Choices, choices, choices.
Very realistic and down to earth. Poignant. You know the formula for most romances is girl meets boy, they are interested in each other but something keeps them apart. I have to say that this time I actually felt that they would be better apart. I mean, I was glad in the end that it worked out the way it did, but I never thought it would work. Leanna is an “American” who was married and is now widowed. Alex is a Greek immigrant working in the mines. He had a fiancé back home but she died. He was a good friend of her husband and offers her help. But the entire community is against them, even his family. The story is well told and kept me invested in the characters. What a sweet cover!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the Barbour Publishing - Netgalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Such a wonderful story! It’s one of those stories that is heartwarming and enjoyable. I always like learning about new places and people. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of life in a mining town. I don’t know a lot about greek tradition so that was neat. Angie Dicken creates a powerful story about second chances, overcoming prejudices and finding hope in the Lord in this story. I think the reader can learn something along with the characters.

This was a great story. I am really enjoying this series. This one in particular was a great story. I really like stories where the couple needs to overcome such obstacles to be together and this one was really satisfying. A well-written, clean, faith-filled story.

Angie Dicken is quickly becoming a favorite author. This is only the second book I've read by her and I will be anxiously awaiting her next book.

While this book is set in a coal mining town in Utah, during the 1900's, it deals with a topic that is prevalent today, prejudice. Ms. Dicken uses her own family history to pen a story rich in historical fact, and colorful in both setting and characters. This story is like a kaleidoscope, with each turn of the knob you have a landscape of changing colors.

I highly recommend this book!



I received a copy of this book, compliments of the publisher, through Celebrate Lit review program. All opinions expressed are my own.

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna’s Choice (2017) by Angie Dicken is a sweet and engaging novel that is part of the My Heart Belongs series published by Barbour Books. You do not have to have read any of the other books in this series to understand this book though. This book is very much a stand-alone novel. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 258 pages in length. With a full-time job and a sick kid this week, this novel took me a week to read. I received a free review copy of this novel in eBook form from NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 4.5 STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical Romance.

This is my first novel by Angie Dicken, but it certainly will not be my last. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I love Dicken’s attention to detail, and it is evident she did a ton of research for this book. I had no idea about the racial tension in Utah in the early 1900s. The animosity between the American miners and the Greek immigrants coming to Utah for work is palpable in this story. Throughout my reading of this book, I had to often take Google breaks to research Castle Gate. I got lost looking at all the pictures of miners with their soot-covered faces, the women and children trying to make a home while fathers/husbands left every morning for work uncertain if they would return home at night or not. And, I was drawn into articles about mine shafts collapsing and men losing their lives. I often questioned why anyone would be willing to go down a mine shaft knowing it was a precarious, dangerous place to work. Did they need the money that badly? Did they think they were mighty men who were invincible? Did they get an adrenaline rush from their job? I was utterly fascinated by this aspect of the book, and had a difficult time putting it down.

This novel follows Leanna McKee and Alex Pappas in 1910. Leanna is a recent widow who lost her husband in a mining accident. She is also a teacher at the local school where the miners’ children are taught. Alex Pappas is a Greek immigrant who came to America in 1902 with the goal of making enough money to send to Greece to pay for his very sick wife’s medicine. Unfortunately, he is unable to save her in time, and she dies. Both characters, Leanna and Alex, deal with guilt. Because of dashed expectations and a bit of financial betrayal, Leanna was very harsh towards her husband. She never gave him forgiveness for his misdeeds before he died. She wasn’t very loving towards him either, and this all causes her much grief. She doesn’t feel like she should ever be in another relationship because she doesn’t think she is good wife material. Alex also feels guilt over not being able to prevent his wife’s untimely death. He throws himself into work to provide for his mother and father, brother and sister-in-law, and niece and nephew. He never even considers remarriage because he, too, feels unworthy. I truly relate to both of these characters. Growing up, I had BIG dreams and expectations for my life, but life didn’t turn out the way I thought. Like Leanna and Alex, I had to learn that God is the boss of my steps, not me. He puts me on HIS path, not on my path. It took me a while to understand this, as it does for Leanna and Alex.

