This is a wonderful historical romance.

I love the main characters. Both Adele and Drew have extreme financial difficulties that are causing them to make hard decisions to earn money to handle them. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing how they made their decisions. It really shone a light on the fact that money shortages can lead anyone to make questionable choices. It also points out that we can never truly understand another person’s choices.

I really liked that they became friends to begin with. Then their relationship grew from there.

I was fascinated by the way society looked at different people. The biggest divide was between old money and new money. But it didn’t end there.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.

All of these “My Heart Belongs in… “ books get you with the cover and blesses you with the read of them. My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls New York by Amanda Barrett is a wonderful read of the power of God at work through hearts and lives of people that He draws to Himself. There are cringing moments of tightrope walking and there are moments of defeat and despair but they are so nicely packaged in this story of redemption and hope in God. Without God comes the meaningless pursuit of life and all the empty problems and with God comes the eternal future purpose-filled life.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York is written by Amanda Barratt, a new to me author. The book is also her first full-length novel, as she’s only written novellas in the past.

I enjoyed learning about funambulism through Drew Dawson, a main character. I also liked Drew’s character and his devotion to his invalid sister, Hope, whom I also liked. I was pulling for them to be able to make a better life for themselves as I read the story.

I didn’t care much for Adele Linley, an English aristocrat looking for a wealthy husband in America to save her family’s home and land. She tended to rush into things headlong, heedless of the consequences. Her tendency to do this created a major catastrophe.

I didn’t care for most of the other characters in the novel. They were rude, snobby, self-centered and cared little for each other, even though many of them were related. I never grew to like Adele, either. Right about the time I may have started liking her, she did something so genuinely terrible, heart-breaking and life-changing for other characters that even though it worked out in the end, I still cared very little for her.

One minor character I really liked was the butler, Delany, who was from Texas. I liked how he stayed true to himself and to the Dawsons in their times of need (and I’m partial to anyone from Texas!).

One sign of a good book, I have heard said, is it brings out strong emotions within you. If this is true, then My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York, fits the bill.

One note of caution. However, there are a few scenes of semi-graphic violence.

I received this book from NetGalley. However, I was under no obligation to post a review.

3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the characters in this one and the way they unfolded throughout the story. Kudos to the author for having an unusual pair and having the heroine do something that completely wrecks her own life—and then have to live with it and figure out what to do to fix it. One action took my breath away and was completely unexpected, and the consequences were more costly than anyone could have imagined.

Sometimes she did some absolutely harebrained things that had me wanting to yell at her to stop, but I couldn't put the book down, so the writing craft was definitely good. Since this is a debut novel, I'm rounding up to four despite some believability issues with the plot. (Details would be spoilers.)

Also, I felt like the faith thread fizzled a little at the end...I wanted another chapter about that. We have her pulling out the Bible, and we have the aftermath. It would have been even better if there had been a chapter in between to dig down deep into what was going on in her heart just then.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free review copy. A favorable review was not required.

This was my first adventure into the My Heart Belongs to series. The hero Drew was such a relatable character and had me falling in love with his adrenaline infused escapades that keep me on the edge of my seat. The story, though, tells us of opposites attracting and that love can be found if you are willing to take risks.

Adele Louise Linley has headed to an aunt and uncle in New York to try and find a rich husband to save her family's estate in England. Drew Dawson has become a funambulist (tight rope walker) in order to cross Niagara Falls and make a lot of money to enable his sister to get the surgery she needed so she would no longer be confined to a wheelchair. But things don't always go as they think they will.

I found the plot line in this particular My Heart Belongs book was more complex and interesting than some of the others. The characters were definitely unique. Adele often made me angry as some of her decisions were so self-serving whereas Drew was always focused on other people especially his sister. He was hardworking, trustworthy, and caring. I did admire when Adele realized how badly one of her decisions went awry that she gave up her plans and stepped out to take care of Drew and his sister taking on tasks that she had never done before.

The fully developed characters, wonderful descriptions of Niagara Falls, and the surprises that took place made this a good read.

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband.

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.

On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love. When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?

I don't like giving negative reviews. But that what I'm going to do. I just couldn't seem to get into the book. I'd read it for a little bit, then pick up something else. I've read several of the "My Heart Books" and have enjoyed them. But I had trouble finishing this book. For this reason I wouldn't recommend it to friends to read.

Adele keeps crossing paths with Drew, who keeps taking terrible risks. I understand his reasoning better that Adele's. To me she seemed rather snobbish.

I was given this book by NetGalley for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way.

