A historical read about the first settlers of St. Augustine and the historian in present day who finds a mysterious diary. An interesting read of the early missionaries of St. Augustine, Florida. I enjoyed the history as it is a city you don't hear much about, let along the history of it. I enjoyed it very much.

Love's Fortress
by Jennifer Uhlarik
Pub DateMar 01 2022
Barbour Publishing |Barbour Fiction
Christian| Historical Fiction| Romance



Barbour Publishing and Netgalley provided me with a copy for review:


Dani Sango inherits his father's home when he passes away. A book of Native American drawings among his effects leads her to seek help from museum curator Brad Osgood to decipher the ledger art. What is the purpose of her father having this book? Is it just another fake?
 


Brad Osgood's four-year-old niece, Brynn, is in need of a safe home, and he wants to provide it. He doesn't need more drama, especially from a forger's daughter. However, when he meets the intriguing woman “accidentally” in Saint Augustine’s 350-year-old Spanish fort, Castillo de San Marcos, he can’t refuse the intriguing woman.


 
Seventy-three Plains Indians were transported to Florida in 1875 to be imprisoned at ancient Fort Marion. They dream of serving God on a foreign mission field, but when the Indians arrive in St. Augustine, their plans are changed by God. Then when friendship develops between Sally Jo and False accusations could cost Sally Jo and Broken Bow their lives when friendship develops between them.
 


Is Dani able to discover how Broken Bow and Sally Jo's story ends and how it impacts her father's life?


i give Love’s Fortress five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Interesting dual timeline story let in Florida during both the 1870's and present day. Uhlarik wove realistic historic details of the poor treatment of the American Indian captives at Ft. Marion, Florida.

Told from four point-of-views, two in the contemporary story as well as two in the 1870's storyline. I really likes the fact that the author chose to tell the story from the POV of one of the Indian captives. I also liked the fact that the other main character showed compassion and did not hesitate to defend the captives.

One of the things I really did like was how the Gospel was shared in both. The connection between the two two was revealed in a satisfying conclusion.

Intriguing blend of mystery and history, with a dash of romance thrown in.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This is book 7 of the Doors to the Past series, Historical Christian read. This is a book that starts with the present and takes us back to the era of 1875. Dani finds herself in a mystery from the past that she has found from her father's estate she inherited. She goes to St. Augustine, FL and finds the past has some secrets that could tie into her father's past and family history. What will she do? Can she find faith will outlast the past? Does her future have a happy outcome from what happened in the past?

If you want a page turning book that deals with present and past, this is a great read. It takes you back into time with great details and descriptions. The characters make you engaged and wanting to keep reading until the end and find out what is going to happen to them. This is book 7 of the series and can be read as a stand alone. Each book in the series is about a different story and time, so each one can be read by themselves.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Celebrate Lit Books. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions 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 Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.

This book was interesting to read. I don't know much about US history since i'm not from there but this book got me intrigued.
It has a dual timeline and while those could be messy, i think the author did a good job. I've enjoyed the past one a little bit better but overall both were really enjoyable.
Dani Sango was a good main character and after finding out her dad passed away, we get to see more of her relationship with him and how complicated it was.
I love the past storyline because it was more complex and intriguing but overall, it was a good read.

This intriguing story combines a modern-day drama that links to the historical tale presented in the book. I enjoy novels like this where the author creates a web with strands that connect the present with the past, weaving them together in sometimes surprising ways. In this case, Dani Sango inherits her estranged father’s house, which opens the door to learn more about him and also starts her on a search to learn about the Native American sketchbook she finds there. Juxtaposed, we watch the life of Broken Bow unfold and all he goes through while under the white man’s control. Amid the sorrow and pain, we find hope and growth and seemingly miraculous happenings. The author did an admirable job crafting authentic characters and a believable plot. I recommend this, especially since it helps readers understand the attitudes and situations of the historical struggle between whites and “Indians.” I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Based on a historical event, this story tells of the Native Americans who were taken to St. Augustine during the 1870s. The men taken there, from various tribes, were considered the trouble-makers among their own tribes. The US Army separated them out and took them to Florida for what was considered reformation. They were taught European/white man ways, including schooling in English. The idea was to gives them tools to segue into the white man’s world.

The history of ledger art was interesting to me and I encourage the reader to look it up as you embark on this story. What a great legacy of the captured men. Great idea to have an art museum curator as one of the modern day characters.

This is a split time story as we move between 1870 and 2020. I thought it was well crafted and I enjoyed learning and hearing of the (almost) true history story.