I had no idea about the racial tension in Utah at this time. There are many passages throughout this book that illustrate the utter hatred the Americans had for the Greek immigrants. These parts in the book are written so well I could feel the tension, and, a few times, I caught myself holding my breath. I don’t understand hating someone because of the color of their skin. I just don’t get it. My heart broke for Alex and Leanna about ten times over the course of this novel. BUT, it all ends very well. I didn’t know how it would end well, but Dicken did a fantastic job of tying this novel up nicely.

I really could go on and on about this book! There is SO much depth to this novel that I just did not anticipate. I am so thrilled to have read this book, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you are looking for an excellent Historical Fiction, purchase this book today! You will not be disappointed.

With characters that take a hold of your heart and don’t let go, and a rich story with multifaceted points of interest, like a beautiful crystal sparkling rainbows across the window of your imagination. There is so much to love about this book!

Leanna McKee wanted more from life than to be a living doll in a fancy parlor, smiling, pouring tea, and sharing gossip with the other ladies of fashionable Boston. She left all that behind to follow her heart. But after losing her husband in a mining accident and finding herself alone in a rugged mining town full of prejudice, she is more than ready to leave it behind for culture & civilization.

Alex Pappas has a huge heart, he may feel defeated by the prejudice of those around him, but he doesn’t allow that to stop him from showing kindness to others. He helped bring his parents & his brother and family to America. Together they are trying to survive in a country that doesn’t seem to want them.

I enjoyed my time in Castle Rock with Leanna & Alex and his exuberant Greek family. I learned more about the Greek culture, and about early mining towns of the west. I fell in love with these characters and didn’t want this story to end. I give this book 5 stars and would encourage you to be sure to pick-up a copy of this book to enjoy!

(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.)

My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah is an interesting story of how immigrants were treated in the coal mines of Utah. The story moved a little slowly for me. Greek immigrant, Alex Pappas was a strong leading character whose parents did not want him associating with the American school teacher, Leanna McKee. The American residents of Castle Gate do not trust the Greek miners. Alex's niece, Maria, is a cute secondary character. I received my early copy of My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.

Again. I'm saying it again...I really am enjoying this 'My Heart Belongs' series. I don't believe I had read anything by any of these authors before but have been happily surprised to find that I've enjoyed my time spent while reading each book in the series so far. I wasn't sure if this would be the last book in the series or not but guess what....it's not. Yay! There are another 6 books set to release next year as well. One every other month starting in January. So those of you out there who are enjoying this series too, we get 6 more!!! Can I get a Woot Woot?!

Ok, now a little bit more serious for my review. >.<

This book is about an old mining town that is actually now a ghost town. Castle Gate, Utah. I've been there, a long, long time ago. I don't remember many of the details but remember driving through it as I was on a road trip with family. Beautiful area but out away from much of anything. If you're interested in adding this to your list of places to visit, you can also plan to visit Bryce Canyon or Zion's Canyon (or go the opposite direction and head to Salt Lake City) in the same trip. They're not located right next to each other but within a few hours driving distance. I love the rock formations there and the landscape, beautiful. Again, not a lot close by, several small towns but beautiful country to drive through.

I couldn't imagine the kind of life it would be to work in the coal mines, or to be a family member living in a small coal mining community. Working down in the dark, the wet, the coal dust in your lungs and covering you everywhere, the knowledge that the tunnels could collapse and you might not be the one to make it out, or your family or friends might not ever come back out of the mines. Leanna finds herself to be a recent widow as her husband Jack was caught in one such collapse of a tunnel. She is ready to leave behind her life in this miserable little town. Yet, she can't. She's stuck. She needs to have the funds to leave and a prospect of where to leave to. Leanna is a school teacher and loves her students. She loves helping those less fortunate, but life has brought its own problems and Leanna has forgotten for the time being her true dreams.