Isn’t it funny how we go about life looking for things to be done our way and then God totally changes our course of action? Then He goes a step further and turns it into something more beautiful and wonderful then we ever dreamed? That is exactly what happened to Adele and Drew in the latest in the My Heart Belong series. Both characters had a plan, what they thought was a good one, until God intervened and brought them something even better.

My Heart Belongs Meme

The thing I loved most about these characters is they way they handled the curveballs that life threw at them. They didn’t really take too much time to wallow in self pity. Instead, they both devised plans, maybe not the best ones but plans nonetheless, that would help their families in their time of need. They were strong, courageous, and everything I wanted them to be. It was so easy to like Adele and Drew, so easy to admire their bravery, and even easier to love them as their relationship grew.

Ms. Barratt easily weaves the story of Jesus throughout the pages of this book. Several times I found myself wondering what a non-believer might think if reading this book. Would they catch the little subtleties that Ms. Barratt has placed so delicately in the storyline, or would they understand when bold statements were made? If nothing else, they will definitely know who God is by the end of the book, and I just pray it speaks to their hearts!

I encourage you to take a trip to 1870’s Niagara Falls. Open a book that will show you love, romance, fun, and even daredevil activities. You won’t be sorry! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey by Amanda Barratt is another engaging book in the My Heart Belongs series. Adele travels from England to New York, hoping to find a wealthy husband to help ease the financial burden of her family. The journey not only takes her to dangerous places but also to a place of peace as she learns to trust God to direct her ways. Can she save her family home? Will she find the man she is searching for? What lessons will she have to learn on her journey? The story moves along quickly with evocative characters and a few twists to the plot. A couple of the twists are 'I did not see that coming' kinds! Continuing to enjoy this series and am looking forward to reading more books by this particular author too.
I won a copy of this book in a contest and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.

dele has a harebrained idea to go to her uncle in NY to try and win a husband from among the area’s eligible, rich bachelors. The family name is besmirched in London and she needs to secure funds to keep the family afloat. It’s a selfless idea, but she puts herself in quite a pickle. Right away she is introduced to Mr. Conrad who is to be a newly-rich, slightly uncultured fellow who takes a liking to her. Adele could be just what he needs to find his proper place in society with a lovely, educated wife by his side. Mr. Conrad’s business ventures includes an exhibition of a high wire aerialist, Drew, who is scheduled to cross Niagara Falls. Is Adele really destined to marry Conrad or does God have a higher call on her?
I was torn about my like or dislike of the story. There were too many, hard to believe things happening such as her gambler brother showing up on the uncle’s doorstep. And, her brother’s change of habits.

This story brought me to the every edge of suspension of belief. You have to suspend belief in a lot of books that are supernatural or fantasy or sci-fi, but you'd think you wouldn't have to do that with historical romance.

A young woman saddled with the cares of holding an estate together while the brother spends it away, it's just unbelievable to me that this woman who apparently has a great head on her shoulders would traipse off to America leaving her spendthrift brother behind to ruin the estate. She couldn't depend upon her mother because apparently she didn't have a brain or any gumption. How dumb is that?

While this chit is in America, I'm worrying about the estate back home. The story didn't mesh with me.

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I really enjoyed this Christian historical romance by Amanda Barratt, set in 1870 in Niagara Falls, New York. There is a great diversity between the very rich and the very poor. Amanda did a great job with all the characters. The personalities of each was well delivered. My favorite was the hero Drew Dawson. Growing up in an orphanage with his younger sister, Drew never found life to come easy. Adele Linley an English aristocrats daughter, after losing her father, has a plan to solve her families financial problem. She will go to America and marry a rich man. As you will see in the story, she often acts before thinking things through. Adele learns too late that her choices and actions bring consequences. She believes falsely that “God helps those who help themselves.” It is hard for her to believe that the best way is to wait on God and not take matters into our own hands. There was so much I enjoyed about this story. Drew was so loving and caring. He would do anything to provide for his handicapped sister. Here is a quote from Adele to Drew when she learns he is “One of those Blondin-type fellows.

“Hmm, Fascinating. I don't suppose you fear falling off, Mr. Dawson? Danger is a funny sort of guest. Calling at unwanted hours, overstaying its welcome, and making off with far more than we intended to give it.

Here he is again caring for Adele in her time of need.

The moment the flood began, he wrapped his arm around her.
He was there, cradling her in the midst of it all. And she let him, holding on tight, her face against his chest. …..No matter how great the tempest, it always turns to gentle rain. He let the thought strengthen him, whispered it against her hair on the chance that it would do the same to her.

