learning about the town, the people, and the struggles. This story had the perfect balance of all of these.

If you’ve read any of the My Heart Belongs… books and enjoyed them, you will be sure to love this book too. And even if you haven’t, let this be your first one! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was really excited to read this book, being a Utahn and so was thrilled to have a chance to review it.

Being as it was a historical about Utah, of course, my first thought would be that it would be about Mormons as a theme, but was surprised that is was about the early Greek population. I learned a few things I didn't know. And yes there was a Greek Town in Salt Lake City, as I pass by it every day on the way to and from work. What I didn't realize was that they were prejudiced against in that time period. I have Greek friends and that never even crossed my mind.

This book was really interesting to this Utahn because it was fun to learn things about my state that I didn't know. I enjoyed it a lot and the challenges that this group of people faced taught me some very sobering facts.

This is a new author to me and I am sure I will be looking for other books she has written. Very good job!

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

I thoroughly enjoyed this book just as much as I have enjoyed the other books in the, My Heart Belongs series. This one sheds light on the discrimination of a Greek family, which is a bit different from the other books that I've read in the series.
I liked this authors writing and her characters are wonderful. This is the first book that I've read by Ms. Dickens and I look forward to more of her work.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my own/

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is the first book I’ve read by Angie Dicken, and while I enjoyed it, there were some minor issues that did affect my opinions. I can recommend it, but with reservations.

Ms. Dicken has written a carefully crafted romance dealing with racism, class discrimination, and the plight of immigrants in the early 20th century. This is not a period or theme that is popular in most of the fiction I’ve read, so I was excited for the setting.

And the author does not disappoint there! The city of Castle Gate feels alive and so do the secondary characters. They are not mere plot points but have dreams, opinions, and stories of their own.

Leanna McKee is our heroine and I liked her. At the beginning of the story, she is a widow dealing with guilt over the way she treated her husband while he was alive. Her husband Jack had been a gambler and gambled away savings they were going to use to move to San Francisco. Leanna views Castle Gate as a stop to somewhere “better” and is angry that she remains in Castle Gate. She is a schoolteacher and teaches the class of immigrant Greek children, separated from the American children. Her faith is strong though she struggles with forgiveness toward her late husband.

Alex Pappas is the hero of this book. He’s a widower who moved to America to make money for his sick wife back in Greece, who died before he could send any money to her. He is determined to make a living in America and his brother and parents have joined him, running a restaurant that feeds the Greek miners. Alex is stoic. He doesn’t fight back against the discrimination or comment on it—he simply ignores it. As he regrows closer to God we see his emotions come out more.

Both Leanna and Alex are great characters who experience change throughout the book. However, they make a lot of assumptions about what the other person wants while trying to navigate the relationship and do not talk to each other enough! Both believe they don’t deserve a second chance at love and don’t want to harm the other person, but Leanna and Alex make this decision without informing each other—one of my pet peeves in romance. Let the person you love know how you feel and then allow them to make their own decision!

While I enjoyed the story, there were a few things I didn’t like. The ending felt rushed to me. I wanted a bit more conversation between Alex and Leanna, and wanted to see how the town reacted to their relationship. It played such a big part of why they wouldn’t take the chance of being together yet there was no resolution to that particular barricade to their romance.

I give this book 3/5 stars and can recommend it to readers looking for a book that carefully deals with racism, class discrimination, and has a strong message of what God is able to do in our lives if we only trust in him.

**I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author through CelebrateLit. All opinions are my own.**

In Utah a century ago, Americans and Greeks are at odds as both work in the coalmines. In this historical novel, widowed Leanna McKee is caught in the middle, teaching the children of both groups and trying to remain on friendly terms with all. Her personal struggles pale beneath the town’s prejudice against immigrants. The story seems all too real and heartbreaking. Such conflict keeps repeating, just with different players—so the story seems timely for today too. I enjoyed learning more about Greek culture and food in addition to a well-told tale. The authentic characters spring to life on the page and their troubles pierce the hearts of readers. The author captured the time and place realistically. I felt like I really travelled there and witnessed the events unfold.

This is the story of forbidden love in a time when Greek mine workers were thought of as less than scum. It is all about two lonely widowed souls caught in the web misunderstanding and class distinction. Leanna McKee is a widowed schoolteacher in the mining town of Castle Gate Utah. Her husband, Jack McKee, wooed her away from her life of privilege in Boston. They thought they would make a difference for others. The difference was Jack's gambling addiction and his lack of making Leanna happy.

Alex Pappas is a Greek immigrant who lived and worked in America for many years. He saved enough to send for his entire family to emigrate to the land of opportunity. They are the proud owners of a successful Greek restaurant in town. He has been passed over for promotions because of his Greek heritage. He was Jack McKee's friend.

Leanna's life after Jack's death was filled with teaching the town's children and trying to survive without Jack. It was when Alex's sister-in-law Penelope's pregnancy kept her on bed rest that he knocked on Leanna's door for help. He needed to hire her to escort his niece and nephew to school. Accepting the extra job allowed her to turn her grief into purpose. It didn't take long for her to become attached to the children and in turn the family. What neither she nor Alex counted on was the undeniable attraction to each other.

The times dictate many of the customs of society and just like other towns with growing industry and immigrant workers, the long time citizens resented the newcomers. Mining in 1910 was hard and dangerous and not exactly with the benefits Greek workers were lured to from their homeland and families.

It was inevitable that Leanna and Alex would receive backlash from the mainstream community. It was through their faith, perseverance and tragedy that things began to change for them.

Many areas of our country were settled by people willing to farm, build railroads and mining for a vast array of ore. Many immigrants came legally to work these jobs. It wasn't easy for them but they learned English and became American citizens and they raised their families. But, it took a lot of hard work and effort to make the American dream come true.