I loved having Leanna's story unfold. There is so much back history that isn't revealed completely until almost the end. While reading, I was piecing together all the little tidbits about her life and realizing that all is not what it seems. Leanna had some pretty big struggles and emotions to sort through. This is a Christian Fiction novel so the characters would reference God and turning to Him for healing and peace. Some characters had turned their back on Him due to circumstances in their lives, refusing to believe that a loving God would really allow such things to happen. Not only did I enjoy watching Leanna come to find peace in her life but the other characters as well. I liked how the author showed that just because a person claims to be a God loving/fearing person doesn't mean that they always act and follow Him as they should. There were characters who needed to learn not to be hypocrites and truly love their neighbors and be willing to help them, not hurt them with words or actions. And I think with all members of the small community, that they needed to learn to band to together to aid and help instead of judge.

Leanna's Choice, that's such a great title for this book. There are so many choices presented to her throughout the book. Some that are good, some that are not good and some that could potentially bring her the greatest joy and happiness. But she has to choose. She has to come to a point in her life, where she has healed from her sorrow, her anger, her hurt, and not allow the prejudices of others to dictate her choices. There were a few choices she made that I was talking to myself telling her not to. But, after that choice was made, I liked watching the growth she encountered and friends she found through the process. The question is, will she open her heart to the best choice possible for her? Or will she keep turning from that choice as a protection to her and many others?

Castle Gate has a large population of Greek immigrants come to work the mines, make a fortune and then move on, or bring more family to America. There is a lot of prejudice involved with this group of people in the town and I thought it was well done how the author addressed and helped fix the issue throughout the story. Plenty of angst and turmoil due to the many different characters' choices that added a great dimension to the plot.

I haven't really mentioned anything about the romance but will only say that it was sweet. There were a few times that I was frustrated with the back and forth. One character (both characters did this but it went back and forth between who was the character doing it) would start thinking/talking about how their feelings were growing and how they wanted to pursue a relationship and then with no warning, they would be the complete opposite. That scenario played through a little more than I would have liked. It did add to the angst and played right along with the plot though. Both characters have their own struggles and trials to work through but I loved that the moments they came together, they were stronger and felt the support needed for such struggles.

If you enjoy historical fiction, Christian fiction or a sweet romance then I recommend reading this book, or any in the series. I think this one talked a little bit more about God than some of the others but I really didn't feel like it was preachy and being overdone. I don't mind Christian fiction but I don't really enjoy when the concept goes overboard and I feel like it's being forced upon me. So this series has been nice and enjoyable in that aspect.

Content: Clean. Some minor moments of peril, discrimination, mild religious aspects, death, kissing but nothing further.

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

Happy Reading!!!

Angie Dicken continues the My Heart Belongs series, all stand-alone novels, with the captivating story of Leanna, a young mining widow left alone in Castle Gate, Utah. Castle Gate, in the early 1900s, was a mining town and a number of Greek immigrants worked the mines, hoping to make a life for themselves and their families in America. Leanna is feeling vulnerable, having lost love and security and she just wants out of Castle Gate. Then she meets Alex, a Greek man who has also loved and lost. What can their attraction to each other lead to? Prejudice runs high in the town and Greeks and Americans do not, surely cannot have love relationships with one another. Both Leanna and Alex have regrets and guilt, both have dreams but it doesn't look like those dreams can be fulfilled in Castle Gate. The author has brought to life vibrant characters who are realistic and compel the reader to either love them or despise them. The children in the story bring a sweetness that touches the heartstrings. The romantic tension is kept high with the uncertain dance that Alex and Leanna perform throughout their relationship. Would they be able to recognize the hand of God in their lives? Make the right choices? Several action-packed scenes keep the pages turning as well. Strong characters, great dialog, and a well-written prose give readers a glimpse of life in a mining community of early 20th century America and a story that will captivate and charm the reader.

Wonderful book, delightful Christmas read.

The story takes place in the coal mining town of Castle Gate, Utah in 1910. Leanna McKee, born in Boston to wealthy parents, marries for love and follows her gambling husband to Castle Gate. While Jack works at the mine, Leanna finds a job as a school teacher. After an accidental death of her husband, young widow plans on leaving the city and move to San Francisco. Leanna is too proud to return to her family in Boston and to ask for their financial help. And finally the light at the end of the tunnel - Greek family offers Leanna a temporary job, to look after their 2 young kids. The pay is very generous and it's enough money to buy a ticket to San Francisco. Leanna happily accepts the job.