I truly found this book to be of interest. It takes us through some dark places, but it doesn't leave us there. I received a complimentary ARC book, provided by the Publisher and Net Galley. My thanks to them. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Adele travels to America with only one goal in mind: to get herself a husband. A rich husband. Despite all her efforts in keeping her family's estate afloat, she still needs a significant amount of money to get debtors off their backs. Her good-for-nothing brother does not help. She travels to Niagara Falls with the hope that she will be able to charm a generous American tycoon, who will love her enough to alleviate her family's problems. Life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Drew... Drew is caught between a rock and a hard place, being a tightrope walker is the only means of survival for himself and his paralyzed sister. But his world shifts when he meets Adele a beautiful foreign socialite and he knows that he might have to make some drastic decisions in order to woo him.

The author did a good job of creating the atmosphere and I was transported back to 1880s. I could empathize with Adele's predicament especially at a time in history when women's choices were limited and yet some were faced with huge family responsibilities. However, at some point, I found myself not caring for some of the characters as much as I thought I would. But that may have been due to my own external circumstances that kept on distracting me from the book.

Nonetheless, I  appreciated some of the quotable quotes that were sprinkled within the book like this one:

...God doesn't want us to float languidly through life, not working or doing a thing to change our lot. But ultimately, He is our help and our only hope is in Him...

Overall, I am glad that I took my time to read this book because I got to know more about the Niagara Falls and New York. My knowledge of New York was limited to the city and not the state. I had only heard about the waterfalls from the Canadian side and funambulists but never from the American side. I will definitely have my eye out for more of Ms Barratt's work.

I was a little disappointed in this book. Before reading it I figured that it would be located in Niagara Falls, New York but it took place mostly in New York City, Amanda Barratt introduced me to a new word, funambulist. The story takes place in 1870 and shows the reader a love that spans the dictates of society and people aren't who they seem to be. Adele and Drew try to help each other with their problems and try not to become closer because they know they're not social equals, all the while falling in love with each other along the way. They show that you can be the richest person or the poorest one and still keep your honor and self respect if you just follow the plan that God has set forth for you. Adele embarks on a journey of love, guilt, and finding her way back to God all the while trying to save her beloved family estate in England. Drew is a funambulists otherwise known as a tight rope walker and works at Niagara Falls when Frank Conway see him and wants him to continue with his financial support. Even though Drew doesn't want to go into business with him needing the money they set up a partnership. Adele is heading to estranged relatives in New York City so that she can find a rich American husband to restore Linley Park. Drew and Adele meet on a tourist boat at Niagara Falls and have a short conversation and it's the first time that Adele can be her self. Her aunt isn't thrilled that she's come which puts Adele under extra pressure. While at a party in her relatives home she gets overwhelmed and leaves for some fresh air and goes to a near by park. She gives into sobbing and along comes the man from the boat and Drew gets her to talk to him and they decide to meet so that he can help her solve her problem. Drew hedges when asked about his profession because Adele has just announced that she doesn't like the daredevil at the Falls because they've turned the area into a circus. Drew gets worried when Conway has him make personal appearances because he knows Adele will find out. A surprise visit from Adele's brother makes her believe he has changed his ways. When scandal is linked with his name the relatives ask them to leave. Meanwhile Adele and Drew have been getting closer and she meets his sister Hope. Adele decides to intervene before Drew can execute his next stunt. Her plans go terribly wrong causing more hurt than what was intended. Drew badly hurt can't work for several months and Conway wants half the money he's out by the first of the year. Drew realizes that he can't continue with his high wire act and will start looking for a job when able. Adele is asked to leave her relatives house and Conway who was a good prospect to marry Adele makes a different sort of offer. Adele goes to Drew and Hope and asks about helping them out because she feels guilty as does drew because he couldn't protect her brother like she asked him too. As time passes Adele becomes very attached to Drew and Hope. When it's revealed about the debt he owes Conway, Adele leaves to right the debt. After leaving a note for Drew explaining the events of the night he was injured Adele disappears from their lives. She makes a deal with Conway to erase the debt and move them to a new area of town along with sending money to her mother. God tells Drew to wait in finding Adele and when the time comes God gives him a sign and tells him it's time Adele needs his help. Arriving at the church in time to stop the wedding they go back to Drew's home and marry that afternoon and head to England where they work hard to bring Linley Park back so that it's profitable. Hope gets her operation and gets married. Adele and Drew bring their son back to where they first met.