Wow, what an immersive experience! The author definitely knows how to suck a reader in and keep them there! In the last year or so, I’ve discovered that I really enjoy dual timeline stories, and this was an incredible one. I just felt so deeply over Sally Jo, Luke, and dear, Broken Bow. The contemporary timeline was also well done with some pretty stand-off-the-page characters! I wanted to cry at the end in the lawyer’s office.

There were a few spots that I had to do a little more reading between the lines than I prefer, as well as a few scenes that were more graphic than I care to read right now. I don’t feel like most readers will mind, however. It had to do with violence between soldiers and the Native people.

It's always refreshing to read a historical fiction book and learn something new. The inclusion of the Plains Indians and setting it at the fort in St. Augustine, Florida made it stand out in a vast sea of historical fiction books.

St Augustine Florida Castillo San de Marco 1875 to Present Day
Dani Sango has gone to take care of her late father’s affairs. Raised with her mother and doctor stepfather she’s heard nothing but bad things about her art forger father. Dani wants to take care of her father’s estate and head home. When she meets his partner in a car restoration business and starts hearing a different version of her father. Brad Osgood works at a museum. He’s been worried about his young niece whose gone missing with her parents who are addicts. When she’s found he becomes her caregiver. Dani’s father supposedly has a family heirloom that he was looking into when he died. Brad becomes intrigued by the woman and the heirloom after meeting her. Sally Jo Harris & her beau Luke Worthing are wanting to become missionaries overseas. An overprotective father and meeting a group on Indians brought to Florida will change their lives forever. Will a Love’s Fortress save these relatives from a dangerous situation and bring them the love and happiness they didn’t know they were looking for?

Love’s Fortress is the next story in the Doors to the Past series by author Jennifer Uhlarik. This story takes a woman whose father wasn’t the man she thought he was when she comes to settle his affairs after his death. The partner and his church friends show her a totally different side to the man she thought she knew. When a family heirloom comes to light she must decides if she wants to pursue if it’s real. When on a motorcycle ride it takes her to the local Fort in St. Augustine, Florida and she meets the man her father was trying to reach fate seems to be taking a hand in her decision. When a man with a traumatized young niece meets an intriguing woman, they’ll work together to authenticate the heirloom and bring the young girl out of her trauma. Love’s Fortress also travels back to the past by following the lives of a young couple who want to become missionaries and help spread God’s word. Only their lives take a different trajectory when they meet the Indians brought to the local fort as prisoners. Jennifer Uhlark’s Love’s Fortress takes two relatives separated by time and has them going through similar situations filled with danger, love, and discovery. They’ll have to show their determination to come out the other side and work their way through the changes that life has given them. Love of God, each other and leaving things to fate will play a big part of bringing happiness to the lives of these characters who are connected through time.

I absolutely love this Doors to the Past series. The books that I have read are all amazing. They’re dual timeline books that take you back into history. A history that ties into modern-day life is the second storyline. I like this type of book where they are connected.

This book takes us to the time of Indians and how they were treated. It also describes how they were captive but yet they were allowed some freedom of movement that they weren’t in other captivity locations. I loved the relationship between some of the locals and the Indians.

The book read fast. I had to see what Dani discovered and honestly, I loved Brynn too. I’m a sucker for little kids. Add in an uncle who only wants to take the best care of her and I’m sold. Oh and it doesn’t hurt that the uncle, Brad, and Dani have to work together and end up falling for each other.

Though this is part of a series they are each a stand-alone book so feel free to read this one and then search out the rest of the series to read. They’re all by different authors but so worth the read! Each one brings history to life with just enough mystery to keep us reading and wanting to never put the book down.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Celebrate Lit. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.

This was a very interesting story to read. It bounced between the late 1800s and modern day to weave a story that was beautiful and brought closure for a young woman who had struggled with her identity and who her family was for years.

Dani's father was a convicted felon who spent years in prison for art forgery. Her mother, stepfather and grandfather never let her forget who she was. When her birth father died and named her in his will, she began a journey of understanding, closure and a new truth into her life.

While on that journey, she met with Matty, Brynn and Brad who became a big part of her life's story and helped her to find her way.

I loved how this story brought a beautiful, sometimes tragic story, to life and brought closure to a painful past for Dani. And, on the way, she found love and acceptance for herself. It is a clean, wholesome story whose story is an epic tale of many generations from periods long past and how they are brought into the present and become part of the future.

I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.

This was an interesting dual time novel. the Past Series. There is a lot packed into one book. The history was fascinating. The author provided a lot of information at the end of the book identifying which facts were true and which were artistic license. Normally I am drawn to one timeline more than another. However, in Love’s Fortress, both timelines held my interest.
Love’s Fortress was a book filled with God’s grace, forgiveness in spite of deep hurts. Most of the characters represented broken families which made reading this sometimes very sad. I question whether some of the truths revealed at the end while provide answers would also have also created new hurts. So the ending prevented me from giving this more stars. But it is a well written book and I look forward to watching for other books from this author. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley with no obligations. All opinions expressed are my own.