Weeks go by and the young widow gets attached to the kids and to Pappa's family, especially to children's uncle - Alex. Greek family is happy to see young American in their circle, but Alex's parents want to see their son with a Greek woman and they arrange his marriage. Although, it's too late. The young couple is in love and plans to tie the knot and move to San Francisco where they can start their new life together. However not only Pappa's family can't accept Alex and Leanna's union, Americans dislike Leanna's attachment to the Greek family as well. During the Christmas Eve, they make an attempt on setting Pappa's restaurant on fire. Will this be an end to Alex and Leanna's love affair?

An amazing set of characters. I was very happy to learn a little about Greek and their holiday traditions. The book is about hope, friendship, love, and forgiveness.

Angie Dicken realistically depicts the hardships of overcoming adversity, deep-seated prejudices and anger in My Heart Belongs in Castle Gate, Utah: Leanna's Choice, the newest edition of the My Heart Belongs series. Hardships they faced included flooding of the mines, being underground for 12 or more hours and breathing coal dust. Instead of creating bitterness, these adversities instilled hope and determination.

The plight of coal miners in Castle Gate, Utah, in the early 1900s, is harrowing, especially for those from Greece. Not only did they have to work in horribly shocking and appalling circumstances, but they had to contend with cruelty because of unspeakable prejudices. Their rudimentary English skills make things ripe for a disaster. Throughout the story, though, the Greek families carry on with admirable fortitude.

Dicken does an impressive job of detailing the lives of the Greek miners and what they faced, contrasted by their optimism and belief in the fresh start at life afforded them by immigrating to America. Her attention to detail and research is evident from start to finish in the book. She is a new author to me, and I’m looking forward to reading more books by her.

I received this book free through the Celebrate Lit Blog Tour and NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

My Heart belongs in Castle Gate Utah

A book that deals with prejudice among the Greeks in Castle Gate,Utah in the early 1900’s. It is a mining town and lot of Greeks came there to work. Leanna is an American and came to town with her husband but ends up being a widow. She meets Alex who is Greek. There is so much prejudice in this world and we find in this book how it involves the Greek which I never thought of. A quote from the book that I really love “that we are one, not divided “ and for he are all “one in Christ” . A lot of great characters in the book, love the children, the whole Pappas family, and some characters did not like as well because of being mean but that just part of the story. This is a new author to me and I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book through the publisher from NetGalley and celebrate lit. Also I am loving the series
of books called My Heart Belongs in.

A story that begins with grief and guilt, then adds hate for a nationality, and you will wonder where you are, it could be anywhere in the early 1900’s. This story takes place in a mining town in Utah, and we are hit head on by people who decide that because some of the settlers are from Greece they are bad people.
There is something for everyone, and not everyone is as they appear, some are just what we think they are, but others portray someone else. When I think of prejudice against a nationality I think of the East, like Boston or New York City, but never gave a thought to the Western parts of this county, like Utah. An eye opener, but I really shouldn’t be surprised, as people are people, and fallen.
I loved my time here with the Pappas family, would love to visit with them again, but you will be quickly caught up in this fast pace read.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour and was not required to give a positive review.

Castle Gate, Utah residents were filled with prejudice, ignorance and some with regret with immigrant Greek miners working in their mines during 1910. The history of this era was brought forth with the realistic actions and attitudes of the Americans throughout this read. Angie Dicken’s ancestry connection to the Greek culture and mines added dimension and seriousness of the troubles faced by Greek immigrants when they were settling in America and working side by side with American miners.

Leanna McKee wanted to leave Castle Gate until Alex Pappas requested she accompany his niece and nephew to school, as the children loved their teacher. She accepted the position but only to have opposition from the residents, especially her neighbors Mr. & Mrs. Coffey. Alex family was not welcoming with him escorting Leanna around town. The unforeseen happenings to cause more strive within the town kept the pages turning. Will Alex have to follow his father’s command of marrying a Greek lady he sent for, even though he’s a widower? What unexpected tragedies will bring the Americans and Greek immigrants together? After all the Good Book says, there is nofear in love and no difference between the Greek and Jew (Gentiles) in God’s eyes.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for an e-copy of this book. All thoughts expressed in this review are my own with no compensation provided.

