Cover Image: Love's Fortress

Love's Fortress

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Member Reviews

Love's Fortress is a dual timeline novel with a solid story and great characters.

I had a hard time connecting with Brad and Dani’s romance, but overall they were great characters with solid motivations. I loved seeing their interactions with Brad’s niece as that part of the plot began to unfold.

But I think Matty almost stole the show. He provided great spiritual depth to the story, and I loved him as a secondary character. He also had a lot of great thoughts about following the Holy Spirit which provides a lot of food for thought.

I will say that at first I was a bit confused as to why Broken Bow and Sally Jo both had a POV in the historical storyline instead of just one of them. Later, though, it became a bit more clear why the author might have made that decision.

Overall, Love’s Fortress is an enjoyable dual timeline novel that both contemporary and historical fans will love.

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This has two wonderful stories. I love the past and the present. Dani and Brad find each other and help each other during some trying times. They also find new friends that help them to find each other. The story in the past helps us to learn about ledger art that was used to help some native Americans keep their heritage alive through the drawings. Broken Bow made friends with a couple of missionaries that helped him to survive while he was incarcerated for defending his family and his way of life. The two stories are emotional and inspirational and have a bit of romance. I enjoyed how the past and present were woven together. I received a copy of this book from Barbour Publishing for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

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Average rating of 3.5 stars.

This was a lovely dual-time story and I found myself flying through the first half of the story, but then somehow, it fell flat for me.

1875 era - sold 4 starts - I loved the historical parts of the story. I loved the characters, especially Sally Jo, Luke and Broken Bow. There was so much loss and sadness while learning about the history. I especially loved the scene where Sarah explained the gospel to Broken Bow. There was a great balance between character growth, danger, secrets revealed and romance.

Modern day - 3 stars - At first, this story also grabbed my attention. There was intrigue with Dani's father, lots of emotional healing for the characters and also a great Christian thread. But I don't know, sometime along the ride, it sort of lost me. There was something with the way the character talked - too much modern day slang which irritated me a bit, and also a lot of threads which was rushed. There was a big mystery which was being revealed, but it just fell through the cracks.

So overall, I did enjoy it, just a few things which bothered me personally.

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This dual timeline story take us back to the 1870’s, in St Augustine, along with present day in a nearby city in Florida. Dani has come to her father’s house after learning he’s passed and she’s inherited it. She meets Matty and one of his workers right away. Finding an Indian ledger art book, she wonders if her father has somehow forged this. She contacts Brad Osgood, whom becomes a major part of the story, along with his niece, Brynn. As they look for answers to their questions, and learn more about her father, we also bounce back to the 1870’s and learn about Sally Jo, Luke, Broken Bow, Sarah, Lt Pratt and a host of other minor characters. This story follows mainly Broken Bow’s struggle against the anger at white man for what happened to his people, and learning white man’s ways, as well as learning about Christ. Another great addition to this series.
A complimentary copy was provided by Barbour Publishing via NetGalley. A review was not required and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Synpsis sounded great. Couldn't get into the story. May reread it in the near future. Thanks for the ARC.

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Love's Fortress is the 7th book in the Doors to the Past series. As this series is a collection of historical romances written by various Christian fiction authors, you do not have to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy this one too. (Though I have enjoyed the others I have read so far and do recommend them as well!)

Historical reads taking place in the 1800s can be a little bit hit and miss for me. And if we're being honest, so can dual timeline novels. This one however was done well. The author did a great job of drawing readers into both stories and characters' lives equally, and as someone who isn't as excited about this particular point in history, that back and forth to current times definitely helped to keep me into the story too. Overall, this is an enjoyable read that fans of historical fiction are sure to want to check out.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own.

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I am enjoying Barbour Publishing's Doors to the Past series, and Love's Fortress has been my favorite book thus far. I don't recall reading anything by Jennifer Uhlarik prior to this book, but I will be looking for more titles by her in the future.

Love's Fortress is a dual time line set in St. Augustine, Florida in the mid-1870s and current time. In the 1870s a group of Native American men from several tribes were incarcerated in the fort located at St. Augustine, renamed Fort Marion by the Americans. Lieutenant Pratt, known to the natives as White Chief, a real historical character, along with real and fictional characters worked to educate the Native Americans to aid what they hoped would be their eventual integration into white society. In the current time frame Dani Sango confronts long-harbored emotions regarding her absent father following his death, and Brad Osgood deals with becoming his niece's guardian after her parents descend back into the darkness of addiction. Both Dani and Brad are befriended by Matty Joie, leader of a rather unconventional group of Christians. The themes of dealing with the past, turning it over to God, and making and growing disciples are well developed through the highly engaging storylines.