I received this book from Barber Publishing Group through NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

This is a wonderful series and this is my absolute favorite. So, different from the typical period romance. A fabulous romance and just a great story

A heart warming story of forgiveness and acceptance. Set in rural Utah, 1910 can two very different cultures and people move beyond their past to a future? That was the theme that played out in this story and it was well done. Leanna and Alex were refreshing and very different from each other. That drew this reader in and made me curious about the Greek history in our country.
Having never read a story that had this as a defining culture I was thrilled, it was refreshing in this series and in the story line. Leanna and Alex both had a lot to move beyond, but they did that and more. It was great story to read.

I do enjoy a historical romance and I learned so much about this time in history, the dangers of coal mining and the discrimination of immigrants. Family was very important, the miners jobs were hard and Castle Gate, Utah was a perfect setting for this story. Leanna was a special lady and I cheered her on when she finally made the best decision for her future.. I wanted more of their story when I read the final page! I was gifted a copy and my review is voluntary...

This is an interesting story. I have never read a book about the Greeks. It was the first book I have read that even mentioned the Greek immigrants. I liked Leanna and it would have been hard to decide what to do with her life as a new widow. I enjoyed reading this story. I received a copy of this book from Celebratelit for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

I’ve been enjoying the “My Heart Belongs” series, and this book is a great addition!

You can see that author Angie Dicken did a great deal of research. She portrays very well the trials that Greek immigrants dealt with during a time of racial tension between the Greek and American Miners. A time of which I was unaware.

With great character development, I quickly become engrossed in this book. There is much of the past that is regretted but God is allowed to move in the hearts of the various personalities. There is also a lot of prejudice and forgiveness in this miner’s camp. Along with a sweet romance, it’s a wonderful story.

If you enjoy historical Christian fiction then I highly recommend this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.

I saw this book recommended by a number of people, so decided to take a chance on it. I found this story to have a lot of worthwhile points, as Leanna learned to forgive her deceased husband and to trust God more. She also learned more about prayer and helped Alex learn to trust and pray, as well. As far as the romance in the book, I was kept guessing until nearly the last page about what would happen. There were several possible outcomes, and the author skillfully keeps her readers in suspense until the end. The one thing I really didn't appreciate in this story was the descriptions of kissing. I just don't enjoy reading that in stories.

Really enjoyed reading this book. Definitely would recommend it to read. I had no idea that Greeks had such persecution and racism against them. I learned something new with this novel. Leanna and Alex have a lot to overcome, not only with society, but with Alex’s Family and Greek traditions. She has left High society of Boston and has the opportunity to go back. She has difficult choices to make. Alex must make difficult choices as well. But in the end, will they choose each other.

(This is my guest review that will post to the Overcoming With God blog)
This book fits the theme of Overcoming With God so well.
Leanna must overcome the guilt and anger she has for herself and her late husband. “How many times had she prayed forgiveness since Jack's death? Yet how many times had she thought ill of the man since he's been laid to rest?”
Alex must overcome the prejudice between Greek immigrants and the Americans. More importantly, he must overcome the feeling that God left him when his wife died.
Leanna and Alex acknowledge their love. During a discussion, Leanna says “But we have a whole country against a match like ours.” Leanna decides it is best for everyone if she leaves and accepts a new job in Salt Lake. Before she leaves, a wealthy family friend finds her in Castle Gate from a letter she had written to her cousin. He offers to marry her, restoring her to her family and former life. She does not love him, but he does offer security. What will she do?
Leanna leaves Castle Gate after tragedy strikes the Pappas family. Will they be able to overcome the hate crime?
Months pass, both Alex and Leanna have moved on with their lives but are not happy. It is only after surrendering everything to God that they see the truth. Will it be together or apart?

This is a good book! It is so much more than a romance. It made me want to look up some of the historical points for more information. I was not taught any of this in school. I enjoyed the bits of Greek culture and tradition I learned from the book too.
Angie Dicken did a wonderful job of writing the message of hope in truth and forgiveness throughout the story of Leanna and Alex.
I will leave you with another quote from the book.
“Plan? We are all foolish to think we have the best plans for ourselves, aren't we? There's something greater nudging us out of the darkness.”

What a pleasant surprise I had in store for me as I began the story. I loved the setting in Utah and found it to be quite intriguing. I especially liked the time period , but most of all I loved learning about the Greeks. The author has done an amazing job of sharing racism in America by opening my eyes to a culture I never thought of. The book is rich in Greek heritage and I could hear the laughter and fun in the background as they shared meals together.

Leanna is a woman who is trying to make it on her own. She has come to the small town to get away from her family. She is accustomed to the finer things, but her parents are hard to deal with. I loved how her faith really helped her make decisions that were difficult at times. There were a few times I did want to scream at her because she made things harder on herself. She was quite a mess at times by always making sure she doesn’t offend anyone. I wanted her to stand up for herself a bit more.

Alex was my favorite character. I loved his strong family values and his hard working ethics. As a Greek , he knew people in the town didn’t like him. His heart was heavy at times and I wanted him to find peace. It’s funny I have always thought we can’t help who we fall in love with, and this story really follows that thinking. Leanna and Alex definitely have an attraction to each other, but they both see prejudice working in the town.

The story centers on will the couple get together or not. For me this one was a bit different because of the minor characters that play such a key role in Leanna and Alex's life. There are a few that speak wisdom to them and others that share their heart. For all of us, we want to provide for our family and be happy. Will the town accept Leanna as she explores her relationship with Alex? Can Alex find a way to make his parents happy and find true love? This is one story that is a must read for everyone. It is rich in history, faith and reminds us that prejudice can happen to anyone.

“I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins,”

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Blogger Program . The review is my own opinion.