While not my favorite of the series I did enjoy reading it. As well as learning about a lesser known part of US history and the treatment of a Native American tribe. We need more books like this.

I'm not a huge fan of the dual timeline troupe but for summer reason this book spoke to me. I'm not sure if it was the present day where two people meet because they are dealing with a child in the court system or in the past where they are trying to find their eye mission from God. I could be that both side are very well written, detailed, and just so honest and truthful. This is my first book from this author, first book from this series, one of my very few books with dual timelines, however, I don't want it to be my last. Beautiful story, wonderful plot, and just all around great book.

I just reviewed Love's Fortress by Jennifer Uhlarik. #LovesFortress #NetGalley

A dual timeline, rich in historical detail which taught me a few things. I love that in my books. The absorbing narrative manages to feel authentically Southern and descriptive of the St. Augustine area in 1875.
Many thanks to Barbour Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

I liked this book. I liked that it was a dual timeline story. I liked how the people in the present were trying to figure out the story of the past. I liked how as the characters learned about what happened in the past, it helped them in their present. I thought the author did a good job of researching the history behind the native americans being moved to the fort in Florida. I thought it was a good glimpse into the past and I learned something while reading it.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Probably my favorite book in this series so far! I may be a little biased because it hit close to heart for both my work and one of my favorite types of fiction - children involved in the court system and con man stories - but truly, the story was so well put-together, and well researched. I found myself equally invested in both the present-day and historical timelines.
Dani has spent her whole life with a very concrete picture of her con-artist father. His death and unexpected bequests to her in his will are forcing her to come to terms with her past, while God seems to be challenging her expectations for the future at every turn.
Meanwhile, Brad's life seems to be spinning out of control. His brother and sister-in-law are in trouble again, only this time, they've dragged his young niece into the mix. Brad is determined to focus all of his energy and attention on caring for his niece and trying to make a home for her. But God has other plans.
Matty Joie, long-time friend of Dani's dad doesn't believe in coincidences. When Brad and Dani are both simultaneously drawn into his sphere of influence through a piece of art found among Dani's dad's effects, Matty tries to convince both Brad and Dani to look past their current circumstances and trust God's leading, no matter how unexpected and unorthodox it may seem.
On the historical timeline, Sally Jo deals with her own paternal struggles, and also having to look past preconceived notions to see God's plan for her life. Sally and her beau Luke have longed to find a place in the foreign mission field but have faced rejection after rejection. When an opportunity to minister closer to home brings unexpected friendships, and its own hardships, loyalties are tested and patience to wait for God's plan is a struggle.
Both sides of the story are well-written, and obviously well-researched. I enjoyed the characters and the settings, and most of all the impact of family and friendship bonds on the characters' faith as an addition to the romantic aspect of the stories. This is a wonderful series that does not need to be read in order. Each book is written by a different author, and the common theme is dual timeline stories with mysteries tying them together along with a romantic storyline in one or both timelines, and the characters' faith as an integral part of their development through the story. The romance is completely clean, and there is no graphic content whatsoever. I highly recommend the entire series, but especially this book, to any lovers of historical fiction, Christian fiction, or sweet romance stories.

What a heart wrenching yet heartwarming dual timeline story…

I was caught up in both timeline stories. My heart ached for each set of characters. When you are reading and can feel the pain the characters are feeling it makes for a personal connection.

I feel Jennifer Uhlarik created a wonderful story. Full of many meaningful moments. I have not read a book by her until now. I will be looking for other books she has written.

On a personal note being 1/4 Native American it breaks my heart when I read stories that include history of Native Americans torn from their land and forced to conform to “civilized” life. I also could relate to the current day story and issues with a father. Again, this story was told in a way that was not offensive in anyway and tugged at my heart.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher and was under no obligation to post a favorable review.

This is a great addition to this series. Each book is a stand alone book but they have all been very good. I believe this is the second book I have read by Jennifer. I really like the first one and this one lived up to that one.

I loved the strong faith message throughout, she didn’t shy from that, which I appreciated it.

Dani and Brad are brought together through some coincidental circumstances that was fun to see play out. Brynn is a sweetie and a wonderful addition to the story. Not to mention Matty, the gentle giant.

The story in the past is also interesting and had me wondering how much of this really happened?

A copy of this book was given to me through Celebrate Lit. All opinions are my own.