This was a wonderful addition to the series and I enjoyed the romance and the characters.

This story of love, hope, and second chances amid heartbreak, disappointment, and prejudice tugs at my heartstrings and reveals yet another pocket of history we would do well to remember.

Leanna McKee is angry and frustrated by her circumstances, she surely didn't expect to end up a poor miner's widow practically stranded and alone. Alex Pappas has made more friends than enemies during his time in America yet it is the actions of a few that tend to be the loudest and most troublesome.

I definitely recommend this story and look forward to more stories from this author and within this series! I requested the opportunity to read this book through Celebrate Lit. The opinions expressed are my own.

LeAnna McKee's husband is killed in a mining accident and finds herself alone in Castle Gate, Utah. In order to survive, she teaches the Greek Pappas children, English. There seems to be an attraction between LeAnna and the Greek miner.

This book is one of heartache, love, faith and times when tensions run high. The Greeks in the early 1900's had a hard time fitting in with society.

The characters were well fleshed out and the ongoing tension within the story kept me on the edge of my seat. The story tells of struggles and compromise. The ending took me by surprise but I was pleased with how it turned out..

It was an inspirational story of romance against all odds, where traditions are hard to overcome.

My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate Utah by Angie Dicken is a delightful Christian historical romance which I loved.
The action is set in 1910 in the mining town of Castle Gate. There are the themes of prejudice and ignorance towards the immigrants. Even the very young were taught to hate. "I pray that one day we will all see one another for our hearts and not our origins." God asks us to shine a light in a dark world. "There is no darkness but ignorance." We are called to "scatter the darkness."
Mixed marriages were frowned upon. Arranged marriages within communities were common. Marriage alliances for money rather than love were the order of the day.
Not all characters were motivated by money. The leading lady has a social conscience, being lead by her heart and not her purse strings.
Education for all is important. Education gives both choice and freedom.
Relationships with God are vital. Life events either draw people to God or away from Him. God is not just found in the confines of church. He is everywhere. Sometimes people meet with God in the countryside and find that peace that passes understanding.
God always answers heartfelt prayer. "He prayed to Someone he'd never wanted to speak to again." God awaits our return if we have wandered from Him. Sooner or later we will find our way back. God never lets go of us.
Love conquers all. We are called to love and not judge people. Love can bridge gaps. It unites and doesn't divide.
I really loved My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate Utah. It had a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere. The storyline was exciting and engaging. A fabulous read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

"This land of opportunity has its thorns . . . . we can either let them bend us to a meager existence . . . . or trample them to reach a greater potential."

Leanna McKee desperately wants to flee the mining town of Castle Gate, Utah where her husband died and all of her memories are filled with soot, grime, and gambling. Until employment opportunities open up elsewhere, she is confined to teaching Greek immigrant children in the local school; striking up a friendly acquaintance with the handsome widower Alex Pappas after he asks Leanna to supervise his niece and nephew before and after school, during the final weeks of their mother's difficult pregnancy. Alex Pappas. . . . the one man who had tried his best to save her husband's life.

When friendship between Leanna and Alex deepens into mutual attraction, the local towns people, as well as Alex's tight knit Greek family, are not sympathetic when the two begin developing a deeper relationship. . . . .for, "tradition was steadfast even if the soil changed". What kind of choice can Leanna make when, according to Shakespeare, "there is no darkness but ignorance", which has managed to wrap its tight coil around any hope for the future? Can Leanna's heart ever truly belong in Castle Gate, Utah?

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book. All opinions stated above are entirely my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed My Heart Belongs In Castle Gate, Utah by Angie Dicken. I found the historical information about early 20th century Greek immigrants very intriguing and interesting, but also heartbreaking, considering the ignorance and prejudice they dealt with. The twists and turns that Leanna and Alex's relationship took throughout the story compelled me to keep reading, even when other responsibilities were demanding my attention. I highly recommend this book, and look forward to more stories from this up and coming author.