A Teacher's Heart
by Lynn A. Coleman; Cecelia Dowdy; Terri J. Haynes; Lynette Sowell
Lessons of Love, Schooling Mr. Mason, Lessons of the Heart, and Courting the Doctor
I enjoyed parts of the novellas but found them as a collection to not be cohesive. Overall this collection was just ok.
Here are some quotes however I did find inspiring from this book:
"What if I'm not good enough?" She would barely look at the sign. "Oh, but what if you are exactly who they are looking for?"
"I believe that reading adventure stories, even those written for children, gives us a chance to relax and take our minds off of our present-day troubles."
" But there is nothing higher than being the helpmate to the man God puts in your life. Nor is there a higher responsibility than to raise our children."
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

A Teacher's Heart features four novellas set in the late 1850s with four main couples coming together in one way or other because of teaching whilst being tested on their faith. While all four stories have their merits, I personally loved Lynn Coleman's Lessons of Love because of Helen Jones' spunky character. Also, I found the lessons that she and her love interest, Daniel Moore had to learn more relatable in terms of whether or not to sacrifice one's career for marriage. Overall, A Teacher's Heart is a great read for someone looking for a meaningful escape route.

A Teacher’s Heart by Lynn A. Coleman, Cecelia Dowdy, Terri J. Haynes and Lynette Sowell is a collection of four short stories set in the late 1800’s describing the lives teachers were expected to live. The teachers in each of the stories must decide how to balance their career and love when it comes along. Can they give up their love of teaching to court and possibly marry and have children? Will their love of teaching overshadow all else in their lives?
I enjoyed each of the stories and it was easy to read one in a single setting. Each teacher had to balance living her faith as well as meeting the expectations of the community. As a retired teacher I found this book particularly interesting and it is amazing to read the expectations we once put on teachers. I also enjoyed the racial diversity in some of the stories; it is refreshing to read a story without every character being Caucasian. Each author brings their unique style to their story and all invite the reader in to get to know their characters. I give this book 5 of 5 stars. Very well done and will appeal to a wide audience of readers.
I received an advance copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Novella collections like this. My bookshelf is absolutely overflowing with them. I had high hopes for this collection.

Elim and Adeline. My heart turned to complete mush reading their story. I was drawn in immediately to their strong characters. I have to admit going into Elim and Adeline’s story my mind and my heart battled when we first heard about August. I absolutely loved getting to know all the characters in this story and I love how real and powerful it was.

I am sorry to say I thought the other 3 left a lot to be desired. Especially Deborah and Timothy's story. It felt rushed and a bit forced and their story soured the others for me. There just was not enough time, for me, to deliver their story in a novella.I found it a bit hard to finish the book after that one.

Thank you for the E-Arc for an honest review.

4 delightful novellas by 4 excellent authors. Describes the plight of women teachers in the late 1800's. Each one will transport you to that time and give a peek into the lives of these women who felt called to teach. By the way, might there be a little romance in the air???? I received an advance reader copy. Opinions are my own.

A Teacher's Heart is a very inspirational collection of stories of teachers in the 1800s. I love the historical aspect and I always learn some things along the way. Each story is interesting and well written
My daughter is a teacher we which drew me to this collection. I am happy to recommend this book .

Four novellas with four disparate plots, but one thing in common--each features a teacher. Beginning in 1864 and going through to the early 1899, these novellas describe the changing world of teaching, especially with the rules pertaining to women teachers. Common to all of these stories are rules about not courting or marrying during the year during the school year.

Each story is completely enjoyable and compelling. I loved them and couldn't put them down once I started them. From teaching a group of buffalo soldiers to read so that they can perform their duties better, to teaching effectively regardless of the methods used in teaching, this book compels the reader from the very beginning to the very end. It is a five star book with two thumbs up and some new innovations in teaching school.

My thanks to Barbour Books and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review. The opinions stated here are my own.

This is a wonderful collection of Christian Historical Romance novellas. Each story is well written and holds your attention. This book was an absolute joy to read and I highly recommend it. Thank you Barbour Publishing via NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.