The Gilded Age was known, partly, for the ‘American Princesses’: rich American heiresses who sought to marry land-rich, yet cash poor, English gentlemen. My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York, is a role reversal of sorts. Set at the start of that noted period, this is the story of a land-rich cash-poor English woman who comes to the New World looking for a rich American man to marry. Adele leaves her bereaved mother and wayward brother in the hands of their estate steward to take advantage of a family connection in western New York. She soon catches the attention of a wealthy American entrepreneur, but is he all he appears?

Certain things jump out at you when a novel is set in a place you know. Drew first appears crossing the Horseshoe Falls on a tightrope, seemingly without any practice. Now, I don’t understand why anyone would want to cross the Falls this way, but I do know that Nik Wallenda trained for his famous crossing in 2012. There are references to Drew emulating Blondin, but Blondin and others crossed the Niagara Gorge further down where the American Falls are closer than the Horseshoe Falls. I also felt that the cities of Buffalo and Niagara Falls were situated too close to each other. Adele, Drew, and others go back and forth as though there wasn’t over 20 miles to be covered each way by horse and buggy. These issues impacted how I read this book, although others might not notice.

Aside from those nitpicks, there were aspects of the book I did like and appreciate. In one scene, Adele reflects on her interaction with Buffalo society. “But though curious, they failed to take much of a sincere interest in the girl behind the English accent.” I definitely understood this! People still zero in on my English accent, which persists even after living in the USA for almost 20 years. After asking questions such as, “How do you like living here?” (which can be difficult to answer after living here for so long), the conversation dies more often than not. I adored Drew’s sister, but definitely didn’t feel the same about his employer! I also appreciate the message of putting your trust wholly in God, even when the circumstances seem impossible and His timing is slower than we’d like.

Thank you to Barbour Publishing for my complimentary copy of My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, NY, which I downloaded from NetGalley. I was not required to write this review.

I really enjoyed this book...you  might not know that looking at the time it took me read it but I took more brakes cause I felt a bit of a rut coming on and I was trying really hard to not get sucked into it!

So once I started seeing review for this book trickle in I was very curious as to the thing Adele did that alot of readers didn't agree with...I found it and thinkI agree with other readers, but I wasn't horribly mad at her, I mean I almost was but....she really was trying to help and her way was just too twisted to not go wrong(make sense??? haha sorry if it doesn't)

I thought Adele though a bit misguided was pretty brave for crossing the ocean in order to try and solve her family's problem.........

https://booksnbaubles.com/my-heart-belongs-in-niagara-falls-new-york-by-amanda-barratt/
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A wonderful debut novel by Amanda Barratt...I loved the originality and history of this story. Looking forward to reading more of her work. You will too.

I really enjoyed My Heart Belongs in Niagara Fall, New York: Adele's Journey. Any time I read a My Heart Belongs book, I feel so encouraged and so blessed and this book is no exception to that.

Adele's father has died and left an estate that is financially strapped. Her mother is not strong and her brother spends more time in the bar than at home. The weight of getting the family estate out of financial trouble lies on Adele. She has decided to venture to America to marry into money so that she can save her family estate. When she arrives in America, she stays with extended family. They are very socially motivated and Adele found a rich suitor, Franklin Conway, quickly. But she also found a friend, Drew Dawson.

Drew Dawson is a daredevil who plans to cross Niagara Falls on a tightrope. Growing up in his orphanage, he learned the skill. Drew is also caring for his sister who is wheelchair bound. He is crossing the Falls on a tightrope to score a big payday and the sponsor of the feat is Conway. Drew sees Adele and is captured by her immediately. He befriends he when she needs a friend. The two begin to develop feelings for one another but Drew has no means to support Adele and Adele feels stuck in her duty to find a rich husband.

Adele comes up with a plan to see that Drew does not walk across that fall, but the plan backfires terribly and Adele has to deal with the consequences of her poor plan. But in the end, Adele finds more than she ever dreamed. Once she surrenders her life to the One who controls all things, she gets to experience love like she never dreamed.

Another wonderful book from the "My Heart Belongs'" series. Thank you Barbour and NetGalley for allowing me to read and review these wonderful stories.

As a fan of Niagara Falls itself, I was thrilled to read this book. It didn’t disappoint. Adele needs a plan to save her Family Home in England. Her brother is heavily into gambling and of no help to her. So she leaves England to head to Niagara. Seeing the falls for the first time. Great description! She meets Drew there. She has to set her sights on someone with the ability to save her home. Drew is a daredevil, who has agreed to tightrope walk across Niagara again! I love the description of the Falls throughout the book. Overall a really excellent book that did not disappoint! I received a complimentary copy of this book. All views are my own.