I am grateful to have received a complimentary copy of Love's Fortress from Barbour Publishing via NetGalley without obligation. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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I have really enjoyed this series. I love getting a modern romance mixed with a historical romance. The story of Sally Jo, Luke and Broken Bow was eye opening and interesting. I enjoyed reading their story and seeing their strength. Dani and Brad were also wonderful characters in some crazy situations. I enjoyed seeing them bond not only over discovering Sally Jo and Broken Bow's story, but also working through their crazy lives. Matty was a wonderful character who brought a lot of joy and soul to the book. I enjoyed their goose chases and HEA.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.

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I am really enjoying this "Doors to the Past" series. I even enjoy the fact that different authors are involved in each story. It introduces me to new authors and Jennifer Uhlarik is one of those new authors for me. I hadn't heard of her before this book but I really enjoyed her writing style. The dual time-line isn't always my favourite but I did like this book. I found myself drawn more to the current time-line and felt the characters had a little more background and depth here. I would have liked a little more time spent in the "past" time-line to get to know those character's backstories. I feel this would have helped me experience life through their perspectives a bit more. And they all had very interesting, very different backstories that helped me view history in new lights. Thank you Jennifer Uhlarik for creating this interesting story, set in a time & place I knew nothing about.

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As you start page turning these pages, and this does become a page turner looking for answers.

A father that left you, and is now deceased, and your his heir. That is what happens to Dani Sango, and what a lot of doors open to change her life, and we are there to see it happen.

The really upsetting part of this story is how we treated Native Americans, but keep reading!

The author does a wonderful job of weaving this story all together, but it takes awhile for the answers!

I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Barbour, and was not required to give a positive review.

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This was a time-slip book between current day and the 1870's. Dani Sango inherits her father's home after his death. Here starts her adventure in her father's past of art forgery and the book becomes quite intriguing. It takes place at St. Augustine, Florida and takes you back in time with lots of drama you won't want to miss.
This book is a page turner that grasps you and you will definitely not be able to put this book down. The author does a good job of incorporating the two time frames. A line that touched me was "Oh sweet heavenly Father, thank You! You do have a plan!" Which exemplified to me the Christian themes throughout the book. That God is in control. And that faith is an important part of life.

I recommend this book and I am sure others will enjoy it as well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.

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I do enjoy a good dual timeline story, and this book fit that genre, switching between the 1870’s and the present day, both in St. Augustine, FL.

The history of the Native Americans imprisoned at the famous St. Augustine fort was previously unknown to me, so I enjoyed learning about that. Enjoyed the author’s note at the end of the book detailing her research and differentiating fact from fiction.

The modern day story probably piqued my interest a bit more, and was glad to see a satisfactory ending there! This author was new to me, and I would read another book by her if given the opportunity.

I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review. I’d give it 3-1/2 stars.

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I loved reading this historical story. This book is part of a series that I have loved reading from the first book. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series, they are that awesome. This is a well written story about family and forming friendships that could turn deadly. I enjoyed being pulled into the story by the characters. They are connectable and had great growth throughout the story. I also enjoyed the author's use of details that made the story come to life on each page. The growth of the plot throughout the story made the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced and engaging story that had me coming back for more. This is truly a great story that I highly recommend.

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This whole series (Doors to the Past) has got me so hooked,I cannot wait for the next book to come out. This book, Loves Fortress, had me spellbound. Every book in the series has a Timelapse to a time in history, that connects, in some way, to the present day. This story starts with Dani Sango, she has just learned that her estranged father has passed way and has left something for her in his will. This take her on a wild ride, you could even say goose chase! Brad is a interim curator for a local museum. Dani called him because her father had some art work he wanted to talk about. This art is how the past and the present are connected, it depicts the Native Americans that were taken away from their families, their land and all they knew, to foreign place (Florida), and forced to live the white man way. I love how these books share fact with fiction, they take a factual setting or person and weave it into a fictional story. The present day story deals with many trails that we face every day. I have read all seven books in the series so far, some authors I’ve known and some are new to me, but all have an amazing talent to write a story that is intriguing, captivating and leaves you wanting more. Sweet romance and Christian ministering rounds out the many twists and turns from this great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This book is so good! It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It's a dual timeline historical romance that blends fact with fiction that is an outstanding read. It's a beautifully written story that once you start reading it, you don't want to stop. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Historical Christian romance.
I received a complimentary copy from Barbour Publishing and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Thank you Netgalley and Barbour Publishing for an eARC for an honest review.

This is a touching split-time novel, set in the present time and around 1875.

In the present, Dani Sango receives news of her estranged father's death and inherits his estate. Her entire life, her grandfather, mother and step-father had never painted a pretty picture of her father (who had previously served time in jail for art forgery), stories which she always believed. Upon meeting her father's business partner Dani is forced to go down memory lane and stumbles upon Native American drawings and paintings, leading her to a museum contact Brad.

Another story taking place in the present is Brad Osgood, who is waiting for news for his missing niece. Upon her rescue, his journey leads him to Dani (who he previously left a message for her father, Franklin Sango. Their chance meeting and their journey continues with the Native American drawings and paintings, as they not only question their authenticity, but also the story behind them.

In 1875 we are introduced to Sally-Jo Harris and Luke Worthing a young couple who hope to marry. They are also committed to teaching English and the Word of Christ to the natives brought to Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos), something Sally'Jo's father does not agree with nor support.

Richard Platt (an actual historical figure) is heavily involved in assimilating the Native Americans into European-American culture, where we meet Broken Bow, a Native American warrior, who survived a massacre and was removed from the west for re-education purposes. He is transferred to the fort in St Augustine, meets Platt, and is given a ledger book in which to draw and write his experiences.

With many different stories told, are nicely interweaved with one another and done so very smoothly. I really enjoyed this, but also found myself with many questions at the end.

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** “Man couldn’t (make their way back to Creator) on his own, which is why Jesus had to be born. God wanted to restore His relationship with people, but for that to happen, blood had to be shed. Perfect blood with no darkness or sin in it. So God sent His son, Jesus, in the form of a baby.” **

Jennifer Uhlarik creates a beautiful and intriguing dual-timeline story with “Love’s Fortress,” a tale that weaves together the lives of two women in St. Augustine from 1875 to the present.

When Dani Sango inherits her estranged father’s estate, she is introduced to a life she never knew, as well as mysterious ledger art — notebook art created by Native Americans brought to the fort in St. Augustine to be rehabilitated. With the help of Matty Joie, who looks like a rough and tough biker but is really just a giant teddy bear, and Brad Osgood, a handsome man on his own journey to save his young niece, Dani begins a journey that leads to forgiveness, identity, and redemption.

In 1875, Sally Jo Harris is drawn to the Native Americans brought to her Florida town. Along with her fiancé Luke, she quickly begins to participate in their education, building friendships with several, including Broken Bow and his brother Painted Sky.

Uhlarik does a great job of creating two separate stories that she expertly weaves together to form one unified plot. She includes many relatable characters with flaws and issues, as well as sweet characters like Matty and Brad’s young niece Brynn, and some totally unlikeable people.

She also fills “Love’s Fortress” with several great themes, like God will make the path clear; we all have some crazy in our lives; good can come out of anything; the dangers of long-held assumptions; we can find redemption and forgiveness through and from God; and to care for the “least of these” (“Are these not the very ones Matthew twenty-five speaks of? Are these not the hungry, the thirsty, the sick, the strangers, and the prisoners? If we feed, clothe, and care for the least of these, do we not do it unto Christ Himself?”).

Fans of historical fiction, stories with courageous females, and dual-timeline stories will enjoy “Love’s Fortress,” which is due out March 1.

Five stars out of five.

Barbour Fiction provided this complimentary copy through NetGalley for my honest, unbiased review.

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This wonderful story of loss, rejection and ultimately forgiveness gave me just another reason to put St. Augustine, Florida on the must visit list. Dani Sango feels she has many reasons for her long held feelings for her father. Learning his history, as well as the world of 1875, brings a completely different picture into view. Add a little mystery to the mix, and you will not set this aside until it is resolved.

Ledger art is a whole new concept for me. The incredible story of how these wonderful drawings came to be, is both tragic and almost unbelievable. These artists were no different than you or I, experiencing the same feelings of loss and rejection that we do. Yet the world at that time deemed them less than worthy.

An ARC of this Doors to the Past novel was received through Barbour Publishing, NetGalley and CelebrateLit. These thoughts and impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.

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Very interesting time slip story about Native Americans in St Augustine in 1875 and an art forger’s daughter in the present day. In the present day, Dani is resentful of her father who abandoned her as a young child. When he dies she learns he has left her his house and property in his will. With the help of Matty (her father’s friend) Dani soon discovers that all is not as she has thought through the years. Broken Bow is a Native American warrior who survived a massacre and was removed from the west for re-education purposes. He was transferred to the fort in St Augustine. There he meets a fort commander who tries to help him. One of the items Broken Bow is given is a ledger book in which to draw and chronicle his experiences. Tying the two stories together the book ends up in the possession of Dani’s father. Thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

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Interestingly, it seems I have a penchant for reading books by Jennifer Uhlarik in about a day! Lol! Turns out, I did the same with her book “The Scarlet Pen.”

I enjoyed this read even more than “Scarlet Pen,” and it’s an excellent addition to the “Doors of the Past” series. Uhlarik executes the time slip very well; I had an inkling about what the connection would end up being but wasn’t sure how it would all play out. She really kept me guessing, which was great!

I also learned so much about a part of history I really hadn’t been familiar with. Uhlarik educated me in a number of ways, and handled the subject well. I particularly appreciated the tough questions being asked by both white men and Native Americans. There is so much painful history! The lessons included in this read could stand to carry over from fiction into “real life,” and I hope they do.

Very well done. 4/5.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

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